| December, 2011 - Chanukah Menorah in Allendale |
Allendale celebrated its first annual menorah lighting on December 3rd, 2011. The Allendale Bar & Grill graciously hosted the event. It was a great night for Allendale with almost 200 people in attendance. The lighting was organized by Judith Friedland, Melissa Bildner and Michelle Ciocon with the generous help of Rabbi Dov Drizin from the Valley Chabad. Yasher Koach to Judith and Melissa for their perseverence in organizing this milestone event.
Click here to read the article which appeared in the Allendale Town Journal.
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| December, 2011 - Chanukah Fun Day |
Our congregation celebrated the Holiday of Lights at TBR’s annual Chanukah Fun Day. The day began in the sanctuary with our traditional candle lightning ceremony led by Rabbi Emert, Cantor Mamber, Cantor Annelise, the TBR Youth Choir, Zemmer Rishon, and the Gimel class of our religious school. Rabbi Emert invited leaders of our congregation to light candles on the synagogue’s menorah. Cantor Mamber played festive musical selections sung by our talented group of students.
Over 250 enthusiastic guests attended the “day of fun” starting with a special luncheon featuring “The Best Potato Latke Contest.” In house chefs Sharon and David Rubin, Greg and Brandon Csaki, and the anonymous team, served up piping hot potato latkes for all to enjoy. Votes for the favorite potato latke were cast and then tallied by Rabbi Emert. The father and son team of Greg and Brandon were announced as the winners. This is the second year the Csaki’s have taken the title with an old family recipe.
The “fun” part of the day consisted of holiday oriented arts and crafts projects created by our youngest members. Music and a magic show was performed by Maurice to entertain all ages.
A very special thank you to all our amazing volunteers who made the flyers, registered guests, decorated the ballroom, shopped and ordered the food, helped in the kitchen, fried latkes, baked desserts, coordinated and assisted with the arts and crafts, set up and cleaned up.
The following members of our temple family made it possible to hold another wonderful Chanukah Fun Day and Best Latke contest for our TBR community:
Jaimie Bolnick Brandon Csaki Greg Csaki
Martin Eller Heather Eller Pam Fishman
Amy Breslaw Fox Judith Freidland Diane Gess
Marvin Gess Vivian Yudin King Linh Korn
Alla Krause Sara Krause Alison Nolte
Michele Opper Ava Opper Ben Opper
Danielle Perl Samantha Perl David Rubin
Sharon Rubin Karen Sackstein Sam Sackstein
Nancy Satler Alexa Schwartz Jana Schwartz
Lisa Schwartz Sara Tesser Melanie Zenn
Danielle Ziegelheim Amanda Zonerich Lauren Zonerich
Much appreciation for all their help to Kris Len and Lisa Milowsky in the temple office and to Victor and Tony of our building staff for all their hard work.
Special thanks to Rabbi Olshansky and our religious school students and teachers from grades K-2, Alef, and Bet students for the beautiful Chanukah centerpieces.
Special thank you to Natalie and Gary Haar of Dunkin’ Donuts of Cedar Hill, Wyckoff for the generous donation of 500 munchkins!
For their continued support and special pricing thank you to Food town-Nicholas Market of N. Haledon and Shop Rite of Oakland.
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| December, 2011 - Chanukah Shabbat |
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The Miracle of Chanukah – TBR Style
About 150 adults and children came together to celebrate Chanukah 5772
with food, prayer, and song at our Pre-Chanukah Shabbat event.
It was all a Grand Success.
Our Thanks for the Expertise, Time and Energy given by So Many.
Thank you to our "Cooking Committee" for a delicious chicken and latke dinner:
Lydia Zakim, Michael Rubenstein, Ellen Rubenstein, and Zahava Trosten who did an outstanding job getting the dinner on the table.
Lydia Zakim, Tracy Kaplan, Diane Roman, Zahava Trosten, Bruce Ackerman, Judy Ackerman, Laura Freeman for help with the planning, purchasing, and preparation.
Stacey Frenkel and her team of pre-school moms, Lynn Goldman, Caryn Kahn, Linh Kahn, and Kimberly Nassua, for the delicious cauliflower kugel.
