We should keep that thought in mind as we prepare to celebrate Purim. Purim, as we all know, is a time of great joy and frivolity. Garms and groggers, plays and pub crawls. The synagogue is filled with noise and laughter, we are brought ever closer as a community by the mishloach manot we share with each other (and if you haven’t yet become a Sisterhood Golden Grogger, there’s still time if you hurry), and Haman’s best/worst efforts notwithstanding, we all live happily ever after.
Sort of.
Sort of because when you look carefully at the story the Megillah tells, it is a lot darker, sinister even, than we let on for our kids. Because the reality is nisht fur die kinder. The reality is that we survived by a hair’s breadth, and the political situation--exile--that led to our malignant vulnerability has not changed. That is why the Megillah is filled with nasty role reversals where “we do to them what they thought to do to us.” But “they” never truly go away,
[CONTINUED ON PAGE 4]
Hakol - The Voice
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 lowres pictures or thumbnails. Articles are subject to proofreading changes.
Please submit all materials to Lesley
Note: All material will be credited upon publication, anonymous submissions cannot be considered.
concerns, but neither are they reluctant to laugh and live! Israel is still filled with excitement in the best of ways and troubled by impossible decisions. Life continues, people adjust, and it is still the greatest place on earth to be Jewish.
Bumper stickers and magnets with inspirational verses by fallen IDF soldiers can be seen everywhere in Israel. These messages, shared by their families, are stuck to cars and trucks, displayed on bus stops, art installations and light poles throughout Israel.
Uriel Aviad Silberman’s z”l, sticker reads “Fall in love, volunteer, enjoy good food”; these are words he lived by. Uriel was only 24 when he died defending Israel and us, the Jewish people, the country and people he loved with every ounce of his being. The loss of Uriel is truly heartbreaking for his family, yet his sacrifice amongst others will be remembered as a blessing and inspiration for generations to honor.
Stacey and I are so proud of Bashe, as she builds her life in Israel. For 10 days we were focused on being with Bashe, our daughter who proudly made aliyah during this past summer. The three of us spent time at our favorite places and we enjoyed good food with wonderful friends and loved every minute of our vacation. Although we miss her here tremendously, mostly we were assured that Bashe’s decision is encouraging her to hope, to become fulfilled, and is happier than ever. One thing was missing, especially when we visited the Kotel. Rafi was back in school, but at least he was able to visit Israel, and Bashe, a few weeks before we arrived.
But is it safe in Israel? During our 10 unsupervised days we always felt safe, night or day. Stacey and I are not big risk takers; we were never looking over our shoulders as we traveled on public transportation and walked countless miles up hill (both ways!). People go to work, pay their bills and they congregate in all the normal places. The markets were packed and Ben Yehudah Street was filled with young people. Mostly, we felt at home in Israel and were moved by the broad shoulders of every person we had the honor to spend time with. Taking it all in, even spending time at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, I felt as if I was in a heavenly place.
Israel is filled with Tikvah, Hope. Yes, there is great sadness and anguish expressed, still Israeli life continues to be robust and roar like a lion! Traffic filled streets in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, bars and restaurants demand reservations as music fills the streets. No one is shy to express their [CONTINUED ON PAGE 6]
[CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1]
which is why we continue to talk about Haman and Amalek, may their names be blotted out, because their names have not been blotted out. And that is why it’s considered something of a mitzvah to get drunk on Purim not just in celebration, but also because the reality is so unbearable.
The unbearable reality is not just that we are threatened, but also that in order to survive, we have to resort to violence. The Megillah attempts, over and over again, to emphasize that the violence in question was not some indiscriminate killing spree, but rather a strategically directed strike specifically attacking those who sought to attack us. This is a moral tightrope walk that satisfies almost no one. In anti-Semitic Christian circles, the text of the Megillah was distorted in order to assert that the response of Jews was less self defense than revenge, less targeted and more indiscriminate, and less tactical and more lustful And even in Jewish circles there is a distinct squeamishness about the violence. In the Megillah translation that we use, for example, when they get to the raw numbers of those killed, our translation refuses to translate, and instead treats us to a picture of a medieval Megillah decoration. The implication is clear. We feel squeamish about using violence, no matter how justified and necessary it is. G-d forbid we should be allowed to protect ourselves from our enemies.
