This Week’s Event Email

 

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MRT Weekly Eblast

September 16, 2025

WE STAND WITH ISRAEL

EVENTS HAPPENING SOON

Scroll down the Eblast for more information on these upcoming MRT events.

Tuesday, September 16 at 7:00 pm Board of Trustees Meeting

Contact Margo Hassan margohassan@gmail.com if you would like to attend.

Tuesday, September 16 at 7:40 pm High Holy Day Choir Rehearsal

Wednesday, September 17 at 1:00 pm Sisterhood Mahjong

Thursday, September 18 at 4:00 pm Adult Ed Committee Meeting

Friday, September 19 at 8:00 am Morning Meditation Session with Elliott Familant

Zoom HERE

Friday, September 19 at 7:00 pm Shabbat Service

Livestream HERE

Saturday, September 20 at 9:00 am Shabbat Morning Virtual Torah Study

Click HERE to Join Google Meet

Sunday, September 21 at 11:30 am Men’s Club Outing at Pine Brook Golf Course

Sunday, September 21 from 12:00 pm-4:00 pm Sisterhood Tasty Treats Distribution

Monday, September 22 from 10:00 am-2:00 pm Sisterhood Tasty Treats Distribution

Monday, September 22at 7:45 pm Erev Rosh Hashanah Service

Tuesday, September 23 at 10:00 am Rosh Hashana Morning Service

Tuesday, September 23 at 2:00 pm Rosh Hashanah Family (Children’s) Service

Tuesday, September 23 at 3:00 pm Tashlich

SCROLL DOWN THE EBLAST FOR THE FULL HIGH HOLY DAY SCHEDULE

UPCOMING WORSHIP SERVICE

Shabbat with *FIDF (Friends of IDF)

Friday, September 19th at 7:00 PM

 Service will be led by Rabbi Renee Edelman and Cantor Gabrielle Clissold.

Join us we welcome members of the Israel Defense Forces. There will be two speakers that will discuss the current situation in Israel for the soldiers. They will not be speaking about Israeli or American politics.

*What is FIDF? Our purpose is to champion the soldiers of the IDF and care for their needs as they protect the State of Israel, democratic values, and Western Civilization.”

There are members of our Congregation who are very sensitive to scents and fragrances. MRT strives to provide a “Scent Free” environment in our building. The MRT community asks that you avoid wearing scents of any kind when coming to our synagogue and please inform your guests who visit with us.

TZEDAKAH BOX

Parker Family Health Center in Red Bank

The Parker Family Health Center, which is a free medical clinic in Red Bank, provides care to those people who might otherwise not be able to access medical care.  Now celebrating its 25th year providing free medical care for the underserved and uninsured of Monmouth County, the Parker Family Health Center offers primary care as well as fourteen specialties. It serves as an initial health care access point and provides referrals for specialty care, one of the most significant hurdles for the uninsured, through a network of specialists who volunteer regularly at the clinic. 

Margie and Rob Wold are matching donors.

Tzedakah donations (cash or check payable to MRT) can be placed into the lobby Tzedakah box, sent to the MRT office, or made through our website by clicking HERE.*

*If paying by check or online, please make sure to add a note to your payment specifying that the funds should be directed towards Parker Family Health Center.

High Holy Days 2025

Once again this year, our services will be held in person in our sanctuary, as well as on livestream.

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

Rosh Hashanah

Erev Rosh Hashanah: September 22nd

Service: 7:45 pm

Rosh Hashanah: September 23rd

Morning Service: 10:00 am

Family (Children’s) Service: 2:00 pm

Tashlich: 3:00 pm

YOM KIPPUR

Kol Nidre: October 1st

Service: 7:45 pm

Yom Kippur: October 2nd

Morning Service: 10:00 am

Family Service: 2:00 pm

Afternoon Workshops: 3:00 pm

Yizkor Service: 4:45 pm

Closing Service/Neilah: 5:30 pm

HIGH HOLY DAY GREETERS AND USHERS NEEDED!

Outside greeters and ushers are needed to welcome congregants to our High Holy Day services.

If you would like to be a greeter, please contact Harry Hillson, harryh95@aol.com or 845-216-4863.

If you would like to be an usher, please contact Bob Hayet, marybethandbob@msn.com or 848-459-6558.

