Our History

In 1979, due to the Iranian revolution, Great Neck, NY saw an influx of Jewish immigrants seeking a place to live and pray. Before this wave, the local Iranian Jews attended Temple Israel, Great Neck Synagogue, or Forest Hills Synagogue. With a growing population, they needed a place that catered to their customs, leading to the creation of Beth Hadassah Synagogue.

The journey began in 1979 when Mr. Moussa Ohebshalom and his son Parviz organized an Iranian Minyan in a tent at Great Neck Synagogue. As the community grew, they moved to various locations, including the gym of Great Neck Synagogue (1980-1983) and the basement of Temple Beth-El (1983).

In 1986, Mr. Moussa Mehdizadeh offered an old cinema house on Middle Neck Road, which became their temporary home until 1990. They then purchased a lot and began constructing their permanent synagogue. Professor Nasser David Khalili donated one million dollars, naming it after his mother, Hadassah.

The synagogue grew to serve over 350 members, hosting weekday and Sabbath services. Founders and benefactors like Mr. & Mrs. Moussa Mehdizadeh and Professor Khalili played key roles in its development. The community, valuing religious independence, established various charitable organizations, including the Iranian American Jewish National Fund and Sandogh Melli charity.

Today, Beth Hadassah Synagogue serves as a hub for religious services and community events, owning three acres of land for future development into a community center.