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Congregation B’nai Tikvah
www.bnaitikvah.org
HaKol: The Voice of CBT The JCC of North and South Brunswick
Shanah Tovah 5787 / 2026
!חג שמח
Chag Sameach! December 2025 September 2026
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Hakol - The Voice Page 3
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 Matt. Note: All material will be credited upon publication; anonymous submissions cannot be considered.
Inside
Please Support our Advertisers! Advocacy & Navigation Partners Alexander Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning AnaSen Health Law Office of Robert Aufseeser Cinnaholic Clinton Monument Co. Cross Country Paving & Masonry (Lawrence Benson) Fred & Murry’s Sergio Fuentes (Home Improvement Contractor) Indulge by Chari Martine, Katz, Scanlon & Schimmel (Diana Schimmel Avena) Mobility Memory Care of North Brunswick Mobility Family of Companies Morgan Stanley (Mark Sherman) Mount Sinai Memorial Chapels Praetorian Agency RE/MAX (Mark Jiorle)
Hunan in the Hut
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Rabbi’s Desk
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Gala Save the Date
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Lulav & Etrog Order
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Cantor’s Corner
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President’s Podium
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Teacher Tidbits
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Mens Club
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L’Chaim Lounge
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Sisterhood
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Movie NIght
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CBT Book Club
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Matt’s Mindbenders
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Tree of Life
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Six13
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Birthdays
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September Calendar
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Member News
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Donations
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Matt’s Mindbenders Answers
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Schedule of Services
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Congregation B’nai Tikvah • 1001 Finnegans Lane • North Brunswick, NJ 08902 732.297.0696 • www.bnaitikvah.org
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Rabbi’s Desk Rabbi Esther Reed
New Beginnings The Hebrew word shanah ()שנה, “year,” shares its root with shinui ()שינוי, “change.” And perhaps that is fitting: every new year brings change. Some changes are expected, some are unexpected, and some are changes we actively choose to make. This Rosh Hashanah brings a particularly big change to B’nai Tikvah: a new rabbi! And it brings a big change to me as well: a new position at a wonderful congregation for which I have long had fondness and many personal connections. But while this is a new beginning for me and for B’nai Tikvah, I don’t see it as starting from scratch. Every new beginning grows out of what came before. I am grateful for the rabbis and leaders who have helped shape this congregation, and especially for Cantor Bruce Rockman, who has been a beloved part of B’nai Tikvah for 25 years. I am grateful that I get to begin this new chapter alongside him, and I look forward to learning from him and from all of you as we build the future of this congregation together. There is another beautiful connection between Rosh Hashanah and new beginnings. The coming of the new moon signals Rosh Chodesh, the beginning of a new month. And Rosh Hashanah is, in a sense, the Rosh Chodesh—the “head” or beginning—of the month of Tishrei. In ancient times, the arrival of the new moon was something worth announcing. The Mishnah* (Rosh Hashanah, Chapter 2) describes how Jews communicated the sighting of the new moon from Jerusalem to communities throughout the diaspora by lighting beacons on mountaintops. Yes, Lord of the Rings fans, J.R.R. Tolkien borrowed this idea from us! The dramatization of the beacons in the movie, The Return of the King, is fantastic. Today, we no longer need fires on mountaintops to announce the arrival of a new month or a new holiday. But we still gather together to mark these moments. We announce them, celebrate them, and allow them to remind us that we are beginning again. Continued on following page
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Rabbi’s Desk (continued from previous page)
That is what I hope this Rosh Hashanah will be for us. I have been told that Rosh Hashanah is a time when many B’nai Tikvah members come to services in person. I am especially excited about that. There are many of you I have not yet had the opportunity to meet, and I look forward to seeing you, introducing myself, and beginning to get to know you. A new year. A new rabbi. A new chapter for our congregation—and a new opportunity for Cantor Rockman and me to serve this community together. But most importantly, a new beginning that we share together. May this Rosh Hashanah be a time when we open ourselves to change, to possibility, and to one another. I look forward to beginning this new year—and this new chapter at B’nai Tikvah—with all of you. Shanah tovah! *For those who don't know, the Mishnah is the first major work of rabbinic literature, consisting of teachings transmitted over hundreds of years and compiled by Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi around 200 CE. Rabbi Esther Reed rabbi@bnaitikvah.org
