CBT Hakol July 2026

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Congregation B’nai Tikvah

www.bnaitikvah.org

HaKol: The Voice of CBT The JCC of North and South Brunswick

Summertime at B’nai Tikvah

!‫חג שמח‬

Chag Sameach!

December Summer 2025 2026

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Hakol - The Voice Page 3

Hakol is the Hebrew word for The Voice, and while this publication is the voice of Congregation B’nai Tikvah, it is not intended to be only one-way.

Please consider submitting opinions, letters, articles, poems, and pictures to be considered for future publications. In the case of photos, please do not send low-res pictures or thumbnails. Articles are subject to proofreading changes.

Please submit all materials to Matt.

Note: All material will be credited upon publication; anonymous submissions cannot be considered.

Please Support our Advertisers!

Advocacy & Navigation Partners Alexander Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning AnaSen Health Arlen Law Firm (Melissa Kessler) Law Office of Robert Aufseeser Century 21 Charles Smith Agency (Scott Kessler) Cinnaholic Clinton Monument Co. Cross Country Paving & Masonry (Lawrence Benson) Fred & Murry’s Sergio Fuentes (Home Improvement Contractor) Indulge by Chari Martine, Katz, Scanlon & Schimmel (Diana Schimmel Avena) Mobility Memory Care of North Brunswick Mobility Family of Companies Morgan Stanley (Mark Sherman) Mount Sinai Memorial Chapels Praetorian Agency RE/MAX (Mark Jiorle)

Inside Rabbi’s Desk

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Cantor’s Corner

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Wine & Schmooze

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Social Action

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Safeer Thank You

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Gala Save the Date

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Shabbat Dinner Series

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Sponsor a Lunch

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Pickleball

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Tree of Life

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CBT Book Clubb

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Birthdays

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Summer Calendar

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Member News

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Donations

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Schedule of Services

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Congregation B’nai Tikvah • 1001 Finnegans Lane • North Brunswick, NJ 08902 732.297.0696 • www.bnaitikvah.org

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Rabbi’s Desk Rabbi Esther Reed

It is so wonderful to be serving as your rabbi at Congregation B’nai Tikvah. I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself, in case we haven’t yet had the chance to meet.

I was born in California and lived in Los Angeles and Ohio until I was 10, when my mother, brother, and I moved to East Brunswick, New Jersey. My family joined East Brunswick Jewish Center, and I graduated from East Brunswick High School. I also spent my summers visiting my father in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan.

My connection to B’nai Tikvah goes back many years. My mother and stepfather met here when I was a child, and my husband and I were married in this congregation.

When our three boys were young, I spent many Shabbatot here while my husband was traveling. For the past 25 years, I have lived in Highland Park and served at Rutgers Hillel following my ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary, the Conservative movement's rabbinical school in New York City. My husband currently serves as Special Collections Librarian at JTS, where he works with the rare book collection.

I am passionate about building personal relationships and helping people find meaningful connections to Judaism. During my years at Rutgers Hillel, I had the privilege of accompanying many individuals on their journeys to Judaism through the conversion process. I currently serve as the international co-chair of the Rabbinical Assembly's Conversion Commission.

Although the synagogue is a bit quieter during the summer, my days have been full of getting to know congregants, learning about our community, and preparing for the High Holy Days and the year ahead. If we haven't yet had a chance to meet, I hope you'll introduce yourself at services or reach out to me at 732-297-0696 to schedule a time to talk. It would be a pleasure to connect with you.

I look forward to learning your stories, celebrating your joys, supporting you through life's challenges, and building the future of Congregation B'nai Tikvah together.

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Cantor’s Corner Cantor Bruce Rockman

Summer, Pizza & Diet Coke at the Beach Stacey and I had the added pleasure of meeting Peter Grippo and his staff at his restaurant, “Kosher Square Pizza”. Peter is personable and shared his journey with us.

We listened and we were smitten by his warmth and his commitment to bringing people together of all religions and nationalities, stressing our similarities and love of pizza.

