Hakol - The Voice
Hakol is the Hebrew word for The Voice, and while this publication is the voice of Congregation B’nai Tikvah, it is not intended to be only one-way.
Please consider submitting opinions, letters, articles, poems, and pictures to be considered for future publications. In the case of photos, please do not send low-res pictures or thumbnails. Articles are subject to proofreading changes.
Please submit all materials to Lesley
Note: All material will be credited upon publication; anonymous submissions cannot be considered.
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Cantor Bruce Rockman
Why I Love Israel
We just celebrated Yom Haatzmaut and Yom Hazikarone-Israel’s Independence and Memorial Days, days of celebration, gratitude and aching hearts. We are reminded that in order to thrive, Israel makes many sacrifices and contributions. On May 31, Jews from our CBT community will join with our Jewish sisters and brothers as well as our many friends, joyously marching down 5th Avenue in NYC-embracing our legacy, for all to see.
The modern state of Israel is a young 78 years, and we in the United States are about to celebrate 250 years. Ancient Israel's beginning, our origins, trace back to around 1200 BCE with the settlement of the Israelites in Canaan. Yes, that is more than 3000 years!
Disagreeing about politics does not change anything about our identity, whether you agree or disagree with our leaders, we will still be the Children of Israel. We are so proud of the accomplishments and the contributions that our Jewish brothers and sisters continue to accomplish, in Israel, elsewhere and all for the sake of making this a better world.
I pray that G-d will bring peaceful coexistence to the universe; maybe the time will come, likely later not sooner So what should we do while we wait? First of all, fixing every little thing that we can all at once is possible, if we all contribute and participate. If each of us consciously makes an effort to fix the world, in any small way that we can, (and we can) our world will improve, we will heal, and it takes time, patience and faith in G-d.
When I started to write this essay, it was to be about why I love Israel. I’m writing it now, because many of us are reluctant to express our feelings about Israel and the current situation for our people feels a little unpredictable, uneasy? Engage in any way that you can, today and tomorrow, be consistently involved.
on following page
Cantor’s Corner (continued from previous page)
Being Jewish, loving Israel, G-d, the Jewish people and my entire family is my identity-Full disclosure, I can live without the Atlanta Braves but not without you, my sisters and brothers, Israel, G-d and my family. Look it up 100 reasons I love Israel-our rich history, the food, the significant religious importance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam and more and more.
There is beauty everywhere; we have a special relationship with Israel, like our own children, making this relationship more special to us. Israel is our home and our hope. We are thankful for all who have made sacrifices and we pray that we will be able to do the same for generations to come. Simply, we’re on a mission from G-d to build a better world for everyone. This is a huge responsibility, and we thank G-d for trusting us to be partners on earth We can fix the world if we all take the first steps Yours may be different than mine, but they are all valid and valued.
Worship the Lord with Joy!
Am Yisrael Chai!
Cantor Bruce Rockman
Rich history and cultural heritage that spans thousands of years. Diverse landscapes, from beaches to deserts, offering stunning natural beauty. Vibrant culinary scene with a mix of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors. Innovation and technology hub, known for startups and advancements. Strong sense of community and hospitality among its people.
Magen David Adom Ambulance Dedication
In April’s Hakol, I wrote about the upcoming ambulance dedication that we were privileged to host at CBT on Sunday, April 12, made possible by our members, Audrey and Lou Flumen
On a beautiful April morning, the dedication turned out to be a truly meaningful and memorable occasion for all who attended
With the Flumen family present, along with many members of our community, we gathered to dedicate the new ambulance. Seeing it up close made the experience especially tangible, reminding us that this vehicle will play a real and important role in saving lives once it arrives in Israel
A representative from Magen David Adom spoke about how the ambulance is built and the critical work it will be used for. Hearing about its future purpose added a deeper sense of connection between our community and those it will serve.
Below are just a few of the many photos taken that day. We remain deeply grateful to the Flumens and their family for their generosity, and for giving us the opportunity to share in such a meaningful moment
Teacher Tidbits
Ronit Bivas,Director of Education
As the school year is quickly coming to an end, I sit and reflect on what the students have learned, how the year has unfolded, and the many moments that have defined it.
Then, as I look around my office, I notice a collection of student-created items A Lego Chanukiah from our school-wide Chanukah program, a painted pot from our Tu B’Shvat celebration, and a beautifully decorated kiddush cup from our family Havdalah program. Each piece represents a meaningful moment in our students’ journey.