Thank you to the Youth Group for baking and serving beautiful Chanukah decorated cookies: Samantha Perl, Melanie Zenn, Danielle Ziegelheim for all your help setting up and serving the cookies.
Thank you for greeting and checking in our guests: Bob Glassman and Jeff Polevoy
Thank you to the Office and Custodial Staff whose efforts were indispensable during this and all our festival events. Kris Len and Lisa Milowsky for all the publicity. Nancy Wellington for all the accounting matters. Kris for getting the chicken in the oven too! Victor, Tony and George for all your efforts with the set up, serving, and clean up.
Thank you to all those who gave to our "Donations Welcome" request Along with our cooking committees and sponsorships, donations continue to enable us to offer our FREE Festival Meals to our congregants.
Thank you to Allison and Jeff Karpf for celebrating their simcha of Alex becoming a Bar Mitzvah by joining us with friends and family at our Shabbat Chanukah Dinner.
Thank you to our clergy, Rabbi Emert, Rabbi Olshansky and Cantor Mamber for a meaningful service that concluded with an outstanding, uplifting, toe tapping, sing-a-long concert featuring Cantor Mamber, Cantorial Intern Anneliese Ocanto and our Kol Rishon and Zemer Rishon singers.
Please consider joining our next "cooking committee"
when we come together to celebrate Purim.
Contact Judy Ackerman powhatan_35@yahoo.com
Sharon Weiss, VP Religion
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| November, 2011 - Kol Rishon Performs at Cedar Crest |
Kol Rishon performed a Holiday Concert at the Cedar Crest Adult Community Center on November 30th with the Beth Haverim Shir Shalom choir from Mahwah.
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| November, 2011 - Distinguished Speaker Series |
Our 4th Annual Food for Thought Distinguished Speaker Series got off to a great start on Sunday, November 13th. 65 people attended the event to learn from Dr. Robert Harris, who was informative and engaging. It was a wonderful morning.
Thank you:
• Phyllis Schreier for organizing the delicious breakfast buffet assisted by Ruth Friedland and Diane Roman.
• David Rubin, Karen Sackstein, and Phyllis Schreier for baking.
• Kris Len and Lisa Milowsky for your assistance in the office.
• Thanks to the committee: Rabbi Emert, Sharon Weiss, Sharon Rubin, Maddy Lakritz,Rabbi Olshansky, Elizabeth Cole and Bruce Leeb.
• Thank you, Rabbi Emert, for sponsoring the event as part of the Fred Emert Memorial Adult Education Fund.
• Thank you, Joyce Greenberg, for our community publicity and Elena Greene for yourexpertise in designing our brochure.
• With appreciation and looking forward to seeing all of you at our next two events on February 5th and May 6th!
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| November, 2011 - Federation Mitzvah Day at TBR |
TBR was the host for Yad Leah, a non-profit organization, that sends children's clothing to needy Jewish families in Israel. A wonderful group of enthusiastic volunteers donated, sorted, and packed boxes of clothes to be shipped to our friends in Israel.
Thank you to all of our families who donated clothing. Yasher Koach to TBR congregants Judy, David, Ava and Benjamin Opper, Arlene Weiss, Jodi Heimler, and Sara Tobias. A special thank you to Jessica Katz and her children, Hadassah and Shimmie, who coordinated the clothing drive.
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| October, 2011 - Simchat Torah Dinner |
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SUKKOT/SIMCHAT TORAH THANK YOU'S
Our Sincere Appreciation to Those Who Made these
Fall 5772 Festival Events Such Huge Successes:
A Huge Thank You to Laura Freeman and Judy Ackerman for preparing and orchestrating the Sukkot and Simchat Torah Dinners. Judy and Laura were back again to participate in the preparation of our Sukkot and Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah Luncheons. All who attended were the beneficiaries of their culinary expertise and continued commitment to our TBR community. Yasher Koach to both these ladies.
We appreciate all the Sous Chefs and Helping Hands including: Bruce Ackerman, Gale Bindelglass, Judy Fishman, Diane Gess, Eva Kleeman, Karen Reinstein, Diane Roman, Karen Sackstein, Sharon Weiss, Vivian King Yudin, Anne Zenn.
