Young Israel of Woodmere cheers its ‘makom tefillah’ at 65th gala

More than 500 members and friends of the Young Israel of Woodmere gathered for the shul’s 65th annual dinner.

Reflecting the heart and soul of one of the largest Orthodox synagogues in North America, the event departed from the traditional model of honoring individuals. Instead, it was dedicated to celebrating what defines the shul itself — its role as a makom tefillah, a sacred place of prayer that serves every member of the community across all stages of life.

With over 1,200 member families and more than 6,600 minyanim held annually, attendees were united under the theme, “One Kehillah. Many Minyanim. One Purpose.”

A video presentation featuring 23 of the shul’s volunteer baalei tefillah woven together in a rendition of Adon Olam captured the spirit of a community joined in prayer.

The evening also included a heartfelt prayer for members of the United States military, acknowledging their service and sacrifice, particularly in a time of global uncertainty and conflict. The moment underscored the community’s deep sense of gratitude and responsibility.

“A makom tefillah is not defined by its walls but by the people who fill it with sincerity, with kavana, and with a shared sense of purpose,” reflected Rabbi Shalom Axelrod. “What we witnessed at this year’s annual dinner is the living expression of a community that turns to tefillah not only in moments of need, but as a constant foundation of its identity.”

“Every day, I see a community that lives its values — where tefillah is constant, where people show up for one another, and where the shul is not just a place people come to but a place they belong to,” said YIW Executive Director Steven Myers.

Reported by YIW.