CAI 2023/5784 Annual Report

We Are Connected ANNUAL REPORT 2023/5784

Rabbi Ari Lucas We are connected. As Jews and as humans we need each other. One of God’s first observations about humanity is that “it is not good for a person to be alone.” (Gen 2:18) For thousands of years, a secret to our strength and resilience has been our connectedness. We are stronger and healthier when we enmesh our lives with others in community. This year, the US Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, released a report about the “epidemic of loneliness and isolation.” In the report, he outlines the dangers of social disconnection - including increased risk of anxiety, depression, heart disease, and dementia. These scientific findings, while alarming, are not surprising to us as Jews.

Given this reality, our synagogue community is more important now than ever.

Each of us has a connection that brought us to CAI. There is a spark in every one of us that yearns to connect to something greater than ourselves. It gives us a sense of purpose and meaning when we feel connected to our community, Judaism, Israel, the natural environment, and the spirit that animates the world. Whether your connection is to High Holy Day services, Torah learning, our ECC, Jewish culture, prayer, social events, family, or history, CAI is an ideal setting in which you can strengthen your connections.

For me, I feel especially connected to this community whenever I see people doing something small or large - for someone else. Paying a shiva call, carpooling kids to religious school, helping with grocery shopping or a ride to the airport. These everyday acts of kindness and consideration are what strengthen our connections over time and make us feel stronger as a community.

In these pages, you’ll read about different moments of connection made possible by the strong community we share at CAI, as well as appreciation for the professionals, volunteers, and the donors whose generosity make these connections possible. But the most important part of this community is each individual who chooses to connect. It’s each of you. So, what’s your connection? And how will you recommit to connecting in the year ahead?

Shanah Tovah to all!

We Are Connected

CAI President Matt Fischer As we begin 5784 and prepare for a year packed with programs and activities, I reflect on all that our community has accomplished to bring us back to a state of normalcy following the pandemic. The commitment from you, our members, has enabled our congregation and my family personally, to reach incredible milestones over the past few years, even in the face of significant challenges. For this dedication and trust, I thank you.

During Rabbi Lucas’ installation weekend this past year, he spoke about gratitude, saying “Grateful am I.” As I begin my term as President of CAI, I too am grateful. I’m grateful to be able to lead this incredible, warm, diverse community to which I feel connected in various ways.

This past May, our daughter Sophie’s graduation ceremony from Golda Och Academy was held in the CAI sanctuary. I watched her sing Hatikvah from the same podium where she delivered her D’var Torah at her Bat Mitzvah, in a packed sanctuary in 2018. It was also at that same podium in 2021, that our younger daughter, Marley became a Bat Mitzvah with only 20 of our closest family members and friends in person and the clergy and community on Zoom. As I reflected on these important milestones, I felt a sense of pride and connection to this beautiful synagogue, our second home. I hope that you and your family will also take a moment during the High Holy Days to identify what connects you to CAI and that together we can strengthen these connections.

The path to 5784 has not been a smooth road and we still have a lot of work to do. I am aware that the Board of Trustees may face some difficult decisions ahead of us and, in partnership with you, I am confident that we will approach them head on, thoughtfully and with transparency. Together, we can ensure that Congregation Agudath Israel goes from strength to strength.

Wishing you and your families a Shanah Tovah!

We Are Connected

Our CAI Community - Why We Are Connected CAI is a place for learning, teaching and encouraging others to reach higher than they thought they could to work together to multiply acts of lovingkindness.

We value CAI as a place where we have continuously embraced our ability to give, learn and pray. I enter the synagogue each time, knowing that over the last 50 years, we have commemorated numerous family honors and milestones in this extraordinary community.

Since day one.

Community, family, my village.

The clergy are not only brilliant and extraordinarily knowledgeable, they are also creative, inspiring and supportive.

Every day when I bring my child to school at CAI, we are greeted with excitement and love. I know that all of the children in the ECC are given unconditional love, like family.

I feel connected at CAI whether it’s the Holidays, Shabbat or any day of the week. The welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to build relationships and has made the synagogue a second home.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2022-23 ANNUAL FUND DONORS BUILDERS ($25,000 AND UP) Jane and Ned Gladstein Blanche Lerner

SUSTAINERS ($10,000-$24,999) Elizabeth and Jeffrey Bier Rachel and Robert Fink Mindy and Alex Opper Robin and Michael Ware The Wieseneck Family

PILLARS ($5,000-$9,999) Anonymous Claire Akselrad Shari and Mitchell Broder Jenique and Eric Edelstein Judy and Steven Elbaum Daryl and Andrew Epstein Marisa, Dan, Ari and Adam Fishman Susan and Matthew Horn Paula and David Saginaw Randi and Murray Spiegel Susan and Elliot Stupak Helene and Gary Wingens

BENEFACTORS ($2,500-$4,999) Anonymous Stephanie and Ben Akselrad Jean and Ben Alter Mindy and Evan Blum Shani and Louis Drogin and Family Peri Edelstein and Blake, Dahlia and Izzy Shapiro Karen and Ted Eisenberg Dana and Douglas Friedman Stacie and Eric Gebroe Burton Henry David Korn

