What’s Happening at Local West Orange Synagogues

Installation
More than 400 members of B'nai Shalom and the greater community gathered together last Sunday, Sept. 18, for the installation ceremonies marking Rabbi Robert L. Tobin's ascension to the rabbinate of the congregation. Rabbi Tobin believes every occasion should be a teaching moment, and his installation was no exception.  The theme of the evening was his favorite quote from Pirkei Avot (Ethics of our Ancestors): "The world stands on three principles: Torah, service to God and deeds of kindness." 

Participants in the ceremonies included David H. Lissy, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer of the Masorti Foundation for Conservative Judaism in Israel, The Rev. Dr. Peter Powell, former President & CEO of the Interfaith Housing Association of Westport/Weston, Conn., who worked with Rabbi Tobin in meeting the needs of the poor and powerless in Fairfield County, and Rabbi William Lebeau, immediate past Dean of the Rabbinical School and Vice-Chancellor of Jewish Theological Seminary. 

Members of The Golden Ochtaves, the Golda Och Academy choir, provided the music for the processional and recessional, and the children of B'nai Shalom's Religious School performed "Al Shlosha Devarim" - The World Stands on Three Principles. 

Rabbis from surrounding communities, as well as West Orange Mayor Robert Parisi and Town Council member Joe Krakoviak were honored guests. Rabbi Stanley Asekoff, Rabbi Tobin's predecessor who served B'nai Shalom for 39 years prior to his retirement this summer, offered the benediction. 

In his address to the congregation, Rabbi Tobin talked about what Conservative Judaism stands for, saying: Judaism and Conservative Judaism are, and have always been, one and the same.  We accept truth from any source, whether it be Torah, Science, or Philosophy.  All truth comes from God and Judaism is how that eternal message is constantly lived in light of new revelations in our day.  There has always been a range of beliefs in Judaism, but the center - the core - has always approached life in this way." 

The ceremony was both formal and personal, with Rabbi Tobin putting aside his prepared comments to speak directly to the congregation.  "I have been searching for you" he said, describing how Torah is lived in study, and in deeds. “Will you study a little Torah with me?” 

A milestone event in the life of the congregation, the installation marked a turning point as the members of B'nai Shalom, together with Jews around the world, prepare for the High Holy Days and the New Year.  The evening was capped off by a joyous reception in Rabbi Tobin's honor. 

Following the evening, Rabbi Tobin remarked, "This was truly unbelievable.  The warmth and welcome that we have received as a new rabbinic family in B’nai Shalom is touching and humbling.  We are beyond fortunate to have found our home here, and hope - with God's help - for many years growing old together." 

For opportunities to perform acts of kindness at B’nai Shalom, please note the following dates:

Kapparot: Sunday Oct. 2 at 9:45 a.m. - funds will go to tzedakah
Blood Drive and Bone Marrow Screening: Tuesday, Oct. 4 from 4-8 p.m.
Project Isaiah: Bring bags of non-perishable food to help feed the hungry.
Wishing all a Happy, Healthy and Sweet New Year. 

Rosh Hashanah:
Wednesday, Sept. 28
Candle Lighting – 6:27p.m.
Service Times:
Mincha/Erev Rosh Hashana services: 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 29- 1^st Day Rosh Hashanah
9 a.m.: Main service led by Rabbi Robert Tobin and Cantor Elwin Redfern
10 a.m.: Family Service led by Jeffrey Kirschenbaum
Children’s Holiday Programs:
9:30-10:15 a.m.: Young Children’s Holiday Service
10-12 p.m.: Babysitting for ages 1-6 for those pre-registered.
10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.: Grades K-5 (ages 5-10)
11:15 a.m.-1 p.m.: pre-K (ages 3-4)
6 p.m.: Tashlich, Gather at the brook behind B’nai Shalom’s parking lot to cast away your sins.
6:30 p.m.: Mincha and Maariv
Candle lighting: 7:33 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 30 - 2nd Day Rosh Hashanah
9 a.m.: Main Service
10 a.m.: Family Service
6:24 p.m.: Candle lighting
6:25 p.m.: Mincha
6:50 p.m.: Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv

Saturday, Oct. 1 – Shabbat Shuvah 9 a.m.
Parashat Ha’azinu
6:25 p.m.: Mincha and Maariv

Daily Minyanim:
Sunday morning: 9 a.m.
Monday–Friday: 7 a.m.
Sunday- Thursday: 8 p.m.