Our History
In the late 1950s, a group of 29 families in the Red Bank area came together to start their own Reform Jewish Congregation. That congregation, Monmouth Reform Temple (MRT), has grown to over 325 families and maintains a packed calendar of programs and activities. At the heart of everything is a strong commitment to “tikkun olam” (repairing the world) and a vision of inclusive and spiritually relevant Jewish practice.
Late 1950s
The Vision Begins
A group of local families sought to create a Reform Jewish congregation closer to home, as the nearest Reform synagogue at the time was Temple Beth Miriam in Elberon.
March 20, 1959
Steering Committee Formed
Twenty-two families met in a Rumson home to form the steering committee for what would become Monmouth Reform Temple.
April 17, 1959
First Religious Service
The first service was held at the Women’s Club in Red Bank, led by Rabbi Herbert Brichto, dean of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (UAHC).
April 30, 1959
Official Charter Secured
With 32 member families, Monmouth Reform Temple received its seal and charter from the UAHC (now the Union for Reform Judaism).
May 1959
Temporary Home at Presbyterian Church
The Presbyterian Church at Shrewsbury offered MRT use of its sanctuary and school building.
For the next seven years, members transformed the church hall into a synagogue each Friday and restored it afterward — a partnership that led to a lasting interfaith friendship.
1964
Fundraising for a Permanent Home
As membership grew, the congregation began fundraising for its own building and purchased a vacant 10-acre tract on Hance Avenue in New Shrewsbury (now Tinton Falls).
Late 1966
First Service in the New Building
The first Shabbat service was held in an unfinished classroom — cold and damp, but marking a major milestone.
May 29, 1966
Groundbreaking Ceremony
Temple leaders officially broke ground at the current Hance Avenue location.
April 1967
Sanctuary Dedication
The completed sanctuary was formally dedicated. By the late 1960s, under Rabbi Richard Steinbrink’s leadership, membership had grown to more than 160 families.
25-Year Tenure of Rabbi Sally J. Priesand
Rabbi Sally J. Priesand, America’s first ordained female rabbi, served MRT for 25 years. During her tenure, the congregation strengthened its sense of family, inclusion, and Jewish growth.
As she reflected, “We’ve always tried to grow Jewishly, one mitzvah at a time.”
She retired in June 2006 and continues to serve as Rabbi Emerita.
2009
50th Anniversary Celebration
MRT celebrated its 50th anniversary with special events in October and November, including a 50th anniversary Shabbat and oneg, a memory book and time capsule, and closing social celebration. Click here to read to New Jersey Jewish News Article by Jill Huber
We establish an endowment fund and named it the Rabbi Sally J. Priesand Endowment Fund for The Future. It provides needed funding to ensure our continuing presence in the community. Click here to see a short video that explains the goals of this endowment.
2019
60th Anniversary Celebration
MRT’s 60th Anniversary History Document - Click here to read the full document.
MRT’s Official History Document (Updated November 2014 by Rabbi Sally J. Priesand) - Click here to read.
Today at Monmouth Reform Temple
The congregation has grown to approximately 325 member families, about 40% of whom are interfaith households. MRT continues to serve as a house of worship, learning, and assembly, rooted in a strong commitment to tikkun olam.
Guided by vibrant clergy leadership and a deep sense of community, MRT remains a place where Jewish life is experienced across generations - one mitzvah at a time.