Temple Beth El Congregation President Claudia Tung pointing out some of the floor damage inside the Hammonton synagogue. (Photo courtesy of The Hammonton Gazette) While Temple Beth El of Hammonton might have a small membership – 25 members to be exact – the size of their commitment appears to be without limit. After suffering significant flood damage from late winter storms, help from the congregation and community is now close to restoring the nearly 75-year-old historic building.

“So far, things seem to be working out,” says Congregation President Claudia Tung. “We are now in the middle of finalizing a contract to have the work done.”

The extensive water damage had forced Shabbat services to be held elsewhere, until the renovation is completed, as well as displacing the children’s Sunday School, which has been conducted in various members’ homes.

“We will be having a Shabbat service the third Friday of June at the JCC camp in Medford,” Tung said. “The Sunday School is just about finished for this year.”

While the target date for the start of renovations had been the end of May, Tung said it is hoped that work will begin in the next week or two.

“There has been tremendous support from our members – above their membership dues – and from various groups. We have an extensive friends list – former members – who have been giving donations, but we are still raising funds. We still need donations and support, and are trying to get our message out to anyone who can help. We are looking for new members, people who are not affiliated with a synagogue.”

The repair work is pretty much extensive, she said. All the walls have to be removed, as well as the flooring. “It all has to come out,” Tung was reported saying in a recent issue of The Hammonton Gazette. While revitalizing and preserving the Spanish-mission style building with its theater-style seating and stained-glass windows, repairing the basement is the most critical project, she said.

According to the synagogue’s website, the idea of forming a synagogue in Hammonton was first presented by Mr. Samuel Kapnek. Kapnek, owner of the “Natural Gas Company,”(now Suburban Gas). Kapnek drew his vision of what the synagogue building would look like, and the architect and builder worked from his crude sketches.

“William B. Kessler, son of a tailor, who moved to this area to start his clothing factory contributed much to the building of the synagogue. Kessler Manufacturing produced men’s clothing under the brand names of Botany 500 and Hammonton Park Clothes. After two years, Joseph Stecker, another local businessman, became president. Other officers were Samuel Frank, vice president, David Greenberg, secretary, and Jules Press, chairman of the building fund committee.”

Ground was broken February 25, 1937, and the building was dedicated on June 27th of the same year.

Abby Michaleski is the current spiritual leader/student rabbi. She leads monthly Shabbat Services, Adult Education, Community Programs and spiritual counseling and support. In addition, Abby is actively involved in the school, providing our children and teens with a creative learning experience in a warm and welcoming environment.

Tung, who started with the synagogue 11 years ago, said both support and donations are still critical. “We are still in need of funds,” she said. “With support, we hope to be up and running by the High Holidays.”

For information on how you can help Temple Beth-El of Hammonton, call 561-7217. You also can find out more about the synagogue by going to its website: www.tbenj.org.