Temple Emeth FAQ

Q. What is the history of Temple Emeth ?

Temple Emeth is a Reform Jewish congregation in which a congregant (male or female) wearing a kippah and tallit can worship next to another congregant wearing neither; where some bow and others do not; where gender preferences and orientation are not an issue; where interfaith families are welcomed; in short, where diversity is embraced.

Founded in 1947, Emeth was the first Reform congregation in Bergen County. We think of Emeth as a very special place. Over the years, we have often heard comments about the warmth people feel when they come through our doors, and even though a good 30 percent of our members have joined in the past few years, we think that we have maintained that "family" feeling.

We are most fortunate in having had, over the last 46 years, three dynamic rabbis: Joshua Trachtenberg, Louis J. Sigel and Eric S. Gurvis, each of whom brought his own brand of leadership and scholarship into our midst.

In July, 2003, Rabbi Steven Sirbu became the spiritual leader of Temple Emeth.
(See "Leadership" and "From The Rabbi" for more information about Rabbi Sirbu.)

Among the broad spectrum of activities and programs at Temple Emeth, we take particular pride in our adult education and social action programs. Adult Ed includes a weekly "mini-university" with a variety of courses on many subjects, Lunch and Learn, a devoted Torah Study group of about 30 individuals, an adult bat-mitzvah class (in 1999), Shabbatons in members' homes and an annual Kallah weekend that draws close to 50 people, both couples and individuals. Social action programs range from Mitzvah Day, which serves the needs of people throughout the community, to a huge Yom Kippur food collection, to providing a shelter for the homeless. (Temple Emeth was the first area synagogue to offer this service.)

The arts and culture are also a vital part of Temple Emeth. Our newly renovated facility includes a museum that houses traveling exhibits and, on occasion, work by our own members; the Rabbi Joshua Trachtenberg Memorial Library, known for its extensive Judaica collection, is a gem of a space for reading or browsing; the Albert and Mildred Otten Institute for Living Arts presents an annual array of performances.

We are especially pleased that our membership of more than 400 households is drawn from over 35 communities, and that so many of our newer members, ranging in age from parents of infants to grandparents of adults, have become an active and vital part of our community.

Q. How do I join Temple Emeth ?

Please contact Larry Silver, Temple Emeth Membership Chairs, or our Temple Administrator, Marion Schechter , at 201-833-1322. They will be very happy to help you.

The hours for our Friday evening and Shabbat morning services are posted on the Calendar page, please feel free to attend and discover what a welcome and caring congregation Temple Emeth is.

Q. How can I rent Temple Emeth for a special occasion ?

The newly renovated Temple Emeth boasts a beautifully decorated Social Hall, Youth Lounge and Entry Foyer. Our Social Hall can accommodate a party of 200-250 people and includes a large 24' x 28' wood dance floor. The same room can accommodate 500 guests when used as an auditorium (without the dance floor). The Youth Lounge can accommodate smaller, more informal get-togethers, while the Entry Foyer is perfect for a dramatic cocktail reception. The huge kitchen boasts all new Hobart commercial appliances; including two large refrigerator units and a king size freezer, large capacity dishwasher, several large stainless steel counter and sink work areas. The kitchen is also equipped with a double size gas range including three ovens, as well as a warming oven. For more information about Temple Emeth -- "A Special Place for Your Special Occasion" -- contact Marion Schechter, Temple Administrator at 201-833-1322.

Q. How can I sponsor a Friday Shabbat Service Oneg for a special occasion ?

Please contact Ruth Adler or Marion Schechter, Temple Administrator at 201-833-1322, to determine availabilities and costs and to make arrangements.