SHOFARS NEEDED

Do you have a shofar you’re no longer using?

The children at our synagogue are learning to blow the shofar, and we’re in need of a few more!

Would you consider donating yours to Monmouth Reform Temple?

You can drop it off at 332 Hance Avenue, Tinton Falls, or at my home in Manalapan—just let me know if you need the address.

All shapes and sizes are welcome, and your shofar will be cherished and used for many years to come.

It would be a truly meaningful gift!

Cantor Clissold

High Holy Day Food and Supply Drive

We’re glad YOU are here!

High Holy Day Appeal

Dear Fellow Congregants,

We want to reassure you that AI did not write this letter. While much in our modern world can feel fragmented and impersonal, at Monmouth Reform Temple we remain committed to forging meaningful connections with one another through tradition, life-long learning, and dedication to Tikkun Olam.

During the 5786 High Holy Day season, you’ll hear Rabbi Edelman speak about the importance of B’yachad (Being Together) and it’s the theme chosen by our new Director of Education, Michelle Krain, for the religious school this year. No matter the noise and division happening elsewhere, within these walls we strive for every individual to feel the embrace of belonging.

As our largest fundraiser of the year, the High Holy Day Appeal provides an essential piece of MRT’s Operating Budget. Reaching our goal of $45K this year would close a significant portion of our budget gap for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Our Board President, Margo Hassan, has kicked us off with a donation of $1000. Please know that a donation of ANY size helps us do more than just keep the lights on, it sustains MRT’s core missions and ensures that we will remain a vital voice for Reform Jewish values in the next generation. By supporting the High Holy Day Appeal, you tell us that you value the connections you make at MRT.

This year all donors contributing before October 13th (the end of Sukkot) will be recognized as members of MRT’s Circle of Chai with their names displayed on a sign in the Social Hall throughout the coming year as well as on our website. In addition, they will be entered for a chance to win a gift card to Uncle Guiseppe’s provided by Margo.

Donating is even easier this year with our new Venmo and Zelle accounts. Please see the flyer below for more details or visit our donation page. If you prefer to keep it simple, we always accept cash or check. No matter how you choose to contribute, please be sure to indicate that it is for the High Holy Day Appeal.

Thank you for your support of Monmouth Reform Temple.

Shana Tovah,

 Mark Gruensfelder & Joel Morgovsky

 Co-Chairs, 2025 HHD Appeal Committee

LUNCH & LEARN

RAC-NJ is hosting a Zoom “virtual lunch & learn” with New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin and Team.  Details: On Friday, September 26 from 12:30 – 1:30 pm, RAC-NJ is sponsoring a virtual (webinar style, on Zoom) lunch & learn “Know Your Rights” program with New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin, who is also a member of Temple Ner Tamid in Bloomfield. Rabbi Marc Katz will introduce his congregant, and General Platkin will lead off speaking as a Reform Jew (and chief law enforcement officer of the State of New Jersey) to fellow Reform Jews about hope in the face of the fear that many of us find paralyzing at this moment in time, and then his team will take over to share what the NJ Attorney General’s office can offer when New Jersey residents face discrimination on the basis of national origin, LGBTQ+ status, religion, etc. You can find the registration link  https://urj.tfaforms.net/901?id=701UG00000S7CNh

Board of Trustees Meeting

Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 7 pm

Contact margohassan@gmail.com if you would like to attend.

Adult Ed Committee Meeting- On Zoom

Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 4 pm

Upcoming Events

MRT Meditation Sessions

MRT offers two opportunities to meditate together each week.   

  • Boker Tov- Friday, September 19th at 8:00 am. This is MRT’s long-standing Friday morning meditation session consisting of a short reading, 18 minutes of silent meditation, a tiny bit of discussion, and then Kaddish.  
  • Lilah Tov- Monday, September 22nd at 9:00 pm. Transition peacefully into sleep with this short and meaningful meditation session. We will start with a reading, 18 minutes of meditation, and then a quiet recitation of a portion of the bedtime Shema.

Each session is a way to inject a little bit of peace into your week and will help you feel calm and centered and connected with your community. If you are new to meditation, these sessions can be a gentle introduction to the practice with a Jewish twist. I hope you will join us.  

