CBT Hakol December 2024

Congregation B’nai Tikvah

www.bnaitikvah.org

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

Inside

CONGREGATION TO HONOR ADRIENNE AND ANDY ROSS Index of Advertisers

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The Rabbi’s Desk

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Cantor’s Corner

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Urgent Appeal

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Expect to view CBT’S NORTHERN LIGHTS in all their splendor

Presidents’ Podium

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as the congregation gathers to celebrate Adrienne and Andy

Men’s Club

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JCFS

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Teacher Tidbits

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Shabbanukkah

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Veep Views

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Sisterhood

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Needy Families

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Hanukkah Hoopla

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Social Action

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Scrip

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Sponsor A Lunch

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Pictures!

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helping to sustain CBT is brilliant and multi-hued; they

Birthdays

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represent all that is beautiful in CBT’s congregational life; and

Member News

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December Calendar

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Fund Focus

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Donations

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Schedule of Services

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AT NORTHERN LIGHTS, A CELEBRATION GALA ON FEBRUARY 22, 2025!

Ross on Saturday night, February 22, 2025 at 7:00 PM at the synagogue’s annual Celebration Gala!

Why NORTHERN LIGHTS, you ask?

The answer is simple: Andy and Adrienne hail from the northern latitudes – Andy from Minnesota and Adrienne from Winnipeg, Manitoba; their longstanding involvement in the life of the congregation is awe-inspiring; their generosity in

the real northern lights, the Aurora Borealis, have been in the news (and visible from our part of Jersey) during much of this past year!

[CONTINUED ON PAGE 9] CHECK OUT THE GALA INVITE PREVIEW IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS ISSUE!

December 2024

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The Voice

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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.

Index of Advertisers Contact Lesley to include your ad in Hakol!!

Alexander Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning 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) Sergio Fuentes (Handyman) Martine, Katz, Scanlon & Schimmel (Diana Schimmel Avena) Mobility Memory Care of North Brunswick Morgan Stanley (Mark Sherman)

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PLEASE support our advertisers as they support us!!

In addition to all of our regular features, we are highlighting two new columns this month. For those who may not know, the CBT Board includes six Vice Presidential portfolios: Administration, Membership, Ways & Means, Activities, Ritual, and School & Youth. Beginning this month, you can hear from one of those positions in our new Veep Views column; this month featuring Amanda Uniman, VP of Ways & Means. Our second new column is Fund Focus, where our Treasurer, Marc Binder, will describe the purpose of one of the many funds you can donate to to help sustain and grow CBT and the work we do.

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Sooner Or Later, We Have To Make Our Own Miracles

THE RABBI’S DESK

BY RABBI ROBERT L. WOLKOFF

The holiday of Chanukah is coming soon to a synagogue near you. It is the festival of light. In fact, lighting Chanukah candles is one of the most widely observed of all the mitzvot. Whether “religious” or “secular”, Jews all over the world are engaged in this holiday since it emphasizes such admirable values: resistance, hope, determination, freedom, and so forth.

Everyone is familiar with the eight-candle menorah. But a little known fact is that technically, you only have to light one single candle. Lighting up to eight candles is known as hiddur mitzvah, performing a commandment in an aesthetically pleasing way.

If you only light one candle, there’s no room for controversy. But if you light eight candles, you can have all sorts of arguments about procedure. The classic disagreement is between Hillel and Shammai. Hillel lit the candles the way we do—1 on the first night, 2 on the second, etc. Shammai did it the other way—8 on the first night, 7 on the second night, and so on. Shammai’s method is like a countdown to the end of the holiday. And it does symbolize that the light, no matter how miraculous, still only lasts for eight days and then needs to be replenished by human hands. An important message indeed. We can’t simply say, “G-d will provide,” while doing nothing on our own behalf. Sooner or later, we have to make our own miracles.

