Sometimes it startles me, the depth of my love for this tiny country. The fight we need to have for Israel and for our right to exist as Jews. But, my love of Israel is really a love like no other - the kind you cannot explain. It is love that is fierce and protective, like that of a flawed relative.
People marvel, how could I let my child make Aliyah - actually move to Israel, this literal war-torn country, and then how could I let my son go to Israel on Birthright? And then for me and my husband to go to Israel just two weeks after Rafi gets home. We must be out of our minds!
But - I have to tell you - there is nothing like it. I love going down the shore. Just walking on the beach, no matter what the weather, centers me. But Israel - well that - that fills my soul. I feel happy and grounded. There is even a specific diesel smell that just makes me happy because it is so Israel. The smell of cigarettes in Israel reminds me of my first Israeli boyfriend. So, it all makes no sense at all.
[CONTINUED
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.
We are taught that “the reward for a mitzvah is the mitzvah itself.” Although it’s nice to think that we will get goodies for being good people, G-d is not Santa Claus. We all know of cases where really bad things happened to really good people (whether on the personal level think cancer or on a collective level think Holocaust). So the goal of piety is not “pie in the sky when you die,” much less when you live.
No, the real reward is knowing that you lived a decent life, did the right thing, moved humanity a little closer to malchut shamayim, the kingdom of G-d. And when you witness a real mitzvah being done, it is an overwhelming experience You can almost see a supernal glow, a radiance that comes from the inside, generated by the Divine Presence. And what makes it even better is that people who perform these mitzvot are not angels. They are simply ordinary people who demonstrate through extraordinary actions how divine human beings can be
I had the pleasure of experiencing this radiance when I sat in on a recent Bikur Cholim Committee meeting. The concern expressed by the committee for our CBT members was deliciously meticulous. At one point, one of the members reported on the calls she had made to inform congregants “I was only able to reach 13 out of 14 ”
Only…
What a blessing to have that burning desire to serve in our community. Who needs a Shabbat meal, and how do we cover the costs? Who needs a ride to shul to be able to have some social contact and attend services and programs? Who needs a hospital or nursing home visit? And perhaps most impressive, what is the current status of each and every one of our older and infirm members? Each and every one, by name and need. With love and pure concern. Utterly selfless. Simply giving. Community at its very best. And they’ve been doing this since 2012 (t’s a bar mitzvah year!)
I have hardly ever been prouder to be a member of the CBT family. We do a lot of big great things. Powerful services, joyous parties, meaningful study, vibrant support for Federation, JNF, FIDF, etc. An outside observer would be duly impressed. But quietly, humbly, modestly , and selflessly, our Bikur Cholim members are taking care of our own
It is a wonder to behold. And an achievement to cherish. Thank you’s would be in order, but of course the committee mem ust hold them in your hearts. And be like them. Th
Imagine though, feeling not like the other. Feeling secure in your Judaism however you choose to define that Judaism. Imagine the money you spend going to people who are largely distant cousins of yours in one way or another. Imagine eating food that is locally sourced in a homeland discussed in the Torah. It is in those ways that Israel speaks to me.
So - I am excited to go again. I dream every night about it; excited even though I have been there over a dozen times. Yes - hugging my daughter is a big part of that and seeing my friends who are a part of my heart is a part of it too. But really, it is the whole package. It is all my senses being involved. I will smell the smell of the Shuk and see the places I love. I will hear the loud specific sound of Israelis being passionate. I will hold my daughter and my friends and taste my favorite foods, and my soul will be lifted.
Stacey Rockman
CANTOR’S CORNER
BY CANTOR BRUCE ROCKMAN
KOOLANU means “All of Us”. We are searching for new gateways and approaches to excite, inspire and engage “All of Us”.
The Friday Night Kabbalat Shabbat Service can be presented in many different ways; ours is traditional and includes a lot of singing.
Receiving Shabbat with joy is our watchword. The Conservative Movement is proudly defined as traditional with change or loosely, how you get there is less important than getting there. Our tradition shows us the way, but we are encouraged to color beside the lines.
We are a multigenerational congregation, in some ways we think of ourselves as very conventional, respectful of the traditions that landed with our families here from across vast oceans with our romantic memories of our great-grandma’s chicken soup.
In reality the tradition that most members of the Conservative Movement proclaim includes less convention and more folklore, less engagement and more disconnection.
