PROUD OF OUR HISTORY Close to seventy years ago a group of twelve Jewish families living within the Grant City, New Dorp and Richmond areas reached out to each other and conducted "communal" Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Services.  With a clear minded sense of determination, they founded a synagogue which was to be established in Grant City.  The synagogue was to be known from its inception as the South Shore Hebrew Alliance.  It was granted a state charter as a bona fide religious organization on February 4, 1935.  The official document was the fruition of the tireless efforts and devotion of the following families, who were already a real congregation in their hearts, minds and their spirits.   Mayer Weiss                    Herman Mintz Nathan Eisenberg              Simon Friedman          Jacob Lilling                      Harry Richman         Simon R. Miller                 Herman Frank David Schwartz                 Abram Gottlieb     Louis Avins                    Samuel Shulman Phillip Gottlieb As the Jewish Community grew in number on the South Shore of Staten Island, the founders recognized a need for a permanent and proper house of worship to serve the needs of an expanding community.  They bought land and erected a modest building on Bancroft Avenue and South Railroad Avenue.  In 1949 the congregation engaged its first rabbi, Rabbi Sidney Grumet. By 1959, the membership in the synagogue grew to the point where a twenty-thousand dollar expansion program was initiated.  The expansion program included plans for a regular Hebrew and Sunday School program and curriculum.  Rabbi Grumet was the Hebrew School teacher and Tillie Fried taught the Sunday school. In 1965, the property of the synagogue was condemned by the state to make way for major modifications for the Staten Island Rapid Transit System.  Undaunted and united and with a dedication to survive, the congregation spent three years wandering without a permanent shul.  High Holiday services were conducted in an empty supermarket one year, and within a tent on the grounds of our current property the following year.  Hebrew School classes were conducted at the Masonic Hall in Great Kills and the Baptist Church in New Dorp, but all the time the synagogue owned the present property.  Construction of the present shul could not commence due to continuous delays within the classical New York City bureaucracy. In 1968, construction proceeded on the current synagogue structure.  The new expanded facility with a sanctuary, social hall, catering kitchen, classrooms and offices prepared the congregation for the current influx of new Jewish families to the South Shore of Staten Island.  It is indeed a tribute to the sixty-five families who stood together, worked together and struggled together to bring the current shul to reality. Now, with over one-hundred and twenty families in the congregation with new needs, new aspirations for the future, the leadership is once again dreaming and planning for new growth and new directions. It is with deep affection, admiration and respect that the congregation bestows a sincere congratulations to those leaders in the community that have dedicated themselves to the well being of others and the sanctity of preserving a Jewish way of life and and Jewish traditions by fostering the growth and development of Congregation B'nai Israel.  Their names shall be ever inscribed in our hearts for their wisdom, leadership and accomplishments. Though the name of the synagogue changed in 1954 from the South Shore Hebrew Alliance to Congregation B'nai Israel, the great underlying strength and determination to survive and grow still fuels the eternal flame over our holy ark, as a light for the future, and a memorial to those who saw the light and made a vision come true. OUR FUTURE As the Jewish Community on Staten Island continues to develop and expand its presence, the needs of that growing population will require the unique communal services that only a synagogue can provide and inspire.  Here at Congregation B'nai Israel, a multiplicity of programs have been put into place that focus upon the needs of all age groups in the current community with an eye towards even more programming in the very near future. Our short term goal for the congregation includes upgrading some of our current facilities at the synagogue.  Optimism and motiviation abound at Congregation B'nai Israel.  Our future is secure in the knowledge that our community is growth oriented with a healthy appetite for Jewish programs and development of strong resolute Jewish values. We are preparing for the future.  Come, be part of us and allow us to be a part of you. Come grow with us!