Hillel’s method has an entirely different emphasis, one which echoes the emotional condition of our people at the time of the Maccabean rebellion against the Syrian Greeks. At that time, the Greeks were the premier fighting force in the Near East. The phalanx formation, which the Greeks perfected, was virtually unstoppable. And we were almost totally unprepared for any military conflict, much less a fight against the Greeks. But the combination of spiritual, emotional, and tactical determination led to an unlikely victory. Simply put, at the beginning it looked very dark, but over the course of time it got lighter and lighter—a pattern reflected in the increasing number of candles throughout the holiday.

Writer Laini Taylor once said, “Hope can be a powerful force. Maybe there's no actual magic in it, but when you know what you hope for most and hold it like a light within you, you can make things happen, almost like magic.” For some of us, it’s not magic but the will of G-d that makes things happen. For others, it is the “almost like magic” of the human spirit. But one way or another, hope kindles light inside us, and our job is to kindle the lights outside us.

And remember: the darker it is, the more brightly those lights will shine, more and more each day.

May you have as many blessings as there are ways to spell Chanukah.

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What’s On My Mind?

CANTOR’S CORNER

BY CANTOR BRUCE ROCKMAN

Shabbat observance with regular spiritual and learning creates continuity, strengthening Jewish lives. Nothing is more important to us than our families. We are living during uncertain times. Where do we turn when so many of us are feeling uneasy? More than anything else it should be your community, your family, this Jewish community which strives to empower us through spiritual growth and education. I’m sorry to say that we have a difficult time in reaching our goals. A Jewish Community Center & synagogue are viewed as a foundation for Jewish living, but in fact, that very foundation is you and your family. I am asking you to commit to building a stronger, more durable foundation through your home-where real Jewish living can thrive. The synagogue should and can provide you with the power of community where we can learn and share our experiences that we live every single day. Like any repetitive movement, we get stronger with repetition and growth through dedication. We say these words all the time. Repentance - interpersonal growth – Prayer-spiritual growth- Tzedaka-doing acts of kindness. Make Shabbat at home a regular practice, open your home, invite friends. Pray in the shul, learn with our community. Do acts of loving kindness-anytime, with a group or when no one is looking. We are truly blessed by G-d to have so much and so many opportunities. As difficult as times seem, we are filled with opportunities to be a blessing.

Thank you G-d for this opportunity - give us strength and we will figure it out.

Chessed For Chanukah: Acts of Loving Kindness -- Sweets for Community Responders We will gather for Chessed for Chanukah on Wednesday December 25 at 10:30am, here at B’nai Tikvah. We will gather to pack “your” home-baked & store bought sweets. Then, we will deliver our packages of cakes and cookies to our local first responders, medical personnel and to our friends and neighbors who serve us and must sacrifice their holiday time for our community.

The smallest gestures can resonate in profound ways. Consider reaching out, thanking everyone from front-line workers and retail employees to first-responders or offering random acts of kindness to total strangers. Brightening someone’s day is the ultimate gift.

Working to help others is awesome; building a more engaged Jewish community will save the world. Let’s grow together.

“Loalecha hamlacha ligmore, v’lo atah ben chorine l’hevatel memena.”

You are not obliged to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.

I wish you a wonderful and happy Chanukkah!

Ivdu et Hashem b’simcha Worship Adonai with joy & Gladness!

Please contact me to discuss your exciting and meaningful journey. cantor@bnaitikvah.org 732-297-0696 x115

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PRESIDENTS’ PODIUM

BY RUTH ANNE KOENICK & MARTY ABSCHUTZ

I have been giving a lot of thought about my remarks on Yom Kippur. I had a fair amount of time when visiting my son Josh, daughter-in-law Lisa, and two older grandchildren, Kenzie who is 16 and Bryce who is almost 14.

Kenzala (I have made all my grandchildren have an “ala” after their names) and I often have a lot of time together when we visit or when she calls me to chat, but this was a school week, and her non-school life is often dedicated to tennis. She and her father came in second in a mixed doubles tournament (I keep suggesting that Kenzala get a better partner, but she will not listen to me) and in the women’s doubles, Kenzala and her partner won the tournament. All that to brag a bit but to also think about how I feel that she is very blessed to have found something she loves and excels in and that brings her joy.