“Dave Portnoy gave it an 8.9. Good Morning America called it the best pizzeria in the USA. And until now, kosher consumers could only read about it. That changes with the opening of “Kosher Square Pizza” on the Jersey Shore, a restaurant built directly around the Upside Down square pie that made Brooklyn Square Pizza (not kosher) in Jackson, NJ one of the most talked-about pizza spots in the country. This is not a kosher restaurant inspired by Brooklyn Square. It is a direct partnership with Brooklyn Square owner Peter Grippo, bringing his exact recipe and technique under kosher supervision for the first time”. [Yeahthatskosher.com] Pizza lovers unite! My love of pizza and diet coke is well documented. During my frequent trips to Israel I’ve shared photos of myself clutching my dc with a couple of slices more times than I can remember, I’ve even become a “regular” at a few pizzerias in Israel and I surely have my favorites around New Jersey.

In Highland Park we have two kosher pizza restaurants, I’m loyal to Jerusalem Pizza.

Shalom, the owner, always has a cup of ice prepared for my diet coke (a big part of my equation), which is the perfect touch. Pizza is great fodder for debate; Giddy’s pizza is my brother's preference and their salads are absolutely awesome!

There are a lot of kosher options at the Jersey shore, particularly in and around Long Branch. Kosher Square Pizza is located at 56 Monmouth Road in Oakhurst. It took Stacey and me about an hour to get there from here, and we LOVED the pizza (and diet coke). I heard about the restaurant from the yeahthatskosher.com website, my brother Ron, his wife Sharon and our own Evan Bernstein of Classical Caterers. They had all already scouted it out and gave it high grades, just like pizza guru Dave Portnoy.

Continued on following page

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Cantor’s Corner (continued from previous page) Who is Dave Portnoy? Many of you know that he is an American businessman and social media personality. He is the founder and owner of sports and popular culture company Barstool Sports and is famous for his influential “One Bite” pizza reviews on YouTube.

Dave Portnoy is Jewish and a fierce defender of Israel.

Peter Grippo met David Mizrachi during their shared medical journey at a local NJ hospital. They became accidental friends then partners bound in by their love of life and entrepreneurial spirit.

“David Mizrahi has been building kosher restaurants along the Jersey Shore and in Lakewood for over a decade. Salt Steakhouse, his flagship at Pier Village, has become one of the most talked-about kosher meat restaurants in the New York metro area, drawing diners from across the region for its oceanfront setting and wood-fired menu.

Mizrahi knows this market and what the Shore community expects from a kosher dining experience.

Peter Grippo built Brooklyn Square into a nationally recognized name. Portnoy’s 8.9 One Bite rating on the Upside Down square pie brought pizza obsessives from across New Jersey making the drive to Jackson. Brooklyn Square later won Best Pizzeria in the USA on Good Morning America. Grippo’s involvement as a direct partner is what makes this opening meaningfully different from a standard new kosher pizza shop”.

Since the opening of the new kosher pizzeria, the threat of Anti-Semitism has reared its ugliness in Oakhurst. Undeterred, Peter hired security, while he and his partner continue planning for more Kosher Square Pizza Restaurants including at least one in Israel. More than anything, Peter wants to bring people together, telling us that he is planning to meet with Dave Portnoy to discuss an initiative to promote kindness and understanding, May I suggest, “Pizza Lovers are Better Together”.

I hope you have a lot of fun this summer and thank God for Air Conditioning.

Ivdo et Hashem B’simcha Worship God with Joy & Gladness.

Cantor Bruce Rockman Summer 2026

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Social Action Laura Waksman

Thank you to Shelly Wistreich for her team spirit and volunteerism at Chaverim (60 plus) for over 3 years, to Steve Chernela for happily photographing the gatherings and presentations, and to Dot Cohen for creating her floral centerpieces which grace the lunch tables and bring a special touch and cheer to all.

On June 16th the Chaverim special presenter was Bashe Rockman, who made Aliyah and presented “My Journey- Aliyah, the Army and Everything Else.” Thank you to Bashe for spending your afternoon in conversation with our seniors, and to volunteers Jeff Schwartz, Marci Kfare and Dina Sharon.

Chaverim will not meet in July or August. We will resume on Sept 29th tentatively with a gathering in the Sukkah! A Chaverim first.

