About us
Welcome !ברוכים הבאים
Temple Beth Am means "House of the People." We are a congregation that values community, worship, social action, education, holiness, fiscal responsibility, involvement, and ethical behavior.
For over 60 years the leadership and staff of Temple Beth Am have provided community for Reform Jews throughout the Hudson County, NJ area.
We have a long-standing tradition of member participation because we encourage congregants to fully participate in Temple life through involvement in our numerous committees and by becoming active on our Board.
A Message From Our Rabbi
In Psalms 118, we say, "Pitchu li sha'aray tzedek" "Open for me the triumphant gates." I find great power in this image, used in the traditional Hallel '"Praise to God" section read in services on the morning of the holidays,. I see my rabbinate as a process of opening up the gates of Judaism for the people I serve.
I am passionate about creating worship experiences that speak to the congregation I care deeply about connecting people to our beautiful tradition. I have personalized Bnai Mitzvah training, so every child can feel a positive sense of accomplishment. In my adult education classes, I strive to show my students how our ancient texts speak to our modern situation. In worship, ritual and study, I say "Pitchu li sha'aray tzedek" "Open for me the triumphant gates." I find deep satisfaction in connecting our people to our heritage.
I am passionate about the responsibility to honor every person, to help each person open whatever gate in their own life is blocking them from personal growth. I strive to create a culture of holiness, optimism and hope, so that each individual can thrive. I completed an interfaith program for clergy who seek to increase their skills as pastoral counselors. I continually seek to learn how to be more helpful to the people I serve, so that I can walk by their side as they open their gates to find greater well-being.
Finally, the phrase "sha'aray tzedek" which is usually translated "triumphant gates" could also be translated "gates of justice." I am passionate about organizing to help those in need. I am particularly gratified by my congregation's generous responses to our food drives. We can only enter the gates of triumph if the less fortunate are by our side.
By translating our heritage to respond to modern life, by attending to each individual, by supporting the less fortunate, I seek to open the gates to a holy community, so that together we may all grow in happiness and love.
Rabbi Cathy can be contacted via email HERE.