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    (Scroll down to view all items.  For a complete list of events, visit our online calendar.)

The Barnert Bulletin has Officially Gone Green! Find Out What This Means for You!
Beginning July 2009, if you have an email address on file, you will receive a monthly email with a link to our bulletin on the Barnert Temple website. Those who don’t have an email address on file will still receive the printed version. But for the growing number who want a cheaper, greener, online alternative to the traditional bulletin, your answer is here! This small change will help us save approximately 80,000 sheets of paper and thousands of dollars each year! Click on the above link and learn more about this important step Barnert is taking.

Summer Shabbat Service Schedule Begins This Friday, July 3
During the summer months, Shabbat worship starts at 7 pm followed by an Oneg Shabbat. Summer services are move informal and, weather permitting, are held outdoors on our beautiful patio. End your week with music, inspiration, friends, food, and a chance to take a deep Shabbat breath.

Special Summer Study with Rabbi Frishman
On Wednesday mornings this summer, Rabbi Frishman's God Talk sessions will focus on personal character. What does Judaism teach about personal character? Come join a study of the great 12th century sage Maimonides' work on character traits. Note: If you would like to participate but can't during the day, contact Helen Milstein. If there is sufficient interest, the Rabbi will organize a Wednesday evening study group.

Are You Looking for a Religious School Class for Pre-K and Kindergarten Children? Let us Know by July 24th
We are exploring the possibility of offering a Religious School class for pre-k and kindergarten-aged children on Sunday mornings from 8:30 - 10:30 am, beginning this fall. We need a minimum of 10 children. If you are interested, contact Helen Fleischman via email or at (201) 848-1027 by July 24. This is a great way for preschool grads to stay connected to their Jewish peers and community.

Don't Forget to Update Your Online Membership Profile
Please be sure to complete your online membership profile. It's simple and shouldn't take more than 5 minutes (for most it takes even less). All members who update their profile by July 7 will be entered into a drawing for gifts cards from Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts and Barnes and Noble. Just click the link above to access the profile update screen.

Join Rabbi Soffin on the "Build Up Israel" Trip: February 11-21, 2010
Spend five days building a library for teens in Ofakim, side by side with Israelis. Live with local families. We will synch up with Rabbi Frishman's Israel trip to celebrate Shabbat together. Only 11 places — for adults over 18 years old. All the spots are reserved for Barnert Temple members until July 1. Contact Rabbi Soffin today to join or for more details. This trip is co-sponsored by Barnert Temple and Jewish Helping Hands.

Barnert Gets Down to Business at the Annual Congregational Meeting
The Congregation held its annual meeting on Sunday, June 7th. The general business of the Temple was discussed and the Board of Trustees, Advisory Board members and Officers were elected. Click the above link to read the Rabbi and President's speech, access committee reports and meet the 2009 President's Award recipients.

Summer Networking Opportunities at Barnert with the Temple Community Network (TCN)
TCN is a networking group that is currently focused on the job search needs of our community. Whether you are in transition/job search mode, or are currently employed and can offer assistance, we encourage you to participate. Networking is the key to success, and helping others benefits you and the community! You do not need to be a member to participate.

Religious School Introduces Yom Kehillah (Day of Community) to its Program for Grades 3-6 
Yom Kehillah is a new and innovative community-wide program for Religious School students in grades 3-6, their parents, and all interested adults. Yom Kehillah will offer children and their parents time to learn together as well as time to study separately, creating unique opportunities for intergenerational learning and exchange. Learn more about this program and what it means for students in grades 3-6 and their families.

Barnert Cares About You!
If you are going through difficult financial times or there are health issues in your home or with your parents, we’d like to support you. Please contact Rabbi Frishman at or Pam Himeles.

Now Available for Viewing: Photos of Recent Wonderful Barnert Events!
Now posted on our Barnert Temple Web site's Photo Gallery are photos of Sara Losch's 20th Anniversary Shabbat Celebration, Confirmation, Zahal Shalom and A Celebration of Giving. Special thanks to Len Diamond for providing hundreds of photos. We now have a full year's worth of event photos on our site. Happy viewing!

Congrats to Stars in Our Community!
Congratulations to Linda Fiddle, who received the 2009 Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference. Linda was recognized for her work as founder and executive director of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation, which develops and awards grants to programs that enrich the lives of adolescents and adults with Autism. Congratulations to Amy Shafron, who was honored as a “Rising Star” by the UJA-NNJ Women’s Division, for her wonderful volunteer work for the UJA-NNJ and the surrounding community. Click here to view Amy's speech. Barnert Temple is proud of Linda’s and Amy’s accomplishments and the special honors they received. Mazal Tov to both!

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.

Want to Know What Jewish Teens at Barnert are Up To? Sign up for BarTY Email!
If you are a Jewish teen, parent of a Jewish teen or just someone who wants to know what BarTY is up to, you can now sign up for email updates from BarTY. Signing up is easy and you can stop receiving emails at any time. Click the above link for more info.