I used the word blessed purposely as it reflects both what I talked about in my Yom Kippur remarks and (most recently) in Lekh L’kha that was sung so beautifully by Stacey Rockman; followed by our Cantor chanting the Haftorah with his heart. Again, I am far from being a Rabbinic scholar, but in Genesis Chapter 12 verse 2, G-d says to Abram to go forth and I will make your name great, and You shall be a blessing. What I really like is the commentary about those words, Go forth, where it says “A midrash interprets this to mean to Go forth to find your authentic self, to learn who you are meant to be.”

I find that to be so interesting and relevant to our Jewish people. How many of us have parents or grandparents who came to this country from a shtetl in Russia or from another Eastern European country? How many of us have parents or grandparents who are Holocaust Survivors and came to this country? How many of us have parents or grandparents who came to this country for a better life and to find their authentic self and to learn who they were meant to be? I find the words from Genesis where Abram is told to go forth, yet for many of us, it is painful to have our children and grandchildren live so far from us even though they have found a way to be blessed in their authentic life to find their authentic self. I think about Marty and me and where some of our children live. Mine are in Nassau and outside of Seattle for my daughter Molly, her husband Todd, and their children Nova (Novala) Eliana and Samuel (Samala) Judah; some of Marty’s family: Caren (daughter), Dan (son-in-law) and granddaughter (Miriam) live in England.

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Please join your friends and neighbors on February 22nd as we fete Adrienne and Andy Ross at NORTHERN LIGHTS, A CELEBRATION GALA. Adrienne is a former president of the congregation who dedicated her time over many years by serving on our Youth Commission, and the synagogue executive committee and Board of Directors. Andy has been a board member for over 15 years and served as Men’s Club Treasurer as well as synagogue Assistant Treasurer and Treasurer.

W a tch for y o in v it a t ur io n a n d check out th e g a la i n s e r t in the m id d le o f t h is is s u e f or a pr e v ie w !

The fun begins at 7:00 PM with Classical Caterers’ famous cocktail hour (lasting 75 minutes!), including top-drawer liquor, multiple hot and cold food stations, and butler service passedaround hors d’oeuvres.

Following the cocktail hour, the celebration moves into the Social Hall where a sumptuous three-course meal is served at your seat while we dance to the music of Elegance Quartet, a DJ fusion composed of a DJ and 2 live musicians. And the bar is open all night!

Concurrently with the food, drink, music and dancing, the Gala Committee will offer items for purchase (many to dream about!) at our Signature Silent Auction, thanks to the generosity of many local merchants and business owners who contribute the items and experiences being offered.

There are at least three reasons to attend NORTHERN LIGHTS, A CELEBRATION GALA: 1. The Rosses are worthy honorees and deserving of recognition by the congregation. Let’s show them the love!

2. CBT’s Celebration Gala is an unsurpassed evening out, where everyone is welcomed in a safe environment and at a singular social event 3. NORTHERN LIGHTS, A CELEBRATION GALA will be the most important fund raiser of the year Let’s all revel together as we support CBT! Coming in January’s Hakol: a deep-dive into the Rosses – everything you wanted to know about Adrienne and Andy, their family, what makes them tick, and what makes them so deserving of being our honorees

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On December 15th to celebrate and honor Steven Katz (NNJR Mens Club Regional Man of the Year) Steve Chernela (CBT Men’s Club Man of the Year) Please Contact Craig Cohen (609-651-1265) with any questions.

We have many events and activities planned. Join us at CBT Men’s Club to meet new people, share in new adventures and make new memories together.

Your annual membership dues of $36 is a small price to pay for all the fun time ahead.

Bring a check for $36 made out to CBT Mens Club to a breakfast or pay on the website.

If you have any questions or ideas about events or volunteer opportunities for the Men’s Club please contact Brian Berness or Craig Cohen.

