CBT Hakol January 2025

Congregation B’nai Tikvah

www.bnaitikvah.org

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

NORTHERN LIGHTS, A GALA CELEBRATION Honoring Adrienne & Andy Ross on February 22, 2025!

By now, you should have received your invitation to B’nai Tikvah’s gala honoring Adrienne and Andy. Be sure to send back your response card by January 15th to benefit from the early bird discount of $136.00 per person to this celestial event. All responses received after that date will be charged $154.00 per person.

Following, is the promised deep dive into the lives of our honorees: Adrienne and Andy met while students at the University of Minnesota and they married in May of 1983. They moved to New Jersey in July of that year when Adrienne accepted a position with E.R. Squibb, which later became Bristol Myers Squibb.

Andy’s close family friends (honorary aunt and uncle), Arlene and Norman (z”l) Uroff, introduced them to B’nai Tikvah by inviting them to high holy day services, which were being held in North Brunswick High School pending completion of the current synagogue-sanctuary. Adrienne and Andy joined B’nai Tikvah in 1984 and have been fixtures here ever since!

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

Index of Advertisers

Inside 2

The Rabbi’s Desk

3

JCFS

6

Cantor’s Corner

7

Urgent Appeal

9

Presidents’ Podium

11

Guest Column

13

Teacher Tidbits

15

Tot Shabbat

16

Men’s Club

17

Breakfast for Dinner

18

Sisterhood

19

USY Movie

21

Social Action

25

Chaverim

27

Needy Families

28

Sponsor A Lunch

33

PJP

34

Birthdays

36

Member News

37

January Calendar

39

Fund Focus

40

Donations

41

Schedule of Services

46

SIX13

47

January 2025

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Hakol - The Voice Page 3

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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)

PLEASE support our advertisers as they support us!!

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All Who Are for G-d, Follow Me!

THE RABBI’S DESK

BY RABBI ROBERT L. WOLKOFF

As the lights of Chanukah are finally extinguished, and we conclude our Chanukah celebration, (and try and recover from all the latkes and all the doughnuts) we stand in awe of the achievement of our Maccabee ancestors. The enemy Seleucid forces under Antiochus were among the most powerful in the ancient world. They controlled territory that stretched from Turkey through Western India. And when the Maccabean rebellion started, it is estimated that Judah Maccabee commanded only 500 soldiers. But because he was able to win his first battle, he could then return to the field with 1000 followers.

And then, after the second victory, with 2000 soldiers, and so forth. Victory led to victory, success led to success.

So a small force from a small village took on one of the world’s greatest empires and won. These are our ancestors, our proud heritage. And what can we learn from this? That a small group of people, with a combination of dedication and brilliance, can literally change the world.

I thought of this recently when I was privileged to see our own Steve Katz be named the Northern New Jersey Regional Man of the Year by the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs. That was just one week after our own Marcia Schwartz became the President of the Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey, the 10th largest Federation in the Country. (In rising to the presidency, Marcia follows in the footsteps of our own Jeff Schwartz, and Mitch and Arlene Frumkin).

Watching Steve receive his honor (and I should mention also Steve Chernela, our chapter Man of the Year being honored as well) while Steve was leading the men, our own Theresa Samtur had recently finished her term as President of the Garden State Region of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism.

Meanwhile, our own Anne Kroll is the President of the Real Central Jersey region of the Jewish National Fund, and a near minyan of our members serve on national JNF task forces, including Barbra and Bruce London, Mitch and Arlene Frumkin, Adrienne and Andy Ross, and Ruth Ann Koenick. And our own Allison Nagelberg is the JNF Northeast Planned Giving Director.

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THE RABBI’S DESK

BY RABBI ROBERT L. WOLKOFF

Nor should we forget our beloved Cantor Rockman, who single-handedly has revived the South Brunswick Interfaith Clergy Association after the past year’s post Oct. 7 disruption. The recent Thanksgiving Interfaith Service, under the Cantor’s inspiration, brought a great deal of joy to our members.

And on top of all that, we should remember the civic engagement of our members. We are proud to have his honor Brad Cohen, mayor of East Brunswick, as one of ours; and the South Brunswick School Board has long had a CBT presence in the form of Marty and Marci Abschutz, Barry Nathanson, and John Wolf.