Both sessions can be accessed via Zoom by following the link below:

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3554332579?zzxpwd=NnlUemt0Sm16NGlnTlp2NUZnMStmdz09

Meeting ID: 355 433 2579

Passcode: chesed

Shabbat Morning Torah Study

Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 9:00 am

Click HERE to Join Google Meet.

Coffee and Conversation

Tuesday, September 23, 2025 NO MEETING DUE TO THE HIGH HOLY DAYS

Join Dean Ross and other board members at Coffee Corral in Red Bank.

MRT Committee News

Adult Education

The Adult Education Committee has just completed its annual MRT Adult Education Program Brochure for 2025-26. This provides information and a schedule of educational opportunities at Monmouth Reform Temple.

You may access the brochure HERE or by going to our temple website: monmouthreformtemple.org. At the top, click on “Adult Jewish Learning” and then “Programs and Schedules”. We hope you will take advantage of these wonderful educational offerings that our temple provides for you.

Thank you.

Maddy Kalb and Brenda Tuller

Co-Chairs Adult Education Committee

Men’s Club

Men’s Club Golf Outing

at Pine Brook Golf Course in Manalapan

Sunday, September 21, 2025 at 11:30 am

All are invited to join us. We will tee off around 11:30 in the morning and have lunch afterwards. For more information, call Zach Gilstein 908 216 8220 or email at zachmate2@gmail.com.

Sisterhood

Mahjong, Wednesdays, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm

We will be playing Mahjong in the MRT social hall every Wednesday from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm. 

We welcome players at all levels! 

Contact Nancy Zaslowe nancyzaslowe@gmail.com to RSVP and for more details.

Join us for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

The MRT Sisterhood team will walk in Long Branch Sunday, Oct 19th

The MRT “Sisters and Friends” will once again be participating in the Making Strides against Breast Cancer walk.  

Please note: We will be walking in Long Branch ( Not Point Pleasant ). 

Start Time: 10:00 A.M.

Location: North Bath Beach, Long Branch

Brunch Afterwards on the Boardwalk.

Our DREAM TEAM is not limited to just Sisters or temple members. Men are invited to walk with us.

Weather Permitting

Please join us as together we help to create more birthdays. We would love to have you join us, but you can also lend your support by donating to our team fundraising efforts. 

Instructions below.  Many thanks!

Ways to join or support our team…

1. If you want to sign up or donate or walk with us, use this link. It will take your to MRT Sisterhood Team Page, Willa Siegel is the Team Captain.

From this point, you can make a contribution to the team, or join the team ( and join us on our walk October 19th in Long Branch).

There are no registration fees, no entry fees and no fundraising minimums to participate!

The event is Sunday, Oct 19, 2025 and we walk on the Long Branch Boardwalk about 3 miles (5k).

 

2. You can also donate to the Sisterhood Team in one of these ways: ( we will make the donation to ACS) : 

– Send or bring a check to the temple office. Make the check out to “MRT Sisterhood” and add the memo “For the Breast Cancer Walk”. 

OR

– Use Zelle to send money to the Sisterhood Account and add the memo “For the Breast Cancer Walk”.

 

For additional information please contact:

Willa Siegel (Willas4111@aol.com)

The Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ)

Our engaging MRT Sisterhood offers many activities and programs throughout the year to its members. We are also a member of Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ), the umbrella organization of Sisterhoods nationwide. WRJ offers a multitude of educational and social programs to explore and participate in. Feel free to visit http://www.wrj.org to subscribe for updates from WRJ via weekly e-mail.

Sisterhood Judaica Shop

Your MRT Sisterhood Judaica Shop has a selection of beautiful and meaningful gifts for the home, the holidays, special occasions and for the young people in your life.

Below is a catalog showing many of the items we have available. To order any items or visit the shop, contact Racielle Lande hilande0110@gmail.com

or Betty Fertik bettymf@me.com.

MI SHEBEIRACH LIST UPDATE

Please help us keep our mi shebeirach list current.

If you or a loved one have been included on the Mi shebeirach list and you would like for yours or their name to continue to be read, please let us know as soon as possible so we know to keep the name on the list. 

We appreciate your help in keeping the list up to date.

Mi Shebeirach

If you are in need of pastoral care or would like to add a name to our Mi Shebeirach list to be read at Shabbat services, please contact Rabbi Edelman, Cantor Clissold or the temple office.

