Jewish communities merge into one congregation
FRANKLIN — Two Sussex County Jewish congregations recently combined to create a new congregation, named B'nai Shalom of Sussex County.
Temple Shalom in Franklin and the Jewish Center of Sussex County in Newton merged to create a community under the leadership of Rabbi Josh Cantor. The group will still use both locations.
The Jewish Center of Sussex County, a conservative congregation, was formed about 75 years ago. The founding fathers were predominantly local Jewish businessmen from Spring Street. Its synagogue building is a historic landmark in the area.
Temple Shalom , a reform congregation, was founded in Vernon in the late 1960s. In the early 1970s, it took over the Sons of Israel Synagogue building in Franklin that was founded in the late 1800 by a group of Jewish merchants from Franklin. Its synagogue building was originally a church built in the early 1800s.
For continuity the newly formed B’nai Shalom will have co-presidents, Robert Levy of Temple Shalom and Robert Richman of the Jewish Center Of Sussex County, as well as a merged Board of Trustees. Services will continue at both locations. Friday Shabbat services will be in Franklin and Saturday morning services will be in Newton .
From coast to coast mergers of smaller synagogues are taking place to contain expenses while offering religious services, life cycle events and social events to larger geographic areas. As a sign of the times, smaller churches are merging as well.
B’nai Shalom’s Hebrew School will continue to serve Jewish children at the Franklin location. With additional teachers, a growing school is anticipated.
In a statement both presidents said, “We are excited to announce this merger to cement and serve Judaism and have a greater presence in the area while providing services to all regardless of affiliation.”
A Sabbath schedule and High Holiday Schedule will be announced as the holidays are almost upon us. Contact either location, or soon to be new website, for further information.