After founding and leading Congregation Havurat Yisrael in Forest Hills since 1981, Rabbi David Algaze has announced his transition from full-time rabbi to Rabbi Emeritus.
The congregation will now begin the search for a new rabbi. Preference is being given to candidates holding semichah from Yeshiva University, Touro University, or Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim.
The decision was shared at a special congregational meeting on January 4, attended by more than 50 members in person and over 20 via Zoom.
Rabbi Algaze emphasized that the move is not due to any health concerns. Instead, he looks forward to dedicating more time to personal Torah study, reading, lecturing, writing, and extended stays in Israel – “not just two or three weeks, but several months at a time” – to be with his daughter and her family.
Over the decades, Havurat Yisrael has welcomed many prominent figures in the Jewish world, including Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, Rabbi Meir Kahane, former Chief Rabbi of Israel Rabbi Shlomo Goren, and Sarah Nachshon, who helped reestablish the Jewish community in Hebron.
Yet Rabbi Algaze regards his most meaningful achievement as guiding countless individuals toward greater observance. Many of the shul’s founding members were not fully shomer Shabbos or kosher and initially resisted sending their children to yeshivah, but, as the rabbi noted, “they wanted to learn Torah.” Over time, many embraced full observance, a commitment that has extended to their children and grandchildren.
Havurat Yisrael distinguished itself early on as a pioneer in kiruv within the neighborhood. It launched “Turn Friday Night into Shabbos,” the initiative that evolved into the national “Shabbos Across America” program. The shul also broke new ground by including women on its Board of Directors and welcoming singles as full members – at a time when nearby congregations restricted membership to couples.
Reflecting on the congregation’s 45-year journey, Rabbi Algaze recalled its humble beginnings. More than 400 people attended the first service, held in the basement of the Forest Hills Jewish Center West, while High Holiday services took place at the Midway Movie Theater.
The shul eventually acquired a former Buick dealership on 70th Road, though it could only afford half the property, sharing the space with a Bukharan Jewish community. In 1998, construction of the neighboring Bukharan synagogue and community center caused significant damage to Havurat Yisrael’s building.
For the next 17 years, the congregation was effectively homeless, holding services in the former Dov Revel synagogue, Agudath Achim synagogue, a private home, and finally a storefront on Austin Street. In 2015, Rebbetzin Tamara Algaze successfully negotiated with developers to rebuild the shul on its original site.
Today, Havurat Yisrael is celebrated for its remarkable diversity, drawing congregants of Ashkenazi, Sefardi, Israeli, and Hispanic backgrounds, as well as those in the process of conversion.
“Here in this shul,” Rabbi Algaze observed, “no one says, ‘You’re not religious enough,’ or ‘You come from a non-religious background,’ or ‘You don’t know enough.’ On the contrary, the members who attended yeshivah and are fluent in Hebrew are the ones who eagerly help others.” The atmosphere, he added, is one of genuine friendship and camaraderie.
Former congregants, now scattered across the world, including many in Israel, frequently tell Rabbi Algaze, “There is no shul like Havurat Yisrael.”
His outreach extends far beyond Forest Hills. Inspired by inquiries from Spanish-speakers worldwide, Rabbi Algaze founded Portal al Judaismo in 2015. The online platform serves as an educational resource for the Spanish-speaking Jewish world, offering classes and supporting convert communities throughout Latin America. Rabbi Algaze also collaborates closely with converts and the Queens Beis Din.
Headquartered at Havurat Yisrael, the Portal has been warmly embraced by the congregation. Rabbi Algaze plans to continue directing it, noting, “I don’t need to be present in person – it’s all online.”
In a recent interview, Rabbi Algaze shared that his worldview has been profoundly shaped by Rav Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook’s passionate love for Eretz Yisrael, Torah, and the Jewish people, as well as Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch’s embrace of secular culture and rational thought.
Rabbi Algaze holds two master’s degrees in philosophy: one from the University of Buenos Aires, where he was raised, and another from Columbia University. He received semichah from Rabbi Ezra Batzri and Rabbi Yosef Messas through the Israeli Rabbinate.
Longtime members Bruce and Miriam Jacobs have attended Havurat Yisrael nearly since its inception. Bruce credits Rabbi Algaze with transforming his Jewish life: “He opened so many possibilities for us. Because of him, I began reading Torah and leading services from the amud. It truly enriched my life.”
For almost 40 years, Bruce served as the synagogue’s primary baal k’riah. “Everyone is energized and enlightened by his presence and by what he says and does,” he added.
Miriam Jacobs echoed this sentiment: “I’ve never encountered another shul with such a diverse mix of backgrounds: Ashkenazi, Sefardi, people from around the world, varying levels of observance and education. He created a warm, welcoming community.” She concluded, “Replacing him will be impossible. His combination of scholarship, warmth, and charisma is irreplaceable.”
By David Schneier