We collect kosher food for the JFS pantry year-round. Please donate generously over the summer. We need volunteers to deliver the donated food to JFS in North Brunswick whenever you can. It can be occasionally or weekly.

Please contact me to help our fellow members on an as needed basis. Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh. All of Israel are responsible for each other. (The Talmud).

Wishing you a enjoyable summer.

B’Yachad..together, we can make a difference, Laura Socialaction@bnaitikvah.org

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Thank You from Barry Safeer It’s been a few month’s since I had my second bar-mitzvah, aka honor service, aka retirement party, on May 9th.

Thank you to everyone who attended that very special day. many people showed up to honor me.

It was amazing that so

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the tribute book. Your words were so kind, so thoughtful and so true. I especially enjoyed the niceties from my JC alumni. It took a while for me to get through the booklet as it was very emotional for me to read all of the accolades written in so many different ways.

When I started this long journey 36 years ago, I had planned to make a difference in our children’s lives. I had not planned to have parents, who attended my service with their offspring, tell me how much they have personally learned during my services. Bonus nachas! I am so glad that I could touch the lives of so many children AND adults in our CBT community. During my honor service, I was so happy to share some of the May 9th – Adon Olam with Current/Past Junior Congregants teachings that I have imparted over the years at Junior Congregation. There have been so many stories, examples and anecdotes that I have shared over the 36 years that I would love to share more with whomever wants to hear. I hope some of you learned something new that day. I will still be a mainstay at the adult service so if anyone wants a refresher – just ask.

May 9th – Adon Olam with Current/Past Junior Congregants

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PICKLEBALL

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Summer Calendar Calendar of Events happening through the summer July 13 – CBT Blood Drive, 3:30 – Sisterhood Board Meeting, 8pm July 16 – WAM: Movie Night Under the Stars, 8pm July 20 – Ritual Committee Meeting July 21 – EC Meeting via Zoom – Monroe Monthly Minyan, 7pm August 4 – National Night Out August 6 – CBT Board Meeting August 10 – Sisterhood Board Meeting, 8pm August 14 – Camp Shabbat 2 August 17 – Ritual Committee Meeting August 18 – Monroe Monthly Minyan, 7pm August 27 – EC Meeting via Zoom August 31 – Ritual Committee Meeting

EXPERT ADVICE

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The congregation extends deepest condolences to: The Mandell family on the loss of their beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother and our dear member, Geri Mandell Condolences to the Rotter Family on the loss of their Mother, Grandmother, and Great-grandmother; and our dear congregant, Martha Rotter

The congregation extends a hearty Mazel Tov to: Steven & Renee Levin on Steven’s retirement.

The congregation extends a warm welcome to our new members: Wendy & Eric Sedler and their children Reid and Leora Mollie Marko & Steven Cytryn and their children, Asher, Esther and Leo Andrea & Michael Lichtenfield and their daughters, Claire and Paige

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‫ְש ַכנ ְִּתי ְ ּבת ֹוכָם‬ ָ ׁ ‫שו ּ לִ י ִמ ְק ָּד ׁש ו‬ ׂ ָ‫וְע‬ “Let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst”

Congregation B’nai Tikvah gratefully acknowledges the following donations: DONATIONS RECEIVED MAY 15TH, 2026 THROUGH JULY 14TH, 2026