Going Green! Tabs, Tabs and more tabs!

We will collect tab donations again this year at CBT. Let’s continue to help the Ronald McDonald House Charities help families in need. Let’s pull together and keep the tabs coming !!!

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It is a Tree of Life The Torah is the most important religious text in Judaism and central to Jewish life. The stories from thousands of years ago can still resonate with us today and teach us a variety of lessons for our own lives. Therefore, exposure to both the physical Torah and the stories that are in it is critical to helping our children understand its importance. And that is just what happened during Simchat Torah. The children in our community had a number of opportunities to see not only adults rejoicing with the Torah but also they themselves had a chance to dance with the Torah during Hakafot (circling), both in and outside of the religious school.

During the congregational Simchat Torah service, one could see children arriving with stuffed Torahs in their hand, others with Simchat Torah flags which were made in religious school, ready to have fun and celebrate the Torah. For those children who were not able to attend the congregational service, the Cantor reenacted Simchat Torah for them during our weekly Tefillah session. Even the youngest members of our community had an opportunity to dance with the Torah recently at our Tot Shabbat service.

Exposure to the Torah as mentioned above gives the children the chance to see the Torah up close and understand that there is excitement around it. But why? To answer that question, the teachers of the religious school have started digging into and exploring the Torah portions with the students. The younger children are learning the stories associated with the portion, the characters involved and what G-d did in each story. The older children are able to dive a bit deeper and not only learn about our ancestors that lived long ago, but also take away lessons which help guide us in our lives.

As the Torah is essential to Jewish life, it is wonderful that the children of our community have had multiple opportunities to engage with the Torah. It is my hope that as we continue to expose and teach the children about the Torah, they will grow to understand its relevance and it will be their guide now and into the future.

TEACHER TIDBITS

BY RONIT BIVAS, DIR. OF EDUC.

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VEEP VIEWS

BY AMANDA UNIMAN, VP WAYS & MEANS When Danny Greenberg approached the VPs with the idea for this column, I jumped all over it. What a great idea, a very catchy title, and a wonderful way to draw our fellow congregants’ attention to whatever “of the moment” activity/project/event we are working on in our respective roles on the Executive Committee! Then suddenly, I was faced with the inevitable thought that comes next – what am I going to write about?!

As many of you know, I am a second-generation member of Congregation B’nai Tikvah (shoutout to my other 2nd gen buddies, we are few but mighty!) and as a result have been involved in the synagogue in some way or another my whole life. But, the first thing that grabbed my attention as a post-grad school adult was the Annual Gala, our premiere fundraiser of the year, a critical event to the success of our synagogue. And just like that, I joined my first committee.

Coordinating the beautiful celebrations that are our Gala evenings is truly a labor of love, one that takes place over several months and includes ideating, planning, soliciting, and of course, ensuring our honorees feel just that - honored! There are endless discussions about proper theme, decor tie-in, invitation design and language, appropriate dress, entertainment, THE FOOD (!), the flow of the evening, tribute book solicitation, design and execution, silent auction solicitation, set up and execution, angel donor solicitation, and of course ensuring our honorees are cared for in a meaningful way, giving them an evening to celebrate all of their wonderful accomplishments at Congregation B’nai Tikvah over the years.

Working with others who care so deeply about this effort and its outcome for the last 15+ years has been an absolute pleasure and while we are all involved for different reasons, each of us is lucky to have the others.

This year, we are honoring Adrienne and Andy Ross, whose immeasurable commitment and contributions to our synagogue have made a meaningful impact on our community at large throughout their membership. Read more about our fabulous honorees in next month’s Hakol.

Whether a Saturday night of live music and dancing is your cup of tea or not, there are opportunities for all of us to participate in meeting our collective fundraising goals. Starting with a well-wisher ad at $36 through our Angel donors sponsorships at $1,800+, every single contribution counts. Please keep an eye on your mailboxes and inboxes for the gala invitation and accompanying details to make your contribution. And check out the Gala Insert in the middle of this issue for a preview!!.