Walking through the hallways and into the classrooms, there are even more visible signs of open-ended, hands-on learning; students’ thoughtful “messages” to King Pharaoh and paper dolls covered in “boils” from our Passover program.
These items reflect not only creativity, but a deep engagement with Judaism, which we bring to life in our school This is just a small part of our programs; an extension to what is occurring each week in the classrooms with their teachers.
In those moments, I am reminded not only of how much our students have been exposed to, but how deeply they have acquired knowledge through doing, and creating These are not just projects; they are lasting memories, connections, and encounters with Jewish life and tradition.
It is through this hands-on approach that learning truly comes alive. Our students move beyond simply hearing stories or learning concepts, rather, they experience them Through building, celebrating, questioning, and active participation, these moments leave a lasting impression well beyond the classroom.
As we look ahead to the final weeks of the school year, I am filled with pride and gratitude for all that our students have accomplished and all that we have shared together as a school community.
With the continued support of our families and congregation, I look forward with excitement and purpose to building on this year’s successes and continuing to provide engaging and meaningful learning experiences for our students in the years to come.
L’Shalom,
Ronit Bivas
Sunday morning, May 3rd
Men’s Club Upcoming Calendar
Mitzvah Day at CBT, please join the Men’s Club as we participate with our community in the many scheduled events
Additionally, we will be having a meeting after minyan to discuss our June Gardening Day as it pertains to the improvement of the Holocaust Remembrance Garden located by our library
Wednesday evening, May 13th at 7pm Sharp
Indoor Go-Karting at SUPERCHARGED in Edison
Sponsored by and greatly subsidized by the FJMC, please join your CBT and NNJR Men’s Club brothers in a fun filled evening of Indoor Go-karting at the world’s largest indoor tracks located at Supercharged in Edison. The cost is only $40, which will include 2 VIP races and a Pizza party after. You know we’ve had a great time in years past!!
Registration and a Waiver are required before arrival, no exceptions. Bring your friends and family (over 16).
Click Here to Register Click Here to Sign the Waiver Contact Steve Katz with questions. (See Go-Karting Flyer)
Friday June 12th – 14th 13th Annual Quad-Regional Retreat
(Hudson Valley, Mid-Atlantic, NY Metro, and Northern NJ Regions) Camp Zeke – Lakewood, PA (Poconos)
Fellowship ~ Camaraderie ~ Friendship ~ Relax ~ Enjoy ~ Learn ~ Unwind ~ Bond ~ Poker ~ Hospitality Libations Every Night ~ Kosher Meals Included Retreat Registration: $295 per person| $195 first-timers
Optional Single Room, In-Room Refrigerator, Optional Add Thursday Overnight (incl. Meals)
Questions? Contact Steven Harkavy: harkavyfam@aol.com or (732) 718-7144 REGISTER TODAY
(See Quad-Retreat Flyer)
Past Meetings
Sunday morning, April 12th - (Winter Olympic Experience)
Thank you to Steve Katz for the great presentation sharing your pictures, pins, souvenirs, and experiences from the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina/Milano.
Yom HaShoah (erev Sunday, April 12th– Monday, April 13th)
Hopefully you lit your Men’s Club provided Yellow Candle on Sunday evening, April 12th. It’s not too late to show your support for this important program.
We held our annual reading/witnessing of the names of the victims of the Shoah, in our lobby on Tuesday, 4/13th Led by Cantor Rockman, our Yom HaShoah evening service was held in our Sanctuary
After services, Rabbi Wolkoff led a discussion on how vicious slanders of the Nazis are reverberating in the echo chambers of the modern age.
Attention Monroe Members
We have a monthly minyan that we have created JUST FOR YOU! You don't need to drive far. Located at Jewish Family Services in the Concordia Shopping Center, these minyans are held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month.
Want to stay informed?
We have created a Whatsapp just for you.
Please email Bobbi Binder with your phone number and name to be added to this group.
Remember, this is for you! Please encourage your Monroe neighbors to attend to help assure a minyan each month.
Social Action
Laura Waksman
Thank yous: An overdue huge todah rabah to Ari Gottesman for being a great team player and going above and beyond managing all the tech for the first SINGO! (music Bingo) game at Chaverim in February.