Needless to say, I am undoubtedly leaving people off this short list—the dreaded sin of omission-and if you send me a note, I’ll be glad to give you an “honorable menschen” in the next Hakol.

But the bottom line is this: our little congregation is punching so far above its weight that it’s absolutely mind-boggling. We have such an outsized role in our community and in the regional and even national Jewish world. Judah Maccabee would be proud indeed. And I daresay that one of the reasons for this high level of engagement is the CBT community itself. Our devotion to Hashem and our devotion to the Jewish people, our devotion to the Jewish people and our devotion to all people, are generated and stimulated by what we do here. Ours is a kehillah kedoshah, a holy community, and the power of that holiness is having ripple effects all around us.

But the story does not end there. Because just as was the case in the time of the Maccabees, the first efforts, as praiseworthy as they may be, are meaningless if they don’t lead to yet more efforts. As much as we do, there is so much more to be done. Men’s Club, Sisterhood, Federation, JNF, Interfaith, civic engagement. Not to mention the leadership of our Congregation itself. The Maccabee’s battle cry was, “All who are for G-d, follow me!” And today we can say, “All who are for G-d and the Jewish people, follow the lead of our highly engaged members!” so that the lights of Chanukah will long endure.

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The birth of daughter, Elyse, followed in 1987, and the happy family has continued to grow with the marriage of Elyse to Dr. Robert Weiss and the birth of two grandchildren, Molly and Judah.

The Ross family has celebrated many simchas at B’nai Tikvah: Elyse was named, became a Bat Mitzvah, and celebrated her Shabbat Kallah in our sanctuary. Adrienne has served the congregation as Youth Chair, Board Member, Board Secretary, Vice President, and President. Andy has served as our Men’s Club Treasurer, a Board Member, and the synagogue’s Assistant Treasurer and Treasurer.

Check out th e g a la in s e r t in t h e m id d le o f t h is is s u e !

Adrienne and Andy’s philosophy vis-à-vis their involvement in congregational life: viz., "If I am only for myself, what am I?" and "You are not required to finish the work, yet neither are you permitted to desist from it".

Translating those rabbinic admonitions into action, Adrienne and Andy Ross always “live generously;” and they encourage CBT to “give us a call whenever help is needed.”

Adrienne and Andy Ross are worthy recipients of our gratitude; so ALL CBTers ARE ENCOURAGED TO TURN OUT IN GREAT NUMBERS ON FEBRUARY 22ND to honor them at NORTHERN LIGHTS, A GALA Raised in homes where synagogue CELEBRATION which is sure to be a funvolunteerism and leadership assumed filled, toe-tappingly exciting, delicious, and titanic proportions, they have followed suit auroral event! in their own lives. The Pirke Avot guide

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Counting Our Blessings

CANTOR’S CORNER

BY CANTOR BRUCE ROCKMAN

Sunday, December 15, B’nai Tikvah was at its best. It was just one day like many others, in which our spirits were lifted. L’dor Vador, from generation to generation, and our pride was justified. This day was extraordinary.

The day began at 9am, as 10 men and women joined Rabbi Wolkoff and me, praying at morning minyan, while at the same time our children and teachers were being greeted

by Ronit, our wonderful new religious school director, for a day of inspired learning and fun!

At 10:00, a group of religious school parents met with our VP of Ritual Activities to discuss their rising role in synagogue, expressing their aspirations and their vision. At that same time, a full spectrum of CBT women were exploring their role as true “Super Heroes”, with Stacey Rockmanmy Super Hero. G-d’s countenance was beaming!

The morning turned seamlessly into afternoon, for two more wonderful events. It was just about time for the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs to fill our parking lot with honorees, young and old, and their families and supporters, for a ceremony and a Classical Caterers (over-stuffed) feast, celebrating the standout efforts these volunteers make on behalf of Conservative congregations throughout the state of New Jersey. Of course, two of our own were honored, including the “Regional Man of the Year”, Steve Katz and Steve Chernela, CBT’s Man of the Year. May all of those who toil on behalf of the Jewish people, go from strength to strength.

The afternoon continued on the other side of the building with Morah Ronit and her committee of leading volunteers, in particular, Melissa Kessler, welcoming the community to B’nai Tikvah for the PJ Library Hanukkah Hoopla. It was a blast from the past and a vision into the future, as we greeted former students and their young children as well as a huge turnout of our newest and youngest families. Joy was transcendent; everybody was so happy, listening and dancing to live music, making Hanukkah crafts and noshing on donuts and other “healthy” snacks to their heart’s content!

