Recent TSE Emails

Josh Bronstein and Jenna Hart
Married on June 5, 2021

Josh is the grandson of Barbara & Alan Esserman

This Week:
Friday night Service: 7:30pm - Online
Havdalah: Saturday 7:30pm - Online

Watch all services on 
the website,
Facebook or
YouTube

Join Keshet as they host representatives from four, LGBTQ Jewish organizations located around the world. In addition to Keshet US, we’ll hear from Keshet UK, Guimel Mexico City, and Jewish Outlook South Africa! Panelists will speak to current successes and challenges in the areas they work, reflect on LGBTQ inclusion in Jewish life around the world, and share their hopes for the future of the Jewish community.

May God console those who mourn in Zion, Jerusalem and throughout the world

Watch all services on 
the website,
Facebook or
YouTube

Meet State Senator Vin Gopal this Thursday!

Lifelong Learning on Sunday, June 6th 11am on Zoom

So You Want to Write a Family History with Samantha Shubert

Click to Register This fast-paced workshop will review foundational ideas about family history and prepare participants to begin (or to restart) their own projects. Ideal for people who have gathered data and/or research but don’t know how to begin writing. Includes short in-class exercises, digital handouts, and a follow-up Q+A. Samantha Shubert is a writer, editor, ghostwriter, and writing coach with decades of experience in editing everything from a daily newspaper to art history books. She is a founding member of the Biographers Guild of Greater New York and the co-owner of Remarkable Life Memoirs, which specializes in privately published memoirs, family histories, and institutional histories.

Dear Friends:

As we have all been glued to the news, worrying about the violence in Israel, we all wonder what we can do to be supportive. 

Certainly affirming Israel's right to protect itself as rockets rain down is a critical first step. Openly reject personal attacks, lynching and the destruction of sacred places. Consider donating to ARZA, United Hatzalah or Jewish Federation as a way of supporting Israel on the ground. Learn about the situation and understand the complexity by reading multiple Israeli news sources like, Ha'aretz, The Jerusalem Post or The Times of Israel. Open your mind to hear the complex narratives that have led to this place. 

It is heartbreaking to feel so far away, so helpless, when people in Israel are in harms way. We worry about friends and family there who are grabbing their children and spending nights in bomb shelters. Consider tonight connecting with the Jewish people everywhere by lighting Shabbat candles, and as your do, take a moment to read the prayer below. Pray for the safety of those you know and for a change for those who hate. The death of even one Israeli or Palestinian is tragic. Only when we come to understand that we are all created in the image of God, all part of one family, will humanity be able to live in peace and safety. Until that time, let us look for and raise up those who can guide us to peace. 

May God who makes peace in the heavens, bring peace to Israel, to all Israelis, Arabs and Palestinians, so that we may know peace soon,  in our own day. Amen.
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Melinda Panken

Rockets from Gaza
Rock of Jacob,
Protector and Redeemer,
Watch over the people of Israel
As rockets rain down from Gaza.
Grant safety to the citizens and residents,
Soldiers and civilians,
Visitors and guests,
During these days of violence and fear.
Guard them,
And guard the entire nation.
Protect this land from violence and assault,
From kidnappers and terrorists,
From missile and mortar,
From those who would destroy this country and our people.
Source of blessings,
Grant safety and security to all nations
So that harmony and blessings resound
From the four corners of the earth.
Let quiet descend upon the land,
And let lasting peace come quickly, in our day.
© 2018 Alden Solovy and tobendlight.com.

Watch all services on 
the website,
Facebook or
YouTube

Joint Havdallah Ceremony in Solidarity with Israel
Shabbat 15th May
| 8pm Israel | 1pm ET
 
Join the IMPJ, MARAM and our Israeli congregations for a Havdallah ceremony of solidarity and unity during these difficult times.
The event will be in Hebrew, with musical accompaniment and sections in English.
 
Please share this invitation with your congregations and organizations.

  Join Here

Shavuot

Saturday, May 15th
Moved from Sunday because of rain forcast
4:00pm Confirmation
Havdalah Service
Watch the service on
the website,
Facebook or
YouTube

Four Rabbis Explore the Festival of Shavuot

 Click Here to Register for Four Rabbis
Sessions are open to all who wish to attend
(Please make sure your screen name is your name – not ipad/iphone, etc)

Sunday, May 16, 2021
8:30 p.m.
What Really Happened at Mount Sinai and Who Was There? 
An exploration of the sights, sounds, and silence as Israel experienced God. 
with Rabbi Dina Rosenberg, Temple Beth Shalom, Manalapan

9:15 p.m.
Ruth and Boaz: Profiles in Menschlekheit
with Rabbi Melinda Panken, Temple Shaari Emeth, Manalapan

Monday, May 17, 2021
10:00 a.m.
Must the Divine Name Be Written in English as G-d? 
with Rabbi Michael Pont,  Marlboro Jewish Center, Marlboro

10:45 a.m. 
Ten Commandments: Old & New – What Are our Commandments Today?
with Rabbi Laurence Malinger, Temple Shalom, Aberdeen

May 13, 2021

Dear Temple Rodeph Torah and Temple Shaari Emeth families,

Last night, both of our temples held separate votes to decide on whether or not our two congregations would move forward with an integration.  We are thrilled to jointly share the news that both synagogues voted, almost unanimously, in favor of planning our futures together as one congregation. 

