The Jewish Learning Experience of Bergen County held its 29th annual dinner this past Saturday night at Temple Beth Sholom in Fair Lawn. This year’s honoree was Teaneck resident Ken Goffstein who has been involved with the organization for nearly its full three decades of kiruv (outreach) in the region.
JLE director, Rabbi David Pietruszka, said about Goffstein, “Ken is an incredible honoree. His excitement and devotion is really admirable in terms of helping the JLE in any way he can.”
Goffstein grew up in the Midwest and after high school studied for two years at Yeshiva Ohr Somayach in Israel, which is where he credits his outlook on kiruv and communal commitment. In his speech Goffstein drew a parallel by giving a dvar Torah from the week’s Torah portion, Parshah Vayechi, and focusing on the blessing Yaakov gave to his son Yissachar to have a tribe of scholars. Goffstein read an English translation of Rashi’s commentary on this, pointing out that two-hundred heads of the Sanhedrin came from this tribe, and the dedication to Torah by these scholars made them the indentured servants of the people.
“That, to me, really sums up what JLE is all about…” Goffstein said. “It’s a labor of love and that’s why when the beracha (blessing) that Yaakov gave, as everybody knows, Yissachar partnered with Zevulun, Yissachar was involved in the learning and it was a labor of love for him. And those who are involved in learning and teaching, they’re doing it out of love, love for the Jewish people, love for Klal Yisrael, and everyone who’s involved in teaching Torah and learning Torah is an indentured laborer. So not only does JLE affect Jews here in Bergen County, but generations are being saved by the work that JLE is doing.”
Goffstein continued, “They’ve influenced so many people to keep kosher, keep Shabbos, and just become frum. There are countless people attending the classes and being influenced and it’s all coming just from volunteers–regular people–who just want to do their part….”
In closing, Goffstein said, “Let’s all do what we can to help JLE and continue in the path and may they be worthy to continue doing the work for another thirty years and more.”
Additionally in his speech, Goffstein acknowledged his wife, Lena, and devoted a large portion of his remarks to his six sons. Four of his sons were present while two others were out of the area.
The simcha band, Pey Dalid, performed at the evening’s event.
JLE kiruv events have steady attendance and are targeted at educating the unaffiliated. The organization seeks additional affiliated volunteers to continue its success.
Allyson Gur-Aryeh lives in Teaneck with her psychologist husband, two adorable daughters, and two sweet cats.
By Allyson Gur-Aryeh
