The Garden City Jewish Center is a thriving Reform congregation in which Jews of all denominations, dual-faith families, singles, and students are welcome.

In 1953, seven families, united by energy, zeal and optimism, decided to establish a house of worship, study, and social gathering. Their dream was based on the conviction that Jewish life should have a place in the community of Garden City.

As word of the young group spread, other Jewish families joined with them and the young congregation grew to forty members. Because there was no permanent place to worship, initially Sabbath services were held in various members’ homes. In 1953, the Cathedral of the Incarnation offered its Cathedral House for the High Holy Days services, which were led by Rabbi Moritz Speier of the Mineola Synagogue. Then, with the assistance of Adelphi College’s president Dr. Paul Dawson Eddy, permission was granted to use the Science Room in Blodgett Hall for Friday night services, and Adelphi’s Playhouse was made available for High Holy Day services. A religious school was initiated, too, which initially held classes in the Equitable Life Insurance Company’s Hempstead building until Dr. Eddy offered the use of Adelphi’s Hillel offices. Although grateful for these considerations, the families remained determined to acquire a place of their own. However, the task was to prove more arduous than they had anticipated. Not only would they have to overcome the usual difficulties of establishing a house of worship, but they would have to overcome local resistance to what would be Garden City’s sole synagogue.

We have been fortunate in our religious and lay leaders. We have survived as a congregation despite our small numbers. We have been an extended family to one another, sharing joys and sorrows. We have become a part of this lovely community; a neighbor and friend in the communal and spiritual life of the Village. We have given support to the needs of Jews everywhere. Our record speaks well of our concern for the Land of Israel. But above all else we are a House of Worship, a place of learning and a center of Jewishness. As such we are a refuge of stability and wisdom among the constantly shifting and churning value systems of twentieth century America….Let us pray we may laud the Garden City Jewish Center with gratitude and rejoicing on its GOLDEN JUBILEE.