The Bulletin of Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel, South Orange
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MAY, 2013/IYAR-SIVAN, 5773 The President’s Point of View When Ellen and I joined TSTI 20 years ago we were soon introduced to the very young Junior Rabbi, Daniel Cohen. Ellen and I had the same first impression…”he is wise beyond his years.” As the years passed our family was privileged to have Rabbi Cohen officiate at the Bar and Bat Mitzvah of Brad and Dara; he helped us through the difficult times when my mother and mother –in law passed away in 1996. He shared our joy when my father in law remarried, and most recently, in 2011, when Brad married the beautiful Stephenie. The Rice family was further blessed to share an amazing trip to Israel in 2005 led by Rabbi Cohen. That trip was an incredible learning experience and all of us who went created bonds that will last a lifetime. These experiences are the types of experienc- es that all temple families are privileged to have- because Rabbi Cohen is our spiritual leader. But I have had the unique experience of seeing Rabbi Cohen up close, almost on a day to day basis. I have served Temple in a number of different positions of leadership over the last 15 years, including many years on the Board of Trustees and four years as President of the Gates of Israel Foundation. But none of these experiences provided me with the insight to Rabbi Cohen that I now have after two years as Temple President. The Rabbi and I communicate almost daily and meet virtually every week. What I have seen is a spiritual leader who cares about each and every aspect of Temple life, and each and every temple family. On any given day, the Rabbi may officiate at a funeral, visit a temple member in a hospital, provide counsel to a family in need, lead a staff meeting, attend a Board meet- ing, and then teach a class of eager teenagers. How he is able to handle the emotional roller coaster is beyond me. If I were forced to provide just one example of the essence of our Rabbi, I would talk about the events marking the Rabbi’s 20 years at TSTI. When I brought the subject up to the Rabbi, he demurred. He did not want any fancy dinners or special services and he would have been happy to have the anniversary pass without notice. It was only when we began to speak about the possibility of using the event as an opportunity to create an Endowment for Jewish Education that his interest was piqued and he came on board. The truth is that our Rabbi is committed fully to TSTI and ev- erything he does is an attempt to make it a better. Not all ideas succeed but Rabbi Cohen is committed to trying. He is commit- ted to the beauty and creativity of our services, to Israel, to a “greener” world; to our neighbors in need; to the acceptance of diversity within the Jewish world, and to making TSTI a home for all regardless of one’s financial condition….. all these prac- tices have been led by Rabbi Cohen. Being Temple President comes with many responsibilities, but also many benefits. For me, there has been no greater benefit than having Rabbi Cohen as my friend and partner. Twenty years at TSTI! The Rabbi should be congratulated, but in truth, it is we, the membership, who should be congratulated. We are the lucky ones to have had this great man as our leader. Because it is still true today -- he is wise beyond his years. In this issue: CELEBRATING RABBI DANIEL COHEN’S 20 YEARS AT TSTI
Transcript
MAY, 2013/IYAR-SIVAN, 5773
The President’s Point of View
When Ellen and I joined TSTI 20 years ago we were soon introduced to the very young Junior Rabbi, Daniel Cohen. Ellen and I had the same first impression…”he is wise beyond his years.” As the years passed our family was privileged to have Rabbi Cohen officiate at the Bar and Bat Mitzvah of Brad and Dara; he helped us
through the difficult times when my mother and mother –in law passed away in 1996. He shared our joy when my father in law remarried, and most recently, in 2011, when Brad married the beautiful Stephenie.
The Rice family was further blessed to share an amazing trip to Israel in 2005 led by Rabbi Cohen. That trip was an incredible learning experience and all of us who went created bonds that will last a lifetime. These experiences are the types of experienc-es that all temple families are privileged to have- because Rabbi Cohen is our spiritual leader.
But I have had the unique experience of seeing Rabbi Cohen up close, almost on a day to day basis. I have served Temple in a number of different positions of leadership over the last 15 years, including many years on the Board of Trustees and four years as President of the Gates of Israel Foundation. But none of these experiences provided me with the insight to Rabbi Cohen that I now have after two years as Temple President.
The Rabbi and I communicate almost daily and meet virtually every week. What I have seen is a spiritual leader who cares about each and every aspect of Temple life, and each and every temple family. On any given day, the Rabbi may officiate at a
funeral, visit a temple member in a hospital, provide counsel to a family in need, lead a staff meeting, attend a Board meet-ing, and then teach a class of eager teenagers. How he is able to handle the emotional roller coaster is beyond me.
If I were forced to provide just one example of the essence of our Rabbi, I would talk about the events marking the Rabbi’s 20 years at TSTI. When I brought the subject up to the Rabbi, he demurred. He did not want any fancy dinners or special services and he would have been happy to have the anniversary pass without notice. It was only when we began to speak about the possibility of using the event as an opportunity to create an Endowment for Jewish Education that his interest was piqued and he came on board.
The truth is that our Rabbi is committed fully to TSTI and ev-erything he does is an attempt to make it a better. Not all ideas succeed but Rabbi Cohen is committed to trying. He is commit-ted to the beauty and creativity of our services, to Israel, to a “greener” world; to our neighbors in need; to the acceptance of diversity within the Jewish world, and to making TSTI a home for all regardless of one’s financial condition….. all these prac-tices have been led by Rabbi Cohen.
