Our History

In August 1934, a small group of men of Jewish faith met to form a social club. Dr. Edore Meyer, a young physician of the community, was elected president. Their major concern was the religious education of their children and just one month after their first meeting, a Hebrew School was established.

The day came when the small social organization became the Beth Shalom Oceanside Jewish Center and a religious home was needed. In August 1948, the old Soper farm site between Oceanside Road and Brower Avenue was acquired and plans for a synagogue were formulated. In June 1950, Rabbi Elihu Kasten was engaged as a full time spiritual leader and in July of that year the first section of the new temple was dedicated. Almost at once, quarters were inadequate to serve the full needs of the rapidly growing congregation and the completion of the building was urgent. In 1954, the new section was completed and dedicated. It provided a synagogue, social hall, classrooms and office facilities.

Today we are one of the largest Conservative Congregations on Long Island with over 600 families. Our facilities include a beautiful sanctuary, hebrew school, nursery school, summer camp and catering facilities. We have a very active Men's Club, Sisterhood and Couples Club for our adults. There is also a United Synagogue Youth (USY) chapter for our teenagers and a Kadima chapter for our pre/ early teens.