May marks the 50th anniversary of Temple Shalom of Aberdeen. The temple was founded by a small group of pioneering Jews who moved into what was then Matawan Township. Over the winter of 1962 and the spring of 1963, twelve families started to organize a Reform Jewish Temple for residents of Strathmore and surrounding communities. Since its founding, Temple Shalom has endeavored to meet the spiritual, cultural and social needs of the Reform Jewish Community of Northern Monmouth and Southeastern Middlesex counties.
Services were originally held in Strathmore School, in the now defunct Plaza Theater in Hazlet, in the Matawan Regional High School auditorium and at other area locations. The Temple’s building, at 5 Ayrmont Lane, was constructed in 1967 and was finished in time for the High Holidays that year. The public dedication ceremony, including the laying of the cornerstone by the town’s mayor, occurred on Sunday, October 1st. The building has been expanded in several subsequent stages.
In 1999, Rabbi Laurence P. Malinger became the spiritual leader following the retirement of Rabbi Henry M. Weiner who had served for thirty-two years. In July, 2012, Cantor Debi Zeiontz joined the clergy. The professional staff also includes Director of Temple Schools Cindy Terebush. The religious school spans the entire range from kindergarten to 12th grade. In 1991, responding to the needs of younger congregants, Temple Shalom established a nursery school which is now the Early Learning Center.
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The anniversary celebration began with special Shabbat services on May 10th and 11th. The Friday evening service included several former students of Temple Shalom’s religious school who have gone on to become Jewish professionals - rabbis, cantors, and educators. On Saturday, the temple honored past leaders including founding members, presidents of the Temple, Brotherhood, Sisterhood and directors of the religious and Early Education schools. The celebration concluded with a gala evening featuring Broadway-themed entertainment by Cantor Debi Zeiontz.
