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 low-res pictures or thumbnails. Articles are subject to proofreading changes.
Please submit all materials to Lesley
All
Rabbi’s Desk
Rabbi Robert Wolkoff
This High Holy Day season is a time for reflection and introspection Often the hardest part is simply to be willing and able to identify, and focus on, what’s wrong. “To sin” in Hebrew (from the root chata as in al chet shechatanu lifanecha…); for the sin which we have sinned before You) comes from the word used to describe shooting an arrow at a target and missing It is, in other words, how we describe “missing the mark” in our moral and social lives. But often, it is hard to even identify the target, much less judge how far we are off-target.
Mayor Ed Koch always used to look at the reporters and ask, “Howmydoin’?” But rabbis don’t often have a gaggle of reporters in front of them to let them know Luckily for me, though, our congregation has just finished a survey, part of which involved a series of questions about my service to CBT. So now I know.
Generally speaking, the reports are good. Approval ratings for sermons, creating a welcoming environment, being knowledgeable, etc., push the bell curve way to the right, which is all very gratifying.
On the other hand, there are a few areas which are weaker, and quite disquieting, areas where people truly feel that they have been underserved A solid 15% of respondents feel that I have been difficult to reach; unresponsive to people in need; and lacking in outreach, particularly to people who do not participate actively in services and events. At worst, they feel that they have been abandoned by me.
This hurts But I am thankful to those who have been honest in expressing their feelings and allowing me to respond.
Maimonides teaches that there are four steps to be taken in order to do teshuvah. The first is to feel regret The second is to stop the sinning The third is a clear and openly expressed confession, an acknowledgement that a sin has in fact occurred. Fourth, “kabbalah lehaba’ah,” a commitment to not repeat the sin in the future. And if your sin has had an impact on other people (as opposed to “merely” being a sin against Hashem), one additional step: seeking forgiveness from those who have been hurt by your actions.
Rabbi’s Desk (cont’d)
Rabbi Robert Wolkoff
So here goes:
I love our congregation, and I love the people in it So I regret profoundly that I have been hurtful through my neglect and disorganization.
I am actively taking organizational steps to ensure that calls get returned, people going through difficult times are contacted, meetings aren’t missed, and so forth
This article itself serves as a public confession of my failings.
And I am actively working to not repeat these failings in the future.
Finally, to all who have been hurt, or abandoned, or forgotten I humbly ask for the opportunity to make amends. Please, please, feel free to contact me so we can begin to repair the damage caused by my neglect.
So there it is, my contribution to our collective soul-searching. In the coming year, may we as individuals and as a community only come closer, strengthen the bonds of love between us, and be poised to fulfill the tasks that Hashem lays before us.
Wishing you a sweet and good new year!
Rabbi Robert L. Wolkoff
Cantor’s Corner
Cantor Bruce Rockman
The L’dor Vador is Awesome
The Spirit is Back-Welcome Rick Recht to B’nai Tikvah
Ivdu et Hashem b'simcha Bo-u l'fanav birnana- Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before God’s presence with joyous song! Psalm 100
I usually conclude my Hakol messages with this verse expressing my joy and appreciation for our Jewish tradition When we conceived the L’dor Vador Concert series it was to express and promote the power, the passion, the love, the joy of everything that is good and exciting about our Jewish tradition. My dream was grandiose; my vision of us singing and dancing was to be infectious, generating excitement inspired by our parents and teachers - transforming our memories into encouragement and our children’s legacy.
I envisioned more artists and more inspiring teachers making B’nai Tikvah into THE hub of Jewish entertainment and Jewish Learning. This is still my dream.
This year the L’dor Vador Concert is returning on Sunday, November 9 at 4pm.
Rick Recht is one of the most influential and celebrated Jewish artists and leaders of our time His innovations in Jewish music, media, and leadership training have had a profound impact on the fabric of Jewish life Recht is the national celebrity spokesman for PJ Library and the founder and Executive Director of Songleader Boot Camp (SLBC) – a premiere national leadership training conference He is also the founder and Executive Director of Jewish Rock Radio (JRR) and JKids Radio, the first high-caliber, 24/7 international Jewish music radio network Additionally, Recht serves as Artist in Residence at United Hebrew Congregation in St. Louis, Missouri.
