The TBR - Temple Beth Rishon

The TBR
Tablet
February 2014
Saturday, February 8 at 7:30 pm
A CABARET EVENING FEATURING:
Singers: Margot Banen, Phyllis Cole, Jenna Daniels, Hannah Haas,
Kerry Holder, Mark Kantrowitz, Robin Kantrowitz, Judy Kessler,
Jane Koch, Noah Leibowitz, Barbra Lieberstein, Arthur Mamber,
Ilan Mamber, Daniel Polevoy, Ted Prosnitz, Jamie Rosenblum,
Stephanie Rosenblum, Fern Wilensky, Lindsay Wyck • Piano:
Judy Kessler, Jane Koch • Violin: Sylvia Rubin • Clarinet: Jacob
Niederman • Guitar: Adam Friedlander, Mark Kantrowitz,
Ilan Mamber • Dancers: The Syncopated Seniors Tap Dancers •
Percussion: Jimmy Cohen • Bass Guitar: Jack Seidenberg
Directors: Kerry Holder, Ilan Mamber
Master of Ceremonies: Cantor Ilan Mamber
Stage Manager: Gail Niederman
Sound and Lighting: Jimmy Cohen
Sound Engineer: David Schwartz
Concert Committee: Louis & Lisa Milowsky
and Kerry Holder
Join us and support our congregant musicians
for a lively night of music, hors d’oeuvres,
fruit and desserts. BYOB!
Cabaret Repertoire Includes: Broadway, Opera,
Jazz, Folk Songs, Rock, Yiddish Art Songs and more!
Members are free with reservations made by February 6th.
For reservations contact the temple office at 201-891-4466. See page 14 for more information.
Adar 1 5774
Inside this
issue
Click on a title to go to that section.
Shabbat, Festival & Holiday
Service Schedule..................................2
Rabbi’s Message........................................3
Cantor’s Message......................................4
President’s Message................................5
Building Project Update........................6
Adult Education.....................................7-9
Special Services...................................... 10
Religious School News......................... 11
Youth Group News................................. 12
Around the Temple..........................13-15
Community Programs.......................... 16
Tribute Cards......................................17-18
Yahrzeits..................................................... 19
Food For Thought
A Distinguished Speaker Series
Sunday, March 9th
at 9:45 am
See page 9 for details.
585 Russell Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ 07481
Tel: (201) 891-4466 • Fax: (201) 891-0508 • Education: (201) 891-6074
[email protected] • www.bethrishon.org
February 2014
Service Schedule
Upcoming Shabbat, Festival & Holiday
Service Schedule
DATE
TIMESERVICE
Attention Parents of B’nei Mitzvah Students: The Shabbat morning services throughout February provide great opportunities for your
children to practice leading parts of the service and to be called to the Torah, with you or another adult, for a practice aliyah. They will also
be able to practice blessings and prayers. We urge you to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.
Saturday, February 1
9:00 am
Nosh & Drash
10:00 am
Shabbat Service - Terumah - Rosh Chodesh Adar I
Torah: Cantor Ilan Mamber, Rabbi Marley Weiner, Steven Schwartz
Haftarah: Pam Berk
Friday, February 7
**6:00 pm**
Special Time for Service
Bet Class Family Service, Siddur Ceremony and Dinner
Candle lighting: 5:02 pm
Saturday, February 8
9:00 am
Nosh & Drash
10:00 am
Shabbat Service - Tetzaveh
Torah: Cantor Ilan Mamber, Cantor Jenna Daniels, Steven Schwartz
Haftarah: Rabbi Emert
Friday, February 14
8:00 pm
Evening Service
Soloist and Guitar: Mark Kantrowitz
Candle lighting: 5:11 pm
Saturday, February 15
9:00 am
Nosh & Drash
10:00 am
Shabbat Service - Ki Tissa
Torah: Rabbi Emert, Rabbi Marley Weiner
Haftarah: Mitchell Steinschneider
Friday, February 21
8:00 pm
Evening Service
Soloist and Piano: Jane Koch
Candle lighting: 5:20 pm
Saturday, February 22
10:00 am
Shabbat Service - Vayak’hel
Torah: Rabbi Emert
Haftarah: Steven Schwartz
Friday, February 28
8:00 pm
Evening Service
Candle lighting: 5:28 pm
Saturday, March 1
10:00 am
Shabbat Service - Pekudei
Bar Mitzvah: Bradley Morrison
Friday, March 7
Saturday, March 8
**6:00 pm**
Special Time for Service
9:00 am
10:00 am
Gimel Class Family Service and Dinner
Candle lighting: 5:36 pm
Nosh & Drash
Shabbat Service - Vayikra
Friday, March 14
8:00 pm
Evening Service
Candle lighting: 6:44 pm
Saturday, March 15
10:00 am
Shabbat Service - Tzav - Erev Purim
Torah: Jillian Krim Haftarah: Claire Taub
**6:00 pm**
Family Megillah Reading and Youth Program
6:50 pm
Congregational Purim Dinner
7:30 pm
Adult Megillah Reading Program
Page 2
February 2014
Rabbi’s Message
From the Rabbi’s Desk...
A Note FROM Our RABBINIC
INTERN, Marley Weiner
Recently, an article appeared in the Jewish Week about
rabbis and rabbinical students from interfaith families,
and I was lucky enough to be featured as part of that article. For the past twenty to thirty years, there has been
a dramatic shift in the number of Jews married to nonJews. And because the shift happened twenty to thirty
years ago, I, and others like me, are at the forefront of
young Jewish adults who came of age in a world where
we were surrounded by other interfaith families, and
are now growing into positions of Jewish leadership. I
wanted to use this article as a catalyst to provide a little
bit more background for the Beth Rishon community
about my family, my decision to not undergo mikvah
at this time, and how this relates to my work at Temple
Beth Rishon. I am very lucky to be working for a community that supports my work, and I would like to thank
all of you, as well as Rabbi Emert, for the opportunity to
speak about this very important issue that is near and
dear to my heart.
As is mentioned in the article, I was born to a father who
was raised as a Conservative Jew and a mother who was
raised Presbyterian. My parents are both religious questioners but neither of them are religious. That being
said, they have been tremendously supportive of my
path in connecting to Judaism and becoming a rabbi.
Some of you even met them when they came to support me in my student pulpit during the High Holidays.
