Congratulations! For some of you, this is old news Others may have just joined – welcome!
There are many reasons why people join a synagogue. For some, it’s to be able to attend High Holiday services, recite Yizkor during Yom Kippur and/or get support during life cycles.
For others, synagogue life means having children enrolled in religious school, going on hikes, attending synagogue Shabbat dinners, to name a few!
To see all of the many activities that are offered, you can log onto our website and check them out
B’nai Tikvah’s Buddy program is a way for you get (more) involved!
Here is how it works:
There are two types of Buddies. Those who reach out to members and those who are reached out to.
Continued on Page 8
I’m lonely—I’ll make me a world
And G-d stepped out on space, And he looked around and said:
I’m lonely
I’ll make me a world.
James Weldon Johnson
FROM THE RABBI
BY RABBI ROBERT L. WOLKOFF
Rosh Hashanah, the New Year, is fast approaching. It is a time of new beginnings and renewed hopes. To facilitate the adjustments we must make in our lives in order to chart a new path after all, if nothing changes, nothing changes it is preceeded by an entire month of introspection.
This is the month of Elul It is a time for us to look deeply into our hearts and ask, “Can I not do better than I have done before?” We might think of this time as tortuous, beating up on ourselves for our failures. But the Rabbis had a different view, one which goes hand in hand with the Johnson poem cited above. Elul, they explained, is spelled aleph lamed vav lamed and this in turn is an acronym for “Ani L’dodi V’dodi Li” “I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine.” In other words, we seek to improve not because we fear condemnation, but rather as a gift to our Divine beloved, Who created us in the first place to assuage His/Her loneliness.
Isn’t that an exquisite thought? If you wanted to know what we are supposed to do with our lives, you could do a lot worse than saying, “I am in a courtship with the Divine. Just as I want to be my very best self for my spouse, so too should I seek to be my very best self for my Creator. In enhancing my love for the Creator, I will learn to show more love to my spouse. And, vice versa, the more eloquently I learn to express love for my spouse, the more I will be able to experience the Divine embrace.
[CONTINUED ON PAGE 8]
With Gladness!
FROM THE CANTOR
BY CANTOR BRUCE ROCKMAN
Each year as we enter our holiday season we are reminded to assess the year that will soon retreat into our memories. We think about our wins and our painful losses, happy times and the bitter days-As difficult as some of the still unfolding events continue to be, we still count our blessings, I know I do and I’m sure you do as well.
For all of the years that I have been contributing to Hakol, I’ve concluded my essay with a version of a phrase from Psalm 100- Worship Adonai with gladness-with joyous song!
I’m sure that you’ve realized by this point that my outlook on life is pretty positive, and I try to bring a smile and an upbeat approach to each day. And, it is no secret that I receive my inspiration through the celebration of Judaism. What I know about Judaism is that it informs who I am and what I can do to make ours a better world. Judaism provides me and you with a reservoir of possibilities.
Besides G-d and the certainty of the love of my family, there is at least one other thing that I’m sure of-I have a lot to learn-it is overwhelming to admit that I need to keep learning; reading is hard for me, yet I must. Since my earliest days at Hillel Academy (of blessed memory) in Perth Amboy to now, I struggle when I have a lot to read, yet I am enriched, empowered and imbued with beauty and infinite possibilities.
When we become b’nai mitzvah we are reminded that this is the beginning of a new chapter in our Jewish journey-I think this becomes more evident when we become parents or are searching for community. So many of us hibernate from Jewish engagement during long periods of our lives, we depend on life itself to inspire us or the modest knowledge that we have learned when we were young
[CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3]
I became the cantor at B’nai Tikvah after I made a good impression on a number of members of the congregation by preparing their children for b’nai mitzvah-a skill which I began to develop during my college years. I returned to teaching more than 20 years later with a great deal of life experience under my belt and a new appreciation of how Judaism had sustained me through my journey. I was ready to share my passion.
We at B’nai Tikvah are experiencing a period of innovation. The Conservative movement’s motto is “Tradition & Change”- a really difficult balancing act. What it really means is that we are under a big tent and that we are willing and open to discuss the push and pull of modern circumstance.
My opinion is that we all need a push to uplift and renew our engagement within Judaism. With this in mind, I would like to offer anyone in our B’nai Tikvah family to renew your Jewish experience with
“Adult B’nai Mitzvah Our Way”
This is an opportunity for you to confirm or reassess your previous experience. You can learn new skills, redo your original b’nai mitzvah - reflect on your Jewish journey while attempting to make ours a better world through acts of Chessed - Loving Kindness.