My motivation to bring Rick to B’nai Tikvah is informed by his ability to reach people L’dor Vador, from generation to generation and from where we are to where we are going. Rick is in demand at gatherings of Jewish professionals, Jewish Summer camps as well as Youth group gatherings. Rick Recht will engage us in a different way than our other wonderful performers have.
Thanks to our benefactors, the Teicher family and donations to my Cantor’s Fund, admission for children and teens is FREE with appropriate supervision and paid adult admission Your L’dor Vador sponsorship will assure more exciting cultural events at our synagogue
Cantor’s Corner (cont’d)
Cantor Bruce Rockman
L’dor Vador, from generation to generation, we are connected to each other. Our generation, parents of children of all ages, is primed to transmit the lessons from our parents to our future generations This event is open to the community and expresses our aspirations for the future of B’nai Tikvah as leaders in this community We have become a central location for important events, where fabulous music is heard and diverse voices enlighten the community We aspire to be A Source of Pride and Enlightenment
Our future and our destiny as Jewish people and as a Jewish community depend on our celebrating our passion together, with emotion and joyful awareness We choose and embrace our destiny to enlighten the world, pursue justice, to love G-d and each other with all our hearts and all our souls
L’dor Vador is Awesome!
Sunday, November 9 at 4pm Ivdu et Hashem b’simcha Worship Adonai with joy & Gladness!
Cantor Bruce Rockman
Please contact me, to discuss your exciting and meaningful journey. cantor@bnaitikvah.org-732-297-0696 x115
MINYAN IN MONROE!!
Starting on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, we will be holding an evening minyan at Jewish Family Services in Monroe.
Services will begin at 7:00 PM. JFS is located at 1600 Perrineville Road, Suite 26 (in the Stop & Shop Center).
This minyan DOES NOT take the place of the minyan at the synagogue. We recognize that for some it is a far drive to get to North Brunswick from Monroe. It is our hope that a MONTHLY MINYAN ON THE 3RD TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH e members.
For those of you concerned that it is not the exact date of a yahrzeit, please, come say Kaddish in Monroe anyway!
Questions, concerns, comments?
Please contact Bobbi Binder through the office.
Teacher Tidbits
Ronit Bivas.Director of Education
A Sweet Start to Religious School
What a wonderful first day we had as our Religious School year began! The building was filled with energy, curiosity, and the joyful noise of both new and returning students, all ready to learn and grow together.
We were thrilled to welcome our parents with bagels, coffee, and warm conversation It was truly heartening to see so many families connecting a beautiful reminder that community is built not only by our students, but also by the adults who guide and support them.
While parents were socializing and enjoying breakfast, they were also invited to participate in a reflective activity inspired by the phrases “We are links of an ancient chain” and “L’dor va’dor” (“from generation to generation”) In parallel, our students were engaging in the very same activity with their teachers in the classroom, drawing connections between their own lives and the generations that came before them. Responses from the adults and children included Hebrew, Torah, unity, cherished traditions, and their own families (just to name a few) all powerful symbols of Jewish continuity and connection.
In the classrooms, our students dove into learning with enthusiasm, participating in hands-on activities and meaningful discussions It was inspiring to see their engagement and excitement, a testament to our talented educators and the vibrant learning environment we strive to create.
We concluded the morning with a brief Tefillah in the sanctuary, followed by a short teaching on the significance of honey in the Tanach, and how learning Torah is as sweet as honey; a perfect way to begin our year Cantor wrapped up the morning in spirit and sound with the powerful blowing of the shofar
As a final treat, apples and honey were shared with both students and parents, connecting our learning to the upcoming High Holidays and sending everyone home with sweetness in their hearts and on their tongues!
We look forward to a sweet year filled with learning, laughter, and connection L’Dor Va’Dor-from generation to generation.
L’Shalom, Ronit Bivas
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.
