At the end of World War II, many returning GI's got married and fulfilled the American dream of home ownership in the suburbs.

Among them were a small group of young Jewish business and professional families who migrated to New Milford, River Edge and Oradell from New York City and other areas of New Jersey.

In February of 1951, approximately 60 Jewish families from these three towns met in the house of Mr. and Mrs. Sol Jacobson in New Milford to discuss the formation of the New Milford Jewish Center. The original purpose of the synagogue was to "provide activities and programs for men, women and children that will bring together a Jewish spirit of friendliness and develop in them a deep consciousness of their duty to their people and to their community."

This concept remains the central mission of Congregation Beth Tikvah: to serve the religious, spiritual and social needs of the Jewish community in a warm, friendly environment and through creative and dynamic programs.

As the years went by the community grew and in 1955 the congregation dedicated and opened its small one-room multi-purpose building in time for the High Holy Day services. Over the next decade the community was booming and the membership swelled. A larger building was constructed and dedicated in June of 1965. This is the building in which we find ourselves today. It includes a main sanctuary, spacious ballroom, small chapel, youth lounge (the original one-room building) and a lower-level of classrooms including a multi-media library. The activities built up in the past continue through our Sisterhood, Men's Club, Adult Education Committee and Religious School.

The first Rabbis of the congregation were Jack Leiter followed by Morris Cohen. In 1961, Harold Halpern came to serve the congregation and stayed for 24 years until he made aliyah to Israel in 1985. In 1975 during Rabbi Halpern's tenure, women were accepted to count in the minyan (prayer quorum).

In 1985, Rabbi Avram Reisner came to New Milford and served the congregation until 1999. During Rabbi Reisner's tenure the congregation gradually took on egalitarian practices with a weekly egalitarian Torah reading and monthly egalitarian services. In the spring of 1999, egalitarianism was instituted as the standard for all the synagogue's religious services and programs.

On Rosh HaShanah 5760 (September, 1999), Rabbi Francine Green Roston began as the spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Tikvah and served as Rabbi through 2005.

Cantor Steven Blane became Spiritual Leader of the congregation in 2006 and served as Rabbi through 2009. He has brought a new and joyous vision to the community.

For the 2009/5770 High Holiday services Rabbi Harold Halpern returned from Israel to officiate at our services.

In November 2009 Rabbi Bob Mark was installed as Rabbi of our congregation.

Congregation Beth Tikvah continues to serve the Jews of New Milford and its surrounding towns. We continue to welcome people of all ages and backgrounds to worship with us and participate in the life of our Jewish community. As we enter the twenty-first century, our synagogue continues to foster Jewish education, ritual life and commitment to the unity and continuity of the Jewish people.

Join us and become part of the next chapter in our warm, friendly history!