Who We Are

Our History 

Our History

Founded in February, 1950, Temple Emanuel was the first Reform congregation in Cherry Hill.

Our founders were motivated by a desire to practice Judaism in a liberal environment in southern New Jersey, an environment in which any Jew could feel comfortable. In the beginning, our members met in a variety of places: their own homes, schools, churches, a country club, even an abandoned police station. In 1959, our congregation moved to Cooper River Parkway. Rabbi Herbert M. Yarrish served as our spiritual leader starting in 1956. He was joined by Rabbi Jerome P. David as Assistant Rabbi in 1974.

In 1975, Edwin N. Soslow was appointed Senior Rabbi following the retirement of Rabbi Yarrish. Before long, a satellite religious school program was added for the convenience of members living in the Medford, Marlton and Voorhees areas. A Young Couples Club and Chavurot were formed. Sadly, in 1987, the congregation mourned the death of Rabbi Soslow.

Rabbi David was named Senior Rabbi and was joined by Rabbi Randi Musnitsky as Associate Rabbi.

In 1986, Brian Baratz became president of the congregation, following in the foot­steps of other illustrious members: Charles Rudd, Harold Wolff, Morton Goldstrom, Albert Kilberg, Norton Gold, Leopold Jaffe, Irving Cohen, Matthew Arnold, Arthur Pierce, Dr. Stanton Deitch, Shirley Chess and Lee Hymerling.

Under Mr. Baratz's leadership, our plans for a new Temple Emanuel began to evolve. The congregation voted to acquire a nine-acre parcel of land at the corner of Springdale and Kresson Roads on the rapidly expanding east side of Cherry Hill. In 1989 overwhelming congregational approval was granted to hire architects and a construction company to design and build our new home.

In 1991 Andrew Weiner was elected president. As our congregational leader he was charged with overseeing the construction of our new facility.

Construction of our new home at Springdale and Kresson Roads completed in  1992.

Now in 2017 we are proud to be a congregation that is continually growing. Under the leadership of Rabbi Jerry David, Rabbi Gidon Isaacs, and Cantor Neil Schnitzer, Temple Emanuel is close to 1,000 families strong.

Membership

Temple Emanuel is a diverse, welcoming, Reform synagogue dedicated to spirituality, Jewish education, and social responsibility.

Members are encouraged to take advantage of the varied programs offered at the temple. Whether you are interested in worship, study, or social and cultural events, Temple Emanuel has a place for you.

Our highly professional staff is always available to answer questions, provide learning opportunities and assist you and your family through all Jewish life cycle events. Our rabbis are eager to get to know you and your family and are easily accessible.

Our goal is to create a synagogue community, where each member is valued for what they bring to the community. We work closely with each family to make membership accessible for all who seek it.

If you are interested in membership, bringing an unaffiliated friend to Shabbat services, participating on our many committees, or would just like to learn more about the many offerings of our temple, please contact Rachel Thomas at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone (856) 489-0029 x 115.

The following is a speech delivered by Pamela Kuperschmidt during Shabbat Services. It reflects the importance of membership at Temple Emanuel to her and her family.

"EDUCATION IS SOMETHING THAT CAN NEVER BE TAKEN AWAY FROM YOU"

Facilities

Memorable events begin at Temple Emanuel. Life cycle events, from births to B'nai Mitzvah to weddings, and beyond, are an integral part of Jewish life. At Temple Emanuel we create the warmest and most intimate and spiritually infused life cycle celebrations.

Members are invited to celebrate special events in our Temple home. We take great pride in assisting you with the planning of your event and making it into a special occasion when held at Temple Emanuel.

We host ceremonies and parties for:

Baby Namings

Brit Milah

Bar/Bat Mitzvah

Weddings

Sweet 16

Birthdays

Anniversaries

Memorial Services

And much more...

We encourage our members to mark these significant milestones of their life journeys at Temple Emanuel.

Temple Emanuel provides a warm environment for commemorating and celebrating. The social hall at Temple Emanuel is appropriate to celebrate any occasion. It offers:

Neutral décor

Expanded Dance Floor

Kosher and non-Kosher caterers

Beautiful outdoor atrium

Spacious Lobby

Our event coordinator, Roberta Budman, is always available to help you make the party of your dreams come true. Please call her for more information about using our space and for information about our authorized panel of caterers. She can be reached at (856) 489-0029 x168 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.