About Us

Pine Brook Jewish Center might be the oldest synagogue in Morris County, having served the Jewish community since 1896, but we are truly 128 years young.

Serving a diverse Jewish community, PBJC is a place to worship in a warm, inclusive environment, to learn at every stage of life, to give back within and outside our community, and to enjoy a full social experience. We are dedicated to building a vibrant, better educated, more active, more inclusive, and more committed Jewish community.

PBJC is located in Montville, New Jersey and originally held religious services in local farmhouses. From 1906-1912, services were held in the Sunrise Hotel on Hook Mountain Road in Pine Brook. In 1912, the first building was erected. This building was expanded in 1950 and again in 1970 when the congregation reached 75 families. In 1982, PBJC, then consisting of about 150 families, constructed the current building.

In 1995, Lake Hiawatha Jewish Center, a neighboring congregation established in 1945, merged with PBJC, and as a result the congregation gained approximately 100 new families. In 2019, PBJC was pleased to merge with Congregation Beth Shalom of Pompton Lakes. Currently, the congregation consists of approximately 400 families and several hundred preschool and religious school-aged children.

Our spiritual leader, Rabbi Cantor Menachem Toren, has been a part of our community for many years. His warmth, guidance, and leadership help to make the Pine Brook Jewish Center a place to call home. He is always available and helps each member nurture their spiritual connections.

Pine Brook Jewish Center offers weekly Shabbat services on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings. There are interactive family Shabbat services on the first Friday of every month as well as Tot Shabbat an"Shabbat Alive" services that take place several times a year with themed family Shabbat dinners offering an engaging musical experience.

PBJC's Early Childhood Center (ECC) offers a highly rated state-licensed preschool program led by an experienced, loving, professional staff. Our philosophy is to provide young children with a rich and stimulating environment that is warm, loving, and supportive of each child's own rate of learning and development. The Giggle Zone, our full-time day care program, runs from 7:30 AM to 6 PM and is for ages 18 months to 5 years. A fabulous summer camp experience is offered, as well.

Our Religious School offers an excellent curriculum with enrichment opportunities. Many of our students choose to continue their Jewish education beyond their Bar or Bat Mitzvah in our Hebrew High School program, "PBJC Teens". We also offer holiday workshops ("Challah Days") for preschool aged children.

We offer dynamic programming and fun social events throughout the year. We also have active Sisterhood and Men's Club groups who offer many programs and experiences for their membership and for our community.

Contact us or stop by for a visit. We look forward to meeting you!