About Us
Congregation B’nai Jeshurun is a vibrant and welcoming Reform Congregation where Jews-by-birth, Jews-by-choice, interfaith families, as well as traditional and non-traditional families, celebrate our Jewish faith and heritage.
The heart of B’nai Jeshurun is our faith, our commitment to Tikkun Olam (Social Justice), tzedakah, and the study of Torah. Together as a community, we come together to welcome Shabbat, celebrate High Holy Days and Festivals, and share in Life Cycle events.
Visitors are often struck by the vivacious energy at B’nai Jeshurun. Our classrooms reverberate with the sound of children’s laughter, song and vivacious discussions. Throughout the day and evening, adults engage in scholarly workshops and programs, and committee meetings and clubs that enrich our lives and strengthen our community.
Our clergy and staff are deeply committed to serving the needs of each of our members. Together with our President and our Board of Trustees, we strive to ensure that at B’nai Jeshurun you will find a home away from home and a caring extended family, which is the essence of Jewish communal life.
In 1848, a small group of families from Central Europe settled in Newark, New Jersey. Dedicated to perpetuating Jewish tradition, they established rented rooms in an old building on High Street in Newark and founded Congregation B’nai Jeshurun (Children of the Upright). Read More
Rabbi Matthew D. Gewirtz began his tenure as the Senior Rabbi of Congregation B’nai Jeshurun in July 2006. Rabbi Gewirtz and his family relocated to Maplewood from New York City where he served as Senior Associate Rabbi of Congregation Rodeph Sholom. Read More
Alice Lutwak has committed her professional life to Judaism. Previously, she was the Executive Director of Temple Beth El in Chappaqua, NY, and the Fiscal Administrator and Director of Operations of the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) in Manhattan. Read More
If you would like to contact our Board of Trustees, please send an email to tbjboardoftrustees@tbj.org. Read More
In the early 1960s, Congregation B’nai Jeshurun was searching for a location where they could build a beautiful temple that would accommodate its growing membership and inspire a love for Judaism and Jewish traditions in their children and future generations. Read More
It is always easier and kinder to our loved ones if we plan for the inevitable far in advance. Our congregation is fortunate to own and maintain 25 acres in nearby Elizabeth. Read More