Dear Friends, I am writing to provide you with exciting news for TSE.
As some of you may know, Stuart Brown, our Executive Director, informed us earlier this year that he intends to begin his next chapter as a public school teacher after June 2025. This is bittersweet, as Stuart has professionalized the operation of TSE and made more contributions to our community over the last five years than many of you will ever know or that I can possibly list here. We are grateful to Stuart beyond words, but we must look forward to the opportunity this offers TSE to welcome a new professional leader to our family with fresh ideas, new approaches, and a vision as to what our next chapter will be.
After I took office in July 2024, I formed an Executive Director Search Committee. The Committee is chaired by Marian Castner and is comprised of key stakeholders – including clergy, lay leadership, and members. The Committee has been meeting over the last several months to identify:
Key criteria for our ideal candidate;
The means by which we will attract them to our community, and;
How we will compensate them in line with requirements for the position, while being fiscally responsible with your money.
Now that the High Holidays are past, our search will become public and we will be actively recruiting candidates going forward and presenting them for consideration by the Board of Trustees in the months ahead. While certain aspects of the Committee’s work will necessarily be confidential, I encourage you to reach out to me with any ideas, questions, or concerns you may have regarding this process as we move forward together. During this time, Stuart will continue performing all of his duties to us, and even when he moves on from the Executive Director position, Stuart will be no stranger to TSE. Stuart will continue to be an active volunteer in temple operations, a teacher in our classrooms, and – most importantly – a valued member of our community and dear friend.
I look forward to partnering with the Committee and all of you in what comes next. L’shalom, Dan Schleifstein
With great sadness we share that Robyn Gandelman, wife of Howard Gandelman, passed away. She was a devoted mother, wife,daughter, aunt, friend, sister & RN.
Shiva will be held at the residence of Howard Gandelman & Family 15 Barnswallow Blvd. Marlboro, NJ 07746. Friday, 11am-4pm. Sunday, 10am-2pm & 4pm-8pm Monday, 12pm-6pm Tuesday, 12pm-6pm Wednesday, 12pm-4pm Shiva will also be held at the residence of Evelyn Snyder 5210 Falston Circle, Old Bridge, NJ 08857 Saturday, 6:30pm-10pm Sunday, 2pm-8pm
May God console those who mourn in Zion, Jerusalem and throughout the world
In a world increasingly marked by division and animosity, The Table serves as a powerful antidote. This innovative program is designed to bring together individuals from diverse generations and ideologies, fostering meaningful dialogue and mutual understanding. At The Table, we believe that by sharing our stories and perspectives, we can bridge the gaps that divide us
The program encourages participants to engage in open and respectful conversations, where differing viewpoints are not just tolerated but embraced. Through structured discussions, The Table creates a safe space for dialogue, allowing participants to explore complex issues, challenge assumptions, and discover common ground. ......... Click to read more and register
The first meeting of the Table is on Friday, November 22nd: What are your thoughts on the War in Gaza?
On nights when we offer The Table we will hold a brief Shabbat service and then those who preregistered will be split into smaller groups to have meaningful discussions about difficult issues.
With great sadness we share that Sharon Friedman passed away. She was the sister of Vivian Aronow, the sister-in-law of Stuart Aronow, and the aunt of Elliot Aronow. She was the mother of Jaimie Burkett and the grandmother of Max and Henry.
The funeral will be graveside on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at 11:00 am at Washington Cemetery in South Brunswick (104 Deans Hall Rhode, South Brunswick, NJ 08852).
A celebration of life will be held at a future date.
May God console those who mourn in Zion, Jerusalem and throughout the world
I hope this message finds you well! I want to take a moment to thank you all for making the High Holidays such a meaningful experience for my family and me as I begin my first year as president of TSE. Your warmth and support have truly touched us.
