Prospective members often have many questions about membership at Temple Sinai. Below, we offer the answers to frequently asked questions. We encourage you to learn more and to contact Jeff Katz, our Executive Director, at 201-568-3035 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Where do your members reside?

• We are a thriving congregation with membership from throughout Bergen County with a concentration of members from Tenafly, Englewood, Englewood Cliffs, Fort Lee, Alpine, Demarest and Cresskill.

What is the usual time for Shabbat services?

• Please consult the calendar for the most current information on our Shabbat service schedule.
• Friday night Shabbat services generally begin at 7:30pm (except on the third Shabbat of the month when they begin at 8:00 pm)  and Saturday morning Shabbat services begin at 10:15 am.

Are children welcome at all Shabbat services?

• Absolutely. Full family participation in all services and synagogue events is encouraged. During the High Holy Days, our Religious School provides Junior Congregation services, developed especially for younger children from kindergarten through sixth grade.

Do we need tickets to attend the High Holy Day services?

• Yes. Members receive tickets to High Holy Day services. Members of the community are invited to join with us for afternoon service on Rosh Hashanah, second day Rosh Hashanah services and afternoon services on Yom Kippur.

I am Jewish, but my spouse is not. How will we fit in at Temple Sinai?

• You are not alone. Many interfaith families are part of our community and we encourage all to participate fully in all our activities. Our Interfaith Outreach Support Group supports interfaith families and facilitates their participation in meaningful ways.

Do I have to be a member to enroll my child in the Early Childhood Center?

• No, you do not have to be a member although many families discover they would like to become a member and formalize their relationship early.

When can my child begin religious school education?

• Religious school education begins at age 5 in our Kindergarten program, upon graduation from our Early Childhood Center. Holidays, Hebrew letters and basic blessings are introduced at this grade level. Our Education Director, Sara Kaplan, is happy to answer any questions regarding the Religious School and its curriculum. She can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Do I have to be a member to enroll my child in Religious School?

• You automatically become a Temple member when you enroll your child in religious school in grades K through 2 (at no additional cost) thanks to a special membership program. Regular temple membership is required for families whose oldest or only child is in third grade. Contact our Executive Director Jeff Katz at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  to learn all of the details.

When does study for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah begin?

The foundation for Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation takes place throughout a child’s religious education so that s/he is familiar with the basics of Jewish history, traditions, values, prayers and Hebrew. When a student is in 5th grade, s/he experiences the first of several Bar Mitzvah workshops with parents and general preparation begins at this point. Individualized instruction with the Cantor and/or Hebrew tutor begins approximately 8-10 months before the Bar/Bat Mitzvah date. You also meet with the Rabbi to begin working on your D’Var Torah during this time. 

Does the synagogue offer adult education opportunities?

Temple Sinai offers a vast array of adult education opportunities including adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah study, adult Hebrew Study, Torah Study, Lunch & Learn as well as workshops and classes designed to meet the needs of all congregants.