Rabbi Jacob Benzaquen: Academic and Spiritual Leader

The Kings Park Jewish Center has a longstanding history in the community. In 1904 Elias Patiky built a large house on what is now Patiky Street, which served as the first temple. In 1904, members of the Kings Park Jewish Brotherhood, headed by members of the Patiky family, incorporated and founded the Kings Park Temple. in 1962 the house burnt down and the new synagogue, the Kings Park Jewish Center was dedicated in 1967.  

Today the temple continues to thrive. Rabbi Jacob Benzaquen, who was hired two years ago, has proven to be a respected and cherished spiritual leader for his congregation.

Benzaquen explains that the Friday evening and Saturday morning services are  times of worship where he and his congregation read the Torah from the original Hebrew, which they recognize as the sacred original tongue.  The readings are done by both the rabbi and his congregants. 

Young congregants are often called upon to lead the prayer in preparation for their Mitzvah, a coming-of-age ceremony performed at temple.  At a recent service, the rabbi discussed the need for social justice and accountability in the manufacture of Kosher food products.  Benzaquen stated that there is an obligation to insure that manufacturers give their employees fair wages, uphold corporate integrity and regard animal welfare. 

Benzaquen is happy to be a part of the Kings Park community. He works very closely with the temple board which is led by co- Presidents Toby Everett and Karen Dongvort.

The center is not just strictly for worship; it is a school and community gathering place as well.

Benzaquen speaks proudly of the success of the Prime Time Nursery which is a non-sectarian preschool  owned and housed in the temple.  He is also very enthusiastic about his Tuesday night Bible class which takes a line-by-line approach to studying the Torah. 

The temple sponsors an impoverished family through the M’Yad’Yad (Hand-in-Hand) program. The Girl Scouts are currently working on a planting project at the temple . An exercise class is held every Thursday at 6 p.m..  Benzaquen stressed that all activities and services are welcome to the Jewish congregants and non-Jewish guests alike.

The temple is a relatively new building in Kings Park. In 1962, the original temple was destroyed by fire.  However, President Dongvort explains the Kings Park Fire Department and the Smithtown Police Department salvaged the Torahs and the pews which are part of the current day temple. Benzaquen thoroughly enjoyed explaining the plethora of symbolism found within the building.  One of the most revered objects within the temple is a rescued Holocaust Torah which is prominently displayed.  

After two years of service, the community seems very pleased with their leader. "Rabbi Benzaquen adds a lot to our Temple.  He is a man with a wealth of knowledge who is able to bridge the Orthodox and the Conservative world.  He has great understanding of the Torah and is able to share that so that all can understand," said congregant and Kings Park resident Dan Lehrer.

Plans are already being made for the High Holy Day services which begin in September. Benzaquen is very excited that this year’s Cantor will be Rabbi Glueck from Israel.  His hope is that having such a renowned cantor will attract those who might not be so inclined to bring their children to  worship.