Being Temple President comes with many responsibilities, but also many benefits. For me, there has been no greater benefit than having Rabbi Cohen as my friend and partner. Twenty years at TSTI! The Rabbi should be congratulated, but in truth, it is we, the membership, who should be congratulated. We are the lucky ones to have had this great man as our leader. Because it is still true today -- he is wise beyond his years.
In this issue:
CELEBRATING RABBI DANIEL COHEN’S 20 YEARS AT TSTI
ClergyRabbi Daniel M. Cohen, D.Min.Rabbi Ellie Lynn Miller, M.A.R.E.Cantor Rebecca MosesCantor Joan FinnRabbi Emeritus, Harvey S. GoldmanRabbi Emeritus, Herbert WeinerCantor Emeritus, Theodore Aronson
Leslie Y. Sporn, Executive DirectorCarol Paster, Preschool DirectorMindy Schreff, Religious School DirectorTracy Horwitz, LSW, Program DirectorBeth Sandweiss, MA, MSWJFS Social Worker at TSTISunny Seglin, Bulletin
MEMBER CONGREGATIONUNION FOR REFORM JUDAISM
Schedule of ServicesFriday, May 3Behar/BechukotaiShabbat Service and Hebrew High Graduation, 7:30 P.M.Bass Sanctuary Building
Saturday, May 4Minyan Service, 9:15 A.M. Gross Bet MidrashBat Mitzvah of Jules Portnoy, 10:15 A.M.Bat Mitzvah of Zoe Grebin, 10:30 A.M.
Friday, May 10BamidbarShabbat Service honoring our teachers with speakers from Israeli Outward Bound, 6:00 P.M.Bass Sanctuary Building
Saturday, May 11Minyan Service, 9:15 A.M. Gross Bet MidrashBat Mitzvah of Marlo Rimalovski, 10:15 A.M.
Wednesday, May 15Yizkor Service and Lunch of Remembrance, 10:30 A.M.
Friday, May 17NassoShabbat Service and Confi rmation, 7:30 P.M.Bass Sanctuary Building
Saturday, May 18Minyan Service, 9:15 A.M. Gross Bet MidrashB’nai Mitzvah of Matthew Nichter and Benjamin Mintz 10:15 A.M.Bat Mitzvah of Talia White, 10:30 A.M.
Friday, May 24BehaalotechaShabbat Service, 6:00 P.M.Gellis-Green Chapel
Saturday, May 25Minyan Service, 9:15 A.M. Gross Bet MidrashBar Mitzvah of Ethan Bernstein, 10:30 A.M.
Friday, May 31Shelach LechaShabbat Service, 7:30 P.M.Bass Sanctuary Building
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Memorial Services:A Time to Mourn Together
While we recite Kaddish individually to honor the deceased yearly, we come together for the Yizkor service as a time for us to remember them communally. When a community of mourners gathers, we gain strength from one another. Four times a year, the memorial prayers are recited as we mourn together. All are holy days when we remember those whom we have loved and lost.
The next Yizkor service will take place on Wednesday, May 15 at 10:30 A.M. in the Gellis-Green Chapel. Foll ow-ing the service, a Lunch of Remembrance will be served. The lunch is sponsored by the Adam Katz Memorial Fund.
Shavuot is a Hebrew word meaning “weeks” and refers to the Jewish festival marking the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Shavuot, like so many other Jewish holidays began as an ancient agricultural festival, marking the end of the spring barley harvest and the beginning of the summer wheat harvest.
Shavuot was distinguished in ancient times by bringing crop offerings to the Temple in Jerusalem.
Shavuot, also known as the Festival of the Giving of the Torah, dates from biblical times, and helps to explain the holiday’s name, “Weeks.” The Torah tells us it took precisely forty-nine days for our ancestors to travel from Egypt to the foot of Mount Sinai (the same number of days as the Count-ing of the Omer) where they were to receive the Torah. Thus, Leviticus 23:21 commands: “And you shall proclaim that day (the fiftieth day) to be a holy convocation!” The name Shavuot, “Weeks,” then symbolizes the completion of a seven-week journey.
Special customs on Shavuot are the reading of the Book of Ruth, which reminds us that we too can find a continual source of blessing in our tradition. Another tradition includes staying up all night to study Torah and Mishnah, a custom called Tikkun Leil Shavuot, which symbolizes our commit-ment to the Torah, and that we are always ready and awake to receive the Torah.
Shavuot
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Enjoy snacks and a movie followed by an interactive discus-sion moderated by Dr. Eric Goldman. Free for members; $5 for non-members. Contact Tracy at [email protected] to reserve your space.
In this brilliant Golden Globe-winning fi lm, Ari Folman explores how Israeli troops were in the vicinity as Lebanese Phalangists went into the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps outside of Bei-rut with the intention to cause trouble. This fi lm was not meant to be an indictment of Israel, but rather a psychological study of war and its impact. In this dramatic fi lm that uses animation, the director turns to friends to help him recall the lost memo-ries of his experiences as a soldier in Lebanon.