A Musical Thank you to our Simchat Torah Beth Rishon Klezmer ALLSTARS: Jimmy Cohen, Itay Goren, Jane Koch, Gale Bindelglass, Mark Kantrowitz and Cantor Ilan Mamber.
Did you notice a change? Our Festival Luncheons took an inspiring turn this year with the inclusion of our pre-schoolers and their parents. They joined us following our services that were reformulated thanks to the collaboration of Rabbi Emert, Debbie Landsman, Pre-School Director, and PTO co-presidents Stacey Frenkel and Judith Friedland. More proof positive that at TBR we continue to engage the gamut of our TBR community; the young children thru empty nesters found joy, a sense of community, and a feeling of pride in our Judaism during this High Holiday season.
MANY HANDS MAKE EASY WORK!
Please consider joining the fun and sense of community derived from being a part of our TBR Cooking Committees. For more information give a shout out to Judy Ackerman at powhatan_35@yahoo.com
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| October, 2011 - Break Fast 5772 |
Thank you to everyone responsible for another wonderful Break Fast at Temple Beth Rishon! It could not happen without the bakers, schleppers, helpers, and volunteers.
The Kugel Makers: Judy Ackerman, Linda Cohen, Stacey Frankel, Lisa Prawer, Brenda Scesney, and Phyllis Schreier.
The Bakers: Judy Ackerman, Jen Cahn, Carolyn and Larry Krawitz, Karen Sackstein, Phyllis Schreier, Lisa Schwartz and Susan Yadoff.
The Volunteers: Judy and Bruce Ackerman, Jen Cahn, Rona Eagle, Marilyn and Bob Gellert, Sharon Javer, Diane Roman, David Rubin, Karen Sackstein, Cyril Wilson, Susan Yacavone, Lydia Zakim and Ian Zimmerman.
And a HUGE shout out to Goldberg’s Bagels for donating all the bagels !!
I am so grateful to have such talented and dedicated friends behind this wonderful and spiritual event. Yasher Koach everyone…. May your New Year be filled with peace, happiness, and time with family and friends.
Gail Niederman
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| September, 2011 - Annual Temple BBQ |
Thank you to everyone who helped with the Annual Family BBQ that took place on Sunday, September 25th. It was another great success because of all the hands involved!
Warm heartfelt thanks go out to : Co-chairs, Gail Niederman & Jen Cahn and also Bob Cahn, Louis Cahn, Max Cahn, Laura Freeman, Stecey Frenkel, Diane Gess, Marvin Gess, Jacob Niederman, Diane Roman, David Rubin, Sharon Rubin, Ian Zimmerman, Jana & her Youth Group leaders, the Grillmeisters from the Men's Club and of course, the talendted and wonderful Templetones!
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| August, 2011 - Home Hospitality Shabbat |
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This summer's Home Hospitality Shabbat service and dinner at the home of Elena and Jeffrey Greene brought together more than 50 adults and children for an evening of joyful celebration and community togetherness. Thank you to the Greenes for so generously providing the glorious outdoor venue and delicious Shabbat buffet dinner.
Our appreciation to everyone that brought side dishes, salads, desserts and wine and thank you to Rabbi Sandy and Canter Ocanto for creating a spiritual and festive mood with prayer and song.
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| May, 2011 - Rabbi Sandy Olshansky's Ordination & Shabbat Dinner |
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On May 12, 30 TBR “cheerleaders” attended the Academy for Jewish Religion (AJR) Ordination Ceremony to show our pride and admiration for newly ordained Rabbi Sanford Olshansky. The following night, the TBR social hall was filled with young and old, TBR congregants who came to a Shabbat Dinner in Rabbi Sandy’s honor. The many tributes attested to our love and appreciation for the 3 years of dedicated service he provided us as both our Rabbinic Intern and Hebrew School Director.
The “Cooking Committee” outdid itself for the occasion. The Shabbat Dinner prepared in his honor was particularly spectacular thanks to the special efforts of Head Chefs, Laura Freeman and Judy Ackerman. Our sincere thanks to Ian Zimmerman for providing the freshest of ingredients and all those who participated in the meal preparation.