Fast forward 2500 years.
The echoes are deafening.
Our Jewish brethren in Israel are no longer in exile, but they are still subjected to the violence of the Persian, and then European, pogrom Once again, we are forced to fight Amalek, or his latter day sympathizers (and if you want a quick refresher course, look up the picture of the soon to be released Arbel Yehud standing terrified in a sea of uniformed Hamas terrorists harassing her.) We are once again caught on the horns of an excruciating moral dilemma, the irresistible force of emotional despair vs. the immovable object of tough-minded military and political considerations. The irresistible force says, “How could you allow our hostages to be raped, tortured, and starved for even one more second Sacrifice anything to get them out ” The immovable object says, “Almost without exception, the freed terrorists will go back to killing Jews. So in order to save the (admittedly suffering ) few, you are prepared to sacrifice the security of the many.” And if you want a graphic example, Sinwar, of not blessed memory, the master mind of Oct. 7, was released in a similar deal in 2011, along with over a thousand other terrorists in exchange for captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. So a crude moral calculus tells us that we were prepared to rescue one at the price of over a thousand others Are we all still comfortable with that price tag? And dare we ask what the Shalit family is feeling?
[CONTINUED ON PAGE 5]
These are obscene considerations. The whole idea of trading innocents for terrorists (and hearing the media refer to the latter as “Palestinian hostages”) is even more obscene It’s enough to make you want to drink
That’s another echo.
And once again, there are those among us who are squeamish at the use of force, urging Israel to do more and more to protect innocent civilian life, even though Israel has done more to protect innocent civilian life than any other state in the history of warfare And once again, there are those who insist that we come hat in hand (or kippah in hand, presumably) to ask for the right to self defense, which is what Esther and Mordechai asked of the king not that the killing be prevented, but that the Jews be granted the right to self defense. Indeed, I would suggest that the furor that has erupted in certain circles over current violence is a toxic mixture of those who are simply embarrassed that we would ever resort to something as crude as physical violence we are presumably supposed to be “above all that”--and those that would deny us the right to self defense altogether (see: UN. official Francesca Albanese).
As I said, history echoes, but doesn’t repeat. It’s not all the same, and one of the glorious things that has changed is the willingness of Jews to face the opprobrium of the world (a world that doesn’t like us very much unless we are dying) in order to live freely Hence we are seeing a multitude of proud statements about the conflict that are truly of historical significance Here’s a small sample: “it’s better to be alive and hated, than loved and dead,” “If you don’t like how we rescue hostages, don’t take any,” “Never again is now,” “Here’s to strong Jews. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them,”and my personal favorite “FAFO.”
And I’ll drink to that, gladly, on Purim or any other time
[CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3]
Despite the hardships of captivity, rescued hostage Luis Har never lost hope and has dedicated his life to advocacy in Israel and the world. Since his return, people tell him that he radiates hope; this made him believe in himself. Luis collaborated with Inbar Ratzaby, who is responsible for Hostages Square. Together they created an exhibit that depicts hope with colorful cubes of the Hebrew letters which spell Tikvah: Hope.
As long as we LOVE, VOLUNTEER & ENJOY GOOD FOOD, we will always have hope -Tikvah.
With Hope and Joy, Cantor Bruce Rockman
PRESIDENTS’ PODIUM
BY RUTH ANNE KOENICK & MARTY ABSCHUTZ
It’s March, so Purim is not far away; neither is Spring. Look for more programs and events that we present as the weather gets warmer, including more walks like the Preserve Walk that Craig Cohen led on Groundhog Day. In addition, our avid bicyclists will continue to lead easy trail rides as the weather improves. If you have an interest that you would like to see come to CBT, please reach out to WAM@bnaitikvah.org or President@bnaitikvah.org.
