Members of Congregation Adath Jeshurun (AJ) of Elkins Park and Temple Sinai of Dresher voted on Sunday, October 25 to approve a merger of the two synagogues.

According to a press release, the merger will take effect following review by the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General and approval of the Orphans’ Court of Montgomery County.

The unification of the two synagogues will create a congregation of about 500 families, with the members of AJ relocating to the Temple Sinai location at 1401 North Limekiln Pike. The combined entity will be known as Adath Jeshurun-Temple Sinai (AJ-TS).

“We look forward to blending the best of both synagogue’s traditions,” said Temple Sinai President Amy Kalenscher. “Our congregations are closely aligned in terms of culture and practice, and with greater numbers of congregants, we look forward to even more robust programming for all ages.”

“We are thrilled to be joining our peers in Dresher,” said Adath Jeshurun President Denise Portner. “With this merger, we have found a way to preserve AJ’s legacy while building something new for the future.”

Clergy and staff from both synagogues will continue in their roles, officials said.

The Adath Jeshurun building, located at 7763 Old York Road, is on the market for an undisclosed amount. According to the listing, the 60,000 sf building includes worship, daycare, school, two commercial kitchens, and administrative offices.

More details below:

Founded in 1858, Adath Jeshurun was one of only 22 founding synagogues of what is now known as the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. As of 1911, its home was at Broad & Diamond Streets in Philadelphia; the congregation moved to its current location in 1964. The combined AJ-TS will continue to maintain the Adath Jeshurun Cemetery at 1855 Bridge Street, incorporated in 1861.

“With this merger, we are not planning on business as usual,” Portner said. “Our agreement provides that we will devote significant resources to an Innovation Fund to spur new ideas for attracting the next generation of members.”

Founded in 1940 in West Oak Lane, Temple Sinai’s first home was at Ogontz Avenue and Washington Lane and then moved to Washington Lane and Limekiln Pike. In the 1960s, as the suburbs were being developed, a group of families moved to Upper Dublin Township, with the current building constructed in 1978.

“With the number of young families in the Dresher area, we believe the opportunity for growth is here,” Kalenscher said. “We are looking forward to the infusion of new people, new ideas, and new energy.”

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