About RTBI

Reconstructionist Temple Beth Israel—Bergen County’s Only Reconstructionist Synagogue

Reconstructionist Temple Beth Israel (RTBI) is  a small congregation with a history and a tradition that dates back to the 1920s. At the same time we are an evolving Reconstructionist congregation unique to the Bergen County area, and which reflects the changing dynamics of our community and of Judaism today. Among our ranks are young families, mature couples, members of the LGBT community, singles, interfaith, and non-traditional families, all from diverse backgrounds of religious observance and Jewish knowledge.

We seek to combine the best of these various perspectives to create a warm, welcoming and embracing atmosphere. We maintain a strong commitment to traditions and practices that have defined us, while also recognizing that we can and must be able to adapt these traditions to the new circumstances and challenges that we face in our synagogue, our homes, our workplaces and our communities.

As a participatory congregation, we act in partnership with our rabbi to formulate guidelines and practices that apply our Jewish traditions most meaningfully to our modern times. Our process of values-based decision making, a Reconstructionist practice, helps us define our communal policies and practices.

Come join us for erev Shabbat services most Friday nights at 8:00 and Saturday mornings at 10:00 or come for holiday celebrations. Check out Services for more information and to find out about Open House services, where newcomers are invited to join us in discussions about various aspects of Reconstructionism. We hope to see you there!

History

Temple Beth Israel was established in 1928 and since that time it has been the only synagogue in Maywood, New Jersey. The temple is housed in a beautiful old building with wooden interiors which was originally built as a church, but which has been home to Temple Beth Israel since 1931. In 1952 an extension was added with meeting rooms, school rooms, offices and an alternate sanctuary. The temple grounds also include a parsonage house.

RTBI began as a Conservative synagogue. In 1997, seeking a new path for the congregation, the temple members voted to affiliate with the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation.
 Rabbi Jarah Greenfield joined us in 2007.