What a wonderful day to experience. As the dust settled, Julio, our man of many talents, transformed the school wing to its natural Monday footprint and the caterer’s staff returned the synagogue wing to its pristine appearance. A little while later, at 7:30pm, a small group of us, many of whom had participated in the day’s varied activities, returned for minyan. Jeff Schwartz, who earlier basked in his role as grandfather, led the minyan, as Jeff usually does on Sunday evenings.

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CANTOR’S CORNER

BY CANTOR BRUCE ROCKMAN

We prayed to and affirmed G-d’s sovereignty, we prayed for peace and understanding, we prayed for those in need of healing, body and soul, we prayed for the return of the hostages and the safety of the soldiers, and to guard our coming and going and good judgement and we also prayed for G-d to remember our loved ones in heaven.

When you get to spend a day at B’nai Tikvah like this-you can be certain that G-d hears our prayers.

Worship the Lord with Gladness!

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PRESIDENTS’ PODIUM

BY RUTH ANNE KOENICK & MARTY ABSCHUTZ

It may seem like every time you check your email there’s a new notification from B’nai Tikvah.

Every week, there are so many amazing activities happening here, we want to make sure that everyone is aware of these events. At the same time, we work hard to keep our communications clear and consistent, while not overloading your inbox.

We are writing to clarify when and how the CBT office sends constant contact emails to you.

These are the following days that are 100% accounted for as follows: Tuesday (Rabbi Wolkoff's Lunch & Learn email is distributed) Thursday (Cantor sends his Shabbat email out & office sends out our weekly email announcement) Friday (Rabbi's prayer lesson is distributed) The day for a NEW CBT program Constant Contact to go out is either Sunday or Monday. The office requires at least 48 hours' (two business days) notice of a request for a NEW program email. Each program/initiative gets one stand-alone email as just outlined; the program/initiative will continue to be included in the weekly Thursday announcements. If it is a program, a further announcement will be included in the Sunday evening "What's Happening" email, if it is within two weeks of the program. Keep in mind that program announcements will be made from the bima during Friday night, Saturday morning and Sunday morning services, too.

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PRESIDENTS’ PODIUM [CONT’D FROM PAGE 11]

Also, at the discretion of the office, we do sometimes send another stand-alone email out. That may occur if we do not have many emails scheduled in a particular week. For example, we may do that for a Shabbat dinner, if the attendance numbers are down; sending second Constant Constant for the CBT Gala is the rare exception to the above.

All CBT groups are responsible for submitting their events on the website; either Kim or Lesley will review and publish your event once you do that. Please contact Lesley if you need help to submit your event. Your group must handle creating the wording for your Constant Contact, within the timeframe above (two business days before the Sunday or Monday you want your Constant Contact to be distributed).

Ok, to to sum up the schedule for Constant Contacts for CBT events is: NEW CBT-related Constant Contacts should go out Sunday or Monday (the office needs them in Constant Contact by the previous Thursday, if neither Thursday nor Friday is a holiday) Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday – no other Constant Contact emails go out On another note, anyone who submits an article to Hakol needs to keep to the 15th of the prior month deadline, e.g., January 15 for the February Hakol (unless the office gives other instructions). Finally, send all Hakol submissions to Lesley@bnaitikvah.org and Office@bnaitikvah.org. Danny’s role is to set up Hakol; he does not edit articles for publication.

As always please reach out to any member of the Board or Rabbi Wolkoff or Cantor Rockman or us with any suggestions or concerns on any other issues. We can be reached at President@bnaitikvah.org.

B’Shalom, Ruth Anne and Marty

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A Tribute to Rachel Ruchlin

GUEST COLUMN

BY JANIS CANDEUB HOFFMAN

I am especially pleased that I learned how to read Torah. I first started learning under Cantor Bruce Rockman with a group of congregants in the early 2000’s.

Our group was very much engaged in learning trope; identifying symbols and learning how to sing.

After a period of time, I was able to master Torah reading and was given assignments for shabbos.

On a particular Sunday, I was sitting in the synagogue office and met Rachel.

