Congregation Shomrei Torah’s Rabbi Andrew Markowitz, of Fair Lawn, has been elected president of the Rabbinical Council of Bergen County (RCBC). Rabbi Markowitz succeeds Rabbi Beni Krohn, of the Young Israel of Teaneck, who completed a two-year term.
The RCBC is a vaad, or board of rabbis. Its primary function has historically been to oversee kashrut in Bergen County, but has taken on other communal roles over the last two years. It also runs a conversion beit din under the direction of Rabbi Yaakov Feit.
“Our role is to lead and serve the Bergen County community, ensuring that the needs of our community are met with wisdom, collaboration and a commitment to mesorah,” Rabbi Markowitz told The Jewish Link. “Over the last several years, the RCBC has also taken a more active role in addressing a variety of communal needs. As we look to the future, we hope to continue to build upon this foundation, working closely with schools, shuls and other organizations to uplift and support the community in every way we can.”
Previously the vice president of the RCBC, Rabbi Markowitz has worked closely with Rabbi Krohn over the past two years. “Most recently, I worked closely with Rabbi Krohn on initiatives related to [high school] admissions and school partnerships, including a pre-COVID cell phone initiative aimed at fostering healthier habits among students. Additionally, I collaborated with Rabbi Krohn on communal coordination efforts, particularly in working with federations and other organizations to support Israel, including the most recent October 7th memorial event at the JCC.”
Rabbi Markowitz graduated from the Yeshivah of Flatbush in Brooklyn and spent post-graduate time at Yeshivat Reishit Yerushalayim. From there he continued his education at Yeshiva University, studying psychology and receiving semicha at RIETS, during which time he was a fellow of Jerusalem’s Gruss Kollel. While in Israel, he trained with Rav Gideon Weitzman of Machon Puah, where he received an additional semicha with a focus on fertility and halacha. He spent time following semicha at Yeshiva University’s prestigious Beren Kollel Elyon. He also serves on the executive committee of the Rabbinical Council of America (RCA).
Rabbi Markowitz began working as assistant rabbi and subsequently associate rabbi at Congregation Shomrei Torah in 2010, and became the shul’s senior rabbi in 2019 when Rabbi Benjamin Yudin became rabbi emeritus. The entire family, including Dr. Sara Markowitz and their five daughters (Avigayil, Mimi, Ella, Nili and Noa) have enjoyed making Fair Lawn their home, continuing its development as a well-known and thriving Jewish community, one built on strong personal relationships and dedication to Torah. Rabbi Markowitz has been on the faculty of Naaleh High School for Girls for the past six years, and is a board member of Yeshivat Shalshelet.
RCBC also has a new vice president, Rabbi Akiva Block of Kehilat Kesher in Tenafly. Joining the dynamic group for the first time are Rabbi Elliot Schrier of Teaneck’s Congregation Bnai Yeshurun, who was elected treasurer, and Rabbi Daniel Goldberg of Congregation Ahavath Torah in Englewood, who was elected secretary. Rabbi Ari Zahtz will continue in his role as VP of kashrus, and Rabbi Daniel Fridman will continue in his role as VP of community relations. Rabbi Zev Goldberg will cycle out of RCBC leadership for the time being, and Rabbi Krohn will continue his work as the chair of the Bergen County High School admissions committee.
“I am tremendously grateful for the time, work and effort Rabbi Krohn has dedicated over these last few years. His leadership has been marked by a strong sense of responsibility, vision and care for our community,” said Rabbi Markowitz.
“We are also extraordinarily grateful to Rabbi Ari Zahtz for his leadership as VP of kashrus and to Rabbi Nesanel Snow, our kashrus administrator. Through their efforts, RCBC certification has continued to be recognized for its high standards, both locally and nationally. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the leadership at the Kof-K for their support and guidance, without which we would not be where we are today. It is a privilege to work alongside such a remarkable vaad, a group of rabbanim who are deeply dedicated to the Bergen County community and all of klal Yisrael,” he added.
Rabbi Krohn Reflects on His Term
Rabbi Krohn, for his part, shared thoughts on the past two years in which he served as president, which was characterized by the beginning of the October 7 war and the ensuing pro-Hamas protests that roiled the Bergen County Jewish community. “I am exceedingly proud of the leadership the RCBC has shown over the past two years. During this time, we elected Rabbi Daniel Fridman to a new position, VP of communal relations. Rabbi Fridman’s role in liaising with the local governments, fostering our new partnership with BCJAC (Bergen County Jewish Action Committee), and so many other initiatives, has been critical in allowing the vaad to lead the community as we all navigate antisemitism in all its forms and in all our towns. We are grateful that Rabbi Fridman has agreed to stay on in the new administration to continue his vital work,” Rabbi Krohn told The Jewish Link.
“We also feel grateful to have continued to foster our partnerships with the local schools with regard to the admissions process, as well as with the larger community, including significant work with the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey in response to the events of October 7th.
“Rabbi Markowitz has already shown remarkable dedication to our community as the warm, caring and dynamic rav of Congregation Shomrei Torah, as a sought-after educator, as well as in his previous roles within the RCBC. It has been an honor and privilege to serve with him, and I am confident he will serve our community with the same dignity, care and thoughtfulness which he brings to all he does.”
Learn more about the RCBC at https://rcbcvaad.org/.
