‘Synagogue Without Walls’ coming for High Holy Days

Seven years seems to be a special time period in the Old Testament and it’s something of a milestone for Temple L’Chiam and its “Synagogue Without Walls.”
For the seventh year, Rabbi Charles Agin, a cantor and accompaniment will be holding ritual services marking the Jewish New Year (5759) at the Adria Conference Center on Northern Boulevard in Bayside.
“We bring the synagogue to the people,” Agin explained. “We do this for those who are unaffiliated with a temple, so they don’t feel lost,” he said.
Agin’s congregation includes many rabbis. “Wherever and whenever a group of Jews wish to come together for a religious service, the congregation will provide a rabbi, Torah, prayer books, and whatever else is needed for the occasion at modest cost,” he explained.
“We don’t ask for a contribution for members of the military, police, firefighters or uniformed emergency workers,” Agin said. “It’s complimentary for children as well.”
In recent years, his congregation, which includes many rabbis, has sponsored a free speaker’s bureau. The rabbis are available to synagogues, Jewish centers, and general community groups for lectures, scholar in residence weekends and related programs.
His motivation came early, from a 50-year association with the Free Synagogue of Flushing. “I went there as a kid,” he recalled. “I came back after the Army and even though I retired from there, I have an office as Rabbi Emeritus.”
Founded in 1903, the congregation continues its charitable work, maintaining burial ground in three cemeteries. It provides graves to the Jewish poor, free of charge on an immediate need basis, and sponsors religious services whenever called upon.
They have provided services in Woodhaven, Flushing, New Hyde Park, around Long Island and upstate in recent years, as well as sending speakers around the country.
This year, the High Holy Day services at the Adria will be on Monday, September 29 at 8:15 p.m. and Tuesday, September 30 at 10:15 a.m.
There will also be services on Wednesday, October 8 at 8:15 p.m. and Thursday October 9 starting at 10:15 a.m. and continuing throughout the day.
The Adria Conference Center is located at 220-33 Northern Boulevard in Bayside. For more information on Temple L’Chiam and the High Holy Day services call 718-461-1273, or visit their web site at www.adasforlife.org.