Temple B’nai Abraham is a Jewish Reconstructionist Community in Bordentown located on Crosswicks Street. Records of the Jewish community in Bordentown date back beyond the 1830s, when local Jews played an important part in the town’s history. As the Jewish community grew and became more active, a group of energetic residents formed the Bordentown Hebrew Association in 1917. Their stated intent was “to hold and maintain services for the worship of God and the promotion of good fellowship according to the tenets of the Hebrew faith.” It also gave its corporation the power to build a synagogue and Hebrew school. In July 1918, the Bordentown Hebrew Association purchased our temple, the double house at 58-60 Crosswicks Street. By that same fall, the residence was converted to a synagogue, and High Holy Day services were conducted there for the first time. In December 1918, the Bordentown Hebrew Women’s Association was formed to serve as an auxiliary to the men’s group. A Hebrew scholar from Jerusalem was hired in 1921 to serve as resident spiritual leader and Hebrew teacher. Today, the tradition continues at this same location with our temple serving as synagogue, sanctuary, community center, and Hebrew school. Our current rabbi, Rabbi Julie Pfau has been with the congregation since 2007, celebrating her 10th anniversary with our community. On Sunday, Oct. 29, members and friends of Temple B’nai Abraham will celebrate our 100th anniversary with a party at the Old York Country Club in Chesterfield. It will be a huge celebration with music and dancing, and will include lots of shared pictures and opportunities for members past and present to communicate stories they remember from their time with our community. If you are interested in attending, contact Robin at raffrime@gmail.com for more information. In honor or our centennial we have published a new edition of our locally famous Sarah Seidel Sisterhood cookbook. The cookbooks have wonderful and well loved recipes and can be purchased for $15 each. If you are interested in a book please contact Randye at (609) 298-6485. Robin AffrimeAffrime, writing on behalf of Temple B’nai Abraham, is a member of the temple.
