_________________ bellmore ________________
HERALD Annual parade runs in Bellmore
Storyteling drives social change
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Vol. 29 No. 31
JUlY 30 - AUGUST 5, 2026
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Rabbi Gelman begins as new spirtual leader ‘What do you want to be when yo u g r o w u p ? ’ ” G e l m a n recounted. “And all the kids are The East Meadow Beth-El like, ‘I want to be a fireman.’ ‘I Jewish Center, which has been want to be a policeman.’ I said, ‘I want to be a rabbi.’ I’ve a vibrant hub in the heart of the community, welcomed always felt a real, strong conRabbi Samuel Gelman as its nection to Judaism. I’ve always new spiritual leader on July 1, loved it.” hoping to build on the synaEast Meadow Beth-El was gogue’s momentum and help- formed in 2020 through a merging guide it into the er of the for mer future. East Meadow JewThe synagogue ish Center and holds religious serTemple Beth-El in vices, weekly events Bellmore. The conand programming gregation was then that bring together served by East about 300 families M e a d ow ’s R abb i in the Conservative Emeritus Ronald Jewish movement. A n d r o p h y, w h o Gelman comes to retired in 2023. For East Meadow Beththe next two years, El after serving the cong re gation SAMUEl GElMAN most recently as an was led by Rabbi e d u c a t o r a t t h e Newly installed rabbi, Aaron Marsh, who F l o re n c e M e l t o n East Meadow Beth-El left in 2025. When a S ch o o l o f A d u l t Jewish Center search committee Jewish Learning in was formed to find New York City. A New Jersey a new rabbi, Gelman emerged native, Gelman said his faith as a standout candidate. and love of Judaism were A graduate of Princeton important parts of his forma- University, Gelman received a tive years — and, in some ways, bachelor’s degree in Near Easthe said he’s always felt becom- er n Studies, specializing in ing a rabbi was his true calling. Israeli history. He then served “We have on tape, me at my as a youth director and social kindergarten step up (ceremo- justice coordinator for Temple ny), where they’re asking us,
By JoRDAN VAlloNE
jvallone@liherald.com
Courtesy North Bellmore Public Library
Scholarship recipients Jordyn Dioguardi and Gianna Commisso are joined by members of the Friends of the North Bellmore Public Library during a July 14 ceremony at the North Bellmore Public Library
Friends of North Bellmore library awards inaugural scholarships By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
The Friends of the North Bellmore Public Library recently awarded its first-ever colle ge scholarships, reco gnizing two Mepham High School graduates whose essays reflected the lasting impact the library has had on their lives. Jordyn Dioguardi and Gianna Commisso each received a $1,000 scholarship during a July 14 recognition ceremony held at the library — earning awards that honor graduating seniors who have demonstrated a commitment to the library, academic achievement and community service. Applicants completed a competitive selection process that included documenting their academic accomplishments and library involvement, submitting a letter of
recommendation, providing proof of college acceptance and writing an essay about the importance of libraries and the role the North Bellmore Public Library played in their lives. Victoria Seff, chairperson of the Friends Scholarship Committee, said the program grew out of a desire to encourage younger residents to become involved with the organization while supporting students as they pursue higher education. “Fellow Friends of the Library member Patricia Jarrett and I have always wanted to engage the younger generation in the Friends organization and foster a spirit of philanthropy within the North Bellmore community,” Seff said. She said the idea originated with Nancy Deluca, the library’s head of teen services, CoNtiNueD oN PaGe 2
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hen thinking about being in a congregation, you’re picking a home.
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