ADULT EDUCATION FILM SERIESSaturday, May 5
7:00 P.M. Facilitator:
Dr. Eric Goldman
WALTZ WITH BASHIR(Israel, 2008)
Soup’s On!
The Interfaith Food Pantry needs your help.
Volunteers have been preparing and serving a meal to our neighbors in Orange each month and share that they feel greatly fulfi lled by the experience. We are now serving between 100 – 120 patrons and need more volunteers. TSTI hosts the IFP soup kitchen on the second Saturday of each month at The Episcopal Church of The Epiphany in Orange. Upcoming dates: May 11, June 8, July13, August 10Please contact Robin Greenberg at [email protected] to volunteer or for more information.
Thank you, Robin Greenberg and Jodie Sherer
• Hebrew High School Graduation Friday, May 3 at 7:30 P.M.
To our dedicated Hebrew High graduates, we say mazel tov. May you continue to pursue your secular education, and equally important, your Jewish studies. Take advantage of all the Jewish apps for your phone and iPad for learning and discovery. Rabbi Cohen, Rabbi Miller and Tracy Horwitz look forward to hearing from you throughout the next four years of your college adven-tures. Graduating this year are Sarah Burn, Hannah Gardner, Matt Michaels, Arielle Schilling and Ethan Blake.
• Preschool’s 25th Anniversary Celebration Saturday, May 4 at 2:00 P.M.
Have a fun family day of games, food and friends! Preschool, Religious School, Alumni – all are welcome. Join us on the beau-tiful grounds of Jeff Lake Camp. Special thanks to Jane and Dan Kagan for hosting us at camp.
• Teacher Appreciation Shabbat Friday, May 10 at 6:00 P.M.
We are happy to have the opportunity to honor the wonderful work of the educators of both Preschool and Religious School. Joining us for the evening are two outstanding young adults who participated in the Outward Bound Peacebuilding’s Palestinian-Israeli Emerging Leaders Program. This unique program inspires and challenges leaders in divided societies to work together to build peace.
• Confirmation Friday, May 17 at 7:30 P.M.
Celebrate the milestone our 10th grade Confirmation students have achieved. Our Confirmation Service is truly beautiful, es-pecially with the participation of this year’s Confirmation Class. Enjoy a delightful oneg afterwards. Our Confirmands are:
Jonathan BainRyan HorwitzJordan KaplanMicah LindZach LynnJessica NadelAndrew Patterson
• Congregational Meeting Wednesday, May 22 at 7:00 P.M.
As TSTI members, we have the privilege and responsibility to vote on the slate of officers and trustees for next year, to hear and approve of reports from our president and his board, and to listen to Rabbi Cohen’s remarks and capsulation of the year past. The winner of the Chai raffle will be announced, and as always, delicious desserts and coffee will be served.
Abby RothmanAliya SaffranMatthew SchillingTracy SonnabendJennifer Van VoorheesEli WeisenfeldEmma Wishnow
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Linda and Rudy Slucker Religious School
Mindy SchreffReligious School Director
Rabbi Cohen and I have really not known each other for very long, but it certainly does not feel that way. We actually “met” in 1997 when I attended a workshop he led on the topic of God and Spirituality. I recently found those notes, which were shock of all shocks and to Rabbi Cohen’s horror: handwritten! Even though our method of note-taking has changed, his message has not. He spoke about how we need to live in the moment and be present for ourselves and for one another. He talked about tak-ing time every day to focus on what is important and not to lose sight of how we wanted to live our lives.
Since I have become part of the TSTI family, he has helped me focus on what is important more times than I can count. Rabbi Cohen has never failed to lead me to find the answer that was eluding me; instead of giving me that answer he led me to find it on my own. I always walk away from those conversations a little surprised and very grateful. I am always impressed at how insightful he is, and how he helps people be the person they are meant to be, not some version of what he thinks they should be. He is an amazing listener, and I would say his archeologi-cal background has set him up to hone his skills in providing the support he gives us all. He is able to see where the roots are, uncover them gently and bring them to the open so they can blossom.
When I arrived here last July, it took about ten minutes after our first meeting for us to feel like we have worked together forever. I know I can count on his guidance for many things, and not al-ways related to gadgets that plug in, ding and light up; although he is my source regarding all things electronic. He has awakened in me a latent love for all things Apple. Under his guidance my family now has more of their products than is probably healthy. He has gently guided me in helping our faculty ‘meet the stu-dents where they are” in terms of using technology to the best of our abilities in our classrooms. Students are drawn to him not only for his open and fun-loving personality, but they love to check out his latest gadget.
I am so very grateful to be part of the TSTI professional staff, led by Rabbi Cohen. He leads by example: he sets high standards, expects no less from everyone around him, but is more than willing to help you get there. I look forward to his next twenty! Mazel Tov, Dan!
A few weeks ago I was standing next to Rabbi Cohen as the 6th grade class, our future B’nai Mitzvah students, received their Torah portions and service books. I had the wonderful perspective of seeing the faces of the parents and students as they listened to Rabbi Cohen speak about the process they were about to begin. While the family groups under the chuppah changed, the looks of wonder on the faces didn’t and that’s when I realized, once again, how lucky we are to have Rabbi Cohen.
