Joy Yagid Photography
Congregation Beth El is a friendly, warm, and vibrant congregation located in South Orange, New Jersey. In addition to our hometown, members come from surrounding communities, including Maplewood, West Orange, Millburn/Short Hills, and Livingston, as well as Morris, Union and Hudson counties.
We are a dynamic, egalitarian Conservative synagogue with a strong commitment to inspiring learning, engaging worship, and pursuit of social justice. We welcome people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds to join us on our journey: learned and novice; born-Jewish, Jew-by-choice, or non-Jew living Jewish; single or partnered; gay or straight. Our intent is that all who enter find a makom kadosh — a holy space — in which to seek God, connection, and community.
The story of Congregation Beth El starts from its initial meeting on June 28, 1946. Twenty families attended, each pledging $100 per family to finance a High Holiday service in September. Today, Congregation Beth El is home to nearly 450 member families who participate regularly in a wide range of religious, educational and social activities for all ages, from toddlers to seniors, and for all walks of life, from newlyweds to empty nesters and interfaith families to the LGBTQ community.
We invite you to come and meet Rabbi Jesse Olitzky and Rabbi Rachel Marder, experience a Shabbat service and kiddush lunch, or any of our wide range of programs and special events.
