Rabbi Arthur Weiner

This Shabbat, as we read Parshat Korach , we joyfully mark a remarkable milestone: Rabbi Avram Kogen begins his 16th year of dedicated service to the Jewish Community Center of Paramus/Congregation Beth Tikvah. For 15 years, Rabbi Kogen has been the voice of Torah in our sanctuary, reading with distinction every Shabbat and holiday. Following the retirement of Cantor Sam Weiss two years ago, Rabbi Kogen took on additional responsibilities, including tutoring our Bar and Bat Mitzvah students. Yet his impact goes far beyond the bimah . He is a trusted advisor and friend to me and Cantor Krasner, a mentor to congregants of all ages, and a warm, welcoming presence at every Shabbat and holiday service. His deep knowledge of Jewish texts, his humility, and his unwavering love for our community continue to inspire us. Behind the scenes, Rabbi Kogen supports both me and our congregation through life’s sacred moments with compassion and care. Though modest in demeanor, Rabbi Kogen is a pil...

Throughout the spring, I worked to inspire interest and encourage your participation in the World Zionist Congress (WZC) election. The World Zionist Congress, an international body made up of Jews and Jewish organizations throughout the world, determines the priorities and policies of four significant organizations, the World Zionist Organization, the Jewish National Fund, the Jewish Agency for Israel and Jewish Federations of North America. This body is tasked with making key decisions regarding the allocation of over $1 billion each year supporting critical needs, projects and initiatives in Israel and throughout the diaspora.   The period for voting ended on May 4. Two weeks ago, the results of the elections were released. I want the community to understand them because they make a significant statement about Zionism in America. The American Zionist Movement (AZM), who conducted the elections in the United States, announced that an all-time record of 230,257 votes were ...

Among the most difficult challenges facing the Israeli government in its war against Hamas is the strain placed on its military reservists. Historically, Israel has not engaged in long, protracted battles. However, since October 7, 2023, the conflict has necessitated a prolonged reliance on reserve forces. Over 300,000 reservists—approximately 65% of Israel's military reserves—have been called to service, often for months at a time. Most Israeli citizens and permanent residents are drafted into the military after high school. While there are exceptions and exemptions, the general rule is that all must serve for a significant period. Before October 7, men over 18 served a minimum of 32 months of active duty, and women served at least 24 months. In July 2024, the mandatory service period for men was extended to 36 months. After their compulsory service, most discharged citizens remain eligible for reserve duty until age 40, or 45 in the case of officers. While certain exemption...

Earlier this week, someone at our evening minyan asked me whether I recommend getting the new COVID vaccine. The question sparked a few laughs, as these types of questions often do. My response was simple: I’m not a doctor. While I proudly hold an honorary doctorate from the Jewish Theological Seminary, my expertise lies in theology, not medicine. Just as I don’t offer guidance on business, law, or plumbing, I similarly leave medical advice to professionals. But today, I am going to make an exception. Regardless of political differences, all Americans were saddened last week to learn that former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with aggressive metastatic prostate cancer. This news naturally raises concerns, not just about his health, but about the broader issue of how aggressive cancers can go undetected, even among those who receive routine medical care. American presidents undergo extensive annual physical exams conducted by top physicians, with results made publicly a...