If you have any gala-related questions, or want to join the planning efforts, please feel free to email me, or either of our stupendous co-chairs, Nancy Asher-Shultz or Bobbi Binder. You can also email the whole gala committee.

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Sisterhood Paid-up Membership Brunch On November 3rd, over fifty CBT Sisterhood members got together to enjoy a delicious brunch, catered by Classical Caterers, and to meet old friends and make new ones. Nancy Asher-Shultz and Felice Ciccione set up the gift shop for our holiday needs. A big thank you to Stacey Rockman for delivering the D’var Torah, and for all the volunteers who helped us set the tables, assisted in setting up the gift shop tables and checking people in.

This fun event was planned by Gale Dillman and Teresa Samtur. Although they couldn’t attend, their presence was felt with this wonderful program. We missed you both!

After eating and chatting, we were entertained by the barbershop quartet “Ring in the Rafters.”

We enjoyed traditional music, doo-wop, and classical songs. They had us singing along as they took us down memory lane.

We look forward to seeing you at future Sisterhood events. Be on the lookout for details on our next program on Sunday, January 12.

Marci Abschutz, Sisterhood President

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PICKLEBALL

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IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR…HELP A NEEDY FAMILY PROGRAM 2024 It is difficult to believe that it is already time to plan and organize our 2024 Needy Family Program. This will be our 23rd year helping families in need with clothing, household items and basic necessities. Last year, we were able to help 19 families!

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 have decided that 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 and let me know in which of the following capacities: Monetary donation: Go to the Needy Family Donation page on the CBT website.

You can donate by credit card or by sending a check to the office.

-- and/or --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 All forms of participation are welcome and greatly appreciated.

For additional information, please email me Thanks so much!

Janice Baer

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PRESIDENTS’ PODIUM [CONT’D FROM PAGE 7]

I never really thought about the Midrash until I read it last Shabbos. There is much in the Torah where we can find a connection. I hope that you too will find something that makes a strong connection to your thinking.

On behalf of Marty and myself, wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

Ruth Anne Koenick and Marty Abschutz Co-Presidents

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Please support them with your patronage!

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CHAVERIM

SOCIAL ACTION

BY LAURA WAKSMAN

I learned that some members are not aware of our Chaverim (friends) program, born in February 2023 out of a response to the isolation people were experiencing due to Covid. So, here is Chaverim in a nutshell. Chaverim is a program for our seniors 60 plus and their guests, made through the combined efforts of Social Action and Jewish Family Services (JFS). Ten times a year, JFS provides lunch followed by thought provoking and entertaining programs provided through the Social Action fund. There is no charge for the program, but Jewish Family Services does ask for a suggested donation of $10.00 per person to offset the cost of the luncheon.

As we do offer lunch, it is imperative that everyone RSVP in advance to assure that there is enough food to go around. Additionally, Jewish Family Services (JFS) is provided a government grant called Cameo which supplements the program. However, for JFS to be reimbursed, they must have everyone register through them. No one will be contacted, the list will not be sold or given out, no emails will be sent, and you won’t be solicited. This is simply how they get reimbursed.

Chaverim takes place on Tuesdays, almost always the third or fourth week of the month. As of this printing, the December Chaverim presenter is not yet scheduled, but will be on December 10th . You will receive an email with specifics and an RSVP date, and it will be in the Thursday weekend announcements. Please join us in the Social Hall!

Gratitude: Thank you to those who generously donated to the fund this month and allowed us to help our CBT members, as well as the South Brunswick Food Pantry, and to the member who donated a large grocery order mistakenly delivered to them. Thank you, Steve Chernela, for volunteering to be the Chaverim photographer.

Ongoing in Social Action: bring your non perishable food donations for the JFS kosher food pantry in North Brunswick to CBT year-round and place them in the wicker trunk outside the office. Thanks to Carol Eisenberg and Jay Scheuer who bring the food to JFS all year.

