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Manetto Hill Jewish Center   

244 Manetto Hill Road, Plainview, New York 11803

Tel. 516-935-5454   Fax   516-935-0293

mhjc@verizon.net

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Our Perspective

  • MHJC has always represented something different, even special, among local, county, and regional synagogues. We were founded over 40 years ago on a philosophy and set of principles that were revolutionary in their time and still have meaning today. Those principles have always attracted large numbers of families to MHJC.
     
  • Our founders formed a congregation that follows the traditional halachic practice of Conservative Judaism but with a few twists that continue to make us unique and desirable among all other congregations. First, MHJC has always recognized the incredible intelligence and spirituality of Jewish women. Indeed we were one of the first congregations in America to adopt an egalitarian stance. It is clear from Jewish history that women have often held our religion together, and this trend continues today. We encourage women from young to old to lead services, read Torah and haftorah, be counted as part of every minyan, and take leadership roles in the organization and governing of the synagogue. Much of our vitality stems from the contribution of women at MHJC.
     
  • Secondly, MHJC is well known for its informality. Being casual has never been an impediment to spirituality. Everyone is friendly to each other here, prays intently, and contributes to the service. In addition, the basic cordiality of our congregants is well known. People always move within our sanctuary to greet others and pray with them.
     
  • We encourage children to be present at our services and functions. The added noise is usually minimal and rarely interrupts, but having young children there makes their parents feel that they are fulfilling the mitzvah of teaching their children our religion. The best part is that as they grow older, the children themselves begin to perform parts of the service. MHJC therefore becomes part of the cycle of learning and teaching that has preserved Judaism for over three thousand years.
     
  • Part of the informality of MHJC revolves around the conduct of our services and our functions. While most of us have favorite ways of singing particular prayers, we have always been open to new ways of chanting and doing prayers not usually done. Visitors, family members of congregants, returning college students and, of course, the children are all encouraged to contribute new ideas. Anything that raises the spiritual level of the service is desirable.
     
  • MHJC has always been a congregation run by congregants. The Board of Directors has always encouraged everyone to attend meetings, be active on committees, and make their opinions heard. At no time in our history has any member been told that their opinion was unwanted. Indeed, that will never happen here.
     
  • Through its members, MHJC has always felt a responsibility to the Plainview community, the community at large and to the Jewish people. Be it raising money for an ambulance to be sent to Israel, helping a needy family, ensuring that the practices of the Jewish community be considered in issues affecting those who attend public school or speaking out on issues that concern Israel and World Jewry, MHJC is in the forefront, many times leading the way.
     
  • We subsidize our Hebrew School and Youth Groups, for we realize that our children are our future. Through Tot Shabbats and other family programming, we seek to have our children feel comfortable in our synagogue at the earliest possible age.
     
  • Simply put, we are a family at Manetto Hill Jewish Center. Through social events, educational events, our Men’s Club, Sisterhood and a myriad of other committees, we provide many opportunities for individuals to become involved. Indeed, Manetto Hill Jewish Center defines the meaning of being hamish.
     
  • Clearly, MHJC offers so much that cannot be found at other congregations. We are a traditional, egalitarian, nurturing and affectionate synagogue. No other local shul and very few regional shuls of any branch of Judaism can offer all of these traits to their congregants.

MHJC fills a niche that truly represents all the best attributes of Judaism and being Jewish. We pride ourselves in being a spiritual beacon for the community and region.

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