TBS History

In the 1960’s and 1970’s, East Brunswick experienced a building and population surge. It grew from 5,700 people in 1950 to almost 20,000 people in 1960, with a population of over 50,000 people today.

In November of 1972, an ad was placed in the local weekly newspaper inquiring if there was an interest for Jewish families to establish a Reform Temple. Seventeen families came together and in December 1972, the Reform Temple of East Brunswick was incorporated.

In April of 1973, Rabbi Eric Milgrim and his wife Sue became part of the extended community of the Reform Temple of East Brunswick. Rabbi Milgrim served the Temple as its Rabbi and spiritual leader for 40 years and today serves as our Rabbi Emeritus.

During its formative years, the Temple utilized and rented space in various East Brunswick Public School buildings for its religious services and Sunday school. In 1975 the Congregation purchased the property at the corner of Fern and Old Stage Roads on which the Synagogue building was constructed. The Temple moved into its new home in August of 1978, and by the High Holy Days a few months later, the Temple had grown to 250 families. In the early 1980’s the Congregation changed its name to Temple B’nai Shalom.

In 2013, Rabbi Milgrim retired after 40 years and Rabbi Eric Eisenkramer became the spiritual leader of Temple B’nai Shalom. In that same year, the Temple welcomed back Cantor Andrew Edison, who many years earlier had served as our Cantor. Rabbi Eisenkramer and Cantor Edison take great joy in leading prayer, teaching, and being part of the Temple community.

Our membership comes from East Brunswick, North Brunswick, South Brunswick, South River, Monroe Township and other surrounding towns. Our clergy and membership are active throughout the area. The Temple was a founding member of the East Brunswick Area Clergy Association and, with its Daniel Pearl Education Center, has been active in local ecumenical life.

Temple B'nai Shalom recently celebrated its 50th Anniversary.  We are grateful to have been a hamishe Reform Temple for 5 decades and we hope you will join us for our next 50 years of joyous times, holidays, celebration, and Jewish community.