For many people, Fort Lee is the city you pass through as you approach the George Washington Bridge. Rabbi Zev Goldberg and the leadership of Young Israel of Fort Lee are looking to change those associations. “Many people are simply unaware of our vibrant Jewish community,” said Rabbi Goldberg as he reflected upon the excitement generated in the synagogue since his arrival in the beginning of October.
Two weeks ago, the Congregation hosted Rabbi Berel Wein as a Scholar-in-Residence. “We literally had to turn people away,” Rabbi Goldberg said, referring to the oversold Shabbat dinner the Synagogue hosted. With over 100 people in attendance, the excitement in the room on Friday night was palpable. During dinner, Rabbi Wein regaled the audience with stories of his personal interactions with some of the leading rabbinic leaders of the 20th century, including Rabbi Joseph Soloveichik, with whom Rabbi Wein closely interacted when the latter was head of Kashrut for the Orthodox Union.
Young Israel of Fort Lee already hosts a very successful monthly “Lunch and Learn” program which features a range of topics of interest. This Monday, Rabbi Dr. Ephraim Kanarfogel will present on the topic of, “Mass Aliyah of 1210: Motives and Messages”. A light lunch always follows the presentation. The program begins at noon.
Additionally, the Synagogue is excited to announce a new Jewish history lecture which will be taught by Rabbi Goldberg and Rabbi Dr. Jacob Reiner, a noted congregational rabbi and historian who recently retired as a professor of Jewish History at Yeshiva University. The three part lecture series is entitled “Critical Controversies in Jewish History” and will focus on three major disputes that have shaped the future of the Jewish people. The lectures are scheduled for Monday, December 15, 22 and 29 at 11:00 a.m.
If anyone is interested in learning more about the Young Israel of Fort Lee, please email Rabbi Goldberg directly. He can be reached at: [email protected].
By Audrey Cole
