Dreams of brotherhood sparked its creation. Congregation Adas Emuno began with hope. It offered courage and inspiration. It cherished family life. It practiced universal brotherhood.
Congregation Adas Emuno is among New Jersey’s first synagogues. It was founded October 22 1871.
Phil Elkins loved this synagogue. He moved it from Hoboken to Leonia. He called it a warm family. That feeling connects its past to today.
For 150 years, Congregation Adas Emuno has thrived. It has played a key role. It enriched spiritual life. It served its community well.
Hoboken had few Jewish settlers then. But in 1871 German Jewish immigrants gathered. Louis Ettinger Rino Berel and Max Konert led them. They met in Odd Fellows Hall. This started Congregation Adas Emuno.
Rev Solomon Schindler was the first rabbi. He led a Boston congregation later. The group met in Odd Fellows Hall until 1874. Then they moved to a larger building. They stayed there for nine years. Some members wanted their own building.
In 1883 Congregation Adas Emuno built a synagogue. The Stevens Family donated land. This Gothic Revival building still stands. It is a historic landmark. The Hoboken Evening News called it a credit to the city.
Our old Hoboken home is New Jersey’s oldest synagogue building. Its architecture mixes Gothic and Romanesque styles. The congregation moved to Bergen County. Then the building was sold to a church. Later it became apartments.
At the dedication on April 15 1883 the congregation had 33 members. By 1893 it grew to 100 members. They came from Hoboken’s best families. A Sunday school was well-attended. A choir included members’ daughters. The Hebrew Ladies’ Aid Society helped the poor. Temple groups were added in the early 1900s. The Junior Brotherhood started in 1931. The Spiritual Advisory Committee began in 1933. In 1919 dues were 30 dollars a year. By 1924 the fee rose to 45 dollars. High Holy Day seats cost extra. Seats near the bimah cost 15 dollars.
The synagogue moved to Leonia in 1971. It was converted from a Protestant church. It has a steeple with a Jewish Star. The synagogue on High Street houses the Sanctuary and Social Hall. The Religious School is next door. A lovely garden sits between the school and clergy residence.
Phil Elkins led the move. He was president for over 20 years. Outstanding leaders followed. They include Dr Vincent Bonagura Virginia Gitter and Beth Ziff. Also Dr Louis Steinberg Dr Alan Spector and Dr Lance Strate. Michael Fishbein is the current president.
Larger synagogues have come and gone. Adas Emuno survived. It thrived by being small. It emphasizes sustainability and balance. It creates an open environment. It welcomes creative expression and spiritual growth. It fosters friendship family and fun. It maintains a 4000 year tradition. It welcomes innovation. Kerith Shapiro was a Cantor and spiritual leader.
Rabbi Barry L Schwartz became spiritual leader in 2011. He added dynamism to services. Cantor Sandy Horowitz joined Rabbi Schwartz in 2014. She retired in 2019. Student Cantor Iris Karlin joined in 2020. Services began streaming on YouTube. Student Cantor Joseph Flaxman served in 2022. Cantorial Soloist Suzy Auriel Merritt joined this year.
Congregation Adas Emuno offers a welcoming environment. Members pursue spirituality schooling and social action. It is an intimate and inclusive community. It provides many opportunities for participation.
Congregation Adas Emuno keeps faith with Jewish history. It sees Judaism as evolving. It commits to education and ethics. It cares for our environment. It believes in Tikkun Olam. It trusts our heritage. It helps individuals find meaning and connection.
In 1871 a group of German Jews in Hoboken sought to create a spiritual home. They chose the name Adas Emuno. It means assembly of the faithful. May this congregation continue its legacy. May it provide hope courage and community for generations.