History

In 1974, eighteen Jewish families founded a new synagogue that would espouse a philosophy between classic Reform and standard Conservative Judaism, a liberal synagogue allowing for traditional observances. A house in Marlton was acquired to serve as the synagogue office and religious school, and the first M’kor Shalom prayer book was compiled.

By the time the first High Holy Day services were held, more than 150 families had joined. Upon outgrowing the quarters in Marlton, a larger building in Mount Laurel was purchased, providing M’kor Shalom with a sanctuary, schoolrooms, meeting facilities and offices.

In 1977 M’kor Shalom joined the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (now called the Union for Reform Judaism). By 1987 the congregation had grown large enough to hire its first assistant rabbi. When M’kor Shalom had grown to 500 member families, a newly constructed synagogue building on the far east side of Cherry Hill was purchased. In 1990 the congregation moved to this building, where we remain.

While the congregation has grown and times have changed, we still strive to fulfill our original purpose of being a “family of families,” responsive to the needs and diversity of our congregants, the Jewish people and our community.