At Rosh Hashanah, I had the chance to share my personal Jewish journey—how I found my way to TSE. And on Yom Kippur, I spoke about why I’ve chosen to invest my time, resources, and spirit in this community—and in all of you. My hope is that, by sharing my story, something may have resonated with you. I hope it’s inspired you to reflect on your own connection to TSE, and why this community is worthy of your time, energy, and generosity.
TSE doesn’t just happen. It’s a labor of love, and it takes all of us working together to make it the vibrant, welcoming place that it is. That’s why I’m asking you to consider how you can support this year’s Annual Appeal.
At Yom Kippur, we learned that we have a special group of committed members who believe in TSE’s enormous potential. And they’re not just thinking about it—they’re taking action. These members have put forth a challenge: if 60% of our families participate in the Annual Appeal, we unlock an incredible $60,000.00 in donations. Last year, we did 50 for 50—this year, we’re aiming for 60 for 60! They believe in this community. I believe in this community. And I believe in what we can accomplish when all 700+ families come together.
Honestly, while I want us to raise more than ever to benefit all of you, it’s not just about how much you give. What matters more is why you give. I encourage you to reflect on what TSE has meant to you over the past year. What has this community offered you? What have we built together? Where have we shined, and where can we grow? Think about these things when you decide how to participate. And think about how you can invest yourself—not just financially, but in time, energy, and spirit—to help this community thrive.
Let’s partner together to make TSE a place where every member feels they belong—a place of Jewish opportunity, strength, joy, learning, and fellowship that serves us now and for generations to come.
I’m excited to work alongside each of you to make TSE the best it can be.
L’shalom, Dan Schleifstein, Temple President (908) 670-0478 dschleifstein@shaariemeth.org
Together, we can ensure a Jewish future for generations to come. Please click below or go to www.shaariemeth.org/appeal
Introducing Temple Shaari Emeth on the Road, an exciting initiative designed to bring the warmth and richness of our Jewish experiences directly into the homes and communities of our congregants. This program aims to foster deeper connections, celebrate our shared traditions, and create vibrant communal bonds beyond the walls of the synagogue.
As a host, you’ll have the opportunity to create an inviting atmosphere for an engaging Jewish gathering. Simply sign up to host an event, invite five Temple families to join you, and feel free to welcome additional non-member friends or neighbors as well! All we ask is that you provide the setting and refreshments or Shabbat dinner, making it a true community experience.
Our clergy will come to your home, bringing a thoughtfully crafted program or Shabbat experience tailored to your gathering. Whether it’s a meaningful discussion, a joyful Shabbat celebration, or an opportunity to study and grow together, Temple Shaari Emeth on the Road is designed to deepen our connections to each other and to our faith.
Join us in taking Jewish life off the beaten path and into the heart of our community. Together, let’s share the beauty of our traditions, strengthen our bonds, and create lasting memories in a warm and welcoming environment. When you sign up for a date, we will be in touch to let you know which of our clergy will be joining you and we will work together to coordinate the event and logistics. When providing food please make sure it is allergy free, no pork or shellfish and no mixed milk and meat.
With great sadness we share that Jill Hand passed away. She was the wife of Jeff Hand, mother of Carri Kurs and Craig Hand and mother-in-law of Jordan Kurs and Dana Hand. She was the grandmother to Michael, Taylor, Jack and Chase.
Funeral is Friday, October 18, 2024 at 9:00 am at Bloomfield Cooper, Manalapan with Interment at New Montefiore in West Babylon.
Family will be accepting visitors on Friday after interment at the home of Craig and Dana Hand – 1884 Leslie Lane, Merrick, NY and Saturday night and Sunday afternoon at the home of Carri and Jordan Kurs – 15 Mulberry Drive, Manalapan, NJ.
Friends – I hope you and your families are having meaningful Days of Awe as we prepare for Yom Kippur. As I shared with you on the morning of Rosh Hashanah, we at TSE have a very special tradition of bringing literally TONS of food to support Open Door on Yom Kippur.
