SEPTEMBER 2018 | ELUL/TISHREI 5779 - ShulCloud
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SEPTEMBER 2018 | ELUL/TISHREI 5779
Be a friend and
invite a friend!
Thank you for helping to
spread the word about our
special community at
Congregation Agudath Israel
and all that we have to offer.
Keep telling your friends,
family, and neighbors about
your positive experiences here.
YOU are our most successful advertising.
to our newest families
as of August 10!
• Matthew and Gena Jarmel • Corey and Natalie Neubauer
with Larissa and David, Ben and Hannah with Fletcher and Spencer
• Mitch and Rose Karmel • Jerry Perl
• Ben and Cory Lewis • Nir and Stephanie Samuel with Ari
• Michael and Anna Millstein • David and Beth Waxman
• Duby and Iris Moskowitz with Chase and Morgan
Contact membership and community relations coordinator Debbie Lurie at 973-226-3600,
ext. 118, or dlurie@agudath.org, or membership chair Debbie Rosen at debsta65@hotmail.com.
masthead
SEPTEMBER 2018 | ELUL/TISHREI 5779
Contents
4. Schedule of Services 14. Development News 23. Yom Kippur Schedule
5. Rabbi Alan Silverstein 15. Jewish Legacy 24. Men's Club
6. Cantor's Notes 16. Social Worker 26. Cemetery Association
7. Welcome Shabbat for 17. Congregational Nurse 29. Shabbat
in Pajamas
Rabbi Ari Lucas
18. Torah Fund 30. B'nei Mitzvah
8. President's Message
19. Sisterhood
32. Walkathon
Cantor Arianne Brown
Create for a Cause
34. Tributes & Donations
9. Third
Annual CAI Comedy Night
20. Environmental Committee
42. Yahrtzeit Donations
10. Education Matters
Early Empty-Nesters' Group
12. Early Childhood Center
44. Personals
21. Social Action Committee
13. Adult Education
ew Jersey Jewish Singles
N
22. Rosh Hashanah Schedule
• MEMBER OF CONGREGATION AGUDATH ISRAEL •
This message above an ad means the advertiser is a member of Congregation Agudath Israel.
Please thank them for supporting CAI by supporting them!
Special thanks to Abby Meth Kanter for editing this publication.
The Voice is published monthly from September to June by Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex.
20 Academy Road, Caldwell, New Jersey 07006 973-226-3600 | fax 973-226-7480 | www.agudath.org
Affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
agudath.org | SEPTEMBER 2018 3
Services
Schedule of Services: September 2018
Daily minyan as per usual; Saturday Torah study, children’s services, as per usual
Saturday, September 1 Tuesday, September 18
Shacharit.......................................................................... 9:15 am Erev Yom Kippur- Mincha.............................................. 5:55 pm
Shabbat Meditation........................................................ 9:30 am See ticket/page 23 for details
Mincha/Talmud Study/Maariv ...................................... 7:05 pm Wednesday, September 19
Slichot Program............................................................... 8:45 pm Yom Kippur ................................. See ticket/page 23 for details
Slichot Service................................................................10:30 pm Friday, September 21
Monday, September 3 Erev Shabbat Service .................................................... 6:00 pm
Bar Mitzvah - Brett Bachenheimer.........................................am Saturday, September 22
Friday, September 7 Shacharit.......................................................................... 9:15 am
Erev Shabbat Service .................................................... 6:00 pm Mincha/Talmud Study/Maariv ..................................... 6:30 pm
Saturday, September 8 Sunday, September 23
Shacharit.......................................................................... 9:15 am Erev Sukkot...................................................................... 6:30 pm
B'nei Mitzvah – Aaron and Olivia Itzhaki.............................. pm Monday, September 24
Mincha/Talmud Study/Maariv ...................................... 6:55 pm
Sukkot Day 1.................................................................... 9:15 am
Sunday, September 9 Mincha/Maariv................................................................ 6:45 pm
Erev Rosh Hashanah...................................................... 6:00 pm
Tuesday, September 25
Monday, September 10 Sukkot Day 2.................................................................... 9:15 am
Rosh Hashanah Day 1...................See ticket/page 22 for times Mincha/Maariv................................................................ 6:45 pm
Tuesday, September 11 Friday, September 28
Rosh Hashanah Day 2...................See ticket/page 22 for times Erev Shabbat Service .................................................... 6:00 pm
Friday, September 14 Saturday, September 29
Erev Shabbat Service .................................................... 6:00 pm Chol Hamoed Sukkot - Shacharit.................................. 8:45 am
Saturday, September 15 Bar Mitzvah - Max Goldstein................................................. pm
Shacharit.......................................................................... 9:15 am Mincha/Talmud Study/Maariv ..................................... 6:15 pm
Bar Mitzvah – Josh Adelsberg................................................ pm Sunday, September 30
Mincha/Talmud Study/Maariv ..................................... 6:40 pm Hoshanah Rabbah.......................................................... 9:00 am
Erev Shimini Atzeret including Yizkor........................... 6:15 pm
Candle Lighting Times Daily Services Saturday Schedule
Friday, September 7................7:00 pm Mornings Services begin .......................... 9:15 am
Shabbat ends, Monday & Thursday................ 6:45 am (When B'nei Mitzvah)...................... 9 am
Saturday, September 8 ..........8:10 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday... 7 am Torah Study Group....................... 9 am
Friday, September 14 .............6:49 pm Sunday Talmud Study............. 8:15 am Torah Reading Chug........ 10:15-11 am
Shabbat ends, Sunday Shacharit.......................... 9 am (twice a month, ages 9-12)
Saturday, September 15.........7:59 pm Teen Service/Schmooze ....... 10:45 am
Evenings
Friday, September 21..............6:37 pm Torah for Tots (ages 0-4)............ 11 am
Sunday-Thursday.....................7:30 pm
Shabbat ends, Mini-Minyan (grades K-2)
Friday (see schedule) Mini-Congo (grades 3-4)
Saturday, September 22 ........7:47 pm
Jr Congo (grades 5-6)
Friday, September 28..............6:25 pm Kadima (grades 7-8)
Shabbat ends,
Shabbat Meditation................. 9:30 am
Saturday, September 29 ........7:35 pm
(per monthly schedule)
4 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex
Rabbi Alan Silverstein
A Warm Welcome to
Rabbi Ari Lucas and Family
As I enter my 40th year as rabbi Rabbi Ari Lucas with his wife,
at Agudath Israel, it is exciting to Talya Oberfield, sons, Gideon and
mark a historic milestone: Our Shalev, and baby daughter, Reya
900-household CAI community at
We can no longer maintain this
long last is becoming a two-rabbi
rapidly expanding agenda without a
congregation — as is every other
second rabbi.
