About Temple Beth El of Somerset

Some people choose a synagogue because they seek meaningful spiritual activity and learning. Some do so because they want to make Jewish friends for themselves and their children; some because they wish to pass the traditions of Judaism along to the next generation.  Whatever your reason, we invite you to consider Temple Beth El of Somerset.  Since its inception, Temple Beth El has furthered the ideals of Conservative Judaism by providing its members with a variety of religious, educational, social and cultural services. Its proudest achievement is the creation and continuous nurturing of a warm, caring congregation, spanning all age groups and finding in Judaism the basis for rich, fulfilling lives.  A vibrant congregation guided by a young, energetic rabbi, Temple Beth El is small enough to know every member and large enough to provide a full range of Jewish activities.  Temple Beth El of Somerset is affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, the parent body of Conservative congregations in the United States. Founded in January 1963, the Temple then moved to its present location on Hamilton Street.

Rabbi Eli Garfinkel

Rabbi Eli Garfinkel has served as our spiritual leader since 2005.  He received his Bachelor's Degree in Russian at Indiana University in 1993 and rabbinic ordination and master's degree at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America in 1999.  Prior to becoming the rabbi of Temple Beth El, Rabbi Garfinkel served as an assistant rabbi and educator in Toronto and Cincinnati.  He is the author of the popular JPS Jewish Heritage Torah Commentary and has written Torah commentaries for teenagers that are used in several of the Ramah camps. Rabbi Garfinkel is married to Naomi Lasky, a social worker, and they have twin children, Sari and Josh.

​​​Rabbi Garfinkel's website