Our Affiliation
We are affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, the association of Conservative congregations in North America.
Clergy and Leadership
Neil Kurshan serves as the rabbi of the Huntington Jewish Center. He received his undergraduate degree from Princeton University and his Doctorate in Education from Harvard. He was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary and has served Conservative congregations in Port Washington and Huntington, N.Y.
He is the author of the book, Raising Your Child to be a Mensch, is married to Alisa Rubin Kurshan and is the father of four children. His current professional interest is spiritual formation, helping members of his congregation to clarify their understanding about God and the spiritual dimension of their lives.
Cantor Israel Gordan has been an active part of the music scene of the independent minyans, which are drawing thousands of young adults back to synagogue and Judaism with their traditional, but captivating music. Cantor Gordan brings this music to the Huntington Jewish community, and this can be experienced at our synagogue’s Friday Night Live services, which feature instrumental music and spirited singing. “We need to sustain the traditional music of Jewish worship, but do it in a way that touches people’s souls and attracts them to synagogue – especially our teenagers and young adults, according to HJC’s Rabbi Neil Kurshan. In addition to leading services, Cantor Gordan (Izzy) teaches music in the religious and nursery schools, prepares students for Bar/Bat Mitzvah and runs adult education programs, such as adult Bar Mitzvah training. Cantor Gordan is also our Director of Synagogue Programming & Religious School Innovation. In an important component of this role, the Cantor provides internal consulting advice and substantive input to our school curriculum that is intended to help us re-imagine our educational vision. The Cantor’s expanded role will extend beyond the school and into programming for the synagogue at large as well.
Born in Seattle, WA, Izzy grew up in Massachusetts. He majored in Urban Studies at NYC’s Columbia College, and spent a semester studying at the Rothberg International School of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. After graduating college, Izzy moved to Los Angeles where he worked for Camp Ramah, and for Marc Platt Productions at Universal Studios. Returning to New York, Izzy worked for the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. In 2007, Izzy began his studies at the H. L. Miller Cantorial School of the Jewish Theological Seminary and quickly became a student of the William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education as well. Cantor Gordan graduated from JTS in May of 2011 with a Masters in Jewish Education, a Masters of Sacred Music, and ordination as Hazzan. Izzy is married to Abigail Uhrman, who is finishing her Ph.D. in Education and Jewish Studies at NYU. They are the proud parents of Noa Ariel, and they are excited about making Huntington their new home.
Our Nursery School Director, Sue Meisler, has headed the school since 1985. Under her guidance our school has grown to over 110 children attending classes for 2,3, and 4 year olds. Sue holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education. Sue’s warm personality and caring manner set the tone of the school. Sue is available to counsel parents on any issues that may arise throughout the year. She holds a variety of parenting discussions, meetings and presentations. Sue is a wonderful resource for new parents. Check out this article about Sue in the local press: http://www.northshoreoflongisland.com/pdalpeditorial.lasso?-token.story=84217.112114
Joel Wirchin became Huntington Jewish Center’s President in June, 2012.
Jane Hallberg, Synagogue Administrator. Jane has a long history with HJC and has held many staff positions – she has taught in the nursery school classroom, assisted with Religious School matters and has run the summer camp. Jane is intimately aware of workings of the various aspects of our synagogue. She brings a great amount of experience and exuberance into the main office.
