Congregation Beth Israel Holds Installation Ceremony

Congregation Beth Israel in Scotch Plains held an installation ceremony on Friday, June 12, to welcome its new Officers and Board of Trustees and to thank its outgoing leaders. The ceremony was held virtually during its Friday evening Shabbat services, which were broadcast live through the synagogue’s Facebook page.

Aaron J. Kessler of Scotch Plains was installed as the new president of Congregation Beth Israel for a two-year term. Congregants thanked outgoing president Jason Hoberman, also of Scotch Plains, for his dedication to the synagogue.

The new slate of Officers and Board of Trustees had been presented by the synagogue’s Nominating Committee and approved by the synagogue membership at its Open Congregational Board Meeting on Tuesday, June 9.

Additional officers welcomed to the synagogue’s Executive Board included: Ryan Teicher, Executive Vice President; Illana Margolis, VP; Russell Kussner, VP; Melissa Liebermann, VP; Carol Koransky, Treasurer; Alison Yablonowitz, Assistant Treasurer; Marcia Wiener, Corresponding Secretary; George Loewenthal, Recording Secretary.

An additional 16 congregants were installed as Trustees on Congregation Beth Israel’s Board, while outgoing volunteers were thanked for their service.

“I am honored to serve as President of CBI for the next two years,” said Aaron Kessler. “Our congregation is thriving both spiritually and virtually in these uncertain times due in large part to the efforts of our clergy, Rabbi Tilman and Cantor Axelrod, and our outgoing leadership led by Jason Hoberman. The strength of our congregation lies in the engagement, generosity and involvement of our members.”

Congregation Beth Israel is an egalitarian Conservative synagogue, serving the religious, educational, cultural, and social needs of congregants from Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Westfield and surrounding towns. It has an active Sisterhood, Men’s Club and youth group, plus a wide array of programs, ranging from adult education courses to social action opportunities.

Congregation Beth Israel has been recognized as an ABLE Awarded Congregation by the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest for its commitment to inclusion and accommodation for all its members.

Congregation Beth Israel is located at 18 Shalom Way, Scotch Plains, NJ (corner of Martine Avenue). For more information, contact the synagogue office at (908) 889-1830 or office@cbisp.org.