He began the meeting with a fascinating talk on the origins of Bar Mitzvah that connected the Jewish past to our TSTI present. In his introduction he used his knowledge of archaeology and history to make this TSTI ritual meaningful and relevant. But he is never stuck in the past. His love of technology allows our community to be at the front of the tsunami wave of innovation in the world of gadgets and all kinds of electronic devices. He can talk to our children about the newest advances in computers, tablets, smart phones and apps and show them how Judaism can be a part of the technological world. His willingness to bring fun and laughter into his teaching makes him the kind of warm, welcoming rabbi that both kids and adults can feel comfortable with while still respecting as a religious leader. He is the kind of leader that people search out when times turn tough. He has wonderful instincts about when the community needs words of comfort or a congregant needs a kind word or a simple phone call.
Rabbi Cohen’s unique gifts allow him to show us how to make the ordinary moments of life into holy ones. How? Well, the word kadosh (holy) implies something that is set apart from the ordinary of everyday life. So, just as Shabbat is set apart from the rest of the week, Rabbi Cohen shows us how we can set apart moments in our everyday lives and find the Jewish possibilities in them. From his popular class, Torah and Tequila to Jewish apps, Rabbi Cohen brings us together as a community to see the wonder of the world through a Jewish lens. May he go from strength to strength.
Cantor Joan Finn
Through My Eyes
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And on that Note . . .
A Thought to Share
Our tradition teaches that we are supposed to find for ourselves a teacher, find for ourselves a friend. Yeish l’cha rav, yeish l’cha chaver.
We are taught that we need a teacher. We need someone who will challenge us, help us to grow, help us to confront the issues that keep us from reaching our full potential, and to educate us on how to marry our ancient tradition with our very modern world. For this, we have Rabbi Cohen. He is passionate about teaching our children. His commitment to Israel is a great inspi-ration to many. His interest in finding new ways to experience our tradition is thrilling.
We are taught that we need a friend. We need someone who will comfort us in times of sorrow, cheer with us during times of joy, listen to us during times of doubt, and laugh with us when we take ourselves a little too seriously. For this, we have Rabbi Cohen. His compassion, genuine interest in each individ-ual he speaks with, and sense of humor truly make him a friend to those who turn to him.
I am still the new kid in town here at TSTI. Before coming here I have had the pleasure and privilege of working at several dif-ferent congregations, both as a Cantor and as a Student Cantor. I have worked with many different rabbis and I have come to a few conclusions. Many rabbis are teachers. Their wisdom and ability to share that makes them both inspiring to their congre-gants and important to the advancement and preservation of our people. Many rabbis are friends. Their caring and compas-sion make them deservedly beloved by their congregants and make them impressive ambassadors to our neighbors. Not many rabbis are both. We here at TSTI are incredibly lucky to have one of the rare examples of both a rav and a chaver.
It is with great joy that I congratulate both Rabbi Cohen and his family on 20 years of service to a wonderful congregation, and TSTI on 20 years of commitment to a wonderful rabbi. Mazel Tov to all. I can’t wait to see what the next 20 years bring!
As I completed rabbinical school and began the interview process for my first job, I was given the following words of advice: “You never want to be a senior rabbi’s first assistant. They have no track record. You have no idea how you will be treated. It is much better to take a position with someone who is known to be kind to their assistant rabbi.” As I began to narrow my choices, Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel seemed like such a good fit. Although I was going to be his first assistant rabbi, Dan Cohen came across as being kind and was clearly looking to build a leadership team. I decided to take a leap of faith. Now, thirteen years later, I am the only one of my classmates still in the same congregation. I am still here today because I am enriched by my working relationship with Rabbi Cohen.
I feel lucky to work with Rabbi Cohen. Dan is kind and caring. He puts his heart and soul into TSTI. He believes in continued education and growth for the entire senior staff. When people ask me why I decided to get a Masters Degree in Religious Education I tell them, “Well, Dan thought it would be good for me to go back to school and so I went.” Dan creates an atmosphere where we strive for excellence. He gives us the tools we need to be successful and helps us problem solve when we are not. Dan encourages the staff to run with new ideas. He is a supportive sounding board for ideas and concerns.
Dan often speaks about the fact that he believes in a team approach and how important it is for the senior staff as well as the lay leadership to work together. I have watched and learned from the way Dan has fostered a strong working relationship with the lay leadership of the congregation. I feel blessed by the team approach he takes with us as a staff. He listens to our thoughts and opinions seriously and gives each of us a voice around the senior staff table.
For the past twenty years Rabbi Dan Cohen has worked tirelessly to help make our congregation strong and vibrant. He has been an inspiring mentor and a model of leadership. I feel lucky to work with Rabbi Dan Cohen each and every day. Twenty years is a wonderful milestone! Mazel Tov, Dan, on a well deserved celebration!
