The Actors Temple: About Us

The Actors' Temple is a place where the enduring values of Judaism translate into human connections. Our congregation is progressive and egalitarian.

We provide community and self-expression, deeds of loving kindness and caring. We look for fresh approaches to enliven worship while maintaining a connection to our Jewish roots.

We welcome all people in our House of God.

Please Click here for a Membership Form.

Annual dues are $360 for individuals, $720 for families. Please contact our office for additional membership information. Make check payable to The Actors Temple

Staff: Rabbi/Cantor Jill Hausman
At the Actors Temple, we are creating a dynamic religious and creative community together. The most important thing to me is that religion is welcoming to everyone. God welcomes each person, and the synagogue must be a place of acceptance and love, of learning about Torah and history, of socializing, of giving back to the community, and creating beauty. It is a place where religious questions are honored and debated in a thoughtful way.

To me, the spirit of the law is more important than the letter of the law, and love for one's neighbor precedes all else. The universal aspects of religion take precedence over the particular aspects, which serve to embellish observance and enrich it rather than dividing people or excluding them.

Each congregant is precious at the Actors' Temple, each person is important to the synagogue community. Our synagogue is a place of beauty, of learning, and of being there for each other. It is a refuge and a place to turn to for life cycle events and support. It is a place where families can come to teach their children about the beauty and meaning of their Jewish heritage. My aim is to give people a reason for being at the synagogue: a bit of rest, of song, of learning, of validation, or of appreciating creativity. People may not know why they came to the synagogue, but in retrospect, they should know that they received something valuable, and that they want to return.

"Rabbi Jill" is a New Jersey native. She served for twelve years at Boro Park Progressive Synagogue as Cantor more recently also as Assistant Rabbi. She has a background in performing and serves as both Rabbi and Cantor of The Actors Temple. Rabbi Jill is a graduate of Smith College and received her Semicha from the Rabbinical Seminary International. She is married, has two sons, and lives on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. She can often be seen riding her bike to the office.