Judy Levenstein and Phil Kruger Elizabeth and Jonathan Liss Sheila and Leslie Lustbader Kelly and Gerald Lustig Marsha and Michael Messer Wendy and Scott Newman Deborah and Stuart Rabner Alison and Stuart Rosenthal Cynthia and Jeffrey Schechter Rachel and Paul Scherzer Janice and Barry Schindler Jackie and Steven Walzer Lori and Hal Wolfson

PATRONS ($1,000 - $2,499) Anonymous Edna and Steven Alberts Liza and Liad Amir Ruth and Ben Asher Kerry and Matthew Atlas Stephanie and Alan Bonder Carrie and Bradley Bobroff Susan and Gary Botwinick CAI Men's Club Nancy and Cantor Joel Caplan Greta and Ira Cohen Judy and John Craig Jennifer, Nathan, Avery and Jonah Dany The Dodyk Family Linda and Jeffrey Drogin Alisa and Ian Eagle CAI's Lerner Early Childhood Center Esta Edelman Diane B. Edelson Dorie and Seth Eisenstein Melissa and Lawrence Elbaum Linda and Leslie Elfenbein Joyce and Steven Fichtenbaum Erica, Greg, Matthew and Sammy Filosa Anita and Ed Finkel Donna and Arthur Franklin Helaine and Richard French

Michele and Jason Frieder Alison and Lee Frost Diane Gelman and Michael Lichtenstein Joyce and Lee Gladstein Karen and Jeremy Glaser Melanie and Steven Glass Robin and Mark Goldman Alexis Gruber, Matthew, Sophie and Marley Fischer The Hedvat Family Shannon Hedvat Maddy and Hank Heller Dara Horn, Brendan Schulman and Family Margaret Karcnik and Richard Tancer Esther and Harry Kartus Leah and Adam Kaufman Renee Kaufman and Arthur Cytryn Gail and Max Kleinman The Krichman Family Linda and Michael Lowenthal Jean and Mark Mandell Michele and Jonathan Mehl Mary and Andrew Messer Carol R. Morman Helaine and Michael Mund Karen Nerlfi and Neil Schreffler Talya Oberfield and Rabbi Ari Lucas Deborah and Jeffrey Orens Laura and David Ostheimer Geraldine and Thomas Panitch Sheryl and Sam Pearlstein Patricia and Theodore Perl Mandi and Brett Perlmutter Hilary and Howard Rabner Marjorie and Keith Remland Kendra and Bret Resnick Marlene and Larry Ritter Debbie and Scott Rosen Marian Rothenberg Beth and Stuart Sackman Jeanne and Joseph Samet Margie and Larry Samuels Indicates ECC Garden Sponsorship

THANK YOU TO OUR 2022-23 ANNUAL FUND DONORS PATRONS Cont'd ($1,000 - $2,499) Debbi and Jamie Schachtel Rachel and Keith Schultz Harriet Sepinwall and Jeffrey Rosenberg Michelle, Adam, Aidan and Peri Shandler Gail and Bruce Shapiro and Family Jordan and Joseph Shumofsky Melissa and Eric Sobel Amy and Ira Steinberg Allison and Jeffrey Stupak Ami and Andrew Talkow Susan and Seth Udasin Nina and Arnold Wasserman Sandy Weintraub Susan Werk Dani, Gabe and Moshe Wolberger Barbara and Benjamin Zimmer

SPONSORS ($500 - $999) Anonymous Elaine and Stuart Berger Irma and Peter Berman The Boshak/Kotlewski Family Susie and Howard Bruch Anne and Howard Burg Beth, Howard and Annie Cannon Eta Gershen Cohen and Steven Cohen Babette and Jeff Davis Rabbi Paula and Jonathan Drill

Anne and Marvin Elmowitz Karen and Harry Engel Barbara and Michael Erlichman Michael Finck Samantha, Seth, Abby and Alix Fliegler Lori Fuchs-Meyers and Adam Meyers Deanna and Allan Gitlow Alison, Marc and Olivia Glashofer Stacey and Michael Gold Judith Gould and Michael Cavalier Julie and Todd Grossman Debbie and Steve Holinstat and Family Andrew Horowitz Jessica Horowitz Abby and Randy Kanter Sasha and Matthew Koff Danielle, Mike, Dylan and Blake Kurlander Michele and Jeffrey Landau Amy and Scott Lewin Stacey and Morris Lewis Erica and Daniel Lotto Lisa and Alec Lowenstein Edy and Rabbi Alan Lucas Debbie, David, Sam and Michael Lurie Marian Garber Marlowe and Keith Marlowe Beth and Stephen Mayer Lisa and Glenn Mechanick Etta and Froman Mehl Rebecca, Eric, Ayla and Bryn Nelson Jayne and Victor Nhaisi