Our B’nai Mitzvah
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Tree of Life
Zoe Belle GrebinMay 4, 2013Zoe is the daughter of Lorie and Jason Grebin, sister of Lucy and Millie, and granddaughter of Tamar Komberet and Carol Sue Bowe.Mitzvah Project: Zoe volunteered at Friends at Home where she played with a nine year old child. Friends at Home is a Friendship Circle program .
Jules Eden PortnoyMay 4, 2013Jules is the daughter of Lisa Citron-Port-noy and Adam Portnoy, sister of Jacob, and granddaughter of Rhonda and My-ron Portnoy and Jean and Dick Citron.Mitzvah Project: Jules is raising money and awareness for the protection of sea turtles via the Sea Turtle Rescue Hospital at the South Carolina Aquarium.
Marlo Reid RimalovskiMay 11, 2013Marlo is the daughter of Ilysse and Frank Rimalovski, sister of Lila, and grand-daughter of Brenda and Lewis Leventhal, Fran and Ronald Hochman and Beryl and Alexander Rimalovski.Mitzvah Project: Marlo has collected clothing that will be donated to those in need through the Interfaith Food Pantry.
Talia Glasser WhiteMay 18, 2013Talia is the daughter of Carrie Glasser and Josh White, sister of Orli, and grand-daughter of Alice and Larry White and Jay Glasser and Barbara Sacknoff.Mitzvah Project: Talia raised a puppy at her home for a year for the Seeing Eye Foundation.
Benjamin Meyer MintzMay 18, 2013Ben is the son of Meredith and Michael Mintz, brother of Alexander, and grand-son of Carol Billet-Fessler, Robert Blinder and Roz Mintz.Mitzvah Project: Ben collected used base-ball gloves, bats and equipment for “Pitch in for Baseball.”
Matthew Evan NichterMay 18, 2013Matt is the son of Liz and Larry Nichter, brother of Willy, and grandson of Elaine and Bob Zakarin, Mimi Nichter and Mike Nichter.Mitzvah Project: Matt volunteers as a shadow for Livingston’s Shining Stars Sports League, an adaptive recreation pro-gram for children with special needs.
Ethan Clark BernsteinMay 25, 2013Ethan is the son of Ivy and Adam Bernstein, brother of Sarah and Janey, and grandson of Marilyn Goldstein and Cele and Jim Downs.Mitzvah Project: Ethan is raising a puppy in his home for the Eyes of Hope.
Each leaf on the Tree of Life sym-bolizes a joyous moment in the life of our membership. Celebrate an anniversay, birthday, bar or bat mitzvah or wedding with this special tribute. Leaves are $180 and will help support the temple. Con-tact Mimi Braun at [email protected] for more information.
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Celebrating Rabbi Cohen’s 20 years in the rabbinate and at TSTI gives us a reason to wander through these past 20 years, discover what brought him here and highlight what keeps him here. It’s also a chance to put Dan Cohen in the spotlight in a way that Rabbi Cohen would prefer to avoid. This occasion allows us to honor and get to know our rabbi, teacher, mentor,
counselor and friend a little better.
The grandchild of immigrants and parents who clearly achieved the American Dream, Rabbi Cohen sat neatly between a brilliant older brother and an equally brilliant younger sister with impressive athletic ability. He labeled himself the “song and dance kid” in his family. (And if you have ever come to a Purimshpiel, you can
appreciate how appropriate that label may have been.) Rabbi Cohen’s parents instilled a quest for education and strong work ethic; and he emerged with an unwavering commitment to family and community. He met Elana at a retreat for local youth group leaders shortly after he came to TSTI, and they married in 1994. Elana’s sharp intellect, support and objectivity make their partnership particularly advantageous for our congregation (even as she works most often in the background). In fact, her thoughts and actions have likely touched you in some way, whether you know it or not.
In his early years, Dan’s choices were hardly the model of a rabbinic scholar-to-be. He grew up less than enthusiastic
about religious school and jokes that during his confirmation year, he was voted least likely to return to temple. Dan spent significant time in Israel, not in study or prayer, but working on archeological digs. For college, he explored schools with strong academics, but specifically looked for those not known for their Jewish student body.
Having found a school that met his criteria, Dan headed off to Duke. While neither of his first two majors (marine biology and engineering) was a true match, he had also enrolled in Dr. Carol Meyers’ class on Women in the Bible. Professor Meyers had a significant influence over Rabbi Cohen’s career. She became his mentor and together with her husband, Eric (also a professor at Duke), they became long-time friends. As a result of that course, Dan moved into Judaic Studies, thinking he would become a professor and continue his summer excavations in Israel. He quickly realized, however, that what he really wanted was to deal with Judaism as a living entity and to find a way to make a difference in the lives of others. It clicked - he was going to become a rabbi.
Of course, not everyone wants to become a congregational rabbi. In his 5th year of rabbinic school, Dan wanted to devote himself to his thesis. So he sought out an institutional, rather than a congregational internship. To his initial chagrin (but lucky for us), in the midst of those interviews, Hebrew Union College sent Dan to talk to TSTI. And the rest is our history together.
Halfway through his internship, with strong support from Rabbi Goldman (then senior rabbi), TSTI created an Assistant Rabbi position to keep Dan here. Shortly thereafter, (in mid1993), Rabbi Dan Cohen was ordained by HUC-JIR, taking his permanent place on our bimah.