Tzedakah! Bring in your JNF boxes or loose change in a zip loc bag and Social Action will count it and donate it to JNF year-round.

Together..B’Yachad, we can make a difference, Laura

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A L GA

T R E S IN

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A L GA

T R E S IN

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Please Support Our Advertisers!

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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‫שנה טובה ומתוקה‬

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Paid-up Sisterhood Dinner

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Chaverim (60+) Nov 12th: Our presenters were Shosh Mitzman and Shulamit Timsit, Israelis who work for JNF, who shared with us what life has been like in Israel since the war began. JNF/MAKOM is helping communities throughout Israel cope with displacement and giving them hope for rebuilding their lives.

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Men’s Club

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Member News The congregation extends heartfelt condolences to: Jodi & Rabbi David Eligberg, on the passing of Jodi’s father and our dear member, Harvey Abramson Myra Dickert and Steven & Leslie Dickert, on the passing of Myra’s husband, Steven’s father and our dear member, Howard Dickert Eileen and Marty Zweig, on the passing of Eileen’s mother, Lorraine Kaufman May G-d comfort them among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem The congregation extends a hearty Mazel Tov to: Brenda & Mark Sherman, on the birth of their grandson, Archer Jersey Marcia & Barry Nathanson, on the birth of their twin grandsons, Asher and Nathan Ellen & Jerry Platz, on the engagement of their daughter, Alissa, to Michael Engler Lynn & Arthur Biderman, on the engagement of their son, Matthew, to Genia Pultorak Lisa and Gary Warner, on the marriage of their daughter, Jessica, to Harrison Kaye Renee and Steve Levin, on the marriage of their son, Daniel, to Katie Baldwin

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December 1st – NO Religious School 2nd – CBT Board Meeting, 8:00 PM 4th – Rabbi Wolkoff’s Lunch & Learn, 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM 4th – Religious School, 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM 7th – Tot Shabbat, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM 7th – JCFS, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM 8th – Religious School, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM 8th – Teen Mitzvah Corp 8th – Rabbi Brunch Lecture, 10:45 AM 8th – 613 Concert at EBJC 9th - Sisterhood Board Meeting, 8:00 PM 10th – CBT Book Club 10th - Chaverim 11th – Rabbi Wolkoff’s Lunch & Learn, 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM 11th – Religious School, 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

14th – Shabbat Lunch & Learn 14th – Sundaes on Saturday at the Rockman’s, 5:30 PM 15th – Religious School, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM 15th – JWLT 15th – PJ Library Chanukah Party 18th – Rabbi Wolkoff’s Lunch & Learn, 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM 18th – Religious School, 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM 19th – EC Meeting, 8:00 PM 20th – Shabbat Dinner, 6:30 PM 21st – JCFS, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM 22nd – NO Religious School 22nd – Congregational Meeting, 10:00 AM 25th – Chessed for Chanukah 25th – NO Religious School 26th – Chanukah Menorah Lighting 29th – NO Religious School

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FUND FOCUS

BY MARC BINDER, TREASURER

Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series of monthly columns that will highlight one dedicated synagogue fund each month. We hope that you enjoy learning about the purpose and intent of each one!

NEEDY FAMILY FUND The synagogue Needy Family Fund is a dedicated resource established to support families in need. B’nai Tikvah members and non-members sponsor families in need to provide them with food, clothing, furniture, household items, toys and other necessities.

These families are thoroughly vetted by a School Social Worker. The fund’s primary focus comes around the winter holidays. However, if a family comes to our attention that is in great need at other times of year, we will assist whenever possible.

Since its inception 22 years ago, the Needy Family program has helped over 130 families!

Over the years, we have provided families with mattresses, blankets, towels, bedding, clothing and hygiene items, etc. These families were so appreciative as they were able to have a good night’s sleep and were able to be kept warm during the winter months.

