About Us

Before the fall of 2016 going to a Congregation on Shabbat meant 30-40 minutes of strenuous walking. Unfortunately there were no options for those seeking a true Sephardic prayer experience in Hewlett. The community consisted of few Sephardic Jewish families but regrettably many of the families did not grow up being part of a Congregation and had no real appreciation for one. Some members finally decided to get together and organize a minyan Friday night and Saturday mornings.

The idea quickly morphed from someone’s garage to a trailer which ultimately ended up in a member’s home living room. After some soul searching the founding members selected Rabbi Refael Ribacoff as their spiritual leader.  There were times that we were not able to have the minimum requirement of 10 men to pray in unison.  On occasion, we would go door-to-door and pull people out of their homes in order to make a minyan (10 men for prayer); but with Hashem’s help, what started as a small endeavor became the community that we have today.

After a relatively short period of time, the minyan could no longer be housed in someone’s living room, and with a global Pandemic sweeping the world new guidance was introduced on how to occupy indoor spaces. With Hashem’s help and the graciousness of our neighbor and member we were able to move across the street to our current location. 

With the gratitude to Hashem we are outgrowing our current location as well. The time has come to find a permanent home. Alas, Baruch Hashem we found a perfect place. A place where we can call home. A place to grow and prosper as a Jewish community.

Learning

Our educational programs are first-class, with a programs for children and adults of all ages.  Our goal is to provide for a lifetime of Jewish learning. We host learning, reading and Tehillim classes everyday of the week. 

Prayer & Worship

With the dedication of our Rabbi, we have grown from a Shabbat minyan to a daily minyan for Shaharit/Minha/Arvit. We have inspirational classes each day of the week for all ages.  

Now, as always,  Sephardic Congregation of Hewlett is your home.