American synagogue that has more
than 750 member units. To achieve our goal, an excellent
committee, under the guidance of
Around the USA, people have been
cochairs Alison Rosenthal and Adam
asking: How did CAI exist for so many
Shandler, conducted an 18-month
years without a second rabbi?
search, researching candidates,
The first reason is that our congregation conducting interviews, and carrying
has benefited from the extraordinary skills out final-stage processes. Their hard work —
and dedication of our educational director, and the input of congregants — has resulted
Susan Werk, and our cantor, Joel Caplan. Our in a brilliant hire: Rabbi Ari Lucas.
rabbi/cantor/educational director “troika” is
From our very first contact with Rabbi Lucas
renowned. The three of us as a team have
and his lovely wife, Talya Oberfield, everyone
planned and executed whatever we have been
sensed just how special they are and how
called upon to do to maintain the vibrant life of
engaging their children are.
our shul community.
Rabbi Lucas has been the beloved associate rabbi
The second reason is that during the period of our at Temple Beth Am in Los Angeles — a congregation
rapid growth — from 325 units in 1979 to 900 units similar in size to CAI — for the past six years.
in 1995 — the new members overwhelmingly were baby-
boomers, born between 1946 and 1964. Consequently, until the He is an exemplary preacher, teacher, pastor, and strategic
21st century, CAI primarily was comprised of households with planner; everyone who has been privileged to be his congregant
children ages one-18 living at home. sings his praises.
Today, we still have a large Early Childhood Center and Religious Most of all, Rabbi Lucas is a mensch par excellence who
School, a large number of day school students, and a large has shown enormous success in working harmoniously and
number of teens, but we also have a large number of empty- effectively with lay leaders and professional staff.
nesters whose needs must be met.
I believe he is the ideal religious leader to work as my partner for
Accordingly, while we continue to offer the highest quality the next three years, and then — when I retire on July 1, 2021 —
youth-oriented Jewish education and activities, we are adding to become my successor.
more and more programs and events for adults: classes, films, It is a blessing to welcome the Lucas family to the Caldwells and
trips, book groups, and lectures as well as opportunities for beyond. What a joyous way to begin the New Year!
volunteerism in such realms as social action, Israel advocacy,
and the environment. Shanah tovah.
“ He is an exemplary preacher, teacher, pastor, and strategic planner;
everyone who has been privileged to be his congregant sings his praises.
”
agudath.org | SEPTEMBER 2018 5
Cantor's Notes
CANTOR JOEL CAPLAN
Tishrei 5779 with Cantor Caplan
CHOIRS — SHOFAR BLOWING FOR SHUT-INS
Approach God through AND IN SHUL — For adults and kids
the majesty of harmony! Learn to blow shofar, go to perform the mitzvah for shut-ins, and
High Holy Day Adult blow shofar in the aisles during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Choir: For adults and On Sunday, Sept. 9, noon-2:30 pm, we’ll practice shofar-blowing
teenagers; involves and then travel in carpools to blow shofar for shut-ins.
several rehearsals,
Know someone we should visit? Tell me! Need a shofar? Tell me! Never blown shofar
8-10 pm, in September.
before? Tell me!
CDs of the parts are
available. It’s not too late to join!
S’CHACH FOR SUKKOT
HaZamir Teen Choir: For teens in If you’d like evergreen s’chach (branches) for your sukkah’s roof, please call
ninth through 12th grades. Last year we Phil Kruger at 973-299-0309 by Sunday, Sept. 9. Pick-up: Thursday, Sept. 20.
sang in Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall;
the year before, the Metropolitan Opera
House; the year before that, Carnegie Hall. YIZKOR ON SHEMINI ATZERET
And we plan to go to Israel in December. Mark your calendar; come together to say Yizkor (15 minutes) for our beloved dead
No kidding! Rehearsals are on Sundays, on Shemini Atzeret. The traditional time is 10:45 am, this year on Monday, Oct. 1; or
noon-2 pm, starting Sept. 23. we also offer Yizkor at the erev holiday service on Sunday, Sept. 30, at 6:15 pm.
HaZamir Prep: For seventh- and eighth-
graders. Rehearsals are on Sundays,
SIMCHAT TORAH DANCING
10:15-11:15 am. We’ll perform in the shul This year, Simchat Torah is Monday night,
and meet in February with other HaZamir Oct. 1, and Tuesday morning, Oct. 2. Come
choirs from Boston to Baltimore. out and dance with the Torah scrolls! Let’s
get our kids and teenagers to join in, too!
Tov M’od Choir: For kids in second
through sixth grades. Rehearsals are on SIMCHAT TORAH READING
Sundays, 11:30 am-noon, starting Sept. 9.
We’ll sing on Rosh Hashanah and during Want to read Torah on Simchat Torah
Shabbat morning services throughout the morning, Tuesday, Oct. 2? For the past
year. Be a Jewish song superstar! several years, well over 100 readers have been reading short aliyas from every Torah
scroll we have. This is especially good for beginners, children or adults; you can read
as little as one sentence. Call Nancy Caplan at 973-228-7985 for a reading.
YOUR OWN SUKKAH: How about it this year?
We’ll subsidize one for congregants who have never had a sukkah;
you will get an 8’x12’ sukkah, including all parts, for about $325!
It’s easier than ever to put up and store. Make it happen! Let’s talk!
L’Shanah Tovah tikateivu v’techateimu!
May you all be written and sealed for a good year!
6 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex
for Rabbi Ari Lucas
Friday, September 21
Shabbat in Pajamas 5:30 pm
Saturday, September 22
Shabbat Services & Special Kiddush
Special Children's Programming
Mark Your Calendar!
More Details to Come!
agudath.org | SEPTEMBER 2018 7
President’s Message
VICTOR NHAISI, PRESIDENT
My Personal Growth Journey
As I write this in July, my mindset is pivoting from the Help integrate Rabbi Ari Lucas into
accomplishments of last year to the goals our community
of the coming year. Over the High Holy
We will collectively welcome Rabbi Lucas into
Days, I will talk more about what we
our community, and my personal goal is to
want to achieve as a congregation, so
do all I can to aid in his successful transition.