Felice and Arthur Nichols Harriet and Joel Notkin Seena and Arthur Pajonk Jeanette Paktor and Alfred Mahler Marlene Perlmutter Robyn and Robert Projansky Michele and Larry Raiken The Raymond Family Nogah and Bruce Revesz Carol Richmond Marsha and Ronald Rickles Marilyn Rose Cindy and Joe Roth Ronna and Rob Scheckman Drs. Amy and Jordan Schecter and Family Debra and James Schenkel Lisa Schlesinger and Mark Lipsy The Family of Joyce Schnaufer and Richard Reinhardt Roy Shapiro Michele and Brad Shiffman Libby and Harris Siegel Rita and Rabbi Alan Silverstein Nicole and Joshua Slavitt Caryn and Brian Snerson Lori and Jerry Solomon Serena and Aaron Solomon Michelle and Graig Solow Samantha Strulowitz-Steinberg and Ofer Steinberg Grace and David Sumka Pamela Fertel Weinstein and Marc Weinstein The Wertheim Family Herb Wolf Cindy and David Wormser Judy and Harvey Zeller

Indicates ECC Garden Sponsorship

THANK YOU TO OUR 2022-23 ANNUAL FUND DONORS FRIENDS ($250 - $499) Anonymous Robin and Stephen Abrams Naomi Adelberg Lisa and Jay Baranker Stephanie Bash-Soudry and Michael Soudry Suzanne and Walter Baumgardt Arlene and Melvin Berkowitz Ellen and Jonathan Berkowitz Gail and David Black Miriam and Matthew Block Rosanne and Ira Bornstein The Bramnick Family The Bressman-Centurrino Family Randi and Oron Brokman Selma Brookman Wendy and Michael Brosse Fran and Jeffrey Chase Bonnie and Sheldon Cytron Marcia and David Danoff Amy Dell Judith Fabricant and Rabbi David Saltzman Lindsay, Jordan, Isabelle and Nathan Farkas Bonnie Fertel Beth and Robert Fink Jodi Friend Sally and Donald Garson Marcia and David Gurian Carrie Halper and Carlos Castro Sharon and Rabbi Richard Hammerman Jackie and Kevin Haney Beverly Hecht Lauren Hedvat Elisa Jeffay

Ellen and Marc Kaplan The Kelmanovich Family Rebecca Kinburn Madeleine and David Koenig Ann and Seth Leeb Ariel and Wolf Levenson Susan and Edward Levey Linda and Israel Majzner Deborah and Rabbi Clifford Miller Fani Magnus Monson and Rabbi Michael Monson Jessica and David Moss Eric Mulkowsky Roberta and Norman Mulkowsky Carol and Harris Nydick Shari and Charles Ornstein Fae and Warren Page Orna Rappoport and David Moses Diane and David Reidenberg Eva and Aman Rokhsar Julie and Brett Rosen Susan and Jack Rosenkranz Nancy and Marvin Ruderman June and Len Rudin Tara and Ramin Saeedian Renee Savitz Jennifer, David, Emma and Jacob Schiefelbein Margot and Marc Schwartz Estelle and Paul Seligman Allegra, Mike and Isaac Simon Lynn and Michael Simon Ken Slutsky Leah Sterman-Kabrt and Richard Kabrt Aubrey and Sharon Stoch Larry and Collene Stout Elliot, Rachel, Arielle, Shayna and Talia Tobin Sharlene and Paul Vichness

SUPPORTERS (UP TO $249) Anonymous Mary Lou Allen Sari and Uri Allen Tamar and Ben Amoyal Helene and David Arzt Tikva Bakal Allison and Steven Barbag The Ben Nathan Family Audra and Gary Berger The Bertaccini Family Joan Bronspiegel and Stuart Dickman Nurit and Michael Brown Irene Blumberg Judy Buchler Burke Family Beth and Robert Daniel Naomi Danis Ashley and Daniel Davidow Rachel and Andrew Davis and Family Lori Deitch and Family Jilana Dellal and Paul Hoffman Roberta Diamond Eileen Dombrowsky and Harold Kaplan Nina and Alan Egger Susan and Steven Eisen Vera and Brian Ehrlich Mark Englander and Family Tammy and Robert Epstein Jill and David Feder Tara and Gregory Feig The Fenster Family Jaclyn and Mathew Fern Annette and Joseph Fine Sally Fineman The Forman Family The Frank Family Becca and Jon Frank