Koolanu, “All of Us”, we enjoy gathering, creating and celebrating together, a few of us “… like to sit in the synagogue and pray, and discuss the learned books with the holy men seven hours every day.”
“Who am I? asked Moses, but in his heart he knew the answer. I am not Moses the Egyptian or Moses the Midianite. When I see my people suffer I am, and cannot be other than, Moses the Jew. And if that imposes responsibilities on me, then I must shoulder them. For I am who I am because my people are who they are. That is Jewish identity, then and now.”
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z”l
[CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7]
CANTOR’S CORNER
BY CANTOR BRUCE ROCKMAN
We are who we are- and we’ve chosen to acknowledge our heritage by our actions, in particular our membership in a people chosen to walk in G-d’s ways and to acknowledge our connection through membership in this evolving Conservative Jewish congregation.
Koolanu, “All of Us” have taken great care and made significant choices to be CBT members. We need to find ways to acknowledge and engage all of the families that make B’nai Tikvah their Jewish home away from home.
Children of all ages, Koolanu, every Jewish family is welcome at B’nai Tikvah, we will help you navigate your somewhat traditional journey with kindness and friendship.
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
PRESIDENTS’ PODIUM
BY RUTH ANNE KOENICK & MARTY ABSCHUTZ
While many of us have been glued to college and professional football playoffs, myself included, and sometimes wanting both teams to lose, I have also watched with horror as the winds and fires have decimated thousands and thousands of homes, schools and businesses, including some synagogues, in just a few days in parts of California. I always read at least some of the Daily Briefing of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. I’ve agonized when learning about the synagogues and praying that they were able to have enough notice to at least remove the Torahs. I was struck by how Kehillat Israel, a large Reconstructionist Synagogue Building was unfazed by the destruction around it including the loss of thousands of homes, and many of them belonging to their members. They are now a refuge for Jews and non-Jews in their community who have no place to go. I was struck by people being interviewed about what they took, and some said we didn’t have time and others said whatever was in the clean clothing basket.
This brought up a question to my husband Paul about what I would take if we had minimal time to vacate our home here in New Jersey, or what I would take if we were in our beach house in Bethany Beach, Delaware. He quickly said jewelry and pictures and while he was right, there is so much more. But what would you take, what do you feel is irreplaceable in your home and in your life? So here is my very short list in addition to what Paul said:
The Mezuzah on our front door in Bethany that holds the shards from the glass he broke 51 years ago at our wedding.
The Pentateuch and Haftorahs of my father’s that is still on the page he was reading a few days before he passed away 48 years ago. Also, his copy of The Code of Jewish Law that was Copyrighted in 1927 and somewhat falling apart.
My file containing my mother’s recipes and her apple cake and blintze pans as I can’t make them successfully without using her pans.
The book that has a picture of my father blowing his shofar in front of the Russian Embassy in Washington DC as a sign of “Let my people go”
The coat my mother knit that I love to wear.
My parents Menorah and Shabbos Candlesticks that I use every Shabbos and Chanukah. My silver candlesticks that were a gift to my mother on her wedding from her grandmother whose home where my parents were married and a gift to me when Paul and I were married. The copy of Paul’s dissertation and while the Library at The University of Maryland may also have a copy, I want the one we have here as every time I read the dedication, it touches my heart.
While there is so much more, it really made me think about what is irreplaceable and I would want to have if I returned to my home to find nothing but a burned out piece of land. But first and most important, that Paul and I had lived through this destruction.
On a final note, Lesley sent this to me. The North American Association of Synagogue Executives which is part of the Conservative Movement, has sent this out to NAASE members. “Dear NAASE Members, We are deeply saddened to inform you that the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, a cherished member synagogue of the NAASE community and beloved cornerstone of the Pasadena Jewish community, has been completely destroyed by the recent wildfires now spreading across Los Angeles. “
Women’s League for Conservative Judaism has also sent out a letter from Julia Loeb, the International President and here is part of her letter: “We are deeply heartbroken by the devastating wildfire that consumed the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, a cherished sanctuary of worship, learning, and community. While we mourn the loss of the physical space that held generations of sacred moments, we take comfort in the fact that all congregants were safely evacuated, and the Torah scrolls—symbols of our enduring faith and resilience— were rescued from the flames”.
As soon as NAASE and Women’s League send out a request to help support the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center that has been completely destroyed, we should respond and help them.