I hope to encourage them to come back for Shabbat
services before this year is over.
Growing up in an interfaith family has had benefits to
my rabbinate. Because I grew up around multiple religious viewpoints, I have been forced to question, refine,
and define my faith every step of the way, which has
only made it stronger. My parents are very supportive in
our theological conversations, and their differing views
help to keep me intellectually and spiritually honest.
But my parents were not able to raise me as a committed Jew by themselves. In growing into the Jew that I
am today, one of the most important factors was the
support of my Jewish community. My home synagogue
taught me about the magic of Jewish texts, the beauty
of Shabbat and the Holidays, and gave me my first opportunities to teach Judaism as a Hebrew High School
student Hebrew School teacher. My synagogue also had
many interfaith families and an active interfaith couples’
group, which provided many positive role models of
families like mine who loved and embraced Judaism. It
is partially because of this that I never had any doubts
that I could become a rabbi if I so chose.
It is in part the support of my home synagogue that has
led me to choose not to undergo mikveh at this time. I
strongly believe that there is room in the Jewish community for many different types of people, and I want
to serve as a rabbinic exemplar for Jewish families that
look like mine. Growing up in a Jewish community that
was supportive of the non-Jews in its midst was really
powerful for me, and I want to make sure that my future
congregants, especially the children, know that they
can come and speak to me about any difficult questions
of their Jewish identity, and that I will be able to answer
their questions from a place of first-hand experience.
This is part of the reason that I am excited to be working
at Beth Rishon this year. I was greatly impressed by Beth
and Seth Fisher’s words during their Kol Nidrei Appeal
speech of wisdom and love for the Beth Rishon community. Having that speech be the center point of the
High Holiday campaign really spoke to me about this
community’s acceptance of interfaith families. I hope
that, in my time here, I can also be a positive face on
the possibilities of raising children with a strong sense
of Jewish self within the context of an interfaith family.
Rabbi Marley Weiner, Rabbinic Intern
Hold the Date • Grand Opening Gala! • Saturday, May 17th
Page 3
February 2014
Cantor’s Message
From the Cantor’s Desk...
THERE ARE STARS…
Death is a fact of life. We all experience it. None of us can escape it. We are all saddened
by it. We have all experienced mourning. Our Beth Rishon community is a congregation
that encompasses all ages. Throughout the years, many of our families have experienced
death, mostly of aging parents. But periodically we lose someone who is considered relatively young and, therefore, their death may be considered more of a loss than when it is expected.
Our congregation was founded in the 1970’s. It passed
its “teenage phase” in the 80’s, and “young family phase”
in the 90’s. The congregation is now in its “middle age
phase”, and it is aging. The past three weeks have been
particularly indicative that we are in that phase. Our
families have experienced an unusually high number of
deaths. Within that time period, there have been at least
eight losses.
Our Beth Rishon community must be commended in
its show of support for these grieving families. Many of
our member families were present at the various funerals and numerous shiva homes and minyan services.
The families in mourning received comfort through the
visitations of friends and of members of our congregation who came to support these families with memories of their loved ones as well as plenty of food baskets.
Our members aided the families through their time of
need by spending time with them, talking about the deceased and helping them get through the most difficult
time immediately after the funerals. That is what a congregational family is all about.
We convey our deepest condolences to our grieving
families on their time of loss: To the Zoll Family on the
loss of Shirley, David’s beloved mother, and Jared and
Allie’s beloved grandmother. To Jack Berger and the Javer and Greenbaum Families on the loss of long time
Beth Rishon member, Carol, beloved wife of Jack and
beloved mother of Sharon, Judyth, David, Daniel, Rachel, and Robert, and beloved grandmother of Daryn,
Deanna, Lily, Marley, and Brady. To the Gerhadt Family
on the loss of Darry, Ira’s beloved mother and Max’s beloved grandmother. To the Friedman, Krieger, and Fisherman Families on the loss of Leslie, the beloved hus-
band of Mary Ann, beloved father of Joan and Amy, and
the beloved grandfather of Stephanie, Jocelyn, Dylan,
and Alex. To the Grossberg Family on the loss of Joseph,
beloved father of Sonye and the beloved grandfather
of Jason and Amy. To the Konner and Rosner Families
on the loss of long time Beth Rishon Member Florence,
beloved mother of Ken, R. J., and Gary and the beloved
grandmother of Kimberly, Jared, Madison, Cameron,
Melissa, Blake, Samantha, and Malcolm. To the Heller
and Polevoy Families on the loss of Edwin, Natalie’s and
Sherry’s beloved father, and the beloved grandfather
of Michael, Robert, Adam, Danny, and Lindsay. To the
Dressler Family on the loss of Marilyn Ellen, Linda’s beloved mother, and Michael’s beloved grandmother.
On behalf of the families above and their loved ones
who have passed on, I would like to conclude a poem
by Channa Szenesh:
There Are Stars
There are stars up above, So far away we only see their
light long, long after the star itself is gone. And so it is with
people that we loved -- their memories keep
shining ever brightly though their time with us is done.
But the stars that light up the darkest night, these
are the lights that guide us. As we live our days,
these are the ways we remember.
Page 4
B’Shalom (In Peace),
Cantor Ilan Mamber,
[email protected]
February 2014
President’s Message
From the President’s Desk...
The months of loss...
Often we say that bad things happen in “3”s”.
For our community, in a period of six weeks we lost nearly a dozen loved ones. Every time the
Cantor called me, I held my breath thinking he was going to tell me of another loss for one of
our members. Often I would see members during this time and they would say – “Every time I
get an email it says “Baruch Dayen HaEmet”…it’s crazy!!!”
I attended many funerals and many shivas in the month of December and January. Although
they were sad, I also found them inspiring.
I heard such wonderful stories about amazing people – some I knew and some I didn’t. Tales
of friendship, love, devotion, and inspiration of course laced with sadness and melancholy. I
heard stories from grandchildren, children, friends, nieces and nephews. They shared their
memories, their love and their admiration. They laughed, they cried, but most of all, they honored the person who passed. For some, the loss was expected, for others the loss was a shock.
I often found myself tearing up listening to some heartwarming stories and chuckling as stories
were told of some idiosyncratic memories. For all of these families, as well as any family who
has experienced loss, they will spend the next few months or years looking for a “new normal”.
And what continued to blow me away was the support our community gave to these families.
