TBJ Blog

Day Three: Up North

December 26th, 2011 | posted by Rabbi Karen R. Perolman | Email Me

Boker Tov everyone!

It’s rainy season here in Israel, which means due to some heavy drops, we missed seeing the caves in Rosh Hanikra. But, we did get to head all the way north for jeep rides in Nahariya! Along the way, we passed through some amazing towns like, Netanya, Herzliya and  Haifa, Israel’s third largest city. Through our windows, we saw the Israeli headquarters of Google, Yahoo, Intel, Microsoft and other popular tech companies. We also drove through Haifa’s newest tunnel under the city, saving us an hour in driving time. It was inspiring to see such technological and structural growth in the country!

Even though our jeep rides were rough and bumpy and made many of us nauseous, it was worth the view of the Israeli Lebanon border at the end. Hard to believe that during the second Lebanon war, the ground we stood on was being attacked by Hezbollah.

Next, we experienced the deep history of the crusades in the city of Akko. After meandering through the old cobble stone ruins, I spoke to Josh Tarnow about his day.

He said, “We had a very cool experience when we were up in the north part of the country. We were able to see the border with Lebanon — which was incredible to be honest with you. There was much less visible security than I expected. Listening to the history of the Galilee was great and the jeep ride was short but really neat. We are now in Akko which is fantastic, incredibly old and an unbelievable mix between the old and new. We are having a fantastic time — we really are. And I bet you the kids are having a better time bowling…Just kidding!” Josh Tarnow

It was true, the younger kids in the group, ages 12-17, went bowling in the afternoon and got to experience an evening in the life of an Israeli teenager: bowling, pizza, ice cream and a break from their parents.

It’s unbelievable that tomorrow is our last full day in Tel-Aviv and then we’re off to Jerusalem!

Day Two: Shabbat in Tel-Aviv

December 25th, 2011 | posted by Rabbi Karen R. Perolman | Email Me

Shabbat shalom again! Many stores were closed and the streets were quiet today, which gave us a chance to get over our jet-lag.

Our group had two options for tours: visit the old port of Tel Aviv called Jaffa (Yaffo) or go north to see a newer part of the city.

Lori Cohn who is visiting Israel for the first time spent the day in Jaffa said, “I saw the old part of Tel-Aviv and it was beautiful. I came here because I wanted to see the country for my own eyes and experience Israel.” She admitted that the country feels pretty Westernized yet safe. “But where are all the soldiers on the streets?” she laughed.

Shari Dinowitz said that she can’t believe we’re actually here. “I was so excited to come and be with my family and friends and everything that we hear about and see pictures about, now we’re experiencing,” she added.

After exploring Tel-Aviv by day, the group met at our hotel to hear David Mendelsohn, the Director of Israeli Studies at Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem speak about life in Israel both politically and socially. He spoke frankly about women’s public roles in the religious community, the dynamics between the Haredi (ultra-orthodox) and other communities as well as current details of the Palestinian Israeli conflict. After having a spent our first two days enjoying the sights, this was the first time we were reminded of some of the complexities of the country.

Arnold Rutkin was honest and outspoken about the issues raised, hoping he wouldn’t get into too much trouble since Rabbi Matt is his son-in-law. Mr. Rutkin said, “I was disappointed to learn about the number of ultra orthodox who are not paying taxes or serving in the army is growing and so is their discrimination against women. I thought it had gotten better in the last 30 years, but apparently it has gotten worse.”

On an upbeat note, we ended the day with the Havdalah ceremony to separate Shabbat from the rest of the week. We started our gathering on a promenade on theTel-Aviv beach, but after a bit of a down pour we all scurried back inside to light our Chanukah candles and sing together. Though we all got wet, we were told the country greatly needed the water, which made us all feel better.

For a final night cap, many of us gathered nearby at Mike’s pub to watch the New York Jets and Giants play football. No matter where we are,  we can’t forget our tri-state roots! The group drank beer, watched the game and bet on who would win — but of course, all proceeds went to tzedakah! Rabbi Matt was disappointed his Jets lost the game, but was happy to report that we raised $1000 which will go the Bavat Ayin Congregation’s future building. Go team B’nai Jeshurun!

Day One: Our Arrival in Israel

December 24th, 2011 | posted by Rabbi Karen R. Perolman | Email Me

Greetings!

We have safely landed in Tel-Aviv. My name is Ilana Arazie and I’m going to be blogging about TBJ’s family Israel trip!