State of New Jersey Awarded CBT with a $100,000 Security Grant
Congregation B’nai Tikvah (CBT) was awarded a New Jersey state security grant in the amount of $100,000. The grant was awarded by the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, under their New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Program – Target Hardening Equipment. The grant is a reimbursement grant, meaning we buy the approved equipment using our money; thereafter, the State reimburses us after we file the approved reimbursement forms. We anticipate reimbursement will be within 30 days.
As part of the grant we will upgrade entry doors and hardware, which further address issues like the break-in we experienced several months ago. Our Access Control system will be upgraded, too. Our access control system will extend to the main entrance exterior door, limiting the opportunity for unauthorized entry. Staff will have the ability to buzz approved people into our building with new audio/visual tools.
The grant will provide us with the ability to purchase additional security cameras and upgraded monitors. These additions and upgrades will provide us with increased video surveillance and storage capacity.
Lastly, we applied for the funds to replace our existing planters located in the driving circle at the front entrance. The goal would be to install security-level versions to prevent ramming by vehicular attempts to cause damage and injury.
All in all, our Board, staff and we take our security very seriously as a sacred trust. We will continue to keep you updated on our progress with these improvements. In addition, we will continue to apply for security grants to further improve our security at CBT.
An Evening of Honoring, Dancing, Eating, and So Much Fun
On Saturday night, February 22, 2025, B’nai Tikvah lit up as we held our annual gala. This year , long time and very involved members of our synagogue. For the details of their involvement, the many tributes taken out in their honor and for a list of our hard-working committee members, please scan the QR code below.
The committee started meeting in the fall to plan this event, come up with a theme, order our invitations, get them out to our members and other guests and work tirelessly on the silent auction. This committee is made up of very dedicated members. We started by meeting once every few weeks. As we got closer, meetings were held once a week. Our hard work paid off!
This year we decided to change a few things. We had an extended cocktail hour, a DJ accompanied by two live musicians playing a violin and bass guitar (both accented with bright blue lights) and a chance to win two high end gifts. We of course had our signature lottery board and money tree.
The event was attended by over 200 people and the dance floor was never empty. Silent auction items ranged from gift certificates to bagel shops, hair salons and restaurants to golf outings, a Phillies and Sixers experience and a trip to Nassau. There were some items that were not bid on and we will be offering these to our members. Please look for an email for a chance to purchase one or more of these amazing prizes.
Save the date for next year’s gala – February 21, 2026!! If you are interested in being part of this committee, please contact WAM. We work hard and all know it is worth it -- plus as a committee member you get to be in the kiddush room for early shots and first access to appetizers!
As co-chair with Nancy Asher-Shultz, we thank the many people who contributed financially, to those who gave many hours to serve on the committee and to those who came out to show their support to Adrienne and Andy and our synagogue.
-- Bobbi Binder
February 21, 2026 SavetheDate!
A Note From the Executive Director
Dear Friends,
As you know, I take the safety and security of the synagogue and you, our members, very seriously. I believe it is crucial that we take every precaution possible to ensure our synagogue is protected and our data is secure. I have, therefore, installed a new combination lock on the office door, which can be accessed by office staff, clergy, and custodial staff. During regular office hours, the door to the office will be open, as it always has. Outside of those hours, the office door will be closed and locked.
I have also installed a locked mailbox, outside of the office. Please use this mailbox for anything you need to drop off when the office door is locked; we will appropriately distribute it to the correct person or committee when we are back in the office.
If you want to stop by the office, please come by during our office walk-in hours. The walkin hours are as follows:
Monday-Thursday: 10:00AM-4:00PM Friday: NO walk-in hours on Fridays
Please note that while we are at the office before and after walk-in hours, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to assist you during those times (without prior notice). We encourage you to come during walk-in hours so we can give you the time and attention you need and deserve.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation,
Lesley Lewkowicz Executive Director
Looking Back - Looking Ahead
TEACHER TIDBITS
BY RONIT BIVAS, DIR. OF EDUC.
The students at CBT’s religious school had an incredible experience connecting with nature and Jewish traditions! Even though it was a cold winter day, it’s beautiful how the learning about Tu B’shvat, springtime in Israel, and the blossoming of trees, brought a sense of warmth and renewal to our school.
