President's Message - Young Israel of Great Neck
President's Message
The YIGN is a Modern Orthodox synagogue that was founded by six visionary families. They dreamed of a participatory minyan that would be welcoming to all. After multiple small temporary locations, we moved to our present, beautiful facility at 236 Middle Neck Road in Great Neck, New York. We are privileged to inhabit a newly constructed Beit Midrash and classroom building, as well as a full sized gym.
We are truly blessed as a congregation to be led and inspired by Rav Yaakov Lerner. He is a true talmid chacham, and a extraordinary, teacher, friend and mentor. He has established a culture of learning, with multiple shiurim, lectures, chevrusas, all accessible to congregants of a wide spectrum of familiarity with texts old and new. Our Assistant Rabbi, Shmuel Ismach, a scholar in his own right, complements Rabbi Lerner beautifully. His traveling Parsha Shiur is extremely popular and his guitar playing legendary. Rabbi Ismach has a riveting voice and his davening is a highlight of our moving Yamim-Noraim lineup.
Our synagogue is a social place, as there are numerous programs to bring people together. Aside from a vibrant Shabbat and weekday culture of hospitality, these include bowling, Panopoly, lag baOmer kumzitz, picnics, group outings to museums and exhibitions, and many other exciting ‘extra-curricular’ events.
The youth program is our pride and joy. Our new youth director, Rabbi Eli Slomnicki is a respected educator, camp counselor and coach. He brings experience and enthusiasm to an extensive youth program. There is davening, fun and chulent on Shabbat and numerous sports programs during the year. Rabbi Slomniciki moved to the community with his family, in order to provide a comprehensive program for our kids.
Feel free to come visit us at anytime, to shoot us an email at office@yign.org, or to call us at (516)-829-0640. You will find a warm shul ready to welcome you!
Dr. Lloyd Hoffman
President