Please note: Names added to the Mi Shebeirach list will be read aloud during Shabbat Services for two weeks. If you would like to continue to have the name read, you must recontact the temple at the end of the two week period. As always, when you attend Shabbat services, you are welcome to announce the name of a loved one in need of healing.

Yahrzeits

May our loved ones’ memories forever be a blessing

The names of your loved ones will be read during Shabbat services for Yahrzeit, Shiva & Shloshim. 

Names to be read on Friday, September 19, 2025

Shabbat Service at 7:00 PM

*Stella Bernstein, *Sonya Brecker, Jodi Cohen, Leah Epstein, *Donald L. Fink, Arnold Goldfarb, Michael Graver, Anna Jarvis, *Roberta Kirsch, *Oscar Kurry, *Lillian Lane, Charlotte Levine, Celia Maybaum, Jessie Miller, Gilda Moss, Priscilla Perlman, Robert Rekedal, Lorraine Roffman, *Anne Rogovin, Florence Chatin Schlenoff, Gloria St. Lifer, Alice Walker, *Kurt Wallenfels

Names to be read on Friday, September 26, 2025

Shabbat Service at 7:00 PM

Joseph Baer, Lynn DiMatteo, *Morris Dworkin, *Philip Falk, *Warren Feigus, *Roslyn Falk Garin, Nathan Jacobs, Solomon Kahn, Linh Katz, Ed W. Keil, *Esther Kornitzky, *Abram Kridel, Linda Lerner, *Gertrude L. Marx, Dorothy Merchasin, *Blume R. Miller, Tom Patten, Walter Peskoe, *Ruth Rothman, Susan Sachs, *Daniel B. Salomon, *Gilbert H. Salomon, Joyce Schultz, Reva Sklarin, *Herman Solomon, *George Welner, Susan Roxanne Wolf

*Names with an asterisk have memorial plaques. To order a memorial plaque, please email or call Jordana in the MRT office. Purchasing a plaque ensures that Kaddish will be said, in perpetuity, at temple services during the week of the anniversary of that person’s death.

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE HOURS :

Monday-Wednesday: 10 am – 4 pm

Thursday: Closed

Friday: 10 am – 2 pm

HOWEVER, if the need arises, our clergy and staff are always available to you. Please contact anyone with their information below.

Renee Edelman, Rabbi:

rabbirenee@monmouthreformtemple.org

(516) 662-4479

Gabrielle Clissold, Cantor:

cantorclissold@monmouthreformtemple.org

(732) 688-0661

Michelle Halperin-Krain, Director of Education

michelle@monmouthreformtemple.org

Margo Hassan, President:

margohassan@gmail.com

Jordana Steinberg, Office Administrator:

jordana@monmouthreformtemple.org

(732) 747-9365 (Office)

Our Calendar

We strive for a “No Conflict” schedule here at MRT. Please contact the office before scheduling any temple events. This way, each event will be on the calendar, and we can all participate in them.

Thank you!

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

Instagram: 

@monmouth_reform_temple

Facebook: Monmouth Reform Temple

MRT Accepts PayPal

When making payments or donations to MRT, please consider using PayPal in lieu of checks. It’s a safe, easy way to send money.

Simply go to the donation page of our website (https://monmouthreformtemple.org/donate/) and follow the instructions. Don’t forget to include the reason for your payment by clicking “Add a Note” once you are logged onto PayPal. Thank you!

New! Easy Payment Options

In addition to check, credit card, and PayPal, MRT is now accepting donations/payments via Venmo and Zelle.

You can either scan the QR codes or click the links below.

Very Important: When making your payment, please be sure to include a note indicating what the payment is for. Thank you for your support!

VENMO

https://venmo.com/u/MonmouthReformTemple (@MonmouthReformTemple)

ZELLE

https://enroll.zellepay.com/qr-codes?data=eyJuYW1lIjoiTU9OTU9VVEggUkVGT1JNIFRFTVBMRSBJTkMiLCJhY3Rpb24iOiJwYXltZW50IiwidG9rZW4iOiJ6ZWxsZUBtb25tb3V0aHJlZm9ybXRlbXBsZS5vcmcifQ==

Add recipient: zelle@monmouthreformtemple.org