There has been only a mild Iranian influence on the prayers, although the synagogue has adapted some Mizrahi melodies for use during services. Rabbi Feinstein believes that there will be more of an Iranian influence in the generations to come. There is a sense of community, Iranians are the most pro-Israel people in the community and there is a strong core of pro-Israel people that help the community.

Friday nights have become family night. This is an Iranian custom that many Ashkenazi families have learned from the Iranians in the VBS community. Ashkenazi families have embraced the idea that Friday nights are dedicated to spending time with family and inviting grandparents to one’s house. VBS has services that end early on Friday nights so members can arrive home early for Shabbat dinner. Although the Iranian influence is one-sided, in the future, as Iranians open up more and assimilate, their influence will grow as well, benefiting the community.

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