For almost 75 years, Temple Emanu-El has been that spiritual home for the Jewish community of Westfield, Union County, and beyond.

From the day we were founded, our story has been one of resilience, creativity, and community-driven action. In 1950, when a group of 43 Westfield Jewish families from across Jewish traditions came together — resolved to create their own religious home — Jews could not purchase land in much of Westfield. Despite local residents circulating petitions against the founding of a synagogue, our founders persevered. 

Assisted by our first rabbi, those 43 families created an approach to religious life that combined traditional Jewish liturgy with innovative Reform Jewish prayer and practice. That unique expression of Reform Judaism formed the foundation of Temple Emanu-El of Westfield: an organic Jewish community with integrated religious, cultural, social, and philanthropic efforts. Our membership has since grown to include 950 families, many with multiple generations participating in Jewish ritual life, synagogue activities, and educational programming. 

Temple Emanu-El of Westfield envisions a world in which every person can create their own unique, meaningful connections to Jewish life, Jewish tradition, and Jewish identity — one where Judaism is a source of joy, comfort, community, and wisdom, and where Jewish organizations evolve and innovate to meet the needs of our changing world. 

Our origin story — one of resilience and creative problem-solving in the face of injustice — continually inspires us to respond to each new moment, each new generation, and each new challenge facing not just Jews but all people. Our members take the values, wisdom, and sense of pride in their Jewish identity that they learn within our walls out into the greater community of Westfield and Union County. We engage in local, state, and national advocacy, philanthropy, and social justice actions, and encourage our members to form a meaningful connection to the Land and People of Israel. We provide a spiritual home to all and continue to be a cherished pillar of the Westfield community

As a community, we’re dedicated to lifelong learning for people of all ages that goes far beyond the classroom. We act with justice, compassion, and loving-kindness in accordance with our Jewish values, and to infuse every aspect of our lives with Torah. We welcome all those seeking modern, spiritual experiences of Reform Judaism through dynamic educational programming, inspiring and joyful worship, and a commitment to social change, social justice, and Israel.

However you identify, whatever your practice, and wherever you are in your Jewish life, Temple Emanu-El of Westfield has something to offer anyone looking for a modern, spiritual, welcoming Reform Jewish community.