Our Roots
In the summer of 1960, ten very committed and determined Jewish families founded Temple Shalom (Roxbury Reform Temple). Within three years, the congregation had formed a Sisterhood, a Brotherhood, and a Youth Group, while holding services at borrowed facilities. In 1965, construction began on our four-and-a-half acre site on South Hillside Avenue. To keep pace with its growing membership, the original structure was expanded in 1976 and again in 1988-89. The building now houses a spacious sanctuary, a large and attractive social hall, administrative offices, a youth lounge, twenty classrooms, and a large meeting room. From ten original families, we have grown into a medium-sized synagogue that is small enough to be personal and large enough to encompass a variety of interests and activities.
Our Mission
At Temple Shalom, we celebrate Reform Judaism in words and music, through action and interaction, with emphasis on Jewish traditions. We embrace our Jewish identity through Nefashot, our passion to touch the hearts and souls of everyone around us. We are a supportive, caring, extended family, welcoming all and serving a broad area of northwestern New Jersey. We strive to:
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Provide Jewish education for youth and adults;
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Offer opportunities for Spiritual, personal and communal growth;
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Engage in Tikkun Olam, tangible actions for the betterment of the world;
Our Office
Office Hours
Our Temple Office hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM & Friday 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The offices are closed on Tuesdays. Office personnel will gladly answer any questions or direct you appropriately. The Temple Office phone number is 973-584-5666 and press 5 for our Temple Administrator. The Religious School phone number is 973-584-5666 and press 3.
Facilities
Our building houses a spacious sanctuary, a beautiful chapel, an administrative and school office complex, twenty classrooms, a youth lounge, the Florence and Ed Gates Founder’s Hall meeting space and Goldberg Judaic Studies Center and Library. Using modern technology to support the mission and tradition of our ancestors, we have WIFI connectivity throughout our building, streaming capabilities in our sanctuary, multi-media panels and a smart board. Our renovated Social Hall and Kitchen serve as a hub for many social gatherings and celebrations and are available for rental.