I thought you might find it interesting to
We hope to have Rabbi Lucas with us for
better understand my personal goals for
decades, so making CAI feel like “home” is of utmost
the coming year. Perhaps my reflections will
importance. I will help him navigate among our professional
help you think about your own goals as they relate to being part
team, lay leaders, and the congregants. I will also look to Rabbi
of our Jewish community.
Lucas to help guide me, as I do with Rabbi Silverstein now. I am
My personal goals are to: certain that the friendship and spiritual guidance I receive from
Get to know more of our members Rabbi Lucas will be something I will treasure for years to come.
The relationships I gained during my first year as president Enable effective succession planning
were personally fulfilling and the key ingredient to improving
One of the president’s important jobs is to make sure things
my overall effectiveness as a CAI leader.
continue to run well when he or she steps aside. Our board
I am thankful to those of you who introduced yourselves to me, of trustees is exceptional, but taking on greater leadership
either to provide constructive advice, share personal needs, responsibilities at a synagogue like CAI can be intimidating.
volunteer your time, or simply to thank me for something that This year, I plan to spend extra time planning for our future.
had a positive impact on your CAI experience. I know so many This includes developing our leaders to take on new roles,
more people than I did just one year ago, congregants of all encouraging newer members to get involved, and laying out the
ages, with differing interests, personal backgrounds, and unique roadmap for our future financial stability. I will ask many of you
needs in their stage of life. While I feel better prepared to serve to assist me on these fronts.
the community, getting to know you has increased my circle of
friends, helped me deepen casual relationships, and enabled As I enter the second year of my term, I feel I have a better
me to reconnect with many whom I have known throughout my grasp on the basics and have become more comfortable with
years at CAI. my personal style. As they say in sports, “The game has slowed
down,” and I look forward to expanding the impact I can make at
I feel like I have just scratched the surface of connecting with CAI. Please join me on the journey.
members in our community. I will do more to reach out and
make myself available; please do not hesitate to do the same. L’Shanah Tovah.
Cantor Arianne Brown
Senior cantor at Adas Israel Congregation
in Washington, DC will come to us, thanks to Stan Blank
Sunday, November 18, 4 pm
Admission is $25, $18 for CAI members, $10 for seniors;
free for children up to 18.
Register on agudath.org/events
(The connections? Stan Blank’s lady friend is Cantor Brown’s aunt.)
8 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex
e!
D e Third Annual
e av
at
th S
CAI Comedy Night
In Loving Memory of Abe Akselrad z”l
Featuring the Comedy of
JUDY
GOLD
Saturday, December 1
8 pm Comedy Show
9 pm Dairy Dessert Reception
Stay tuned for details and registration
• MEMBER OF CONGREGATION AGUDATH ISRAEL •
agudath.org | SEPTEMBER 2018 9
Education Matters
SUSAN WERK, EDUCATIONAL DIRECTOR
TEvery
ora Age & Every Stage of Jewish Learning
h Pillar
EVERY AGE & EVERY STAGE OF JEWISH LEARNING
Loving the ‘disturbances’ of September
I love vanilla ice cream. Given the wide variety of flavors
available, I suppose you could call me boring. But my dish
of vanilla does not sit alone. Someone I know has termed the
out them, the month would just be
vanilla.
Here are 10 things to do with your fam-
array of sprinkles, whipped cream, syrups, nuts, hot fudge,
ily during the Tishrei holidays:
fruit toppings, etc., we can put on our ice cream “distur-
bances,” but I enjoy multiple disturbances on my vanilla ice 1. Buy a new Jewish calendar and mark fam-
cream. The concoction creates an explosion of tastes and ily time to do mitzvot together.
sometimes real surprises to my palate. 2. Measure the height of the children, and plan to do it again at
We could regard September in much the same way. It’s an Pesach time.
ordinary month, another beat in the rhythm of our calendar — 3. Take a New Year family portrait.
but wow! how many “disturbances” it carries! After the lazy 4. Discuss as a family your dreams for the coming year.
month of August, we enter into September with the frantic 5. Reconnect with family friends.
realization that a busy, complicated period is about to kick in, 6. Participate as a family in Tashlich on Monday, Sept. 10.
full of new beginnings, new routines, and multiple obligations. 7. Build a sukkah
It’s the start of the academic year, with new school and 8. Eat in a sukkah and/or come to our annual dinner in the CAI
sports schedules. And, of course, the High Holiday season Sukkah on Wednesday, Sept. 26, at 6 p.m.
ushers in a time of additional activities, as well as spiritual 9. Dance with us on Simchat Torah on Monday, Oct. 1.
evaluation, when we examine our deeds over the year and 10. Begin 5779 on the right foot!
recast or reaffirm our goals for the future. Oy! So much to do!
For me, September is like that bowl of vanilla ice cream, I WOULD like to extend my personal welcome to Rabbi Ari
topped with surprises and new taste sensations. What a delight Lucas and his family: his wife Talya and their children,
to welcome back our families from their summer adventures Gideon, Shalev, and Reya. I look forward to doing our sacred
and hear all about their experiences — and how awesome it is work together with Rabbi Silverstein, Cantor Caplan, Geula
to see how our youngsters have grown since June. Zamist, and the rest of the staff. The Education Department is
To me the fall holidays — Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, delighted that Rabbi Lucas’s office will be located in our space
Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah — are sweet “dis- on the second floor, an exciting environment, with children and
turbances” in our autumn schedule. Their themes — celebrat- teens, parents and grandparents dropping in with concerns,
ing the New Year, repentance and forgiveness, welcoming the questions, or, of course, just to get a lollipop. Our doors are
bounty of the harvest, the joy in com- open for you to greet Rabbi Lucas and welcome
pleting and starting anew the Torah him and his family to our community. You might
cycle — are all rich opportunities to even get a sweet treat!
engage with my inner self, my fam-
ily, and my beloved community. Yes Shanah Tovah U’m’tukah B’Shalom,
September offers challenges and a — A Good and Sweet Susan Werk
roller-coaster of emotions but with- New Year! Educational Director
SPECIAL DATES Bruchim HaBa’im! Welcome!
Monday, Sept. 3: Main office, ECC closed, Labor Day CAI Religious School begins
Thursday, Sept. 6: First day ECC, 3s & 4s Sunday, Sept. 16, 9:30 a.m.
Sunday, Sept. 16: First day Religious School, monthly
kindergarten, first- and second-grades program A school-wide assembly will be held in the
Tuesday-Wednesday, Sept. 18-19: No RS, Yom Kippur sanctuary for students in kindergarten-sixth grades,
(including monthly kindergarten and
Thursday, Sept. 20: Family Sukkah Decorating Party,
first- and second-grades) and parents.
5:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 21: Shabbat in Pajamas & Sweats, 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 25: No RS, Sukkot Attention Teens!
Wednesday, Sept. 26: Family Sukkah Dinner, 6 p.m.; Come to the USY Opening Event
USY opening event, 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26, 7:45 p.m.
10 Congregation Agudath Israel of West EssexSukkot Is Coming!
Programs for all Agudath Israel day school and religious school students and adults
agudath.org | SEPTEMBER 2018 11Early Childhood Center
GEULA ZAMIST, EARLY CHILDHOOD DIRECTOR
Tapping into kids’ unique creative abilities
One of the key components of the Reggio Emilia philosophy is They discover new ways to use the material and make the most
honoring the child as capable and confident. When we look at of the experience.
that through a Jewish lens, we refer to the child as being created
The blocks were purchased with funds collected through
b’tzelem Elokim, in the image of God.
our Educational Enhancement Fund. Money raised through
We honor children by providing them with materials that are donations and our holiday boutique is used to provide the
open-ended and give them ample opportunity to use their extras that make our school a special place.
own imaginations, create their own ideas, and solve their own
Throughout the year, teachers will closely observe the students
problems.
playing with the blocks and learn more about how they
Too many commercial toys limit the ways that children play. learn. Online unique professional development provided by
Blocks are open-ended and empower children to build their Imagination Playground offers guidance to teachers on how to
own world rather than live in one that we create for them; they scaffold upon children’s play and provoke them to make new
are limitless and give children a chance to do their own problem discoveries.
solving and experience their own accomplishments. We are excited to bring this wonderful new learning opportunity
to our school and give thanks to all the hard-working parents and
Recently the ECC acquired a wonderful new set of blocks.
generous people who helped make it possible.
Imagination Playground blocks are oversized foam blocks formed
in unique abstract forms. As their name suggests, they allow Just as being created b’tzelem Elokim, in the image of God, gives
children to use their imagination to create their own kind of each child unique creative abilities, so too these new big blue
playground. In a safe way, children have the chance to control blocks will give us a new way to see the unique creative abilities
their environment and constantly build new structures. of all of our children.
12 Congregation Agudath Israel of West EssexAdult Education
SUSAN WERK, EDUCATIONAL DIRECTOR
Mark Your Calendar
High Holy Day Programming Michael and Barbara Erlichman Film Series
Saturday, September 1 Thanks to the generous donation of Dr. Michael and Barbara
8:45 pm: Selichot Program (TBA) Erlichman, we now have an opportunity to celebrate our rich
10:30 pm: Service Jewish heritage through film. Screenings of dramas, comedies, and
documentaries will be followed by discussions.
Thursday, September 13
10-11:30 am: Preparing for Yom Kippur with 2018-2019 film series.
Susan Werk – Analyzing the Yom Kippur liturgy, All movies begin at 7:45 pm Watch for
making it meaningful for a new beginning.
October 10: The Third Half our full Adult
Thursday, September 27 November 7: GI Jews Education Program
10 am–noon: Create for a Cause March 27, 2019: Bag of Marbles in the October
10 am–noon: What does Judaism say about
happiness and joy? Do a mitzvah, enjoy text study and
May 15, 2019: Heading Home Voice
May 29, 2019: RGB: Ruth Bader Ginsburg
brunch in the Sukkah.
• THE MICHAEL AND BARBARA ERLICHMAN FILM SERIES •
“The Third Half” November 7:
Wednesday, October 10, 7:45 pm “GI Jews”
“The Third Half” is a deeply moving, life-affirming,
and often humorous story of love during wartime and
a country’s passion for soccer. In 1941 Macedonia, a
young Eastern Orthodox man, Kosta, and a wealthy March 27, 2019:
young Jewish woman, Rebecca, fall in love, despite “Bag of
her father’s efforts to keep them apart. With the Marbles”
war raging around their borders, the Macedonians
remain cocooned in their world of patriotic pleasures,
primarily concerned with getting the beleaguered
Macedonia Football Club on a winning streak. Their
May 15, 2019:
manager hires the legendary German-Jewish coach “Heading
Rudolph Spitz to turn them into champions. But when Home”
the Nazis occupy the country and begin deporting
Jews, Kosta and his teammates realize that the
carefree days of their youth are over. As the Nazis May 29, 2019:
Register on try to sabotage the outcome of the championship “RBG:
game, and Spitz’s life is threatened, Kosta and his
agudath.org / events teammates rise to the challenge to protect their
Ruth Bader
coach, with all of Macedonia cheering them on.
Ginsburg”
agudath.org | SEPTEMBER 2018 13Development News
MICHAEL E. BRESSMAN , DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
A Happy Camper Once Again
“It’ll be fun,” my dad said when I was leaving for
summer camp for the first time. “And you’ll learn
a lot,” he puffed, out of breath from cramming my
duffel bag into the car.
He was right: Camp was fun and I did learn a lot.
This summer, I was reminded of camp and all I
loved about it. Could I recapture a sliver of that old
feeling? There was one way to find out: by going
back.
Lucky for me, CAI is a summer destination for
about 80 campers (up to age 4) who allowed me to
join their ranks one morning in July.
“Who are you?” a young boy asked, pointing toward
me from across the garden. They huddled to confer about the answer, but before they could
finalize the talking points, Stacey chimed in: “It teaches them
“My name is Michael, and I’m usually the director of development about geometry and how to work together cooperatively.”
here,” I said. “But today, I’m at camp — just like you.”
At Center Time, the threes selected their own activity,
He nodded and turned his attention back to teachers Robin highlighting their emerging areas of interest. Some played in
Goldman and Allison Popky, who led us in harvesting tomatoes, the sandbox, others worked on a puzzle, a small group made
peas, and corn. challah covers, while two girls pretended to be on a call using
I chewed on a sprig of freshly picked broccoli while a four-year- deactivated cell phones.
old bit into his first-ever green bean. He gnawed on it tentatively, “This is not real — it’s a toy,” one told me, holding out the same
and then scarfed down the rest. Motorola flip phone I had in college, a stark reminder that my
“Taking small risks is how kids develop a sense of their likes,” camp days were long over.
camp director Stacey Gold told me.
My conclusion? Camp is still awesome. “The joy of learning through
A tub full of “clean mud” was the first thing I saw in the Mommy + play” is the overall goal of the ECC Summer Camp, Stacey told me.
