Melrose B’nai Israel Emanu-El is merging with Congregation Adath Jeshurun, effective July 1. Both synagogues are on Old York Road in Elkins Park.

According to the Jewish Exponent Philadelphia, the merger is due to a dearth in membership at Melrose B’nai Israel Emanu-El, particularly among the young. During COVID, its membership fell from more than 200 to about 140, President Shelley Schwartz said.

The synagogue’s leaders shopped around for a new home before settling on their current plan, which has been made official by both parties, the Exponent said.

“My predecessors were very committed to staying on the Old York Road corridor,” Schwartz said. “I was also committed to staying in this area.”

Adath Jeshurun’s leaders will allow Melrose B’nai Israel Emanu-El to maintain its flexible structure for paying dues, as well as construct a one-room museum for its artifacts.

“Here’s our stained-glass windows. Here’s our memorial plaque. It’ll have things they can touch and feel and remember,” Schwartz said. “That was very important.”

AJ, Melrose and Beth Sholom are Conservative. Kol Ami and KI are Reform. All are struggling with declining membership, the Exponent said.

For more on Melrose B’nai Israel Emanu-El, located at 8339 Old York Road, you can visit their Facebook page and website. For more on Congregation Adath Jeshurun, located at 7763 Old York Road, you can visit their Facebook page and website.

For the full story about the merger, you can click here.

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Photo: Wikipedia