Our group filled with families from Congregation B’nai Jeshurun in Short Hills, New Jersey will be traveling though Jerusalem, Tel-Aviv and other areas for the next 10 days. For most of the group, this is their first time visiting Israel. For others, they will experience the holy land like never before.

For example, the Cohn family is here mainly to celebrate the Bar Mitzvah of their son Drew. Two other families will be celebrating their children’s B’nai Mitzvah and three adults will have their B’nai Mitzvah moments as well on Masada mid-week!

The group which includes about 40 kids and 40 adults is led by our loving leader and good friend Rabbi Matthew Gewirtz. His spiritual “brother from another mother” Matt Turk is playing folk and Jewish music on the trip. Karen Perolman is another Rabbi who is also a song-leader and guitar player. And, our two buses are lead by the spirited Sharon Morganstern (Morgy) and the passionate Rabbi Eddie.

On our bus heading into bustling Tel-Aviv, Morgy shared that our trip would be filled with Kehilah, Kavod and Ahavah — Community, Respect and Love. With the sun shining bright in Tel-Aviv, we were already feeling the warmth of that message and the country.

On our first stop, we gathered at Independence Hall, where David Ben Gurion declared the state of Israel in 1948. The hall had been Mayor Dizengoff’s home and art gallery, which was designed like a bunker with reinforced walls and windows. Then we actually heard a live recording of Ben Gurion, among 400 Israeli dignitaries like Golda Meir, reading the announcement ending with the words, “The state of Israel is born. This meeting is over.” We all felt chills.

Laurie Gould said, “It was cool to be in the place where the state started. I loved that and I loved the way the tour guides brought it to life for us, explaining the excitement, the crowd, that there were 400 people in this room that seemed maybe big enough for 100. And seeing the actual gavel that was used to call the meeting to order… It was a phenomenal place to start the trip.”

The group split up to walk around the lively streets of Tel-Aviv, enjoying mouth-watering falafel and shwarma lunches, the art and crafts fair and the shuk or Arab market.

That night Rabbi Gewirtz brought the community together on the promenade of Tel-Aviv beach for Kabbalat Shabbat. He assembled a box with a chanukiah (menorah) inside it to shield the wind, The children lit Chanuka candles and 75 of us sang songs like “Ob-la-di  Ob-la-da” and “L’cha Dodi”, feeling our K’hila (community) as we watched the waves ease in and out on the beach.

Even though we were all tired from our long flight and day, Rabbi Matt reminded us why we are all here. He told a story about people who put sand into their pockets and when they left, their sand turned to jewels.

He told the group, “Put as much sand into your pockets. Realize where you are standing. Over there is the port of Jaffa. Jonah started his journey there. Moses split the sea behind us. The Torah was given to us down that way. Everything you learned about us here. Do yourself a favor. Leave your stuff at home. Experience this Shabbat and make it extend all week.”

We headed to our hotel’s restaurant for a huge Shabbat feast, filled with every Israeli and Jewish delicacy you can imagine. With our bellies and hearts full, we slept deeply.

Shabbat Shalom from Israel!

Remembering, Praying & Healing Together…

September 9th, 2011 | posted by Rabbi Matthew A. Reimer | Email Me

For many of us, the approaching tenth anniversary of September 11, 2001 brings with it a sense of uncertainty as well as recollections and the desire to commemorate the lives lost on that tragic day. On the one hand, with the ongoing wars, terror and conflicts throughout the world, and natural disasters in our own backyard, our pain and insecurity, individually and collectively, may have only been exacerbated in the decade since the monumental tragedy and horrors of 9/11. As Jews, Americans, and members of the human family, we have been subject to repeated assaults and losses. In our hearts and our minds, it can all merge into a terrifying and unrelenting state.

In the face of this, however, Jews are far from impotent or adrift. Rather, we have shown throughout our history to have necessary and useful tools, approaches, and traditions that can help us with our struggles. Simply put: Jews have resources of community, tradition, and faith to bolster ourselves and give each of us a sense of strength, purpose and renewed hope.

To that end, your TBJ family invites you to participate in a full weekend commemorating the 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001 through prayer, reflection and communal events.

