This week-end marks the eighty-fifth anniversary of New Jersey’s oldest Jewish congregation, Temple B’nai Jeshurun of this city. The celebration started Friday evening and will be concluded with a fellowship service this afternoon.
Originally founded in 1848, the congregation worshipped in rented buildings for a decade, and in 1858 established its first house of worship on Washington Street. The temple has adhered to Reform Judaism ritual since 1903 when it adopted the Union Prayer Book. In 1915, it dedicated its present edifice at High Street and Waverly Avenue and later added a spacious center building and assembly hall.
The late Rabbi Joseph Leucht served the congregation as spiritual leader for many years. In 1902, Rabbi Solomon Foster became Rabbi Leucht’s associate, later succeeding him and has served the congregation continuously. Among members of the congregation are Louis Bamberger, Mrs. Felix Fuld and Freeholder Philip Lindeman former president. The present head is former County Prosecutor Jacob L. Newman, whose father also was active in congregational affairs for many years.
At Friday night’s services, the anniversary sermon was preached by Rabbi William H. Fineshriber of Philadelphia and greetings were extended by Governor Moore and Mayor Ellenstein. The sermon at yesterday’s Sabbath services was by Rabbi Abraham J. Feldman of Hartford, Conn.
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