Congregation B’nai Tikvah was founded as a conservative synagogue in 1981 from the merger of three distinct spiritual groups. The history of these founding congregations can still be told by its original members who, to this day, remain proud members of Congregation B’nai Tikvah.

Mission Statement

To foster a vibrant egalitarian Jewish community founded in the religious customs and traditions of Conservative Judaism; offering excellent Jewish education and community activities for all ages with commitment to Israel and Jewish communities throughout the world.

Our History

Temple Beth Shalom

In 1958 twelve families established the Kendall Park Jewish Community Jewish Center. Shabbat services and school classes were held in member’s homes and in the local fire house. Rosh Hashanah 1959 saw them in their own building which served as both synagogue and school where the teachers were volunteers from the congregation. Originally a reform temple, the congregation became conservative in the late 60’s when they hired a full time Rabbi.

Congregation Sharri Shalom

In 1942, on a Chanukah night, in a farmhouse in South Brunswick, the Jewish Farmer’s Community Center of Middlesex County was born. Within a year, membership rose to fifty families with a Sunday School and a Ladies Auxiliary. In 1963 the the name was changed to the Jewish Community Center of South Brunswick, Congregation Sharri Sholom.

North Brunswick Jewish Community Center

In 1977 a group consisting of twelve families, calling itself the “Steering Committee”, met weekly to formulate guidelines and policies for a Temple which would serve as the Jewish community of North Brunswick. Both High Holy Day and Friday evening services were held at the Hidden Lake clubhouse.

Our B’nai Tikvah Community

The consolidated effort of these individual spiritual groups assured the strength and future of the Jewish community in the Central New Jersey area with the initial construction of our current synagogue building in 1983 which encompasses our sanctuary and catering facilities.

We have since undergone two major building expansions with the addition of a School wing and, later, a third wing containing additional classrooms and a 4,000 sq. ft. multi-purpose gymnasium. Our Jewish community is dedicated to providing a House of Worship, a House of Learning, and a Center for Jewish Life for our community to experience and enjoy, enriching the lives of our families and our children.