MAY, 2013/IYAR-SIVAN, 5773

The Presidents 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 impressionhe
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 Rabbis
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 ones 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 COHENS
20 YEARS AT TSTI
Clergy
Rabbi Daniel M. Cohen, D.Min.
Rabbi Ellie Lynn Miller, M.A.R.E.
Cantor Rebecca Moses
Cantor J oan Finn
Rabbi Emeritus, Harvey S. Goldman
Rabbi Emeritus, Herbert Weiner
Cantor Emeritus, Theodore Aronson
Lay Leadership
J ay Rice, President
Rob Ozer, VP
J ules Nissim, VP
Sue Wishnow, VP
Max Weisenfeld, VP
Lisa Tilton-Levine, VP
J ennifer Larson, VP
Renee Helfenstein, VP
J eff DuBowy, Treasurer
J anet Schwamm, Secretary
Leslie Y. Sporn, Executive Director
Carol Paster, Preschool Director
Mindy Schreff, Religious School Director
Tracy Horwitz, LSW, Program Director
Beth Sandweiss, MA, MSW
J FS Social Worker at TSTI
Sunny Seglin, Bulletin
MEMBER CONGREGATION
UNION FOR REFORM JUDAISM
Schedule of Services
Friday, May 3
Behar/Bechukotai
Shabbat Service and Hebrew High
Graduation, 7:30 P.M.
Bass Sanctuary Building
Saturday, May 4
Minyan Service, 9:15 A.M.
Gross Bet Midrash
Bat Mitzvah of J ules Portnoy, 10:15 A.M.
Bat Mitzvah of Zoe Grebin, 10:30 A.M.
Friday, May 10
Bamidbar
Shabbat Service honoring our teachers
with speakers from Israeli Outward Bound,
6:00 P.M.
Bass Sanctuary Building
Saturday, May 11
Minyan Service, 9:15 A.M.
Gross Bet Midrash
Bat Mitzvah of Marlo Rimalovski,
10:15 A.M.
Wednesday, May 15
Yizkor Service and Lunch of
Remembrance, 10:30 A.M.
Friday, May 17
Nasso
Shabbat Service and Conrmation,
7:30 P.M.
Bass Sanctuary Building
Saturday, May 18
Minyan Service, 9:15 A.M.
Gross Bet Midrash
Bnai Mitzvah of Matthew Nichter and
Benjamin Mintz 10:15 A.M.
Bat Mitzvah of Talia White, 10:30 A.M.
Friday, May 24
Behaalotecha
Shabbat Service, 6:00 P.M.
Gellis-Green Chapel
Saturday, May 25
Minyan Service, 9:15 A.M.
Gross Bet Midrash
Bar Mitzvah of Ethan Bernstein, 10:30 A.M.
Friday, May 31
Shelach Lecha
Shabbat Service, 7:30 P.M.
Bass Sanctuary Building
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
holidays 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
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 thorwitz@tstinj.org to reserve
your space.
In this brilliant Golden Globe-winning 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 lm was not meant
to be an indictment of Israel, but rather a psychological study
of war and its impact. In this dramatic 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 SERIES
Saturday, May 5
7:00 P.M.
Facilitator:
Dr. Eric Goldman
WALTZ WITH BASHIR
(Israel, 2008)
Soups 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 fullled 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,
J une 8, J uly13, August 10
Please contact
Robin Greenberg at
tstisoupkitchen@gmail.com
to volunteer or for more
information.
Thank you,
Robin Greenberg and J odie 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.
Preschools 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 Peacebuildings 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 10
th
grade Confirmation students
have achieved. Our Confirmation Service is truly beautiful, es-
pecially with the participation of this years Confirmation Class.
Enjoy a delightful oneg afterwards. Our Confirmands are:
Jonathan Bain
Ryan Horwitz
Jordan Kaplan
Micah Lind
Zach Lynn
Jessica Nadel
Andrew 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 Cohens 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 Rothman
Aliya Saffran
Matthew Schilling
Tracy Sonnabend
Jennifer Van Voorhees
Eli Weisenfeld
Emma Wishnow
Linda and Rudy Slucker
Religious School
Mindy Schreff
Religious 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 Cohens 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 Bnai 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 didnt and thats
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 Cohens 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
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 lcha rav, yeish lcha
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 cant 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 rabbis 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 Bnai Mitzvah
Tree of Life
Zoe Belle Grebin
May 4, 2013
Zoe 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 Portnoy
May 4, 2013
Jules 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 Rimalovski
May 11, 2013
Marlo 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 White
May 18, 2013
Talia 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 Mintz
May 18, 2013
Ben 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 Nichter
May 18, 2013
Matt 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 Livingstons Shining Stars
Sports League, an adaptive recreation pro-
gram for children with special needs.
Ethan Clark Bernstein
May 25, 2013
Ethan 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 mimibraun@
verizon.net for more information.
Celebrating Rabbi Cohens 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. Its 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
Cohens 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. Elanas 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, Dans
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 Cohens 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 5
th
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 TSTIs 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
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 Cohens
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
Cohens 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.
Renaissance Group
Mimi Braun
Womens
Connection
Carol Paster
Preschool 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. Im just too stubborn to listen.
For instance, Shabbat Storytime was Rabbi Cohens 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 preschools 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 wasnt 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 Ive had with Rabbi Cohen
Ive 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 Ive 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 Ive learned to trust, and count on,
Dans complete and total support of this preschool directors
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 Womens 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. Womens 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 Womens 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 Womens Connection summer soiree.
