Temple Beth El

Extremely warm & welcoming congregation. No fee High Holy Day tix, First Friday Potluck Dinners @ 6:30 pm, AMAZING Rabbi, Debbie Hachen!!!, Great Hebrew School! You cannot go wrong here.
Parking is a challenge, but you’re either from JC or NYC and you can handle it — park on the side streets. It is safe, contrary to what your mother says.

This is a very old/​historical Reform synagogue in J. City, that is rejuvinating itself with a new (2 year long) Rabbi, President, & lots of updated programs. They have events for young children, a full Hebrew school from Kindergarten through Bar Mitzvah, as well as concerts, comedy nights, adult learning classes & my favorite — FIrst Friday Potluck. This is a very family-​friendly event, held the First Friday of each month, & includes a potluck dinner (each person brings a dairy/​veggie dish to be shared with everyone), followed by a wonderful musical service, and capped off by a dessert reception.
Although I am not «religious» by traditional standards, I do find that a religious service does tend to soothe the soul, especially on Fridays after a long stressful week. Plus, I really want to ensure that my 2 children are familiar with attending synagogue services.
I have found the congregation to be very warm, welcoming, & friendly. The Rabbi is down-​to-​earth, always available to answer a question, & I truly enjoy the times when we do attend. There is some difficulty with parking, but they do have use of the Bank parking lot across the street on weekends/​holidays when the bank is closed.
Overall, this is a great place for Jews or those married to/​in relationships with Jewish partners to participate, attend, & feel welcome!

Rather than feeling ephemeral («lasting for a very short time»), in reality this congregation has solid roots in the community. It was founded in 1864 and has been in its present building since 1925 – 26.
The temple has a new program, called terumah, in place that replaces traditional dues. In the Torah, terumah indicated a «free-​will» offering, not a required one. It is based on how much your heart is moved to strengthen, celebrate and grow Jewish life there.
You can follow TBE on their website (
) as well as on the social media sites Facebook and Twitter.
As I write this review, the High Holy Days are fast approaching. Everyone can obtain complimentary tickets at
. Attend services and be inspired!

The fact that Temple Beth-​El does not have a regular membership fee and that they offer access to High Holiday services to the general community is rare, generous, and compassionate, not ephemeral. I understand how keeping this community growing is a challenge, and I commend Rabbi Hachen and others who support the synagogue with their love, time, and hard work.

This is a Reform Jewish synagogue, meaning they are extremely liberal in their interpretation of traditional Jewish texts and ceremonies. Rabbi Debra Hachen is very friendly and she attracts a very diverse community. The building is old and beautiful. The roof was vandalized last year over 2 days when some thieves stole the copper from the cupola on the roof. What is ghastly is that none of the neighbors bothered calling the police about the robbery, which caused extensive damage. Temple Beth-​El does not have a regular membership fee, which somehow adds to the ephemeral feeling I have about this synagogue and its Jewish community.