Bergenfield—When Congregation Ohr HaTorah opened its doors 10 years ago, it was to a small crowd, where only a few families had kids old enough to sit with them in shul, and “old timers” were the people who had lived in Bergenfield for more than a year.
Fast forward to 2015: The shul fills up seats faster than they can set them out, rows are reorganized to accommodate growing families with children sitting with a parent at shul, and Bar Mitzvahs are not an out of the ordinary event anymore.
Rabbi Daniel and Serena Hartstein, now living in Israel, were among the founding families, and as the first president and first lady of the shul, have taken pride in Ohr HaTorah’s growth. Hartstein considered his involvement in the initial stages of Ohr HaTorah as “an opportunity for me to give back to the community and to create a warm spiritual home for so many new families in Bergen County.”
One of the largest draws of the shul is its spiritual leader, Rabbi Zvi Sobolofsky. A rosh yeshiva at Rabbi Isaac Elchonon Theological Seminary, and a world-renowned halachic authority and lecturer, his role as the Rav of the congregation continues to draw former talmidim, as well as families from all over. Together with his wife, Dr. Efrat Sobolofsky, a noted lecturer in her own right, and their four children, who live in the property that houses the shul, they have literally opened up their home and their lives to Ohr HaTorah, its congregants, and the greater North Jersey community as well.
Russell and Michele Moskowitz were drawn to Ohr HaTorah after interacting with the Sobolofskys and the kehilla. “The Rav has always been available to guide us and lead the shul towards achieving higher levels of avodas Hashem through personal example,” said the Moskowitzes. The two have both become integral parts of the shul’s operation. Russell manages the digital shiurim, and Michele has served on the sisterhood board, shul board, and together they author the successful “Famous Abba” parsha sheets. They also run a motzei Shabbos learning program for girls in the shul.
The Sobolofskys consider themselves fortunate to be part of the shul with its “inspiring families, interested in continuous growth in their commitment to Torah and mitzvos,” said Efrat Sobolofsky. In addition, they are touched by the “number of members who volunteer hours of time and their leadership and professional skills,” to the shul’s continuing growth and progress.
One such family, Yaakov and Julie Rosenberg, moved to Bergenfield in 2008 and immediately immersed themselves in volunteering for the shul. As Ohr HaTorah’s webmaster, Yaakov Rosenberg is involved in many of the digital aspects of the shul, and his wife has served as sisterhood president, and has participated in the mishloach manot committee as well. The more you give to a shul, the more you get out of it,” explained the Rosenbergs. “We have a sense of pride in our association with Ohr HaTorah,” he continued, a shul with “a focus on Torah, tefilla and chesed.”
On June 9, the shul gives thanks to their Rav and Efrat at their inaugural dinner, by honoring them as the Guests of Honor.
Also being honored are Daniel and Rifky Shor, with the Ohr HaChesed Service award. They too were part of the original core group of founding families. Daniel and Rifky continue to involve themselves in many different aspects of the shul, often behind the scenes, and the community outside Ohr HaTorah as well. Rifky is an occupational therapist and also volunteers for the mikvah. Daniel has used his background in computers to assist in various technology-related aspects of the shul, as well as working on seating for Yamim Noraim, and the shul’s operations. “We have been close with the Sobolofskys since college,” explained the Shors. “This is a close-knit shul where everyone in our family can be involved, and where our children can thrive in a Torah environment.”
As the shul has grown in number (and years), the needs of the shul and its members have evolved as well. Ohr HaTorah members and volunteers have become quite creative and found ways to provide many activities for its families within the confines of its space. It may require some juggling and flexibility at times, but everyone has worked together to make things happen. Ohr HaTorah is gratified and excited with the recent announcement this past March that it is under contract to purchase the neighboring property, 26-28 Rector Court.
Much of the excitement about the potential a new building will bring is the future of Shabbos groups and youth activities. Last year, Ohr HaTorah hired Jordan and Eileen Silvestri to run youth activities. Shabbos groups, learning, educational activities and extracurricular activities were enthusiastically announced and embraced by the youth (and their parents). “Our youth department has made such strides this past year and we are very excited for the opportunities and advantages that our new building will bring,” said the Silvestris.
The families of Ohr HaTorah consider themselves beyond fortunate to receive the Torah wisdom that Rabbi Sobolofsky brings to every lecture, dvar Torah or “shailah of the week” topic that he delivers on Friday evenings. “People travel great distances to hear him speak, but most of us do not travel more than a few blocks,” reflected one congregant. “We truly have greatness in our midst.”
Please join Ohr HaTorah as the congregation honors Rabbi Zvi and Efrat Sobolofsky, and Daniel and Rifky Shor, 6:30 p.m., June 9 at Congregation Keter Torah in Teaneck. To make a reservation or submit an ad, visit ohrhatorah.com/dinner.
By Jenny Gans
