Our Temple

Welcome to Temple Beth Sholom of Pascack Valley. Thank you for your interest in our Temple. We have produced this web site in an attempt to acquaint you with our congregation and facilities. We feel, however, that a congregation is best known through its membership and its Rabbi. If you would like a closer and more personal view of who and what we are, please contact us at the Temple and we would be honored to help you.

This is an exciting time for Temple Beth Sholom of Pascack Valley, which celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2003. Recently, the Temple has undergone extensive reconstruction and renovations. These changes were a result of the dedication and foresight of many Temple members.

Temple Beth Sholom, a Conservative congregation, prides itself on the quality and extent of its religious services, social and cultural activities, and youth and adult education programs, all of which are available to those who join the Temple family.

Our dues structure encourages young families, single parents and senior citizens to affiliate at a reduced rate. A special "welcome" rate is also available to newcomers. The congregation serves families in the Pascack Valley and neighboring communities. Please read below to learn more about the various aspects of our Temple. Obviously, we cannot answer every question in this format, but we invite you to call the Temple office to obtain any information you need.

The Sanctuary

The recently renovated sanctuary seats 150. For High Holiday services, it expands to a capacity of 375. Our temple is able to accommodate its entire membership and is pleased to welcome visiting relatives.

Classrooms

Classes are held in modern, well-lit, well-heated classrooms which are also air-conditioned. A library is available to students and congregants for research or for their reading enjoyment.

Social Hall

With a simple rearrangement of the sanctuary, we have an attractive 3,000 sq. ft. social hall which can accommodate 150 people for any social occasion. The facility is available to any member of the community, but is offered at a reduced rate to our membership.

Parking

Parling is available directly behind the Temple. Additional facilities for parking at heavy traffic times are available nearby. The Borough of Park Ridge Police supervises traffic control.

Sabbath Services

Sabbath services are held at 7:30 PM on Friday nights and 9:30 AM on Saturday mornings. Our Shabbat Siddur used at the Friday and Saturday services allows greater participation by those not familiar with Hebrew. Our Sabbath services are family-oriented. Children are encouraged to participate and lead prayers which they have been taught. Tot Shabbat services are offered monthly for our pre-school children and their families.

The religious philosophy follows decisions of the Law Committee of the Rabbinical Assembly (Conservative). Women are counted in the minyan and receive aliyyot to the Torah. Services are characterized by beautiful cantorial and congregational singing, as well as the Rabbi's explanations of the structure and content of the prayers. A highlight of the Shabbat morning service is the Torah study session with the Rabbi, who combines insights from our religious tradition with those offered by social science and other major contemporary contributions to the world of ideas and ideals.

High Holiday Services

On the High Holidays, tickets are available to congregants at no charge. A meaningful Junior Congregation service is provided for children.

SOCIAL LIFE AT TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM

Sisterhood

The Sisterhood plans fund raising and social activities throughout the year. They welcome new family members with introductions to the Temple, Shabbat dinners, a Passover cooking class, and so much more.

Men's Club

The Men's Club provides a worthwhile experience for the men of the congregation. The Men's Club is involved in social planning, provides an annual Chanukah party for the school children and their families, builds our Sukkah each year, and they are also involved in fund raising activities. This group attends sporting events in the area and holds a Super Bowl Sunday bowling and brunch blast.

Family Activities

Not falling under the banner of either Sisterhood or Men's Club, are various family-oriented activities such as magic shows, Wicks and Flicks (Havdalah and movies for young children) and an annual family picnic in the spring.

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

Our fee structure has many attractive features, some of which are listed below:

1. Welcome (reduced) fee for new residents

2. Young family reduced rate

3. Building fund payable over five years

4. Single parent and senior citizen special rates

5. High Holiday tickets included with membership

For additional information call the Temple: (201) 391-4620