Bruce Ackerman
Diane Gess
Edna Lewitz
Grace Mendelson
Diane Roman
Ellen Rubenstein
Cyrile Wilson
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| May, 2011 - 9th Annual Murray Prawer Mitzvah Day |
The Ninth Annual Murray Prawer Mitzvah Day was held on Sunday, May 15, 2011, benefiting Emmanuel Cancer Foundation of Midland Park. Emmanuel Cancer Foundation, a non profit organization, serves New Jersey children with cancer and their families by providing emotional, material, and emergency financial support.
The cloudy skies could not dampen the spirit of the day, named after beloved congregant, “Muz” Prawer. Mitzvah Day began with a delicious baked French toast family breakfast followed with a Welcome by Rabbi Emert and the US and Israel National Anthems by Cantor Mamber.
This day of giving back to the community included many activities:
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Photo Montage of religious school students
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“Hands On” Friendship Blanket donated to ECF
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Mitzvah Walk
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"Gan Rishon” planting a new children’s vegetable garden and decorating garden accessories.
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Arts and Crafts Projects donated to Tomorrow’s Children Foundation and Kosher Meals on Wheels.
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Community Services Bloodmobile
This day was a celebration of the efforts and collections of the TBR Religious school students, their families, and the congregation for the families of the ECF. Laura Savage, Northern Regional Director and Jonnine DeLoatch, a former client of ECF, spoke on behalf of the organization.
A dedication ceremony was also held to honor Mrs. Donna Fried Calcaterra, a cousin of congregant Jack Berger, for her donation of a Magen David Alom ambulance, on behalf of the 613 Foundation. This ambulance will be shipped to Israel and used where the need is greatest.
THANK YOU to all who attended and those who could not attend Mitzah Day for your support and generous donations.
A special thank you to the following that made this day possible:
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Ron Rosensweig, Past President, who suggested, last year, that Mitzvah Day include the Religious School students.
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Caryn Kasmanoff, Caring Committee Chairperson, for organizing the fabulous day’s events.
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Randi Goldberg, VP of Religious School, for coordinating the student's collection efforts and working with ECF.
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Rabbi Sandy, Director of Religious Hebrew School, for overseeing the student's participation in Mitzvah Day.
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Karin Wienraub, Mitzvah Monitor,for assisting the student's with their ECF Mitzvah projects and the crafts for Mitzvah Day.
And all of our wonderful volunteers:
Judy Ackerman Marilyn Gellert David Schwartz
Bruce Ackerman Diane Gess Brenda Scesney
Judy Bienstock Dr. Michael Goldberg Jill Schoenfeld
Bob Cahn Randi Goldberg Mack Schoenfeld
Jen Cahn Joyce Greenberg Harriet Shugarman
Max Cahn Carolyn Schwartz Meryl Shattuck
Liz Cohen Larry Krawitz Ellen Wald
Adriana Csaki Amy Marlin Karin Weintraub
Brandon Csaki Grace Mendelson Michael Weintraub
David Edelson Mark Neiderman Cyrile Wilson
Laura Eisdorfer Rabbi Sandy Olshansky Anne Zenn
Jay Fleischauer Jill Pecore Jackie Zenn
Michael Frenkel Lisa Prawer Nicole Zenn
Steve Friedland Emily Prawer Amanda Zoneraich
Bob Gellert Nancy Satler Jared Zoneraich
Kris, Lisa, and Nancy in the office. Victor, George, and Tony.
Thank you,
Ellen Csaki and Lynn Goldman
VP Membership and Activities
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| May, 2011 - Distiguished Speaker Series |
Our third and final speaker of this year’s Distinguished Speaker Program featured Rabbi Shai Held, Dean and Chair in Jewish Thought at Mechon Hadar in New York. His presentation on Maimonides and Heschel was engaging, enlightening and provided much food for thought for our inquisitive audience.
Many thanks to those who assisted with the preparation of the breakfast buffet: Cyrile Wilson, Grace Mendelson, Bob Glassman, Diane Roman, Sharon Weiss, Dan Kleeman and our wonderful bakers: Karen Sackstein and David Rubin.
Thank you to the Adult Education Committee: Sharon Weiss, Sharon Rubin, Eva Kleeman, Rabbi Emert, Bruce Leeb, Maddy Lakritz.