Pam Paro and Roberta Probber
Co-Presidents of Women Connection
All of our Renaissance members who attended our Passover
seder at Georgios, will agree it was a wonderful evening thanks
to the perfect planning of Muriel Fielo and Alice Forman. As an
added nicety, Matty and Dans 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 Georgios.
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.
Womens Connection Gift Shop
Entire 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. Theres nothing like
it at any other Judaica shop in New Jersey!
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 dont forget our EZPass
system. Send a check for any
amount, indicate that its to
be used for EZPass Tributes,
and we will credit your ac-
count. Tributes can then be
made online or by calling the
ofce 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
Youve received your
rafe 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 BOYLE
Wife of Robert Boyle
ESTHER COPLAN
Grandmother of
Michele Schweidel
BERNARD S. KAPLAN
Father of J udy Malamed
TEMPLE FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Lance Corporal Roger Muchnick, J r.
U.S.M.C, nephew of Hope Pomerantz
Kelly & Adam Leight
Boris Kovartovsky, father of Yudit Terry
Kelly & Adam Leight
Rita Boyle, wife of Robert Boyle
J esse, Leslie & Ariel Bayer
Mark Spero, husband of Marilou Spero
J esse, Leslie & Ariel Bayer
Linda & J oe Scharf
IN HONOR OF
The marriage of Robert Merin, son of
Ann Merin
Arnold & Gert Zoref
Howard & Lorraine Yablon
The birth of Brody, great grandson of
Pauline Pollack
Ellen & J ay Rice
Matty & Dan Goldberg
J ack & Helene Fersko
Bat Mitzvah of Lauren Dresner
Audrey & Stuart Rosenblatt
The engagement of Robyn, daughter of
Gary & Leslie Rosenblatt
Helene & J ack Fersko
SPEEDY RECOVERY
J eff DuBowy
J ack Fersko
Sharon Sachs
Arnold & Gert Zoref
RABBI COHENS
DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF
The marriage of Robert Merin, son of
Ann Merin
Stewart Kaplowitz &
Phylllis Salowe-Kaye
IN APPRECIATION
The Horwitz Family
RABBI MILLERS
DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN APPRECIATION
The Horwitz Family
CANTOR MOSESS
DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF
The marriage of Robert Merin, son of
Ann Merin
Raymond & Bettye Green
The birth of Brody, great grandson of
Pauline Pollack
Raymond & Bettye Green
CANTOR FINNS
DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN APPRECIATION
The Horwitz Family
CANTOR ARONSONS
DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN APPRECIATION
The Horwitz Family
MELVILLE & ROSE BERLOW
MUSIC FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Shirely Russ, mother of George Russ
J udy & Larry Kantor
Boris Kovartovsky, father of Yudit Terry
Susan & Mitch J acobsen
IN HONOR OF
The birth of Alexandra, daughter of
Cantor Moses & Aaron Kesselman
Matty & Dan Goldberg
HELEN A BRODER MUSEUM
FUND
IN HONOR OF
The marriage of Robert Merin, son of
Ann Merin
Mimi Braun
FOOD PANTRY
IN MEMORY OF
Ralph, father of Diane & Ed Stein
Rob & Lisa Ozer
IN HONOR OF
Frank Daviss special birthday
Rob & Lisa Ozer
PEARL & SAM GREEN
PRESCHOOL FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Bernard Kaplan, father of J udy Gottlieb
Rayna & Marc Pomper
The birth of Brody, great grandson of
Pauline Pollack
Mimi Braun
IRIS FAMILY MATTERS FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Lucien Bolon
Linda & J oel Scharf
JOSH LITTMAN VIDEO FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Sally Grinspan, mother of Emily
Zacharias
Harold & Annette Littman
POMERANTZ FUND FOR ADULT
JEWISH LEARNING
IN MEMORY OF
Lance Corporal Roger Muchnick, J r.
U.S.M.C, nephew of Hope Pomerantz
Ellen & J ay Rice
Gail & Michael Kanef
Matty & Dan Goldberg
J eff & Hallie Beyer
Helene & J ack Fersko
The Weisenfeld Family
Elliot Sommer
& Sydne Marshall
TSTI Staff
Sally Grinspan, mother of Emily
Zacharias
Steven Pomerantz
J ustin Brafman, father of Andy Brafman
Steven Pomerantz
Adrienne Burger, mother of J oan Gellis
Steven Pomerantz
IN HONOR OF
Bat Mitzvah of Rachel Horwitz
Steven Pomerantz
Bar Mitzvah of Cameron Donald
Hope Pomerantz
LINDA & RUDY SLUCKER
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Lance Corporal Roger Muchnick, J r.
U.S.M.C, nephew of Hope Pomerantz
David & Karyn Leit
Merv Goldstein, stepfather of Adam
Bernstein
The Weisenfeld Family
TSTI ACCESS FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Mark Spero, husband of Marilou Spero
Alice & Sid Forman
[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.
YOU
HAVE A
CHOICE.
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GREEN WITH
PAPERLESS
BULLETI NS!
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emailing sseglin@tstinj.org with your
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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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973-391-9400
FAX 973-391-9410
We extend a 10% discount to
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Independently Owned and Operated
Services available from $4695*
Up to a $500 donation back to Temple
Sharey Tefilo-Israel from each funeral.
In home and at need arrangements
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