Upcoming Activities at Bnai Tikvah
Join us for these fun events coming soon:
Needle Creek Brewery
Sunday, October 19, 1:00
91 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington, NJ
Come hang out with your CBT friends Sample local beer Food truck on site Live music Even kids activities
No cost to attend and you pay for any food or drink that you purchase
CBT Hiking Club
Sunday, October 26, 1:30
Sourland Mountain Preserve
421 E Mountain Rd, Hillsborough Township, NJ
The CBT Hiking Club is gaining traction! Join us for some exercise, hear some fun nature facts and see beautiful New Jersey. Open to all ages. This trail will be easy/intermediate.
Princeton Walking Tour
Sunday, November 2, start time TBD
Event is still being planned, but it will be a walking tour of downtown Princeton There will be a cost per person to cover the tour guide RSVP if you are interested and we will send you more information when available.
NJ Devils Hockey Game – Jewish Heritage Night
Thursday, December 11, 7:00
See emails and ad in Hakol for more information!
RSVP to WAM@BnaiTikvah.org to let us know you will be joining us for any of these events!
Sisterhood Corner
by Marci Abschutz,President
Our first Sisterhood program is in the books. Approximately 40 Sisters gathered in the Kiddush room on Sunday, September 14, to nosh, schmooze and play bingo! Thanks to Jessica and Liz Marcus, who, once again, brought us a fun program, full of laughter, good food and prizes We also thank the Programming committee for putting out a wonderful spread
Our next program, on Sunday, October 26, will be open to the congregation. We rescheduled the trip from the Spring, to visit the synagogue and museum, Kehila Kedosha Janina, on the Lower East Side We will take a tour of the only Romaniote synagogue in the western hemisphere and one of three in the world The other two are in Greece and Israel We will learn about the Romaniote Jews who settled in Greece over 2,300 years ago and tour the museum on the third floor of the synagogue.
A bus will leave from CBT on Sunday morning, October 26, to take us to Kehila Kedosha Janina, for an 11am tour Details will be forthcoming Please note that there are three levels to the building, and there are no elevators, only stairs We hope you can join us
Get to Know Our Advertisers!
Lesley Lewkowicz,Executive Director
Alexander Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning, Inc has been providing the highest quality of HVAC and plumbing services to the community for over three decades.
They are licensed, bonded and certified. They service Middlesex, Monmouth, Somerset, Mercer and Ocean counties. Ken Alexander, owner, has been in business since 1997. He, along with his amazing team, which includes his son, Spencer, big Mike, Ron, Jim, Victor, and Fernando are honest and reliable Ken would not be able to run his business without his terrific office staff, which includes Julie and Jessica, and daughter, Kendall.
Alexander Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning have won award after award, including the 2023 Best Plumber Award and the 2025 Pulse Award Winner for Excellence in Customer Satisfaction
On a personal note, when we had a situation with one of our members being taken advantage of by another HVAC company, I called Ken and asked him if he would do me favor and send one of his guys over to the house to meet me, so that they could check out the situation and tell me honestly what, if anything was needed. Ken’s reply “I’ll meet you there myself ” Not only did Ken meet me there and identify that, in fact, this other company was trying to scam this member out of tens of thousands of dollars of unnecessary work, Ken didn’t charge this member, or me, for his time, and offered to do periodic checks of this member’s heating and a/c systems. Ken also gives an annual Christmas donation of a household kitchen appliance to a family in need.
Men’s Club Upcoming Calendar
Sunday, September 28th and Sunday, October 5th – “Raise the Roof” of our Sukkah. Breakfast provided. Construction 9/28 (8:30a Start), finish/decorating on 10/5. (8:30a Start).
Thursday, October 9th – Paid up membership dinner in our Sukkah 6:30p Start time Sunday, October 19th – “Raze the Roof” of our Sukkah (8:30a start)
Thursday, November 13th – Jets vs Patriots BYOB and favorite lounge chair Men’s Club will provide the nosh items! Game time 8p/Minyan at 7:30p
Monday, Dec. 1st - Monday Night Football (NY Giants vs NE Patriots) BYOB and favorite lounge chair. Men’s Club will provide nosh items! Game time 8:15p/Minyan at 7:30p
Sunday, December 7th – Annual NNJR Man and Youth of the Year celebration held at CBT
Starting at 1pm at CBT Details to follow
Sunday, January 11th – Minyan, Meeting and breakfast Presentation by Barry Safeer – “Jews in Antarctica”. Along with Penguins, Whales, Seals, and more Penguins.
