כ״ו אב ה׳תשפ״ה | August 20, 2025
After Eight Years of Growth, Pomona Anash Build Grand Shul
What began as a small minyan of Anash in a basement eight years ago has now grown into an overflowing shul, with a brand-new building being constructed to accommodate the large crowd of Anash living in Upper Pomona, New York.
What began as a small minyan of Anash in a basement eight years ago has now grown into an overflowing shul, with a brand-new building being constructed to accommodate the large crowd of Anash living in Upper Pomona, New York.
By Anash.org reporter
What began as a small minyan of Anash in a basement eight years ago has now grown into an overflowing shul, with a brand-new building being constructed to accommodate the large crowd of Anash living in Upper Pomona, New York.
Beis Levi Yitzchak of Pomona originally started as a small minyan of Anash who lived in the area, gathering in a basement for davening and learning, led by community rov, Rabbi Moshe Gourarie. The atmosphere was unique – both serious, with proper davening and many shiurim, as well as warm and inviting. Word quickly spread, and many people felt drawn to the shul.
A property was purchased for the shul, initially with a small structure, and over time, a wide range of activities was introduced throughout the week. A large library of seforim was established, and balabatim began devoting themselves to learning at various times throughout the day. Soon the shul was bustling throughout the week with farbrengens, shiruim, tefilos, and Anash sitting and learning.
The community continued to grow rapidly with people specifically choosing to live nearby to be part of this vibrant environment, enjoying the geshmake atmosphere of shiurim and farbrengens. On even a plain Shabbos, the shul is often filled to capacity, leaving standing room only.
To accommodate growth, a new, large, expansive building has been constructed adjacent to the existing structure. This expansion will also allow for minyanim in one room while providing separate spaces for shiurim and for learning. With the structure now in place, thanks to the generous support of many donors, the shul begins to prepare the inside to make the building fully functional.
The community is in the process of raising the funds necessary to complete the project.
Take part in this special revolution: https://givebutter.com/bly
COMMENTS
In my humble opinion the article does not do justice to the extreme uniqueness of this community. I visited for a week and couldn’t believe my eyes. I walked in at 10 in the morning and there was over a minyan of working men mostly business men and professionals learning in chavrusas. The noise felt like it was a yeshiva zal. I was welcomed warmly by numerous individuals and couldn’t help noticing the sense of brotherhood among those present.
Arriving for maariv a few minutes early, again the shul was buzzing with chavrusos.
Shabbos morning, after a well attended shiur in Likutei Torah, I was taken by the pace of davening and the serious atmosphere. The mispalelim were engrossed in davening which didn’t leave room for talking. The farbrengen was warm and gishmak.
All in all, it was an experience of witnessing a model community.