In the spirit of its “lev,” or 32nd anniversary, Rabbi Mark Staum has been appointed to head the Bergen County Jewish Learning Experience. In keeping with its mission of “reaching out to the hearts and minds of Jews,” Staum foresees a vital future as the organization continues to reach out to hundreds each year.
Officially appointed as of July 1, Staum and wife, Tzippy, are no strangers to the work of this exemplary kiruv organization. Over the past 10 years, the Staums have hosted many JLE participants in their home for Shabbat and Yom Tov meals. In addition, two years ago Rabbi Staum offered a six-month series through JLE entitled, “Using Medieval and Modern Scholars in Understanding the Mitzvot,” which was well received.
Rabbi Staum is the fifth rabbi to head JLE since its inception in 1985. Founding rabbi Michael Taubes of Congregation Zichron Mordechao and Rosh Yeshiva at MTA, was followed by Rabbi Steven Prebor, Rabbi Boruch Price and, most recently, Rabbi David Pietruszka.
In stepping down this past June, Rabbi Pietruszka thanked the community for his nine years at the helm of JLE by saying, “My family and I have grown tremendously from our interactions with the JLE participants. We have formed close connections which will be long lasting. At this point, it is time for me to move on and pursue other goals and aspirations. I wish each and every one of you continuous growth in your spiritual pursuits.”
Rabbi Staum, hailing from West Orange, studied at Yeshiva University and received semicha from Kollel Agudat Achim under the guidance of Rabbi Aharon Ziegler. He earned his MSW from YU’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work and is currently pursuing a second master’s, in Jewish history, from the Touro College School of Jewish Studies. Staum looks forward to “spreading his passion for Judaism to the larger Jewish community.”
JLE’s call to the community is to “reacquaint yourself with your religious roots.” They invite participants, regardless of religion or knowledge of Hebrew or Bible, to gain a deeper understanding of Jewish culture and history. Their 32 years of programming, including hosting Shabbatonim and Yom Tov celebrations, offering ongoing classes and featuring periodic special programs and events, are all aimed at clearly demonstrating Jewish culture to those who wish to experience its beliefs and traditions. JLE’s Jewish classes focus on showing the relevance of the Torah in contemporary times. JLE’s programs are specially designed to provide a hospitable learning environment for its diverse membership base coming from different backgrounds and age groups.
One of JLE’s most popular ongoing classes is the Monday night course in the weekly Haftorah offered by Rabbi Moshe Yasgur, a well-noted Jewish educator who has taught at the Ramaz Yeshiva High School for many years. The class is held at Congregation Bnai Yeshurun and will run throughout the summer. Among the projected classes for the upcoming Fall season are a course in beginning Hebrew, courses in Jewish history and philosophy and courses in explanatory prayer services. Participants may choose to attend small, informal group classes or arrange one-on-one learning with instructors. According to Staum, “the full roster of classes will be available at the end of August.”
On a rotating basis, the different area shuls host monthly JLE shabbatonim. Member families of these congregations host participant families who live locally of even as far away as Fair Lawn and Hackensack. These warm and meaningful Shabbatonim form the basis of the kiruv that the JLE hopes to impart. According to Staum, “The plan is to acquire our own space so that we may offer our Shabbatonim weekly to larger audiences.”
Proud parents of four children, the Staums reside in Teaneck and daven at congregation Beth Aaron. Tzippy Staum is a Jewish educator par excellence in her own right. She has been actively involved in both formal and informal education for 16 years. Presently, Tzippy is a very beloved sixth-grade teacher at RYNJ and serves as the director of operations for Camp Dina.
As throughout its previous 32-year history, JLE invites the community to join them in free explanatory High Holiday services to be held at the Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School at 1650 Palisades Avenue in Teaneck. On Rosh Hashanah, Thursday, September 21, and Friday, September 22, services will begin at 10 a.m. On Yom Kippur, Friday, September 29, at 6:20 p.m. and Saturday, September 30, at 10 a.m., the community is invited to join JLE in meaningful services. “In a comfortable atmosphere encouraging questions and discussion, we will explore the structure and meaning of the High Holiday prayers. Prior knowledge of Hebrew or prayers is not required.”
To register online, visit www.jle.org or complete the form and mail it to JLE ℅ Staum, 379 Birch Street, Teaneck, NJ 07666. For more information, call Rabbi Mark Staum at 201-966-4498.
By Pearl Markovitz
