Rabbi Kenneth Berger
... has been the spiritual leader of Beth Sholom since 1979. A native of Chicago, Rabbi Berger received his Rabbinic ordination and the degree of Doctor of Hebrew Literature in the from the Jewish Theological Seminary, where he is a part-time member of the faculty. He has also served as a mentor to Rabbinical students in the Seminary’s internship program. Rabbi Berger is active in community affairs. He is a Past President of the Teaneck Clergy Council, the North Jersey Board of Rabbis, and has been a member or chair of several Rabbinical Assembly Committees. He is currently serving on the Board of UJA Federation of Northern New Jersey, and is chair of its Rabbinic Liaison Committee. Rabbi Berger was a founder of the Interreligious Fellowship for the Homeless of Bergen County and is currently serving as Treasurer and chair of the Finance Committee. He served for many years as a member of the Board of Trustees and the Education Committee of the Solomon Schechter Day School, where he is now an honorary trustee. Rabbi Berger's wife, Cheryl, is on the faculty of the Solomon Schechter Day School. They have three grown children – Jonathan, Ari, and Rachel, and one granddaughter, Talya.
Religious Services
Prayer at Beth Sholom is a warm, communal experience. Our services are fully egalitarian and follow the traditional ritual and worship of the Conservative movement. The services are conducted by members of the synagogue, many of whom take part on a regular basis. Torah study and discussion are conducted as part of the Shabbat morning services, led by the Rabbi as well as by members.
Shabbat
The main Shabbat minyan begins at 9 a.m. every Saturday morning. There is also a Parallel Minyan, which is a smaller, more intimate group that focuses on prayer and group discussion, and meets twice a month at 9:30 a.m. in the Beit haMidrash. A Learner's Minyan meets periodically, in conjunction with the adult Bar and Bat Mitzvah program.
Kabbalat Shabbat services are held every Friday night, and Minha and Ma'ariv services are held at the synagogue every Shabbat afternoon.
Weekday Services
Ma'ariv – Sunday through Thursday, 8 p.m.
Shaharit – Sunday at 9 a.m.; Monday and Thursday at 8:10 a.m.; Tuesdays at 7 a.m. (with bagels and coffee every first Tuesday of the month); Wednesday and Friday at 8:15 a.m.
Children's Shabbat Services
Minyan Katan – For young children accompanied by a parent. Meets every Shabbat at 10:30 a.m.
Minyan Shalom – For in pre-K and Kindergarten, without parent accompaniment. Meets every Shabbat at 10:30 a.m.
Minyan Gesher – For children in grades 1 to 3. Meets every Shabbat at 10:30 a.m.
Junior Congregation – For children in grades 1 to 3. Meets every Shabbat at 10:30 a.m.
Holiday Services
Congregation Beth Sholom holds traditional services on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Tickets for synagogue members are discounted, and additional tickets can be purchased for out-of-town visitors. Baby sitting and children's activities are available during services.
We celebrate all other holidays to the fullest, in the traditional Jewish spirit. The synagogue constructs a communal sukkah and orders lulavim and etrogim for members. On all holidays, adult and children's activities are organized as part of the community-wide celebrations. A Tu B'Shevat seder is held every year for synagogue families, who gather to enjoy a service and vegetarian meal in celebration of the beginning of spring in Israel. On Purim, a party for children and adults includes Megillah reading by members, costumes, and entertainment for children and adults. Our members organize a special Mishloah Manot effort within the synagogue, which enables families to honor each other while helping to raise funds for the synagogue. Other observances include Tikkun Leil Shavuot, Simhat Torah, Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day), Yom Ha'atzmau (Israel Independence Day), and Selihot prior to the High Holidays, to name a few. Yizkor services are held on the final mornings of Pesah, Shavuot, Sukkot, and on Yom Kippur.
Adult Education and Special Events
Congregation Beth Sholom offers a wide range of formal and informal educational activities for adults throughout the year. We are fortunate to have among our members many educators and professionals who work in the Jewish community and institutes of higher learning, including the Jewish Theological Seminary, and they actively participate as leaders of adult education activities.
Talmud class – every Sunday morning with Rabbi Michael Chernick
Shabbat Mincha-Ma'ariv discussion – every week Rabbi Michael Greenbaum leads a discussion on a Talmudic Gemara on Pirke Avot by R. Natan.
Torah Reading class – a year-long class open to all members
Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah course – a two-year program which culminates in a festive Shabbat morning service, conducted by the graduates of the course. The course is taught by Rabbi Berger and members of the synagogue.
Scholar in Residence – lectures and Erev Shabbat dinner and Shabbat lunch with an invited scholar twice a year. Some recent guests have included Dr. Neil Gillman, Dr. Anne Lapidus Lerner, Dr. Joel Roth, Dr. David Golinken, and Dr. Paula Hyman.
The Beth Sholom Shabbaton – Initiated in 1992 as a local "retreat" for synagogue members, the annual Shabbaton has become a highlight of our annual communal activities. Families come together to study at the synagogue on Friday night and all day Shabbat. Three sessions of classes are offered with a choice of many different topics, led by scholars from the community. Our families join together for Friday night dinner and Shabbat lunch. Children's activities and baby-sitting are available during the sessions.
Lunch and Learn – Approximately eight times throughout the year, lunch is served at the synagogue after the Shabbat morning service, followed by a lecture on either textual or contemporary issues.
Annual Dinner Dance – This special event, which is the central social event on the synagogue calendar, honors members who have given of themselves generously in all aspects of synagogue life. The Dinner Dance is a gala event which also serves as an important fund-raising affair.
Beth Sholomite of the Year Breakfast – Each year a member or couple from the congregation is honored for exemplary voluntarism. The Breakfast is an informal event which is an enjoyable social gathering for synagogue families.
Check our calendar for dates and times of these events.
Clubs and Activities
Men's Club and Sisterhood organize lectures, sports activities, social outings, activities directed at service to the community, and fund-raising. They operate independently.
The Hesed Committee provides assistance to families in time of need, such as birth, illness, and mourning.
Social Action Committee is involved in projects that benefit the local community and the Jewish community at large.
Russian Club – Beth Sholom has among its members a significant number of recent immigrants from the former Soviet Union. Funded by the local community, the club offers social and educational activities.
Tavim – Beth Sholom's fine member-based a cappella chorus performs on special occasions and meets for regular practice sessions.
Children's Activities
Shorashim is a group activity geared for the third to fifth-grade children. It meets once a month and is a non-affiliated activity. Parent volunteers assist in the activities.
Kadima is a group activity geared for sixth to eighth graders. It meets twice a month and is affiliated with United Synagogue Youth (USY). A youth advisor is responsible for this program.
USY activities are open to youngsters in the 9th-12th grades. It includes social activities, meetings with other USY groups, trips, and Shabbatonim. A youth advisor is responsible for this program.
Scouts – The synagogue hosts scout troupes that are affiliated with the Boy and Girl Scouts of America, with an emphasis on Jewish scouting programs.
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