Directions
(click here for details)Neve Shalom may be reached by car or train. Metuchen is located at the crossroads of the state, within minutes of where the Garden State Parkway meets the New Jersey Turnpike, and U.S. Route 1 meets Interstate 287. State Highway 27, which runs from Newark to Princeton, is virtually alongside the synagogue.
What
facilities are available on the premises?The building, which was constructed in the 1950s, was expanded and modernized in the 1980s. It has a sanctuary, a chapel for daily services, a library, several classrooms, a playground for use by the nursery programs, an auditorium which may serve as a gymnasium, a modernized ballroom and a kitchen which are available for catered affairs, and a gift shop.
What
are Neve Shalom's policies regarding High Holiday services?Neve Shalom holds traditional services on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Tickets are included with membership. Additional tickets for out-of- town guests and family may be purchased. Two concurrent adult services are held within the building during both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and youth services for three different age groups are also in session at these times. Baby sitting is available.
Lay participation is extensive during the High Holidays, and members are also encouraged to serve as ushers for these services. For 5758, we were pleased to welcome as our Guest Cantor Paula Stone, a young woman who grew up as a member of Neve Shalom and has since undertaken formal cantorial training. Our guest "(Para)Rabbi" was once again the very knowledgable and charismatic speaker, our own Barbara Goldstein.
How
can I find out more about the surrounding commnities?To learn more about Metuchen, visit the borough's site on the Internet at www.metuchen.com. Information about Edison can be obtained at www.edisonnj.org. For housing information, check the Realtor Net site to see pictures and descriptions of available homes in the area. The Jewish Federation of Middlesex County has a site — www.castle.net/~msjewish — that provides information on the many Jewish programs and services in Metuchen, Edison and surrounding towns.
What's the very best way to learn about the area? Visit us any Saturday morning for services, make your presence known to one of our Gabbai's, and we'll give you a warm Neve Shalom welcome. Ask our congregants your questions about the area. Then, take a tour of the neighborhood. You won't regret it.
If you are using the New Jersey Turnpike, take it to Exit 10. Get onto Route 287 North (stay in the right lane). Take exit 1a for Route 1 North. Stay in right lane. Exit at Amboy Ave. – West, Metuchen. At second light, make a right onto Eggert Ave. Go through first light, at which Eggert Ave. turns into Grove Ave. Go under train trestle – the synagogue will be on the right hand side. (250 Grove Ave.)
From the south, take the Garden State Parkway northbound to Exit 131 (NOT 131A), which is Route 27. Make a right turn at the end of the ramp, which will put you on Route 27 going south. At the fifth traffic light, use the left-turn lane to turn left onto Grove Avenue (you should be in a residential area). Neve Shalom is on the left about a block and a half from where you turned onto Grove. The parking lot is at the rear of the building.
From the north (i.e., SOUTHBOUND) using the Garden State Parkway, again use Exit 131 and turn right at the end of the ramp onto Route 27 south. From this direction, Grove Avenue is the fourth traffic light. Turn left at the light onto Grove, and Neve Shalom will be on your left about one and one-half blocks down.
From Route 1, take exit for Amboy Ave. West – Metuchen . At second light make a right onto Eggert Ave. Go through first light at which Eggert Ave. turns into Grove Ave. Go under train trestle. Synagogue will be on the right hand side
From Brooklyn or Staten Island, use Route 440 South (West Shore) in Staten Island, crossing over to New Jersey via the Outerbridge Crossing (toll bridge). You will still be on 440 when you enter New Jersey, and the road keeps this name until the interchange with the New Jersey Turnpike. (Stay in the center or left of center to bypass the Turnpike entrance lanes.) The road changes names to Route 287 North now, and the first 2 exits are for Route 1. Take the second exit, which is Route 1 South. After coming down the cloverleaf ramp, stay in that far right lane. Don't merge with Route 1. Get off immediately at the first exit, which is for "Metuchen". Take the left fork of this exit (which is marked "Metuchen"). You will be on Main Street in Metuchen when you get to the top of the ramp. Continue on Main Street to the third light (Route 27 – landmark is Borough Hall). Make a right. Go to first light (Grove Avenue). Make a right. Neve Shalom will be on your left about one and one-half blocks down.
Using New Jersey Transit, take the Northeast Corridor line from New York/Newark or Trenton to the METUCHEN station. Upon leaving the station, take a short cab ride to Neve Shalom or head on foot along Main Street (towards the long row of stores), past the first light to Highland Avenue (at Century 21 offices — about a block before Route 27 intersection). Walk up Highland about 3 blocks, past Robbins, Rector and Huxley, to Grove. Carefully cross Grove and turn left. The synagogue is about one block down.
Using Amtrak, get off at Metropark station and take a ten minute cab ride to 250 Grove Avenue in Metuchen.