It was wonderful to see how the youngest of our students could express their creativity through the making of paper trees. The variety of trees they made, from three-dimensional ones to those representing different seasons or fruit, showed their unique understanding and connection to nature.
Posters made by our second graders about the importance of taking care of trees was a great way to help children understand their vital role in the environment. The students captured the many benefits trees bring, from shade to providing food for animals and us, as some examples.
Our older students were able to think deeply about both the similarities and differences between trees and people. The comparison of leaves to hair and a trunk to the human body is a particularly creative and insightful connection they made. Thinking about how trees “breathe” and “grow,” just like humans do, while also recognizing the distinct ways trees and people function, was awesome to see in their presentations.
Lastly, it was heartwarming to see how our oldest students made the connection between trees and the Torah, recognizing how they both have roots in their own sense as well as the continuity and importance of passing things on to the next generation.
This Family Experience was a wonderful and engaging way for the students to learn about Tu B’shvat and the importance of trees. The hands-on projects and the family involvement made the learning experience so much more meaningful. Of course, the celebration with fruit and a birthday cake at the end was a fitting way to honor the trees!
Wishing you a Happy belated Tu B’shvat and a Happy Purim!
L’shalom, Ronit
TU B’SHVAT CELEBRATION
Thank you for attending the World Wide Wrap and “Tefillin Tutorial”. We had over 35 attendees on February 9th.
March 2nd - Men’s Club meeting to discuss upcoming events, breakfast will be served
April 6th - TBD
May 4th - TBD
June 1st - TBD
We are always happy to see new members….
Stop by and join us for some schmoozing and a schmear…….
As we enter the month of March, we all look forward to the celebration of Purim, the most joyous of holidays! Purim truly is a celebration of family and community. We read the Book of Esther and marvel at how we, as Jews, continue to survive and thrive.
For those of us in Sisterhood, Purim always means the giving of Misloach Manot to the members of our congregation. Misloach Manot means “sending portions” and it is mandated in the Book of Esther. Charity is also mandated, and giving Purim baskets is a mitzvah.
Sisterhood President Marci Abschutz and Fundraising VP Shelly Wistreich have been working for months to put this Misloach Manot project together. It takes hours of time to get it all organized and it could not be done without our community.
We would like to sincerely thank everyone who helped to make this undertaking successful:
Lisa Seidman, for her assistance with the shopping, Lesley Lewkowicz, for coordinating the Hamentashen purchase. The volunteers who come in to pack the Hamentashen and the other goodies. The volunteer drivers who deliver the bags to our local members. And finally, our donors! Donations big and small help us to continue this tradition every year.
Thank you all!! We would not be able to do this without the continued support of our wonderful B’nai Tikvah community!
Shelly Wistreich Fundraising VP
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.
There are many ways to feel part of a community.
Congregation B’nai Tikvah provides many programs to support your community. And the Bikur Cholim committee works hard at its part in this community.
We are a small committee but passionate about reaching out to those who are ill, convalescing, and rehabilitating.
By letting the office or someone on the committee know of a congregant's medical situation, we would reach out to them and provide another hand to connect you to your community.
