A Heartfelt Thank You to Rabbi Avram Kogen

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 pillar of our religious life. His wisdom reaches beyond our walls and resonates throughout the greater Rabbinic community of New Jersey and beyond. We are truly blessed by his leadership.

I have devoted a Shabbat message to honor and acknowledge Rabbi Kogen’s service to the JCCP/CBT for several years. This year, I want to offer a tribute so in a new way, way outside my normal comfort zone.  

Thank You to Rabbi Avram Kogen 

A steady voice through Torah’s song,
With wisdom deep and spirit strong,
He lifts our hearts, he lights our way,
Through Shabbat’s peace or a holiday.

A mentor’s touch, a shepherd’s grace,
A smile that elevates our sacred space,
In silence and in sacred word,
His gentle soul is always heard.

He mentors, he muses, he smiles and he plans,
He wrestles halacha (Jewish law) with barely raised hands.
A mensch, a sage, a trusted mate,
(He even attends minyan, and he is never late!).

From the bimah to the lives he guides,
In joy and loss, he walks beside.
Fifteen years—a path well-trod,
In service to the JCCP/CBT, Klal Yisrael and God

Thank you, Rabbi Kogen, for all you have given—and continue to give—to our JCCP/CBT family. May we share many more years together in health and strength.

 

Comments

  1. Amy FormanJune 27, 2025 at 11:52 AM

    What an excellent poem!!! Congratulations to Rabbi Kogen!! Quite an asset!

    ReplyDelete

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