I was fortunate to speak with Rachel about her experiences in Torah reading. Rachel informed me that she was learning under Sam Rosenzweig whom many of us know is an expert. Rachel tremendously enjoyed learning under Sam. I informed Rachel that I was looking for someone to study with, prior to an assignment. Rachel readily agreed to work with me- we set up a telephone schedule; usually on Sundays. Rachel was a wonderful teacher. We often spoke about the content of what I was reading. Rachel had asked “Do you know what you are reading?” or “What does this word mean?” Rachel told me many times that she was instructed by Sam to sing like you are telling a story.

I was always pleased after I was finished with my reading on the bima and returning to my seat to see Rachel in the congregation giving me the “thumbs up”!!

For many years, Rachel and I shared the high holiday Rosh Hashana day number two assignments. Rachel sang for numerous holidays, including Tisha B’Av, reading Eicha.

Rachel was very knowledgeable and well versed in trope, including Spanish Portuguse.

It was always a delight to listen to Rachel when she read for one aliyah. How much more so when she read two or three aliyot. I admired Rachel’s confidence.

During our study sessions, Rachel spoke with me about her family- her daughter, Alyssa and son Eric. I was happy to hear Rachel speak enthusiastically about her family and their livelihoods. Rachel also spoke with me about her experiences living in Israel. She hoped to some day live in Israel permanently. Rachel had an invested interest in our B’nai Tikvah community. She had been involved in various committees. Because of her involvement, our synagogue has thrived.

Rachel is surely missed.

Janis Candeub Hoffman

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Reflections

TEACHER TIDBITS

BY RONIT BIVAS, DIR. OF EDUC.

On December 11th, I was honored to receive a certificate of recognition from The Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ as a representative of the Education Directors group.

Aside from my own speech, there were an array of speakers who were of various ages, both from within the Jewish community as well as from outside. These speakers spoke about Israel, safety in the community, antisemitism in the local schools and much more. It was an evening of hope and optimism.

All the speakers were fabulous and had amazing messages but what struck me most were the speeches of two young adults that resonated with me. They spoke of their own experiences they had with the help of the Jewish Federation. One young man spoke of his trip post October 7th to visit the concentration camps in Europe and then directly to Israel. A young lady was combatting antisemitism in her school and described what she was doing about it, and how she is helping other Jewish kids like herself who felt targeted and outnumbered.

As I was listening to their stories, I was thinking of the parallel to the story of Chanukah. A story of the struggle for religious freedom and survival, one of a victory of the lesser vs. the many.

These young adults reminded me of the Chanukah story and the candles which burn brighter every night, as they exemplify the light for our people.

The other thing that struck me about these young adults is the amount of pride they had in their Judaism. This young man did not have to travel to Israel during wartime and this young lady could have done nothing in her school and just endure the injustice. Instead, they brought their identity to the forefront of their lives and took action.

And this brings me full circle to the goal for our religious school students. We teach the students to learn to read Hebrew, how to pray, have knowledge about Jewish holidays, Israel and so much more. These are just a few examples of the pieces that make up the students’ Jewish puzzle. Jewish education, along with pieces the students receive from their family, helps them learn who they are, understand that they belong to something greater and to love their heritage and identity. Just as those young adults exemplified, it is my hope and wish that our students will learn to be proud Jews and a light for our people; keeping alive the flame of Jewish religion, culture, and peoplehood so that someday they can pass it on to the next generation.

Wishing you a Happy Chanukah and Happy and Healthy 2025!

Ronit Bivas

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On December 15th at CBT Steven Katz was celebrated as the NNJR Men’s Club Regional Man of the Year Thank you Steve Katz for your years of dedication and service to making our CBT Men’s Club successful.

Steve Chernela was honored as our CBT Men’s Club Man of the Year Steve Chernela has captured many memorable Men’s Club moments and we were happy to make some new ones together.

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 January 5th - Breakfast and Meeting February 9th - World Wide Wrap “Tefillin Tutorial” at minyan (breakfast following) March 2nd - Speaker: Sid Baumgarten (breakfast will be served) April 6th - TBD May 4th - TBD June 1st - TBD

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Come Create With Us! A pinch of patience A spoonful of laughter A dash of kindness And a heap of love Hoping to keep the momentum going after of our recent successful programs: Hummus and Havdalah, Paid-Up-Brunch and the Six13 concert, Sisterhood is excited to announce our January and February events. Please consider joining us for two special programs continuing the theme of deepening our friendships, while strengthening our connection to fundamental Jewish touchstones. We have our Havdalah candles to light up this dark world. Our besamim holders to breath some comforting spice into our souls. Now it’s time to perform one of the core women’s mitzvahs, baking challah and in doing so bring the delicious taste and smells of Shabbos into our souls.