Thank you to Rabbi Emert who sponsored this event in memory of his beloved father, Fred Emert, as part of the Fred Emert Memorial Adult Education Fund.
A Special thanks to Sharon Weiss for her dedication to the program and for creating this three speaker event almost three years ago.
Thank you to our office staff, Kris and Lisa and our custodial staff, Victor.
With sincere appreciation,
Eva Kleeman, Adult Education Chair
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| April 2011 - Frat Party Fundraiser Evening |
A huge SHOUT OUT to everyone who helped make our Spring Fundraiser the spectacular, successful, fun event that it was!
It was great seeing so many members, new and old, at our TBR FRAT PARTY!
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| March, 2011 - Guest Speaker JOAN NATHAN |
On March 30th, TBR was "all a buzz" anticipating the arrival of renowned cook book author, Joan Nathan, to our synagogue. We were so fortunate to have had this wonderful opportunity, thanks to congregant Ed Lefferman for arranging Joan's visit.
This event was open to the Jewish community and brought together over 130 attendees, who were treated to a fascinating talk about the history of Jewish food of France from Joan's latest book, "Quiches, Kugels and Couscous, My Search for Jewish Cooking in France." She spoke about her various experiences on her travels throughout regions in France and the origins of many recipes. All guests were invited to sample five delicious dishes, including two excellent desserts for Passover. Joan greeted many guests and personally signed 120 copies of her cook book. Joan also commented that she received such a warm and welcoming reception upon her arrival at TBR.
In preparation for Joan's speaking engagement, book signing and sample tastings, so many people volunteered their time and energy.
We are so thankful to all those who were involved in shopping, preparing, cooking, taste testing, sampling, set up, sound system, greeting and selling books for this amazing event. Also, thank you to the Board of Trustees for your support.
Ellen Csaki and Lynn Goldman
VP Membership and Activities
Special thanks to all of our friends who made our Joan Nathan event such a success!
Judy Ackerman Ed & Joan Lefferman Lisa Riccardi
Judy Bienstock Barbara Lieberstein Karen Sackstein
Laurie Berger Susan Lutins Nancy Satler
Jen Cahn Grace Mendelson Emily Schultz
Rona Eagle Ilene Nolte David Schwartz
Julie Epstein Karen Reinstein Lydia Zakim
Alyson Cohn Landsman
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About 150 party goers came out to celebrate Purim at TBR. There were hippies and nerds, kings and princesses, Little Bo Peep and her lambs and one Super Mario* among the guests who enjoyed a Family Pasta Dinner followed by a Family Megillah Reading and a Music Fest featuring the Templetons.
Thanks to the efforts of the many who made this year’s Festival Holiday such a success:
· Our Purim Cooking Committee: Organized by Judy Ackerman; Chef’s and servers: Laura Freeman, Diane Roman, Michael and Ellen Rubenstein, Beatrice Saron, Vivian Yudin King, Jennifer and Ed Dresner.
· Our Greeters: Bob Glassman and Beth, Felicia and Macie Sparozic for welcoming our guests at the door.
· Our Office Staff: Kris, Lisa, Nancy and our Custodial Staff: Victor, Tony, George for all the behind the scene efforts they performed.
· Rabbi Emert: for arranging the clown that entertained the children.
· The Templetones: Cantor Mamber, Gale Bindleglass, Jimmy Cohen, Jane Koch, Cantorial Intern Annelise Ocanto, and Irwin Tessler for the lively musical entertainment.
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| March, 2011 - Philadelphia Flower Show Trip |
A rainy bus ride turned into a beautiful sunny day at the Philadelphia Flower show. This year's theme, "Springtime in Paris" proved to be an amazing array of inspired floral displays from the "City of Light." A lecture on the Culinary Herbs of France and a demonstration of Spring Container Gardening were also attended.
Those who joined in the fun filled day were Judy Ackerman, Ellen Csaki, Rona Eagle, Bruce Leeb and Fern Wilensky. We also met TBR friends Heidi Katz, Holly Marx, Nancy Silver and Wendy Schwartz. Can't wait until next year!