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Cantor’s Corner Cantor Bruce Rockman
The Merry-Go-Round As Rosh Hashanah approaches, we take stock of our mistakes and our successes, our holy aspirations and our spectacular failures, leaving us with a sense of possibility. We are taught “not” to beat ourselves up or to feel weighed down by our missteps. The acknowledgment and reorientation that are part of the process of making teshuvah, that is repentance or return should allow us to feel more optimistic and free as the season approaches. I remember a conversation that I had with my slightly older brother, Spencer, when we were in our twenties. We were trying to figure out where our lives were headed, school was behind us, careers and everything else lay ahead. How daunting! The pressure we felt was both internal and external. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. My conclusion was that life is like a merry-go-round and no matter how many times you are unable to grasp the gold ring, you’ll have another opportunity to grab it, so just hang in there and keep trying. That was the optimism of my youth, an outlook that continues to serve me well. Then I became a cantor, the most important and meaningful calling that I could imagine (becoming a husband and father came to me next, we’ll talk about that another time). At that point I realized that everything that I did and said, especially as a representative of others, this congregation, could be consequential; I became a bridge between our prayers and G-d. Serious responsibility! Together we have ridden on a very profound and humbling merry-go-round. Grasping, clutching, and hoping that our prayers are acceptable to G-d. What is most important from my perspective is your experience; that you are able to embrace the New Year, with hope and commitment to personal growth-that you understand the Divine presence in everyday life and the importance of nurturing that relationship.
Continued on following page
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Cantor’s Corner (continued from previous page) In my prayers and “Hineni” in particular-I humbly pray on your behalf for divine acceptance –reflecting our deep sense of responsibility to each other echoing our ancestors’ readiness to serve, which mirrors our own responsibility. Even as we mature and feel content in our personal relationships, family life and professional accomplishments, we know that there is more work to do. We must stand up, each of us, and ask what can I do next to make G-d’s world a little better? Difficult times will always be a part of our lives, yet, we are the most fortunate in so many ways. Our work at the synagogue, whether social action, simply social or praying to G-d are all significant, I believe that you must be a part of all 3 for each to be truly meaningful.
I look forward to the most amazing year with you, my B’nai Tikvah family. I wish you a very healthy, joyful and meaningful New Year. Cantor Bruce Rockman cantor@bnaitikvah.org
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President’s Podium Scott Kessler
As I’m sitting down to write this article, I’m struggling not to find something to write about, but because there’s so much to write about! The office is working hard to distribute our High Holiday package and the calendar for the coming year. Rabbi Reed has been actively meeting with and getting to know our members and working with Cantor Rockman to prepare for the High Holidays. I’m very excited about the many activities and events that we have planned for the year ahead. For those who I haven’t had an opportunity to meet, or to get to know well yet, here’s a bit about me. My connection to CBT began somewhere in the mid-1970’s, when my parents enrolled me in the nursery school at Shari Shalom (one of the three congregations which merged to form B’nai Tikvah). I grew up at CBT, attending the Religious School and having my Bar Mitzvah here shortly after our sanctuary was completed. My wife Melissa got involved with the Board before I did, serving first as a Trustee and then as a Co-VP of School and Youth. In 2020, she encouraged me to get involved, and I joined the Board as a Trustee. Later, Melissa and I served together as Co-VP’s of School and Youth. For the past two years I have served as VP of Administration, and I am honored to now serve as President. The inspiration for our involvement at CBT is our daughter Jocelyn, who is entering the 4th grade this year and the Bet class in our religious school. My goal is to help lead our congregation in a direction that inspires all of our members, and that positions us to thrive in the years ahead. The nominating committee, lead by past president Jeff Schwartz, has put together an excellent group of volunteers to serve on the Board for this year. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work with this team, as well as our clergy and staff, to lead the synagogue where I grew up. I want to take a moment to publicly thank and recognize my predecessors, Ruth Anne Koenick and Marty Abschutz. Marty & Ruth Anne have each served as President multiple times, and yet they still agreed to step up and lead us for the past two years. They were extremely generous with their time, including me in many discussions and deliberations to help prepare me to take on this role. I will continue to lean on them for their advice and counsel, along with all of our other Past Presidents, over the next two years. I hope to see you during the holidays, and wish you and your families a happy and healthy new year. Scott Kessler