Indicates ECC Garden Sponsorship

THANK YOU TO OUR 2022-23 ANNUAL FUND DONORS SUPPORTERS Cont'd (UP TO $249) Iris and Mark Frank Joan and Myron Freling Allyson and Michael Friedman The Friess Family Adina and Evan Galatz Andrea and Jason Gendel Sara and Seth Glasser Amy and Alex Glickman Glenn, Jordan and Emma Godfrey Susan Goldberg Daniel Goldin Cindy and Neil Goldstein Jo, Dylan and MiaBeth Gorodetzer Lisa and Brad Greenbaum Susan and Steven Greenbaum Amy and Steven Greenberg Groman Family Sue Grossbard Susan and Franklin Gurtman Pia Gutierrez Andrea and Bradley Hecht Josh Henry Harvey Hershkowitz Lisa, Ryan and Max Hipscher Reina and Myron Jacobowitz Jessica, Steve, Nate and Maren Jacobs Suzanne Jacobs Ruth Jaffe and Paul Horowitz Gena and Matthew Jarmel Evie and Gary Kabler Rikki and Mikhail Kagan Victoria and Howard Kahn Mayda and Martin Kale Esther and Steven Kamenetsky Amy Kaplan The Kessler Family Risa and Charlie Kessler and Family Julie Klein Susan Kogan

Lauren and Jeffrey Kohlberg Mark Kushner Lampert Family Vivienne and Alan Landy Frances and Ben Larkey The Levine Family Ilana, Matt, Max and Sam Levine Nancy and Howard Levine Myra Levine-Lerman and Stephan Lerman Bernard Levy Maria, Dan, Hannah and Maddie Lewis Elaine and Arnie Litt Debbie, Jay and Josh Lubetkin Beyla and Stanley Makovsky Robin and Matthew Mangino The Mankin-Dolph Family Janet and Bob Markman Lauren and Stuart Markon Lisa and Jason Marx The Meirzon Family Marcia and Scott Mickley Alice Mikulak Marcia Mohl Diane and Harvey Moskowitz Erin and David Mossberg Natalie and Richard Peck Mira and Glenn Prives Megan and Paul Rabinowitz Keri and Scott Rehns Sharon and Alan Rein Beth and Scott Reiser Renee and Joel Reiser Maida and David Richlin Lauren and Jason Rose Ellen and Robert Rosen Davey and Ed Rosenbaum Bonnie and Bernard Rosenfeld Loren and Mark Roth The Rothman Family Carol and Mark Rothstein Marjorie Rozman Alix Rubin and David Grossman Carolyn and Warren Ruderman Renee Sachs

Judy Salomon Gloria Saltz Hani and Kenny Sandler Geri Schaeffer Elisa and Martin Schenker Jill and Stewart Schneck Lauren and Eric Schwartz Susan and Marvin Schwartz Bonnie and Steve Schwartzman Debbie Schwenk Nancy, Bruce and Joshua Scott Barbara Sebiri Allison and David Semaya Marianne and Laurence Shulman Lina and Alex Shuster Diane and Alan Sklar The Speier Family Debra and Tom Spiesman Melissa Steb Myra and Mal Sumka Susan and Stephen Sunshine Leah Tarlow Leslie and Daniel Tubul Abby and Harry Vine Gina and Philip Vinick Lauri, Jeff and Claire Wactlar Susan Wallach The Weinberg Family Alexandra and Benjamin Weingarten Joel Weingarten Aaron Weininger Debra and Seth Weisleder Celeste Werfel Lea Citrin Whitney Rabbi Marge Wise Danielle, Scott, Marni and Cooper Wormser Lauren and Evan Wormser Judy and Allen Zaks Lisa and Mikhail Zeltser Michelle Zeman and Howard Feiwus The Zucker Family

Indicates ECC Garden Sponsorship

Our CAI Community - Why We Are Connected There is an authenticity

CAI is my spiritual home, a center of learning, intergenerational camaraderie and caring. It is my community and a source of growth.

to CAI that I don’t discern in many other places. The worship is “real”, the people themselves, devoid of airs and attempts to posture and impress.

I love it here.

I have never felt more connected to CAI than when my daughter confidently and happily runs into the arms of her teachers and friends at the ECC. I am incredibly grateful to be able to share the warmth and support that I always felt growing up at CAI with her now.

CAI was the only synagogue in the area that would train my daughter, who has mild ADHD, for her Bat Mitzvah. It was a wonderful success!

I was born into the CAI community and it holds a special place in my heart. From my Bat Mitzvah to my recent wedding in the sanctuary, I have celebrated so many milestones with my Agudath family. No matter what stage of life, I will always call CAI home.

I feel connected every time I enter CAI, especially to attend my Adult Ed classes. The addition of Zoom made CAI even more special.

CAI's Impact Our congregation's membership is thriving...

800

We welcomed 48 new families 287 children enrolled in our Lerner ECC & Religious School We celebrated the installation of our Senior Rabbi Ari Lucas and our Assistant Rabbi Sara Blumenthal More than 55 congregants traveled to Israel with CAI and Greater Metrowest Federation

Our clergy team officiated at many life cycle milestones...

42 B'nai Mitzvah 10 Brit Milah and Simchat Bat ceremonies 3 Weddings 4 Aufrufs 22 Funerals 50+ families supported during Shiva

We introduced several new events this year...

ECC Grandfriends Program Friday Night Cocktails S'lichot and S'mores Sukkah Hop Dueling Pianos Golden Ladle Cooking Competition

We started th vision of S Journeys, Lifti and Strengt Connections a extensive cal person classe services and ac so gratifying open our doo begin our next is a snapshot o accomplis 2022/

is year with a haring our ing our Voices thening our nd planned an lendar of ines, programs, ctivities. It was to be able to ors again and century! Here f some of CAI’s hments in 2023.