By gathering just some modest ingredients, our hands, and our hearts, we can come together to nosh, mix, braid and bake our way to greater Jewish sisterhood.

Whether you’re a complete beginner, vaguely remember the process from your Bubbe’s kitchen years ago, or you can do a six braid with your eyes closed, this event is for you.

Refreshments will be provided. So please save the date: Sunday January 12th 2025 at 10am at CBT. A donation of feminine hygiene products to help local women in need would be appreciated. RSVP by December 29th to Jessica Marcus at JessicaRMarcus@gmail.com. No fee for Sisterhood members, and $18 for non (future) members.

Following in quick succession, in February we will be attempting what might be the first ever TuBishvat Bonsai Tree Making Event. We will get together to celebrate the birthday of the trees by potting, pruning and decorating your very own bonsai tree. Don’t be intimidated, it’s easy and fun and with minimal maintenance, could last a lifetime. It goes without saying that we’ll chat and snack and share some gardening stories (successes and failures) while we work. This event will be held at CBT on Sunday February 16th 2025 at 10am. RSVP by February 2nd to Jessica Marcus at JessicaRMarcus@gmail.com.

Please come hang out with us. Bring your joys, your troubles, your sense of humor, your wisdom, and your point of view. Share with us, nosh with us, listen and learn and create with us.

Jessica Marcus

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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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CBT Soci al Acti o Mak n ing a Diff eren ce

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PICKLEBALL

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Chaverim

Chaverim (60 plus) December 10, 2024. Friends enjoyed an eggplant parm lunch followed by an uplifting performance by guitarist/ singer Flip Peters of Carla V entertainment. Flip’s repertoire included Yiddish, Hebrew, Broadway and Big Band era tunes.

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RESULTS OF 2024 NEEDY FAMILY PROGRAM We recently completed our 23rd year running the “Needy Family Program”.

We continue to run a hybrid program- those who wanted to shop, shopped and those who didn’t made financial donations used to purchase gift cards and needed items. We were able to sponsor 18 families including one family from B’nai Tikvah!

Seventy-five congregant families and five non-congregant families participated in purchasing gifts or making monetary donations. We collected $10,699. Eighteen families were each given gift cards to Walmart, and three families (14 people) were given clothing for each person, plus towels, sheets, blankets, silverware, dishes, etc.

A little about the families we sponsored….

This year, what jumped out to me were the food insecurity issues these families are experiencing.One child goes up to children at lunch and asks if they are going to finish food as she would take it home for her family to eat.

A mother asked upon receiving the gift card if she could buy food with it. She stated her husband was laid off for three weeks and they were just discussing how they were going to feed their two children during winter break as they would not be receiving breakfast and lunch from the school.

This gift card to her represents the knowledge and relief that her children will not go without food for two weeks. Can you imagine…we are so blessed that we are able to help these people.

Another mother with her four sons fled a domestic violence situation and left with only the clothes on their backs. Through this program, we purchased clothing and winter coats and shoes for each family member. When given a gift card, she also asked if she could buy food with it and stated that she and her kids were not going to have food for Christmas and now she is going to make them a delicious meal. The mother asked if they could open the gifts before Christmas because they had minimal clothing. She reported the next day that all the children wore their new clothes to school and were so happy!

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[CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28] One high school senior lives with her mother and three year old sister. Her mother, who is the sole financial provider, was recently given a very serious diagnosis and has begun treatment.

The pressure this 17 year must deal with, taking care of her mom and sister while attending school is unimaginable. The mother called the social worker to thank us for our generosity and how it came at such a good time as she just had a very difficult chemo treatment and that this lifted her sprits.

Another family has two children; one is 15 years old, autistic, nonverbal and aggressive. He is in a special school on a half-day basis as he cannot handle a full day. Consequently, the mother cannot work as she needs to take care of him. The father works construction, and the work is not steady.This mother hysterically cried when she received the gifts. Prior to these gifts, she was cooking with 2 pans with broken handles and using old t-shirts for towels. They were also sleeping on the floor. We were able to find a full-size bed for the parents and 2 chairs for their “living room” from a congregant who was downsizing. Prior to receiving the chairs, the therapists who came to their house to treat the 15-year-old had no place to sit.

