Temple Beth-El (Jersey City, New Jersey)

For other synagogues called Beth El, see Temple Beth-El (disambiguation).
Across JFK Boulevard

Temple Beth-El is a Reform synagogue in Jersey City, New Jersey.[1][2] located on Kennedy Boulevard in the Bergen Section.

History

At end of the Civil War (c. 1864-65), a group of Jews in Jersey City began to meet in study and prayer in downtown at 96 Montgomery Street, or nearby on York St. They formalized this community under the name of the Isaac Ephraim Congregation, then Beth Israel Congregation, and finally Temple Beth-El in 1871.[3]

Earliest Temple records date back to 1891. The Congregation's liberal roots can be seen throughout, including the resolution that passed overwhelmingly at the Annual Meeting on October 19, 1921, that elected a slate including three women to the board of trustees.

On property purchased in 1922, a ground-breaking ceremony took place on June 7, 1925 for a new temple. The brick, domed, Byzantine revival synagogue building was designed by architect Percie Vivarttas of Weehawken.[4][5] In early September, 1926, the new sanctuary was consecrated. At the inaugural service, the Torahs were carried in solemn procession by the officers and trustees and placed in the ark. Among the many dignitaries present were Governor A. Harry Moore, Mayor Frank Hague, Rabbi Stephen S. Wise and Rabbi Benjamin Plotkin.[3]

The condition of the building has declined, as has the congregation which is considering developing part of its property to raise funds.[6][7]

See also

References

  1. ↑ On the Jersey Waterfront, Jews Return, But Jewish Community Still Struggles, Anthony Weiss, Forward, April 24, 2009.
  2. ↑ "Reform Judaism Magazine - Jewish Journeys: The Questioner's Quest". Reformjudaismmag.org. 2008-11-01. Retrieved 2012-05-06.
  3. 1 2 "Temple Beth-El, Jersey City, NJ - History". Betheljc.org. Retrieved 2012-05-06.
  4. ↑ Jersey City Past and Present- Temple Beth El
  5. ↑ Art and Architecture of New Jersey- Beth-El, Jersey City
  6. ↑ http://www.hudsonreporter.com/view/full_stories_home/22524313/article--Temple-Beth-El-to-meet-Thursday-night-with-Lincoln-Park-community-over-planned-37-unit-senior-housing-development-?instance=up_to_the_minute_lead_story_left_column
  7. ↑ http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2015/08/jersey_city_temple_raises_1_mil_in_pledges_for_res.html

External links

Coordinates: 40°43′13″N 74°04′39″W / 40.7204°N 74.0774°W / 40.7204; -74.0774


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