FJMC International Convention Sheraton Riverwalk Chicago
July 3rd – 6th
JUDAISM: MY PASSION PROJECT
By Stacey Rockman Educator,Women’s Group
My passion for Judaism is off the charts I love being Jewish I love the history and culture I love holidays and observances and community. And I love Israel.
There is so much to be concerned about and worried about. There are haters and antisemitism and anti-Israel people It is easy to get caught up in the sad and the bad and the terrifying But I am choosing love I am choosing to continue to be passionate I am continuing to educate myself in as many ways as possible I continue to celebrate our rich history and heritage I continue to be proud to be Jewish.
As we begin this new Jewish year, I want to double down on these efforts. I want to celebrate the holiday fervently I want to sing old Jewish songs and newer Israeli tunes I want to cook old Jewish recipes and enjoy fun new flavors that come out of Israel I want to live my Jewish life with all of my heart and all of my soul I want my passion to be ignited again and again
This is all well and good. Stacey has passion for Judaism. Great for her. But what about me? What was the last thing that you did, Jewishly, that made your insides happy? Was it cooking a meal for a friend in need Volunteering to drive someone to services or even a doctor’s appointment? Was it sitting and closing your eyes and meditating for a couple of minutes, finding some inner calm?
Sometimes when we hear the news, our insides can be shattered. Another shooting, another tragic event, it is everywhere, every day. For those of you who have been to Friday night services, what is your daily v’al zeh? Is it seeing your child ‘adulting’ or navigating kindergarten? Is it smelling the crisp fall air? Is it giggling with someone on the phone? Is it eating a cookie, so good that it makes your eyes roll into the back of your head a little Those, I think are Jewish moments too. Those are the moments that, for me, help to fuel my inner self and my inner passion and my inner Jew. There are blessings for many of those moments, blessings that the “rabbis” wrote so long ago and there are the blessings that we might say to ourselves. Thank you God for the gift of laughter For the gift of being proud of someone else’s accomplishments For the gift of taste So again, I am not choosing to keep my head in the sand, but rather, to hold my head up high and celebrate all of the little moments
IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR…HELP A NEEDY FAMILY PROGRAM 2025
It is difficult to believe that it is already time to plan and organize our 2025 Community Needy Family Program. This will be our 24th year helping families in need with clothing, household items and basic necessities Last year, we were able to help 18 families including one from B’nai Tikvah!
For those who are new to our B’nai Tikvah family, these needy families are selected by a school social worker in New Brunswick. She has worked with us since the program’s inception.
As we continue to live in a “new normal”, we will continue to run a hybrid program. For those of you who are comfortable in shopping, you can do so; for those who are not comfortable, financial donations will be greatly appreciated and used to purchase gift cards or needed items
If you would like to participate, please email me at jbbd11@verizon.net and let me know in which of the following capacities: financial donation or purchasing of gifts.
Monetary donations can be made in the following ways: https://bnaitikvah org/donations/needyfamily or
Send a check to the synagogue office, made out to B'nai Tikvah-indicate Needy Family Program in memo.
Purchase gifts for:
Sponsoring a family-(@ 5 gifts per family member)
Sponsoring an adult and child
Sponsoring one person
Purchasing one or more gifts for a family
Any form of participation will be greatly appreciated
For additional information, please email me at Jbbd11@verizon.net .
Thanks so much!
