History of the Congregation
In February 1947 a small group met in Riverdale Neighborhood House to initiate discussions for a new liberal Jewish congregation. In September 1947 the charter was signed and 67 families founded the Riverdale Temple, which was the first Jewish congregation in Riverdale. The Honorable Francis J. Bloustein was named first president and a dynamic rabbi infused with enthusiasm for the new project, Charles E. Shulman, was recruited from Chicago to become the first rabbi of the "liberal congregation."
The new Riverdale Temple began meeting in Ben Riley's Arrowhead Inn. The Religious School, Sisterhood and Youth Group were formed. In 1952, a decision was made to demolish the Ben Riley building and the Riverdale Temple became a homeless congregation. Though difficult, these years before the erection of the current building drew the congregation closer to the community, as Riverdale Temple services were conducted first at Christ Church, then at Riverdale Presbyterian Church, and Religious School classes moved from the Riverdale Country School to the Fieldston School.
Accepting the gracious offers of still other facilities, Yom Kippur services were held in the auditorium of the Horace Mann School. In June 1953, the cornerstone for the new Riverdale Temple was laid and, in March 1954, the new building was opened and, in September 1954, the building was formally dedicated.
Five rabbis have served the congregation in the past: the late Rabbi Charles E. Shulman (1947-1968), Rabbi Morris Kertzer (1968-1970), Rabbi Burt Siegel (assistant rabbi 1968-1970, senior rabbi 1970-1979), Rabbi Stephen D. Franklin (1979-2003), Rabbi Steven D. Burton (2003-2006). Rabbi Judith Lewis joins the congregation as its spiritual leader July 1, 2006.
Two cantors have served the congregation: Cantor Rebecca Garfein (1993-1999), and Cantor Leslie Friedlander (1999-2010). Cantorial Intern Aviva Kolet (2010 )
Twenty-five members of the congregation have served Riverdale Temple as its president: Honorable Francis Bloustein (1947-1955), J. Burton Orr (1956-1958), William Heimowitz (1959-1960), Myron P. Berman (1961-1962), Leo Bloch (1963-1964), Charles D. Landow (1965-1966), Albert J. Solomon (1967-1968), Honorable Arthur Karger (1969-1970), Jack Grushoff (1971-1973), Lester J. Kovar (1973-1975), David Avrach (1976-1977), Milton J. Molsky (1977-1979), Leo Benardo (1979-1980), Marvin Goodman (1980-1982), Dennis Neier (1982-1984), Charles S. Baron (1984-1988), Erwin A. Merson (1988-1990), Dr. Philip Segan (1990-1992), Carolyn L. Baron (1992-1994), Dr. Jack Gorman (1994-1996), Sol Blumenstock (1996-1998), Maxine B. Halpern (1998-2000), Beth D. Jacob (2000-2002), Sharron G. Halpern (2002-2004), Charles S. Baron ( 2004-2006), Bert Feinberg (2006-2008) and beginning July 1, 2008, Dr. Rachel L. Radna.
