Ahavath Torah Temple

Whispers of faith echo through the halls of Ahavath Torah Temple. This sacred space, nestled in Englewood, New Jersey, has witnessed over a century of Jewish life and devotion. Ahavath Torah Temple’s story began humbly in 1895 with just eight families. These founders, driven by their shared faith, held services in their homes, their shared Sefer Torah their most prized possession. As their numbers grew, they moved from homes to rented spaces, first on Armory Street, then on Durie Avenue. By 1911, the congregation, now fifty families strong, established its first permanent home on Humphrey Street. The Humphrey Street synagogue, built on an 18×30 foot plot, served as a testament to their growing presence in the community. But the congregation continued to expand, outgrowing even this space. An old church on Englewood Avenue became their next home, a symbol of their evolving needs. Finally, in 1958, the current Ahavath Torah Temple on Broad Avenue was built. This move, a momentous occasion, was marked by a procession through Englewood’s streets, the sacred Sifrei Torah carried to their new home. Rabbi Isaac Swift, who joined Ahavath Torah Temple in 1960, guided the community for twenty-four years. He recognized the unique blend of unity and diversity within the congregation, a characteristic that continues to define it. In 1984, Rabbi Shmuel Goldin became the spiritual leader, nurturing this special blend. Rabbi Chaim Poupko, after fourteen years of dedicated service in various roles, assumed the position of Senior Rabbi in 2017. Today, Ahavath Torah Temple boasts a membership of around 750 families, a testament to its enduring strength and the vision of its founders. The Benaroya Sephardic Center, a Sephardic minyan, adds to the rich tapestry of traditions within the temple. And in 2016, a mikveh with two pools was opened, further enriching the spiritual life of the community.