Led for many years by our principal, Carolyn Hoera (MS Elementary Ed, Special Ed., Early Childhood, and Art) and the patient, funny and wonderful Rabbi Stephen Goodman, the GCJC has a Sundays-only program that focuses on Hebrew, Judaic culture and History, through the use of songs, cooking, Art, Music and small group instruction. All students become very comfortable leading the service, so there are very few jitters when it comes to Binei Mitzvah! Classes: Pre-K through Bar or Bat Mitzvah, and many of our teens continue for a two year Confirmation class, studying Ethics, Bio-Ethics and Comparative Religions.

Simply call 516-248-9180 and leave a voice mail message, or e-mail us at info@gardencityjewishcenter.org. Also, drop by any regular Friday evening service (begin approx 8:00 PM), to meet Rabbi Goodman and see if this relaxed, friendly, low-key Congregation is for you. Join this year to have your children begin their Jewish education or for you to find comfort, spiritual guidance, and a warm friendly house of worship.

The Garden City Jewish Center offers a three-hour (8:45AM to 12PM), Sundays-only Religious School program. The expert staff offers small group instruction using a variety of materials, and is presented in a high interest, hands-on manner (through Art projects, Music, and games). Three teachers have MS degrees in Education and Special Ed., so tutoring is available to any students who require extra help!

Each week, students actively participate in a service, and several times per year they get to lead the adult congregation as a group. Not only do they learn many of the prayers and music this way, but GCJC students are then capable of conducting the entire Bar or Bat Mitzvah service themselves.

There are memorable Holiday parties during the year, and classes that begin for age 3 all the way through Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Most teens even opt to study for Confirmation for two more years.

The Jewish Center draws singles, couples and families from Garden City and many surrounding towns and villages. Children from Interfaith families make up at least half the Schools population, and everybody feels welcomed! Non-Jewish friends and family routinely participate in services. It can be argued that the GCJC has the nicest Rabbi in the world, (Rabbi Stephen Wise Goodman). Carolyn Hoera is Principal and teacher, and Margie Edelman leads the PreK/K, and is resident Artist for all groups. Student Cantor Sarah Krevsky is a gifted guitarist and vocalist who loves working with children.

If you are looking for a warm and friendly Reform Temple, and would like to register your children in the Religious School, contact us at info@gardencityjewishcenter.org