Thank you,
Ruth Anne and Marty (Co-Presidents)
Looking Back - Looking Ahead
TEACHER TIDBITS
BY RONIT BIVAS, DIR. OF EDUC.
The Chanukah break in the month of December gave me some time to tie up loose ends and unfinished projects. But more importantly, it allowed me to reflect on the current school year and to start thinking about next year.
The first thought that came to mind was that it’s hard to believe that we are more than half-way through religious school for the year. How is that possible, I thought?
And as I continued to think, I realized how much learning and growth has taken place this year so far. Anyone passing in the hallways on a Sunday morning can see the hands-on learning which is happening, such as a paper menorah which is hanging on the board, made by our youngest students, to the oldest ones who are working on a Jewish calendar project. One can hear our youngest students learning about the Jewish holidays, Torah stories, and being introduced to the Hebrew letters, while our older students are learning about mitzvot and Jewish values, just to name a few. Singing during tefillah with the Cantor and deep discussions during Q &A with the Rabbi are a great addition to Sunday morning and bring their own unique angle of learning and enrich the school. Our Holiday Experiences, with the most recent one being Chanukah, are well attended, fun and educational for the children and their families.
Wednesdays are a bit of different flavor as the children focus their time solely on Hebrew. One can see the children listen intently as they are introduced to new material, playing games to reinforce what they already learned, acting out a short play with understanding, and following simple commands as they are exposed to Hebrew Through Movement.
As I reflect on the time that has passed, I am also taking the opportunity to look ahead and plan the rest of the school year, as well as the 2025-2026 school year.
Looking ahead, we have several holidays to learn about and celebrate as a school community, such as the upcoming holiday of Tu B’shvat, followed by Purim and Passover. The teachers will continue applying their curriculum, enabling the students to continue to expand their Jewish knowledge and Hebrew ability.
Family programs, curriculum and special projects are already in the planning stages for the next school year. Should you have any questions about our school or know anyone who is looking for a warm, fun and interactive Jewish program for their child or grandchild, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at rsdirector@bnaitikvah.org.
L'shalom, Ronit Bivas
Men’s Club
We welcomed back our members with breakfast on January 5th. We had a positive discussion about future events and trips that will enhance our Jewish experiences.
We look forward to many more wonderful meetings and events this year.
Join us: 9:45 - 11:30 the following Sundays
Location to be determined Bring a book or two for our exchange table
February 9th - World Wide Wrap “Tefillin Tutorial” at minyon. (breakfast and discussion following)
March 2nd - Speaker: Sid Baumgarten (breakfast will be served)
April 6th - “Talking Baseball”
May 4th - TBD
June 1st - TBD
We are always happy to see new members….
Stop by and join us for some schmoozing and a smear…….
Braiding Challah
What do you get when you gather over 40 women on a sunny Sundy morning in the gym at B’nai Tikvah? You get a noisy crowd of schmoozing, giggling women, honing their braiding skills as we mix, knead and shape challah! Throw in a nosh and you have another wonderful Sisterhood program presented by our creative VPs of Programming, Jessica Marcus and Lori Sookerman.
With a mix of veteran and new members of Sisterhood, we gathered around tables, eating, chatting and having a great time as we mixed and kneaded our dough. We set the dough aside to proof, in a very creative proofing tent, and then successfully learned how to braid a four string challah! Prior to braiding our dough, we performed the mitzvah of Separation of Challah, and recited the Bracha lead by Jessica.
We each brought home our braided dough to bake. While not beautiful, I have included a picture of the challah I baked, and I can’t wait to taste.
Please join us on February 16, for our next Sisterhood program for Tu B’Shvat, where we will design and decorate bonsai trees. You can RSVP to Jessica Marcus at jessicarmarcus@gmail.com.
We look forward to seeing you then.
Marci Abschutz, Sisterhood President.
Purim 2025 is coming soon - March 13th. Sisterhood is once again preparing baskets for CBT congregants.
One basket delivered to every household in the central New Jersey area. A special card will be sent to any members who are not in the local area (please supply us with your out-of-town address below to guarantee a card,)
If you do not wish to receive a basket, let us know in advance, and we will make a donation on your behalf to a local food bank.
