History
Welcome to the Synagogue of the Suburban Torah Center (SSTC) of Livingston, New Jersey. Founded in 1969 as Livingston’s first Orthodox synagogue, under the leadership of Rabbi Moshe A. Kasinetz, our membership currently has over 200 families, representing a vibrant and varied cross-section of Jewish experiences within an Orthodox framework. As a community and as individuals, we are dedicated to both the modern and the Orthodox lifestyle of American Judaism, active involvement in philanthropic organizations and causes, and a love for the land of Israel. The synagogue membership comes from very diverse religious backgrounds and education levels, creating a very welcoming place for prayer and study. We are proud of our heritage and reputation for having a warm and caring multi-generational synagogue family that encourages personal, spiritual and intellectual growth.
After Rabbi Kasinetz’s retirement in 1999, Rabbi Mordecai E. Feuerstein assumed leadership of SSTC. In 2000, the synagogue completed an extensive renovation to accommodate the growth of the congregation. The expansion included a magnificent sanctuary, Beit Midrash, redesigned social hall, expanded library, office facilities, and nursery school. Rabbi Eliezer Mischel took over the mantle at SSTC in August 2013. He helped spearhead a growth in synagogue membership, encouraging young families to explore Livingston and its Jewish community. Rabbi Mischel remained at the helm of SSTC until he and his family made aliyah in 2021.
In September 2021, Rabbi James and Sarah Proops assumed leadership of Suburban Torah.
As a Torah Center, SSTC provides a home for many Jewish activities.
SSTC offers daily prayer services and a wide array of Jewish educational and social programs for all of its constituents and the broader Jewish community. Our Rabbi teaches a variety of classes on Wednesday evenings and Shabbat afternoons, and a weekly Torah portion Tele-shiur on Wednesdays during lunchtime. Scholars-in-residence and guest speaker events add depth and diversity to the SSTC’s educational offerings. Our Youth Directors run a full schedule of activities for all age groups of children, both on Shabbat and holidays as well as during the week. We have Dorot programming for senior members of the community; our Sisterhood and Men’s Club offer monthly events that foster opportunities to meet other SSTC members. The Chesed (kindness) committee offers many services to the community, such as the Tomchei Mazon food pantry and visits to the sick and homebound.
SSTC's Iris & Errol Berman Early Childhood Center affords babies, toddlers and preschool children with excellent educational and early socializing opportunities within an Orthodox Jewish environment.
SSTC maintains an eruv and supports the local Kashrut organization, Va'ad HaRabbonim of Metrowest, N.J.
There are many social, religious, educational and humanitarian opportunities for members to get involved in Jewish life here at SSTC. Our membership committee will help you acclimate to our community, so come join us!