The Young Israel of Great Neck (YIGN) was established over 40 years ago through the efforts of six visionary families. What started out as their dream has resulted, after four decades of tremendous growth, in a large, thriving, modern orthodox congregation with over 250 family members, located at 236 Middle Neck Road in Great Neck. In addition to our beautiful main sanctuary, our state-of-the-art Justin Family Center contains a large Beit Midrash, several classrooms, as well as a full-sized gymnasium.
Our kehillah has been led since its inception by Rabbi Yaacov Lerner, a charismatic Rebbe, brilliant teacher, and compassionate mentor. He and his wife, Abby, both possess all of the qualities necessary to serve as true role models and leaders, in every aspect imaginable. Our Assistant Rabbi, Shmuel Ismach, is a scholar in his own right and, along with his wife Malka, has developed a unique rapport with our younger generation while appealing to members of all ages. The Lerners and the Ismachs constantly make themselves available to their congregants and we are truly blessed to have both of these dynamic duos as our spiritual advisors.
In addition to our various daily minyanim, YIGN has a plethora of daily and weekly classes on a variety of topics that are appropriate for a wide range of backgrounds. We host special programs annually for many Jewish and secular holidays, and we have several social events and gatherings throughout the year. Our “Cholent Wars”, Lag B’Omer Kumsitz/BBQs, Yom Haatzmaut programs, and marching in the Great Neck Memorial Day Parade, are just a few of the highlights of our annual calendar.
Our YIGN Youth Program is thriving and is now under the direction of Rabbi Nissan Goldberg and his wife Bracha. They are directing a vast array of activities and programs for children of all ages. Our early childhood Shabbos morning groups, under the direction of Morah Monica Alon and Morah Naz Aziz, are legendary, with throngs of children showing up eagerly each week, loving to come to Shul. Our popular Shabbos Teen Minyan is led by Rabbi Simon Basalely, a noted local scholar and Rav, and is followed by a delicious Kiddush, replete with Cholent and hot food!
YIGN is a Shul in which every person can find his or her niche. It is a true testament to our multi-generational appeal that literally dozens of children of long-standing members have chosen to return to their roots and raise their families in Great Neck as members of our growing congregation. Feel free to come by anytime – you will find a warm, welcoming community with plenty to offer! For more information or to arrange a visit for Shabbos, please email us at office@yign.org or call 516-829-6040.
Avi Goldberg
President
