History of Shaarei Tikvah
Shaarei Tikvah was founded in 1998 through the merger of two congregations in Southern Westchester with long and distinguished histories. The congregations, Emanuel Jewish Center of Mt. Vernon and Genesis Agudas Achim of Tuckahoe, sold their properties and together bought a former Christian Science Church at 46 Fox Meadow Road in Scarsdale. The new congregation’s first joint service was held on Simchat Torah after a joyous motorcade and parade transporting the Torahs to their new home.
Over the years, the two congregations melded into one, with an influx of new members from Scarsdale, Edgemont, Hartsdale, Ardsley and surrounding communities. Our dynamic religious school grew and it became clear that the old building would not accommodate present needs or future growth.
After a successful capital campaign, our beautiful new synagogue and religious school building was dedicated on September 8, 2008. In a bow to our history, the most prominent feature of our sanctuary/social hall is the stained glass windows from Emanuel Jewish Center.
In its short history, Shaarei Tikvah has built a vibrant community, building on the legacy of our predecessor congregations and forming a culture all our own. We've fostered spiritual growth, learning, and participation through our religious and adult education programs. Our members have played a growing role in leading services and reading Torah and Haftorah. Our religious school continues to expand and thrive and offers family programs for all ages. We offer opportunities to participate in social justice
programs giving help to local food pantries, and homeless shelters, and providing support for refugees. We were among the first Conservative synagogues to define membership
in a way that welcomes interfaith families. And each year we add delicious items to our weekly Shabbat Kiddush lunch not to mention more social programs that bring our
community together.
Shaarei Tikvah is very much a work in progress. We welcome new members and new ideas to shape our history in years to come.