(Courtesy of Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey) The Jewish Federation is sponsoring a special rabbinic retreat for a small group of seven rabbis representing each of the denominations. In northern New Jersey there are two rabbinic organizations, one serving the Orthodox rabbis and the other serving the non-Orthodox rabbis. According to Jason M. Shames, Federation CEO, “The goal of this retreat is to create a pluralistic community rabbinical leadership council under Federation’s rubric that convenes rabbis of all denominations on collective matters. It is not meant to replace the RCBC and NJBR but rather offer a venue for collective agendas.”

Rabbi Chaim Poupko of Englewood’s Ahavath Torah and Rabbi Shalom Baum of Congregation Keter Torah of Teaneck will join Rabbi Jordan Millstein (Temple Sinai, Tenafly), Rabbi Beni Wajnberg (Temple Beth Rishon, Wyckoff), Rabbi David Seth Kirschner (Temple Emanu-el, Closter), Rabbi Loren Monosov (Temple Emanuel, Pascack Valley) and Rabbi Randall Mark (Shomrei Torah, Wayne).

They are also traveling with Federation leadership: Jason Shames, CEO; Roberta Abrams, president; Lee Lasher, co-VP campaign; Dr. Zvi Marans, past president.

The trip is designed to provide opportunities for the rabbis to build relationships that will continue after the trip is over. Activities will include volunteer services, outdoor adventures and some study opportunities. The hope is that upon returning from Israel, the relationships that were formed will allow this new pluralistic community rabbinical leadership council to address issues that are important to the entire community.