Thanks to Chaverim March lunch servers Shelly Wistreich and Ari Gottesman, to Dot Cohen for creating her floral centerpieces, Steve Chernela, volunteer photographer, and to Carol Eisenberg for delivering our CBT collected food to the JFS Kosher Food Pantry.
Coming Up Soon!
MITZVAH DAY - May 3rd 11-2 in the gym. A unifying day of service from the heart for CBT and for the greater community. There is a Mitzvah for everyone!
• Create no sew baby blankets
• Decorate and write cards to seniors
• Fill backpacks with school supplies
• Organize Religious School books
• Make birthday boxes AND MORE!
PLEASE BRING THESE DONATIONS TO MITZVAH DAY ON MAY 3rd:
Men’s and women’s casual business clothing in clean bags Warm weather only (NO suits, belts, socks, shoes, dry clean only items, sweaters)
All eyeglasses-RX and NON Bananas and apples
RSVP to socialaction@bnaitikvah.org to attend. This event is free.
CHAVERIM MAY19th 12-2 PM: Larry Wolfert returns with Female Jewish Comedians Volunteers needed to serve lunch. RSVP by May 15 to attend.
PICKLEBALL
May Calendar
May 6 Rabbi Wolkoff s Lunch & Learn, 12 1:30pm
May 9 – Honoring Barry Safeer, 9:30am-1:30pm
May 9 – Rabbi Wolkoff’s Shabbat Lunch & Learn, 12pm
May 9 – JCFS
May 9 –Tot Shabbat
May 11 – Sisterhood Board Meeting, 8pm
May 13 – Rabbi Wolkoff’s Lunch & Learn, 12-1:30pm
May 15 – Birthday Shabbat, 6pm
May 17–WAM: A Taste of Israel
May 18 – Ritual Committee Meeting
May 19 – EC Meeting
May 20 – Rabbi Wolkoff’s Lunch & Learn, 12-1:30pm (Last One)
May 22 – Scream Truck
May 31 – Israel Day Parade
May 31 – USY Closing Event
The congregation extends deepest condolences to:
Sharon and Craig Cohen, on the loss of Sharon’s beloved father, Melvin Goldberg
Jill Stone, on the loss of her beloved sister, Laurie Samuels
Philip and Pearl Charatz, on the loss of Phil’s beloved brother, Steven Charatz
The congregation extends a hearty Mazel Tov to:
Tammy and Keith Zimmerman, on the birth of their first grandchild, a granddaughter, Hazel Rose Smith.
Please Note: It is never the intention of the office to leave out someone’s donation from the Hakol listings. If your donation was inadvertently left out, please contact the office and we will include it in the next Hakol. Thank you.
“Letthemmakemeasanctuary,thatImaydwellintheirmidst”
Congregation B’nai Tikvah gratefully acknowledges the following donations:
DONATIONS RECEIVED MARCH 15TH, 2026 THROUGH APRIL 14TH, 2026
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund
Linda & Alan Brown, in memory of Linda’s beloved father, William LaVine
Arlene & Mitch Frumkin, in memory of Arlene’s beloved mother, Marian Diamond
Jay Scheuer
Susan Pomerantz, in memory of her beloved father-in-law, Hyman Pomerantz
Doris Birkenthal, in memory of Jerry Yaros
David & Janis Hoffman, in memory of David’s beloved mother, Rose Hoffman
Cantor’s Special Fund
Irwin Kalet, in memory of his beloved mother, Lillian Kalet
Bill & Ellie Greenberg, in memory of Bill’s beloved mother, Leah Greenberg
Ann Rosenzweig, in memory of her beloved mother, Edith Falthzik
Steven Mark, in memory of his beloved sister, Phyllis Feigenbaum
EXPERT ADVICE
David & Janis Hoffman, in memory of David’s beloved mother, Rose Hoffman, and in appreciation of Janis’ getting an Aliyah
Ellie & Bill Greenberg, in memory of Ellie’s beloved mother, Esther Krause
Toby & Gary Ehrlich, in memory of Toby’s beloved mother, Anne Brown
Shabbat Luncheon Fund
Barbra London, Mazel Tov to Cindy and Neal Gittleman, on the birth of their granddaughter, Sage Elia Brelsford
Lisa & Jeff Tannenbaum, Mazel Tov to Cindy and Neal Gittleman, on the birth of their granddaughter, Sage Elia Brelsford
Linda Fellen & Ben Gottesman, on the loss of Gaye’s beloved mother, Terry Rausch
