In the year 1951, six Jewish families in Wantagh got together to form the forerunner to the congregation now known as the Wantagh Jewish Center. Back then the tiny group called the local firehouse home. Today the congregation has grown to more than 300 families. On November 3, 2001, the congregation celebrated its golden anniversary with a gala dinner-dance at the building on Woodbine Avenue which they have called home since 1953.

More than 120 members attended the event, which featured longtime members nostalgically recalling the trials and tribulations of the congregation’s humble beginnings. A moving candle-lighting ceremony was held in the Rabbi Mordecai Rubin Sanctuary, named in honor of the center’s first Rabbi who was the spiritual leader from the synagogue’s formation until his death in 1993. Each in attendance was called upon to light a candle before the Ark. A list of the significant events, which occurred during their terms, was read and they were each presented with a commemorative pin. In photo, President Louise Goldberg, right, is joined by past presidents who were honored. Shown, left to right, are Ben Schnapper, Richard Slutzah, Audrey Berman, Gaby Lubitz, Charles Goldberg, Mitch Tallis, Sol Turk, Jerry Goldman, Marvin Meister, Helen Meister and Sheila Blum