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Janis & David Hoffman, thanking Rabbi Wolkoff for his years of spiritual leadership, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to CBT Aaron Ribner, special thanks to Rabbi Wolkoff for his moving tribute to my wife, Roberta Sheree & Bob Berk, in honor of Rabbi Wolkoff’s 19 years at B’nai Tikvah Cantor’s Special Fund Janis & David Hoffman, in honor of Barry Safeer for his leadership in Junior Congregation Jeff & Lisa Tannenbaum, in memory of Jeff’s beloved mother, Sylvia Tannenbaum Arlene & Mitchell Frumkin, in memory of Arlene’s father, Bernard Diamond Steven Mark, in memory of his beloved brother, Marvin Mark Aaron Ribner, special thanks to Cantor Rockman for his moving tribute to my wife, Roberta Janis & David Hoffman, in memory of Janis’ beloved father, Isadore Candeub Shomrei Tikvah Fund Dave & Les Offenberg, in memory of Dave’s beloved mother, Gussie Offenberg Marty & Marci Abschutz, in memory of Marty’s beloved father, Samuel Abschutz Brenda & Mark Sherman, Mazel Tov to Dot and Larry Cohen on the birth of their grandson, Miles Irving Brenda & Mark Sherman, Mazel Tov to Cindy and Neal Gittleman on the birth of their granddaughter, Romy Lena Cheryl & Moshe Attas, in honor of Barry Safeer for his dedication to Junior Congregation Arlene & Arthur Cederbaum, in memory of Arlene’s beloved mother, Lena Dunayer Shabbat Together Fund Diane & Howard Uniman, in memory of Diane’s beloved mother, Geraldine Young Marci & Marty Abschutz, in memory of Marci’s beloved grandmother, Dora Capon Ann Gold, in memory of her beloved father, Nathan Merker (continued)

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Shabbat Luncheon Fund Adrienne & Andy Ross, in memory of Adrienne’s beloved father, Norman Spigelman Adrienne & Andy Ross, on the loss of David Nagelberg’s beloved father, Paul Nagelberg Adrienne & Andy Ross, Mazel Tov to Allison and David Nagelberg on the birth of their grandson, Emmett Nash Adrienne & Andy Ross, in memory of Adrienne’s beloved grandfather, David Margolese Adrienne & Andy Ross, in memory of Adrienne’s beloved grandfather, Jack Spigelman Ann Gold, in honor of Barry Safeer for running CBT’s supermarket gift card fundraiser Sylvia & Terry Katz, in memory of Sylvia’s mother, Adele Shore Serena & Robert Blackin Gale & Marc Dillman, in memory of Gale’s beloved uncle, Saul Buchbinder Adrienne & Andy Ross, Mazel Tov to Dot and Larry Cohen on the birth of their grandson, Miles Irving Dot & Larry Cohen, Mazel Tov to Phyllis and Barry Safeer on the birth of their granddaughter, Emmy Ruth Stepen & Renee Juro, in memory of Stephne’s beloved mother, Susan Juro Bobbi & Marc Binder, Mazel Tov to Steven Levin on his retirement Dot & Larry Cohen, in memory of Dot’s beloved brother, Michael Miktus Alan & Gaye Feinberg, in memory of Alan’s beloved father, Isaac Feinberg Barbra London, in memory of her beloved mother, Charlotte Simon

EXPERT ADVICE

L’dor Vador Fund Sharon & James Decker, in memory of Sharon’s beloved father, Solomon Lerner Arnie Miller Youth Activity Fund Phyllis Horlick, in memory of her mother-in-law, Anna Horlick Phyllis Horlick, in memory of her beloved father, Larry Evenchick Mitchel Rosen in honor of Rabbi Esther Reed Mark Kasdin Memorial Fund Maxine Kasidn, in memory of her beloved husband, Mark Kasdin Martin L. Zweig Safety & Security Fund Janet Weiss, Mazel Tov to Dot and Larry Cohen on the birth of their grandson, Miles Irving Jeff & Rose Berger, in memory of Jeff’s beloved mother, Paula Berger Carole Turkheimer, in memory of her beloved mother, Gertrude Norack Zweig Family, in memory of Teddy Zweig Carole Turkheimer, in memory of her beloved father, Morris Norack (continued)

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General Fund Marcia & Gary Wesalo Tracey Weingarten, in honor of Terri and Al Woller Trees for Israel Fund Lesley Lewkowicz, on the loss of Vitaly Brandt’s beloved father, Ida Brandt Passport to Israel Ruth Anne Koenick, on the loss of Vitaly Brandt’s beloved father, Ida Brandt Ann Gold, in memory of her beloved aunt, Hannah Abse Community Needy Family Fund Janice & Art Baer, in memory of Gary Tinkel’s beloved wife, Helene Tinkel Janice & Art Baer, Mazel Tov to Phyllis and Barry Safeer on the birth of their granddaughter, Emmy Ruth Nancy & Paul Zankel, in memory of David Lawrence Fried Ritual Fund Fern & Allan Katronetsky, in memory of their dear friend, Wade Lebowitz