PICKLEBALL
Member News
The congregation extends heartfelt condolences to:
The congregation extends heartfelt condolences to:
Gail Levine-Reinholtz and William Reinholtz, on the passing of Gail’s brother, Ira Levine
Leon Kobzantsev on the passing of his father, Alex Kobzantsev
Caryl & Danny Greenberg on the passing of Caryl’s father, Bernie Jacobs
Eileen Zweig on the passing of her beloved husband and our dear member, Martin Zweig
May G-d comfort them among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem
The congregation extends a hearty Mazel Tov to:
Mazel Tov to Margie & Robert Atwater on the birth of their first grandchild, Rafael Michael Rucko
Mazel Tov to Fern & Allan Katronetsky on the birth of their newest grandchild, Nachshon Shima’yah Yares
Renee and Steve Levin on the marriage of their son, Daniel to Katie Baldwin
DONATIONS RECEIVED JANUARY 15TH THROUGH FEBRUARY 14TH, 2025
Jill Stone, in memory of Bernie Jacobs
Mindy & Marty Angstreich, in memory of Diane Coopersmith
Jill Stone, in memory of Eileen Zweig’s beloved husband, Martin
Carol Eisenberg, in memory of Matilda Ratzman
Cantor’s Special Fund
Michael Greenfield, in loving memory of Bernice Greenfield
Irwin Kalet, in memory of Henry Kalet
EXPERT ADVICE
Toby & Gary Ehrlich, in memory of Caryl Greenberg’s father, Bernie Jacobs
Jill Stone, in memory of Ira Levine
Mindy & Marty Angstreich, in memory of Diane Coopersmith
Carol Eisenberg, in memory of Matilda Ratzman
Arnie Miller Youth Activity Fund
Susan Miller, Mazel Tov to Fern and Allan Katronetsky on the birth of their newest grandson, Nachshon Shima’yah Yares
Elisa & Brian Berness, Mazel Tov to Fern and Allan Katronetsky on the birth of their newest grandson, Nachshon Shima’yah Yares
Yahrzeit and Tzedakah Fund
Ellen, Jerry & Alissa Platz, in memory of Leo Platz
Rena & Barry Lepinsky, in memory of Eileen Lepinsky
Debbi & Scott Rekant, in memory of Herman Slotoroff
Kessler Family, in memory of Nathan Schanen
Michele & Dave Greenfield, in memory of Hyman Arougheti
Debra & Scott Rekant, in memory of Ina Kaplan
Joyce & Joel Gerbman, in memory of Allen Gerbman
Caryl & Dave Distel, in memory of Naomi Distel
Beverly Heller, in memory of Arnold Arens
Susan Zieselman, in memory of her beloved sister, Carole Kalish
Howard Kalish, in memory of his beloved wife, Carole
Arlene Bacher, in memory of her beloved mother, Rae Forster
Myra Dickert, in memory of Lawrence Dickert
Caren & Barry Dworkin, in memory of Lena Azaria
Caren & Barry Dworkin, in memory of Alan Siegal
Caren & Barry Dworkin, in memory of Robert Dworkin
Jodi Wexler Marcou Social Action Fund
Amy & Cliff Smith, in memory of Amy’s father, Murray Horowitz
EXPERT ADVICE
Marci & Martin Abschutz, in memory of Caryl Greenberg’s father, Bernie Jacobs
Marcia & Gary Wesalo, in memory of Caryl Greenberg’s father, Bernie Jacobs
Marcia & Barry Nathanson, in memory of Caryl Greenberg’s father, Bernie Jacobs
Jerry Silver, in memory of Caryl Greenberg’s father, Bernie Jacobs
Amy & Cliff Smith, in memory of Caryl Greenberg’s father, Bernie Jacobs
Rose & Jeff Berger, in memory of Sam Laist
Rose & Jeff Berger, in honor of Adrienne & Andy Ross’ northern lights gala celebration
Linda Fellen & Ben Gottesman, in memory of Caryl Greenberg’s father, Bernie Jacobs
Lisa & Jeff Tannenbaum, in memory of Caryl Greenberg’s father, Bernie Jacobs
Janis & David Hoffman, in honor of Steve Katz being named Men’s Club Regional Man of the Year (Continued)
Shabbat Together Fund
The Uniman Family, in memory of Shirley Uniman
