SURVIVING AND THRIVING: Temple Micah celebrates its 50th anniversary on March 23. Cantorial Soloist Adrienne Rubin, left, and current Rabbi Elisa Goldberg are among those who have been actively involved in the congregation over the decades. 

By Anne Levin

Five decades ago, a group of 30 area Jews organized High Holidays services in the historic Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville. None knew if their dream of a liberal-minded congregation would become a permanent reality.

But Temple Micah, named after the prophet who preached simple kindness and humility, has not only survived, it has thrived. Still operating out of the church on Lawrenceville’s Main Street, the congregation attracts some 200 worshippers on the High Holidays and 50 or 60 on a Friday night.

“Temple Micah was founded by a bunch of liberal Jews,” said Bob Pollack, who was not among the founders, but was president of the congregation for more than two decades. “It has survived, though it had every reason not to. I used to say that if we didn’t exist, someone would invent us.”

The congregation was begun during the Vietnam War. “There was a lot of social unrest, and a lot of displeasure with some of the synagogues in the area,” Pollack said. “Cost was a big issue. It’s human nature — you get your tribe, and you like to get together and find people who see things your way. I also think they maybe wanted to find something that seemed a little more spiritual and socially positive, and have that part of the theme.”

Pollack will be among those on hand when Temple MIcah celebrates its golden anniversary on Saturday, March 23. An evening Havdalah service (marking the end of the Sabbath) followed by a reception with live music is planned. “We are hoping that current members, past members, and Lawrenceville-area clergy and community members will come,” said Ivy Cohen, current president of the board of trustees. “We want anyone who has ever been part of it to join us, or make a contribution, or maybe share some reflections and thoughts. We’ve heard from a lot of people who have been members, so this seems like the perfect time to bring everyone together.”

The goal of the original members was “to create a new congregation which would be open and comfortable for all individuals wishing to realize their own personal connections to Judaism,” according to the congregation’s website. The first gathering, a Friday evening service in July 1969, was in the chapel of Rider College (now Rider University).

A few months later, early leaders approached the Reverend H. Dana Fearon, the pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville, who agreed to let them use the sanctuary for the first High Holidays service. The church’s trustees agreed to a one-year trial. Fifty years later, the church is still serving as the shul.

“The whole basis of what we were able to do is the very nice relationship we have with the church,” said Pollack. “Without that house of worship that was already there and provided us a format to deliver whatever we were going to deliver, we couldn’t have done it.”

A religious school affiliated with the congregation and started by Dorothy Koppelman was originally run out of members’ homes. Now located in the church and named for former board president Irving Seligman, the school now educates from 80 to 100 children who attend once a week, said Pollack. The current director of the school is Sue Weiner.

Temple Micah’s first rabbi was Albert Ginsburgh, who led the congregation for 22 years, even commuting for all scheduled services after moving to Boston. When he retired in 1992, Rabbi Ellen Greenspan was hired, presiding for 21 years. Next was Rabbi Vicki Seren Tuckman, who is credited with helping grow the religious school. Tragically, Tuckman died of cancer in her third year as spiritual leader.

The congregation hired Rabbi Roni Handler next. “It wasn’t easy for her, because we were all grieving at the loss of Vicki Tuckman,” said Pollack. “But she did a great job.” Handler moved to Philadelphia two years later to be closer to her home and growing family. Her replacement was the current rabbi, Elisa Goldberg.

The Presbyterian church and the Jewish congregation have kept close ties during the 50 years of sharing space. Interfaith services, Passover Seders, and other joint activities have been part of the mix.

Instead of rent, Temple Micah makes a contribution to the church. “We’re kind of partners, in a sense,” said Pollack. “They’re very grateful for it. When they have capital campaigns, we try to raise money for them. It’s a unique relationship and it has made all the difference for us.”