Me room. Made of toilet paper, bar soap, and water, clean mud While the kids are having fun, learning takes place involuntarily;
is a playground for sensory experiences, the teacher explained. they build interpersonal skills, athletic abilities, understanding of
“Sight, smell, sound, and touch are all stimulated by clean mud. Judaism, and a catalogue of sensory experiences.
It’s a very powerful tool for learning through play.”
During my morning at the ECC Summer Camp, I saw kids
A group of fours who were fresh off Let’s Build week showed me discover new foods, new talents, and new sensations. With each
the robot they had fashioned out of cardboard, pipe cleaners, experience and success, their sense of worldliness and self-
foam balls, and plastic cups. confidence grew right before my eyes.
“What does it do?” I asked them. It was exactly as I remembered camp.
Gifts to the CAI Annual Fund support everything the synagogue offers its members, the surrounding community, and
the Jewish people worldwide. The ECC Summer Camp is a wonderful example of the many programs at CAI that are
strengthened by philanthropy. Others are davening at Shabbat services and in daily minyanim; learning in the ECC, the
Religious School, and the adult and scholarly education programs; serving those in need with the Caring Committee and
Social Action Committee; and transmitting culture through film screenings, guest lectures, and trips. For more information,
contact Michael E. Bressman, director of development, at 973-226-3600, ext. 113, or at mbressman@agudath.org.
14 Congregation Agudath Israel of West EssexTo create your Jewish legacy contact:
Michael E. Bressman,
Director of Development
mbressman@agudath.org
973-226-3600
www.agudath.org LIFE & LEGACY program and the
LIFE & LEGACY logo are trademarks of the
Harold Grinspoon Foundation. All rights reserved.
agudath.org | SEPTEMBER 2018 15Social Worker
ANDREA MALMUD, LCSW, JFS ZELLER FAMILY CAI SOCIAL WORKER
Empowerment through Memories:
Archiving our Stories
This month marks the one-year anniversary of my With voices of the High Holy Days speaking to
joining the CAI community. Thank you for making me about remembrance, I’m thinking about ways
this a place I can call home and for putting a to keep stories alive. When everybody lived within
smile on the face of my story of personal transition. blocks of each other, we could depend on the oral
tradition. Not that long ago, we used to write long
Speaking of story-telling: “Gramma used to go to shul narratives in letters we could keep. Now, with social
every morning,” wrote cousin Lester on Facebook. “My father media and electronic communication, we no longer have to
loved her schav.” I did too. How interesting are the stories that wait weeks to hear back — I love the immediacy — but we’re no
preceded me because I knew Gramma at a different time and longer building archives.
place. Between her broken English and my broken Yiddish,
conversation was not an efficient means of communication. How does story-telling help our well-being? According to the U.S.
Ours was a language of food, knitting, sleep-overs. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration,
“Communication through story-telling is one of the crucial steps
So I recently started a closed family Facebook group and started
toward building self-confidence. People can construct personal
asking questions about the past and present. Now, from Buffalo
values for their lives while on their journey and create a feeling
to Long Island to New Jersey, we can all share our stories in an
of belonging, advancing their quest for positive engagement.
online shtetl of sorts.
This can empower people to exert greater control and make
positive changes.” Amen.
Nu, what are we suggesting here? Social media conversations
eventually go away. Paper does not. Printed narratives can be
kept and shared (while respecting everyone’s privacy; I never
share without permission). And transformation to paper involves
only the pressing of a key.
I suggest that, at the right moments, we become scribes (again,
with permission of the speakers). Grab your parchment and
quill and write down those details either during or right after an
event. I myself write little rhymes after gatherings. (Luckily I can’t
hear the groans because I e-mail the couplets.)
Zeller Family Jewish Family Service This is also the age of the photo record. Many of us keep
of MetroWest Social Worker at CAI journals for our children (at least the first). Making video/audio
records is just a cell phone away.
Do you have questions about aging loved ones,
Imagine you’re writing a play. What is the scene, script, staging,
financial pressures, concerns about children? feelings, thoughts. From that stage will come your questions.
Contact Andrea Malmud for guidance, Trust your curiosity.
information, referrals, and support. There is no fee,
and all conversations are strictly confidential. What happens when children won’t listen — I’ve experienced my
share of eye-rolling — or parents won’t talk? I suggest you not
Andrea Malmud, 973-226-3600, ext. 143, press it. Everything in its time. Create new stories instead.
amalmud@agudath.org
Wishing you a happy New Year and an easy fast. Also, if you have
a good recipe for schav, please share it with me (amalmud@
This is a partnership of the Zeller Family, Jewish Family Service of MetroWest,
agudath.org) or, better yet, meet me in the kitchen.
and the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ.
16 Congregation Agudath Israel of West EssexCongregational Nurse
KAREN FRANK, RN, BSN, CSD
Re-Introducing My Many Roles
Now and then it seems important to re- Spiritual Direction
introduce myself and tell you what I do at the
synagogue. My main mission as congregational Are you looking for more meaning, more
nurse is to assist you, the congregants, in contentment, and more of a sense of the sacred
navigating the challenges of aging and illness. I in your life? Do you feel there must be a better
often work with the entire family to help make way of being in relationships, parenting, filling
transitions as smooth and easeful as possible. your days? Spiritual direction is a process of
guided exploration for finding more meaning in
Sometimes my work as congregational nurse involves a life. Through a series of one-on-one sessions with me serving
practicalities that keep folks safe and sound — like going over as spiritual guide, we can explore where you are emotionally
and explaining medications, suggesting where bathroom grab and where you want to be, where you are spiritually, and where
bars ought to go, arranging for food delivery or home health you want to be. Together, we can help discover and remove
care, or working with the Caring Committee to secure rides to a impediments to more profound relationships, to a clearer sense
doctor’s office or a synagogue program. of self, to a deeper way of living your life.
However, even if the work begins with practical items, my Please contact me (862-485-9062, nurse@agudath.org) if you
presence often leads to deeper conversations about failing wish my assistance.
health, elusive hope, and fear. Karen Frank, RN, BSN, CSD
Project SHIN, Pastoral Care Nurse
My job is to be a trusted listener as one congregant may speak
about the challenges he faces as his health deteriorates or
another wonders what to do as her mother descends into
dementia. Sometimes, I help someone fashion a personal prayer.
My background in nursing, psychology, and spiritual direction
prepares me to meet the person with an illness in whatever role
is needed, as medical professional, referral source, therapist, or
spiritual adviser.
Meditation
Shabbat meditation at CAI takes place the first of Saturday each
month: Sitting quietly, feeling your breath enter and exit your
body, feeling time slow, and finding the space between breaths.