Included with each Mishloach Manot bag will be a card indicating who our Golden Groggers, Silver Groggers and Contributors are as well as hamantaschen and other treats*
We gratefully accept contributions to help with this project. The levels of contributions are:
Golden Grogger – Minimum Donation $118.00
Silver Grogger – Minimum Donation $65.00
Contributors - Minimum Donation $5.00
To be included on the card, payment must be received by Monday, February 10 2025.
Please return the form below to Shelly Wistreich, 39 Silver Hollow, North Brunswick, NJ 08902. Or visit bnaitikvah.org/purim-baskets to make a payment online. If you are mailing this form or paying by check, you must call or email Shelly Wistreich at 848-702-3722 or wis437@optonline.com to confirm so we can track the orders and payments.
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. Please Support Our
Thanks to all who donated hats, gloves and scarves to Elijah’s Promise in January.
Todah Rabah to Larry Cohen, Carol Eisenberg and Jay Scheuer for helping our members, and for bringing Kosher food pantry donation to JFS and to Dot Cohen for providing floral centerpieces for the tables at Chaverim.
Chaverim Save the Dates:
February 25th - Dan Rozett of Jewish Federation returns with a thought provoking presentation TBA
May 20th - Diane Cypkin, native Yiddish speaker, performer and professor, brings her show “A Salute to Molly Picon” along with musical accompaniment
March and April are not planned yet
B’Yachad….Together, we can make a difference, Laura
Bringing Light into the World, One Idea at a Time
SOCIAL ACTION
BY LAURA WAKSMAN
Aaron Smolyar and I have one thing in common besides being Jewish. We both had the idea of a structured program in which teens would guide seniors one on one in the use of smartphones, laptops and other digital tools. The big difference: Aaron, along with two friends, brought his idea to fruition, and mine remained swirling in my head. Aaron, now a college freshman, was talking one day in 2021 with his high school friends in Ft. Myers, Florida about how their grandparents struggle with technology; and how since they grew up with it, the use of digital tools is just second nature to them.
Aaron and his friends invited other friends to walk to the retirement home near their school once a week after school to guide the residents in one-on-one sessions teaching and tackling their problems with tech, leading to strong personal connections. From there, CLEO: Computer Literacy Education Outreach, was born.
From CLEO’S website, Cleointiative.org:
CLEO is an initiative that bridges the digital divide between generations, connecting high school students with seniors to share essential technology skills.
Our Mission: We empower seniors with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the digital world, helping them stay connected with loved ones and maintain independence.
CLEO is now a non-profit and has 40 chapters in 15 states, including one in Chatham, N.J. and some colleges. On their site you can watch video news coverage of Aaron and his friends bringing light into the world in the “CLEO in the news section”.
Do you know a teen or college student who wants to spread the light and create a CLEO chapter at their school? Are you a teacher who would be a faculty advisor for a chapter at your school? Check out “Getting Started” on the website.
I am inspired by Aaron and friends. Can we spread the light, guide our seniors with tech, and forge new bonds here at CBT? We have the seniors. We need the guides. Interested teens or adult guides, please contact me at Laurawaksman@gmail.com.
PICKLEBALL
Member News
The congregation extends heartfelt condolences to:
Susan Pomerantz, on the passing of her beloved husband and our dear member, Norman Pomerantz
Our former members and friends, Marcie & Marty
Kaminker, on the passing of their beloved daughter, Eva
Kaminker Andres
May G-d comfort them among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem
The congregation extends a hearty Mazel Tov to:
Arlene & Marc Lassin on the birth of their grandaughter, Lydia Francine
DONATIONS RECEIVED DECEMBER 15TH, 2024 THROUGH JANUARY 15TH, 2025
Alan & Mrs. Breitler, in honor of Rabbi Robert Wolkoff