Sarina & Gerald Feldman
Adrienne & Andy Ross, on the loss of Sharon Cohen’s beloved father, Melvin Goldberg
The Krane Family, in memory of Susann’s beloved mother, Lenore Klein
Ellyn Schneider, in memory of her beloved husband, Harold Schneider
Phyllis & Allen Pinsky, in memory of Phyllis’ beloved mother, Belle Rubenstein
Phyllis & Allen Pinsky, in memory of Phyllis’ beloved father, Max Rubenstein
Allen & Phyllis Pinsky, in memory of Allen’s beloved father, William Pinsky
Yahrzeit and Tzedakah Fund
Joel & Joyce Gerbman, in memory of Joel’s beloved mother, Rachel Gerbman
Norlyn & Dennis Kessler, in memory of Norlyn’s beloved brother, Richard Schanen
Irwin Kalet, in memory of his beloved mother, Lillian Kalet
Roberta & Harvey Bilker, in memory of Roberta’s beloved father, Joseph Rubin
Barbara Mailman, in memory of her beloved mother, Pearl Kublin
Marcia & Gary Wesalo, in memory of Marcia’s beloved father, Irving Stein
Caryl Distel & Family, in memory of Caryl’s beloved husband, Dave Distel
Lynn & Arthur Biderman, on the loss of Jill Stone’s beloved sister, Laurie Samuels
Marci Oslick & Phil Welsher, in memory of Marci’s beloved father, Harold Oslick
The Nudelman Family, in memory of Maxine’s beloved mother, Helen August
The Rizick Family, in memory of Bonnie’s beloved father, Lloyd Fingerman
The Platz Family, in memory of Ellen’s beloved mother, Shirley Lepowsky
Fern & Allen Katronetsky, in memory of Fern’s beloved father, Joseph Cohen
Shabbat Together Fund
Marlene & Warren Buckwald, on the loss of Sharon Cohen’s beloved father, Melvin Goldberg
Shomrei Tikvah Fund
Dave & Les Offenberg, in memory of Dave’s beloved father, Sol Offenberg
Ruth-Ann Breitler Bikur Cholim Fund
EXPERT ADVICE
Janet Weiss, on the loss of Jill Stone’s beloved sister, Laurie Samuels
Marci & Marty Abschutz, on the loss of Jill Stone’s beloved sister, Laurie Samuels
Jerry Silver, on the loss of Jill Stone’s beloved sister, Laurie Samuels
Ann Gold, on the loss of Jill Stone’s beloved sister, Laurie Samuels
Arnie Miller Youth Activity Fund
Susan Miller, Mazel Tov to Cindy and Neal Gittleman, on the birth of their granddaughter, Sage Elia Brelsford
Phyllis Horlick, in memory of her beloved husband, Leon Horlick
Susan Miller, on the loss of Sharon Cohen’s beloved father, Melvin Goldberg
Mark Kasdin Memorial Fund
The Koffler Family, in memory of Steve’s beloved wife, Bette Koffler
Martin L. Zweig Safety & Security Fund
Jill Stone, in memory of her beloved sister, Ellen Sachs
Ruth Anne Koenick, in memory of her beloved father, Harry Koenick
The Zweig Family, in memory of Eileen’s beloved mother-in-law, Miriam Zweig
General Fund
Linda Fellen & Ben Gottesman, Mazel Tov to Nancy and Paul Zankel on the engagement of their son, Ezra to Stephanie Whelan
Linda Fellen & Ben Gottesman
Scott & Debbi Rekant, in memory of Scott’s beloved father, Seymour Rekant
Religious School Fund
Ruth Anne Koenick, in memory of her beloved mother, Adeline Koenick
Brenda & Mark Sherman, on the loss of Sharon Cohen’s beloved father, Melvin Goldberg
Janet Weiss, on the loss of Sharon Cohen’s beloved father, Melvin Goldberg
Ruth Anne Koenick & Paul Herman, on the loss of Sharon Cohen’s beloved father, Melvin Goldberg
Ruth Anne Koenick & Paul Herman, in memory of Cheryl Crick’s beloved father, Edward Resnick
Ann Rosenzweig, in memory of her beloved mother-in-law, Frieda Rosenzweig
Jessica & Liz Marcus, in memory of Sharon Cohen’s beloved father, Melvin Goldberg
Jessica & Liz Marcus, in honor of Barry Safeer’s years of dedication to Junior Congregation
Trees for Israel Fund
Edward Flateman, in memory of his beloved father, Joseph Flateman
EXPERT ADVICE
Community Needy Family Fund
The Blackin Family, in memory of Serena’s beloved mother, Lenore Klein
