Temple Beth El Event

This past Sunday (July 12th) I had the great privilege of accepting the “Honoree of the Year” award from Temple Beth El, Patchogue.

For those of you who are not from the Patchogue area: Temple Beth El is much more than simply a house of worship. For over 100 years, the Temple has been a place of hope and unity for community members from all walks of life. Most recently, the Temple served as a forum for dialogue and healing following the tragic and utterly senseless murder of Marcelo Lucero, an Ecuadorian immigrant who was stabbed to death in Patchogue Village. Community members, visibly upset of the alleged hate crime, found the Temple to be a place where they could find comfort during a very difficult time.

Suffice to say Temple Beth El plays a central part in our community.

When the Temple decided to choose me as their “Honoree of the Year” I was beyond thrilled. Despite our proud Irish-Catholic roots, my family has always enjoyed being closely associated with the Temple. My father, former Suffolk County legislator John J. Foley, was the Temple’s original “Honoree of the Year,” giving this award a very special meaning for me.

I was also honored to have so many community leaders, congregation members, and elected officials turn out to the “Honoree of the Year” brunch and particularly touched by their generous words and proclamations. Thanks to Brookhaven Supervisor Mark Lesko, Town of Islip Councilman Chris Bodkin, and Patchogue Village Mayor Paul Pontieri! And thanks to the event’s organizing committee for your hard work in making the brunch a success!

I am putting up some photos of the event here. I want to use this space to thank Temple Beth El, from the bottom of my heart, for this great honor and for playing such a crucial role in the development of our community.  

 For more information, please contact us at sd3info@gmail.com or by phone at 631-360-3365 (3356).