History of the Free Synagogue...
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Founded in 1917, the Free Synagogue of Flushing
stands proudly in the nest of one of the most
diverse ethnic neighborhoods in the country. As
the oldest Reform Synagogue in Queens, NY, it
came into existence through the efforts of the
Hebrew Woman’s Aid Society of Flushing. The
“Free Synagogue” movement is based on four
principals: freedom of the pulpit for the rabbi;
freedom of the pew- no reserved seating in the
sanctuary; direct, full participation of the
community; and dedication to the ideals of
liberal democracy, commitment to the Jewish
faith, to Zionism and the State of Israel. Our
founders’ belief in commitment, freedom and
equality of the sexes remaining guiding
principals today.
The Building... |
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When the property on
the corner of Sanford Avenue and Kissena Boulevard was purchased,
downtown Flushing was about to emerge from its bucolic roots into a bustling community. The
construction of the Queensboro Bridge and Queens
Boulevard already brought the borough out
of isolation.
The subway system went as far as Corona and would reach
Flushing by 1928. From
the end of World War II through
the 1920s, Queens underwent a population explosion of
130%.
The first Synagogue house was the stately pillared
Hoffman Mansion, which stood on a corner of the lot.
It was moved to Sanford Avenue in 1926 to make room for the grand
structure which is home
to the Free Synagogue of Flushing today. This neo-classic sanctuary designed by
Maruice
Courland
features a massive portico supported by four Roman-style pillars and topped by
a pediment inscribed
with the words of Isaiah,
“For mine house shall be called a house of prayer for all people.”
A walk up the stately steps leads into a magnificent
sanctuary where dark green wood pillars
are graced with intricate gold-leaf filigree. Stained glass windows,
crafted in Czechoslovakia,
surround the sanctuary in rich radiant colors and crown the domed ceiling with a
Star of David.
In 1964, a three-story school building was added to accommodate the religious
school and
adult education classes.
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