Congregation Beth Mordecai Marks 110th Year

By Dan Newman

For 110 years, Congregation Beth Mordecai has served the Jewish community of Perth Amboy, and beyond.

In recognition of this accomplishment, a free luncheon has been planned for 12 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4.

Rabbi Melinda Zalma says she expects about 100 people to attend the function and almost views it as "a reunion, in a sense."

"I would love to see plenty of people here on November 4, faces young and old," Zalma said. "We want to honor our history, as well as take the opportunity to look toward the future."

Zalma, who has been the rabbi at Beth Mordecai for approximately a year-and-a-half, says that the congregation currently has about 90 families, a number that, before she arrived, wasn't so big.

"We've grown by about 15 families since I've been here. I really do feel like I have worked to generate plenty of publicity for our synagogue and the different events that we sponsor here," Zalma said. "Being a young woman rabbi is certainly different, but still I do think the Jewish community respects the work that we do here."

One aspect of Beth Mordecai that is unique in these times is that high holidays services are free of cost for anyone that would like to attend ("we don't check tickets," Zalma said). Because of this, Zalma feels like home to many people and their families, and many others have likewise gravitated toward Beth Mordecai.

"During the holidays, I saw many new faces in the congregation, some of whom have now become members," Zalma explained. "Also, demographics are working in our favor, with so many young families joining us."

Looking back on the temple’s history, Zalma said that some of the founding families still have members that are very involved at Beth Mordecai.

"Even though I've been here a short time, I do realize that we do have quite a rich history," Zalma said. "We're really trying to have a renaissance here and we have lots of pride in what we do here."

During her recent leadership of the temple Zalma said that everyone she has encountered has been open and welcoming toward her, and she hopes that this trend continues.

For further information on the luncheon, please call Beth Mordecai at (732) 442-2431.