2022-2023 We hosted many of our favorite annual programs in person!

ECC Parent's Night Out Comedy Night Family Concerts Super Bowl Shabbat Men’s Club March Madness Juneteenth Shabbat Iftar Dinner Spirits in the Sukkah Mah Jongg Madness

We offered a wide array of Adult Education classes and activities...

16 Weekly/Monthly Classes NJ Jewish Film Festival Sponsorship Broadway and Museum Field Trips Scholar in Residence Shabbat Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Shabbat Israeli Dance Program Cooking Workshops

Our committees engaged in meaningful work...

Lerner ECC Board Create for a Cause Interfaith Committee Combating Anti-Semitism Environmental Committee Social Action Committee Men's Club and Sisterhood Israel Committee Tzedek Initiative Caring Committee Cemetery Assocation

Rabbi Emeritus Alan Silverstein I am honored to be our synagogue's Rabbi Emeritus, following forty years as Senior Rabbi. Similar to all of CAI's professional staff, my efforts are targeted at connecting our members to one another and to the larger community as well.

My three Zoom classes each week build bonds among several dozen devoted congregants of various ages and backgrounds.

My weekly pre-Shabbat Friday afternoon service at Crane's Mill senior living facility strengthens ties among members, parents of members and their neighbors.

My frequent op-ed columns in the MetroWest Jewish News and posts on my Times of Israel blog are yet another source of forging ties for the CAI family with the global Jewish community.

My continuing Presidency of Mercaz Olami, Conservative Judaism's Israel/Zionist worldwide framework sustains our engagement with our Movement's organizations in the USA, Israel, Latin America and Europe.

I also have the honor of "filling in" for Rabbi Lucas by officiating at funerals, unveilings, weddings and baby namings, which serve as "connectors" to one another and to our synagogue.

Shanah Tovah!

Assistant Rabbi Sara Blumenthal Sometimes ten minutes is all you need to deepen a connection. Although not very long, it’s enough time to check in, talk a little Torah, and in the process, get to know someone better.

This past winter, I had the opportunity to do just that with each sixth grader. I traded in my classroom teacher hat for my rabbi/study partner/coach hat and loved it. In a one-on-one setting, students shared their questions and insights about their Torah portions with me as a way to begin preparing for their B’nai Mitzvah. These meetings also gave us a chance to meet each other “where we were at,” sitting across a table on a Wednesday afternoon. Most importantly, our conversations planted the seed for a cherished studentrabbi relationship to grow through interactions both big and small. I am so fortunate to have had this time with these bright, thoughtful, and curious students. It truly is amazing what can happen in ten minutes.

Shanah Tovah!

We Are Connected

Cantor Joel Caplan Connections? Our congregants connect to one another in so many ways each day at CAI. They build relationships within the community that sustain them through moments of joy, as well as through life’s inevitable challenges. As the Cantor, I witness these relationships firsthand and there are three examples of important connection opportunities that stand out in my mind.

1) A B'nai Mitzvah Service: The most obvious connection is the look of pride and pure joy on the faces of parents and grandparents while their child or grandchild is leading services. But everyone else who is sitting in the sanctuary is connected as well. We often say to the congregation, "It wouldn't be a celebration without you," and that's so true.

2) A Shiva Minyan: It’s not a joy to show up at a Shiva, but being there, face to face, is the balm that helps the mourner recover. As a community, we show up for each other, especially during challenging times.

3) A Beautiful Melody: Just as you need the whole team to score a touchdown - running backs, wide receivers and the offensive line - you can't make harmony in synagogue by yourself. You have to sing with other people, and coordinate your efforts to make music. The connection that is created when we sing and pray together is extremely powerful.

I look forward to seeing you and making new connections in 5784!

Shanah Tovah!

Membership & Community Relations Director Debbie Lurie Author and podcast host, Dr. Brené Brown, defines connection as “the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.”

CAI is THE place where you can experience this kind of energy and become an integral thread in the fabric of our community. It is a place you can call home. Get involved. Participate and volunteer. Come to services and Kiddush lunch. Attend events for every age and stage. The return on your investment will undoubtedly be fulfilling and result in meaningful connections to each other and to a larger community.

An important part of my role at CAI is to help individuals and families find their personal connection within our synagogue community. I feel most rewarded when we create opportunities for relationships to form and flourish and witness the life affirming benefits that result. Do not hesitate to reach out to me to explore the many ways that you can become more connected with our incredible congregation.

Let’s pay it forward by helping to spread the word about our special community and all that we have to offer. Keep telling your friends, family, and neighbors about your positive experiences at CAI and the meaningful connections you have made.

Wishing you and your families a healthy and joyous year!