  • September 9, 5:30 pm: Erev Shabbat Services, Commemoration of September 11, 2001, Sermon by Rabbi Matthew D. Gewirtz.
  • September 11, 3:00 pm: “Compassion in Action Interfaith Service 9/11,” Trinity & St. Phillips Cathedral, 608 Broad Street, Newark, with Rabbi Matthew D. Gewirtz & Cantor Howard M. Stahl joining communal religious and political leaders.
  • September 24, 7:00 pm: S’lichot Service and Ethics Panel –“Memory, Reconciliation and Hope: An Interfaith Conversation on the 10th Commemoration of September 11, 2001,” with Rabbi Matthew D. Gewirtz, Imam W. Deen Shareef, The Rt. Rev. Mark Bethwith and Father Edward Beck, moderated by Jon Meacham.

As we begin to enter into these awe-filled days, please join your TBJ community as we remember together, pray together and heal together.

God Makes No Mistakes- June 12, 2011

June 13th, 2011 | posted by Rabbi Karen R. Perolman | Email Me

This sermon was delivered at the Newark Essex Pride Interfaith Service on Sunday, June 12, 2011.

 

If pride commissioned a theme song, it probably would sound something like this:

You’re beautiful in your way

’cause God makes no mistakes

I’m on the right track baby

I was born this way. (Lady Gaga, “Born this Way,” 2011)  Read More

President Obama’s Mideast Speech: More Questions or More Answers?

May 20th, 2011 | posted by Rabbi Matthew A. Reimer | Email Me

Much has been said since President Obama’s speech on the Middle East this past Thursday. Supporters of the President have hailed the speech as a bold new approach to an age old issue. Detractors have claimed that the President has irrevocably destroyed the previously unbreakable bond between the United States and Israel. So what exactly did he say? And, perhaps more importantly, what did he NOT say?

  • President Obama’s speech was a major policy shift from previous administrations: NOT TRUE. Both Presidents Bush and Clinton have made similar proposals and referred to the same borders in the same way, with “mutually agreed swaps,” referring to accommodations and changes. (Here is an article in The Atlantic to highlight this point: http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2011/05/nothing-new-in-the-idea-that-67-borders-should-guide-peace-talks-updated/239162/)

So what did President Obama say? President Obama…

  • Made a strong restatement of American’s commitment to Israel’s security.
  • Restated American’s firm commitment to “stand against attempts to single [Israel] out for criticism in international forums.”
  • Strongly and directly addressed Palestinian efforts to delegitimize Israel, isolate Israel at the United Nations, unilaterally declare statehood and deny Israel’s right to exist.
  • Eloquently recognized Israel’s essential Jewish character as a homeland for the Jewish people.
  • Insisted that a Palestinian state be non-militarized, and that Israel “must be able to defend itself – by itself – against any threat.”
  • Noted the “profound and legitimate” questions posed by the alliance of Fatah and Hamas, and recognized that “Palestinian leaders will have to provide a credible answer to that question.”

Here is the President’s speech in its entirety: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/05/19/remarks-president-middle-east-and-north-africa

The speech shows a clear commitment to a two-state solution that exists – and can only exist – in peace. So perhaps we can put on our filters and use this opportunity to listen – to really listen – to what is being said. We may just learn (read: hear) something we didn’t hear before.

May 2, 2011

May 2nd, 2011 | posted by Rabbi Matthew D. Gewirtz | Email Me

When I woke up this morning, it felt as if I was in a time warp.  So many bitter and chilling memories flooded back from that beautiful, sunny day in September; a day that became stained with clouds of darkness, debris and terror.  I imagine we all remember exactly where we were the morning of September 11, 2001 – where we were, what we were doing and how it was that we reacted.  The memories fade, but they so easily resurface every time we notice the gaping hole in the New York City skyline; or when we see young soldiers donned with machine guns at the entrance of our bridges and tunnels; or when we see an unattended package in a public place and think twice.  And indeed, there are those amongst us who have reminders so much closer to home.  Those who perished on that fateful day will always be lost, and their families will forever be in the process of healing and recovery.

And now, after almost ten years, the mastermind behind those evil acts, which have forever changed our world, has been killed.  I shed patriotic tears this morning, as I listened to the family members of victims lost, as they expressed words of redemption.  So many of us feel that a world without Osama bin Ladin is a better world.  We feel a measure of justice.  We feel proud of our brave men and women in uniform.  We feel proud of our governmental leaders.  We feel pride in being citizens of this great country.  We have had the courage and conviction to maintain and sustain our most precious gifts of democracy and freedom throughout this past decade.  We have chosen to live freely, while steadfastly pursing the perpetrators of evil.  And perhaps most important, we feel connected to each other, as we did ten years ago.  For a few moments, we are not from a specific political party, race, religion or orientation.  We are proud and unified Americans who believe that anything in this country is possible, as long as we embrace the ideals of our Founders and lend one another the generosity and compassion we all deserve.

