CLOSTER, N.J.—For a stronger bond to be forged, members of Closter’s Temple Beth El said goodbye to their longtime home on Schraalenburgh Road, holding their final service Saturday, June 14, then walking in a Torah procession from Closter to Temple Beth Or in Washington Township.
The 6-mile trek was the latest portion of a journey to come together as a new congregation—Kol Dorot: A Reform Jewish Community—which leaders from temples Beth El and Beth Or hope will strengthen and protect their faith and traditions for years to come, at a new facility in Oradell.
“We are a strong community from our history as Temple Beth El and will grow stronger still in our next iteration,” said Rabbi David Widzer of Temple Beth El/Kol Dorot. “And, adding our strength to the strength of Temple Beth Or, we will strengthen one another in this new community.”
The newly merged congregation will continue to worship in Township of Washington throughout the summer until their new facility at 660 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell is ready.
A Korean Church purchased the Closter facility, said Kol Dorot member Alyssa Latner, also a Closter councilwoman. Online searches show Han Moory Church has moved into the space.
The two congregations decided to merge more than a year ago.
“Temple Beth El and Temple Beth Or have been weaving ourselves together for more than a year…We have achieved many milestones—a new name, a new location,” said Rabbi Noah Fabricant of Temple Beth Or/Kol Dorot, adding that they are now working to “achieve our vision for Kol Dorot.”
Latner told Northern Valley Press that Reform Judaism is grappling with a decline as people confront the role of faith in the context of a busy modern schedule.
“The truth is, they are trying to examine what is the next chapter of Reform Judaism because there has been this decline,” she said, adding that the Union of Reform Judaism is the overseeing entity uniting reform congregations.
“With Reform Judaism, you will see a lot more women in leadership roles,” said Latner. “My daughter grew up having a female cantor, a female rabbi and a female principal.”
Temple Beth El has also been known for its unique and engaging programming, including the popular “Prayers on the Palisades” series, which sees Shabbat services held outdoors atop the landmark Palisades cliffs in Alpine.
The new congregation will offer preschool and host religious services.
At the conclusion of the Torah procession, there was a ceremony to install the Torahs, followed by a food truck and ice cream celebration. On Saturday night, Temple Beth Or shared memories with artifacts and photos from its 60-year history at a Havdalah service and toast.
“Over the weekend, outgoing presidents Lee Anne Luing of Temple Beth Or and Angela Schuster of Temple Beth El were thanked and praised, while incoming presidents Donna Selby and Joel Rubin were celebrated.”
The newly merged congregation conducted its first Shabbat on June 21.
The next “Prayers on the Palisades” will be held Friday, July 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the State Line Lookout off the Palisades Parkway. The event is open to all.
State Line Lookout is situated at the highest point on the Palisades Cliffs with a large parking lot. Enter off the northbound Palisades Interstate Parkway 2 miles north of Exit 2. Bring your own lawn chairs (and bug spray if needed).
In case of rain, the service will be held at Kol Dorot, 56 Ridgewood Road, Washington Township. A second Prayers on the Palisades this summer will be held on Friday, August 23.
