On this page you will find summaries and links to MRT Press Releases, showing how MRT Congregants reach out to the community!
Interfaith and Interconnected
The following article appeared in the October, 2024 edition of JLife Heart of New Jersey. It was written by our congregant and MRT’s Membership Committee Chair Gena Ansell-Lande!
There are many reasons to love Reform Judaism and being a part of a reform synagogue, not the least of which is their willingness to adapt to the modern world and move in ways that welcome new members, no matter their background.
For those in an interfaith relationship, finding the right place of worship can make life a lot easier.
Reform Judaism has long embraced diversity while still preserving time-honored traditions of the religion. I have personally seen the way clergy at my own reform synagogue focus on each member while still providing space for personal introspection. Known for delivering a creative and modern approach to worship, Reform Judaism has a way of meeting people right where they are in their lives.
Click here for the full article!
Every year the entire membership of the Monmouth Reform Temple (MRT) in Tinton Falls joins together to perform Mitzvahs or good deeds. This year’s so-called “Mitzvah Day” occurred on Sunday, May 7th. Pictured here, MRT volunteers gathered to clean a beach in Sea Bright – representing just one of the many projects Temple members participated in. Mitzvah Day Committee Co-Chair Marcia commented, “Mitzvah Day – a day of Tikkun Olam – [is] a day of giving to those in need. There are many who need our help, and this is an opportunity to give to our community. Service to others is a part of our Jewish community.”
On March 5, 1886, Samuel Johnson was lynched on what is now Route 35 and Poplar Road in Eatontown. No one was ever held accountable for his murder. On March 19th, 2023, Monmouth Reform Temple (MRT) will host the kickoff to the NJSJRC Bearing Witness Soil Display with a special program at the temple at 3pm. The public is welcome to attend. Samuel Johnson’s story will be narrated by Reverend Terrance K Porter, Pastor of the Pilgrim Baptist Church in Red Bank. He will be joined by Rabbi Steve Sirbu of Temple Emeth in Teaneck, NJ.
Rabbi Marc Kline and Cantor Gabrielle Clissold gathered their flock in the Monmouth Reform Temple (MRT) Sanctuary for prayer and song on April 2, 2022, Mitzvah day. They then sent congregants and friends out to do God’s work. Rabbi Kline stated, “For 63 years, MRT has been a leader in social action and community service.” Mitzvah Day is one day emblematic of all the good work MRT does throughout the year, where the entire temple community gathers to perform numerous community service projects both in the Temple and outside in the community. This year’s leaders, pictured at the right, were Marcie Rachlin, Ocean Township, and Dean Ross, Farmingdale.
On Monday evening February 8, in honor of Martin Luther King Day and Black History Month, Jewish Federation, Monmouth Reform Temple, and Axelrod Performing Arts Center partnered to present “Shared Legacies” by Menemsha Films. The film reflects on the crucial historical lessons from Black-Jewish cooperation in the Civil Rights Movement and is meant to inform and inspire us in combating hate today. Following the screening, leaders from the Jewish and Black communities in the heart of NJ came together for a community-wide panel discussion.
Tinton Falls: At its annual (virtual) meeting on December 8, The Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey (Federation) honored Monmouth Reform Temple (MRT) President Marjorie Wold, among several others, for extraordinarily leadership efforts in the Jewish community this past year. Federation board member Jeffrey Schwartz stated, “A long-time Federation leader, Margie brought synagogues together to share their strengths and solutions during the COVID pandemic.” Her leadership united area temples to share best practices during COVID.