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Teacher Tidbits Ronit Bivas, Director of Education
Building Connections Across Generations As the Education Director, I participated in our Temple calendar planning meeting back in June. As we reviewed the many programs and events scheduled for the coming year, I was reminded of just how much B'nai Tikvah has to offer. Our congregation is blessed with a vibrant calendar filled with opportunities to learn, celebrate, socialize, and connect. From movie and trivia nights to Sisterhood cooking programs, adult learning opportunities, social gatherings, and meaningful ritual experiences, there is truly something for everyone. As I looked through the calendar, I found myself thinking about our youngest members and their families. One of the most important goals of our Religious School is helping families build connections not only within their classrooms, but across Temple life. We want our children to see B'nai Tikvah as more than the place they come on Sunday mornings; we want them to experience it as their Jewish home, a place where they feel known, welcomed, and connected. Building a strong community is a shared responsibility. As a congregation, we strive to create a warm and welcoming environment for every family who walks through our doors. At the same time, we hope our young families will take advantage of the many opportunities available throughout the year and become active participants in congregational life. By attending programs, celebrating holidays together, volunteering, and getting to know fellow congregants, families help strengthen our community while creating connections for themselves and their children. The good news is that our congregation already offers many meaningful ways to build these connections. This month, members of all ages will come together in completing and decorating the sukkah, helping to create the sacred space where we will celebrate the holiday of Sukkot. In January, our multi-generational Pajama Havdalah brings children, parents, grandparents, and friends together for an evening of song, learning, and shared experiences. These are just a few examples of the many events offered throughout the year that will help form lasting relationships and strengthen the bonds that unite our congregation across generations. Continued on following page
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Teacher Tidbits (continued from previous page
These experiences are valuable as they help build relationships. When children recognize familiar faces at services, share a conversation with another congregant at an event, or work alongside adults on a congregational project, they begin to feel that they truly belong. Those moments create the foundation for a lifelong connection to the Jewish community. As congregants, you play an important role in helping our young families feel welcomed and connected. A simple conversation, an invitation to sit together at an event, or taking the time to introduce yourself to someone new can make a lasting impact. The relationships formed help transform visitors into members, members into friends, and friends into a caring community. I encourage everyone to take a look at the calendar and consider attending something new this year. Whether you are a longtime member or a family just beginning your journey at B'nai Tikvah, your presence matters. Together, we can continue to build a congregation where members of all ages feel valued, connected, and inspired. I look forward to learning, celebrating, and creating memories together throughout the year ahead. L’Shanah Tova U’metukah! Wishing you a happy, healthy and sweet New Year! Ronit Bivas
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Past Meetings NNJR President’s Installation Dinner held at EBJC On June 17th, our Men’s Club Region came together to celebrate the induction, ongoing, and honor the outgoing Men’s Club (Co)Presidents. We thank Craig Cohen and Brian Berness for their ongoing dedicated Men’s Club Coleadership and look forward to a strong ‘26/’27 season. Also, a hearty Yashar Koach to Marc Rosen (former Co-President), who is moving onto the CBT Board. Our additional CBT Men’s Club Board for the upcoming year consists of: Barry Safeer – Treasurer Steve Chernela – MC Board Representative Bill Greenberg - Historian 9th – Adon Olam with Current/Past Junior Congregants Steve Katz – NNJRMay Liaison and Board Member
Steve Katz, Steve Chernela, Craig Cohen and Gordon Heit at the President’s Installation Dinner
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Football Mania CBT Men’s Club Sweepstakes begins on September 10, 2026. How the sweepstakes works: Each game card contains 3 random NFL football teams for the entire 2026 season. Add up the points scored by your 3 teams each week If your total points scored is in the top 15, you win money. The 3 lowest scoring game cards also win. You have a new chance to win in each of the 10 weeks! Two grand prizes awarded at the end of the season What you get for $20 Access to music and book downMay 9th – Adon Olam with Current/Past Junior Congregants loads from the Charity Studio Over $10 worth of digital music from up-and-coming artists from around the country With each purchase, you get the promotional Football Mania sweepstakes game card for free For more information, contact Brian Berness at (732) 208-7319 or bsberness@Verizon.net
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May 9th – Adon Olam with Current/Past Junior Congregants
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PICKLEBALL
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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.
