Our History

Khal Mishkan Yosef, originally known as Khal Park Ave, has a rich history, proud of a legacy obtained b’swatah d’shmaya with perseverance and mesiras nefesh.
The Kehilla opened its doors on Shabbos Kodesh Parshas Mikeitz, 1989. It was the only Shul in the Village of Airmont at the time, and unbeknownst to the Kehilla, the Village of Airmont desired to stay “Shul Free”. Any attempt to obtain a permit, was confronted by opposition from community activists.
The Kehilla then successfully challenged a new zoning law specifically drafted to inhibit and discourage the growth of the Orthodox Jewish community in the village. This was back in 1991 when Airmont was just incorporated as a Village within the Town of Ramapo. It was home to a population of eight thousand, only eighteen families of which were frum Jews.
Had the Village of Airmont had its way, through requiring among other things, a minimum lot size of two acres for each house of worship, the growth of the Monsey community would have been effectively blocked. The cost of building a synagogue by families within walking distance would have been astronomical.
The legal history of the lawsuits and counter lawsuits, resulting, in this case meandering its way up to the US Supreme Court, is well documented. It reflects a victory b’ezras Hashem, that was twenty-four years in the making; a victory that has had a profound impact advancing religious freedom and minority rights, Jewish and non-Jewish alike, throughout the United States. The landmark United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit decision upholding the right to establish a house of worship despite discriminatory zoning laws, was years in the making. That appellate decision has been enormously influential and has been cited and relied upon in no fewer than 319 federal and state published judicial opinions. It laid the groundwork for religious rights in the zoning context nationally, and it later underscored the need for enacting the federal RLUIPA (Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons) statute.​

Copyright 2013. Khal Mishkan Yosef. All rights reserved.

About Khal Mishkan Yosef

Khal Mishkan Yosef

Who We Are

Welcome to Mishkan Yosef! Mishkan Yosef  is a Shul located in the heart of  Airmont, the southern section of Monsey, NY.  Mishkan Yosef is passionate about Teffila, Torah learning, and spiritual growth, with an emphasis on Midos Tovos and Achdus, unity and harmony. We presently have a full Shabbos schedule,  Kiddush and Halacha shiur after Shacharis, Daf yomi shiur on Shabbos afternoon, with a communal Shalosh Seudos after Mincha. Our doors and arms are open and welocoming. Join us!