Back in April 1963, inspired by Rabbi Louis Frishman of Temple Beth El in Spring
Valley, a few passionate couples came together with a dream of creating a new
temple in Pearl River. With the guidance of Rabbi Davis from the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and armed with knowledge from URJ literature, our community began to take shape. The enthusiasm was infectious, and soon, many families joined the cause. Our first public meeting was a resounding success, and we felt the magic of a Temple coming to life.

 

By summer, our team was buzzing with activity. We brainstormed names and felt
a deep connection with "Beth Am," which beautifully translates to "House of the
People." With continued support from the URJ and the leadership of our first
Rabbi, Rabbi Milton Weinberg, our Religious School began to flourish. Our
members, full of dedication, formed various committees, from Ritual to Building,
each playing a pivotal role in shaping our temple's foundation. Together, we
celebrated our first service in September 1963. From an initial group of 23
families, we grew to 76 by November!

 

The years that followed were filled with growth and milestones. The late 1970s
saw our membership soar, and in 1979, we expanded our temple, introducing the
sanctuary that stands proud to this day. The 1980s and 1990s brought even
more growth, especially under the nurturing guidance of Rabbi Daniel Pernick.
Our temple's heart expanded beyond Rockland, with a significant influx of
families from Bergen County.

We're proud of the bonds we've built and the reputation we've earned in both
Rockland and Bergen Counties. In 1998, we solidified our bond with Rabbi
Pernick through a long-term contract.

 

In 2001, our temple underwent a transformative expansion, introducing a
banquet hall, a new school building, offices, a library, and so much more. While
membership has seen ebbs and flows over the years, our commitment remains
unwavering and members are a loyal and dedicated family. Our sanctuary now
boasts a touch of Jerusalem with its beautiful stone bimah wall, and in 2009, we
achieved a long-held dream with the installation of permanent seating.
Join us in celebrating our journey, our community, and the spirit of Beth Am.