We Are Connected

ECC Director Geula Zamist John Dewey, the prominent philosopher and educator said, “We do not learn from experience…we learn from reflecting on experience.” After reflecting on this year’s exciting, new ECC initiative, the Grandfriends program, we have learned a great deal about the power and importance of multi-generational connections.

There was joy and magic in the room on a special Friday morning this past May, when the ECC hosted a Shabbat celebration for our Fours students, their parents and their Grandfriends. For months, these four year olds were coming home and enthusiastically telling their parents about their new Grandfriends.

Based on the parents’ request, the ECC planned a multi-generational Shabbat celebration, including singing, eating and dancing. One of the most beautiful moments of the gathering occurred when everyone stood together under a handmade quilted tallit with individual squares created by the Grandfriends and the students.

Then, the true learning happened when the ECC Parents and Grandfriends sat in a circle to reflect on their shared experience. They took the time to pause and look around the room. Some ECC parents were reconnecting with friends of their own parents, who they hadn’t seen in years, some were connecting with old teachers, while others were establishing new friendships and making commitments to stay connected after the school year ended.

The Grandfriends program was an important catalyst that led to new multi-generational connections and relationships which are at the heart of our Agudath Israel family. We look forward to forging new connections and strengthening our existing bonds throughout the CAI community in the year ahead.

Shanah Tovah!

Executive Director Lina Shuster "Being socially connected is our brain's lifelong passion," said Matthew Lieberman, a social cognitive neuroscience professor at UCLA. Social connection is proven to be just as important as food and shelter. In a world where technology provides infinite virtual connections, true social connection is often difficult to find, but not at Congregation Agudath Israel.

During my first year at CAI, I have heard many congregants refer to our synagogue as their home, a place where they have found their “people”. I love being a part of such a wonderful community, where social connections organically happen every single day. Our ECC and Religious School, Adult Education classes, Social Justice or Community Service programs, meaningful sermons, daily minyan and milestone celebrations - offer moments of connection that is the harmony and magic of Agudath. Our professional team feels this special bond too and we find meaning in our everyday work by supporting such a vibrant community.

The coming year will be filled with incredible programs that span all “ages and stages” and meet the diverse needs of our congregation. So please, join us and strengthen your connections to each other and to our Agudath family.

Wishing you and your families a Shanah Tovah!

We Are Connected

Education Director Susan Werk Fall is here, and while our ECC and Religious School hallways are buzzing with our youngest members, our teens and young adults are off for another (or their first) year on their higher education journey. During their visits home, many have told me about playing “Jewish geography” with their fellow students. We’ve all played this game: We meet someone, ask, “Where are you from?” and delight in discovering - after a little digging - that we have acquaintances or even relatives in common. It’s such a great way to begin new friendships - with surprising bonds of Jewish connectedness.

I love to hear, especially from the college kids, how gratified they feel when their Jewish Geography connections lead to - Agudath Israel! What an added source of pleasure when their new relationships begin with shared pride over their ties to our nurturing, enriching community!

So remember, when playing the game - even at a CAI Adult Ed class, attending a religious school or ECC children’s program or mingling in the lobby on the High Holidays - we can all point with pride to one special location on the Jewish Geography map: “I belong to Congregation Agudath Israel, a vibrant Jewish community in Caldwell, NJ.” Wishing everyone a sweet and meaningful year. Shanah Tovah!

Thank you to the 2022-23 CAI Executive Committee & Board of Trustees Shani Drogin, President Matthew Fischer, Sr. Vice President Alison Rosenthal, Vice President Jordan Shumofsky, Vice President David Moses, Vice President Daniel Fishman, Treasurer Seth Fliegler, Financial Executive Debbie Rosen, Secretary Gayle Wieseneck, Counsel

Yaron Ashkenazi Stephanie Bonder Steven Fichtenbaum Arthur Franklin Lee Gladstein Sharon Hammerman Jacqueline Haney Burt Henry Steven Holinstat

We Are Connected

Adam Kaufman Gail Kleinman Morris Lewis Mark Lipsy David Lurie Lisa Mechanick Jonathan Mehl Mary Messer Joshua Raymond

Scott Reiser Allison Semaya Adam Shandler Allegra Simon Eric Sobel Aaron Solomon Pamela Weinstein Seth Weisleder Scott Wormser

THANK YOU TO OUR LEGACY CIRCLE DONORS Legacy Circle Donors have generously planned to support Congregation Agudath Israel beyond their lifetime to ensure CAI's financial strength for future generations. Please reach out to Steve Fichtenbaum at sfichtenbaum@agudath.org to learn how you can participate in CAI's Legacy Circle.

Anonymous

Cindy and Neil Goldstein

Deborah and Stuart Rabner

Hope and Paul Aronoff

Marsha z"l and Burton Henry

Hilary and Howard Rabner

Arlene and Mel Berkowitz

Ruth Jaffe and Paul Horowitz

Michele and Larry Raiken

Gail and David Black

Natalie James

Renee and Joel Reiser

Stanley G. Blank

Esther and Harry Kartus

Nogah and Bruce Revesz

Miriam and Matthew Block

Shai Lindsey Kartus

Marilyn Rose

Phyllis S. and Barry z"l Bochner

Gail and Max Kleinman

Marian Rothenberg

Stephanie and Alan Bonder

Sasha and Matthew Koff

Paula and David Saginaw

Susan and Gary Botwinick

Larkey Family

Margie and Larry Samuels

Joan Bronspiegel and

Amy and Scott Lewin

Ronna and Rob Scheckman

Stuart Dickman

Amy and Bill Lipsey

Rachel and Paul Scherzer

Nancy and Cantor Joel Caplan

Linda and Michael Lowenthal

Barbara Kaplan Sebiri

Greta and Ira Cohen

Debbie and David Lurie

Harriet Sepinwall

Judy and John Craig

Etta and Froman Mehl

Michelle and Adam Shandler

Beth and Robert Daniel

Michele and Jonathan Mehl

Rita and Rabbi Alan Silverstein

Jilana Dellal

Marsha and Michael Messer

Caryn and Brian Snerson

Diane B. Edelson

Carol R. Morman

Randi and Murray Spiegel

Jenique and Eric Edelstein

Nancy Heller Moskowitz

Bea and Nat z''l Taubenfeld

Susan and Steven Eisen

Helaine and Michael Mund

Sandy and Jim z"l Weintraub

Karen and Ted Eisenberg

Meryl Natter

Melissa G. and David S. Weisman

Linda and Leslie Elfenbein

Rebecca and Eric Nelson

Nathan Weisman

Mark M. Englander

and Family

Susan Werk

Marjorie and Norman Feinstein

Karen Hauss Nerfli

Jody and Rabbi Steven Wernick

Joyce and Steven Fichtenbaum

Jayne and Victor Nhaisi

Lea Whitney

Phyllis and Marvin z"l Friedman

Carol and Harris Nydick

Maxine z"l and Herb Wolf

Robert E. Friedman

Marjorie Nydick

Allison and Robert Wright

Joyce and Lee Gladstein

Mindy and Alex Opper

The Roots of our CAI Connections

io n

al

Singing I

Sch m o

rin

e is h w

y il m

C o m fo rt Co mm uni ty F

Fa m oze il y In

clu

siv

t

Lo l ve Volu c ia nteer Spe Giving Spiritual Home ing I n te ra Kiddush un

Excitment

ba

Sanctuary

e

Tradition ev h Welco mingC Friendly fe h Li s i w Je

er eth og T g kin or W

ctin

ra

g

En

gag

ion dit ra e T

te e

Peac e

s

ab

liz

lu n

in g

l Specia e L ov

K in dn e s

Sh

c ia

g

Praying n in g

Vo

ra

Music

nt

s te

vo

L

So

Li ng i v i s nd G Ha

Be h

To

ys

rn

g in lo n

Be

at

In in g

d lve

A cc ep ta nc e

er

ia l

g

e

en

Cla ss es

Da

Fa

liz

rg

ec

oly

ea

c ia

Sp

Si m

gh H chas H i

Ritu al

g tin es er

Memories

ers ity Trad

Second Hom Schmoo z e Mu

sic

Inclusive

Spec

Simcha ial s n bbat a itio Sh

In

ter Fun Caring m gen s Special i a Fa T d era o u g rah mily Friends in J tio ra y

e

in g

Sim ch as

Growt h

Div

H

g elpin

te

g in g

L if

n io re

pp

A

So

Atte ndi ng

ism da In

ga

ul

Fun

ial

Ju

En

ef

at

g

in

y

l Spec

at

ci

Da

ch

oly

ri

hH

En

Hig s

Enga ging Ritua

Gr

Mus ic

g gin ga En

in g

Je

G iv

P n Working Together Giving unity Music al iversity Learning m m o D C Lo High Holy Days v e

We Are Connected

THANK YOU TO OUR CENTENNIAL CAMPAIGN DONORS The Centennial Campaign marked our synagogue’s 100th anniversary and its historic rabbinic leadership transition. We are grateful to those congregants who generously made a multi-year commitment to support this effort.

HEAD, HEART AND HAND SPONSORS ($250,000 AND UP) Judy and John Craig The Wieseneck and Shapiro Families

PLATINUM SPONSORS ($100,000-$249,999) Rachel and Robert Fink Mindy and Alex Opper