I can go on forever with stories… my heart broke this year more than ever because the need for food, a basic human right, has never been stronger. We are so very blessed that we have a community and family that support us. We are also blessed that we can help the less fortunate. I am beyond grateful for the continued support of our program from the B’nai Tikvah community. Please know that your contributions have made a significant difference in the lives of these people.

Please read Doris Cruz’s thank you letter [on the next page]. She is the social worker who has been working with us since the inception of the program. It truly expresses the impact we make.

As some of you may not know, we have begun collecting financial donations during the year for the Needy Family Program. Please know that this program helps all families in great need whether from B’nai Tikvah or from our surrounding community….Tikun Olam-Repairing the world. You can either send a check to the Congregation B’nai Tikvah and place “Needy Family” in the memo or you can go directly to the link https://bnaitikvah.org/family-in-need.

A special thanks to the Rabbi and Cantor for their complete support of this program. I can’t thank you all enough for participating in this program as it truly makes a difference in so many lives. Wishing you and your families a year filled with health, happiness, peace in Israel and the return of the hostages.

With much appreciation,

Janice Baer

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December 20, 2024 B’nai Tikvah 1001 Finnegans Lane North Brunswick, NJ 08902 Dear Congregants of B’nai Tikvah, Thank you so much for opening up your hearts to help families from New Brunswick who have great needs. In addition to providing some basic essential items, you have also given them a very important gift that will last a lifetime. The gift of hope that their lives and their challenging circumstances will improve.

This hope gives them strength and resilience to overcome many difficult obstacles in their lives including food insecurities, overcrowded inadequate housing, financial hardships, medical issues and loss. These families have experienced hardships such as a house fire, serious medical issues, violence and trauma, loss and family separations.

Your donations have helped many families throughout the years in profound ways. B’nai Tikvah congregants transcend cultural and religious barriers by helping others from different cultures and religions. The families who received the gifts and the gift cards became overwhelmed with tears of joy. They have never experienced such kindness and generosity before.

They specifically asked me to let you know how much this means to them and how this has improved their lives. These families will no longer need to take turns when eating because they will have enough silverware for all family members. They will have bath towels to dry themselves instead of using old t-shirts. They will sleep more comfortably at night with pillows and cozy blankets. They will stay warm outside using their weather appropriate clothing and jackets. The children will have toys to play with to aid in their childhood development. May your generosity be multiplied many times over. You all have made a lasting positive impact on all their lives. Many blessings to all of you for a happy and healthy New Year!

With much gratitude,

Doris Cruz Redshaw School Social Worker

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‫שנה טובה ומתוקה‬

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Member News

The congregation extends heartfelt condolences to: Eileen & Martin Zweig, on the passing of Eileen’s mother, Lorraine Kaufman Anne & Adrian Kroll on the passing of Anne’s mother Flora C. Cirillo Susan Pomerantz, on the passing of her beloved husband and our dear member, Norman Pomerantz May G-d comfort them among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem

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January 1st – NO religious School 1st – NO Rabbi’s L&L 5th – Religious School, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM 5th – Men’s Club, 10:00 AM 5th – JWLT, 10:00 AM 6th – CBT Board Meeting, 8:00 PM 8th – Rabbi Wolkoff’s Lunch & Learn, 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM 8th – Religious School, 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM 10th – Kabbalat Shabbat service and Oneg Shabbat, 8:00 PM 11th – JCFS, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM 11th – Tot Shabbat, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM 11th – Shabbat Lunch & Learn 12th – Religious School, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM 12th – Sisterhood Program, 10:00 AM

13th – Sisterhood Board Meeting, 8:00 PM 15th – Rabbi Wolkoff’s Lunch & Learn, 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM 17th – Shabbat Dinner, 6:30 PM 17th – Kabbalat Shabbat Services, 7:30 PM 19th – Religious School, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM 20th - CBT Office closed (MLK Day) 22nd – Religious School 23nd – EC Meeting, 8:00 PM 25th – JCFS, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM 26th - Religious School, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM 26th – Rabbi Brunch Lecture 26th – CBT/PJ Library Tu B’Shevat/Earth Day Event – 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM 29th – Rabbi Wolkoff’s Lunch & Learn, 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM 29th – Religious School, 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

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FUND FOCUS

BY MARC BINDER, TREASURER

Editor’s Note: This monthly column highlights one dedicated synagogue fund each month. We hope that you enjoy learning about the purpose and intent of each one!