Early on in his tenure at TSTI, Rabbi Cohen concentrated on our youth, went back to school for his doctoral degree and made his way graciously into our congregation. He was dynamic, creative, friendly and smart and we already loved him. And, he was (and is) a magnet for our kids. Less than five years after Rabbi Cohen joined us, Rabbi Goldman decided to retire early – a situation neither Rabbi Cohen, nor the congregation anticipated. This news posed an interesting challenge for our congregation, as the rules governing the selection of senior rabbis excluded someone with only five years of tenure. An exception was made and just six years after his ordination, Rabbi Cohen became TSTI’s senior rabbi.
A smart, charismatic, youthful rabbi has a lot to offer a congregation. But not everyone can envision such a young rabbi
Getting to Know
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as the senior rabbi of a synagogue our size. Rabbi Cohen had his work cut out for him – and he tackled it with grace and charm, wisdom and dedication, solidifying his place at TSTI and in many of our hearts.
Since 1999, our young senior rabbi has deftly guided us through physical, spiritual, social, political and economic changes (often unlike any his generation has ever known) in our own community and throughout the world. Rabbi Cohen is the first to say that nothing he achieves was/is the result of his work alone. His colleagues on the senior staff were/are his partners and teachers in the truest sense of those words – and he assures us that none of what we write about him today would be possible without them.
Along our road (and sometimes in the face of serious obstacles), Rabbi Cohen and his partners have strengthened and broadened our congregation in a myriad of ways. Here are just a few among many:
• Implementing new ideas from throughout the Reform Movement, Rabbi Cohen led us in renovating our main sanctuary, making it flexible for different forms of worship, more intimate and accessible, better meeting the needs of our modern congregation.
• Holding our hands and helping heal our souls through 9/11, he taught us how to cope with an unimaginable national tragedy.
• Leading our largest capital campaign ever, he helped turn our middle building into a learning center with a tech-savvy religious school office and a magnificent new chapel. (Not to mention the beautiful new main entrance to our Temple and endowments that will
secure our programming for years to come.) • Spearheading countless educational improvements
and programs, significant improvements in technology, important changes in senior staff and clergy, he compelled us to get involved, engaged us in ongoing debate and kept us strong in one of the worst economic downturns in American history.
• An opinionated and outspoken proponent for Israel, Rabbi Cohen has increased our congregational footprint at AIPAC, stepping into the political discourse at many levels and on a variety of issues.
• Together with his clergy partners, he has ensured that we are a community that reaches out to our surrounding neighbors and the larger community.
• “Inclusion” is the watchword of Rabbi Cohen’s philosophy. Through his leadership, we have been and continue to be a diverse and welcoming congregation without regard to race, sexual orientation, political persuasion or level of religious commitment.
Rabbi Cohen wants us to like him, but is unwilling to pretend to be someone he is not. He knows that he cannot please everyone, but he works hard to get close. He is touched by the grace and generosity with which we invite him into our lives (especially at intimate moments of joy and sorrow). He is also grateful that this role affords him the opportunity to make a difference to someone every day, and to do so in a community where the people are so extraordinary.
His goal is to make Judaism relevant for us, for our children, and for the people he meets along his way. “Ritual,” he has often said, “is not the end goal. It is simply the scaffolding that allows us to build, gives us an opportunity to teach and enables us to draw meaning” from the mystical, spiritual and religious aspects of our way of life. Rabbi Cohen’s route was neither intentional nor predictable. Inspired to continue searching for a “fit,” he chose this path that benefits us all. Or perhaps, he allowed this calling to choose him.
Rabbi Dan Cohen
With great thanks and appreciation to Hope Pomerantz for this piece.
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Renaissance Group
Mimi Braun
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Women’s Connection
Carol PasterPreschool Director
The Iris Family
Rabbi Dan Cohen and I began our leadership roles at Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel at approximately the same time, at a time when the clergy and support staff were housed in what is now the preschool wing. As a teacher here I would have my class walk down the hall singing, “Put your finger on the wall, on the wall” while Rabbi Cohen might be counseling a grieving family. Needless to say, as the school grew, the clergy and support staff moved to the mansion without much of a fuss.
Even though I am a few years older than Rabbi Cohen, it fell on him to interview me for the role of Early Childhood Director as one of his first responsibilities as associate rabbi. I remember thinking at the time that he was wise beyond his years, charismatic and committed to the mission of creating a warm community of Jewishly involved children and adults.
He offered me quite a bit of sage advice over the years, much of which I never actually followed, not because his advice was faulty, but rather he was, and continues to be, protective of my time, energy and health. I’m just too stubborn to listen. For instance, Shabbat Storytime was Rabbi Cohen’s idea. I was given free reign, as always, to plan as I saw fit. During the first Shabbat Storytime, Rabbi Cohen came by to welcome families and to see how I was doing. His first words were, “I thought I told you to keep it simple.” Funny, in my world, it was simple. Evidently, not so much. He thought I would have a little rug and some families sitting around listening to a story or two. Instead he found art projects (yes, multiple art projects), props, musical instruments and a full blown oneg with plenty of snacks.