Feeling bothersome thoughts float away. Hearing the stillness,
feeling a sense of the connection to God, humanity, the universe.
Feeling gratitude for all that is, entering Shabbat with open heart
and open spirit.
Caregiving
One of the most challenging roles any of us may fill is caregiver.
Whether we care for a parent, a child, a spouse, or a friend,
issues arise that can be difficult to navigate. I am available to
meet with congregants to discuss this difficult and sacred task.
Periodically, I form new caregiving groups in which participants
explore the challenges and possible solutions involved in
providing care for loved ones.
agudath.org | SEPTEMBER 2018 1718 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex
Sisterhood
CAI Superstar Mira Davis to Sing
at Sisterhood Celebration
Join fellow members of CAI as we honor Sisterhood’s largest contributors to Torah Fund in the Garden
glorious 85 years of service at the synagogue on State region. More than 50 members of CAI made
Sunday, Oct. 7, at 7 pm. Helping us celebrate will donations to Torah Fund last year. Those who gave at
be Mira Davis, who will dazzle us with her voice and the Benefactor level or above received the Benefactor
enlighten us with her knowledge of Jewish and other Pin. How appropriate that this year’s Torah Fund pin is
genres of music. the Hebrew word “Atid,” which means “future.”
Mira Davis will be our sixth CAI superstar. Like Cantor As CAI Sisterhood launches the 2018-19 year with
Shoshi Rosenbaum, Rabbi Michael Jay, educator new programs, new leadership, and a renewed
Sarah Lipsey Brokman, Rabbi Paula Sasz, and JTS vision, building on the outstanding success of the
List College graduate Ben Gersten (class of 2018), Mira is a past 85 years, Sisterhood has a bright atid — a glorious future
member of the CAI community and has chosen to study at the — assured. Much effort has gone into selecting officers and
Jewish Theological Seminary. A 2017 college graduate, Mira planning exciting and relevant programs for the upcoming year.
began cantorial school at JTS in January. Many of us have had
the opportunity to hear Mira sing during Shabbat and holiday There is no fee to attend the celebration on Oct. 7, but please
services as well as in concert with choirs. This past May, she RSVP to Sharon Hammerman at sfhammermn@aol.com so we
highlighted a concert with Cantor Caplan in honor of Mother’s can plan accordingly. There will be no solicitation that evening.
Day and Yom Yerushalayim. If you wish to become a Torah Fund Benefactor, please contact
Sharon or Cindy Schechter, Torah Fund cochairs. We appreciate
Our annual Torah Fund campaign, which this past year raised all levels of support for Torah Fund.
more than $11,000, supports the five schools that train future
rabbis, cantors, educators, and learned lay leaders of the Everyone is encouraged to celebrate Sisterhood on Sunday,
Conservative movement. The CAI Sisterhood is one of the three Oct. 7, at 7 pm at Congregation Agudath Israel.
Create knitted and crocheted items for a cause!
Join our group — Open to all levels, beginner to expert
Sunday, September 16, and Thursday, September 27
10 amto noon (drop in any time)
We work together to create and donate our goods to
organizations in need. We also accept donations of items
you have already made. If you have any hooks, needles,
or leftover yarn, please bring them along.
RSVP: Debbie Lurie, dlurie@agudath.org, or Caryn Snerson, caryn@micasports.com
agudath.org | SEPTEMBER 2018 19Environmental Committee
Updates from the Field
As the New Year begins, we are excited to share updates from Janet Markman will have an exhibit of her photographs, “Birds
members of our committee, some of whom are environmental & Butterflies: Nature’s Jewels,” on display at the Caldwell Public
scientists or lawyers, while others are simply members dedicated Library during the month of September. A free reception open
to preserving and sustaining the world given to us by Hashem. to all will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 22, at 6:30 pm.
Mark Lipsy, who has been appointed by CAI president Victor Nhaisi Bob Markman and Janet Markman are compiling for our
as our new cochair, is researching with other committee members congregants lists of local environmental resources, tips on
what would be involved in offering a “sustainable environmental practices, and field trip opportunities
kiddush” at the synagogue. for families. This month they recommend: Essex
County Environmental Center on Eagle Rock
Lee Gladstein has arranged to provide financial support
Avenue in Roseland (essexcountyparks.org/
from the Israel Committee, which he cochairs, to present
facilities/environmental-center); Global Stewards:
an outstanding speaker on the environment from Israel,
Green Eco Tips for a Sustainable Lifestyle
Talia Tzour.
(globalstewards.org); and Essex County Department
Talia oversees the Jewish National Fund’s task force of Public Works (ecdpw.org).
for water solutions and cutting-edge development
of Israel’s desert/Arava region. Her expertise in water issues If you would like to join the CAI Environmental Committee
is critical in Israel and in the United States. Our committee or if you have questions about what we do, please contact
is working with CAI member Anna Millstein (a JNF campaign us (hsepinwall@gmail.com, remark1@gmail.com). We look
executive) on this program. Talia will speak on Saturday, Oct. 6, at forward to what we can do together this year to educate our
Shabbat morning services and at the “Lunch & Learn.” Agudath Israel congregational family and to engage ourselves
in meaningful ways to sustain and protect our environment.
Joan Freling is working with Glenn Sacks, chair of the CAI
Interfaith Committee, and CAI education director Susan Werk on Wishing you a good New Year — Shanah Tovah!
a very special Interfaith Committee /Environmental Committee
program for Tu B’Shevat next winter (date TBA).
20 Congregation Agudath Israel of West EssexSocial Action Committee
Todah Rabah — Thanks So Much
This summer we completed our fifth year of providing Our volunteer list comprised children, teens,
warm and welcoming hospitality to displaced families families, seniors, and staff members. The
at CAI for one week, on behalf of the Interfaith active participation of teens in the evening
Hospitality Network of Essex County. The success of hours allowed for healthy release of pent-up
this program requires the hands-on participation of energy by the children, as well as welcome
many volunteers, and it was with their outpouring of respite for parents. The smooth running of
compassion and generosity that once again we were this effort was in large part due to the able
able to open our doors to the less fortunate in our community. assistance of our maintenance staff members Ramon, Qiana,
and Blanca.
