The Reconstructionist Synagogue of the North Shore (also known as RSNS) is a Reconstructionist

Jewish Jews (, , ), or the Jewish people, are an ethnoreligious group and nation, originating from the Israelites of History of ancient Israel and Judah, ancient Israel and Judah. They also traditionally adhere to Judaism. Jewish ethnicity, rel ...

synagogue A synagogue, also called a shul or a temple, is a place of worship for Jews and Samaritans. It is a place for prayer (the main sanctuary and sometimes smaller chapels) where Jews attend religious services or special ceremonies such as wed ...

located in the Incorporated Village of Plandome in the

Town of North Hempstead North Hempstead (officially known as the Town of North Hempstead) is one of three towns in Nassau County, on Long Island, in New York, United States. The population was 237,639 at the time of the 2020 census. It is the 7th largest city or town i ...

, in Nassau County, on the North Shore of

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, in

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, United States.

History

The congregation was first founded as the Jewish Reconstructionist Society of New York in the 1950s by a group of socially-concerned and involved Jewish families. One of the key founders of the congregation was Rabbi Ira Eisenstein, who would also serve as its rabbi. In the 1970s, the society purchased an old mansion for $137,000 on Glenwood Road in

Roslyn Harbor, New York Roslyn Harbor is a Administrative divisions of New York#Village, village in Nassau County, New York, Nassau County, on the North Shore (Long Island), North Shore of Long Island, in New York (state), New York, United States. It is considered part ...

with the intention of using it as a synagogue. However, officials and residents in Roslyn Harbor refused to approve of the plans, citing issues with zoning, and the congregation ultimately took the matter to court. The lawsuit proved unsuccessful, and in 1977, four nearby residents gave the congregation $30,000 to sell the building for use as nothing other than a residence. The mansion was sold, and the congregation then purchased and moved into the Roslyn Union Free School District's former Highland Elementary School in the nearby village of Roslyn Estates that same year. The congregation moved from the former Highland School in Roslyn to its current location in Plandome in October 1993, which is slightly northwest of Roslyn.

21st century

In 2007, antisemitic graffiti was found on the property. The hate incident shocked many congregants, as this was the first time the congregation was targeted at the Plandome location for 15 years at the time. When services for the

Rosh Hashanah Rosh Hashanah (, , ) is the New Year in Judaism. The Hebrew Bible, biblical name for this holiday is Yom Teruah (, , ). It is the first of the High Holy Days (, , 'Days of Awe"), as specified by Leviticus 23:23–25, that occur in the late summe ...

and

Yom Kippur Yom Kippur ( ; , ) is the holiest day of the year in Judaism. It occurs annually on the 10th of Tishrei, corresponding to a date in late September or early October. For traditional Jewish people, it is primarily centered on atonement and ...

were held virtually in 2020 due to the

COVID-19 Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. In January 2020, the disease spread worldwide, resulting in the COVID-19 pandemic. The symptoms of COVID‑19 can vary but often include fever ...

Pandemic, the temple made headlines when cardboard cutouts of congregants filled the seats in the sanctuary. The idea, which was first proposed by congregants Marvin and Barbara Schaffer, was inspired by the cardboard cutouts which the

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filled the seats of

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with.

Clergy

As of July 2025, the congregation is led by Rabbis Jodie Siff and Lee Friedlander, supported by the late Ira Eisenstein – the synagogue's Rabbi Emeritus. The

cantor A cantor or chanter is a person who leads people in singing or sometimes in prayer. Cantor as a profession generally refers to those leading a Jewish congregation, although it also applies to the lead singer or choir director in Christian contexts. ...

is Eric Schulmiller.

References

External links

* {{Synagogues in the United States Reconstructionist synagogues in the United States Synagogues in Nassau County, New York Reconstructionist Judaism in the United States Plandome (village), New York The Plandomes Manhasset, New York Cow Neck Peninsula 1950s establishments in New York (state) Synagogues completed in 1993 20th-century synagogues in the United States

History

21st century

Clergy

See also

References

External links