EXPERT ADVICE

Yahrzeit and Tzedakah Fund Barry & Janice Kipnis, in memory of Barry’s beloved brother, Ivan Kipnis Janice & Barry Kipnis, in memory of Janice’s beloved brother, Brian Bork Rena & Barry Lepinsky, in memory of Rena’s beloved mother, Ida Piaskowsky The Kessler Family, in memory of Dorothy Hankins Amy & Mitchell Schreck, in memory of Amy’s beloved mother, Marlene Rautenberg Mitchell & Amy Schreck, in memory of Mitchell’s beloved mother, Mildred Schreck Stephen Breitkopf, in memory of his beloved mother-in-law, Nettie Rosenblum The Kessler Family, in memory of David Goodman Sarina & Gerald Feldman Debra & Scott Rekant, in memory of Debra’s beloved grandmother, Rebecca Slotoroff Fran Weinstein, in memory of her beloved mother, Sophie Gorcey Phyllis Rich, in memory of her brother-in-law, Allen Rich Bonnie & Woody Stevens, in memory of Bonnie’s beloved father, Jules Groudan Martin Raschkovan, in memory of his beloved mother, Beatrice Raschkovan Abbey Lorber, in memory of her beloved mother, Louise Kahn David & Cindy Teicher, in memory of David’s beloved mother, Claire Teicher Fern & Allan Katronetsky, in memory of Fern’s beloved mother, Constance Cohen

(continued)

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Jodi Wexler Marcou Social Action Fund Jill Stone, Mazel Tov to Dot and Larry Cohen on the birth of their grandson, Miles Irving Jill Stone, on the loss of Gary Tinkel’s beloved wife, Helene Tinkel Rose & Jeff Berger, in memory of Rose’s beloved grandmother, Cyla Kestenman Rose & Jeff Berger, Mazel Tov to Dot and Larry Cohen on the birth of their grandson, Miles Irving Joyce & Gerald Fishelberg, Mazel Tov to Dot and Larry Cohen on the birth of their grandson, Miles Irving Joyce & Gerald Fishelberg, Mazel Tov to Cindy and Neal Gittleman on the birth of their granddaughter, Romy Lena Tammy & Keith Zimmerman, Mazel Tov to Cindy and Neal Gittleman on the birth of their granddaughter, Romy Lena Tammy & Keith Zimmerman, in memory of Tammy’s beloved grandfather, Jacob Novik Amy & Clifford Smith, Mazel Tov to Cindy and Neal Gittleman on the birth of their granddaughter, Romy Lena Lisa & Richard Seidman, in memory of Paul Fischer’s brother Ruth Appel, in memory of her mother, Tillie Klein Religious School Fund Ann Gold, in memory of her beloved mother, Rose Merker Shila Farber, in memory of her beloved sister, Phyllis Perla

EXPERT ADVICE

Shiva Fund Pearl & Phil Charatz, in memory of Pearl’s mother, Sylvia Katz Nila and David Mason, in memory of Nila’s beloved father, Archie Shapiro

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 include it in the next Hakol. Thank you.

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Congregation B’nai Tikvah is Central NJ’s premier egalitarian Conservative synagogue.

Our Congregation warmly welcomes Jewish and interfaith families, couples, same sex couples, and singles into our highly diverse community.

Please see our schedule of services and join us!

For more information, please go to www.bnaitikvah.org or call the office at 732.297.0696.

PLEASE USE THE FORM BELOW OR DONATE ONLINE AT WWW.BNAITIKVAH.ORG

EXPERT ADVICE

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Daily Schedule of Prayer Services Please join us in-person if you can. All services are also available via Zoom and Stream (password needed; please contact the office for more info).

Sunday 9:00 AM & 7:30 PM Monday 7:30 PM Tuesday 7:30 PM Wednesday 7:30 PM Thursday 8:00 AM & 7:30 PM Friday - Kabbalat Shabbat 7:00 PM Friday August 14 only Camp Shabbat at the Rockmans’ home Arrive 6:00 PM, Service 6:30 PM Shabbat 9:30 AM