Agudas Achim: A haven For Hanukkah

By JONATHAN FOX

LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY — Literally translated, “Agudas Achim” means “A gathering of brothers and sisters.” I met this week with long-standing congregation members Lee Siegel and Evelyn Haas, and education director Ellen Singer, all of whom took time out of their busy schedules to speak with me and give me a brief history of the temple and graciously showed me throughout the beautiful building, located at 3 Johnson Road.

In 1923 the Agudas Achim Society was formed to accommodate the religious needs of the then growing Jewish community. In 1924, Max Brooks and his son Isaac built the synagogue; its doors opened in 1926. It is now registered as a historic landmark in both New York State and with the National Registry.

The mission statement of the temple is elegant in its simplicity: “To provide a liberal Jewish presence in our community and to facilitate the Jewish spiritual growth of our members.” The congregation is affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism and serves approximately 100 families, including teenagers from The Family School of Hancock, NY.

Sustained by its members, Singer elaborated on the congregation and its mission. “We love this building, but without people in it, it is just a hollow shell.” She went on to say, “We are always looking with open hearts and open doors to welcome new members.”

Monthly Shabbat services, holiday observances, adult study meetings, Jewish celebrations and life cycle events are all held under the spiritual leadership of Rabbi Fred Pomerantz and Cantorial Soloist Marian Kleinman.

The educational program, led by Singer, offers active programs leading up to b’nai mitzvah for children ages 4 to 7. Monthly Yaldeynu gatherings introduce the youngsters to Jewish traditions and

activities.

Meeting with Singer, Haas and Siegel helped drive home their passion for the temple, its congregation and the history of Agudas Achim. “Community is the operative word for our congregation,” I was told. “Interfaith families and people of all faiths are welcome at any time” and through the combined efforts of the congregants, the temple has stood the test of time, a welcome respite for all members of the community, whether they are seeking spiritual guidance, a gathering place to share community spirit or simply a place to call home.

To commemorate the temple’s 75th anniversary in 1999, president Bob Freedman spoke eloquently about the past, present and future of Agudas Achim. “Our community has a unique history and our existence defies logic. Fortunately, we have inherited a historic building with a strong foundation in the hamlet of Livingston Manor. The Agudas Achim of today is a modern reflection of our past. Jews of many different backgrounds and approaches share a commitment to this synagogue. Our faithfulness to our spiritual heritage makes us strong.”

The building itself is beautiful and one instantly feels the warmth of a safe haven and a strong sense of history while stepping over the threshold. “Our community has evolved into one with a lot of Jewish history, but not an active Jewish life,” Singer explained.

Quite naturally, the Jewish population increases tenfold during the warmer months and attendance reflects the “snowbird syndrome” like so many other activities in the region, but the active, year-round congregation keeps busy with Hebrew classes, religious services, fund raisers and study programs.

The synogogue now serves all of Sullivan County, with members from Mountaindale, Woodbourne, Jeffersonville, Bethel, Cooks Falls, Liberty and Monticello, as well as members who travel from New York City, New Jersey and Pennsylvania to participate in services and activities. They have become successful, in part, because of their open-door policy and welcoming community spirit.

Now serving a mix of full-time residents, second-home owners and nonresident families who grew up in the region, all seem to share an emotional tie to Agudas Achim. Those responsible for keeping the temple alive deserve credit for their efforts and it would appear that the beautiful, historic spiritual haven is here to stay.

For more information, call 845/439-5708.

Hanukkah Celebration

Friday, December 18

Candlelighting, service and singing led by Rabbi Fred Pomerantz and Cantorial soloist Marian Kleinman. Covered dish dinner: all are welcome free of charge. Contact Barb Schmitt at 845/434-4747 for more information.

Holiday Fundraiser: Peace Sign menorahs are available for $20; with candles, $36. Contact Barry Foster at 845/439-4458.

For a complete listing of services, schedules, classes and events, visit congregationagudasachim.org