Dear Friends,

Shalom, I am thrilled to welcome you to Temple Israel and Jewish Community Center.  Our community is welcoming and haimish, nurturing each person’s personal Jewish journey through prayer, social gatherings, community service and learning. With a deep care for and engagement from all our members, from our newborns to young families to esteemed seniors, Temple Israel is our home away from home.

Our Conservative synagogue was founded in a little house on Oak Street in Ridgewood in 1952, in a neighborhood of 17 churches. Today, Temple Israel and Jewish Community Center has grown into a vibrant synagogue housed in a spacious, elegant, and modern facility. We have earned the respect and appreciation of our neighbors, thanks to our mission of out-reach and tikkun olam (repairing the world).

Our Conservative, egalitarian services are just the right size to enjoy an intimate haimish atmosphere that is energized by our congregants.  We are led by Rabbi Fine’s wisdom, intellect and warmth and cantor Caitlin Bromberg’s lyrical, spiritual voice and engaging presence on and off the bimah. Adults and children regularly ascend the bimah to daven prayers and leyn torah. Children can also choose one of the several age-appropriate programs and services held each Shabbat.

Under the guidance of our full-time educational director, Rabbi Sharon Litwin oversees our religious school. Our school begins with a monthly Pre-K program for 3-4 year olds. Our nurturing Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade programs meets once a week. Our outstanding religious school program takes place two days per week for our 3rd-7th graders. Sunday programming includes a special student led service, cultural activities including Israeli dance, cooking, art and music as well as Hebrew and Judaica. Our families celebrate their children’s magnificent B’nai Mitzvah with the love and support of our beaming community. Many students continue their studies at prominent area Hebrew High Schools.

Social highlights include a Spring Fling and dance, family Shabbat dinners, sporting events, and cultural outings, a winning softball team in the Ridgewood area church league, an active senior citizens group (Hazak), the Brandeis Men’s Club, Sisterhood, youth groups and a Purim carnival where adults costumes rival those of the children.

As I hope you will see, Temple Israel and Jewish Community Center is a big tent with a variety of doorways sure to engage you no matter where you and your family are on your Jewish journeys.

Please call on me or any of our professional staff if we may answer your questions and possibly give you a tour as you get to know Temple Israel.

Warm regards,

Bob Smolen, Membership Chairperson
membership@synagogue.org