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September Calendar Wed, Sep 2 - Board Meeting Sat, Sep 5 - Selichot Program Wed, Sep 9 - Religious School - High Holy Days Chair Set-Up Fri, Sep 11 - Erev Rosh Hashanah Sat, Sep 12 - Rosh Hashanah 5787 Sun, Sep 13 - Rosh Hashanah II Tue, Sep 15 - Sisterhood Board Meeting - Monroe Minyan Wed, Sep 16 - Religious School Sat, Sep 19 - Shabbat Shuvah - Sundaes on Saturday @ Rockman's Sun, Sep 20 - Erev Yom Kippur - Raise the Roof Mon, Sep 21 - Yom Kippur - Yizkor Wed, Sep 23 - Religious School - Sukkah Decoration Thu, Sep 24 - Executive Committee Meeting - Zoom
EXPERT ADVICE
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September Calendar (continued) Fri, Sep 25 - Erev Sukkot - Welcome Back / Hunan in the Hut - Boards Installation Sat, Sep 26 - Sukkot I Sun, Sep 27 - Sukkot II - USY Sukkot Event - Men's Club Meeting - 9:00 AM Mon, Sep 28 - Sukkot III (Chol HaMoed) Tue, Sep 29 - Sukkot IV (Chol HaMoed) - Chaverim - Preferably in the Sukkah Wed, Sep 30 - Sukkot V (Chol HaMoed) - Religious School
EXPERT ADVICE
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The congregation extends a hearty Mazel Tov to: Shelly and Ken Wistreich on the birth of their grandson, Marlowe Brooks Wistreich. Melissa Fisch on the engagement of her daughter, Winnie, to Benito Gonzalez.
The congregation extends a warm welcome to our new member: David Cohen
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ְש ַכנ ְִּתי ְ ּבת ֹוכָם ָ ׁ שו ּ לִ י ִמ ְק ָּד ׁש ו ׂ ָוְע “Let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst”
Congregation B’nai Tikvah gratefully acknowledges the following donations: DONATIONS RECEIVED JULY 15TH, 2026 THROUGH AUGUST 14TH, 2026
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Cheryl & Moshe Attas, in memory of Cheryl’s beloved father, Lawrence Fitzer Janet Weiss, on the loss of our dear member, Martha Rotter Lauren & Andrew Cohen, in memory of Lauren’s beloved mother, Marjorie Spindel Lauren & Andrew Cohen, in memory of Howard Cohen Cantor’s Special Fund Cheryl & Moshe Attas, in memory of Cheryl’s beloved sister, Michelle Fitzer Irit Harchol, in memory of her beloved father, Chanan Weiner Irwin Kalet, in memory of Minnie Imber Steven Mark, in memory of his beloved father, Arthur Mark Ellie & Bill Greenberg, in memory of Ellie’s beloved sister, Rosalie Gross Ellie & Bill Greenberg, in memory of Ellie’s beloved father, Joseph Krause Eleanor & Joel Weisenberg, in memory of Arlene Shulman’s beloved sister, Carol The Ciccione Family, in memory of Felice’s beloved grandmother, Minnie Kudman Norman & Dorothy Politziner, on the loss of David Nagelberg’s beloved father, Paul Nagelberg Norman & Dorothy Politziner, Mazel Tov to Barry Safeer on his retirement Norman & Dorothy Politziner, in memory of Gary Tinkel’s beloved wife, Helene Tinkel Felice & Joseph Ciccione, in memory of Felice’s loving grandmother, Minnie Kudman Shomrei Tikvah Fund Herb Mars and Family, in memory of Herb’s beloved mother, Frances Mars Herb Mars and Family, in memory of Herb’s beloved grandfather, Abraham Mars Jodi Wexler Marcou Social Action Fund Rose & Jeff Berger, in memory of Rose’s beloved father, Julius Kestenman Shelly & Steven Talmud, in memory of Shelly’s beloved mother, Sylvia Shapiro