Let this be the time that we increase our commitment, and love of Judaism by celebrating the joy of doing mitzvoth and Shabbat with our families and friends Ivdu et Hashem b’simcha Worship Adonai with Joy & Gladness!
Cantor Bruce Rockman,
Please contact me, to discuss your exciting and meaningful journey.
cantor@bnaitikvah.org 732-297-0696 x115
PRESIDENTS’ CORNER
BY RUTH ANNE KOENICK & MARTY ABSCHUTZ
Welcome to September!
While we are used to celebrating the High Holy Days in September, this year they start in October. So, rather than focusing just on the new year, there are a few things we would like to talk about.
As you know, Marty Abschutz and Ruth Anne Koenick (us) are the new, (well) notso-new, Co-Presidents. We really enjoy working together and focusing on our love of Congregation B’nai Tikvah. Several people have asked me, Ruth Anne, if I had to be coerced to become president yet again. My answer is always the same. B’nai Tikvah has done so much for me, that when I was asked to become co-President, I only had to think about it for a split second. I know that Marty felt the same way.
AboutUs
We want to ameliorate any feelings or any other concerns that you may have. Please reach out to either of us with any such concerns or questions at president@bnaitikvah.org.
You will hear a lot more about the Strategic Planning Committee when we talk to you on Yom Kippur Charlie Valan created the Strategic Planning Committee, which is now led by Mitch Frumkin (former President) and Diana Avena (current Board member).
As we move on, the two of us are honored to serve Congregation B’nai Tikvah. We will always have the best interests of Congregation B’nai Tikvah in our thoughts and work.
The current month, Elul, is the Jewish month of reconciliation, forgiveness and introspection that takes place before Rosh Hashanah.
Wishing all of you a sweet New Year and one filled with good health and happiness. Ruth Anne and Marty
This idea is so important that it is enshrined in Baruch She’amar, a prayer we recite every day before we offer our praises to G-d. “Blessed be the One Who shows compassion to the world, blessed be the One who shows compassion to His/Her creations ” So perhaps, to keep things simple, we could suggest that this Elul, let us all work on increasing our compassion for the people around us In seeking to end G-d’s loneliness, and our own, we can be guided by the insight of the Beatles: “And in the end, the love we take is equal to the love we make.”
Wishing you a meaningful and enriching Elul,
Rabbi Robert L.
Wolkoff
PS: With a New Year comes a new array of learning opportunities. My Wednesday Lunch and Learn will begin on Sept. 4, and we will be discussing the deep wisdom of the Book of Proverbs. On Sept. 22, I will host my first Sunday brunch where we will discuss the Jewish perspective on death and mourning. I look forward to seeing you there.
For those interested in being a Reaching Out Buddy: You will be given one or two families/individuals to contact throughout the year This would be personal contact, NOT EMAIL. A phone call, a text message, whatever you and your recipient(s) decide works best. As programs, services, etc. come up on the calendar, you will reach out to your buddy(ies) to remind them of the event. You don’t necessarily have to attend yourself (although it would be nice!). You may request someone close to your age or not.
For those interested in being a Receiving Buddy: Your job is to accept the phone call/text message! Can’t be any easier than that. It would be great if you could even let your buddy know that you are attending, but that’s not a deal breaker. We hope that a more personalized invitation will help encourage you to attend our events and services. You can ask that your buddy be someone around your age or not.
To become part of this program, please log onto the website and sign up! YOU are a member of Congregation B’nai Tikvah! WE are all part of the same community. Be a buddy – make connections. Because at B’nai Tikvah – WE CAN!!
CBT Sisterhood is excited to kick off the year with an opportunity for crafting and kibbitzing during our opening event: ‘Hummus and Havdalah Crafts.’ We would love you to join us on Sunday, September 29, as we spend time together before the High Holidays to catch up with old friends, meet some new friends and maybe even see a completely new face or two.
We’ll enjoy a yummy hummus and salads nosh while braiding Havdalah Candles and glass etching besamim (spice) containers to elevate our Havdalah practices, or maybe learn a little about the practice if you are new to it. Please join us for a casual, creative catch-up together. Details will be forthcoming.
