Congregation B'nai Israel Celebrates 72 Years Of Meeting Needs

TOMS RIVER, NJ — In 1949, some 30 Toms River-area Jews gathered seeking a way to provide Jewish education and religious services for children and adults.

Seventy-two years later, the congregation they started is still welcoming and providing a spiritual home for the Jersey Shore Jewish community.

The Conservative synagogue celebrated that 72-year history recently in an event called "Four Times Chai for CBI," with more than 140 members and former members of Congregation B’nai Israel gathering for the "Celebration of the Decades."

"The event was a huge success with song and memories from clergy and members spanning over 72 years in the Toms River community," said Philip Brilliant, event chairman and a former long-time CBI president.

"The 72nd anniversary celebration was a reaffirmation of Congregation B’nai Israel’s legacy and mission: to touch Jewish souls, to celebrate the vitality of Jewish life and to serve as a warm and inviting spiritual home to its members and to those seeking an authentic Judaism rooted in Jewish tradition," said Rabbi William Gershon, who launched the event with a speech and toast.

"Everyone who attended was deeply moved by the stories shared by families who grew up at CBI, its rich history and its vibrant role in nurturing the descendants of all those who have passed and continue to pass through its doors and beyond," Gershon said.

Among the highlights was the participation of the actor Jared Gertner, who celebrated his bar mitzvah at CBI in 1992. Gertner is best known for his role as Elder Cunningham in "The Book of Mormon" on Broadway. He performed the religious poem "Unetanah Tokef" with Cantor Emeritus Daniel Green.

Photographs and other mementos collected from the congregation’s past and current members were on display, a glimpse into the decades of its history.

The congregation has had 13 rabbis and 10 cantors during its seven-plus decades. Current Cantor Jacob Greenberg brought guests back to 1950, when Congregation B'nai Israel became an active synagogue, by reciting historical facts and then performing "Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat," a hit song from that year’s Tony Award-winning Best Musical, "Guys and Dolls." He and Green also performed a duet.

Toms River Mayor Maurice “Mo” Hill, Ocean County Commissioner Virginia Haines and a representative from U.S. Rep. Andy Kim's office attended and presented proclamations from the town and county in honor of the anniversary.

Welcoming remarks were delivered by Congregation B'nai Israel president Michele Pardes. Other participants and speakers included Judge Milton Gelzer, Ruth Guenzburger, Rabbi Emeritus Richard Hammerman, and Penny and Mark Estomin, current members whose parents were among the founders.

Pardes said the event served as inspiration for the next chapter of the congregation's history.

"It was a wonderful day of family coming together, celebrating all the years of CBI's memories," Pardes said. "Everyone left there looking to the future and our next successes."

Numerous sponsors stepped forward to ensure that the event was a success. The anniversary event committee included Brilliant, Green; Rubin Ackman; Michelle Goldman; Phyllis Kohl; Robin London; Janet Miller; Arline Wasserman; Fred Weil; and Sandra Welsher.