Ruth Anne Koenick & Paul Herman, in memory of Gail Levine Reinholtz’s brother, Ira Levine
Ruth-Ann Breitler Bikur Cholim Fund
Ellie & Bill Greenberg, in memory of Jacob Greenberg
Ritual Fund
Irwin Kalet, in memory of Charles Rothermich
Shiva Fund
Irwin Kalet, in memory of Henry Kalet
Sons of Tikvah
The Sharon Family, in loving memory of Yitzhak’s mother, Dina Schwadron
Sharon
Needy Family Fund
Steven Mark, in memory of Ronnie Joan Mark
Linda & Robert Jacob, in honor of Bernard Ruben
EXPERT ADVICE
Janice & Art Baer, in memory of Caryl Greenberg’s father, Bernie Jacobs
Gerald Fishelberg, in memory of Charles Fishelberg
Allen Karp Fund for Music
The Nudelman Family, in memory of Anita Abrams
The Nudelman Family, in memory of Sol Nudelman
Janis & David Hoffman, in honor of Jeff Schwartz’ 70th Birthday
Mark Kasdin Memorial Fund
Maxine Kasdin, in memory of Miriam Steck
Maxine Kasdin, in memory of Irving Schecter
General Fund
Michael Hitchcoff
Marcia & Gary Wesalo
Linda Fellen & Ben Gottesman, in memory of Ira Levine
Linda Fellen & Ben Gottesman, in memory of Susan Pomerantz’s husband, Norman
Ann Gold, in memory of her beloved husband, Herb
Rose & Jeff Berger, in memory of Eileen Zweig’s beloved husband, Martin
Shomrei Tikvah Fund
Bobbi & Marc Binder, in memory of Barney Cohn
Barbra & Bruce London, in honor of Jeff Schwartz’s Birthday
Arlene & Arthur Cederbaum, in honor of Jeff Schwartz’s 70th Birthday
Ruth-Ann Koenick & Paul Herman, in memory of Caryl Greenberg’s father, Bernie Jacobs
Gale & Marc Dillman, in honor of Jeff Schwartz’s 70th birthday
Marci & Marty Abschutz, in honor of Jeff Schwartz’s 70th birthday
Janice & Art Baer, in honor of Jeff Schwartz’s 70th birthday
Joyce & Gerald Fishelberg, in honor of Jeff Schwartz’s 70th birthday
EXPERT ADVICE
Ruth Anne Koenick & Paul Herman, in honor of Jeff Schwartz’s 70th birthday
Amy & Jason Black, in honor of Jeff Schwartz’s 70th birthday.
Security Fund
Linda Fellen & Ben Gottesman, in memory of Eileen Zweig’s mother, Lorraine Kaufman
Janet Weiss, in honor of Fern and Allan Katronetsky’s grandson, Nachshon
Shima’yah Yares
Marci Oslick & Phil Welsher, in memory of Eileen Zweig’s beloved husband, Martin
Carole & Rob Turkheimer, in memory of Lillian Turkheimer
Ruth Anne Koenick & Paul Herman, in memory of Eileen Zweig’s beloved husband, Martin
Marci & Marty Abschutz, in memory of Eileen Zweig’s beloved husband, Martin Yitzhak, Sandy & Dina Sharon, in memory of Eileen Zweig’s beloved husband, Martin
Shabbat Luncheon Fund
Dorothy & Larry Cohen, Mazel Tov to Jeff Schwartz on his birthday!
Irina Irgon, in memory of her beloved husband, Adam Irgon
Ronnie & Jerry Levine, in memory of Eva Kaminker Andres
Cheryl & Myron Asnis, on the occasion of Jeffrey Schwartz’s 70th Birthday
Marcie & Steven Kfare, in memory of Jack Tarr
Marcie & Steven Kfare, in memory of Marlyn Kfare
Adrienne & Andy Ross, in memory of Caryl Greenberg’s father, Bernie Jacobs
Gaye & Alan Feinberg, for the recovery of Mona Passner
Ellyn Schneider
Renee & Joe Grodman, in honor of Adrienne and Andy Ross northern lights gala celebration
Gale & Marc Dillman, in memory of Milton Buchbinder,
Gale & Marc Dillman, in memory of Rita Florea
Gale & Marc Dillman, in memory of Leslie Warshaw
Nancy & Elliott Danto, in memory of Eileen Zweig’s beloved husband, Martin
Jeff Schwartz Fund
Susan Miller, in honor of Jeff Schwartz’s 70th birthday
Sheryl & Kerry Olitzky, in honor of Jeff Schwartz’s 70th birthday
EXPERT ADVICE
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.
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).
