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Outgoing WIFD Chief is honored
Copiague students recognized Page 15
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JULY 10 - 16, 2025
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Babylon adopts motto: ‘Where history is made’ By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com
Carolyn James/Herald
Rabbi Mitchell Nesenoff addresses the community at Congregation Beth Sholom’s 100th anniversary celebration.
Congregation Beth Sholom marks 100 years of tradition, faith and community By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Recognizing its long tradition of faith and community service, Congregation Beth Sholom in Babylon Village celebrated its 100th anniversary on June 22. The Conservative Jewish center has long served as a beacon for Jewish life on Long Island. Rabbi Mitchell Nesenoff, the congregation’s spiritual leader, praised the milestone as both a celebration of the past and a promise for the future. “We are here not only to celebrate the first hundred years, but I also believe we are here to celebrate the next 100 years,” Nesenoff told the more than 100 attendees.
“Our goal should be to leave this congregation in a better place than when we got it.” The congregation was founded in a small building on George and Cooper streets and later moved to its current location, at 441 Deer Park Ave. To commemorate its roots, the anniversary event began with a Torah procession from the original building to the current synagogue. “This procession symbolizes both our history and the vibrant future of our community,” said Farley Nachemin, the congregation’s current president. Following the procession, Jewish historian Brad Kolodny, author of “Seeking Sanctuary: 125 Years of Synagogues on Long CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
The Village of Babylon has officially adopted a new motto: “Babylon Village: Where History Is Made.” If you’ve attended recent village events, you may have already heard Mayor Mary Adams or Village Historian Wayne Horsley use the phrase. As of the June 10 Board of Trustees meeting, it’s now the village’s official slogan, following a unanimous vote. “We’ve been promoting our village’s history and recently installed the marker for the Cuban Giants,” Adams said. “We thought this was a great way to promote our wonderful village — there’s certainly a lot of history here.” The idea for the motto originated with Horsley and Judy Skillen, president of the Village of Babylon Historical and Preservation Society. “It was actually Wayne’s idea, and we just felt strongly that Babylon needed to distinguish itself,” Skillen said. “There is so much history in the village, and it should be celebrated.” Horsley praised the board and Adams for their support. “It’s a great motto — and the bottom line is, it’s true,” Horsley
said. “Babylon has an amazing history, and the motto is fitting. It just makes sense.” Skillen added that the motto represents more than just a phrase. “We thought this would be perfect for our wonderful, historic community,” she said. “This motto allows us to celebrate each other and our shared history. Now the motto is part of that history. It’s a privilege to do this with the community.” In other business, the board approved: • A resolution prohibiting the sale of the Gilbert C. Hanse Village Pool, the E. Donald Conroy Golf Course, the Nathaniel Conklin House, and the Village of Babylon Historical and Preservation Society properties, in perpetuity. The measure ensures these assets remain owned and controlled by the village, preserving their financial integrity, public safety, and historical significance . • A request from 9-1-1 veterans to hold a “Strides for Life,” a 5K run at Southards Pond Park on July 26 at 9 a.m., to raise awareness and funds for veterans in the community. The next Village of Babylon Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for 8 p.m. on July 22 at Village Hall, 153 W. Main St., Babnylon.