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History of the JFK Synagogue |
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The International Synagogue was organized and established in 1958 to meet the needs of the traveling community. The International Synagogue, built in 1962, has been representing Judaism to the flying public at the air gateway to the U.S. for more than 40 years.
 In 1985, land was leased to the three faith groups, Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish, at the newly established Idlewild Airport with the aim of erecting houses of worship for the faith groups. The New York Board of Rabbis undertook the project of erecting a Synagogue at the International Airport with the intent of allowing the Jewish community to have equal religious representation at the new "air' gateway to New York. The three chapels, standing side by side, proclaimed the religious liberty guaranteed by the united States of America and represented the religious freedom that persons of every creed enjoy in the United States.
The International Synagogue started functioning as a house of worship in temporary quarters in 1962. The chapel itself was dedicated in 1967. Rabbis, elected officials and civic leaders all were involved in the dedication ceremonies. Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey stated that the chapels represented "a symbol of the essential unity of our great religions, and a pledge of their determination to make this a better nation and a better world." Rabbi Israel Mowshowitz, Chairman of the board of Governors of the Synagogue, expressed the hope that the three faith communities would help "create a climate for world peace, especially in the Middle East."
The International Synagogue serves airport employees, merchants at JFK Airport, and Jewish travelers. Serving American Jewry in this unique way, the International Synagogue receives groups of persons of all ages from all over the United States prior to their departures to Israel or other places on the globe. Since travelers must now arrive early for their flights because of heightened security concerns, the chapel provides a quiet place for individual and groups to pray and meditate. The new chapel is open daily for shacharit, mincha and maariv services, as well as for groups (minyan). The new chapel is located on the fourth floor of the international Arrivals Terminal and is very close to the El Al security counters. Orientation for departing groups can be given in the chapel. Passengers can rest between connecting flight in the chapel. And with the completion of the Air Train, the Synagogue is only minutes away from all the terminals and airlines that serve JFK.
 Special activities conducted at the International Synagogue include a weekly Lunch and Learn Program (12:00pm to 1:00pm). Appropriate celebrations are observed for the holidays of Chanukah, Purim, and Yom HaAtzmaut - Israel Independence Day. The Lulav & Ethrog are available for use during Succoth. Jewish organizations can greet Israeli and/or Jewish dignitaries while in transit. past dignitaries have been David ben Gurion, Golda Meir, Rabbi Moshe Rosen, Rabbi Shlomo Goren, Dr. Zerach Wahrhaftig and Abba Eban. Special conferences and meetings have been held on the premises due to its convenient location to Brooklyn and Long Island with free parking available. The Jewish chaplain is also available for counseling families who may be sending children to study in Israel or parents leaving to Israel for retirement; as well as for crisis counseling in the event emergencies with Critical Incident Stress Debriefing.
The International Synagogue is testimony to the strength of the Jewish community when it unites on behalf of a meritorious cause or project. The broad-based assistance for the Synagogue's programs, coming from practically every segment of the Jewish community, was initially made possible by the New York Board of Rabbis. Presently, the Synagogue is supported solely through donations of its members, travelers, and the public.
The original International Synagogue served as a place of worship for travelers and as resource for the entire community. At times, it hosted stranded travelers by providing food and lodging during severe weather conditions. Similarly, the new chapel is ready to provide a place for davening, prayer and meditation for the weary traveler. The Synagogue now provides a place of refuge within the hustle and bustle of the large JFK Airport.
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