Shabbat Together Fund Shabbat Together Fund

Have you attended one of CBT’s Monthly Shabbat Dinners yet? You have? Great!

If you have not, now is the time to check out this fun-filled and yummy experience. This dinner series, put on by WAM (Ways & Means, Activities & Membership), has become a truly wonderful experience, bonding together many generations of CBTers - those with young children and those with grandchildren, our founding members with our newest members, and everyone in between.

The Shabbat Together Fund helps to offset expenses for these dinners, allowing us to charge a reasonable rate for all attendees. To sustain this beautiful tradition of breaking bread as a diverse community, we encourage you to become a donor to this fund.

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DONATIONS

DONATIONS RECEIVED NOVEMBER 15TH THROUGH DECEMBER 15TH, 2024

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Abbey Lorber, in memory of Sam Kahn Mindy & Marty Angstreich, in memory of Stephen Coopersmith Lou & Audrey Flumen, in memory of Irving and Helen Flumenbaum Sheila Friedlander, in memory of Max Rubenstein Gary Horowitz & Sarah Cooper, in memory of Murray Horowitz The Juro Family, in memory of Evan Juro Irina Irgon, in memory of Thelma Irgon

EXPERT ADVICE

Cantor’s Special Fund Myra Dickert, in appreciation of officiating at the funeral of Howard Dickert Mindy & Marty Angstreich, in memory of Stephen Coopersmith Lou & Audrey Flumen, in memory of Irving and Helen Flumenbaum LouAnne & John Wolf, in memory of Norman Pomerantz Lisa & Jeff Tannenbaum, in memory of Myron Tannenbaum Irina Irgon, in memory of Thelma Irgon

Safety and Security Fund Carole & Bob Turkheimer, in memory of beloved aunt, May Scherz Ruth Ann Koenick & Paul Herman, in memory of Eileen Zweig’s mother, Lorraine Kaufman Marci & Marty Abschutz, in memory of Eileen Zweig’s mother, Lorraine Kaufman Ronnie & Jerry Levine, in memory of Eileen Zweig’s mother, Lorraine Kaufman

(Continued)

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DONATIONS Yahrzeit and Tzedakah Fund Debbie Stein-Lamoreaux & Jeff Lamoreaux, in memory of Sherry Stein Irina Irgon, in memory of Anne Irgo Irina Irgon, in memory of Joseph Irgon Nila & David Mason, in memory of Gertrude Shapiro Joyce & Joel Gerbman, in memory of George Weinstein Beverly Reimer-Mazzaro, in memory of Harold Reimer Myra Dickert, in memory of Mildred Brody Myra Dickert, in memory of Norman Dickert Daniel & Irene Goldman, in memory of Daniel’s mother, Aliza Goldman Irene & Daniel Goldman, in memory of Irene’s stepfather, Jack Birkenthal Amy & Mitchell Schreck, in memory of Marlene Rautenberg Nila & David Mason, in memory of Milton Mason Marvin Stark, in memory of his mother, Esther Stark Marvin Stark, in memory of Betty Stark’s father, Louis Golden

EXPERT General Fund ADVICE Linda Fellen & Ben Gottesman, Mazel Tov to Marcia & Barry Nathanson, on the birth of their grandsons, Asher & Nathan Cahana Linda Fellen & Ben Gottesman, Mazel Tov to Brenda & Mark Sherman, on the birth of their grandson, Archer Jersey Sherman Dorothy & Larry Cohen, Mazel Tov to Brenda & Mark Sherman on the birth of their grandson, Archer Jersey Sherman Michael Hitchcoff Joyce & Joel Gerbman, in memory of Bobby Bergman Joyce & Joel Gerbman, in memory of Howard Dickert Joyce & Joel Gerbman, in memory of Harvey Abramson Arnie Miller Youth Activity Fund Susan Miller, in loving memory of her parents, Harry and Dora Schildkraut Susan Miller, in loving memory of her father-in-law, Morris Miller (Continued)

