Of course, our religious and spiritual needs are the sphere of Rabbi Wolkoff, Cantor Rockman and the Ritual Committee. CBT has that and much more. There are programs, events and activities that meet our educational, cultural, emotional, social, physical and entertainment needs.

In September, a busload of members visited the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust at a very reduced price, thanks to the generosity of Rabbi Wolkoff and Barbra London, a relatively new member, championing of the trip. They received a guided tour of the very special “Auschwitz – Not Long Ago. Not Far Away.” exhibit. Afterwards, they returned here for lunch and a discussion led by Rabbi Wolkoff.

Just over two weeks ago, we experienced our first Camp B’nai Tikvah. Truly, there was something for everyone from backgammon to kickball. Our members were placed into two teams: Blue and White, naturally. I’d like everyone who participated in Camp B’nai Tikvah to stand, please.

I’d like all the winning Blue team members to remain standing. Thank you!

CBT has become the “go-to” place for Israel-related programming in Central NJ. This year, we’re increasing that commitment through our new Tikvah for Israel Wine Club. Every other month you can choose to participate by ordering two wines from Israel. Our next offering will be in November; see Adrienne Ross, our immediate Past-President, to order.

This past year, our long-running and award-winning Family Shabbat program, championed for more than two decades by Marc and Bobbi Binder, grew into Shabbat Together for all ages. Our next Shabbat Together combines with Sukkot to become Hunan in the Hut on October 18. Please RSVP to the Office.

Back to more traditional Wellness: we will take a CBT Walk in the Park on Sunday, November 3. We’ll walk in a local park and learn a bit as we go. More details will follow. Later in the day on November 3, please join us for L’Dor Vador, our annual music celebration.

We have active USY, Kadima, Sisterhood (whose year 5780 theme is wellness, too) and Men’s Club at CBT. Look for the Men’s Club Breakfast on various Sunday Mornings. Sisterhood paid-up membership is November 24. New this year, Sisterhood will be sponsoring Shabbat lunch about once a month. And on December 15th, we will be hosting the Federation of Men’s Clubs regional dinner, where we will honor our own Charlie Valan and Corey Sookerman.

Among our most important programs is the Passport to Israel. We began this program more than 20 years ago to ease the financial burden on members who were sending their children to Israel for a learning program. Recently, under the leadership of Assistant Treasurer, Marc Rosen, and our Co-VPs of School and Youth, Melissa Kessler and Andrew Goldberger, we have revamped the program.