style & values
Our Primary Goals
- Establish and maintain programs to meet the needs of our diverse membership and
community, including interfaith couples, Jews by choice, young couples, "empty nesters," and single individuals of all ages.
- Continue to preserve Jewish presence in Hoboken, while expanding our presence into
nearby towns.
Our Core Values
- There is no class distinction in either the social or religious contexts. Not materialistic. No emphasis on or interest in anyone's finances or professional "position".
- Synagogue is a community and the congregation acts as an extended family and support
group on happy and sad occasions.
Our Style
- The congregation is informal and relaxed, but is traditional in ritual practice. We are very interested in expanding our spirituality.
- Very welcoming and encouraging of children, who are viewed as an integral part of our services, which are oriented towards family participation.
- Our worship services are traditional, egalitarian, highly spiritual with significant participation of lay members.
Education for Children and Adults
- The Kaplan Cooperative Preschool was inaugurated in 2000, and now serves almost 200 children ages two-to-four in a preschool program that offers
classes in the morning and afternoon; an afternoon enrichment program; a program for Hebrew speakers. We have a summer camp, too.
- The Kaplan Family Learning Center has over 100 children in grades Bonim (kindergarten) through post-Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
The children follow a broad curriculum that includes Hebrew, prayer, Jewish music and history.
Our Strengths
- Our multi-faceted membership is egalitarian and positive, with many active female role
models, as well as active singles. Plenty of individual participation in services by men,
women, and children. An environment in which a single individual can impact the flavor of
congregation; and where there is no barrier to personal initiative. The congregation has
been a first step for many Jews by Choice, who are a source of richness for the community.
- Warmth, humor, casualness, joy towards Judaism with an emphasis on traditional
Conservative observance.
- Comprehensive approach to learning for the entire community.
Our Building
- The lobby was restored to its original splendor in 2001.
- We are now undergoing an ambitious Capital Campaign with the goal of adding air conditioning to our 100-year old sanctuary, adding a new kitchen, and
restoring the sanctuary to its original brilliance. In 2007 we were awarded a $280,000 grant by the New Jersey Historical Trust. For information on how you
can participate in this exciting restoration, please contact us or call the office at 201-659-4000.
- Existing stained glass is in the process of being restored. In the spring of 2002, the "10 Commandments" window over the Bimah was replaced. New stained glass windows that memorialize and honor our loved ones will be installed in the sanctuary and social hall.
- For up-to-date information on the restoration, see that page on this website.
