Origins:
Beth Haverim and Reform Temple of Suffern-Shir Shalom

In October, 1970 a small group of families responded to a notice in a local newspaper to become a part of a new Reform Congregation in Bergen County, New Jersey .  In February, 1971, twenty-two members adopted a constitution.  In August, 1976, the community chose a Hebrew name, Beth Haverim, meaning "House of Friends."

Reform Temple of Suffern-Shir Shalom was founded in 1971 with 10 families from Rockland and Orange Counties in New York and Bergen County , NJ . The synagogue purchased it's original building in 1976, and and expanded to a new sanctuary which was completed in 1987. The building was expanded once again in 1993.

 Our future:
Beth Haverim Shir Shalom

In the summer of 2007, the two congregations merged to become Beth Haverim Shir Shalom, and today we are thriving.  From small beginnings we continue to grow as a House of Friends. From a modest start, we ever seek to be a Song of Peace.  Sharing, learning, giving, enjoying, we take all that Reform Judaism has to offer.


Beth Haverim Shir Shalom Mission Statement

Beth Haverim Shir Shalom is a welcoming Reform Jewish congregation committed to meeting the religious, educational, cultural and social needs of our diverse membership. We encourage our members to seek and continue to pursue their spiritual journeys individually and together in prayer, song and celebration. We are called by our sacred heritage to respond to the needs of our immediate community and the world and its future. And we are dedicated to the never-ending process of Jewish learning.

Read Our Constitution and By-Laws