This Week’s Event Email
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Email Us at:
Call Us at:
(732) 747-9365
Visit Us at:
Monmouth Reform Temple
332 Hance Ave.
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
We even have a working fax machine!
(732) 747-9770
At Monmouth Reform Temple we recognize how important it is to find other Jewish and Interfaith families with very young children, which is why we host Bagels & Blocks often on the third Sunday of every month. Our program focuses on toddler and preschool aged children and their parents or grandparents.
We are delighted to partner with PJ Library to introduce the excitement and joy of Jewish values and holidays to your little ones. With plenty of free play interspersed, our morning includes time with the Rabbi reading of a PJ Library book, singing songs with our Cantor and song leaders, and the making of a craft. We also perform a quick kiddish before snacking on bagels and grape juice (and coffee for the grown-ups). Because our primary goal is to foster relationships and help young families connect to one another, our program is free and open to the public. NO RSVP REQUIRED – JUST JOIN US AND HAVE FUN!
For Pre-K (4 year old) children and their parents we offer a transitional program named Kesher Kids. The first half hour of each session is combined with Bagels & Blocks. Then the children will head to their own classroom to spend an hour with a teacher following our play-based Jewish curriculum. This program is $100 for the year and open to anyone raising a Jewish child. Registration is required.
All sessions start at 9:30am and run to approximately 11am. We hope you and your little ones will join us to connect and celebrate at these excellent programs!
For more information please contact Magda Reyes at magda@monmouthreformtemple.org
For more information about PJ Library: www.pjlibrary.org
I came to
I was attracted to
All these characteristics remain at the core of
פִּתְחוּ לִי שַׁעֲרֵי צֶדֶק אָבֹא בָם אוֹדֶה יָהּ
Open the gates of righteousness for me that I may enter and praise God.
Whenever I go through these doors, I remember that we are partners with God in completing the work of creation. I am grateful for the sense of belonging I feel within these walls, for friendships made here and those yet to be, and for my temple family without whom my life would never be the same.
I grew up in South Orange, the child of artists Jo and Carol Jochnowitz. My journey into music began at age twelve when I started studying classical voice. I was also an active member of Congregation Beth El, where I thrived in religious school and embarked on a six-week trip to Israel at sixteen—an experience that profoundly shaped me.
I attended Columbia High School and UNC-Greensboro while serving as a cantorial soloist at Temple Emanuel, a Reform congregation. It was through this work that I realized my true calling: to become a cantor. In 1994, before beginning my formal studies at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, I had the opportunity to serve as a substitute cantor at Monmouth Reform Temple. I still vividly remember standing on the bima, feeling the power of the congregation’s active participation—it was as if my hair was being blown back by their energy! That Shabbat, I met Rabbi Priesand (now Rabbi Emerita) and lay leaders who remain an integral part of our temple today. The warmth and dynamic worship style of MRT left a lasting impression on me.
When I officially joined the clergy team in 2002, I was thrilled to find that the same warmth and enthusiasm for Jewish music were still alive. The congregation’s openness to learning, experimenting with music, and embracing both traditional and contemporary Jewish compositions has allowed me to create unique and joyful Shabbat experiences. I deeply appreciate their enthusiasm—whether through participation or simply being present to absorb the beauty of our music.
Yet, my role extends far beyond music. I am incredibly proud to have developed and nurtured many programs, including:
If you love to sing, we would love to have you in our choir or band! Our volunteer choir is made up of temple members who enjoy singing, and it is always a joy to make music together. They join me on the bima for MLK Shabbat, the High Holy Days, and Thanksgiving services, bringing an added depth to our worship.
Children at MRT get to know me through religious school and services. I teach all ages and play an active role in religious school, especially working one-on-one with sixth and seventh graders as they prepare to become B’nai Mitzvah. Teaching is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work, allowing me to build meaningful relationships with students and their families. Many of our students continue beyond their B’nai Mitzvah, staying involved through confirmation, Torah chanting, choir, band, and youth group. Their achievements fill me with pride, and I cherish watching them grow as members of our community.
As one of the clergy members at MRT, I also share in the pastoral care of our temple family. Walking through life’s journey together—through both joys and challenges—is a sacred privilege, and I want you to know how much I care.
When you join MRT, you become part of something truly special. As your Cantor, I feel deeply fortunate to be part of this incredible community. My own family considers MRT our extended family, and I have no doubt that you will too. Please stop by, send me a message, or email me—I would love to meet you and hear your story.
For nearly 25 years, I have been dedicated to Monmouth Reform Temple, striving to create continuity of progressive Judaism. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of growing professionally with our synagogue, a community that values our traditions and deletes my experiments.
As I approach my retirement in June 2026, I reflect with gratitude on the incredible journey I’ve had—collaborating with talented lay people, colleagues and clergy, serving MRT and witnessing the growth and evolution of our community. While this chapter is coming to a close, my commitment to excellence and passion for our future remains unwavering.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with me!
The MRT Bulletin is an exciting colorful array of articles, photographs, and information about your temple written by MRT clergy, professionals and volunteers. Read it and you will feel inspired to be connected to MRT!
If you would like to contribute an article or a photograph to The MRT Bulletin, please contact our Office Administrator Jordana Steinberg (jordana@monmouthreformtemple.org).
The MRT Bulletin is also a great advertising opportunity where every one of our congregants and their friends are prospective customers! Advertising rates are inexpensive AND help support the temple. Please contact Jordana for more information at the above email address.
Click Here for the latest MRT Bulletin (Fall, 2023)
Click below for Past Bulletin issues:
This is really fascinating. Click below and check it out!
A Map History of Israel by CAMERA (PPT 4.64 MB)
• Social Action Network – creating a thread throughout MRT
July | Coffee |
August | Jelly |
September | Canned Beans (kedney, cannellini, etc.) |
October | Stuffing |
November | Gravy |
December | Fruit Cocktail |
January | Tea Bags |
February | Hot Chocolate Mix |
March | Macaroni and Cheese |
April | Powder Drink Mixes (tang, lemondade, iced-tea, etc.) |
May | Baked Beans |
June | Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo |