We're thrilled to announce the relaunch of our online version of CBT’s newsletter. We understand the importance of staying connected and informed, and this new platform will allow us to share news, upcoming events, and inspirational messages with you in a more accessible way.
Besides the convenience of being able to access the current and older issues (over time) anytime, anywhere, from your computer or mobile device, we hope to provide you with enhanced content. Our goal is a more engaging format with photos, videos, and links to additional resources.
And remember, “HaKol” means The Voice. And that means it’s everybody’s voice. Please feel free to contribute articles, comments, suggestions, photos, and letters for sharing.
We want to hear your voice!
FROM THE RABBI
BY RABBI ROBERT WOLKOFF
“G-d bless you Jerry Mendelbaum, let nothing you dismay. This May you had a rotten month, what more is there to say?” -- Allen Sherman
Well I don’t know about you, but I identify with Jerry Mendelbaum more than ever before. With the war against Hamas, the deterioration of democracy in America, and the rise of anti-Semitism virtually everywhere (not to mention the Mets at .500, and the Giants probably headed to the same fate), it’s been a rotten month. And with Tisha B’av coming up the saddest day in the Jewish calendar, the anniversary of both Temples being destroyed, the expulsion from Spain, etc July and August aren’t looking too wonderful either
But there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon. It’s a little-known holiday called Tu B’Av literally, the fifteenth of the month of Av. Back in the old days in Israel, Tu B’Av was a festival marking the beginning of the wine harvest. But even more, it was the annual shidduch (matchmaking) day in Jerusalem. We are told that on this day the young unmarried girls of Jerusalem would dress in white, and go out to the vineyards surrounding the city. There, they would “make their case” before the young men of the city and their families. The beautiful would emphasize their looks. The aristocrats would emphasize their lineage and standing in society. And the rest would cite Ayshet Chayil and say, “Beauty is deceitful, and appearance is vanity a woman who reveres the Lord should be praised.” One particularly beautiful custom for that day was that all the women would wear borrowed clothes so that those who could afford better attire would not overshadow the poor, who couldn’t.
Think of it. A day marked not by ferocity but by fecundity. A celebration of the produce of the Land and the people of the Land. White swirling dresses, à la Isadora Duncan or Martha Graham. An invitation to love, not war. To beauty, not ugliness.
Gosh, do we need it or what?
BRING BACK TU B’AV!!!
PRESIDENTS’ CORNER
BY RUTH ANNE KOENICK & MARTY ABSCHUTZ
Hello everyone.
Marty and I are honored to serve as Co-Presidents of Congregation B’nai Tikvah.
While we live only about five minutes from each other and we have some different skills, one of the most important things we have in common is our love and passion for CBT and our commitment to work with you to ensure the success of our religious home.
AboutUs
We look forward to getting to know you and hope that you will volunteer to work on any one of the variety of committees, programs and ritual life that make up CBT. We look forward to seeing you at Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services or any time during the year.
Wishing you a sweet and wonderful summer.
Ruth Anne Koenick
She/Her/Hers
Marty Abschutz
He/Him Co-Presidents
FROM THE RABBI
[CONTINUED FROM PAGE XX]
How’s that for a rallying cry? Okay, maybe we aren’t going to be able to fan the flames of an international movement for holiday restoration. Nothing is going viral over this. But at least, as we get bogged down in all the negativity, we can remember that 2000 years ago, less than a week after the saddest and most traumatic day in our experience, we were dancing, and looking hopefully to the future. And in this context, I should mention that as I write these very words, a new Nova Festival is being held in Israel. 40,000 people celebrating in Tel Aviv’s Yarkon Park, fulfilling the promise of Mia Schem, one of the surviving hostages taken from the Nova Festival attacked by Hamas: “We will dance again.”
Not exactly Tu B’Av, but close enough. Rotten month(s) or no, “We will dance again.”
Thank you for all your tab donations and helping the Ronald McDonald House Charities help families in need. Keep the tabs coming !!!
A recap of recent events:
May 23 saw a number of CBT Men’s Club members being super charged on Route 1 as we took part in the Mens’ Club regional event.
Keep an eye and ear out for more Mens’ Club Regional events such as summer baseball games to attend.
On June 9th the Men’s Club of CBT was involved in two special events. The morning meeting held a special program”Reflections: College Students Journey Since October 11th” ( see photos next page).
The images on this page do not tell the powerful words that each college student spoke. The 30 attendees were moved by their words and courage during this challenging time. Thank you again to Rafi Rockman, Alex Wolkoff, Becca Smoller and Laila Friedman.
CBT Men’s Club spent the afternoon assisting in the WAM Family Fun Day Event at the Willows Swim Club in Kendall Park. Men’s club members prepared the BBQs, cooked the food, helped with food service and collected donations of compost. A fun day was had by all, especially the children.
CBT Men’s Club Membership is only $36 and you can be a part of our wonderful organization and receive all of our benefits throughout the year. If you have any questions or ideas about events or volunteer opportunities for the Men’s Club please contact Brian Berness or Craig Cohen. We look forward to many more meetings and events starting in September 2024.
(l-r: Rafi Rockman, Alex Wolkoff, Becca Smoller, Laila Friedman)
On Sunday June 9 the Men’s Club of CBT held it’s June meeting featuring four college students.
The topic was “Reflections: College Students Journey Since October 7”.
All four provided valuable insight into what’s happening on their respective campuses.
The session added more depth and everyone walked away more informed.
Hakol Advertising
Interested in advertising in our monthly Hakol? Know someone who might be? There are various options for advertising in our monthly newsletter, and by advertising in Hakol, your ad is also featured in our Thursday weekly announcements, as well as on our advertisers page of our website, and linked to your own business’ website. For details, options, pricing, please contact the CBT Office at 732-297-0696.
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Lou & Audrey Flumen, in loving memory of Irving Bach
Jill Stone, in memory of Steve Talmud’s brother, Jack Talmud
Jill Stone, in memory of Emanuel Gandel
Cantor’s Special Fund
Irwin Kalet, in memory of Lottie Alexander
EXPERT ADVICE
Mark Rosen, in appreciation of Cantor’s performing the wedding of his daughter Rachel to Alex Zakim
Ellie & Bill Greenberg, in memory of Steve Talmud’s brother, Jack Talmud
Ellie & Bill Greenberg, in memory of Lynn Biderman’s brother, Richard Daniel Goldberg
The Juro Family, in memory of Susan Penny Juro
Jodi Wexler Marcou Social Action Fund
Joyce & Gerald Fishelberg, in memory of Sanford Gurtov
Lauren & Andrew Cohen
Fern, Allan & Marc Katronetsky and Ilana & Yonaton Yares & Family
Janet Weiss, in memory of Steve Talmud’s brother, Jack Talmud
Laura & Howard Waksman, in memory of Steve Talmud’s brother, Jack Talmud
Tammy & Keith Zimmerman, Mazel Tov to Meryl & Wayne Gonchar, on the birth of their grandson, Benjamin David Gonchar
Rose & Jeff Berger, in memory of Cyla Kestenman
Rose & Jeff Berger, in memory of Paula Berger
Neil Spindel, in honor of his father, Joseph Spindel, on Father’s Day
Joyce & Joel Gerbman, in memory of Betty Stark
Joyce & Joel Gerbman, in memory of Lynn Biderman’s brother, Richard Daniel Goldberg
Meryl & Gordon Heit, in memory of Lynn Biderman’s brother, Richard Daniel Goldberg
Cindy & Neal Gittleman, in memory of Terri Woller’s mother, Ruth Gitlen
Lisa & Jeff Tannenbaum, Mazel Tov to Caryl & Danny Greenberg, on the marriage of Joshua to Taylor
Lisa & Jeff Tannenbaum, Mazel Tov to Meryl & Wayne Gonchar, on the birth of their grandson, Benjamin David Gonchar
Adrienne & Bruce Rogove, in memory of Adrienne’s father Jacob J. Cohen
Adrienne & Bruce Rogove, Mazel Tov to Allison & David Nagelberg, on the birth of their granddaughter, Lila Lee Ehrentreu
Yahrzeit and Tzedakah Fund
Amy & Mitchell Schreck, in memory of Mildred Schreck
R. Lynn & Arthur Biderman, in memory of Lynn’s mother Rosalie Goldberg
Kerry & Gary Halpern, in memory of Barry Blum
Kerry & Gary Halpern, in memory of Harold Halpern
Kerry & Gary Halpern, in memory of Gloria Halpern
Barry & Rena Lepinsky, in memory of Ida Piaskowski
Ronnie & Jerry Levine and Beatrice, Julianne & Donald, in memory of Ellen Freedman Costello
Janice & Barry Kipnis, in memory of Ivan Kipnis
Natasha Rosenbaum, in memory of Sylvia Rosenbaum
The Kessler Family, in memory of Dorothy Hankins
Arlene & Mitchell Frumkin, in memory of Bernard Diamond
Vicki & Burt Bauman, in memory of Benjamin Bauman
Candace, Craig, Emilee & Sydney Botnick, in memory of Mildred Browndorf
Leslie & Steven Dickert, in memory of Morton Meiskin
Stephen Breitkopf, in memory of Nettie Rosenblum
EXPERT ADVICE
Fern, Allan & Marc Katronetsky and Ilana & Yonaton Yares & family, in memory of Fern’s mother, Constance Cohen
Janice & Barry Kipnis, in memory of Brian Bork
The Kessler Family, in memory of David Goodman
Safety and Security Fund
Anonymous
Carole & Bob Turkheimer, in memory of Milton Turkheimer with love
Carole & Bob Turkheimer, in memory of beloved mom, Gertrude Norack
Janet Weiss, in memory of Lynn Biderman’s brother, Richard Daniel Goldberg
Ruth-Ann Breitler Bikur Cholim
Cheryl & Myron Asnis
Charlie, Laurie, Daria & Brooke Valan and Samantha & David Bartels, in loving memory of Charlie’s sister, Donna Valan-Wright
The Harkavy Family, in memory of Joseph Schiavone
Leonard & Joyce Mandelblatt, in memory of Dorothy Mandelblatt
Shomrei Tikvah Fund
Ruth Anne Koenick & Paul Herman, in memory of Louis Koenick
Brenda & Mark Sherman, in memory of Steve Talmud’s brother, Jack Talmud
Brenda & Mark Sherman, Mazel Tov to Marcia & Gary Wesalo, on the birth of their grandson, Theodore Maxwell Golner
Brenda & Mark Sherman, Mazel Tov to Meryl & Wayne Gonchar, on the birth of their grandson, Benjamin David Gonchar
Les & Dave Offenberg, in memory of Gussie Offenberg
Marci & Marty Abschutz, in memory of Samuel Abschutz
General Fund
Jill Aroeste, in memory of Julius Levine
Marci & Marty Abschutz, Mazel Tov to Marcia & Gary Wesalo, on the birth of their grandson, Theodore Maxwell Golner
Arnie Miller Youth Activity Fund
Phyllis Horlick, in memory of Rose Rosenbaum
Susan Miller, in memory of Lynn Biderman’s brother, Richard Daniel Goldberg
Needy Family Fund
Janice & Art Baer, in memory of Joseph Berezin
Janice & Art Baer, Mazel Tov to Marcia & Gary Wesalo, on the birth of their grandson, Theodore Maxwell Golner
Shiva Fund
The Tannenbaum family, in memory of Sylvia Tannenbaum
Passport to Israel Fund
Kerry & Gary Halpern in honor of their granddaughters’ Kayla Brook Morales and Chloe Jackson
Morales’s baby namings
Janet Weiss, Mazel Tov to Allison & David Nagelberg, on the birth of their granddaughter, Lila Lee Ehrentreu
Debra & Stu Allen, in memory of Steve Talmud’s brother, Jack Talmud
Ritual Fund
Cheryl Fitzer Attas & Moshe Attas, in memory of Lawrence Fitzer
Marci Oslick & Phil Welsher, in memory of Steve Talmud’s brother, Jack Talmud
Louanne & John Wolf, in memory of Steve Talmud’s brother, Jack Talmud
Allen Karp Fund for Music
Ilene Karp & Family, in memory of father-in-law and grandfather, Leon Karp
Trees for Israel Fund
Dot & Larry Cohen, in memory of Irving Cohen
Dot & Larry Cohen, Mazel Tov to Allison & David Nagelberg, on the birth of their granddaughter, Lila Lee Ehrentreu
Mark Kasdin Memorial Fund
Maxine Kasdin, in memory of Mark Kasdin
Shabbat Luncheon Fund
Ruth Anne Koenick & Paul Herman, in memory of Ruth Anne’s aunt Frances Horowitz
Lynn & Arthur Biderman, in memory of Lynn’s father, William Goldberg
Adrienne & Andy Ross, Mazel Tov to Allison & David Nagelberg, on the birth of their granddaughter, Lila
Lee Ehrentreu
Barbra & Bruce London, in memory of Marvin Simon
Barbra & Bruce London, Mazel Tov to David & Allison Nagelberg, on the birth of their granddaughter, Lila
Lee Ehrentreu
Adrienne & Andy Ross, in memory of Norman Spigelman
Ann M. Gold, in memory of her beloved mother, Rose L. Merker
Adrienne and Andy Ross, in memory of David Margolese
Arlene & Arthur Cederbaum, in memory of Nathan Cederbaum
Marci Oslick & Phil Welsher, in memory of Lynn Biderman’s brother, Richard Daniel Goldberg
Marci & Marty Abschutz, in memory of Lynn Biderman’s brother, Richard Goldberg
Adrienne & Andy Ross, in memory of Jack Spigelman
Adrienne & Andy Ross, in memory of Lynn Biderman’s brother, Richard Daniel Goldberg
Adrienne & Andy Ross, Mazel Tov to Meryl & Wayne Gonchar, on the birth of their grandson, Benjamin David Gonchar
William & Gail Reinholtz, in memory of Rose Reinholtz
Adrienne & Andy Ross, in memory of Terri Woller’s mother, Ruth Gitlen
Adrienne & Andy Ross, Mazel Tov to Caryl & Danny Greenberg on the marriage of Joshua to Taylor
Alan & Gaye Feinberg, in memory of Isaac Feinberg
Shabbat Together
Lauren & Andrew Cohen
Diane Young Uniman and Howard K Uniman, in memory of Dr Geraldine Prose Young
Please Note: It is never the intention of the office to leave out someone’s donation from the Hakol listings If your donation was inadvertently left out, please contact the office and we will submit for the next Hakol. Thank you.
OurNewPlatform:Issuu
This issue of HaKol is the first one that we are publishing using a new (to us) platform: Issuu. So why did we make the switch?
Most importantly, we wanted a medium that was easy for our readers to use, no matter the method they choose to access (PC, iPad, phone, etc). By converting to flipbooks on Issuu, we are hoping that the experience of leafing through HaKol is much more similar to reading a physical copy, albeit in digital form.
This new method of delivery allows us to embed internal links, for example from the table of contents, for continued articles, for email addresses, as well as links to advertisers’ web sites. When you flip to a page in the HaKol, hyperlinks will briefly flash to indicate that is a live link. In addition, we can embed videos and other media (from TikTok, YouTube, etc.), offering us the opportunity to beef up our digital game.
In coming months, our intent is to convert older issues to this new format to provide an archive in one easily-accessible place.
We’d love to know what you think about it! Please let us know at hakolfeedback@bnaitikvah.org
Daily Schedule of Prayer Services
Please join us in-person if you can. All services are also available via Stream and Zoom (password needed; please contact the office for more info).