Rabbi Cohen also suggested preschool’s annual virtual trip to Israel for the 4-year-old classes. I believe he asked me to plan a day of learning about the land of Israel. He wasn’t expecting 4 days of traveling from Eilat to Tel Aviv to Jerusalem complete with a stop at the Wailing Wall, nor did he expect passports, boarding tickets and in-flight movies. Again, this was simple in my world.
Over the 20+ years partnership that I’ve had with Rabbi Cohen I’ve experienced a completely different type of rabbi than the austere and aloof ones I grew up with. Through creative brainstorming sessions, weekly senior staff meetings, endless calendar meetings and thoughtful discussions I’ve learned that rabbis can be real people with worries, family concerns and the ability to enjoy simple pleasures. They can wear shorts on their day off, get tired when overworked, have a wicked sense of humor and can be extremely approachable. Especially important to me is that I’ve learned to trust, and count on, Dan’s complete and total support of this preschool director’s cockamamie ideas of what simple is. And for that I am truly grateful.
It was a July evening, the sun stayed late in the sky. It was a perfect evening for the Women’s Connection summer soiree. We welcomed our new Cantor, Rebecca Moses, met new people and talked with old friends. It was a great beginning to an action packed year.
A conversation with Linda Slucker inspired us, highlighting the impact women have when they speak out. We walked through Williamsburg, spent a day doing yoga and basking in the hot tub at the Hilton, explored the book “As A Driven Leaf,” told the story of the Exodus and ate together at the seder, and grilled to our hearts content. Women’s Connection was honored to sup-port both Adult Ed and Israel Involvement Committee programs.
Thank you to all the women who made these events pos-sible. Whether you are a member of Women’s Connection, or have never come to one of our events, we invite you to join us next July, as the sun stays late in the sky, and we meet once again for the Women’s Connection summer soiree.
Pam Paro and Roberta ProbberCo-Presidents of Women Connection
All of our Renaissance members who attended our Passover seder at Georgio’s, will agree it was a wonderful evening thanks to the perfect planning of Muriel Fielo and Alice Forman. As an added nicety, Matty and Dan’s niece, Joy Weiner, read the Pass-over Kiddush in, believe it or not, French. Rabbi Arnold Zoref always contributes his expertise and knowledge throughout the evening and as a special reward, he “found” the afikomen and won dinner for two at Georgio’s.
Our trip to NJPAC, and then on to an early dinner at Casa Vasca, in the Ironbound, will have taken place just about the time you receive this Bulletin. A most special thanks to Muriel Fielo and Sheila Slutsker for arranging this delightful day. What a great windup for our Renaissance year.
Women’s Connection Gift ShopEntire stock (except for a few items) 50% OFF!
ALL DAY - WEDNESDAy, MAY 22
Marcia and Ann are making way for new items and are offering the best buys of the year! You MUST make your way to the Gift Shop for this extraordinary sale. There’s nothing like it at any other Judaica shop in New Jersey!
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TRIBUTES Contributions in memory of loved ones and in honor of the simchas in our lives are acts of loving kindness. We are grate-
ful for your generous support of Temple through various Temple Funds.
We now have Senior Discount Pricing for anyone age 65 and over . . . Seniors may purchase a tribute for a minimum donation of $10.
All other donors, please con-tinue to support this important program for a minimum of $18.
And don’t forget our EZPass system. Send a check for any amount, indicate that it’s to be used for EZPass Tributes, and we will credit your ac-count. Tributes can then be made online or by calling the offi ce – just say “Charge my EZPass!”
Tribute Price Guidelines
In Memoriam
May their memories be for a blessing
The Double Chai Raffle – A Chance to Win a Free Temple Membership for a Year
You’ve received your raffl e book in the mail. Please support Temple by purchasing one or more tickets. The draw-ing will take place at the Congregational Meeting, Wednesday, May 22 at 7:30 P.M. You do not have to be present to win. . . . but how exciting would that be!
We are grateful for your support.
