Press Release: Temple Celebrates Six Decades

History Shabbat on Friday, April 23, 2010 saw the Temple travel back to the early days of its congregation with prayer and song from the Union Prayer book, reflections on the Jewish life in the 1950's across America and in Westfield and archival photos of the era.  Members of long tenure had the opportunity to reconnect and celebrate the event at a pre-service reception, and the entire congregation was deeply moved by the reminiscences of Rabbi Emeritus Charles Kroloff and special guest, Rabbi Jack Stern, who was the Temple's rabbi from 1955 to 1962.

The evening focused on life in that era in Westfield, on movies and music, and even the food of that time, including desserts that were made by Sisterhood members. Laurie Goldsmith-Heitner and Stephen Rosenberg, who co-chaired the evening's event, worked with the Westfield Historical Society that searched their archives to discover the wonderful pictures of Westfield during the 1950's. Copies of the special images were displayed in the Temple's reception area and viewed by all the congregants. A video of pictures and highlights of the Temple's history through the 50's was also shown.

According to Laurie Goldsmith-Heitner, "Steve's and my vision was to create an evening drenched in history.  We wanted the congregation to experience Westfield circa 1950.  We were able to do that with the help of our amazing clergy, Rabbi Doug Sagal, Rabbi Charles Kroloff and Cantor Martha Novick as well as our own research and the assistance of the Westfield Historical Society.  It was to be an evening honoring our past, living within that moment for the evening, and looking forward to an even more successful future."

The Temple committee that was also involved in the planning included Jacie Civins, Lois Essenfeld, Diane Forman, Max Heitner, Saul Heitner, Debbie Judd, Jane Judd, Marcia Kendler, Bob Kendler, Lucille Rosenberg, Gladys Sandak and Susan Yemin.  Co-chair Stephen Rosenberg believes that "Reaching back into the history of the Temple, Westfield and the larger world helped me personally to better understand and appreciate the legacy that has been handed down to us."

For Rabbi Doug Sagal, the evening also had special meaning. He said, "I felt that History Shabbat was an extraordinarily moving event.  Those in attendance were moved to tears by Rabbi Jack Stern's remarks about the early days of the congregation, and inspired by Rabbi Kroloff's discussion of worship.  Steve Rosenberg, Laurie Goldsmith-Heitner, and the members of their committee did a wonderful job celebrating the founding years of Temple Emanu-El.  The spirit felt that evening will carry us for months to come."

The next event to celebrate the Temple's 60th anniversary took place on May 8 with a Gala called "Dancing through the Decades," and on Saturday, October 16, the Temple will honor the 50th anniversary of Rabbi Charles Kroloff's ordination.

Please contact Carolyn Shane, Executive Director, with any questions about Temple Emanu-El at 908-232-6770, ext. 114 or cshane@tewnj.org, or visit out website at www.tewnj.org.