Impact of our program: The social worker bumped into one of the families we sponsored in the past. The mother spoke about the impact of this program. She said that it inspired them to do better themselves. Their daughter went into the nursing profession due to her strong desire to help others. She graduated May 2024. This family has gone on to pay it forward and helped others in need the way this program helped them.

This fund represents the synagogue’s commitment to Tikkun Olam...repairing the world.

To learn more, please see Janice Baer’s article on page 19.

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DONATIONS

DONATIONS RECEIVED OCTOBER 15TH THROUGH NOVEMBER 14TH, 2024

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Isaac & Beverly Grodzinski, in memory of Shmuel Mayer Grodzinski Laura & Howard Waksman, in memory of Ruth-Ann Breitler, on her second yahrzeit Arlene & Mitchell Frumkin, in memory of Linda Lakin The Tell Family, in memory of Philip Presworksy Linda Kalb, in memory of her mother, Roslyn Kalb Arielle Weg-Zager & Mark Zager, in appreciation of Rabbi Wolkoff for making their wedding so special Tammy & Keith Zimmerman, Mazel Tov to Brenda & Mark Sherman on the birth of their grandson, Archer Jersey Sherman

EXPERT ADVICE

Cantor’s Special Fund Lisa & Richard Seidman, in honor of Stacey Rockman’s challah class Sandy, Yitzhak & Dina Sharon, in loving memory of Bobby Bergman The Tell Family, in memory of Philip Presworksy Linda Kalb, in memory of her mother, Roslyn Kalb Arielle Weg-Zager & Mark Zager, in appreciation of Cantor’s officiating at their wedding Janis Candeub Hoffman & David Hoffman, in loving memory of Bobby Bergman General Fund Jill Stone, in memory of Bella Gandel Marcia & Gary Wesalo Kaedyi Chen, in memory of Howard Dickert (Continued)

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DONATIONS Yahrzeit and Tzedakah Fund Michele & Dave Greenfield, in memory of Robert Greenfield Shelly & Ken Wistreich, in memory of Rita L. Streicher Debbi & Scott Rekant, in memory of Elaine Slotoroff Arlene Bacher, in memory of her brother, Joel Forster Fern, Allan & Marc Katronetsky, Ilana & Yonaton Yares & Family, in memory of Irving Katronetsky Arlene Bacher, in memory of her brother, Alan Forster Caren & Barry Dworkin & Family, in memory of Shirley Siegel Linda Kalb, in memory of Sanford Kalb Safety and Security Fund Janet Weiss, Mazel Tov to Phyllis & Barry Safeer, on the engagement of Sarah to Brandon Hohenberg

EXPERT ADVICE

Ritual Fund Natasha Rosenbaum, in memory of Howard Rosenbaum Debra & Stu Allen, Mazel Tov to the Safeer family, in honor of the engagement of Sarah to Brandon Debra & Stu Allen, Mazel Tov to the Woller family, in honor of the birth of Violet to Ben and Dana Debbie & Stu Allen, Mazel Tov to Debbi & Scott Rekant, in celebration of their daughter Julie’s marriage to Dillon Natasha Rosenbaum, in memory of Myron Rosenbaum Arnie Miller Youth Activity Fund Vicki & Ray Cohen, in memory of Arnie Miller Susan Miller, in memory of her beloved husband, Arnie Miller Susan Miller, in memory of Bobby Bergman Susan Miller, Mazel Tov to Phyllis & Barry Safeer on the engagement of Sarah to Brandon

(Continued)

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DONATIONS Shabbat Together Laura & Howard Waksman, in memory of Linda Kalb’s mother, Roslyn Kalb Laura & Howard Waksman, in memory of our dear member, Bobby Bergman Marci & Marty Abschutz, Mazel Tov to Marcia & Barry Nathanson, on the birth of their twin grandsons, Asher & Nathan Cahana Marci & Marty Abschutz, in loving memory of William Koshner Marcia & Barry Nathanson, Mazel Tov to Brenda & Mark Sherman, on the birth of their grandson, Archer Jersey Sherman Ruth-Ann Breitler Bikur Cholim Fund Gail & William Reinholtz, in memory of Ruth-Ann Breitler The Mars Family, Mazel Tov to Phyllis & Barry Safeer, on the engagement of Sarah to Brandon Hohenberg Helene & Gary Tinkel, in memory of Harold Reimer Mitzvah Corp Irv Kalet

