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HERALD RVCll adds to Hall of Fame
Village recaps progress in 2024
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Vol. 36 No. 3
JANUARY 16 - 22, 2025
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Rabbi’s tenure to end in June Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth votes not to renew Cohen’s contract Slavin said the synagogue is “still in the beginning stages of the process” and will be formCentral Syna go gue-Beth ing a committee to search for a Emeth will not be renewing its new rabbi. Arielle Kane, a trustee with contract with Rabbi Michael the board, emphasized the conCohen after nearly five years of gregation’s focus on service in the comits long-standing munity. legacy and growth. The decision was “We’re looking made by the CSBE to the future,” Kane Board of Trustees said. “CSBE has during a congregabeen around for tional meeting on nearly 90 years and N o v. 2 1 , w h e r e plans on remaining members voted to a home for progresbring in new spirisive Judaism. The tual leadership synagogue has been starting July 1. fortunate to have “The congregasuch a strong clertion chose to go in a gy, as we consider dif ferent direcadding to our spirition,” Rabbi Cohen MiCHAel CoHeN tual leadership.” told the Herald. “I Rabbi, Central Synawish them the best Central Synagogue gogue-Beth Emeth of luck.” Beth Emeth in Rockville Centre Barton Slavin, formed following a t h e s y n a g o g u e ’s board president, reassured New York State Supreme Court members about the congrega- decision in 2016, that allowed tion’s stability during the tran- for the consolidation of Central Synagogue of Nassau County sition. “There has been no change and the Reconstructionist Conin leadership,” Slavin said. “We g re g at i o n B e t h E m e t h i n have a cantor who everyone Hewlett. The two congregaloves. Our immediate past tions, which had shared space rabbi, Elliot Skiddell, was more since 2012, merged to provide than willing to fill in.” Continued on page 18
By DANiel oFFNeR
doffner@liherald.com
T
Daniel Offner/Herald
early education, big opportunities Pre-K students in Bri Durso’s class at the John A. Anderson Recreation Center create colorful watercolor paintings of their penguins. Story, more photos, Page 10.
Schools address concerns over transgender access to restrooms By DANiel oFFNeR doffner@liherald.com
At their first meeting of the year, Rockville Centre Board of Education trustees, legal counsel and the district superintendent addressed concerns about bathroom and locker room policies for transgender students, and reaffirmed the district’s adherence to state law. Legal counsel Howard Miller explained that students are allowed to use bathroom and locker room facilities that align with their gender identity. “If any school district were to deny access to a child based on their gender identity, they will lose,” Miller said. “The New York State Division
of Human Rights has made it clear that discrimination against transgender students is prohibited, and the remedies for noncompliance are extremely harsh.” Miller warned that violations could lead to significant financial consequences, including fines and the loss of state aid. He also emphasized that even though federal laws on transgender student rights are inconsistent, New York’s are unequivocal. “We are bound to follow state law,” he said. “Any claim brought under the state’s Division of Human Rights would result in damages funded by taxpayers, and the amount could be stagContinued on page 24
he congregation chose to go in a different direction. I wish them the best of luck.