Twenty years ago, mindful of the spiritual needs of the Jewish residents of the Atria, the assisted living facility across the street from Temple Isaiah, and of the difficulty they had in joining us for shabbat services, our then-Rabbi Tsuruoka began holding services there.
Shortly after that, Belle and Elliott Gayer began alternating with the rabbi and then, 15 years ago, took over the weekly services and added holiday services and celebrations
The Gayers make the holidays extra special by treating the residents to homemade latkes on Chanukkah, hamentashen on Purim, a Passover Seder, and homemade blintzes on Shavuot!
They also hold Yizkor services as appropriate. The Jewish residents look forward to Belle and Elliott’s presence each week, and we at Temple Isaiah say Yasher Koach for their generosity in taking on this mitzvah.
Temple Isaiah is located at One Chelsea Place, off Cutter Mill Road, and is a member of the Union for Reform Judaism congregation. For additional information about the Temple, please call the Temple office at 516–487-5373.