Strategic
by Diana Schimmel Avena
Our Vision for a Thriving Community
In five years, we envision Congregation Bnai Tikvah as the heart of the North and South Brunswick Jewish community. We aspire to be a place where Jews of all ages actively choose to come together, engage with purpose, and have their diverse needs met within the context of a connected Jewish community. Our goal is to foster a dynamic center where individuals and families find deep meaning and purpose in their Jewish journey, celebrating tradition while embracing innovation and growth.
Thriving means that everyone becomes an integral part of our community fabric. We want our synagogue to not only sustain itself but also actively contribute to the growth and vitality of the broader community. By fostering intergenerational connections, providing enriching experiences, and energizing our congregation, we aim to create a self-sustaining and vibrant Jewish community that reflects our shared values and aspirations.
Planning
& Mitch Frumkin
events that foster community togetherness for families with children aged 0-13. Jewish Rituals & Spiritual Connections: This subgroup offers pathways for meaningful engagement through traditional acts of prayer, study, meditation, and connection with nature and people, nurturing the spiritual well-being of our congregation. 4.
Your Involvement is Key
We are excited about the future, but we know that achieving our vision requires the involvement of our entire community. We invite all members to join us in this important work Whether you are passionate about education, social activities, supporting young families, or deepening spiritual connections, there is a place for you in this effort.
Together, we can build a more vibrant and engaged congregation. Please reach out to join one of our subgroups or to share your ideas with us. Your voice matters, and with your help, we can make our vision a reality.
Let’s come together to build a thriving future for Congregation B’nai Tikvah.
Social Action
Laura Waksman, Chair
Menschen Mention
Todah Rabah to Gordon Heit, Carol Eisenberg, Jay Scheuer, Nessa, Isaiah and Jean Madison, Marlene Buckwald, Rochelle Rosen, Bonnie Stevens and Shelly Wistreich for helping fellow congregants with errands, delivering our food pantry collections to JFS, packing school supplies for JFS Women’s Center families, and volunteering at Chaverim. No time volunteering is too short, no act of kindness too small.
Social Action continues to collect nonperishable food for the JFS Kosher Food Pantry year-round and deliver it to JFS North Brunswick. You may drop off your donations in the wicker trunk down the hall from the office or bring them to JFS at 219C Blackhorse Lane- right near CBT! Suggestions for kids’ lunches as the school year approaches: plastic fruit cups without syrup, crackers with peanut butter packs, tuna, granola bars.
SAVE THE DATE
CHAVERIM: (ages 60 plus) September 24 th 12-2 at CBT. Catered kosher lunch will be served and we will welcome Sarina Roffe who will present From Aleppo to Brooklyn: The Jews of Syria. Sarina Roffé is a professional genealogist, editor of the journal DOROT, and founder of the Sephardic Heritage Project. She is the author of Branching Out From Sepharad (Sephardic Heritage Project, 2017), which outlines the history of Jews in Spain, the 1492 expulsion, their history in Syria, and their immigration to the Americas She is Co-Chair of the Brooklyn Jewish Historical Initiative, and Chair of the JewishGen Sephardic Research Division. Sarina holds a BA in Journalism from University of Maryland, an MA in Jewish Studies from Touro College and an MBA from Empire College with a Certificate in Nonprofit Management. RSVP to Laurawaksman@gmail.com by Sept 20th.
JFS NEEDS YOU!
Help! Kosher Meals on Wheels Drivers Needed
We’re looking for volunteers to deliver meals to our homebound seniors on Mondays for the following routes:
East Brunswick-B route
Edison/Metuchen route
If you are able to make an ongoing weekly commitment to deliver to either one of these routes, please email michelleb@jfsmiddlesex.org or call 732-7771940 for more information Thank you – this is a rewarding experience for all involved.
Lunch with Friends Seeks Volunteers
Want to help our seniors enjoy a nutritious kosher meal with friends? Sign up to volunteer as a program aide:
Highland Park: Mondays or Wednesdays, 11:00am - 12:30pm, and Fridays, 8:45 - 9:45am
JFS Monroe: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Please call 732-777-1940 ext 1157 if you are available to help Thank you!
If you have ideas for a project for a cause about which you are passionate, please share it with me.
Picture Corner
Welcome New Members:
Adina Schwartz and Jessica Simpson and their children, Raphael and Nessa
Marina and Tim Gu, and their children Adina and Yael
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 !!!
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 Men’s Club to a breakfast or pay on the website.
