On Tuesday, Oct. 20, in a bi-county show of support for one of Long Island's fastest growing Reform Jewish Congregations, lawmakers from both Nassau and Suffolk attended the groundbreaking for Temple Chaverim's new home, at the border of both counties. The new home will occupy 20,000 square feet on five wooded acres.

Representing Nassau County was County Executive Thomas Gulotta and Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto along with Legislators Carl Marcellino, Ed Mangano, Sal Pontillo and Judy Jacobs. County Executive Robert Gaffney, Town of Huntington Supervisor Frank Petrone and members of the Huntington Town Council Marlene Budd and Mark Cutherson represented Suffolk County. New York State Legislator David Sidikman also attended.

Temple Chaverim (which means friends in Hebrew) was formed in 1981, has a membership of over 300 families and a religious school population of 325 children of all ages. The congregation is led by Rabbi Jonathan L. Hecht, Ph.D. and President Burton Minov.