A start-up synagogue in West Orange has been ordered to “cease and desist” all operations until it has received zoning approvals and a certificate of occupancy from West Orange Township.

A spokeswoman for the township said the Englishtown Shul, at 37 Buckingham Rd., does not have approval for using the residence as a synagogue.

The Orthodox synagogue formally opened its doors in June and hired a part-time rabbi in the fall.

“The synagogue came in and started functioning without going through the process,” said Amy Simon, director of communications for the Township of West Orange. “We’ve been receiving complaints from neighbors,” she said, adding that the congregation has “no approval for using the residence as a synagogue.”

Simon added that two summonses had been issued by the township, one on Jan. 30 and another “a few days later.” The cease-and-desist order was mailed Feb. 5, and congregation leaders must appear before the West Orange Municipal Court on Feb. 28.

Because the house does not meet conditional requirements for operating a synagogue, congregation officials will have to apply to the zoning board for a variance.

Both parties agree that the synagogue is now working with the township to bring the facility into compliance.

Synagogue president Rubin Stone told NJJN the synagogue had received neither of the two summonses nor the cease-and-desist order. “I’m there every day. We haven’t received anything,” he said.

Stone acknowledged, however, that the synagogue did not file the necessary paperwork with the township before opening.

“We’ve been late getting the ball rolling,” he said. “But we’ve started the paperwork, and we’re finalizing our application.” An inspection of the building, a 2,600-square-foot single-family house, took place on Feb. 9.

Stone said the synagogue plans to continue holding regular events and services at the site, including a meeting with West Orange Town Council member Renard Barnes on Feb. 17.

Simon insisted the synagogue is required by law to stop using the premises until all the paperwork is completed, the zoning board has made its decision, and the fire department has issued a certificate of occupancy.

“They can’t use the premises until they go through all the processes of the township,” said Simon.

As long as the synagogue complies with all township regulations going forward, it will not suffer any penalties, according to Simon. “At this juncture, we just want them to go through the process,” she said. That process can take several months.