Janice Baer
PICKLEBALL
October Calendar
October5th-RaisetheSukkah
5th-ReligiousSchoolSukkotFamilyProgram
5th-USYSukkot,12-2pm
5th-Oklahoma,VirtualProgram,8:30pm 9th-Men’sClubPaid-upDinner,6pm
9th-CBTBoardMeeting,8pm
10th-HunanintheHut,6:30pm 12th-Rabbi’sBrunchintheSukkah
12th-ReligiousSchool,9am-12pm
16th-SisterhoodBoardMeeting,8pm 17th-BirthdayShabbat,7:30pm
18th-ShabbatLunch&Learn
19th-RaizetheRoof
19th-WAMNeedleCreedatPenningtonBrewery
19th-ReligiousSchool,9am-12pm
21st-Chaverim.12-2pm
21st-Pacific,VirtualProgram,8:30pm
22nd-RabbiLunch&Learn,12-1:30pm 22nd-ReligiousSchool,4:30-6:30pm 23rd-ECMeeting,8pm 25th-JCFS,11am-12pm
26th-ReligiousSchool,9am-12pm
26th-SisterhoodLowerEastSidetriptoKehilaKedoshJaninaSynagogue
26th-JewishWomenLearningTogether
26th-USYGesherEvent
26th-TheShtetl:AJewishUniverse,VirtualProgram,1pm
27th-RitualCommitteeMeeting
29th-RabbiLunch&Learn,12-1:30pm
29th-ReligiousSchool,4:30-6:30pm
Member News Member News
The congregation extends a hearty Mazel Tov to:
Mazel Tov to Adrienne and Andy Ross on the birth of their new grandson, Isaac Ross Weiss
The congregation warmly welcomes our new members:
Rachael and Jason Zwillman, and their children, Derek and Olivia
Elisa & Itai Schadmi, and their children, Adam, Healai, and Mikaella
Crystal and Marquis Henwood and their daughter, Ashira
“Letthemmakemeasanctuary,thatImaydwellintheirmidst”
Congregation B’nai Tikvah gratefully acknowledges the following donations:
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund
Phyllis Rich, in memory of her beloved brother, Michael Bernstein
Doris & Jack Birkenthal, in memory of Doris’ beloved father, Harry Yaros
Vicki & Burton Bauman, in memory of Vicki’s beloved father, Harry Manheim
David & Janis Hoffman, in memory of David’s beloved father, Yale Hoffman
Gary & Helene Tinkel, in memory of Gary’s father, Sidney Tinkel
Cantor’s Special Fund
Toby & Gary Ehrlich, in memory of Barbra London’s beloved husband, Bruce London
Toby & Gary Ehrlich, in memory of Toby’s beloved father, David Brown
John & LouAnne Wolf, in memory of John’s beloved mother, Harriet Wolf
EXPERT ADVICE
John & LouAnne Wolf, in memory of John’s beloved father, Ben Wolf
General Donation Fund
Howard & Cheryl Hoffman, in memory of Howard’s beloved mother, Myra Hoffman
Howard & Cheryl Hoffman, in memory of Howard’s beloved father, Larry Hoffman
Fran Weinstein, in memory of her beloved mother-in-law, Rose Weinstein
Kim & Chris Riemann, in honor of Marci Abschutz
Les and Dave Offenberg, Mazel Tov to Adrienne and Andy Ross on the birth of their grandson, Isaac Ross Weiss
Community Needy Family Fund
Judith Kleinman, in memory of her beloved mother, Estelle Kulick
Judith Kleinman, in memory of her beloved sister, Barbra Weiss
Joyce & Gerald Fishelberg, in memory of Joyce’s beloved father, Sidney Gurtov
Religious School Fund
Jessica & Liz Marcus, in memory of Barbra London’s beloved husband, Bruce London
Yahrzeit and Tzedakah Fund
Myra Dickert, in memory of her beloved father-in-law, Benjamin Dickert
Barry & Caren Dworkin, in memory of Barry’s beloved mother, Bernice Dworkin
Rena & Barry Lepinsky, in memory of Rena’s beloved brother, Marc Piaskowsky
Barry & Rena Lepinsky, in memory of Barry’s beloved father, Jerome Lepinsky
Rena & Barry Lepinsky, in memory of Rena’s beloved father, Fred Piaskowsky
Steven Mark, in memory of his beloved wife, Ronnie Mark
