Welcome to the Young Israel of Holliswood / HJC!
The Orthodox Community of Holliswood offers a wonderful mix of the advantages of Jewish city living and the pleasures of a picturesque, suburban neighborhood. Our warm, welcoming kehilla has access to the plethora of schools, institutions and stores of Queens, along with beautiful homes along winding, tree-lined, sidewalk free streets. A piece of the country in the heart of Queens!
Most importantly, under the direction of Rabbi Marc Penner, YIHJC has already established itself as a leader in Shul programming and as a model for other Orthodox kehillot. YIHJC boasts one of the largest Shul-based adult education programs in Queens, with classes ranging from Beginner’s classes to Advanced Shiurim in Navi, Halacha, Jewish Thought and Gemara. We proudly host Rav Yonason Sacks, shlita, of Yeshiva University, on a regular basis. Nearly 120 children participate in our newly revamped Youth Department, which prides itself on cutting-edge Torah experiences for all ages. YIHJC’s 16 active committees provide a multitude of opportunities to get involved in a groundbreaking synagogue’s efforts to build for the future. Our Shul of 200 members has only begun to grow!
Most of all, the Holliswood community is ready to make you a part of our kehilla. Its warmth can be felt everywhere; we sing together at Friday Night Tishen at my home; we daven together in a beautiful, quiet minyan; we shmooz together at our extended after-shul kiddushes, and dance together at semachot, Shul dinners, and even at Kiddush Levana.
If you’re considering a move, consider not just the size of the Shul you will attend, but the opportunities its community affords you. Does it have the educational opportunities that you and your family are looking for? Will you look forward to davening in its minyanim? Will you be playing a vital role in the shaping of your community or just be one of the many who come Shabbat morning to Daven?
We, in Holliswood believe that YIHJC has a world of opportunities for you, and we’d love to let you know how you can become part of our Shul. Please feel free to call us at 718-776-8500 with any questions you might have.
Meet our staff:
Marc Penner, Rabbi
The Young Israel of Holliswood is proud to have as its Morah D'asra Rabbi Marc Penner. Rabbi Penner, a dynamic and innovative magid shiur and a sought -after speaker, came to Holliswood in 1996 and has played a crucial role in the phenomenal growth of our community. Through projects such as the Holliswood Kollel, the yearly Teshuva campaign and the Purimshpeil, our Rabbi has added many new dimensions to the Holliswood community.
Rabbi Penner received his semicha from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological seminary of Yeshiva University in 1994. He received his BA from Yeshiva College in 1991. Rabbi Penner served as Assistant Rabbi at Lincoln Square Synagogue, before coming to the Young Israel of Holliswood in 1995.
In addition to his duties as Mora D'asra, he is the founding Dean of Ateret Seminary for Women, a collegiate Torah studies program for young women based in Queens College, and operating in several other campuses in the metropolitan area. Rabbi Penner also serves as Coordinator of Rabbinic Services for the Max Stern Division of Communal Services of RIETS at Yeshiva University. He is a mentor for new Rabbis across the country, as part of a new training initiative established by Yeshiva University. He is currently Vice President of the Vaad Harabbonim of Queens.
Rabbi Penner has previously served as a Visiting Lecture for Stern College, and as Jewish Studies faculty for YUHS for Girls and for SKA High School.
Rabbi Penner is married to Adeena, who works as an Occupational Therapist when not caring for their four children. The parent of a child with special needs, he speaks across the country on issues of children with disabilities.Cynthia Altman, Office Manager
Cynthia Altman, our Office Manager, has been working the Young Israel of Holliswood / HJC for almost 4 years. Having worked for our outreach program, just prior to coming on board, she found a position that was well suited to her spiritual growth and business acumen. Having worked in a variety of jobs in both the home furnishings and men’s wear industries and in insurance, she arrived at Holliswood’s doorstep with a business perspective of big business while understanding how a membership organization works. Cynthia has an Associate Degree in Merchandising, a Bachelor’s in organizational management, and is currently pursuing a Masters in Jewish Studies from Touro College. She thanks Hashem for leading her to her true calling.
Aaron Friedman, Youth Director