We will have a breakfast meeting at 9:45 in the gym - unless otherwise noted.
Sunday September 8th
Sunday October 6th
Sunday November 3rd
Sunday December 1st
Sunday January 5th
Sunday February 9th + World Wide Wrap Event
Sunday March 2nd
Sunday April 5th
Sunday May 4th
Sunday June 1st
Tuesday October 22nd - mens club paid-up dues dinner in the sukkah. (details to follow)
CBT Men’s Club Membership is only $36 and you can be a part of our wonderful organization and receive all of our benefits throughout the year.
If you have any questions or ideas about events or volunteer opportunities for the Men’s Club please contact Brian Berness or Craig Cohen.
15 – PJ Library/CBT High Holiday Program at Eagles Landing Day Camp – 2-3:30pm
16 – Sisterhood Board Meeting, 8pm
18 – Rabbi Lunch & Learn, 12pm
18 – Religious School, 4:30-6:30pm
22 – Religious School 9am-12pm
22 – Teen Mitzvah Corp, 10:30am
22 – Rabbi Brunch Lecture, 10am
25 – Rabbi Lunch & Learn, 12pm
25 – Religious School, 4:30-6:30pm
26 – EC Meeting, 8pm
28 – Selichot Services and Program – 9pm
29 – Religious School (High Holiday Experience) - 9am-12pm
29 – Sisterhood Opening Program, 10am
Member News
The congregation wishes a hearty Mazal Tov to:
David Marcou, on the birth of his granddaughter, Sienna Jodi Vanier
Arline and Alan Kane, on the birth of their granddaughter, Eliana Ruth Holmberg
The congregation extends heartfelt condolences to:
Paul and Allyson Weintraub and family on the loss of Paul’s father, Lester Weintraub
Cheryl and Moshe Attas and family, on the loss of Cheryl’s sister, Michelle Toni Fitzer
Sima and Stuart Brokowsky and family, on the loss of Sima’s mother, Janet Rotmensch
Correction to last month:
The Congregation extends heartfelt condolences to Steve & Cynthia Lebowitz, on the passing of Steve’s brother and our dear member, Wade Lebowitz
May G-d comfort them among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem
CBT Book Club
The CBT Book Club has been part of B'nai Tikvah for over 20 years. Meetings are every other month.The next meeting is October 15th, we will be discussing The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. Our gatherings are casual and all are welcome. For additional information contact Lynn Biderman.
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.
Abbey Lorber, in memory of Louise Kahn
Steven Mark, in memory of Ronnie Joan Mark
Cantor’s Special Fund
Rose & Jeff Berger, in honor of Bashe Rockman making Aliyah
Susan Miller, in honor of Bashe Rockman making Aliyah
EXPERT ADVICE
Terri & Alan Woller & Family, in appreciation to Cantor Rockman for his support
Irit Harchol, in memory of Chanan Weiner
Irwin Kalet, in memory of Minnie Imber
Ellie & Bill Greenberg, in memory of Joseph Krause
Jodi Wexler Marcou Social Action Fund
Marci & Marty Abschutz, in memory of Wade Lebowitz
Marcia & Barry Nathanson, Mazel Tov to Susan & Darryl Gurney, on the birth of their granddaughter, Leah Rose Firestone
Marcia & Barry Nathanson, Mazel Tov to Caryl & Danny Greenberg on the marriage of their son, Joshua to Taylor Mayhall
Lauren & Andrew Cohen, in memory of Marjorie Spindel
Ruth Anne Koenick & Paul Herman, in memory of Wade Lebowitz
The Rekant Family, in honor of Bashe Rockman making Aliyah
The Rekant Family, in memory of Rebecca Slotoroff
Lisa & Richard Seidman, in memory of Lynn Biderman’s brother, Richard Goldberg
Lisa & Richard Seidman, Mazel Tov to Leslie & Steve Dickert on the engagement of their son, Craig
Michael Greenfield, in honor of Alan Kane, for his computer help
Lauren & Andrew Cohen
David Marcou, Mazel Tov to Alysa & JP, and celebrating the birth of his granddaughter, Sienna Jodi Vanier
Yahrzeit and Tzedakah Fund