Unfortunately, the last chapter of this “book” has yet to be written.  We live in a dangerous world in which we will always have to be vigilant about our security.  We will do so here at TBJ and will have to be patient as our world continues to evolve in this regard.  As well, we will have to work just as diligently to protect the civil liberties which make our country so unique.  Without our special brand of democracy, there is no reason to fight.

I have mixed emotions today.  I feel gratified and relieved that Osama bin Ladin no longer exists in our world.  I literally feel like a pit in my stomach has been removed.  But his death does not bring back the lives of so many who perished at his hands.  We should all pray for their souls and for those of their families.  I said I feel relieved, but please know, I do not feel happy.  How can I feel happy when we have been forced into a decade of such horrific violence, destruction and death?  How can I feel happy that we have been forced to send our children to battle on the war fields of death?  How can I be happy when we are forced to go to faraway lands and take the lives of others?  This is a day of redemption, relief and gratitude.  But this is not a happy day.

Golda Meir once said, “I will be able to forgive you (Arab Leaders) for killing my children, but I will never be able to forgive you for making my children kill your children.”  Indeed, when Jacob is about to meet Esau for their moment of reconciliation after years of estrangement, he says with the use of two different verbs that he is frightened.  The Sages of Old ask why he uses two different words for “fear.”  They answer their own question by teaching that he was scared in two different regards: He was frightened that he might be killed; and he was frightened that he might have to kill someone else.

Indeed, may we continue to live courageously and freely.  But may we also reach a time when the fears of being killed or having to kill are no longer words in our vocabulary.

May God bless the souls of those lost on September 11, 2001.

May God continue to give courage to our brave soldiers.

And may God bless the United States of America.

Party…and then Study

March 24th, 2011 | posted by Rabbi Matthew D. Gewirtz | Email Me

Between the unwanted snow of spring and the emotional clutter we feel from the saturation of very real and frightening problems around the world, we seem to stare into the clouds, wondering what will fall out of the sky next. I imagine this is not the only complicated period of history, but it certainly seems to rank on a Top Ten List that would not quite fit the late night comedy routine.

As always, we at TBJ are here to help both navigate and attempt to understand these unfathomable days. We will do so by communicating by email, blog and of course, from the Pulpit. We will also be sure to help the children of our congregation make as much sense as possible of the happenings in the world.

In the midst of it all, we should definitely not try to chart our course by staying at home. Our Tradition insists that in the midst of it all, we need to live and study and embrace the life we have around us.

Thus, please do so in two important ways this coming weekend. First, come and enjoy and let go at Purimania on Saturday night. Believe me, we can all use a communal party.

And the when you wake up the next morning, come and STUDY about one of the most compelling religious questions ever to be asked.

This Sunday at 9:45 AM, will be the kick off of a two-week class called:

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BELIEVE IN A JEWISH AFTERLIFE? Jews don’t believe in an afterlife, right?  Well, nobody knows for sure.  Most of us are under the misconception that there is no Jewish belief in an afterlife.  Not true!  In this class, you will be able to explore the vast Jewish traditional belief in an afterlife.  We will study through the eyes of our Sages of Old, ideas like:  Immortality of the Soul, Physical Resurrection; and even Transmigration of the Soul… a Jewish version of reincarnation.  As well, we will share our own thoughts of the possibilities of what happens after we die.  The mixture of tradition and personal journey will make for a compelling recipe

This Class will be uniquely taught from both a spiritual (Rabbi Gewirtz) and psychological perspective (our Resident Social Worker: Ilana Mazur). This will be an experience that you will not want to miss. In the midst of all of the dizzying activity, come and find balance as we explore together.

What I’m reading: (The Pursuit of) Happiness

March 14th, 2011 | posted by Rabbi Karen R. Perolman | Email Me

One of my favorite hobbies is reading and a close second is wandering through bookstores. I’m not picky- I’ll take a small local shop, a multi-level large store or even a small library in someone’s home.  I get lost in the titles and before I know it I’ve spent an hour and usually too much money on the newest pile of books I “can’t live without.”

