Monmouth Reform Temple, 332 Hance Ave, Tinton Falls
Background: According to the synagogue’s official history, posted on its website, “In early 1959, about 29 families discussed forming the first Reform Jewish congregation to serve the area around Red Bank, New Jersey. In June of that year, 50 families attended a dinner celebrating the founding of Monmouth Reform Temple.”
Until March 1967, the home of the temple, now located in Tinton Falls, was a Presbyterian Church. Among its clergy has been Rabbi Sally J. Priesand, who was ordained as America’s first female rabbi in 1972, became spiritual leader of Monmouth Reform Temple (MRT) in 1981. She retired in 2006, after 25 years of service, becoming Rabbi Emerita.
Rabbi Renee Goldberg Edelman is the current spiritual leader.
Cantor Clissold joined the MRT clergy team in 2002.
Dean Ross is serving as President.
Contact information: info@monmouthreformtemple.org and (732) 747-9365.
What are the most popular of your synagogue’s programs and/or services?
• Tuesday morning study group led by Rabbi Edelman
• Religious School K-12 including a Mitzvah Academy
• Adult Education lectures, programs and speakers
• Annual Mitzvah Day
• Justice Shabbat for MLK birthday with African American Church
• High Holy Days
• Congregational Seder
• Hanukkah Shabbat Service and Dinner
• Purimshpiel play and Dinner
• Sisterhood Book Club
• Gan Mazon-Community Garden
• Beach Services
What programs and/or services do you think capture the synagogue’s underlying philosophy?
We do not require a set amount of money to join our temple family. We ask people to make a pledge of what they can give. We also, however, have a strong Life & Legacy Program in which members have donated thousands of dollars to keep the synagogue thriving.
What is the most unique aspect of your synagogue?
We are open to all interfaith and LGBTQ families with a strong focus on Tikkun Olam, repairing the world. Our outreach in our local community is historic and unparalleled. Among the local agencies that benefit from our donations of time and funds: The Center in Asbury Park, Lunch Break, Fulfill Food Bank, JBJ Soul Kitchen, and Interfaith Neighbors.
one of the Mitzvah Day activities
Have you implemented any changes based on the COVID experience? What is the most unique aspect of your synagogue?
While we had Live Stream capabilities in our sanctuary before the pandemic, we have used the technology more so since 2020. Most of our meetings, and many of our programs, are now offered on Zoom.
Are there any other challenges you’ve overcome that you’d like to share, so others can learn from your experience?
We never closed our religious school during the pandemic. Our clergy and staff have been incredible in their flexibility and caring for our MRT families. Students faced many challenges, but we rose to the occasion including b’nai mitzvahs remotely at the start of the pandemic.
What would you say to encourage someone to join your synagogue?
Come visit on a Friday night for Shabbat, call our Rabbi and our Cantor, see what we are all about. All of our programs are open to everyone, there are no fees to participate. We welcome everyone!
Joann Abraham began chronicling Jewish life as editor of Monmouth County’s Jewish newspaper, now defunct, and has written for national and international publications. She is a contributing writer to Jlife Magazine.
