Our Next Minyan: 9:00a.m. Saturday, April 16, 2022 (Passover)
Our Next Minyan: 9:00a.m. Saturday, April 16, 2022 (Passover)

If this is your first time visiting the Paterson Shul online, welcome!
The Paterson is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that is operated independently.
The shul is on the basement level @ Seniors Tower of Paterson located at:
510 East 27th Street, Paterson, New Jersey 07514 (corner of 12th Avenue)
More real-time updates and announcements can be found on our Facebook Page: The Paterson Shul - or you can get on the E-mail List if you would kindly send an E-mail to: JerrySchranz@Gmail.com
There is so much to say about this special synagogue that has literally been off the radar screen even as far back as 1972 when the Federation Apartments Complex was built across the street from the former site of the Yavneh Academy, which moved to Paramus circa 1982.
Today, the building is called Seniors Tower of Paterson (aka S.T.O.P.) currently being renovated to meet the growing needs of the Jewish (and broader) community in a city that is going through its own renaissance so to speak. Paterson was once home to more than 30,000 Jewish people, it is home to the famous Great Falls, second tallest water falls east of the Mississippi River - and second to the great Niagra Falls. The "Silk City" was a great hub for Jewish life at the turn of the Century (1900's) and today there are less than 50 known Jewish residents, most of which are living in the apartment complex. There is a very private Yeshivah that exists with post-high school men training to be Torah scholars nearby, there are also industrial and commercial businesses owned by Jewish individuals and families including a Fish market, pickling company, and even an electric equipment business that has stood the test of time alongside our humble synagogue.
WHY THIS BUILDING IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW ABOUT
The truth is people fall on hard times and sometimes the financial burden for those living their golden years out do not have enough financial support to live comfortably. In some cases, shelters and nursing homes or assisted living facilities are just not the right fit for any of the men or women. Families with elderly relatives or friends are not aware that this independent living option is available, simply because there is a stigma of sorts when it comes to Paterson.
* Residents living in the apartments are 64 and older
* Low-and-fixed-incomes, Section-8 studio and one-bedroom apartments are available (wait list)
* Many are (and were) in need of a convenient location near Passaic, Fair Lawn and other Jewish communities
* The social atmosphere is present for American, Russian and Israelis, as there is a diverse group of nationalities who get together and call upon each other for support.
* The building is wheelchair accessible everywhere, with elevators and ramps
* Guards are present 24 / 7
* Parking is available upon request and visitors can easily find spots on the street without meters
* Transportation via bus (within walking distance) and train (to/from NYC) is convenient
* Kosher Food establishments and larger synagogues can be found in Fair Lawn and Passaic
* Best of all, there's a laundry facility, a small library put together by the residents and of course The Paterson Shul, conveniently located on the basement level.
These are just a few ideas I hope you might share with others. You might know someone who is looking for an affordable living option - a relative or a friend or it might be you yourself - I encourage you to consider looking into it, especially since it is owned and managed by a Jewish organization that cares about the future of Jewish life in Paterson, New Jersey.
WHO RUNS THIS WEBSITE
Me, Jerry Schranz, a volunteer and Gabbai who organizes the Shabbat Minyanim and all the Holidays throughout the year. I was for some time just a random Minyan-goer "Minyannaire" as the Gabbai before me (David Berman, now living in Israel) used to say "Jerry - you are the Tenth Man we need you for the minyan." How could I possibly say no? When he moved with his wife and family to Israel, someone needed to step up. I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to hold this special torch and hope some day that there will be more volunteers and individuals to run the Minyan and caare for the needs of the last of the Jews in Paterson. I live just across the county lines that seperate Passaic County and Bergen County - alongside other volunteer/Minyannairres mainly from Fair Lawn, who walk anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour to help make the Minyan for the seniors who can't get out to Shul. A true Mitzvah and Chessed that I am sure takes place in other parts of the country and other parts of the world...
I make sure we have a minyan, a person to read the Torah (Ba'al Koreh), a Cantor (Chazzan) for Shabbat and High Holidays, to make sure we celebrate Simchas, special occasions and even remembering the Yahrtzeits and commemorating/honoring those who are no longer with us, making sure prayers for the sick are read aloud and names are said out loud, times to have someone to blow Shofar, to set up the Sukkah, to set up the Kiddush and refreshments, to give a D'var Torah (speech) , etc. We clean, we cook, we do laundry, prepare the Torah scrolls and get all the prayer books and Chumashim in order for those who read Hebrew, English and even the Russian population (who dominate all nationalities and ethnicities presently). While it's a lot of work, it is rewarding on other levels to me. It reminds me of my childhood and interactions with my grandparents and great grandparents who lived alongside my parents (zt'l). It gives you a great sense of purpose and the people who come to the Shul from the building and beyond are very much a second family. A Fair Lawn Chabad Rabbi said that I am a token Sheliach since they have not emigrated back to Paterson since many years ago the Paterson Chabad Rabbi (Greenberg)helped form and mold the Chabad that exists today in Fair Lawn taking care of many Jewish individuals and families. One interesting note: the 770 bus connects Fair Lawn and Paterson.
WHO OWNS THE BUILDING AND TAKES CARE OF THE SHUL
WHO ELSE IS INVOLVED?
Linda
Others before her made sure to take care of the social, emotional and religious needs of the
THE TORAH SCROLLS
THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN THE BUILDING -
THE RESIDENTS WHO COME TO MAKE THE MINYAN
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
S
more historical info
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We would love to give you a tour on a non Shabbat and non-Holiday opportunity!
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