GOLD SPONSORS ($50,000-$99,999) Elizabeth and Jeffrey Bier

Ruth Percely z"l

Rachel and Adam Broder

Alison and Stuart Rosenthal

Judy and Steven Elbaum

Wendy and Stephen Weinstein

Marsha z"l and Burton Henry and Family

Helene and Gary Wingens

SILVER SPONSORS ($25,000-$49,999) Kerry and Matthew Atlas

Valantina and Nejat Hedvat

Deborah and Stuart Rabner

Elaine and Stuart Berger

Ilene and Bruce Jacobs

Debbie and Scott Rosen

Mindy and Evan Blum

Eleanor and Marc Kramer

Paula and David Saginaw

Shari and Mitchell Broder

Elizabeth and Jonathan Liss

Margie and Larry Samuels

Susie and Howard Bruch

Sheila and Leslie Lustbader

Janice and Barry Schindler

Shani and Louis Drogin

Marsha and Michael Messer

Randi and Murray Spiegel

Jenique and Eric Edelstein

Rebecca and Eric Nelson

Amy and Ira Steinberg

Dorie and Seth Eisenstein

Wendy and Scott Newman

The Taubenfeld Family

Daryl and Andrew Epstein

Jayne and Victor Nhaisi

Robin and Michael Ware

Marjorie and Norman Feinstein Carol and Harris Nydick Marisa and Dan Fishman

Talya Oberfield and Rabbi Ari Lucas

Dana and Douglas Friedman

Sheryl and Sam Pearlstein

Lori and Hal Wolfson

THANK YOU TO OUR CENTENNIAL CAMPAIGN DONORS BRONZE SPONSORS ($10,000-$24,999) Claire Akselrad Carrie and Bradley Bobroff Stephanie and Alan Bonder Susan and Gary Botwinick Lynda and Craig Brown Nancy and Cantor Joel Caplan Jennifer and Nathan Dany Karen and Ted Eisenberg Samantha and Seth Fliegler Donna and Arthur Franklin Michele and Jason Frieder Alison and Lee Frost Diane Gelman and Michael Lichtenstein Jane and Ned Gladstein Lisa Hochman and Marc Rudoltz Judy Levenstein and Philip Kruger Mary and Andrew Messer Hilary and Howard Rabner Michele and Larry Raiken The Reiser Family Beth and Stuart Sackman Serena and Aaron Solomon Ami and Andy Talkow Susan Werk and Joseph Werk

TZEDAKAH SPONSORS ($7,500-$9,999) Peri Edelstein and Blake Shapiro Tara and Greg Feig

TORAH SPONSORS ($5,000-$7,499)

CHAI SPONSORS ($1,800)

Robin and Stephen Abrams

Liza and Liad Amir

Hyman Fisher

Eta Gerson Cohen and Steven Cohen

Phyllis and Michael Kann

Greta and Ira Cohen

Gail and Max Kleinman

Amy and Larry Dodyk

Linda and Michael Lowenthal

Linda and Leslie Elfenbein

Debbie and David Lurie

Eileen and Sanford Fishman

Michelle and Jon Mehl

Phyllis and Marvin z"l Friedman

Julie and Brett Rosen

Jewish Federation of Greater

Rachel and Paul Scherzer Marianne and Laurence Shulman

MetroWest NJ Fern and Mark Kumar Blanche Lerner

Jordan and Joseph Shumofsky

Carol R. Morman

Caryn and Brian Snerson

Iris and Duby Moskowitz

Susan and Elliot Stupak

Deborah and Jeffrey Orens

Grace and David Sumka

Judy and Adam Schlesinger Lynn and Michael Simon

TIKKUN OLAM SPONSORS ($2,500-$4,999)

MITZVAH SPONSORS ($1,000) Carol and Marc Berman

Arthur Bocian

Anne and Howard Burg

Beth and Howard Cannon

Jilana Dellal and Paul Hoffman

Alexis Gruber and Matt Fischer

Barbara and Michael Erlichman

Esther and Harry Kartus

Joyce and Steven Fichtenbaum

Stacey and Morris Lewis

Linda and Neil Freeman

Mandi and Brett Perlmutter

Helaine and Richard French

Orna Rappoport and

Karen and Jeremy Glaser

David Moses

Rebecca Glass and Derek Fields

Debbi and Jamie Schachtel

Judith Gould and Michael Cavalier

Harriet Sepinwall and

Susan Kogan

Jeffrey Rosenberg

Ronnie and Alvin Konner

Lesley and Stanley Weilgus

Diane and David Reidenberg

Debra and Seth Weisleder

Marjorie Rozman Jeanne and Joseph Samet Susan and Seth Udasin Judy and Harvey Zeller

JOIN US FOR CAI EVENTS! For a full calendar of events visit www.agudath.org

October 1, 2023

Second Annual Sukkah Hop

October 19-21, 2023

Artist in Residence Weekend and Concert with Rabbi Josh Warshawsky

October 22, 2023

Israel Committee Walkathon

November 5, 2023

Lerner Early Childhood Center Holiday Boutique

November 7, 2023

Kristallnacht Program

November 14, 2023

Men's Club Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament

November 29, 2023

Cooking Workshop and Book Discussion with author and comedian Joel Chasnoff

January 6, 2024

Sisterhood Kugel Cook-Off

January 24, 2024

Men's Club Annual Blood Drive

January 27, 2024

Sixth Annual Comedy Night with comedian Cory Kahaney

February 9, 2024

Super Bowl Shabbat Friday Night Family Service and Dinner

Congregation Agudath Israel 20 Academy Road • Caldwell, NJ 07006 • 973-226-3600 • www.agudath.org