Jewish Center of Northwest Jersey

When I think of all the things that I have to do as president, it seems mind-boggling. I have trouble believing that this congregation has enough faith in me to allow me to lead you. Yet for all of the tasks, phone calls and planning that I must do, there are days when it all seems worthwhile. Over the last month, I have shared the Bimah with two wonderful, yet different young men from our congregation. While most of you get to see the look of pride in the parents and grandparent’s eyes while they are reciting their aliyot, I get to see it for the entire ceremony. There is little in the world that compares to a parent’s complete devotion to their children, watching them grow and mature and become adults in our community. These joyous events are the best of times.
In the news this month, at the national biennial in Minnesota, our movement changed our name. We are now affiliated with the UNION FOR REFORM JUDAISM: Serving Reform Congregations in North America. This is a change from the UAHC that our move-ment was called up until now.
As world events stray further and further from peace, please take a moment and remember the people who protect our freedom. Say a prayer for them and their families, that they will be reunited safely and quickly. And remember that in America, it is not the religious leaders who give us the freedom of religion, it is the soldiers. May we enjoy peace in our homes, our work places, our congregation, our country, in Israel and in all the world.

Howie Hirsch