Soul healing

So, the history of the Jewish center in the compact settlement of Jews in the Brighton Beach area begins in 1914, when a small group of Jews who immigrated from Eastern Europe founded a synagogue at West 5 and Coney Island.
Unlike other local synagogues, these immigrants sought to preserve the beauty of their heritage and, rather than assimilate, demanded that Hebrew be taught in their school and used during religious services.
The synagogue's attendance grew to the point that a much larger building was needed, so the congregation purchased the current site at Ocean Pkwy and Neptune Ave. Construction of the building began in 1929, and it was consecrated in 1931. But the magnificent 5-story building was much more than just a synagogue. Established as a community center on Brighton Beach, it provided spiritual, cultural and educational services to the community. In the 1960s and 1970s, the Jewish Center was a voice in the movement for the liberation of Soviet Jews. With the subsequent influx of Soviet Jews to Brighton Beach, the area was revived. Unfortunately, as the demographics of the area have changed, the center suffers from a lack of resources. Hurricane Sandy and forced closures due to COVID-19 took a toll on the beautiful building.

Celebrating the site's 93rd anniversary, people are working to restore this architectural gem for the community. Any help you can give will help continue the important work of preserving our history and strengthening our community. A huge amount of work is being done at the synagogue and community center by President Fred Loweff and vice-presidents Faina Vasilevskaya and Rita Joffe. It is also necessary to note the worthy people who provided assistance in such a difficult time: Polina Zhornitskaya, Zhenya Zaturanskaya and others who know not in words what the Holocaust is, and who receive pennies, but despite life’s difficulties, set an example of how to live and make friends and benefit society.
Recently, an interesting musical event took place in the center: a trio of talented female musicians performed at the Jewish Center. Their music is the epitome of originality and significance, expressing their feelings at this special moment.
Music, like love, has a healing power. Have you heard that vocals heal? It is no coincidence that heartfelt chants are heard in synagogues and churches.
The concert was attended by: vocalist Natalia Tarasenko, pianist Marina Makarova, drummer Alexandra Mayman.
Spectators came to celebrate peace and freedom at the Jewish Center of Brighton Beach on June 23. Proceeds from ticket sales are partially donated to the Jewish Center, which has been located at 2915 Ocean Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY, for over 90 years, where people are truly helped in times of joy and sorrow.
Marina Lagunova