Volunteers served in a wide variety of roles, including planning,
technological support, set-up, clean-up, shopping for food It was gratifying to see the overwhelming response from our CAI
and supplies, meal preparation and serving, companionship, community to help those in need, as well as the camaraderie
recreation, entertainment, and overnight supervision. One among our team of volunteers. During these troubling
highlight of the week was the evening that children, moms, and times — when government policies turn away from the poor,
volunteers participated with great enthusiasm in a yoga class led the stranger, the widow, and the orphan — it is particularly
by a congregant. In addition to hands-on assistance, we received rewarding that so many congregants recall the seminal lesson
generous donations of gift cards, toys, games, books, clothing, of the founding of our people — that “we were once slaves in
baseball caps, and backpacks, all of which lit up the faces of our Egypt” — and have given so generously of themselves until the
youngest guests. long night of injustice can be lifted.
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agudath.org | SEPTEMBER 2018 21c CAI High Holy Day Schedule of Services d
Rosh Hashanah 5779/2018
Main ServiceS
Sunday, September 9 (Eve of First Day) 6:00 pm - 6:45 pm Mincha/Maariv (Afternoon/Evening Service)
•••••
Monday, September 10 (First Day) 8:00 am - 1:00 pm Main Service
10:00 am - 10:15 am Shofar Blowing
10:30 am - 11:15 am Rabbi’s Sermon
6:15 pm - 6:35 pm Tashlich at Grover Cleveland Park — symbolic “casting
of sins” into the water. Gather at Grover Cleveland Park.
6:55 pm - 7:55 pm Mincha/Maariv (Afternoon/Evening Service)
•••••
Tuesday, September 11 (Second Day) 8:00 am - 1:00 pm Main Service
9:35 am - 9:50 am Shofar Blowing
10:00 am - 10:45 am Rabbi’s Sermon
6:55 pm - 7:55 pm Mincha/Maariv (Afternoon/Evening Service)
children, FaMily and adult alternative ServiceS
Monday, September 10 (First Day) 9:30 am - 10:15 am ECC (Early Childhood Center) Family Service
(with Susan Werk)
10:00 am - 1:00 pm Babysitting available (18 months - 5 years)
10:15 am - 12:15 pm Children’s Services without Parents, Grades K-2
10:15 am - 12:15 pm Children’s Services without Parents, Grades 3-5, 6-7, 8-12
10:30 am - 12:00 pm High Holy Day Highlights for Adults
(with Susan Werk and Erica Rabner)
10:30 am “Torah for Tots” for Children and their Parents (ages 0 - 4)
10:30 am - 12:00 pm Elementary School Family Service with Parents
10:30 am - 11:30 am “Seeking New Thoughts for a New Year”
with Karen Frank (Synagogue Nurse)
•••••
Tuesday, September 11 (Second Day) 10:00 am - 1:00 pm Babysitting Available (18 months - 5 years)
10:15 am - 12:15 pm Children’s Services without Parents, Grades K - 2
10:15 am - 12:15 pm Children’s Services without Parents Grades 3-5, 6-7
10:30 am “Torah for Tots” for Children and their Parents (ages 0 - 4)
10:30 am - 12:00 pm Elementary School Family Service with Parents
(with Susan Werk)
22 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essexc CAI High Holy Day Schedule of Services d
Yom Kippur 5779/2018
Kol nidre ServiceS
Tuesday, September 18 5:55 pm - 6:10 pm Mincha (Afternoon Service)
6:10 pm - 8:25 pm Kol Nidre (Evening Service)
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm “Seeking New Thoughts for a New Year”
with Karen Frank (Synagogue Nurse)
Main ServiceS
Wednesday, September 19 8:30 am - 2:30 pm Main Service
11:15 am - 11:55 am President’s Message and Rabbi’s Sermon
11:55 am - 12:10 pm Yizkor (Memorial Service)
4:55 pm - 6:05 pm Mincha (Afternoon Service)
6:05 pm - 7:30 pm Ne’ilah (Closing Service)
7:30 pm - 7:40 pm Maariv (Evening Service) and Final Shofar Blast
children, FaMily and adult alternative ServiceS
Wednesday, September 19 9:45 am - 10:30 am ECC (Early Childhood Center) Family Service
(with Susan Werk)
10:00 am - 1:00 pm Babysitting available (18 months - 5 years)
10:30 am - 11:30 am “Seeking New Thoughts for a New Year”
with Karen Frank (Synagogue Nurse)
10:30 am - 12:00 pm Elementary School Family Service with Parents
10:45 am - 12:30 pm Children’s Services without Parents, Grades K -2
10:45 am - 12:30 pm Children’s Services without Parents
Grades 3 -5, 6 -7, 8 -12
11:00 am “Torah for Tots” for Children and their Parents (ages 0 - 4)
10:45 am - 12:15 pm High Holy Day Highlights for Adults
(with Susan Werk and Erica Rabner)
12:15 pm - 12:30 pm Adult Alternative Yizkor (Memorial) Service
(with Susan Werk in the Adult Lounge)
agudath.org | SEPTEMBER 2018 23Men's Club
ALFIE MAHLER, PRESIDENT
Help build the sukkah
We hope everyone had a great summer. The up. A Men’s Club meeting will take place after the
Men’s Club barbecue was a tremendous sukkah is up to discuss this and other functions.
success again this year, and it was great to see
some new faces at the event. Our annual Spirits in the Sukkah gathering, always a
great event, will be on Thursday, Sept. 27, at 7:30 pm.
We look forward to many activities this fall.
Please put on your calendars the Men’s Club meeting on
We are looking for Men’s Club members and Sunday, Oct. 7, at 10 am.
others to serve as ushers during High Holy Day
services. Please contact Mark Englander to volunteer. On a personal note, on Shabbat, Sept. 1, the aufruf for my
son Austin will take place at CAI. We are thrilled to celebrate with
The Men’s Club will begin our annual task of erecting the shul him and the whole shul. My family will sponsor the kiddush after
sukkah on Sunday, Sept. 16, with final work to be done on services that morning.
Sunday, Sept. 23. We hope to start between 9 and 9:30 am on
both days. The more hands at work, the faster the sukkah goes The Men’s Club wishes all a wonderful High Holy Day season!
