Whispers of community gatherings might transport you to a different time. The story of Elmora Hills Minyan Inc began modestly. It started as a Friday night house minyan in 1986. Members rotated homes during cold winter months. Seven years later the minyan started meeting on Shabbos morning too.
By 1995 the need to formally establish the shul was clear. The Elmora Hills Minyan was officially incorporated. In 1996 the shul moved to a storefront on Magie Avenue. It shared the space with another tenant.
From 2004 through 2006 the shul outgrew its location. It expanded utilizing the other half of the building. This effectively doubled its physical space. In 2007 Rabbi Yaakov Dombroff became the shul’s rabbi. He was then chief of New Jersey’s Bureau of Kosher Enforcement.
The Elmora Hills Minyan continued to evolve. In 2013 Rabbi Dombroff became rabbi emeritus. A search for a new spiritual leader began. That search ended with Rabbi Michael Bleicher in 2014. He led the shul until 2022.
In 2021 the shul purchased the building. In 2022 it was renamed Congregation Beis Hillel. This renaming honored Hilton Goldman a founding member.
Today the shul is a vibrant center for the community. It offers daily minyanim. These include the community’s earliest weekday shachris minyan. There are also Torah classes. These include Mishna Yomi and Halacha Yomis. A Yoreh Deah shiur and a Tehillim B’Iyun shiur for women are also available. “Ask the Rabbi” is held on Shabbos.
The Elmora Hills Minyan is known for its warm environment. A hot kiddush every Shabbos includes a legendary cholent. There are interactive shalosh seudos. Chanukah and Purim chagigahs add to the festive spirit. Youth activities, teen barbecues and Shabbos meals are common. Shul dinners create a strong community bond.
Shabbos morning youth groups are led by teens. The family room is well stocked with toys and games. The shul houses communal free-loan organizations. These gemachs provide medical and baby equipment.
The Elmora Hills Minyan is part of Elizabeth’s historic Jewish community. This community dates back to the late 1800s. Rav Pinchas Mordechai Teitz shaped the community after arriving in 1935.
The community offers affordable housing and low property taxes. An eruv and a “Shabbos park” are available. Three mikvaos and Hatzalah serve the community. Kosher options include a grocery store and restaurants.
Consider experiencing the Elmora Hills Minyan for yourself. The community welcomes you. Share Shabbos with them. Connect with a shul that values warmth and tradition.