Every shiva home was filled with people from our community. Sometimes there were a hundred people crammed into a den/dining room/living room area. Every generation was represented. It was wonderful seeing young people support their friends when a grandparent was
lost. Often the teens would be in another room, and the little ones would be running around
under everyone’s feet. We brought meals, coffee pots, food, and people to ensure there was
always enough for a minyan. During times of loss, the sense of belonging to a community becomes so important and vital to the healing process.
I want to thank Cantor Mamber for going above and beyond the call of duty officiating at so
many funerals and shiva services. I also want to thank Ron Rosenzweig for helping with the
minyan services – especially when we had two in one evening.
I was proud to be the president of our community. We were there. And we will continue to be
there for these families and all families that are in need.
Laura Freeman, Temple President
[email protected]
Page 5
February 2014
Building Project
Education Wing Renovation Campaign
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
LEADING THE WAY as of 1/17/14
GINA ADDEO, ADCO ELECTRICAL CORP.
HOWARD & FELICIA BARASH
DANIEL & SHARI BECKER
PAUL & JUDY BEDRIN
MARSHALL & GRETTA BERMAN
LARRY & MARNIE BERNSTEIN
STEPHAN BILLSTEIN & SUSAN HOOPER
THE BROOKE FUND
ROBERT & JENNIFER CAHN
MARK & TERRY CHARNET
ROBERT & SHEILA CHESTNOV
HAROLD & WENDY CHUBINSKY
DAVID & LAUREN COHEN
SAVERIO COSTA & TARA MANDEL
LOU & JILL D’AVANZO
STEVE & LINDA DRESSLER
RABBI KENNETH EMERT
KEN & LAURA ESTEROW
ALBERT FARHI
LEONARD & SHOSHANA FEINER
JEFF & LAURA FREEMAN
MICHAEL & STACEY FRENKEL
ED & KATIE FRIEDLAND
STEVE & JUDITH FRIEDLAND
MARK FRIEDLANDER & LAURA EISDORFER
GARY & SAMANTHA GABRIEL
BOB & MARILYN GELLERT
MARVIN & DIANE GESS
BARRY & MARGE GINSBERG
ROBERT & SHARON GLASSMAN
MICHAEL & LESLIE GOLDBERG
STEPHEN & RANDI GOLDBERG
CHARLES & NITA GOODGAL
LARRY & MARIANNE GOODMAN
STAN & NANCY GOODMAN
JOSH & DEBBIE GRAUER
MICHAEL & JOYCE GREENBERG
JEFF & ELENA GREENE
ROB & ABI GROSSMAN
ARNOLD & AUDREY HEIMLER
JODI HEIMLER
RICHARD HEIMLER
HARRY & MARJORIE IMMERMAN
DENNIS & SHARON JAVER
ANDREW JENNIS & HARRIET SHUGARMAN
DAVID KAHN & LIZ COLE
SCOTT & CARYN KAHN
MANNY KAPLAN
HENRY & ELAINE KAUFMAN
JEFFREY & ALLISON KARPF
DAVID & LESLIE KLYDE
KEITH & ABBE KOOPER
JONATHAN & LINH KORN
ARTHUR R. & NANCY KRAMER
SCOTT & PAM KRIM
MARTIN & MARY KWARTLER
LARRY & ALYSON LANDSMAN
LEN & LEANN LEBOV
ED & JOAN LEFFERMAN
BENNETT LEIFER & LAURA MUFSON
STEVEN & SUE ANN LEVIN
ERIC & STACEY LEVY
LARRY LEVY
CHUCK & ANNE LIEBERMAN
ILAN & CAROL MAMBER
IRA & HOLLY MARX
PETER & EVELYN MEIER
RICHARD & CINDY MILLER
CURTIS & KIMBERLY NASSAU
MARK & SHARON NEWMAN
PETER & BARBARA NORDEN
DAVID & MICHELE OPPER
MEL & JUDY OPPER
JEFF & SHERRY POLEVOY
MICHAEL & ALISA ROBINSON
RON ROSENSWEIG & LINDA DOMBROWSKY
MICHAEL & ELLEN RUBENSTEIN
DAVID & BRIGITTE RUDMAN
WILL & MARNIE RUKIN
MARC & KAREN SACKSTEIN
HOWARD & JILL SCHOENFELD
KEITH SEIDENBERG & ELLEN WALD
IRA & RANDI SHINSKE
BARRY & AMY SILVERMAN
DEAN & LAUREN SILVERMAN
MARTIN & CATHERINE SMITHLINE
ED & ADRIENNE SOLOMON
MICHAEL & BETH SPAROZIC
FRED & JUDY STEINBERG
LEE & AMY TESSER
ZAHAVA TROSTEN
BRADLEY & NADINE VAIANA
JEFF & KIM WEISS
EDWARD J. WELSH
CYRILE WILSON
ANDY & SUSAN YADOFF
JACK & LYDIA ZAKIM
RONALD & ZIONA ZELAZO
LENNY & MOIRA ZELIN
JEFF & ANNE ZENN
LON & ELLEN ZIMMER
IAN & JEAN-MARIE ZIMMERMAN
DAVY & AMANDA ZONERAICH
GARY & MARIE ROSE ZWERLING
Page 6
February 2014
Adult Education
Visit the “Adult Education” tab at www.bethrishon.org for more information about these programs.
Nosh & Drash
Reader’s Circle Book Club:
Come Read with Us!
FEBRUARY 6: Once We Were
Brothers by Ronald H. Balson.
A compelling tale of two boys
and a family struggling to
survive in war-torn Poland.
It is also the story of a young
lawyer who must face not only
a powerful adversary, but her
own self-doubts. Two lives,
two worlds and sixty years all
on course to collide in a fastpaced legal thriller. MARCH 6: All Other Nights
by Dara Horn. This Civil
War page turner details
the adventures of a young
Jewish Confederate spy while
exploring race and religion in
19th century America.
Bible, bagels, coffee
and commentarY
Join Rabbi Marley as we explore the Torah portion
together to build familiarity with our sacred text and
to get acquainted with some of its most provocative
commentators, ancient and modern.