The Blackin Family, in memory of Robert’s beloved aunt, Barbara Gray
Janice & Art Baer, on the loss of Jill Stone’s beloved sister, Laurie Samuels
Marian & Joel Felberbaum, wishing Arthur Cederbaum a speedy recovery
Harriet Cohen, in memory of her beloved friend, Jacob Braslaw
Jodi Wexler Marcou Social Action Fund
Linda Fellen & Ben Gottesman, Mazel Tov to Cindy and Neal Gittleman, on the birth of their granddaughter, Sage Elia Brelsford
Linda Fellen & Ben Gottesman, Mazel Tov to Shelly and Steven Talmud on the birth of their grandson, Evan David Talmud
Joyce & Gerald Fishelberg, in memory of Joyce’s beloved mother, Ruth Gurtov
Lisa & Jeff Tannenbaum, Mazel Tov to Cindy and Neal Gittleman, on the birth of their granddaughter, Sage Elia Brelsford
Marci & Marty Abschutz, on the loss of Sharon Cohen’s beloved father, Melvin Goldberg
Joyce & Gerald Fishelberg, on the loss of Sharon Cohen’s beloved father, Melvin Goldberg
Shelly & Steve Talmud, in memory of Shelly’s beloved father, Rodney Shapiro
Shelly & Steve Talmud, on the loss of Gary Turner’s beloved wife, Francie Turner
Cindy & Neal Gittleman, on the loss of Gary Turner’s beloved wife, Francie Turner
Cindy & Neal Gittleman, on the loss of Sharon Cohen’s beloved father, Melvin Goldberg
Cindy & Neal Gittleman, on the loss of Vicki Bauman’s beloved husband, Burt Bauman
EXPERT ADVICE
Tammy & Keith Zimmerman, on the loss of Sharon Cohen’s beloved father, Melvin Goldberg
Ellie & Bill Greenberg, on the loss of Jill Stone’s beloved sister, Laurie Samuels
LouAnne & John Wolf, in memory of LouAnne’s beloved mother, Joyce Michaels
Janice & Art Baer, Mazel Tov on the birth of Tammy and Keith Zimmerman’s granddaughter, Hazel Rose
Cindy & Neal Gittleman, Mazel Tov on the birth of Tammy and Keith Zimmerman’s granddaughter, Hazel Rose
LouAnne & John Wolf, Mazel Tov on the birth of Tammy and Keith Zimmerman’s granddaughter, Hazel Rose
Brenda & Mark Sherman, Mazel Tov on the birth of Tammy and Keith Zimmerman’s granddaughter, Hazel Rose
Lisa & Richard Seidman, on the loss of Jill Stone’s beloved sister, Laurie Samuels
Daily Schedule of Prayer Services
Please join us in-person if you can. All services are also available via Zoom and Stream (password needed; please contact the office for more info).
9:00 AM & 7:30 PM
7:30 PM
7:30 PM
PM
8:00 AM & 7:30 PM
Friday - Kabbalat Shabbat
7:00 PM Shabbat 9:30 AM
Goodbye from Lesley
I’ve spent days trying to find the right way to begin this message. Putting into words how it feels to move on from a role that has fulfilled me so deeply — a place I feel so connected to, and people I love with all my heart — is far more difficult than I ever expected.
While I am excited for my next professional chapter, I cannot fully express how grateful and blessed I feel to have served as your Administrator/Executive Director for the past six years. It has truly been an honor and a privilege to “take care” of this community. I hope that, in my own way, each of you felt the care and heart I tried to bring to everything I did, every single day.
At last year’s membership meeting, I shared that when I first accepted this position, I expected to build connections and friendships here at CBT—but I had no idea just how deeply I would come to care for and truly love so many of you. That sentiment remains just as strong today. I feel incredibly fortunate to leave with not just memories, but with friendships that I know will continue long after my time in this role.
I am confident that my successor, Matt Bergman, will do a wonderful job, and I hope you will welcome him with the same warmth and support you have always shown me.
Wishing all of you continued strength, joy, and connection.
B’Shalom, Lesley Lewkowicz