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Shabbat Luncheon Fund Sarina & Gerry Feldman, in memory of Sarina’s beloved father, Baruch Venouziou Barbra London, in memory of her beloved husband, Bruce London Andy and Adrienne Ross, in memory of Andy’s beloved mother, Eleanor Ross Andy and Adrienne Ross, in memory of Andy’s beloved father, Jerome Ross Adrienne & Andy Ross, in memory of Adrienne’s beloved grandmother, Augusta Spigelman Rose & Jeff Berger, Mazel Tov to Shelly and Ken Wistreich on the birth of their grandson, Marlowe Brooks Wistreich Marci & Marty Abschutz, Mazel Tov to Shelly and Ken Wistreich on the birth of their grandson, Marlowe Brooks Wistreich Adrienne & Andy Ross, Mazel Tov to Shelly and Ken Wistreich on the birth of their grandson, Marlowe Brooks Wistreich Ann Rosenzweig, on the loss of our dear member, Martha Rotter Brenda & Mark Sherman, Mazel Tov to Dot and Larry Cohen on the birth of their grandson, Miles Irving Cohen Arnie Miller Youth Activity Fund The Horlick Family, in memory of Phyllis’ beloved mother, Nelle Evenchick Janet Weiss, Mazel Tov to Shelly and Ken Wistreich on the birth of their grandson, Marlowe Brooks Wistreich Dot & Larry Cohen, Mazel Tov to Shelly and Ken Wistreich on the birth of their grandson, Marlowe Brooks Wistreich Barbra London, Mazel Tov to Shelly and Ken Wistreich on the birth of their grandson, Marlowe Brooks Wistreich The Katronetsky Family, in memory of Fern’s beloved friend, Beverly Lebowitz
EXPERT ADVICE
Martin L. Zweig Safety & Security Fund Elieen Zweig and Family, in memory of Hesh Kaufman Passport to Israel Ruth Anne Koenick & Paul Herman, on the loss of Martha Rotter Ritual Fund Gary Tinkel, in memory of his beloved mother, Estelle Tinkel (continued)
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Yahrzeit and Tzedakah Fund Martin Raschkovan, in memory of his beloved father, David Raschkovan Irwin & Maxine Nudelman, in memory of Irwin’s beloved mother, Ida Nudelman Mitchell & Amy Schreck, in memory of Mitchell’s beloved father, Warren Schreck Janice & Barry Kipnis, in memory of Janice’s beloved mother, Lila Bork Arlene Bacher, in memory of her beloved grandfather, Samuel Levine Stephen Breitkopf, in memory of his beloved father-in-law, Harry Rosenblum Robert & Bonnie Rizick, in memory of Robert’s beloved father, Abraham Rizick David & Nila Mason, in memory of David’s beloved mother, Sylvia Mason Bonnie, Woody, & Julie Stevens, in memory of Bonnie’s beloved mother, Ruthe Groudan Stephen Breitkopf, in memory of his beloved father-in-law, Harry Rosenblum Stephen Breitkopf, in memory of his beloved father, Louis Breitkopf Howard Kalish, in memory of his beloved mother, Rose Kalish Barry & Caren Dworkin, in memory of Barry’s beloved mother, Bernice Dworkin Linda Kalb, in memory of her beloved mother, Roslyn Kalb
EXPERT ADVICE
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.
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Congregation B’nai Tikvah is Central NJ’s premier egalitarian Conservative synagogue. Our Congregation warmly welcomes Jewish and interfaith families, couples, same sex couples, and singles into our highly diverse community. Please see our schedule of services and join us! For more information, please go to www.bnaitikvah.org or call the office at 732.297.0696.
PLEASE USE THE FORM BELOW OR DONATE ONLINE AT WWW.BNAITIKVAH.ORG
EXPERT ADVICE
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ANSWERS
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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).
Sunday 9:00 AM & 7:30 PM Monday 7:30 PM Tuesday 7:30 PM Wednesday 7:30 PM Thursday 8:00 AM & 7:30 PM Friday - Kabbalat Shabbat Sept. 4 - 7:00 PM Sept. 11 - 6:30 PM Sept. 18 - 7:00 PM Sept. 25 - 6:00 PM Shabbat 9:30 AM