WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NEW YORK (VINnews) – Hundreds of people gathered Sunday evening at The Hampton Synagogue in Westhampton Beach, New York, to celebrate Rabbi Marc Schneier’s 36th anniversary as the congregation’s founding senior rabbi and to dedicate a new Torah in his honor.

Schneier was joined by Israel’s Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi Kalman Ber and his father, Rabbi Arthur Schneier, a Holocaust survivor from Vienna and longtime rabbi of Park East Synagogue.

Rabbi Arthur Schneier donated the new Torah to mark his son’s anniversary. Chief Rabbi Ber flew in from Israel for less than 24 hours specifically for the dedication and brought a custom-made Torah cover.

The Torah is dedicated to Rabbi Marc and Simi Schneier and to the memory of Simi’s parents, Rita and Naftali Teitelbaum, who were also Holocaust survivors.

Chazzan Netanel Hershtik, the world-renowned cantor of The Hampton Synagogue, performed with the synagogue choir during the program.

Jewish tradition compares a Torah dedication to a wedding, reflecting the significance and joy of welcoming a new Torah into a community.

“What a night! I am so honored to have celebrated my 36th anniversary at The Hampton Synagogue with the Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Kalman Ber, and my father, Rabbi Arthur Schneier,” Schneier said. “There is no place like the Hamptons! Every day, our community makes the ordinary extraordinary.”

Last month, the New York Post spotlighted the Westhampton Beach synagogue as a major gathering place for politicians, business leaders and prominent members of the Jewish community. The Post described the synagogue as an influential political stop in the Hamptons, noting that it regularly attracts prominent elected officials and other high-profile figures.