5 Essential Facts About Temple Beth El Hillsborough NJ: The 2025 Guide To Its New Leadership, Social Justice Mission, And History
Temple Beth El in Hillsborough, New Jersey, stands as a vibrant and deeply committed center for Reform Judaism in Somerset County, a community that has seen significant change and growth, particularly with major leadership transitions in recent years. As of the current date, December 26, 2025, the congregation is thriving under new spiritual direction while continuing its decades-long dedication to social justice and comprehensive Jewish education.
The temple is not merely a place of worship but a dynamic hub for communal engagement, educational excellence, and a powerful force for Tikkun Olam—the Jewish concept of repairing the world. This comprehensive guide provides the freshest, most essential details on its current leadership, its foundational history, and the extensive programs that make it a cornerstone of the Hillsborough and wider New Jersey community.
The New Era of Leadership and Clergy Profile
A significant update for the Temple Beth El community is the transition in its spiritual leadership, marking a new chapter for the congregation. The temple has embraced a fresh vision while honoring its past.
- New Spiritual Leader: Rabbi Noah A. L. Diamondstein
- Role: Spiritual Leader and Senior Rabbi
- Installation: The formal installation of Rabbi Diamondstein was planned for December, following his assumption of the role.
- Rabbi Emeritus: Rabbi Arnold Gluck
- Role: Rabbi Gluck retired on June 30 after more than three decades of dedicated service to the congregation and continues his association as Rabbi Emeritus.
- Cantor: Cantor Risa Wallach
- Executive Director: Amy Rubin
- Director of Congregational Learning: Lisa Friedman
- Location: 67 US Highway 206, Hillsborough, NJ 08844
The transition from Rabbi Gluck, who was often referred to as a "rabbi's rabbi," to Rabbi Diamondstein has been a moment of both reflection and excitement. This new leadership team, including Cantor Wallach, Executive Director Rubin, and Director Friedman, is poised to guide the Reform Jewish congregation through its next phase of growth and community involvement.
Temple Beth El’s Foundational History: A Reform Pillar Since 1953
The history of Temple Beth El is a testament to the dedication and foresight of a small group of families who envisioned a strong Reform Jewish presence in Somerset County. The congregation’s roots date back over 70 years, providing a deep sense of continuity and tradition.
The temple was officially founded on August 27, 1953, by a core group of just 15 families who shared a vision for a vibrant, progressive Jewish community. This initial group first met in the home of David Tapper, who would later become the congregation’s first president. From these humble beginnings, Temple Beth El has grown into a major religious institution in the region, recognized as a proud member of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ).
The congregation has consistently demonstrated a commitment to core Reform Jewish values, emphasizing inclusion, social justice, and a modern approach to worship and Jewish life. The temple’s physical presence on US Highway 206 serves as a central point for Jewish life across Hillsborough and neighboring towns.
The Tikkun Olam Coalition: A Deep Commitment to Social Justice
Perhaps the most defining characteristic of Temple Beth El in Hillsborough is its unwavering commitment to Tikkun Olam, or "repairing the world," a core tenet of Reform Judaism. The temple’s social justice arm, the Tikkun Olam Coalition (formerly known as the Social Action committee), coordinates and implements numerous programs that provide direct service and advocacy.
Addressing Critical Community Needs
The temple's social action initiatives are broad, addressing several critical issues within the local and global community. These projects are a powerful expression of their faith in action, partnering with both Jewish and secular organizations.
- Homelessness: For over 25 years, Temple Beth El has actively hosted homeless families within its building, a long-standing collaboration with HOME of Somerset County (formerly the Interfaith Hospitality Network or IHN). This direct service provides shelter, meals, and support to families in transition.
- Food Insecurity: The congregation is explicitly committed to alleviating hunger, a direct command from Jewish tradition. They regularly organize food drives and support local efforts to ensure that no community member goes hungry.
- Environmentalism (Reverse Tashlich): Extending the traditional Rosh Hashanah custom of Tashlich, the temple is involved in "Reverse Tashlich," a newer practice where communities clean up local water sources to show kindness and care for the planet.
- Interfaith Partnerships: Temple Beth El has taken a leading role in advocacy and educational programming by partnering with as many as ten other religious faiths in the area, promoting dialogue and unified social action. This commitment to interfaith work strengthens the entire Somerset County community.
- Inclusion and Advocacy: The temple actively works on social justice issues through advocacy, direct service, and partnering with local organizations, often focusing on issues like LGBT history and ensuring a welcoming, inclusive environment for all.
Educational Excellence: From Early Childhood to Adult Learning
Education is another pillar of the Temple Beth El experience, with a focus on lifelong learning that caters to all ages, from toddlers to seniors. The comprehensive structure ensures that Jewish learning is accessible, engaging, and relevant in the modern world.
The Early Childhood Center (ECC)
The Early Childhood Center (ECC) is a key component of the temple's educational outreach, serving students in Nursery and Preschool grades. The ECC provides a nurturing and enriching environment that introduces young children to Jewish values and traditions. The 2025-2026 profile of the ECC highlights its continued importance to young families in the Hillsborough area.
The Religious School and Beyond
The core of youth education is the Religious School, which guides children through their Jewish journey. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for significant milestones and to instill a deep connection to their heritage.
- Brit Mitzvah: The program that prepares students for their Bar or Bat Mitzvah, a crucial rite of passage into Jewish adulthood.
- Beyond Brit Mitzvah (Confirmation Academy): This program continues the Jewish education for post-B'nai Mitzvah students, often leading up to Confirmation, ensuring that Jewish learning remains a priority through their teenage years.
Adult Learning Opportunities
The temple's commitment to education extends to its adult members, offering a variety of Adult Learning programs. These opportunities include classes, discussions, and lectures on Jewish history, theology, holidays, and current events, fostering intellectual and spiritual growth for all congregants.
Upcoming Events and Community Life in 2025
Temple Beth El maintains a dynamic calendar of worship services, cultural programs, and community events that keep the congregation connected throughout the year. The temple’s newsletter provides regular updates on articles written by senior staff, social action initiatives, and volunteer opportunities.
Looking ahead into the 2025 calendar, the temple is a central figure in local holiday celebrations. For instance, the Township, in conjunction with Temple Beth El, is scheduled to host the annual Menorah Lighting event in December, a public demonstration of the community's commitment to celebrating Jewish life. High Holy Days like Rosh Hashanah are also major focal points, with the temple organizing services and philanthropic opportunities to mark the New Year.
The temple also hosts various internal groups, such as the Sisterhood, which coordinates community service projects like food drives and Purim baskets, further enriching the temple's social fabric. Whether through the solemnity of worship, the joy of holiday celebrations, or the collective effort of social action, Temple Beth El remains a vital and evolving center for Reform Judaism in Hillsborough, NJ.
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