BOB SMOLEN HONORED AS TEMPLE ISRAEL’S “MAN OF THE YEAR”
Bob Smolen, a member of Temple Israel’s Brandeis Men’s Club, was honored at the Northern NJ Region’s “Man of the Year” dinner on November 11 at the Crystal Plaza in Livingston.
Bob and his family have been Temple Israel members since 1999 when he became a member of the Brandeis Men’s Club. Bob was selected by the Board of Directors in 2002 to help Temple Israel develop a Mission Statement. Bob has been a trustee on the board since 2007 where he has taken the responsibility of House Chair. Bob took great pride and dedication in leading the renovation of the Rabbi’s residence in 2008 when he involved synagogue members to complete this project at a huge cost savings. Bob continues as House Chair where he works to upgrade the infrastructure of the synagogue and he encourages members to assist him in his efforts. Bob is also in charge of security throughout the year including the high holidays and special events. Bob has served on the Ritual and Membership committees for the past two years. Bob has been a frequent Torah study leader at Nosh and Drash on Shabbat mornings.
Bob and his wife Barbara Schneider and children Avi and Shoshana moved to Bergen County from Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1998 when he took the position of Middle School Principal at the Solomon Schechter Day School of Bergen County. He and Barbara, his wife of 23 years, live in New Milford, NJ. Bob is a career educator and has been an administrator in Jewish education for twenty-five years. Bob has worked for the last five years as the Middle School Director at the Gerrard Berman Day School, Solomon Schechter of North Jersey, in Oakland, NJ.
Barbara is currently a member of the Ritual Committee and serves as the co-chair of the Kiddush Club. Avi and Shoshana were selected as Temple Israel’s Youth of the Year in 2005 and 2007 respectively. Avi served as president of Hillel at Rutgers, graduating in June with high honors, and Shoshana has begun her third year at Rutgers where she is a vice president of Hillel.
ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES AT TEMPLE ISRAEL
Temple Israel of Ridgewood’s ongoing adult education program features several new classes. All classes are free and everyone in the community is invited.
TUESDAY EVENING TALMUD: Every Tuesday evening at 8:00 p.m., after minyan, Rabbi David J. Fine guides participants in discovering the fascinating world of the rabbinic sages. No previous experience or Hebrew comprehension is required, as we are learning from the Steinsaltz edition in English. The class began on Oct. 13, but new students are always welcome to join the class.
SUNDAY MORNING SPECIALS: All Special Classes at 10:30-11:30 a.m., taught by Rabbi David J. Fine.
January 30: How the Conservative movement makes halakhic (Jewish legal) decisions II: The question of gay and lesbian Jews.
March 7: What are the Differences between Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist and Orthodox Judaism?
March 21: How did the different Jewish movements come about?
April 25: Why be a Conservative Jew today?
WEDNESDAY EVENING TORAH READING CLINIC WITH CANTOR CAITLIN BROMBERG – 7:00-8:00 pm. Working on a Torah reading? Need a little coaching? Never read Torah before and want to learn? Bring a Torah reading you are working on, ask for an assignment or get help learning trope. The Cantor is “in” and ready to offer personal attention.