There is much work to do over the next few months in order to iron out the details that will make up the final integration agreement. We hope you will join us, not just in our enthusiasm, but in volunteering to help complete the holy work that will become the framework for our joined community.  You can sign up to participate in a committee at trt.org/future or shaariemeth.org/bettertogether.

We encourage all of you to visit this site often to learn more about Temple Rodeph Torah and Temple Shaari Emeth and stay up to date on news and information about our progress.  In addition, keep an eye out for opportunities to attend programming and events over the next few months that will enable us to start getting to know Rabbi Panken, Cantor Wally, Cantor Levine, and last but not least, one another.

We want to thank all of you for your vote of confidence in our recommended decision and your faith that the leadership is pure of heart and intentions.  We truly believe this path upon which we are about to embark will lead us to a stronger Jewish presence in Monmouth County and New Jersey for many generations to come.

Just as when we complete a book of the Torah, as we close this chapter as two separate entities, we say “Chazak, chazak, v’nitchazeik!  Be strong, be strong and may we be strengthened!”
  
Fabian Burstyn                                                                 Tmima Grinvald
President                                                                          President
Temple Shaari Emeth                                                       Temple Rodeph Torah

Join us our for our Friday Night Kabbalat Shabbat Service at 6:30pm this week and Havdalah Service this on Saturday at 7:30PM

All services are streamed on
the  Temple Website,  
Facebook, and   YouTube

All services are streamed.

This week's Friday night service is also live in the parking lot. Bring lawn chairs or stay in your car.

Check out our joint page about the joining of Temple Rodeph Torah and Temple Shaari Emeth.

Join us for one of our Town Hall Meetings

Sunday 5/2 at 8:15PM
Wed 5/5 at noon
Tuesday 5/11 at 8:30PM

Click here to attend any of the
Town Hall meetings listed above.


Password: TSE

Dear Friends,
 
We have exciting news to share about Temple Shaari Emeth (TSE).  Temple Rodeph Torah (TRT), the Reform synagogue located in Marlboro, has agreed to integrate their membership and operation into TSE.
 
Following the retirement of their long-term Rabbi, TRT decided that given the current demographics in our communities and the challenges facing smaller Temples, they would sell their building and join with another congregation.  While they initially considered joining with another Temple in the community, we learned that our congregations share many of the same values and that both would benefit by having TRT members join as part of the TSE family.
 
TSE and TRT have much in common. We share a hearty embrace of creative and musical worship, a strong commitment to social justice, and a passion for lifelong learning.  We use the same prayer book, have similar worship styles, and support a strong commitment for the Jewish education of our children. Also, it makes practical and financial sense for TRT to join with us, given our location and sound fiscal health.  TRT will bring the proceeds from the sale of the TRT building to TSE, which will help to guarantee a healthy future of our joined community.

TRT approached our leaders a couple of months ago to discuss this wonderful opportunity, and since then we have been working with TRT to create a plan to care for the needs of TRT’s members during this interim period and beyond. After approval by the TSE Board of Trustees, we began working on a Letter of Intent (LOI) together with TRT.  It is a pre-Ketubah of sorts which enumerates many, but not all, of the details of a more formal future agreement.  A nearly finished version is available for your inspection by request to president@shaariemeth.org . Some key points are listed below our signatures.

As you can imagine, there is much work ahead and there will be opportunities to participate in the process.  After meeting and working with the leadership of TRT, we truly believe that Temple Shaari Emeth and Temple Rodeph Torah will make beautiful music together. I hope that you will join us in welcoming the TRT members into the TSE family.
 
We know that this news may be surprising and we want to offer opportunities to answer any questions you may have. We will be conducting multiple Town Hall sessions, designed to allow members with different schedules to attend:  Sunday 5/2 at 8:15PM, Thursday 5/6 at noon, Tuesday 5/11 at 8:30PM.  We will also be holding a Congregational Meeting to approve the integration of TRT with TSE, on Wednesday 5/12 at 7:30PM.  See additional information below.
 
Warmly,
  
Fabian Burstyn, President                         Rabbi Melinda Panken

Click here to attend any of the
Town Hall meetings listed above.


Password: TSE

Decision-making process steps

1. The Letter of Intent has been approved by the Boards of Trustees of each Temple.
2. You are invited to town hall meetings to learn more about the possibility ahead.
3. You will have an opportunity to vote to approve pursuing integration negotiations.
4. Negotiations will take place and a term sheet for a merger plan will be created, which will require Board of Trustees approval.

