Temple Beth Sholom Looking to Share Its Facility and Expand Its Congregation

By Chad Kushins

Photo by Jennifer M. KleiIn the hopes of remaining in its Edgewood Avenue location, Smithtown’s Temple Beth Shalom is currently in negotiations to sell its structure and merge with an outside church. The reason for the proposal is complex but partly due to the loss of a catering business that had formerly co-existed within the standing building – and amid rumors of closing or re-locating – temple officials remain adamant that current negotiations are rather, efforts to expand the temple’s congregation.

“Yes, we are in the process of being sold and are in negotiations,” Director of Building and Grounds for the temple, Richard Rafle, told Smithtown Matters.  “It’s way too soon to say we have sold already, but we hope to merge with a church and are planning to stay [at the location].”

While Rafle was unable to provide details of what type of church is currently being sought for such a merger, the director did emphasize “inaccuracies” and rumors that quickly circulated upon the February 15^th announcement of the temple’s property sale.  According to Rafle, while it is correct that the caterer –located within the temple (and assisted in the paying the property’s rent) has left– their recent departure did not cause a search for a new temple location, nor an outright closure of the temple, as local residents believed. 

“The temple is not going to be moving,” Rafle continued.  “We hope to re-build our congregation even larger and even stronger.  We had originally co-habitated in the building with a caterer, but all we’re planning now is a similar arrangement with a church.”

Located on 4.4 acres at 433 Edgewood Ave in Smithtown, Temple Beth Sholom was initially founded in 1956. The temple community has a reputation as a “progressive conservative congregation” that welcomes people from outside the congregation regardless of religious affiliation. This means that a merger with another, separate religious organization could prove feasible once negotiations are met.  Currently, the temple’s weekly services are led by Rabbi Jonathan Waxman, a rabbi with over 33 years experience as a community leader, and Cantor Judy Merrick, who has co-led the services since 2006. 

Although enthusiastic about the prospect of expanding the congregation, Waxman opted not to comment publically until a prospective sale is finalized.

According to Rafle, under no circumstances is the temple considering closing.

“Our overall plan is to sell the current facility to another religious organization and then make our arrangements to also stay,” said Temple Beth Sholom Board of Trustees Director Dr. Shafer Zysman.  “The main thing is that we are a congregation with diverse ages and backgrounds, so really, we’re re-organizing to suit our needs.  Of course, after the sale, the intention is to stay where we are – but this congregation and community would be strong anywhere.”

According to both Rafle and Zysman, a major meeting regarding the property sale is slated to take place this week, although details are still being kept under wraps until negotiations are complete.

Zysman added, “The main focus is that there is never a dissolution of this community, and that Judaism has a presence in Smithtown.”