Union County Torah Center

Ours is a Reform Synagogue whose members reside throughout Union County and beyond. Affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism, Temple Emanu-El was founded in 1950 and currently serves more than 1, 100 member families. The story of Temple Emanu-El is best told in its context of colonial Westfield, New Jersey. A scenic, classic American town founded in 1794, Westfield was home to only a handful of Jews beginning around the First World War. By 1950, a group of 43 families of disparate religious backgrounds came together, resolved to create a Jewish identity. At a time when Jews could not purchase land in much of Westfield, and residents circulated petitions against the building of a synagogue, these founders persevered. They created a community that flourished in size and influence, while broadening the town's understanding and vision of itself. The founding families came from Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform backgrounds, with varying attachments to each. Assisted by our first Rabbi, they devised an interpretation of Reform Judaism uniquely their own: an organic Jewish community with integrated religious, cultural, social and philanthropic efforts. Traditions of Judaism were retained, including required kipot on the bima, extensive Hebrew worship, and customary observances. For more than 60 years, Jews of all backgrounds and beliefs have felt welcome in Temple Emanu-El

Congregation Beth Israel is a conservative synagogue located in Scotch Plains, N.J. Shabbat services Friday night and Saturday morning, as well as festival, weekday and Sunday minyans are held under at the synagogue. Congregation Beth Israel also operates a religious school and offers various educational programs for more than 400 students. The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism has included the school in the framework for excellence schools category in North America. The school s curriculum includes preschool programs up to college credit courses, as well as special needs instruction. Congregation Beth Israel has an active sisterhood, men s club, adult education program and various youth groups. Other committees, ranging from social action to long-range planning, offer congregants additional opportunities to become involved in synagogue life.

Temple Beth-El Mekor Chayim, located in Cranford, NJ, is a vibrant Jewish congregation that offers a range of religious services and educational programs for its members. Under the leadership of Rabbi Paul David Kerbel, the temple fosters a strong sense of community through various events, including celebrations and support initiatives. The congregation actively engages in lifelong learning and provides opportunities for spiritual growth, including a religious school that welcomes enrollment year-round. With programs such as Sisterhood, Men's Club, and youth activities, Temple Beth-El Mekor Chayim is dedicated to enriching the lives of its members and supporting the broader community. Generated from the website