Rabbinic Transition

Beginning Jan. 1, 2010, Congregation Beth Sholom began a transition phase that will culminate with the appointment of a new full-time rabbi in the late Summer of 2011. During the 18-20 months that will lead up to this milestone moment for the synagogue, the spiritual needs of members will be supported in a variety of ways.

From Jan. 1 – August 15, 2010, members of the synagogue will share responsibility for ensuring the continuity of Shabbat and holiday services as well as other spiritual tasks. Under the leadership of Howard Lazar and Alex Wulwick, in consultation with Karen Misler, President of Congregation Beth Sholom, the following protocols have been established:

  • Rabbi David Bockman will handle all pastoral duties, including funeral officiation, providing counseling, and visiting the sick.
  • Rabbi Stuart Saposh will serve as a liaison to B’nai Mitzvah families.
  • Rabbis Mayer Rabinowitz, Eliezer Diamond, and Scott Bolton will sit on a Beit Din. They will handle any serious matters of halacha (Jewish Law) that may arise.
  • The following congregants will serve as “Bima Rabbis” on Shabbat and holidays: Harman Grossman, Howard Lazar, Benjamin Mann, Leah Meir, Harvey Rosen, Uri Sobel, and Adam Wall.

We are grateful to these members who have offered their time and knowledge. They can be reached through the synagogue office at (201) 833-2620 or office@cbsteaneck.org.

A number of synagogue members are also involved in coordinating Shabbat and holiday services. Ba’alei Tefillah (service leaders) and Torah and Haftarah readers will be selected in the same manner as has been done in the past. Volunteers for these important roles are always welcome. Norman Levin and Alex Wulwick are coordinating the weekly divrei torah; Howard Lazar and Uri Sobel are coordinating leaders for Shaharit and Musaf; and Frieda Huberman and Karen Kissileff are coordinating Hartarah readers. Benjamin Mann will continue to coordinate Torah readers.

Members of the synagogue  will deliver divrei torah each week.

We are pleased to welcome Rav Barry Schlesinger as our interim Rabbi. Rav Barry will be joining our community in mid-August 2010 and will serve through July 31, 2011. During this interim period, the New Rabbi Search Committee, under the direction of Harman Avery Grossman and Penina Grossberg, will continue their deliberate work to identify the next full-time, long-term Rabbi for Congregation Beth Sholom. Harman and Penina can be reached at search@cbsteaneck.org.

For additional information or to request pastoral services in confidence, contact the synagogue office at (201) 833-2620 or office@cbsteaneck.org. Also, please check this webpage frequently as it will also be updated regularly with current information.