Upcoming Saturdays:
February 1st
February 8th
February 15th
March 8th
Time: 9:00 - 10:00 am
Consider making a tribute to a special
event in your life by inscribing it on
The Tree of Life
We meet the first Thursday of each month at 7:30 pm.
in Beth
Consider making a tribute
to Rishon’s
a special
life by beautiful
inscribinglobby.
it on
Great books, great reviewers, great evenings of dialogue
event
in your
and discussion!! Please join us. You will be
very glad
you did!
For more information, contact Diane Gess:
[email protected] or 845-357-5366.
Call Anne Zenn
at (201)
The Tree of
Life848-9322
in TBR’s beautiful lobby.
call Anne Zenn
201.848.9322
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Temple-BethRishon/104961512881018
Page 7
February 2014
Adult Education
Visit the ”Adult Education” tab at www.bethrishon.org for more information about these programs.
ADULT BAR/BAT MITZVAH XVI ORIENTATION
Tuesday, March 11th at 6:00 pm
Curriculum for Course will include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The Synagogue, The Service, The Prayers
The Jewish Calendar and Festivals
Jewish Values and Ethics
Hebrew Reading (For those who need it)
Bar and Bat Mitzvah: A Jewish Life Cycle Event
Hebrew Names: Meaning and Exploration
Torah and Haftarah Study
Leading & Participating in the
Shabbat Morning Services
Beginning Hebrew Class
Coordinator:
Hazzan Ilan Mamber
Instructors:
Rabbi Kenneth Emert
Hazzan Ilan Mamber
Judy Ackerman
Rabbi Marley Weiner
Cantor Jenna Daniels
Cost: Members - $360
Non Members - $500
For more information, contact Cantor Ilan Mamber:
[email protected] or call 201-891-4669 (office), 201-914-2693 (cell)
Jewish Federation
OF NORTHERN NEW JERSEY
FREE COMMUNITY EVENT
MEET THE AUTHOR
Mitchell James Kaplan
Thursday, April 3
7 pm
with dessert reception to follow
RSVP to Nancy Perlman: [email protected]
or 201.820.3904
www.jfnnj.org/onebook
ment
Announce
of
15
2014-20
Book
Selection
ONE BOOK, ONE COMMUNITY
a project of the Synagogue Leadership Initiative,
is sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey
and the Henry and Marilyn Taub Foundation.
taking place at
Temple Israel & Jewish Community Center
475 Grove Street, Ridgewood
Page 8
February 2014
Adult Education
Food for Thought
A DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER SERIES
SUNDAY
MARCH 9, 2014
9:45 AM
DR. Suzannah Heschel
Eli Black Professor of Jewish Studies,
Dartmouth College
“Prophecy and Social Action in Judaism”
Suzannah Heschel is a professor and a highly respected biblical and Jewish feminist scholar. She has written
extensively and garnered praise and awards for her activism in interfaith relations, receiving grants from both
the Ford and Carnegie Foundations. Her book, Abraham Geiger and the Jewish Jesus, won a National Book
Award and Germany’s Geiger Prize. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Heschel has received
several honorary doctorates, as well as honorary membership in Phi Beta Kappa. Our speaker follows in the
footsteps of her father Abraham Joshua Heschel, the pre-eminent 20th Century Jewish theologian and
philosopher.
Dr. Heschel will speak to us about our Jewish prophets and their call for social action, and the centrality of
the prophetic tradition, not only in the Bible, but throughout the course of Judaism. Like her father, who
marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, she believes in the critical importance of human rights activism as an
extension of Jewish teaching. She will discuss the prophets’ dream of world peace, their awareness of human
rights, and the primacy of human dignity as a link to God’s dignity. Suzannah Heschel will emphasize the
crucial significance of prophetic Judaism for us today.
Breakfast Buffet served at 9:45 AM
Presentation, at 10:30AM, will be followed by Q & A
This Program is Sponsored By The Fred Emert Memorial Adult Education Fund
with TBR Patron support.
Program Cost:
Temple Members: $15 Non-Members: $20
Please RSVP to the Temple Office at 201-891-4466 by Thursday, March 6th.
If needed, babysitting will be provided.
Distinguished Speakers Series Patrons are welcomed!
Contact Sharon Rubin, [email protected]
Page 9
February 2014
Special Services
Visit the “Observance” tab at www.bethrishon.org for more information about these programs.
Bet Class Family Service
and Siddur Ceremony
Friday, February 7 at 6:00 PM
Join us for a family Shabbat service and the Bet Class
Siddur Ceremony, followed by dinner.
PURIM at TBR
Saturday, March 15th starting at 6:00 pm
Meditative
Shabbat Service
A Peaceful
Shabbat:
A Meditative Shabbat
Experience at TBR with
Rabbi Ziona Zelazo
Saturday, March 22
10:00 - 11:00 am
6:00 pm: Family Megillah Reading &
Youth Program
6:50 pm: Congregational Dinner
7:30 pm: Adult Program
Don’t forget to wear your
Purim costumes!!
Shabbat Family Service
Featuring the Gimel Class
Friday, March 7 at 6:00 PM
Our Gimel students will lead this family friendly
Shabbat service, followed by dinner.
Girl Scout Shabbat Service
Friday, March 28 at 8:00 PM
Dinner and service open to all Girl Scout,
Brownie, & Daisy troops of all
denominations in Oakland, Franklin
Lakes, Wyckoff, & surrounding
communities (additional fee for dinner).
Contact Louis Milowsky at
[email protected] for more info.
Visit the Observance tab
(Special Services) on the TBR
website for more details.
Hold the
date!
Grand
Opening
Gala!
Saturday, May 17th
Details coming soon..
