Sometimes you just can’t put into words exactly how to express gratitude. Being asked to be President, here at Congregation B’nai Tikvah, has left me in this position. When I first walked through the doors of CBT back in 2003, I entered as a young man with a wife and two daughters, ages 4 and 1; we were seeking not only a place where our children could learn all about their Jewish Heritage, but also hoping we could find a connection to those that shared and embraced Jewish Values. Mission accomplished. Though there were a few personal bumps along the way, at the moment I am writing this to you, I couldn’t be happier with where my life stands now.
For those who do not know me, I am extremely familiar with this general location since my family moved from Queens, New York to East Windsor NJ in 1972. I’ve never lived further north than Edison NJ, and my initial move to NJ put me as far south as I have ever lived.
I graduated from nearby Hightstown High School where I was an All County and All Area Long Distance Runner (inducted into my high school Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013). Next I attended Rider University where I was a letter winner every season on their Cross Country and Track teams. I continued running with the Shore Athletic Club where I won 4 NJ State Track Championships in the 10,000 Meters between 1986-1995. I was also inducted into their club Hall of Fame in 2003.
I graduated Rider University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Marketing as well continuing at Rider’s Masters Program. My career of choice was advertising where I focused on Media Planning (selecting where advertising is placed to annoy you) which I did for over 30 years before deciding to reinvent myself as a Director of Purchasing at a Supermarket Décor Company. In 2018, I decided to retire and focus my attention on the things in life I wanted to do, but also enjoy many things I had been missing as my work days usually ranged between 18-20 hours. An exhausting pace, but my energy level kept me engaged.
My retirement allowed me to finally get more involved here at CBT and I was fortunate enough to quickly put my thumbprint here in my role as Chair of House & Grounds overseeing the projects of renovating the Beit Midrush, contracting the replacement of the outside sidewalks, as well as the leadership to win CBT a significant grant from U.S. Homeland Security that successful upgraded aspects of our ability to protect our members and the building. I was overwhelmed to learn all this work would be awarded with the honor of being name our Federation of Jewish Men’s Club 2019 Man of the Year.
As Co-VP of Administration followed by taking the role on alone, Kevin Krane (my co-VP at the time) and I oversaw the process of hiring a new Synagogue Administrator as well as many other projects for the betterment of CBT.
While life has thrown me some curves, I am now happily married to my wife Laurie since 2019 and we enjoy our blended family of my two daughters, Daria (23) and Brooke (20), both of whom were Bat Mitzvah through their CBT Education, as well as Laurie’s young adults, Samantha (22) and David (18).
Now that you know me, bet you’d all like to hear the plans for CBT moving ahead. Well I am happy to report we are surrounded by a great group of VP’s and Board Member’s who are fully committed to bringing opportunities covering all elements back to the grounds here at CBT. Our WAM group (Amanda Uniman, Danny Greenberg, Steve Juro, Mellisa Kessler, and Cindy Gittlemen) has looked at the entire footprint of various interest and it is with great hope that each of us will find something exciting. Our VP of Ritual Gordon Heit has been working tirelessly with our Clergy navigating the landscape of High Holiday planning which are just around the corner. Finally our School & Youth VP’s (Doug Smoller and Andrew Goldberger) are feverously devoting themselves to working with Cantor Rockman on the planning for our religious school’s new year. Holding it all together working with our Administrator Lesley is our new VP of Administration Marc Rosen who’s been overseeing a variety of technological upgrades. Needless to say, there are a lot of people working very hard to bring CBT back from the restrictions of COVID.
I would be shortsided if I also didn’t send a HUGE shout out to our Immediate Past President Marty Abschutz who faced almost from the beginning the challenges that COVID presented and the uncertainty of what each new day was going to bring. Thanks to Marty’s Leadership, CBT was able to win supportive financial grants and stay focused at a time when confusion was all around us. And his time as President concluded with the incredible ‘Burn The Mortgage’ campaign that now ensures CBT can focus on CBT growth and not paying down a mortgage.
So I want to conclude with a challenge. That is that if you’re reading this and haven’t recently found your way back inside and on the grounds of CBT, please consider looking at all the things we have planned as they’re posted and consider attending. We’d love to see you all. If you haven’t found your way back to a service or religious opportunity, please consider making your way back. We need everyone and want everyone to feel loved, safe, comfortable, and engaged. If anyone reading this has something they’d like to share (if in confidence, please express that), email me at as I’d love to listen and work with anyone and everyone with an idea. We can’t make promises to immediately respond to your request, but I will promise you will not be ignored.
Almost 20 years ago I walked through the doors of CBT to find Jewish Heritage, a place I felt welcomed, and an extended Jewish Family. I did indeed find that and want to share that every day with each and every one of you. But without you, it can’t happen. What can we do to make this happen? We’re not only doing, but we want to listen. Nothing ever gets accomplished in silence. The strength is within all of us with our voice, action, but most of all, a step forward.
