We at Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, Nathan Barnert Memorial Temple, are proud of being the oldest Reform Jewish Congregation in New Jersey. Since 1847, when six Jewish men gathered for the first time in a small store in Paterson, our Congregation has evolved and adapted to the changing needs of its congregants. Although originally organized as an Orthodox synagogue, by the 1880’s the Congregation made the transition to Reform Judaism— a movement that was steadily gaining in popularity in the United States. Barnert Temple, affiliated with the Union of Reform Judaism (URJ), 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. We are large enough to serve the diverse needs of our congregants, but small enough to provide an inclusive, comfortable and nurturing environment. Indeed, the Barnert “success story” can be seen in virtually all aspects of Temple life.

Since relocating to Franklin Lakes in 1987, many young families with children have joined our Congregation.  We have a thriving Religious School program and progressive preschool and kindergarten programs, which are currently celebrating their 20th anniversary under the direction of Sara Losch.

Through our Speaker Series, we have been honored to host programs on contemporary Jewish topics featuring such dignitaries as Abba Eban, Elie Wiesel, Ed Koch and Leah Rabin, and such personalities as Beverly Sills and Alan Dershowitz.

The temple provides a warm inviting atmosphere for worship where we draw closer to God. We strive to be a congregation whose members are concerned about Judaism as well as each other. Most importantly, we commit our voices, our collective efforts and our resources to make a positive difference in the quality of Jewish life in our community. As we move through the 21st Century, we seek to secure the future of Barnert Temple to ensure Jewish well-being as a leading force of Jewish spirituality in Northern New Jersey.

Many of our B’nai Mitzvah students elect to continue their Jewish education and enroll in our Academy program—a noteworthy achievement. One goal of our Religious School program is to emphasize leadership training among our youth to provide for the future of our congregation and the Jewish community. To foster this goal, we have a vibrant and thriving youth group under the leadership of Zack & Melissa Kolstein, our youth directors, who help coordinate educational, cultural, social and mitzvah programs.

Our Adult Education programs are a growing source of enrichment and learning for our adult members with a curriculum encompassing weekly Hebrew and Torah classes and courses on special topics such as Jewish Mysticism and Interfaith Marriage.

Our Men’s Club and Sisterhood continue to be integral, active elements of Congregational life. They promote many social and educational programs throughout the year, including a variety of tzedakah projects. The holiday celebrations, dinners and Seders, which they sponsor, are often filled to capacity.

We welcome any questions you may have about our congregation, preschool, religious school or membership.  We highly encourage anyone interested in our congregation and community to visit us.  For more information about our Temple or to schedule a visit, contact Alice Kintisch, Membership Liaison, at (201) 848-1800 or alicek1847@barnerttemple.org.  For information about our preschool or religious school, contact Sara Losch, Director of Lifelong Learning, at (201) 848-1027 or schooloffice@barnerttemple.org.