The Kessler Family, in memory of Bessie Goldman
Steven Mark, in memory of Ronnie Mark
Nila & David Mason, in memory of Archie Shapiro
Andrea & Steven Katz, in memory of Martin Eugene Sklar
Bonnie & Woody Stevens, in memory of Bonnie’s father, Jules Groudan
Joseph M. Spindel, in memory of Marjorie Spindel
Geri Mandell, in memory of Gary Mandell
Sharon & James Decker, in memory of Sharon’s father, Solomon Lerner
Ann Gold, in memory of Nathan Merker
Ann Gold, in memory of Lilyan Adler Abse
Mitchell & Amy Schreck, in memory of Warren Schreck
Myra & Howard Dickert, in memory of Abraham Brody
Maxine, Irwin, Allie & Dani Nudelman, in memory of Ida Nudelman
Marcia & Gary Wesalo, in memory of Israel Bloom
Andrea, Steven, Matthew & Melissa Katz, in memory of Frank Katz
Caryl & Dave Distel, in memory of Selma Rosenberg
Janice & Barry Kipnis, in memory of Lila Bork
Safety and Security Fund
Gale & Marc Dillman, in memory of Saul Buchbinder
Martin & Eileen Zweig, in memory of Teddy Zweig
ADVICE
Carole & Bob Turkheimer, in memory of their dear father, Morris Norack
Janet Weiss, Mazel Tov to Arline & Alan Kane, on the birth of their granddaughter, Eliana Ruth Holmberg
Ruth-Ann Breitler Bikur Cholim Fund
Ruth Appel, in memory of her mother, Tillie Klein
Ruth Appel, in memory of Lynn Biderman’s brother, Richard Goldberg
Jessica & Ono Prinzivalli, in memory of Paul Weintraub’s father, Lester Weintraub
Sheila Farber, in memory of her sister, Phyllis Perla
Joyce & Leonard Mandelblatt, in memory of Isadore Mandelblatt
CarolAnn & Michael Harkavy, in memory of Marcia Baron
Marci & Marty Abschutz
Shomrei Tikvah Fund
The Krane Family, in memory of Sidney Krane
Brenda & Mark Sherman, in memory of Terri Woller’s mother, Ruth Gitlen
Brenda & Mark Sherman, Mazel Tov to Arline & Alan Kane on the birth of their granddaughter Eliana Ruth Holmberg
General Fund
Howard & Cheryl Hoffman, in memory of Myra Hoffman
Howard & Cheryl Hoffman, in memory of Larry Hoffman
Marcia & Gary Wesalo, Best Wishes to Bashe Rockman on making Aliyah
Arnie Miller Youth Activity Fund
Phyllis Horlick, in memory of Anna Horlick
Phyllis Horlick, in memory of Lazarus (Larry) Evenchick
Susan Miller, in memory of Paul Weintraub’s father, Lester Weintraub
Shiva Fund
Terri & Alan Woller & Family, in appreciation to the Shiva minyan leaders for leading services for Terri’s mother, Ruth Gitlen
Ritual Fund
Debra & Stu Allen, in memory of Terri Woller’s mother, Ruth Gitlen
Allen Karp Fund for Music
Ilene Karp, in honor of Bashe Rockman making Aliyah
Shabbat Luncheon Fund
Cheryl & Myron Asnis, in memory of Lynn Biderman’s brother, Richard Daniel Goldberg
Adrienne & Andy Ross, in memory of Wade Lebowitz
Jessica & Liz Marcus, in memory of Wade Lebowitz
Marci & Marty Abschutz, in loving memory of Dora Capon
Barbra & Bruce London, in memory of Charlotte Simon
Cheryl & Myron Asnis, in memory of Cheryl Attas’ sister, Michelle Toni Fitzer
Adrienne & Andy Ross, in memory of Andy’s mother, Eleanor Ross
Adrienne & Andy Ross, in memory of Andy’s father, Jerome Ross
Adrienne & Andy Ross, in memory of Adrienne’s grandmother, Augusta Spigelman
Adrienne & Andy Ross, in memory of Cheryl Attas’ sister, Michelle Toni Fitzer
Adrienne & Andy Ross, in honor of the birth of Arline & Alan Kane’s granddaughter, Eliana Ruth Holmberg
Laura & Howard Waksman, in honor of Charlie Valan – a mensch
Religious School Fund
Jessica & Liz Marcus, in memory of Anna Dubbins
Sons of Tikvah Fund
Dot & Larry Cohen, in memory of Michael Miktus
L’dor Vador Fund
David Teicher, in memory of Claire Teicher
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 submit for 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).