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DONATIONS Shabbat Together Marci & Marty Abschutz, in loving memory of Yvette Abschutz Hayley, Alan, Jordana & Matthew Migdal, in honor of Marc Dillman’s 80th Birthday Ruth-Ann Breitler Bikur Cholim Fund Irina Irgon, in memory of Ruth-Ann Breitler Bonnie & Woody Stevens, in honor of Laura Waksman, with their deepest appreciation for all her kindness Bonnie & Woody Stevens, in honor of Stacey Rockman, with their deepest appreciation for all her kindness Shomrei Tikvah Fund Lisa & Jeff Tannenbaum, Mazel Tov to Brenda & Mark Sherman on the birth of their grandson, Archer Jersey Flora Cowen, in honor of Marc Dillman’s 80th Birthday Bobbi & Marc Binder, in memory of Elaine Cohn Irina Irgon, in memory of Adam Irgon

EXPERT ADVICE

L’dor Vador Fund Cindy & David Teicher, Mazel Tov to Brenda & Mark Sherman on the birth of their grandson, Archer Jersey Brenda & Mark Sherman, Happy Birthday to David Teicher Passport to Israel Fund Joyce & Leonard Mandelblatt, in memory of David Mandelblatt Mark Kasdin Memorial Fund Maxine Kasdin, in memory of Ann Kernis

(Continued)

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DONATIONS Shabbat Luncheon Fund Dorothy & Larry Cohen, in honor of the anniversary of Gary Ehrlich’s Bar Mitzvah Adrienne & Andy Ross, in memory of Eileen Zweig’s mother, Lorraine Kaufman Susan Miller, Mazel Tov to Lynn & Arthur Biderman on the engagement of their son, Matthew, to Genia Pultorak Adrienne & Andy Ross, in memory of Norman Pomerantz Adrienne & Andy Ross, in honor of the wedding of Lois Shulman-Kaminsky and Jerry Kaminsky’s son, Dustin Jodi Wexler Marcou Social Action Fund Lisa & Richard Seidman, in memory of Howard Dickert Ruth Appel, in memory of Herman Klein Jill Stone, Mazel Tov to Lynn & Arthur Biderman on the engagement of their son, Matthew, to Genia Pultorak

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 Men’s Club Susan Miller, in honor of Steve Katz being named Regional Man of the Year Michael Greenfield, in honor of his good friend, Steve Katz, being named Regional Man of the Year

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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SIX13 CONCERT - A HUGE SUCCESS

BY BOBBI BINDER

A few months ago, I wrote an article about the collaboration between B’nai Tikvah and EBJC to cosponsor the group Six13. That article explained how this event came together. Here is part two of that article! As December 8 th quickly approached, our committee saw the ticket sales soar. We were nearing a comfortable capacity for the room. We decided to cut sales off online and not offer any tickets at the door.

All the planning was complete – now we needed to put it all into action for the concert. A few of us arrived very early to take care of the final set up for the event. Then the swarm of volunteers arrived. I was overwhelmed at the amount of people who stepped up. Thanks to: Marty and Marci Abschutz, Larry and Dot Cohen, Teresa Samtur, Marc and Gale Dillman, Steve and Rene Juro, Barry Nathanson, Gordon and Meryl Heit, Neal and Cindy Gittleman, and Marc Binder (I certainly hope I didn’t forget anyone and if I did, let me know, that means you read this article so feel free to call me out!)

The sanctuary was filled. I had never seen this group in person – I was beyond pleasantly surprised by how great they were. I am now a true fan of Six13! Their music was fun and upbeat, easy to listen to and creative. People got up to dance around the sanctuary and there was a lot of dancing going on in the back throughout the show. A highlight for all was when the group had some children come up and learn beatboxing. The concert ended with any child who wanted to join the group on stage to join them and sing a song (words were printed in the program).

For me, the highlight was when the group premiered their newest Hanukah song to the tunes of Wicked (I recorded it but promised not to post until they officially launched). We offered water at the intermission, for free. There was a container for donations. We collected $131.00 which will all go to Jewish Family Services for their food pantry.

My takeaway from this experience – we really are one community. We came together, negotiated our way through to make this happen (close to 6 months in the making). For a few hours, we were not separated by township lines, we were people coming together to celebrate our Judaism through the universal language of music! We all left feeling happy, energized and talking about future collaborations.

MORE PIX ON BACK COVER

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SIX13 Concert

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.