RITA BOYLEWife of Robert Boyle
ESTHER COPLANGrandmother of
Michele Schweidel
BERNARD S. KAPLANFather of Judy Malamed
TEMPLE FUND
IN MEMORY OFLance Corporal Roger Muchnick, Jr. U.S.M.C, nephew of Hope Pomerantz Kelly & Adam LeightBoris Kovartovsky, father of Yudit Terry Kelly & Adam LeightRita Boyle, wife of Robert Boyle Jesse, Leslie & Ariel BayerMark Spero, husband of Marilou Spero Jesse, Leslie & Ariel Bayer Linda & Joe Scharf
IN HONOR OFThe marriage of Robert Merin, son of Ann Merin Arnold & Gert Zoref Howard & Lorraine YablonThe birth of Brody, great grandson of Pauline Pollack Ellen & Jay Rice Matty & Dan Goldberg Jack & Helene FerskoBat Mitzvah of Lauren Dresner Audrey & Stuart RosenblattThe engagement of Robyn, daughter of Gary & Leslie Rosenblatt Helene & Jack Fersko
SPEEDY RECOVERYJeff DuBowy Jack FerskoSharon Sachs Arnold & Gert Zoref
RABBI COHEN’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OFThe marriage of Robert Merin, son of Ann Merin Stewart Kaplowitz & Phylllis Salowe-Kaye
IN APPRECIATION The Horwitz Family
RABBI MILLER’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN APPRECIATION The Horwitz Family
CANTOR MOSES’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OFThe marriage of Robert Merin, son of Ann Merin
Raymond & Bettye GreenThe birth of Brody, great grandson of Pauline Pollack Raymond & Bettye Green
CANTOR FINN’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN APPRECIATION The Horwitz Family
CANTOR ARONSON’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN APPRECIATION The Horwitz Family
MELVILLE & ROSE BERLOW MUSIC FUND
IN MEMORY OFShirely Russ, mother of George Russ Judy & Larry KantorBoris Kovartovsky, father of Yudit Terry Susan & Mitch Jacobsen
IN HONOR OF The birth of Alexandra, daughter of Cantor Moses & Aaron Kesselman Matty & Dan Goldberg
HELEN A BRODER MUSEUM FUND
IN HONOR OFThe marriage of Robert Merin, son of Ann Merin Mimi Braun
FOOD PANTRY
IN MEMORY OFRalph, father of Diane & Ed Stein Rob & Lisa Ozer
IN HONOR OF Frank Davis’s special birthday Rob & Lisa Ozer
PEARL & SAM GREEN PRESCHOOL FUND
IN MEMORY OFBernard Kaplan, father of Judy Gottlieb Rayna & Marc PomperThe birth of Brody, great grandson of Pauline Pollack Mimi Braun
IRIS FAMILY MATTERS FUND
IN MEMORY OFLucien Bolon Linda & Joel Scharf
JOSH LITTMAN VIDEO FUND
IN MEMORY OFSally Grinspan, mother of Emily Zacharias Harold & Annette Littman
POMERANTZ FUND FOR ADULT JEWISH LEARNING
IN MEMORY OFLance Corporal Roger Muchnick, Jr. U.S.M.C, nephew of Hope Pomerantz Ellen & Jay Rice Gail & Michael Kanef Matty & Dan Goldberg Jeff & Hallie Beyer Helene & Jack Fersko The Weisenfeld Family Elliot Sommer & Sydne Marshall TSTI StaffSally Grinspan, mother of Emily Zacharias Steven PomerantzJustin Brafman, father of Andy Brafman Steven PomerantzAdrienne Burger, mother of Joan Gellis Steven Pomerantz
IN HONOR OFBat Mitzvah of Rachel Horwitz Steven PomerantzBar Mitzvah of Cameron Donald Hope Pomerantz
LINDA & RUDY SLUCKER RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUND
IN MEMORY OFLance Corporal Roger Muchnick, Jr. U.S.M.C, nephew of Hope Pomerantz David & Karyn LeitMerv Goldstein, stepfather of Adam Bernstein The Weisenfeld Family
TSTI ACCESS FUND
IN MEMORY OFMark Spero, husband of Marilou Spero Alice & Sid Forman
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[ACT NOW]www.jfedgmw.org (973) 929-3036
THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE.THE POWER OF COMMUNITY.
So that every day after school Ari can get a hot meal and homework help in a safe place in Rishon LeZion, Israel.
CHOOSE FEDERATION.
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MEMORIAL PLAQUES PLAQUES PURCHASED NOW WILL BE READY BY YOM KIPPUR
Our Torah tells of Abraham purchasing a resting place and memorial stone for his beloved Sarah after she passed away. The marking of a gravesite within a year after the death of a loved one is still, after so many centuries, a meaningful and cherished tradition. An additional remembrance is the placement of a memorial plaque in the synagogue. The plaque honors the deceased, is a visual remembrance of that person, and is a comforting symbol for family members. It will be lit on the Friday night of the yahrzeit reading in perpetuity. Please consider purchas-ing a plaque to commemorate the life of your loved one. If you would like to purchase a plaque, please call Sunny Seglin, 973-763-4116 ext. 227. The cost of the plaque is $700.
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*Graveside/SOP package includes professional charges, preparation, and local transportation. Does not include casket, vault, shroud and cash disbursements such as cemetery fees, death certificates, gratuities. Request our general price list. Call for details.
Jason L. Apter, Manager, NJ Lic. No. 3650
J.L. Apter Memorial ChapelsA Non Profit Jewish Funeral Home
Services available from $4695*Up to a $500 donation back to Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel from each funeral.In home and at need arrangements available from an Apter family member.
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Contact us at [email protected] Visit our website at www.tsti.org Ph: 973-763-4116 Fax: 973-763-3941
40 Main StreetWest Orange, NJ 07052973-736-1732
RICHARD STOLZPresident
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At Menorah Chapels at Millburn we recognize the importance you place on planning your final arrangements. Your decision demonstrates both your individuality and compassionate caring for those you love. Our professional team will work closely with you to ensure that your arrangements reflect your wishes and financial situation. Both funded and unfunded pre-funeral planning are available. Like estate planning, it is a responsible decision that makes financial sense.
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