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| March, 2011 - Distinguished Speaker Series |
Our second speaker of the season featuring Rabbi Amy Scheinerman,President of the Baltimore Board of Rabbis, was a success.
Thank you:
Cyrile Wilson, Anne Zenn, Nicki Cohen, Sharon Weiss, Madeline Lakritz, Bob Glassman and Diane Roman for helping prepare our delicious breakfast buffet;
Nicki Cohen and Anne Zenn for baking the wonderful breakfast desserts;
Sharon Rubin and Madeline Lakritz for greeting our guests at the door;
Kris and Lisa for your administrative assistance in the office;
Victor for all your work in setting up for our event.
With appreciation,
Eva Kleeman, Adult Education Committee Chair
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| February, 2011 - Family Cook - In |
Volunteers filled the TBR kitchen to prepare a wonderful dinner of garlic bread, baked ziti, tossed salad, fruit salad, cupcakes and brownies for the homeless shelter of Family Promise of Bergen County located in Hackensack. This community service activity also gave us the opportunity to serve the needy, at their Walk-In Dinner Program.
Special thanks to the following congregants and friends who donated food and gave of their time for this worthwhile organization.
Jen Cahn Lynn Goldman Jeremy Lipsky
Louis M. Cahn Deanna Javer Justin Lipsky
Max Cahn Sharon Javer Stacey Moletta
Ellen Csaki Ethan Kahn Ava Moletta
Greg Csaki Liz Cole Kahn Diane Roman
Ali Erani Rachel Cakl Jill Schoenfeld
Carly Erani Andrea Len Mac Schoenfeld
Amelia Feiner Erika Len Andy Seidenberg
Ella Feiner Kris Len Ellen Wald
Shoshana Feiner Danielle Lipsky Susan Yadoff
Ian Zimmerman
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| January, 2011 - Family Bowling |
A fun day was had by all who knocked down the pins at T-Bowl Lanes in Wayne.
High games go to Zac Charnet with 145, Lisa Niederman with 131, Harry Greenbaum with 111 and tied at 72 were sisters, Marley and Lily Greenbaum.
Also enjoying the afternoon were Jack Charnet, Sam Charnet, Ellen Csaki, Lynn Goldman, Lynne Goldman, Ryan Goldman, Judith Greenbaum, Jacob Neiderman, Mark Neiderman, Robert Trosten and Zahava Trosten.
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| January, 2011 - Kol Rishon Performs at Daughters of Miriam |
| January, 2011 - Movie Night |
Our first movie night was held on Saturday, January 15th as part of TBR’S adult education program. It was a successful and fun-filled evening with friends, popcorn and desserts, as we gathered together to view the hilarious documentary Yoo-Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg by Aviva Kempner, award winning filmmaker. (See photos below)
Many Thanks to:
Sharon Rubin for researching and leading our first movie night.
Maddy Lakritz for providing the delectable desserts.
David Rubin for perfectly popping the popcorn.
Eva Kleeman for coordinating this event.
Special thanks to:
Cantor Barbra Lieberstein for leading a lovely Havdalah service with Rabbi Ziona Zelazo.
David Edelson –“ thank you” – for your technical support.
More thank you’s to: Kris in the office and Victor, our custodial staff.
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| December, 2010 & January, 2011 - Thanks to Contributors to Emergency Israel Fire Fund |
Judy & Bruce Ackerman
Sheila & Bob Chestnov
Mark Friedlander & Laura Eisdorfer
Jonathan & Sara Friedman
Stephen & Randi Goldberg
Lynn & Harold Goldman
Nita & Chuck Goodgal
Michael & Joyce Greenberg
Sidney Gutterman
William & Natalie Heller
Richard & Ruth KatzIra & Gail Lamster
Bruce Leeb & Rona Eagle
Hazzan Ilan & Carol Mamber
| Grace Mendelson
Lisa & Louis Milowsky
Barry & Viviane Newman
Rabbi Sandy & Marilyn Olshansky
Irwin & Ruth Schneider
Gail & George Schwartz
Jo-Ann Skiena-Garey
Ed & Adrienne Solomon
Carol & Gerald Sotsky
Judy & Fred Steinberg
Raisa Tuzhilin
Richard & Karen Wandner
Lydia & Jack Zakim
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