frum island

Lido Beach a hidden gem of frum LI

Posted

Lido Beach offers more than a white-sand beach and a sparkling ocean on the eastern end of Long Beach Island. Only a 15-minute drive from the Five Towns and described as “a pristine beach suburb, safe and beautiful,” it is vibrant with Jewish life.

“One of the reasons we came here is we didn’t want to live in the most bustling of places,” said Rachel Margolin, a three-year member of the community. “We have all the same amenities as in larger Jewish communities, but it’s warmer and smaller here.”

The community of 150 families is complete with an active shul with daily minyanim, a mikvah, and an eruv. Under the supervision of the VA’AD of the South Shore, Rabbi Chaim Wakslak of the Young Israel of Long Beach and Rabbi Rappeport, the kosher establishments in Long Beach include a variety of options for the Lido Beach community. These include Shop Glatt Mart, a butcher shop, mini-grocery and takeout; Life’s A Bagel; Country Boy Bakery, and Dunkin Donuts. In Lido Beach, there is a kosher ice cream shop called Marvel.

The Lido Beach Synagogue welcomed Rabbi Rappeport, his wife Michal, and their three children, ages four, six and eight, in 2013. Rabbi Rappeport originates from Australia, and was raised in Israel, where he received his smicha.

“My priority as a rabbi is to welcome in all people,” Rabbi Rappeport said. “Judaism belongs to everyone.”

“While maintaining tradition and authenticity, I feel it is important to ensure that our Judaism remains relevant and meaningful to our contemporary modern lives,” he added.

This is partly accomplished through Rabbi Rappeport’s weekly Talmud and parsha classes, and the many programs and special events that the shul hosts throughout the year. These include workshops before each holiday, chessed programs (such as delivering food packages to the needy before Pesach), guest cantors, and Shabbat scholars-in-residence.

In the summer, when the community nearly doubles in size as people settle into their summer homes, the shul hosts lectures on topics ranging from medicine to books to works of art.

Page 1 / 3