WELCOME TO BARNERT TEMPLE!

We are glad you are here! The Nathan Barnert Memorial Temple (Congregation B'nai Jeshurun) is a Reform congregation located in Franklin Lakes, NJ. We are proud of being the oldest Reform Jewish Congregation in New Jersey.  Barnert Temple is affiliated with the Union of Reform Judaism (URJ) and is proud to participate in and support the great traditions and purposes of the URJ.  Today, as it has been through our 160-year history, our mission is to be a sacred community committed to offering Reform Jewish experiences that are relevant, accessible, and meaningful for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Under the leadership of Rabbi Elyse Frishman and Cantor Leon Sher, we are a spiritual center for approximately 480 member families from more than 36 surrounding communities in northern NJ and the New York suburbs. We are large enough to serve the diverse needs of our congregants, but small enough to provide an inclusive, comfortable and nurturing environment.

We hope you will take the time to learn more about us. Learn about our various events, our preschool and religious school, our adult education offerings and all that Barnert Temple has to offer. To schedule a tour or learn about membership, contact our Membership Liaison at (201) 848-1800.

UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
For a complete list of events, visit our online calendar.

URGENT ACTION NEEDED: VOICE YOUR OPPOSITION TO STOP ISRAEL'S PROPOSED COVERSION LAW
The Knesset in Israel is likely to vote this week on a Conversion Bill that could change Israel's landscape permanently on the question of who is a Jew. It is likely to affect at least one person in your family. Please click the above link to read critical information from the Israel Religious Action Center. Included is information to sign the IRAC's petition as well as a sample letter you can send to Michael Oren, the US Ambassador to Israel, and to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyu. It is crucial to send this out as soon as you read it. Your voice counts; our voices count. If we make them heard.Thank you, Rabbi Elyse Frishman

Rabbi Frishman's Blog from Uganda & Kenya
Our Rabbi is currently on a very special trip to Uganda and Kenya with the American Jewish World Service. She is posting daily messages with her observations and insights. We encourage all of you to take a look and learn about the challenges faced in this region of the world as well as the social action work we are doing to make a difference.

Jewish Film Festival: 3 Nights, 3 Films, 3 Distinct Jewish Stories
Join us on Wednesdays, Mar. 3, 10 and 17, for three nights of film and discussion. Our films are old and new, each presenting intriguing situations and questions. Popcorn, coffee and tea will be served. All are welcome to this free series.

Calling all Barnert Women for the Intergenerational Women's Choir
Women of all ages are welcome to join the the 2nd annual Intergenerational Barnert Womens' Choir. We'll be singing at Sisterhood Shabbat on Friday, Mar. 26. Rehearsals to learn contemporary, fun music, written by songwriters such as Debbie Friedman and Peri Smilow, will be Mar. 3, from 6:30 to 7 pm; and Mar. 10, 17 and 23, from 7:30 to 9 pm. For more information or to sign-up, contact Annice Benamy or Cantor Sher.

Caring for Our Caregivers Support Group: Next Meeting Thursday, March, 18 at 7 pm
This support group is intended to help those who are caring for aging or infirm parents or relatives. We hope to provide a caring environment to help us learn from and support one another. If you plan on attending our next meeting (or are interested but can't attend this meeting), send your name and phone number to Roberta Hong.

Sisterhood Game Night: Monday, Mar. 15 at 7 pm
The fun starts at 7 pm. Please bring your favorite game and a snack to share (dessert, appetizer or beverage). RSVP by Mar. 12 to Rita Kron.

Support the URJ's Efforts to Help Earthquake Victims in Haiti
The Reform Jewish community has a long history of generosity when natural disasters devastate communities around the world. Your generosity at this critical time enables us to play a role in recovery efforts and bring healing and hope to those whose lives have been affected. Click the above link for details on how you can make a donation to help this important effort.

Check Us Out on YouTube!
In our ongoing quest to connect with members, personally and virtually, our leaders are now using YouTube to share their insights and messages with you. Check out Rabbi Frishman and Sara Losch's first set of monthly video messages to the congregation. There are also additional video messages about our Preschool and Religious School. Take a look and let us know what you think!

Prizes Wanted for the Mitzvah Mall and Casino Night!
Two significant events at Barnert Temple are rapidly approaching - Mitzvah Mall on March, 14 and Casino Night on March, 20. For both events we are looking for donations to make up prize baskets and silent auction items. We need the big ones – sporting event and show tickets, empty vacation houses or the services that you or your business specialize in. We also need the smaller ones – the extra, unused stuff that we all collect without trying. If you can help, please contact Marian Filan or Patricia Cantor.

Preschool & Camp Registration is Now Underway!  Secure Your Spot Today!
Registration for our top-notch preschool and day camp programs is now open to the general public. Don't miss your opportunity to secure your spot for the 2010 summer and the 2010-11 school year. Click the above link to learn more about our programs and access registration forms online.  Secure your spot today!

Keep Your Unused Items Out of Landfills - Donate to CUMAC in Paterson
If you have gently used clothing, furniture, house wares, etc., that you are discarding, the CUMAC organization, located in Paterson, will take your donations. CUMAC (formerly CUMAC/ECHO) has been a vital resource to the Paterson community for over 30 years. They are primarily a food pantry that feeds roughly 2,000 people monthly, but they also assist their community with donated clothing, furniture, and other items as needed. These items are either sold in their thrift store, with proceeds going to further CUMAC's good work, or they are given to families in need. CUMAC can usually pick-up your items, although drop-offs are always appreciated. For more info, contact CUMAC at (973)742-5518.

Barnert's Africa Initiatives Receive Press Coverage
Barnert Temple launched its Africa Initiative on Oct. 18. Projects include a youth program to raise relief funds and awareness for victims in Darfur as well as projects linking Barnert with schools in Uganda and helping nascent women’s cooperatives expand their effectiveness in Rwanda. Learn more about these efforts and the press coverage Barnert is receiving for its commitment to and work in Africa.

Support the Call for the State of Israel to Officially Recognize Rabbi Miri Gold
As you know, we continue to participate in the legal struggle for equal religious rights in Israel. Through the Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC) website, we are offered an important opportunity to participate. When you click on the Israel RAC link, and sign the online petition, you will be supporting a pending case before the Supreme Court to recognize Rabbi Miri Gold as a Rabbi in Israel. This will open yet another door to affirming our rights as Reform Jews, and as egalitarian Jews, in Israel.

Act Now to Free Gilad Shalit!
As many of you know, the issue to free Gilad Shalit is very important to the Jewish community. We invite you to participate in an international letter-writing campaign targeting President Obama, Secretary of State Clinton, and Special Envoy George Mitchell, asking them to make Gilad's freedom an international priority. Click on the above link to learn more.