Page 10
February 2014
Religious School News
Addison M. & Elizabeth Opper Religious School
Celebrating Your Child Through
The Power of Names
I have been thinking a lot about names since our Shorashim (first grade) teacher, Alissa Vogel,
had a healthy baby last month! When a Jewish baby is born, we make a big deal out of naming
that child. Many American Jews give their child a name
Thus, we celebrated the children through the significance
and a separate Hebrew name, to be used when that child
of their names. This month, on February 7, we will have
is called to the Torah. When my own daughter was born,
our Bet (4th grade) Siddur Ceremony. At this service, Bet
she was given a first and a middle name filled with deep
students will receive a new siddur (prayer book) which
meaning and connections to family members, literary
will include a template with their English and Hebrew
characters, and Biblical heroes. Her Hebrew name
names. Parents will individually present these siddurim
reflected the qualities of the family members for whom
to their own children along with a personal blessing.
she was named. At eight days old, our daughter was
Of course, the most treasured moment of celebrating our
celebrated with a ceremony bestowing her name upon
children through their names happens right at the cusp
her and sharing with our friends, family, and community
of the child turning into an adult, at least in the eyes of
what the names mean to us as her parents.
the Jewish community. At the Bat/Bar Mitzvah ceremony,
Our cultural focus on names is not surprising. Our Biblical
the most significant moment is when the new adult
is called up to the Torah for the first time, something
ancestors deeply valued names as well. In fact, each time
that that individual could not have done before that
there was a major transition in the relationship between
moment. At that time, the person is called up by their
one of our forefathers or foremothers and G-d, their
own Hebrew name and the names of their parents. For
name was literally changed. For instance, our forefather
the rest of our lives, we are known in a religious setting
Abraham was born Avram and his wife Sara was born
by our name, daughter or son of our parents. Not only
Sarai. When G-d chose them to be the couple to leave
are our names filled with meaning, but we are linked to
their home and go to a new land to start a new people
our families and to the Jewish community not by our
(who would become the Jewish people), G-d changed
last name, but by the Hebrew names of our parents. We
their names to Avraham and Sarah. Likewise, our
ancestor Jacob wrestled with an angel in the middle
celebrate who we are through our names.
of the night and then said that he would not give up
If your child does not know what her or his Hebrew
until the angel gave him a new name depicting his
name is or if your child does not know why that name
transformation after this battle. The angel named him
was chosen, sit down and share the story. At the same
Yisrael (Israel), which means to struggle with something
time, let your child know why you chose his or his English
or someone. For the rest of his life, Jacob went back
name. Take the time to celebrate your child and all she
and forth between his two names – Ya’akov and Yisrael.
or he represents through the power of his or her name!
Names have deep significance for Jews.
How fortunate it is that our Religious School students
have opportunities to delve into the meaning and
significance of their names and, through that, to be
celebrated as unique, special people. On January 18, we
had our Alef (3rd grade) Consecration and Tu B’Shevat
Seder. At that ceremony, each child was given a certificate
stating both the Hebrew and English names. Parents
were invited to share the meaning of their child’s name.
Rabbi Lori Feldstein-Gardner
Rabbi/Educator
(413) 627-3817 • [email protected]
Page 11
February 2014
Youth Group News
Visit the “TBR Youth Group” tab at www.bethrishon.org for more program information.
From the Youth Director...
Youth Group Fun!
Last month, we celebrated Shabbat with
the fabulous and upbeat Youth Group.
The combination of the kids with the
YG leaders plus Cantor Mamber, Rabbi
Marley, and Cantor Jenna, made for a
great night! Special thanks go to Kari
Teital for her continued commitment to
the Youth Group program and to Michele
Nemiroff, Jennifer Berger, and Pam
Oring for their extra hands and support. Following YG Shabbat, the night continued on with Midnight
Madness for the 3rd & 4th graders. Activities included relay races,
board games, crafts, social time and an ice cream sundae bar!
Youth group is so outrageous this year and the commitment that
you have all made towards the program is amazing! I thank you so
much.
Look out for Purim next month...
SAVE THE DATE - MARCH 16th PURIM CARNIVAL. I am looking for
volunteers to help..... step up, step up and help us out!
B’Ahava, B’ Simcha
Jana Schwartz, Youth Director
[email protected]
ATTENTION ALL 9th-12th GRADERS...
Upcoming Chai-Lights
Youth Group Schedule
Find out about a fun and exciting
high school youth group BBYO (B’nai Brith Youth Organization)
Meetings held twice a month on Sunday
evenings at 7 p.m. at Temple Beth Rishon
February 4.........................................Club 34
February 13.......................................Club 56
February 25...................................... Club 34
March 6..............................................Club 56
➤ Attend Bergen County events and state
wide conventions and activities
➤ Open to all area Jewish teens, so bring your
friends!
PLEASE NOTE THAT YOUTH GROUP HAS
A TRIBUTE CARD FUND.
If you would like to make a donation, please
contact the main office at your convenience.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Page 12
For more information, contact:
Laura Freeman [email protected]
nce
e
i
r
e
p
Ex
BBYO!
February 2014
Around the Temple
We are open!!! TBR Gift Shop
Your Temple Gift Shop
Is Open and Waiting
For You!
Please stop by to say hello and take a look.
You’ll find that little something that you
must have for yourself or a special item for a
family member or friend. We have whatever
you need, whatever the occasion.
We are open during the construction by
appointment. Please call Gretta Berman at 201-788-2838
to set up a mutually convenient time.
Kol Rishon Adult Choir
Open to High School students and adults. Ability to
read music and Hebrew are not required. Contact
Cantor Mamber [email protected] or 201-8914466 for more information. All are welcome to join.
Rehearsals resume on Monday, March 10th.
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES
Sunday, March 23: Joshua Nelson Concert
Friday, April 11: Pre-Passover Shabbat
Zemer Rishon Teen Choir
We invite all 7th through 12th graders to
participate. Rehearsals, under the direction of
cantorial intern Jenna Daniels, take place two Sundays
a month from 12:30 - 1:30 pm. Contact Cantor Ilan
Mamber at [email protected] (201-891-4466) or
Cantor Jenna at jrd05c@gmail .com (561-762-9084).
There is NO fee for this special program!
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES
Saturday, March 15: Purim Megila Reading
Friday, April 11: Pre-Passover Shabbat
CATERING ROOM RENTAL
NEWLY REDUCED RATES!!
Take advantage of these new rates for your next party or event.
New Rate
REDUCED
RATES!
Old Rate
Entire Ballroom up to two hours
$400.00
625.00
Entire Ballroom two - 5 hours
$750.00
1250.00
Large Side of Ballroom up to 2 hours
$300.00
575.00
Large Side of Ballroom 2-5 hours
$750.00
950.00
Small Side of Ballroom up to 2 hours
$200.00
450.00
Small Side of Ballroom 2-5 hours
$500.00
700.00
Visit the “Our Community” tab at www.bethrishon.org for more information on all TBR clubs and activities.
Page 13
February 2014
Around the Temple
Café Beth Rishon
Join us and support our congregant musicians for a lively night of music, wine,
cheese, hors d’oeuvres, fruit & desserts. BYOB!
