History of Beth Zion

1987: From L'Chaim to Beth Zion
Beth Zion found its humble beginnings as L'Chaim Home Fellowship in 1987 in Tom's River, NJ with a handful of congregants (three of whom are still at BZ!).  The congregation name was later changed to Beth Zion.  Shortly after that, Rabbi Jan and Marlene Rosenberg answered the call.  Soon after they came to Beth Zion services were moved&ellips;

1995: Pizza Anyone?  OK, how 'bout some Borscht?
Three months after the Rosenberg's came to Beth Zion services were moved to Antonio's Italian Restaurant in Jackson, NJ.  Although the food and smells were wonderful, Antonio's was simply too small and noisy for our growing young congregation.  So, we made our Exodus from pasta and calzones to the more familiar savors of borscht and blintzes.  We moved to Rova Farms Resort (yes, a Russian restaurant!).  Here we found a welcoming home for our services for almost 8 years.

2002: The Wandering Jews of Jackson
After a fire at Rova, we were forced to leave our familiar surroundings for a period of wandering in the wilderness.  Several local churches in Jackson graciously opened their doors to us and we are grateful to them for allowing us to rent their space.  However, like our Jewish people, we long to return to our own homeland!

2002 - Present: Preparing a Field for Harvest in the Garden State
However, in 2002, the Lord began to answer our prayers for our own facility.  We purchased a 7-acre property in Jackson, along with a 3-story colonial home.  Although we are not yet having our services at this property, we have been blessed to be able to use it for Kiddush, Shabbatons, meetings and other events.  In 2004, we officially broke ground for our future Synagogue and Messianic Resource Center.  We pray that our building will be complete soon!  Come out and visit and we'll give you a free tour!