This past week found me in the Union Square Barnes and Noble. I was browsing in the “religion” section when I noticed a new label on one of the shelves: Happiness. There is now a section in the bookstore that is focused on the study and pursuit of one our basic emotions. Some of the books gave advice about finding happiness after a loss; others looked at the medical community’s response to patient complaints of unhappiness.

In our hectic and often overwhelming world, many of us are searching for happiness. Happiness in our work or personal relationships, happiness in just being alive. Our Jewish tradition asks the question: “who is rich?” The answer? One who is happy with what they have. (Pirkei Avot 4:1)

This Friday we are welcoming someone who has been studying happiness in his own life. Jim Axelrod is a CBS News Correspondent who has covered the Invasion of Iraq, the 2004 Presidential Elections, the most recent financial collapse and regularly interviews those making news in our world. He is also the author of a new book on his own search for happiness. (which is available for pre-order here.)

Below is a note from Jim about his recent work on happiness.

I hope you’ll join us this Friday at 7pm.

——-

I’ve been thinking about happiness a lot lately.  I’ve been writing a book on the subject that came out of my own experiences as a guy trying to climb the ladder of network news.  You would’ve thought nearly dying in the back seat of my humvee on the bridge over the Euphrates during the invasion of Iraq would’ve been enough to help me understand what was most important in life.

It didn’t.

Not until I found myself with one of the best jobs in journalism and still miserable did I really begin to ask myself some questions about happiness, and start to heed the answers.

When we walk into a cocktail party, we always know who the richest guy in the room is, who the smartest guy is, whose kids are doing best, and who’s got the nicest house.

Do we ever ask ourselves, who is the happiest guy in the room?

We should.

This Friday I’ll share my story, and open the floor for questions and answers about anything you want to talk about– from my experiences in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the White House briefing room to what I found worked as I started my search for a happier life.

Hope to see you Friday,

Jim Axelrod

Charlie Sheen – “Winning” (or Losing)

March 14th, 2011 | posted by Cantor Howard M. Stahl | Email Me

You just can’t ignore the media blitz that has assaulted us for several weeks now. Detailed and graphic reports of the antics of the irrepressible Charlie Sheen have oppressed us and distressed us. This constant media hype goads us to weigh in on his bizarre behavior. Is he mentally ill or is he just poorly behaved. Despite the negative coverage in the print and screen media, Charlie Sheen remains an actor of considerable ability. His talent for comedy and drama has won him acclaim and recognition for decades. Now, sadly we are subjected to his public decompensating as he raves and rants, sometimes incoherently, offering his opinions on people who have accused him of questionable, if not illegal, unethical, and immoral behavior.

If his wildly erratic behavior is due to the effects of drug addiction, shame on him. If he is suffering from bipolar disorder, shame us for reveling in and deriving pleasure from listening to these rants. Sadly, the media encourages us to become voyeurs into the lives of pathetic and troubled individuals whose bad behavior is presented as entertainment. Television news these days seeks to be more entertaining than instructive and elucidating.  Apparently, insightful and meaningful journalism does not appeal to a broad enough market. What sells is the prurient, the exploitive, and the bizarre. Welcome to PT Barnum’s world transplanted to 21st century!

As for Mr. Sheen…what is he” winning”? Is he winning the respect of his industry or his audience which has in the past applauded his body of work? He is certainly losing the approval or support of his own family. Applause and public recognition are a performer’s life blood.  What Charlie is winning is attention. I guess he subscribes to the adage that negative attention is better than no attention.

The consensus seems to be that Charlie Sheen needs help. How best to help him might start with turning off the cameras and ending the media coverage of his daily wackadoo pronouncements. He needs to be in rehab if he’s an addict, or hospitalized and properly medicated if he is bipolar. But then, maybe he is neither an addict nor bipolar. Maybe Charlie is just being Charlie – an exceptionally good actor, reveling in all this PR and laughing at us, and winning after all.

In a world becoming increasingly more complicated, we should be committed to taking care of others who truly are in pain, taking seriously our responsibilities to help create and maintain a better world. Our liturgy reminds us of our obligations to lift up the down trodden, to free those in physical or emotional bondage, and to offer aid and hope to those who are victims of devastating and catastrophic acts of nature. We’ve heard enough from Charlie Sheen. It’s time to focus our energies on making whole a fractured world, performing mitzvot and acts of tikkun olam where it really counts. That’s “winning”!

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

We welcome and greatly appreciate your comments, thoughts and feedback to our TBJ Blog. However, we may not always be able to respond to your email.