Saturday, February 8th 2014 @ 7:30pm
A cabaret evening
featuring
Singers: Margot Banen, Phyllis Cole, Jenna Daniels, Hannah Haas, Kerry Holder, Mark Kantrowitz,
Robin Kantrowitz, Judy Kessler, Jane Koch, Noah Leibowitz, Barbra Lieberstein, Arthur Mamber, Ilan Mamber,
Daniel Polevoy, Ted Prosnitz, Jamie Rosenblum, Stephanie Rosenblum, Fern Wilensky , Lindsay Wyck
Piano: Judy Kessler Jane Koch Guitar: Adam Friedlander, Mark Kantrowitz, Ilan Mamber Violin: Sylvia Rubin
Clarinet: Jacob Niederman Bass Guitar: Jack Seidenberg
Percussion: Jimmy Cohen Dancers: The Syncopated Seniors Tap Dancers
Master of Ceremonies: Cantor Ilan Mamber Stage Manager: Gail Niederman Sound Engineer: David Schwartz
Sound & Lighting Coordination: Jimmy Cohen Concert Committee: Kerry Holder, Lisa & Louis Milowsky
Produced & Directed by: Kerry Holder & Ilan Mamber
Cabaret Repertoire includes:
Broadway, Opera, Jazz, Folk Songs, Rock,
and more
BYO-Be there!
Save the Date
Joshua Nelson is
Coming to TBR!
Sunday, March 23 at 4:00 pm
World renowned
Jewish Gospel singer,
Joshua Nelson, will
be performing at
Beth Rishon!
Nelson goes by
the nickname “the
prince of kosher
gospel.” He’s given
credit for the idea of
combining two parts
of his own heritage, African-American
and Jewish, and creating a new style that
combines Jewish meaning and gospel
sounds. Nelson has performed around
the world, for Presidents, congregations,
major music festivals—and for Oprah,
who named him a “Next Big Thing.”
Don’t miss this incredible FREE concert!
Members are Free with Reservations made by February 6th.
Members without reservations & Guests: $10. Student members without reservations & Student guests $5.
For Reservations: Contact Temple Beth Rishon 201-891-4466
585 Russell Avenue ~ Wyckoff, NJ ~ 07481
On January 8th, Laugh, Learn and Linger,
our social series for women, met for the
second time at the home of Emily Popowitz.
Thirty TBR women gathered in the kitchen
for a morning of learning with guest
speaker, Erica Danziger, a local holistic
health coach. Erica spent time teaching us
healthy snacking options and recipes to
get through the day. She offered healthy
substitutions for typical ingredients and
taught us how to better feed ourselves and
our family. We all enjoyed the opportunity
to taste new things, learn new things and
spend a little relaxing time together. Our
thanks to Emily for graciously hosting us all
in her beautiful home!
Page 14
Supported by the Channa Mamber Music
Memorial Fund. Donations will be accepted.
Call temple office for reservations.
Co-sponsored by Beth Haverim Shir Shalom
congregation of Mahwah.
February 2014
Around the Temple
Would You Like To Be a Member of the TBR
Board of Trustees?
Any member wishing to be considered by the Nominating Committee
for an elected position on the Board of Trustees must inform
the Nominating Committee in writing no later than March 15 of
such preference. Please direct all inquiries to Ian Zimmerman at
[email protected].
Jewish Family Service of North Jersey
Offers On-Site Social Work Services
February Food Drive
To Benefit Wayne Interfaith
Network Food Pantry in Wayne
Contact Jessica Fleischer, LSW, at (973) 897-3703.
Jessica is available to provide assessment, referrals,
and short-term counseling on a
variety of subjects such as eldercare,
child development, marital concerns,
mental health, and personal
growth and development. She sees
congregants at the synagogue every
Wednesday and is also available by
appointment.
Collection baskets are located in
the front lobby. Items must be
non-perishable. Please
check expiration dates.
Thank you for your
generosity!
Sharing Nachas
Bob and Sharon Glassman and Sherry Glassman
are thrilled to announce the birth of a beautiful
girl, Lila Jade, to Jodi and Larry Goldstein. Jodi,
daughter of grandparents Bob and Sherry, and
Larry make their home in Monroe, NY. Visit the “Announcements and Events” tab at www.bethrishon.org to see more photos from TBR recent events.
Page 15
February 2014
Community Programs
Visit the “Jewish Community News” tab at www.bethrishon.org for more information on these programs.
TEMPLE
COMMUNITY
NETWORK (TCN)
TCN is a professional networking group focused on the
job search needs of our community. Everyone is welcome!
Our Monday, February 24 meeting will feature renowned
career coach Eli Amdur (www.amdurcoaching.com) presenting,
“’Fifty for Fifty’ -- 50 Reasons to Hire the 50 (plus) Candidate.”
This will be fantastic. Don’t miss it! As always, there will also be
plenty of open networking time with your colleagues.
Please join us at Barnert Temple (Rt. 208 S. in Franklin Lakes) on:
Monday, February 24 • 7:00 - 9:00 pm
For more information, contact Bob Roman
at [email protected].
TCN is a joint project of Temple Beth Rishon, Barnert Temple,
Beth Haverim Shir Shalom, Temple Beth Or and Temple Beth Tikvah.
CHAT: Chatting Hour for
Asperger’s Teens
Tuesday evenings through March 4, 2014
7:45 pm to 9:00 pm at
Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey
Volunteer
and
Get Connected!
Dates: February 4, 11, 25 and March 4
• Small structured group meetings for Teens/
Young Adults with Asperger’s Syndrome
(ages 16-21)
• Clinician facilitated / Psyco-educational Group
Advanced registration & screening required.
For more information or to register, please call:
201-837-9090 for Ira
or 973-595-0111 x 134 for Lauryn Tuchman
$200 for all sessions
All around northern New Jersey there
are volunteer opportunities you and
your family can get involved in that
will make a positive difference in our
community.
To learn more go to:
http://www.jfnnj.org/page.aspx?id=140275
Page 16
February 2014
Tribute Cards
Tribute Cards
The congregation gratefully acknowledges the following contributions:
Andrew Friedland Preschool
Fund
The Preschool Families to Jana &
Jamie Katcher – we are thinking
about you.
The Gabriel Family to Ira
Gerhardt in memory of your
beloved mother.