My family and I are proud to be a part of that tradition, and I wanted to share what the back of my car looks like this week. Bob and Susan Dollinger, not to be outdone, shared with me what their dining room looks like (and they are not done yet(!) Yom Kippur starts this Friday and ends this Saturday night; are you ready? If you have not gone shopping to help those in our community for whom fasting is not a religious obligation taken on one day a year, please do so. If you have gone shopping and think you might be able to do more, please know much that would be appreciated by your temple family and those whom you will help with your generous donations.
This Yom Kippur, let’s fill the truck and show our community what we at TSE do to make this world a better place.
G'mar Chatima Tovah, Dan Schleifstein President, Board of Trustees
With great sadness we share that Dolly Pletter passed away earlier this week. She was the mother of Marcia Hersh and Claudia Pletter z''l, mother-in-law to Bob Hersh, grandmother of Lauren & Sean, Andrew & Ali and great-grandmother to Ryan, Sasha, Sam and Emmett.
A celebration of life will take place at a future date.
May God console those who mourn in Zion, Jerusalem and throughout the world
With great sadness we share that Milton Straus passed away yesterday. He was the husband of Jean Straus and the father of Alicia and Cindy Weiss. He was the father-in-law to Jason and the grandfather of Jacob and Paige.
Funeral will be on Wednesday, Sepember 25th at 11:00am at Freeman Funeral Home, Manalapan. Interment will follow at Beth Israel in Woodbridge.
Shiva will be at Cindy's home, 52 Martin Street, Metuchen on Wednesday after the funeral and Thursday starting at noon.
With great sadness we share that Stanley Bieber, father of Heather (Anthony) Miliote passed away today. He was the husband to Gail Bieber and father also to Meredith Bieber (Bruce Self) and grandfather to Anthony Miliote and Brooke Miliote.
The funeral will be Monday, September 30, at 9:00 am at Bloomfield Cooper Jewish Chapels, Manalapan and live-streamed on the funeral home’s website. Interment will follow at New Montefiore Cemetery in West Babylon, NY.
Shiva will be at Heather and Anthony’s home, 12 Opatut Way, Freehold on Monday, September 30 6:30 pm-8:30 pm, with minyan at 7:00 pm.
Hi {{first_name}}, We are introducing a new partnership with MyTree in Israel and Temple Shaari Emeth. MyTree creates a partnership between small farms and businesses in Israel and us, here in the United States.
We will have a taste testing of a couple of the wines from the grapevines that we adopted in Israel, along with olive oil tasting. As you will see on the MyTree website, the program works by adopting a grape vine, olive tree, or investing in a barrel of whiskey, and then receiving the "fruits of the harvest" when they are available. Temple Shaari Emeth does receive a portion of every sale; but the main purpose of the program is to create a small way that we can all support Israeli farmers and small business owners.
With great sadness we share that Stanley Bieber, father of Heather (Anthony) Miliote passed away today. He was the husband to Gail Bieber and father also to Meredith Bieber (Bruce Self) and grandfather to Anthony Bieber and Brooke Bieber.
The funeral service will be Friday, September 20, at 11:00 am at Bloomfield Cooper Jewish Chapels, Manalapan and live-streamed on the funeral home’s website. Interment will follow at New Montefiore Cemetery in West Babylon, NY.
Shiva will be at Heather and Anthony’s home, 12 Opatut Way, Freehold on Saturday, 6:30 pm-8:00 pm and Sunday, 3:00 pm-4:30 pm and 6:30 pm-8:00 pm, with minyan Sunday at 7:00 pm.
With great sadness we share that Stephen Rice passed away yesterday. He was the husband to Hilary Turett and father to Adam and Bryan. He was the father-in-law to Iva Velickovic and the grandfather to Amelia Claire Rice.
The funeral will be tomorrow, Monday at 1pm at Bloomfield Cooper Jewish Chapels, Manalapan with interment at Mt Sinai in Marlboro.
Shiva will be at Hilary's home, 6 Wildflower Court, Manalapan on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 1-9pm with minyan at 7:30pm and Thursday from 1-6pm.
