You Belong Here

Life's most meaningful moments—births, coming of age, weddings, and even loss—deserve to be marked with ritual, community, and sacred tradition. At Congregation Tifereth Israel in Jackson Heights, Queens, we guide families through each milestone with wisdom, warmth, and deep respect for both tradition and your unique needs.

Whether you're a longtime member or connecting with our synagogue for the first time, Rabbi Pape and our community are here to help you create ceremonies that honor Jewish tradition while reflecting your family's values and circumstances.

Baby Naming Ceremonies

Welcoming a new baby into the Jewish community is one of life's greatest joys. We offer baby naming ceremonies (for girls) and brit milah coordination (for boys) that combine traditional blessings with personal meaning. Rabbi Pape works with families to create ceremonies that reflect your hopes and dreams for your child while connecting them to generations of Jewish tradition. These ceremonies can take place during Shabbat services or at private family gatherings.

Bar & Bat Mitzvah

Becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah marks a young person's entry into Jewish adulthood and communal responsibility. Our comprehensive preparation program, typically beginning a year or more before the ceremony, includes Torah reading instruction, Hebrew literacy, understanding of prayers, and exploring what it means to be an adult member of the Jewish community. The Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration takes place during Shabbat morning services, where your child leads portions of the service, reads from the Torah, and delivers a d'var Torah (teaching) they've prepared. This milestone isn't just about the party—it's about your child taking their place in the Jewish story.

Weddings

A Jewish wedding is more than a ceremony—it's the creation of a new Jewish home, a new family unit, and a new link in the chain of Jewish continuity. Rabbi Pape works closely with couples to plan Orthodox Jewish weddings that honor tradition while reflecting your relationship and values. From the ketubah (marriage contract) to the chuppah (wedding canopy) to the breaking of the glass, each element carries profound meaning. Whether you're both Jewish, from an interfaith background, or reconnecting with Jewish practice through your wedding, we're here to guide you through the process with patience, knowledge, and genuine care for your journey together.

Yizkor Memorial Services

Four times a year—on Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Passover, and Shavuot—we gather for Yizkor, the Jewish memorial service that honors those who have died. These services provide time for personal reflection, communal mourning, and the recitation of prayers that connect us to our loved ones' memories. Yizkor reminds us that those we've lost remain part of our community and our story. Everyone is welcome to attend Yizkor services, whether or not you're mourning a recent loss.

Prayer for the Sick (Mi Shebeirach)

When someone in our community or their loved ones faces illness, we offer the Mi Shebeirach prayer for healing during services. You can request that we include someone's Hebrew name (or English name if Hebrew name is unknown) in our communal prayers for healing. This ancient prayer asks for physical healing, emotional strength, and spiritual wholeness. Contact Rabbi Pape or let us know during services if you'd like to add someone to our Mi Shebeirach list.

End-of-Life Services & Support

Losing a loved one is one of life's most difficult experiences, and Jewish tradition provides a roadmap for mourning that honors both the deceased and the mourners. Rabbi Pape is available 24/7 to help families navigate this journey with compassion and wisdom. We assist with funeral arrangements, coordinate with Jewish funeral homes and cemeteries, conduct burial services according to Orthodox tradition, guide you through sitting shiva (the seven-day mourning period), and support you through the first year of mourning and beyond. We also help families new to Jewish practice understand and observe these traditions in ways that bring comfort and meaning. You don't need to be a synagogue member to receive this support—when a Jewish family in Queens needs help, we're here.

Weekly Connection

Join Us This Shabbat

Saturdays at 9:30 AM
Followed by Kiddush lunch

Upcoming Holiday

Passover Seder

Warm, Enriching, and Delicious
A seat at the table is waiting for you

Located in the heart of Jackson Heights, Queens, Congregation Tifereth Israel serves as a vibrant center for Jewish life in our community. Whether you're looking for weekly Shabbat services, High Holiday celebrations, or a place to raise your children with Jewish values, our synagogue offers a warm and welcoming environment for individuals and families at every stage of their Jewish journey.

Our congregation provides traditional Orthodox services while maintaining an inclusive atmosphere that welcomes Jews of all backgrounds, interfaith families, and those new to Jewish practice. From our Hebrew School program for children to adult Torah study classes, we offer educational opportunities for all ages. We celebrate lifecycle events including baby namings, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, and provide support during times of mourning with Yizkor memorial services and end-of-life guidance.

Conveniently located in Jackson Heights with easy access from surrounding Queens neighborhoods including Elmhurst, Woodside, and Corona, our synagogue has been a cornerstone of Jewish community life in Northwest Queens since 1927. Join us for Shabbat morning services every Saturday at 9:30 AM, followed by our weekly Kiddush lunch where community members gather to share a meal and connect.