The following donations were
made to Kim Rosner in memory
of her beloved grandmother:
Lindsay & Brian Arenstein
Caryn & Scott Kahn
Diane & Marvin Gess made the
following donations:
Sherry Polevoy in memory
of your beloved father.
Joan Krieger in memory of
your beloved father.
Linda Dressler in memory
of your beloved mother.
Cantor Discretionary Fund
The following donations
were made to Joan Krieger in
memory of her beloved father:
Rona Eagle & Bruce Leeb
Kenneth & Arlene Weiss
Mary & Marty Kwartler made a
generous donation to this fund.
Caring Committee Fund
Diane & Bob Herzog to Jack
Berger in memory of your
beloved wife
Richard & Claudia Meer to Joan
Krieger in memory of your
beloved father.
Richard Heimler made the
following donations:
Karen & Darryl Weiss to Sonye
Grossberg in memory of your
beloved father.
Jack Berger in memory of
your beloved wife.
The following donations were
made to Edna Lewitz in memory
of her beloved sister:
Sonye Grossberg in
memory of your beloved
father.
Natalie Heller in memory
of your beloved father.
Natalie Heller in memory
of your beloved father.
Ken Konner in memory
of your beloved mother.
Gary Konner in memory
of your beloved mother.
Nita & Chuck Goodgal to
Alyson Cohn in memory of your
beloved mother.
Joan Krieger in memory
of your beloved father.
Manny Kaplan
Susan & Steve Sorkenn
Martha & Jim Baum made the
following donations:
Sharon Javer in memory
of your beloved mother.
Addison M. & Elizabeth Opper
Hebrew School Fund
Barry & Marcia Bloomfield to
Ken Konner in memory of your
beloved mother.
Nancy & Stan Goodman made a
generous donation to this fund.
R.J. Konner in memory
of your beloved mother.
Jack Berger in memory
of your beloved wife.
Marge & Harry Immerman made
the following donations:
Cantorial Intern Fund
Jen & Bob Cahn made a
generous donation to this fund.
Sonye Grossberg in memory
of your beloved father.
Joan Krieger in memory
of your beloved father.
Tribute Cards at TBR
Grey Card..........................................................donation of $10.00
Silver Card.........................................................donation of $18.00
Gold Card..........................................................donation of $36.00 and over
Machzor Chadash..........................................donation of $36.00 per book
All donations will be published in the newsletter and
your donation will be applied to the TBR fund of your
choice. Available through the Temple office at
(201) 891-4466.
Page 17
Heidi & Michael Katz made the
following donations:
Jack Berger in memory of
your beloved wife.
Natalie Heller in memory of
your beloved father.
Joan Krieger in memory of
your beloved father.
Nancy & Harry Silver in
memory of your beloved
cousin.
David Zoll in memory of
your beloved mother.
Linda Dressler in memory
of your beloved mother.
Lisa & Steve Marcus & Family
made the following donations:
Sonye Grossberg in
memory of your beloved
father.
Joan Krieger in memory of
your beloved father.
Gail & Bob Loewenstein to
Natalie Heller in memory of
your beloved father.
Channa Mamber Memorial
Music Fund
Marge & Barry Ginsberg to
Jack Berger in memory of your
beloved wife.
Ruth & Len Stern to Edna Lewitz
in memory of your beloved
sister.
Susan, Alan & Matt Yacavone to
Sharon Javer in memory of your
beloved mother.
General Fund
Donna Krieger to Arthur Jacobs
in loving memory of Paula
Jacobs.
Helene and James Nelson to
Edna Lewitz in memory of your
beloved sister.
Nancy Wellington to Linda
Dressler in memory of your
beloved mother.
February 2014
Tribute Cards
Tribute Cards
The congregation gratefully acknowledges the following contributions:
Viviane & Barry Newman made
the following donations:
Sue Berry in loving memory
of Allan Berry.
Florence Gordon in loving
memory of Irving Gordon.
Jack Berger in memory
of your beloved wife.
Sherry Polevoy in memory
of your beloved father.
Sharon Javer in memory
of your beloved mother.
David Zoll in memory of
your beloved mother.
Lisa & Louis Milowsky made the
following donations:
Rabbi Discretionary Fund
The following donations were
made to Jack Berger in memory
of his beloved wife:
Sari Fromberg
Diane & Marvin Gess
Nita & Chuck Goodgal
Judy Goodwin & Bruce Platt
Leona Greenbaum
Manny Kaplan
Tobie & Warren Kaufman
Kris Len
Doris Miller
Ishaye & Josephine
Monokof
Viviane & Barry Newman
Merrill Rutman
Ruth & Irwin Schneider
Lillian Silver
Judy & Ira Singer
Susan & Steve Sorkenn
Judy & Fred Steinberg
Ruth & Len Stern
Sheila Tanenbaum
The Wuhl Family to Darryl Weiss
in memory of your beloved
mother.
The following donations
were made to Sharon Javer in
memory of her beloved mother:
Nita & Chuck Goodgal
Judy & Herb Javer
Kris Len
The following donations
were made to Joan Krieger in
memory of her beloved father:
The following donations
were made to Joan Krieger in
memory of her beloved father:
Judy Goodwin & Bruce Platt
Marlene & Howard
Goldberg
Karen & Marc Sackstein
Nancy Wellington
Physical Plant Fund
Lisa & David Schwartz to Sherry
Polevoy in memory of your
beloved father.
Carole & Paul Schwartz made
the following donations:
Jack Berger in memory of
your beloved wife.
Sharon Javer in memory of
your beloved mother.
Rona Eagle & Bruce Leeb made
the following donations:
Jack Berger in memory
of your beloved wife.
Linda Dressler in memory
of your beloved mother.
Michael & Leslie Goldberg to
Linda Dressler in memory of
your beloved mother.
Natalie Heller in memory
of your beloved father.
Rabbinic Intern Fund
Youth Wing Fund
Jen & Bob Cahn made a
generous donation to this fund.
Nancy & Arthur R. Kramer made
the following donations:
Ritual Fund
Ken Konner in memory of
your beloved mother.
The following donations were
made to Sonye Grossberg in
memory of her beloved father:
Lynn Schonbraun in
memory of your beloved
mother.
