The Alternative Press

Melissa G. Weiner has been named Temple B’nai Abraham’s new Director of Religious School Education (Kindergarten through12th grade). For the past 13 years, Ms. Weiner has served as Director of Education  and Lifelong Learning of Morristown Jewish Center Beit Yisrael, Morristown, NJ. She previously served  Reform, Reconstructionist and Conservative synagogues in Massachusetts, Missouri and New Jersey, created curriculum for CAJE in St. Louis and presented workshops on Family Education in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Missouri. Ms. Weiner’s predecessor, Janet Resnick, retires this summer  after two decades of service to the Temple.

 

“When I met Melissa I was struck by her charisma, her intelligence, and her sense of humor. I look forward to having her as a colleague and I know that her impact on our children will be wonderful,” remarked Rabbi Clifford M. Kulwin spiritual leader of Temple B’nai Abraham.” Adding, “I suspect she will motivate and inspire not only our children, and our parents, but the entire Temple community, me included. We are fortunate to have her as part of the family.”

 

Ms. Weiner earned a BA from Brandeis University and an MA from Brown University, in addition to studies in Israel. She has been honored with both regional and national Solomon Schechter Awards for her many innovative programs, such as the Jewseum, Lions of Jerusalem Day and Lech Lecha. She was the recipient  of the 2007-2008 United Synagogue Conservative Judaism NJ Region Norman H. Winter Professional Excellence Award.

 

“We are delighted to welcome Melissa to our temple family as she brings a wealth of Judaic knowledge, leadership and “ruach” to our religious school,” shared B’nai Abraham President Edward Meinhardt. He continued, “We feel under her direction and with the support and dedication of our extraordinary faculty, our religious school and its programs will continue to thrive and grow from strength to strength.”

 

Commenting on her new position at TBA, Weiner noted, “As the mother of three children, ages 6, 11 and 14, I understand the struggles we face living Jewish lives in a secular community. It is my deepest hope that the time the children spend at Temple B’nai Abraham will encourage them to view the world through Jewish eyes.” She added, “I am excited to join your community. Let the journey begin!”

 

For TBA Religious School information, please contact Melissa Weiner at 973-994-3950, email mweiner@tbanj.org,