Temple Israel of Northern Westchester (TINW) is experiencing an exciting period of growth and renewal, with the recent election of a new Senior Rabbi, the launch of Phase I facility renovations, an active membership drive, and innovative fall programming.
Rabbi Dan Sklar Elected as Senior Rabbi
The congregation voted to elect Rabbi Dan Sklar as Senior Rabbi at the Annual Congregational Meeting on May 17. Rabbi Sklar, who has served the Temple for the past three years, will officially begin his new role on July 1, 2027.
“We have come to know Dan Sklar in his three years of service to our Sacred Community,” said Ed Ginsberg, President of Temple Israel. “Rabbi Sklar has amazed us with his musical talents, awed us by his knowledge of Torah and his sermons, worked seamlessly with our other clergy, has delighted our children and their parents as he engages with them in the Center for Jewish Learning and helps them prepare for their B’Mitzvah service, and so much more. In fact, Rabbi Sklar brings so much positive energy to our congregation, that the parents in our Center for Jewish Learning sometimes refer to him as the Pied Piper.”
Phase I Renovations Underway
Temple Israel has begun Phase I of its comprehensive Master Plan renovations, which include entrance and lobby enhancements, bathroom renovations and security upgrades. The Croton Planning Board unanimously approved the Temple’s plan to add a secure entrance vestibule, portico canopy, and security bollards designed as planters.
The renovations are part of a larger Master Plan developed in partnership with KG+D Architects, which maps out phased improvements to the Temple’s facilities based on input from clergy, staff, and congregational groups. Design documents were presented to the congregation this spring, with construction scheduled for summer 2026.
Membership Growth Initiative Launched
A newly formed Membership Committee has launched an active campaign to welcome new families to the Temple community. The initiative kicks off with a Fun Family Shabbat on June 12 featuring a kid-friendly Shabbat program at 5:15 PM, followed by a family BBQ with a magician, face painting, balloon artist, and music at 5:45 PM, and a family-friendly Shabbat service at 7:00 PM. Ice cream will be served after the service.
“We’re encouraging our members to bring friends and neighbors to experience our warm, vibrant community,” said Ginsberg. The event is open to non-members, who can register by calling 914-271-4705 x124 or emailing robin@tinw.org.
Innovative Fall Programming
Temple Israel is planning a robust lineup of programming for fall 2026, building on its commitment to education, spiritual growth, and community engagement that includes but is not limited to the Brotherhood Breakfast and Lecture series, Current Events Weekly Discussion Group, Weekly Torah Study, Sisterhood and Brotherhood Book Groups, Social Justice Committee Speaker Program, and much more. Details will be announced in the coming months.
