What happens when months, even years of working and waiting for change happens all at once?  From where I sit as the newly elected president of this shul, that is exactly the situation in which we find ourselves. Most of us resist change, but when it is necessary and we face it head on, it can be challenging, exciting, and a little scary — but exhilarating at the same time.

As of July 1 we have a new Board of Directors, a new Rabbi and several new projects on the drawing board, projects that have been talked about and on hold for years.  We are now ready to move forward. Watch for updates as we make progress.

The Rabbi and I are working in the shul building. Rabbi Robert L.Wolkoff, our new spiritual leader, intends to keep regular office hours, and we have installed a new doorbell at the office door to let him know you have arrived to see him. I too, will be in my shul office, and our schedules will be announced soon. Please stop by and share your prayers, hopes and dreams with us. This is your synagogue, and we are here for you.  Tell us how you think we are doing.  We are both good listeners.

Our synagogue’s  house, the Rabbi’s residence, is also going through some changes. We have a dedicated committee and contractor working hard to make sure our new Rabbi is in his home here before the High Holidays. And speaking of the High Holidays, which are early this year, Rabbi Wolkoff will be leading the services with last year’s Cantor, Ze’ev Weinstein, who will be traveling from Wisconsin to be with us again. With Rosh Hashanah starting on Sept. 1, we hope you are making plans to join us for all or part of the Days of Awe — Yamim Noraim. You are most welcome.

We just had a big party in our Andrew Levin Park, adjacent to the shul. I hope you attended. We  honored two amazing woman: Ann Hurwitz, our Synagogue Honoree; and Linda Kessler, our Community Honoree.  Both have contributed so much to our greater North Forth area for many years. Also at the party, we launched our Virtual Journal 2026 which you can access on our website.  Check it out for lots of great tributes to our honorees and information about our shul and local businesses.

In addition, Congregation Tifereth Israel is celebrating a milestone birthday. On July 4, we all celebrated the 250th anniversary of our country’s founding, and this year our shul is exactly that by half. Imagine 125 years in this beautiful spot on the North Fork of Long Island. Those early founders could not have imagined what this place would be like now, but we can experience their commitment to love of G-d, country and community inside the walls of our shul.  They built this gem, and we have the opportunity and obligation to appreciate it, use it, and preserve it for future generations.  L’dor v’dor, come into the historic sanctuary and sit a while, say a prayer or two or enjoy the full davening experience of Shabbat. You will feel the history of this place.  Any and all are welcome to visit, but membership itself creates a condition of Ha Makom —  “dwelling in the land.”  We must not take this place for granted. We need it, but it needs us too.  I look forward to seeing you at shul soon.

Shalom u’vracha,

—Susan E. Lipson