June marked the 60th anniversary of Temple Shalom of Aberdeen. The temple was founded by a small group of pioneering Jews who moved into what was then Matawan Township. Over the winter of 1962 and the spring of 1963, twelve families started to organize a Reform Jewish Temple for residents of the Strathmore development and surrounding communities. Since its founding, Temple Shalom has endeavored to meet the spiritual, cultural and social needs of the Reform Jewish Community of Northern Monmouth and Southeastern Middlesex counties.. It has also worked to help the well-being of the entire community.
Services and religious school were originally held in Strathmore School, in the now defunct Plaza Theater in Hazlet, in the Matawan Regional High School auditorium and at other area locations. The temple’s building, at 5 Ayrmont Lane, was constructed in 1967 and was finished in time for the High Holidays that year.
In 1999, Rabbi Laurence P. Malinger became the spiritual leader following the retirement of Rabbi Henry M. Weiner who had served for thirty-two years.
The anniversary was commemorated at services on Friday, June 2nd and Saturday, June 3rd. The Friday evening service included several former students of Temple Shalom’s religious school who have gone on to become Jewish professionals—rabbis, cantors, and educators.
A special commemorative gala took place on Saturday evening. It included a cocktail hour followed by dinner and dancing. It also included the presentation of an award celebrating Rabbi Malinger’s 30 years of Rabbinic Service. Cantor Sarah Zemel was honored for receiving her doctorate. The Commitment to Community Award was presented to Mt. Sinai Memorial Chapels of East Brunswick which was voted the best Jewish funeral home in Central New Jersey.
For more information please visit https://templeshalomnj.org.