Felice Ciccione, in honor of Thursday morning minyan
Carol Eisenberg, in memory of Marvin Eisenberg
Isaac Grodzinski, in memory of Eva Grodzinski
Rose & Joseph Lubin, with heartfelt appreciation of the synagogue’s help, outreach and friendship
Ruth & Allen Schechter, in memory of Rose Schechter
Ruth & Allen Schechter, in memory of Stephen Wohl
Cantor’s Special Fund
EXPERT ADVICE
Susan Pomerantz & Family, in appreciation of Cantor Rockman’s support, and in loving memory of Susan’s husband, Norman
Carol Eisenberg, in memory of Bernard Ratzman
Rose & Joseph Lubin, with heartfelt appreciation of the synagogue’s help, outreach and friendship
Renee Levin, in memory of Dick Schaap
Darryl & Susan Gurney, in honor of Marcia & Barry Nathanson’s grandsons, Asher and Nathan Cahana
Arnie Miller Youth Activity Fund
Elisa & Brian Berness, in honor of Steve Katz being named Men’s Club Regional Man of the Year
Phyllis Horlick, in memory of Harry Horlick
Yahrzeit and Tzedakah Fund
Peter Kuker, in loving memory of Sarah Kuker
Harry & Amanda Uniman, in loving memory of Harry’s father, Joseph Uniman
Howard Kalish, in loving memory of his father, Albert Kalish
Joel & Joyce Gerbman, in loving memory of Solomon Gerbman
Joel & Joyce Gerbman, in loving memory of Joyce’s sister, Edna Marion Jacknow
Phyllis Rich, in memory of her beloved husband, Howard Rich
Michele & Dave Greenfield, in memory of Ester Tzizes
Michele & Dave Greenfield, in memory of Marsha Thomas
Ann & Sam Rosenzweig, in memory of Ann’s father, Moses
Ann & Sam Rosenzweig, in memory of Sam’s father, Abraham
Irene & Daniel Goldman, in memory of Irene’s grandmother, Ethel Turetsky
Irene & Daniel Goldman, in memory of Irene’s grandmother, Ethel Yaros
Martin Raschkovan, in memory of Linda Katz
Ellen, Jerry & Alissa Platz, in memory of Robert Lepowsky
Stephen Breitkopf, in memory of Marilyn Breitkopf
Vicki & Burt Bauman, in memory of Yetta Bauman
Jodi Wexler Marcou Social Action Fund
Lauren & Andrew Cohen
Dina Sharon, in honor of her mother, Sandy Sharon
The Juro Family, in loving memory of Rebecca Juro
EXPERT ADVICE
Joyce & Gerald Fishelberg, in honor of Steve Katz being named Men’s Club
Regional Man of the Year
Rose & Jeff Berger, in honor of Steve Katz being named Men’s Club Regional Man of the Year
Allen Karp Fund for Music
Ilene Karp & Family, in memory of Rachel Ladimer
Ilene Karp & Family, in memory of Jack Sondike
Maxine & Irwin Nudelman, in honor of Adrienne & Andy Ross
The Nudelman Family, in memory of David August
(Continued)
Shabbat Together Fund
The Uniman Family, in loving memory of Joseph Uniman
Marci & Marty Abschutz, in loving memory of Anita and Albert Capon
Flora Cowen, in honor of the seventh wedding anniversary of Amanda and Harry Uniman
Trees for Israel Fund
Edward Flateman, in memory of his wife, Maxine Flateman
Ruth-Ann Breitler Bikur Cholim Fund
Herbert Mars & Family, in memory of Adrienne Mars
Shomrei Tikvah Fund
Joyce & Gerald Fishelberg, in honor of Marcia Schwartz being installed as President of Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey
L’dor Vador Fund
EXPERT ADVICE
Lynn & Arthur Biderman, in honor of Marcia Schwartz being installed as President of Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey
Needy Family Fund
Serena & Robert Blackin, in memory of Abraham Klein
Lynn Ostroff & Family, in loving memory of Ina Segal
The Blackin Family, in memory of Diane Blackin
General Fund
Gary Bergman, in honor of Adrienne & Andy Ross
Mark Kasdin Memorial Fund
Maxine Kasdin, in memory of Jack Steck
Shabbat Luncheon Fund
Terry Katz & Sylvia Shore-Katz, in loving memory of Mary Katz
Lynn & Arthur Biderman, in honor of Steve Katz becoming Men’s Club Regional Man of the Year
Arlene & Arthur Cederbaum, in memory of Max Eisenberg
Adrienne & Andy Ross, in honor of Arline & Marc Lassin becoming grandparents to Lydia Francine
Cheryl & Myron Asnis, in honor of Meryl and Gordan Heit’s 44th wedding anniversary
Shirley & Martin Engel, in honor of Lynn and Arthur Biderman’s son’s engagement
Cheryl & Myron Asnis, in memory of Myron’s father, Gordon Asnis
Gail & William Reinholtz, in memory of Bennett Reinholtz
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).
