Thank You Rabbi Kogen!

With this week’s Torah reading of Parshat Korach, Rabbi Avram Kogen will begin his 15th year of service to the Jewish Community Center of Paramus/Congregation Beth Tikvah. I would like to publicly acknowledge Rabbi Kogen for his many contributions to the religious life of our congregation. 

For the past 14 years Rabbi Kogen has served our congregation with distinction as our Torah reader on Shabbat and holidays. After Cantor Sam Weiss retired last year after his 26 years of devoted service to the congregation, Rabbi Kogen assumed additional responsibilities, including now serving as our Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutor. The outstanding Bnai Mitzvah we have celebrated this year reflect Rabbi Kogen’s dedication to our students and his tremendous skills. But the truth is he does so much more. He is a trusted friend and confidant to both me and Cantor Krasner. He served as a mentor to our recent rabbinic intern Sami Vingron. He leads many of our religious services, including significant participation on the High Holidays. He is a friendly and welcoming face at our Shabbat services who eagerly greets visitors to our congregation. Rabbi Kogen regularly inspires us with his tremendous knowledge of Jewish texts, his warm and caring personality and absolute commitment to our congregation. We are grateful for the vital role he assumes at the JCCP/CBT. 

Rabbi Kogen is also a tremendous help to me "behind the scenes". He works with me on conversions, funerals, and other life cycle events. He is also part of my Beit Din for Jewish divorce. In this way, his reach and influence extend far beyond our synagogue community. I am grateful for the wisdom that he imparts in all the work we conduct together. Rabbi Kogen always has the right story or anecdote to share at just the right time. Though modest in his manner, Rabbi Kogen is both well-known and respected among the Rabbinic community in New Jersey and beyond. We are lucky to have him as part of our religious leadership. 

Thank you, Rabbi Kogen for your outstanding service and religious leadership to our JCCP/CBT community. God willing, we look forward to many more years together.

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