We are a Conservative Jewish congregation located in the heart of the San Fernando Valley. Our congregants are of every background, and we always welcome new people with open arms. At Temple Ner Maarav, we consider every congregant important and we hope to always make you feel at home when you visit.

A Little Bit of Our History

In the spring of 1955 a group of Jewish valley residents gathered to discuss the formation of a new temple in the fast growing San Fernando Valley. This group became the founders of the new congregation and Maarav Temple was born. On July 8, 1955 the first Friday Evening service was conducted by Rabbi Kalman Friedman and Cantor Irving Hoffer at the Sherman Oaks Women's Club. In the following months, elections were held for the first officers of Maarav Temple. Samuel Adler was elected President and Joseph Weitzenfeld became Chairman of the Board. During the same month, Maarav Temple 's Sisterhood was formed with Helen Ochs as President. A memorable event took place on September 9, 1955, when the Articles of Incorporation were signed.

In the following month, Maarav Temple Men's Club was formed, Fireside Chats had started, Supper lectures were held and Young Adult Groups were meeting. All Temple activities and meetings were held in the homes of various members.

The first High Holiday Service was conducted by Rabbi Friedman and Cantor Hoffer at the Glen Aire Country Club.

The founding members always had the dream of a building of their own synagogue. William and Freda Fingerhut not only located a site, but also made the dream approach reality by donating $5,000.00 towards its purchase. Additional funds needed were raised from loans by various members of the congregation. Ground breaking ceremonies were held on August 26, 1956.

In August of 1957, with Joseph Weitzenfeld as President, the new building was dedicated. Rabbi Friedman, the Temple officers, trustees and entire congregation were honored by many notables from the secular and religious world at the dedication and dinner that followed. A few days following the dedication, a contract was consummated with the talented Cantor and Composer, Maurice Goldman.

The third High Holiday services were finally held in the new Sanctuary.

By the fourth year membership was over 200 families and permanent seats, donated by members, were installed in the sanctuary. Rabbi Friedman selected the religious themes for the stained glass windows.

On March 6, 1965 a new Social Hall with seating capacity of 250 was dedicated. The Social Hall included a stage and a modern kosher kitchen. Membership continued to grow to over 500 families, who sent over 700 children through our Hebrew School .

On Yom Kippur Day, 1967, an appeal was made for funds in order to build school rooms and ease the crowded conditions of the Hebrew School . Freda and William Fingerhut volunteered and donated the complete cost for construction of the new school building. The building was dedicated November 29, 1968.

Al Saunders served as President from 1986-1988. Under his leadership Maarav Temple merged with Temple Ner Tamid of Van Nuys and Temple Ner Maarav was born. Serving as the first President of the newly merged Temple , Al's focus was to make the merger successful. He wanted the members from Temple Ner Tamid to feel welcome and at home in their new “home.” To this end, he saw that the members of Ner Tamid were involved in all the Synagogue activities.

It all worked out beautifully. To this day Temple Ner Maarav is thriving and plays an active role in the San Fernando Valley Jewish community and this year we are proud to celebrate our Fiftieth Anniversary!