• MEMBER OF CONGREGATION AGUDATH ISRAEL •
24 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex• MEMBER OF CONGREGATION AGUDATH ISRAEL •
agudath.org | SEPTEMBER 2018 25Cemetery Association
The Present Sanctifies the Past through Memory
In preparation for the High Holy Days, many Jews visit the of need, we have recently made arrangements to accept Visa
gravesites of their ancestors. By doing so, we help prepare our and Mastercard payment for the costs involved in the purchase
prayers for the New Year inspired by the memories of those of cemetery plots. The Agudath Israel Cemetery Association, as
who came before us. Agudath Israel’s Cemetery Association a service to our members, will absorb all costs associated with
supervises plots at three cemeteries and tries to assure their credit card payments.
proper maintenance and care so that, when we do visit, we are
in a tranquil and sacred space. For Agudath Israel members who have family members who
are not Jewish, we have developed a special relationship with
With the additional assistance of the Agudath Israel Men’s Club, a handsome, respectful cemetery under the auspices of one
the Menorah Section of East Ridgelawn Cemetery in nearby of our sister Conservative synagogues in South Orange. If you
Clifton is kept in pristine shape. The CAI Cemetery Association would like information about interfaith burial options, please
also maintains plots at King Solomon Memorial Park in Clifton be in touch with Rabbi Richard Hammerman at rahammermn@
and at New Mount Zion Cemetery within Hillside Cemetery in aol.com. For ways in which we can assist you, please be in touch
Lyndhurst. Though all available plots have been sold at the with us at info@agudath.org or through the synagogue office.
New Mount Zion Cemetery, there are still individual and family See agudathcemetery.org for further information.
gravesites available for purchase in the two cemetery locations
in nearby Clifton. May the memories of our dear ones inspire us to deeds of
kindness for each other and God’s world during the New Year
For the convenience of Agudath Israel members in their time 5779.
Serving the Congregation over Decades
Arthur Franklin Susan Turitz
973-228-2033 973-865-0203
Mel Berkowitz Keith Marlowe
973-226-8623 973-533-9114
Steven Eisen Rabbi
973-602-9091 Richard Hammerman
973-287-3455
agudathcemetery.org
Plots Available
for Members
26 Congregation Agudath Israel of West EssexThe Jewish Memorial Chapel provides
funerals at low prices that only
a not-for-profit organization can offer
When we help you pre-plan your funeral you’ll see the value
of doing business with us. The Jewish Memorial Chapel upholds the
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The Jewish Memorial Chapel wishes you and your family
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agudath.org | SEPTEMBER 2018 2728 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex
September 21
October 19
November 16
5:30 pm — Child-friendly dinner December 14
6 pm — Service with Susan Werk January 18
and Cantor Caplan February 22
Adult Lounge & Conference Rooms March 15
Shabbat in Pajamas is an Early Education Center Family Program April 12
Susan Werk, Educational Director
May 17
There is no cost for the dinner, but an RSVP is required so we
can plan accordingly. Please email ecc@agudath.org to attend.
• MEMBER OF CONGREGATION AGUDATH ISRAEL •
agudath.org | SEPTEMBER 2018 29B'nei Mitzvah
Brett William Bachenheimer Aaron and Olivia Itzhaki
Monday, September 3, am Saturday, September 8, pm
Son of Barry and Stacey Bachenheimer Son and daughter of
John and Sylvia Itzhaki
Brett lives in Roseland with his parents,
Barry and Stacey, and his older sister, Aaron and Olivia,
Lea. Brett is a rising eighth-grade honor congratulations on becoming
roll student at West Essex Middle School, B’nei Mitzvah. You are growing
and his favorite subjects are math into two vibrant young adults,
and science. He just finished his sixth always looked upon as a pair,
summer at Surprise Lake Camp in New York. twins, but very different and unique individuals. As both of you
prepare to enter eighth grade at West Essex Middle School,
Brett has many interests and hobbies, including playing the you continue to excel in growing as diversified individuals
trumpet in the band and jazz ensemble, competing in field who excel in academic areas and are active in sports as well
events on the West Essex track team, playing soccer, playing as the arts. Aaron is an enthusiastic learner, on the honor
golf, studying sharks, and playing chess. His interest in science roll, a percussionist, soccer player, and distance track runner.
and animals led him to his mitzvah project through which he is Olivia is a passionate performer, incredible singer, excellent
volunteering at an animal shelter in Burlington County. public speaker, presenter, outstanding reader, and skilled
soccer player. Your multicultural family extends from the
Brett’s entire family is very proud of him and the caring,
island of Puerto Rico to the land of Israel, and we are proud
inquisitive, and funny young man he has become! Mazel tov,
to pass down our traditions and faith to another generation of
Brett!
Itzhakis.
30 Congregation Agudath Israel of West EssexB'nei Mitzvah
Joshua Adelsberg Max Goldstein
Saturday, September 15, pm Saturday, September 29, pm
Son of Margo and Gregory Adelsberg Son of Neal and Carolin Goldstein
Josh is an eighth-grader at West Essex Max is an eighth-grade honor student
Middle School. Josh is hardworking at West Essex Middle School. He is an
and dedicated in all that he does in avid sports fan and enjoys playing most
school, sports, and life. He is a soccer sports, especially basketball and running
enthusiast and loves all things soccer. track for his school. As a lifelong fan of
He has enjoyed playing for his school the Philadelphia Eagles, he definitely
soccer team, his local travel soccer team, and currently for his enjoyed this past year’s Super Bowl!
club soccer team. When Josh is not playing soccer on the field,
Max is a compassionate young man and loves all living
he is rooting for his favorite team, Real Madrid, and watching
creatures. He has an entrepreneurial spirit and loved creating
soccer games. He enjoys hanging out with his friends, going
his own business as part of the TREP$ program. Max enjoys
to the movies, and playing video games. Josh looks forward
music and has been learning the ukulele and piano. He has a
to his summers spent at Camp Mah-Kee-Nac where he loves
great sense of humor and enjoys spending time with his friends
woodshop, sports, and lake activities.
and older brother, Sam. More than anything, he loves his dog
Josh is a great big brother to his brother, Gabe. And, of course, Wiggles and can think of no better way to start his day than
Josh loves his dog, Levi. being woken up by her.
We are so proud of Josh for all of his accomplishments and In the summer, Max can be found at Trail’s End Camp in the
the amazing young man he has become. We are so excited to Poconos, hanging with his friends and playing on the fields. Max
celebrate this special day with family and friends. loves to travel and can’t wait for his next big adventure.
We are so proud of Max’s accomplishments, including his hard
work in school this year and preparing for his Bar Mitzvah. We
are looking forward to celebrating this special occasion with
Max and his family and friends.
Need Help with Your Mitzvah Project?
If you are working on a project and would like to
publicize it to gain support from the congregation,
email a description of your project (in 50-75 words),
and the type of support you would like, to
education@agudath.org.
• MEMBER OF CONGREGATION AGUDATH ISRAEL •
agudath.org | SEPTEMBER 2018 31You can also read