Here are a few key points we’ve been working
on with our partners at TRT

• Rabbi Panken and Cantor Wally will, of course, remain as the clergy of TSE.  All existing staff will remain in their positions at TSE.
• TSE will cover TRT’s Clergy, educational, and operating needs until the integration is final. TRT will pay TSE the cost of this support during this interim time period.
• It is recognized that the sacred objects/art/recognition boards of both Temples will be honored in the integrated synagogue.
• TRT Religious School and B’nai Mitzvah students, K-12, will be integrated into TSE’s Religious School.
• TRT’s existing employment contracts will be honored.
• TRT members will be offered an incentive for a short period of time to remain as members of TSE; a typical practice in communities that integrate.
  

Join us our for our Friday Night Shabbat Service at 7:30pm this week and Havdalah Service this on Saturday at 7:30PM

All services are streamed on
the  Temple Website,  
Facebook, and   YouTube

All services are streamed.

Two Drive-In Services in a Row!

Friday, April 30th Lag Ba'Omer Service
to honor our teachers

Friday, May 7th Senior Youth Group Service

Watch from your car or bring a lawn chair, or watch the livestream from anywhere!

Upcoming Lifelong Learning Opportunity
Combatting Anti-Semitism & Enhancing Security: An overview of Jewish Federation's Community-wide Efforts

Sunday, May 2, 2021 • 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Click here for more information and to register

Freehold Area Open Door 

Drivers  are needed to pick up food/produce/bread at various markets in the immediate area.  Time would be approx 1 hour once a week in the AM. An SUV/Minivan or Station Wagon would be helpful.

Contact Rich Cobin at 732 462 9006 or   crashcobin@yahoo.com

Please enjoy this never seen behind-the-scenes look at the making of Temple Shaari Emeth's 2021 Purim Shpiel - including hilarious outtakes, deleted scenes and general mayhem. Includes the short subject "Kitty Hasselblad's Complaint." An angry drone. A helpful 10-year-old Best Boy. Enjoy!

We thank Glenn Cohen, the Executive Producer and Director of TSE's 2021 Purim Shpiel and "Behind the Scenes".  We also thank Cantor Wally and all of the talented people that took part in the effort. A special thank you to Kitty Hasselblad.

Yizkor Service
Saturday, April 3rd at 10:00am

Join us our for our Friday Night Kabbalat Shabbat Service at 6:30pm and Havdalah Service this on Saturday at 7:30PM

All services are streamed on
the Temple Website,  
Facebook, and  YouTube

Coming up in April

Who Will Write Our History
Sunday, April 4 at 1:00 PM 

Who Will Write Our History recounts the work of Emanuel Ringelblum and his resistance to Nazi oppression. In the Warsaw Ghetto of 1940, Ringelblum established Oyneg Shabes, a clandestine organization chartered to document all facets of Jewish life under Hitler and to preserve a historical record. 

Click for more info and to register

Yom Ha'atzmaut Across America
Sunday, April 11 
2:00 PM

Join us for this special concert that we are sponsoring along with communities from throughout North America.
 
Login information for the concert will be emailed shortly before the concert (as soon as we have it available)

A Conversation with NJ State Senator Samuel Thompson from District 12
Sunday, April 11  4:00 PM

Sponsored by Temple Shaari Emeth and RAC-NJ.


Click for more information and to register

May God console those who mourn in Zion, Jerusalem and throughout the world

Join us our for our Friday Night and Havdalah Services this Friday and Saturday at 7:30PM

All services are streamed on
the Temple Website,  
Facebook, and  YouTube

Coming up in April

Who Will Write Our History
Sunday, April 4 at 1:00 PM 

Who Will Write Our History recounts the work of Emanuel Ringelblum and his resistance to Nazi oppression. In the Warsaw Ghetto of 1940, Ringelblum established Oyneg Shabes, a clandestine organization chartered to document all facets of Jewish life under Hitler and to preserve a historical record. 

Click for more info and to register

Yom Ha'atzmaut Across America
Sunday, April 11 
2:00 PM

Join us for this special concert that we are sponsoring along with communities from throughout North America.
 
Login information for the concert will be emailed shortly before the concert (as soon as we have it available)

A Conversation with NJ State Senator Samuel Thompson from District 12
Sunday, April 11  4:00 PM

Sponsored by Temple Shaari Emeth and RAC-NJ.


Click for more information and to register

Start listening to Passover Music Now!

www.shaariemeth.org/spotify

Activities for Sunday

Men's Club: Monmouth Battlefield Walking Tour
Sunday, March 7  1:30pm

Click here for more info
and to register

Fanny Brice and her Relevance to Jewish Identity, Culture & Religion
Sunday, March 7  11:00am

Click here for more info​​​​​​​ and to register

Welcoming the LGBTQ+ in Our Faith Community
Wednesday, March 10  7:00pm

Click here for more info and to register