Howard Kalish, in memory of his beloved mother, Rose Kalish
Beverly Heller, in memory of her beloved mother, Idelle Aronowitz
Robert & Bonnie Rizick, in memory of Robert’s beloved father, Abraham Rizick
Stephen Breitkopf, in memory of his beloved father-in-law, Harry Rosenblum
Lilya & Alex Shablya, in memory of Lilya’s beloved mother, Roza Sirotkina
Barry & Janice Kipnis, in memory of Barry’s beloved mother, Frances Kipnis
Paul & Edward Gordon, in memory of Paul’s beloved wife, Sheila Gordon
David & Nila Mason, in memory of David’s beloved mother, Sylvia Mason
Amanda & Harry Uniman, in memory of Amanda’s grandmother, Helen Zara
Shelly & Ken Wistreich, in memory of Shelly’s beloved father, Martin Streicher
Linda Kalb, in memory of her beloved mother, Roslyn Kalb
Bonnie & Woody Stevens, in memory of Bonnie’s beloved mother, Ruth Groudan
Dave & Michele Greenfield, in memory of Dave’s beloved father, Robert Greenfield
Jerry & Ronnie Levine, in memory of Jerry’s beloved father, Stanley Levine
EXPERT ADVICE
Arnie Miller Youth Activity Fund
Rhoda Dreitzer, in memory of her beloved father, Max Silverman
Rhoda Dreitzer, in memory of Rebecca Silverman
Marina & Peter Finkelberg, in memory of Kim Finkelberg
Safety and Security Fund
Arlene & Arthur Cederbaum, in memory of Arlene’s beloved father, Philip Dunayer
Ruth
Ann Breitler Bikur Cholim Fund
Herb, Iris, & Randal Mars, in memory of Herb Mars’ beloved mother, Frances Mars
Herb, Iris, & Randal Mars, in memory of Herb Mars’ beloved grandfather, Abraham Mars
Herb, Iris, & Randal Mars, in honor of Bashe Rockman’s service
Trees for Israel Fund
Lynn & Arthur Biderman, in memory of Barbra London’s beloved husband, Bruce London
Shabbat Luncheon Fund
Myron & Cheryl Asnis, in memory of Myron’s beloved mother, Ruth Asnis
Ruth Anne Koenick & Paul Herman, in memory of Barbra London’s beloved husband, Bruce London
Adrienne & Andy Ross, in memory of Adrienne’s beloved grandmother, Augusta Spigelman
Adrienne & Andy Ross, in memory of Barbra London’s beloved husband, Bruce London
Marci & Marty Abschutz, in memory of Barbra London’s beloved husband, Bruce London
Cindy & Neal Gittleman, in memory of Barbra London’s beloved husband, Bruce London
Phyllis Saltzman, in memory of Barbra London’s beloved husband, Bruce London
Alan & Gaye Feinberg, in memory of Alan’s beloved mother, Lila Feinberg
Shabbat Together Fund
Diane & Howard Uniman, in memory of Diane’s beloved father, Irving Young
Jodi Wexler Marcou Social Action Fund
Cindy & Neal Gittleman, in memory of Michelle Melcer’s beloved father, Norman Kauff
Shelly & Steven Talmud, in memory of Shelly’s beloved mother, Sylvia Shapiro
Rose & Jeff Berger, in memory of Rose’s beloved father, Julius Kestenman
EXPERT ADVICE
Cindy & Neal Gittleman, in memory of Carole Turkheimer’s beloved husband, Bob Turkheimer
Gary Bergman, in memory of his beloved wife, Bobby Bergman
Tammy & Keith Zimmerman, in memory of Tammy’s beloved mother, Arlene Levitt
Rose & Jeff Berger, Mazel Tov to Adrienne and Andy Ross on the birth of their grandson, Isaac Ross Weiss
Ritual Fund
Cindy & David Teicher, in memory of Cindy’s beloved father, Samuel Dubinsky
Helene & Gary Tinkel, in memory of Helene’s beloved grandmother, Lee Finkel
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).
9:00 AM & 7:30 PM
7:30 PM
7:30 PM
PM
8:00 AM & 7:30 PM
Friday - Kabbalat Shabbat
7:00 PM Shabbat 9:30 AM