We have exciting news to share about Temple Shaari Emeth (TSE). Temple Rodeph Torah (TRT), the Reform synagogue located in Marlboro, has agreed to integrate their membership and operation into TSE.
Following the retirement of their long-term Rabbi, TRT decided that given the current demographics in our communities and the challenges facing smaller Temples, they would sell their building and join with another congregation. While they initially considered joining with another Temple in the community, we learned that our congregations share many of the same values and that both would benefit by having TRT members join as part of the TSE family.
TSE and TRT have much in common. We share a hearty embrace of creative and musical worship, a strong commitment to social justice, and a passion for lifelong learning. We use the same prayer book, have similar worship styles, and support a strong commitment for the Jewish education of our children. Also, it makes practical and financial sense for TRT to join with us, given our location and sound fiscal health. TRT will bring the proceeds from the sale of the TRT building to TSE, which will help to guarantee a healthy future of our joined community.
TRT approached our leaders a couple of months ago to discuss this wonderful opportunity, and since then we have been working with TRT to create a plan to care for the needs of TRT’s members during this interim period and beyond. After approval by the TSE Board of Trustees, we began working on a Letter of Intent (LOI) together with TRT. It is a pre-Ketubah of sorts which enumerates many, but not all, of the details of a more formal future agreement. A nearly finished version is available for your inspection by request to president@shaariemeth.org . Some key points are listed below our signatures.
As you can imagine, there is much work ahead and there will be opportunities to participate in the process. After meeting and working with the leadership of TRT, we truly believe that Temple Shaari Emeth and Temple Rodeph Torah will make beautiful music together. I hope that you will join us in welcoming the TRT members into the TSE family.
We know that this news may be surprising and we want to offer opportunities to answer any questions you may have. We will be conducting multiple Town Hall sessions, designed to allow members with different schedules to attend: Sunday 5/2 at 8:15PM, Thursday 5/6 at noon, Tuesday 5/11 at 8:30PM. We will also be holding a Congregational Meeting to approve the integration of TRT with TSE, on Wednesday 5/12 at 7:30PM. See additional information below.
The Letter of Intent has been approved by the Boards of Trustees of each Temple.
You are invited to town hall meetings to learn more about the possibility ahead.
You will have an opportunity to vote to approve pursuing integration negotiations.
Negotiations will take place and a term sheet for a merger plan will be created, which will require Board of Trustees approval.
Here are a few key points we’ve been working on with our partners at TRT
Rabbi Panken and Cantor Wally will, of course, remain as the clergy of TSE. All existing staff will remain in their positions at TSE.
TSE will cover TRT’s Clergy, educational, and operating needs until the integration is final. TRT will pay TSE the cost of this support during this interim time period.
It is recognized that the sacred objects/art/recognition boards of both Temples will be honored in the integrated synagogue.
TRT Religious School and B’nai Mitzvah students, K-12, will be integrated into TSE’s Religious School.
TRT’s existing employment contracts will be honored.
TRT members will be offered an incentive for a short period of time to remain as members of TSE; a typical practice in communities that integrate.