EXPERT ADVICE

Shomrei Tikvah Fund Ruth Anne Koenick & Paul Herman, in memory of Janet Bayleh Volat Brenda & Mark Sherman, Mazel Tov to Phyllis & Barry Safeer, on the engagement of Sarah to Brandon Hohenberg Les & Dave Offenberg, in memory of Miriam Silverberg Brenda & Mark Sherman, Mazel Tov to Marcia & Barry Nathanson, on the birth of their grandsons, Asher & Nathan Cahana L’dor Vador Fund Dave & Cindy Teicher, in memory of Irving Teicher

(Continued)

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DONATIONS Shabbat Luncheon Fund Gail & William Reinholtz, in memory of Vera Levine Adrienne & Andy Ross, in memory of Mollie Margolese Phyllis Saltzman, in honor of Gail & William Reinholtz Arlene & Arthur Cederbaum, in memory of Lillian Cederbaum Adrienne & Andy Ross, Mazel Tov to Phyllis & Barry Safeer on the engagement of Sarah to Brandon Hohenberg Adrienne & Andy Ross, Mazel Tov to Brenda & Mark Sherman on the birth of their grandson, Archer Jersey Sherman Adrienne & Andy Ross, in memory of Adrienne’s mother, Phyllis Spigelman Nancy & Elliott Danto, in memory of Barry Lee Frost Adrienne & Andy Ross, in memory of Harvey Abramson Adrienne & Andy Ross, in honor of the birth of Barry & Marcia Nathanson’s grandsons, Asher & Nathan Cahana Adrienne & Andy Ross, in honor of the engagement of Matthew Biderman to Genia Pultorak Laura & Howard Waksman, in memory of Lynn Biderman’s brother, Richard Goldberg Laura & Howard Waksman, in memory of Cheryl Fitzer Attas’ sister, Michelle Toni Fitzer Laura & Howard Waksman, in memory of Jodi Eligberg’s father, Harvey Abramson Laura & Howard Waksman, in honor of the wedding of Gail Levine & William Reinholtz’s daughter, Elana Reinholz to Alexander Lee Gaye & Alan Feinberg, in memory of Ruth Ginsberg Gaye & Alan Feinberg, in memory of Charles and Mollie Newman Gaye & Alan Feinberg, for the recovery of Irwin Kleinman Gaye & Alan Feinberg, in memory of Irwin Newman

EXPERT ADVICE

Religious School Fund Jessica & Liz Marcus, in memory of Barry Reich Laura & Howard Waksman, in memory of Lisa Suttner’s father, Leonard Millner (continued)

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DONATIONS Jodi Wexler Marcou Social Action Fund Lisa & Richard Seidman, in memory of Ellie Greenberg’s sister, Rosalie Gross Laura & Howard Waksman, in memory of Aaron Rosloff, an enduring inspiration Laura & Howard Waksman, in memory of our dear member, Wade Lebowitz Laura & Howard Waksman, in memory of Ellie Greenberg’s sister, Rosalie Gross Ellyn Schneider, in memory of Bobby Bergman Linda Kalb, in memory of her mother, Roslyn Kalb Cindy & Neal Gittleman, in memory of Michael Solomon Laura & Howard Waksman, in honor of the wedding of Renee & Steve Levins’s son, Daniel Levin and Katie Baldwin Amy & Cliff Smith, Mazel Tov to Brenda & Mark Sherman, on the birth of their first grandchild, Archer Jersey Sherman Rose & Jeff Berger, in memory of Howard Dickert

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.

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

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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).

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 6:30 PM (unless otherwise noted) Shabbat 9:30 AM

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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.

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