Sondra & Stuart Levine
Judy & Ira Singer
Kim & Rich Cantor
Sondra & Stuart Levine
The Niederman Family
Sharon & Bob Glassman
Judy & Bruce Ackerman made
the following donations:
Jack Berger in memory of
your beloved wife.
Sonye Grossberg in
memory of your beloved
father.
Natalie Heller in memory
of your beloved father.
Joan Krieger in memory
of your beloved father.
Edna Lewitz in memory
of your beloved sister.
Cathee & Marty Smithline to
Sharon Javer in memory of your
beloved mother.
Ellen & Alan Zalkowitz to
Anne & Chuck Lieberman in
honor of the birth of your new
granddaughter.
The following donations were
made to Jack Berger in memory
of his beloved wife:
Linda Dombrowsky &
Ron Rosensweig
Nancy & Arthur R. Kramer
Karen & Marc Sackstein
& Family
Cathee & Marty Smithline
Nancy Wellington
Lydia & Jack Zakim
The following donations were
made to Judith Greenbaum in
memory of her beloved mother:
Page 18
Melvina & Bernard Feldman
Caryn & Scott Kahn
The following donations were
made to Natalie Heller in
memory of her beloved father:
Nancy and Arthur R. Kramer
Fran & Ernie Reinitz
Cathee & Marty Smithline
The following donations
were made to Joan Krieger in
memory of her beloved father:
Fran & Ernie Reinitz
Judy & Ira Singer
Cathee & Marty Smithline
Linda Dombrowsky & Ron
Rosensweig made the following
donations:
Joan Krieger in memory of
your beloved father.
Edna Lewitz in memory of
your beloved sister.
Natalie Heller in memory of
your beloved father.
Linda Dressler in memory
of your beloved mother.
Ron Rosensweig in
loving memory of Perry
Rosensweig.
Lydia & Jack Zakim made the
following donations:
Sonye Grossberg in
memory of your beloved
father.
Joan Krieger in memory of
your beloved father.
Natalie Heller in memory of
your beloved father.
Linda Dressler in memory
of your beloved mother.
Jay & Carol Opper made the
following donations:
Jack Berger in memory of
your beloved wife.
Sonye Grossberg in
memory of your beloved
father.
Joan Krieger in memory of
your beloved father.
Natalie Heller in memory of
your beloved father.
February 2014
Yahrzeits
February Yahrzeit
Donations
FEBRUARY YAHRZEITS
1
Joel Feuer
Irving Herman
Louis Schreier
Kenneth Weiner
2 Richard Breslaw
Albert Lidsky
3 Rose W. Kirschner
4 Dorothy Vera Nearman
5 Sigmund Atterman
6 Charles Krames
7 Irvin B. Golboro
8 Jack Schultz
9 Thelma Lipsky
Ellenbogen
Ruth Kagan
Miriam Schalman
Jacob Shear
10 Jack Zalon
11 Dorothy Ann Feinberg
Arthur W. Kutner
12 Alice Arenstein
Paul Emert
Harry Petereit
13
Gertrude Kasmanoff
Peter Alexander Krieger
Stanley Krieger
Harriet Krim
Harry Newman
15 Isabelle Taub
16 Herbert Axelrod
17 Solomon Friedland
Alfred Lowry
18 Seymour Kessler
Ilse Leipzig
Ann Lyon
Dr. J. Gabriel Michael
Elaine Odessa
Milton S. Jacobson
In accordance with the Jewish tradition of
giving Tzedakah as a tribute of reverence
and love to the memory of our departed, the
following donations have been made to the
Temple Beth Rishon Yahrzeit Fund:
19 Sidney Gendell
Lillian Litwin
FAMILY OF:
20 Lester Levine
Katie Shear
21
Bernard Howard Cadel
Patricia Dressler
Audrey Gross
Roland Kinsley
Richard Nestampower
Anna Schleifer
22 Gaskel Goldstein
23 Jonas Herzog
Harry Pollack
24 Shirley Dwoskin
Akiva Macagon
25 Howard Sackstein
26
Miriam Bodner
Belle Bukiet
Bernard Jacobs
Milton Krieger
27 Norman Cohen
Irving Immerman
Ann Sarbone
28 Channa Mamber
Max H. Roller
IN MEMORY OF:
Andrea & Michael Prell�����������������������������Robyn Samantha Prell
Sharon Rubin�����������������������������������������������Lorraine Goldman
Bennett Leifer����������������������������������������������Charlotte Leifer
Marsha Lutch Lloyd�����������������������������������Zelda Lutch
Nathan Lutch
Nicky Prell������������������������������������������������������Robyn Samantha Prell
The Kutner Family��������������������������������������Phyllis Albert
Edna Lewitz��������������������������������������������������Adolph Schwartz
June Stahl������������������������������������������������������Alice S. Stahl
Barry Gornstein�������������������������������������������Ruth Ginsberg
The Phillips Family��������������������������������������Ida Skarnik
TOWARD OUR EFFORTS TO BE
A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY...
In the event that the Clergy may not
have been informed, please
contact the Temple Office at
201-891-4466 with the name
of any congregant who is ill at
home, facing surgery, or in the
hospital.
We appreciate it!
When a Death in Your Family Occurs, Please Let us Know.
When a death in your immediate family occurs, the TBR Community would like to
acknowledge your loss and support you in any and all ways possible. Please promptly
notify Rabbi Emert at 201-819-5005 or Cantor Mamber at 201-914-2693. In addition, to
provide pertinent information that you would like to share, call the Temple Office at
201-891-4466. Even if the service is out of town, we would like to know so that we can
offer our condolences.
Page 19
February 2014
CHECK OUT THESE TWO LINKS
on our Temple website which help with our FUNDRAISING!
Each time you make a purchase from Amazon.com or buy a tree in Israel from the Jewish National Fund
via our website, the temple receives a percentage towards our fundraising goals. YOU MUST ENTER THESE SITES VIA OUR SITE in order for us to receive the benefit. You may use any of their vendors to make purchases as long as you do it via the Temple website.
Both links are located at the bottom of our HOME page.
We hope that you will take a moment to discover these links and to explore
our Temple website at the same time at www.bethrishon.org . The entire membership, staff and clergy thank you for using this painless way to
help our bottom line!
585 Russell Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ 07481
Tel: (201) 891-4466 • Fax: (201) 891-0508
Education: (201) 891-6074
[email protected] • www.bethrishon.org
Page 20