We believe that the success of Congregation Torat El is determined by certain basic principles or core values. These core values serve as the foundation upon which the synagogue operates and outline the framework upon which Congregation Torat El will meet the needs of its congregation and the community now and in the future:
We are a community building relationships with God, Judaism, and each other; through prayer, study, discussion, and action; guided by Torah, our traditions, those who came before us and our vision for the future.
In 2009 Temple Beth Torah and Temple Beth El, which had absorbed Congregation B’nai Shalom in 2001, voted to unify to achieve a strong conservative presence in Township of Ocean and the surrounding community. Rabbi Michael Goldstein and Rabbi Gordon Yaffe shared rabbinical responsibilities and Cantor Bruce Siegel and Marcia Lane shared cantorial duties. Both buildings remained open with some services in parallel and some united.
In 2010 named changed to Congregation Torat El. The unified congregation numbers approximately 600 families, 350 from Temple Beth Torah and 250 from Temple Beth El. Rabbi Aaron Schonbrun was selected as the first spiritual leader of the unified congregation. Cantor Bruce Siegel continued as Cantor, Ben Laskowitz as Principal, and Pam Cardullo as Executive Director.
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