Dear Temple Rodeph Torah and Temple Shaari Emeth families,
Last night, both of our temples held separate votes to decide on whether or not our two congregations would move forward with an integration. We are thrilled to jointly share the news that both synagogues voted, almost unanimously, in favor of planning our futures together as one congregation.
There is much work to do over the next few months in order to iron out the details that will make up the final integration agreement. We hope you will join us, not just in our enthusiasm, but in volunteering to help complete the holy work that will become the framework for our joined community. You can sign up to participate in a committee at trt.org/future or shaariemeth.org/bettertogether.
We encourage all of you to visit this site often to learn more about Temple Rodeph Torah and Temple Shaari Emeth and stay up to date on news and information about our progress. In addition, keep an eye out for opportunities to attend programming and events over the next few months that will enable us to start getting to know Rabbi Panken, Cantor Wally, Cantor Levine, and last but not least, one another.
We want to thank all of you for your vote of confidence in our recommended decision and your faith that the leadership is pure of heart and intentions. We truly believe this path upon which we are about to embark will lead us to a stronger Jewish presence in Monmouth County and New Jersey for many generations to come.
Just as when we complete a book of the Torah, as we close this chapter as two separate entities, we say “Chazak, chazak, v’nitchazeik! Be strong, be strong and may we be strengthened!”
Fabian Burstyn Tmima Grinvald President President Temple Shaari Emeth Temple Rodeph Torah
