Community Synagogue Goes Home Again

After nearly 14 months of residence at Rye Presbyterian Church, Community Synagogue of Rye members marched from the church on Milton Road to the synagogue on Forest Avenue September 30. The procession marked the return of the Torahs, the sacred scrolls of Judaism, to the ark in the Synagogue’s sanctuary after a major renovation.

“We are so grateful to the Presbyterian Church for making us feel so welcome — and thrilled to be home,” said Sue Zeitlin, president of the synagogue’s Board of Trustees. “This was truly an example of cooperation between two houses of worship, a mitzvah that represents how people can work together in this world.”

In June of 2017, Community Synagogue members made a mini-exodus to set up camp at Rye Presbyterian. Synagogue congregants needed a place to worship, and RPC opened its doors. In an interfaith agreement between the two houses, Synagogue congregants used the Presbyterian church chapel for most of its Friday night and Saturday morning services. B’nei mitzvah and funerals were held at neighboring synagogues Knesses Tifereth Israel in Port Chester or Congregation Emanu-El of Rye.