Our Mission
For close to three decades, Magen Israel Center has been dedicated to providing a rich and meaningful education for the Iranian Jewish community of greater New York. Under the guidance of Rabbi and Mrs. Yitzchok Chayempour, thousands of Jewish children have received a deeper spiritual connection to their roots.
In 1990, with the blessing of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, the Magen Israel Summer Program for Persian children was established. Since its inception, the center has grown to include a preschool, Hebrew school, and synagogue, as well as many other programs.
“Every child deserves a positive and meaningful Jewish education.” It is this ethos that drives our efforts to ensure that every Jewish child experiences Judaism in a warm and positive environment.
With the objective of educating their students in the ways of the Torah, Rabbi Chayempour and Morah Tammy have since become integral and authoritative voices for the furtherance of advancing Jewish education in Great Neck.
As pioneers of youth education, much of the fruits of their labor can be seen within the rapid developments that have begun to sprout within the growing Jewish Community of Great Neck.
Our History
Following the Iranian Revolution in 1979, thousands of Persian Jewish families emigrated from Iran in hopes of establishing a better life in America. Immigration procedures required traveling to a neutral country where one would then apply for an entry visa to the United States.
The application process could take anywhere from six months to two years, which left thousands of Iranian Jews stranded in far-flung cities such awaiting their much-needed documents. With no Jewish infrastructure in place and no established community, keeping Judaism became quite a challenge.
Enter Rabbi Yitzchok and Tamar Chayempour. In 1988, just a few short months after their marriage, this young Chabad couple living in Brooklyn were directed by the Lubavitcher Rebbe to establish a Jewish community for the Jews fleeing Iran. They packed up their apartment and headed for Ladispoli, Italy, a small suburb of Rome which at the time housed the American Embassy as well many displaced Iranian refugees.
Rabbi Chayempour, a native of Iran himself, and fluent in Farsi, was well equipped to handle the needs of the community. Immediately upon arrival Rabbi and Mrs. Chayempour took upon themselves to ensure that resources would be available to the community in all areas of Judaism creating programs where there were none and providing anything which was needed. From adult classes to Synagogue services, from children’s summer camp to providing kosher food, to eventually building a Mikvah, nothing was too difficult and no one was turned away. Whether it meant personally slaughtering chickens or individually teaching children Aleph-Bet, Rabbi Chayempour and Morah Tammy, made sure that each person received what they needed with a smile and an open hand.
With G-d’s help by 1990, almost everyone had received their visas and most of the refugees had moved on to America. With the influx of Persian Jewry came the need for community leadership and specifically for education programs, for the many Iranian children now living in New York. Once again Rabbi Chayempour and Morah Tammy were there. They quickly implemented adult education classes and after-school Talmud Torah programs to meet the needs of the growing communities. Camp Gan Israel, which has since evolved into the ever-popular Magen Israel Summer Program, gave hundreds upon hundreds of children a positive Jewish experience in a fun and loving atmosphere. In 1994 they established the first Sephardic Jewish day school in the area and as the community settled in Great Neck, Long Island, the Magen Israel Center of Great Neck was born.
Today, with Hashem’s help, Magen Israel continues as the forerunner in Jewish Education in the Great Neck area. The center has since grown to encompass a synagogue, early childhood program, primary school, adult learning center, Hebrew school, and so much more. It is with your continued support that we continue our mission of bringing our community closer to Torah and Mitzvot, one Jew at a time.
Our Programs
At Magen Israel Center we offer an array of programs to fill the needs of our ever-growing community including:
Kehillat Magen Israel
Kehillat Magen Israel is a Sephardic congregation founded on the teachings of the Ben Ish Chai and the Baal Shem Tov. Daily Shacharit minyan and full Shabbat services offered in the heart of Great Neck. Click here to learn more.
Magen Israel Early Childhood
Magen Israel Early Childhood offers classes for Toddlers through Pre-K. Our dynamic program integrates Judaic and general studies through an interactive, hands-on curriculum. Classes are separate for boys and girl from nursery and up. Click here to learn more.
Magen Israel Primary School
Magen Israel Primary School is Sephardic yeshiva located in Great Neck founded on the principals of the Ben Ish Chai and the teachings of Chassidut. Our cutting edge dual curriculum maintains the highest standards of learning in both Judaic and General Studies. Registration now open for grades K-4. Separate classes for boys and girls. Click here to learn more.
Magen Israel Summer Camp
Magen Israel Summer Camp is Great Neck’s largest and longest running Jewish day camp. We offer an all encompassing eight week program for ages 3-14, with separate divisions for boys and girls and an exceptional teen program. Click here to learn more.
Adult Education
The Magen Israel Learning Center holds weekly classes for men and women. With topics ranging from Parshat Hashavua, Halacha, Chassidut, Kabbala and Hashkafa, we endeavor to provide a rich Torah education for anyone wishing to learn. Click here to learn more.
Magen Israel Youth Club
Magen Israel Youth Club offers Sunday classes for 1st and 2nd grade boys in a Yeshiva setting. Click here to learn more.
Family Holiday Events
Magen Israel holds several holiday events throughout the year including communal meals for Simchat Torah and Purim, family Farbrengans, Seudat Mashiach, and more. Click here to join our email list to be notified of upcoming events.
Magen Israel Women’s Circle
Magen Israel women’s circle holds regular events and classes on topics such as parenting, Taharat Hamishpacha, relationships, and more. Click here to join our email list to be notified of upcoming events.