Dr. Steven Leibowitz 
 
Dr. Steven Leibowitz has been a continuous member of Temple Emanuel for over 50 years when his parents Esther and Arnold (z"l) joined our congregation. Shortly after becoming a member of the Board of Trustees in 2008, and with the board leadership recognizing the impact of the global economic crisis, Steve was asked to deliver the first High Holiday Annual Fund Appeal on Yom Kippur. He has delivered the appeal every year since and has elevated the Annual Fund into an indispensable resource for all religious, educational, and social outreach programming here at Temple Emanuel. In 2020, with the pandemic looming, Steve was asked to spearhead the COVID-19 Medical Advisory Board. Working alongside Dr. Mark Tanchel, Rabbi Monosov, Roni Shapiro, and Lisa Cohen, the advisory board navigated our community through the dire early days of first having to shutter our doors, and then through the timely, incremental resumption of in-person worship and simchas and Hebrew and Jewish learning. This included being one of the first organizations, Jewish or otherwise, to meet the safety standards required to reopen an early childhood program in September of 2020.

Dr. Steven Leibowitz, continued

 

As President, Steve has immersed himself in all aspects of synagogue functions, working closely with clergy and administrators in an effort to remain engaged with all the varied demographics of our congregation. Under his leadership, working tirelessly with the Executive Board, committee chairs and our devoted administrators, Temple Emanuel has revitalized our youth and teen engagement and programming. During his term, we have resumed our Hebrew High School and significantly expanded our adult education. Most importantly, since the horrific attack of October 7th, Steve has worked closely with all to prioritize enhanced security measures for those who entrust Temple Emanuel with the safety and security of their loved ones. As Temple Emanuel President, in the aftermath of October 7th and during the ensuing conflict, he has endeavored to best serve our community by fostering a sense of Jewish pride and unity through his speeches at rallies and at what he regards as his most cherished role as President - that of presenting the traditional congregational gifts to each and every Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
 

Dr. Steven Leibowitz, continued

 

Dr. Leibowitz received his bachelor's degree from Tufts University and his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, DC. He did his residency and fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Cornell University-North Shore University Hospital. He joined the gastroenterology practice of his father and had the blessing of working together with him for 30 years. Dr. Leibowitz has been repeatedly recognized as a "Top Doctor" by Castle Connolly as well as by New Jersey and Bergen magazines. He has also been fortunate to be able to blend two great passions - his medical career and The New York Giants - serving as a part of their medical team for over 2 decades.

 

But for Steve, none of his endeavors and achievements compare to the pride and joy he has being father to his two daughters, Estelle and Gabrielle, and husband to Susan. His enduring connection to Temple Emanuel is that three of the greatest days of his life happened in our sanctuary - Susan and Steven's wedding and Gabby and Stellie becoming Bat Mitzvah.

Joshua and Amanda Bakhash

 

Josh and Amanda moved to Woodcliff Lake in 2015 and shortly afterwards joined Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley.  Their connection began through the Early Childhood Program, enrolling each of their three daughters: Ayla, Addison, and Ariana, and continuing them on to Religious School as they age in.  As their oldest daughter began her time at the synagogue, so too did Josh and Amanda's connection to the synagogue.  Amanda has been an important leader in the Early Childhood Parents Association (ECPA,) first chairing the Sunshine Committee and ultimately becoming a co-President of the ECPA.   Understanding the vital connection between the Early Childhood Program and the Religious School, Amanda serves as the liaison serving as a conduit between families and the synagogue.  Josh began his leadership at the synagogue as a co-chair of the Men's Club with his brother Ruben.  Josh now serves on our Executive Committee; helping to shape the synagogue to enter the next century of its' future.
 
For Josh and Amanda, the synagogue is a family affair.  It is not uncommon to see one of them in the hallways of the building, as they both give so much of their time, energy, and resources to the synagogue.  But don't be surprised if you are in the hallway and see another Bakhash. Over the years, Josh's brothers' children have been in the ECP with Josh's family; ensuring a cousin reunion.

Joshua and Amanda Bakhash, continued

 

Josh and Amanda were attracted to the warmth and vibrancy of the community and the activities that speak to all generations; including scotch in the sukkah that Josh helped ensure continued under his Men's Club leadership.  Over the years, both have begun to place their mark on the community, and they are excited for their continued leadership roles.

 

When they are not at the synagogue, Josh is a finance professional with a robust academic background, holding a master's in finance from Baruch College and graduating with honors from Montclair State University with a degree in finance. Furthering his expertise, he pursued certification as a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Alongside his brother, Ruben Bakhash, Joshua manages an investment and financial planning practice known as The Bakhash Team, affiliated with LPL Financial. They are focused on guiding individuals, families, and small businesses towards achieving their financial goals and aspirations, emphasizing a personalized, family-oriented approach.

Joshua and Amanda Bakhash, continued

 

Amanda is a dedicated pediatric speech pathologist based in Woodcliff Lake, NJ. She holds a bachelor's degree in Communicative Disorders from the University of Wisconsin - Madison and a Master of Science in Speech Pathology from Seton Hall University. With her Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology (CCC-SLP), she has established herself as a proficient professional in the field. Amanda's passion lies in helping children overcome speech and language challenges, and she currently manages her own practice, providing specialized care to young ones.
 
Their greatest joy and satisfaction come from their devoted love for one another and their three daughters, Ayla, Addison, and Ariana.

A Message from Rabbi Loren Monosov

 

Dear TEPV Family,
 
It is with great pride and honor that I welcome you to the 2024 Temple Emanuel Gala.  We have been eagerly anticipating this evening since 2020.  Being able to be here together holds tremendous significance as we celebrate and honor TEPV leaders.  Over the years, we have learned how important an evening like this is for our community.
 
We honor Dr. Steven Leibowitz, our outgoing synagogue President.  Steve has been leading our community in invaluable ways.  From spearheading the Annual Appeal in the early 2000s that continues to this day, to guiding us through the pandemic, and serving on the Executive Committee to ultimately Synagogue President, there is not a single piece of the synagogue puzzle that Steve has not helped put into place.  A Shabbat regular, Steve has been a vital part of our Shabbat experiences and has relished in celebrating each bar/ bat mitzvah child in our sanctuary.  Steve's legacy is in the fibers that bind our community together and will remain a part of our story into the next one hundred years.

We celebrate Josh and Amanda Bakhash. Josh and Amanda joined the community and immediately became vital leaders. Amanda has been active in the Early Childhood Parents' Association resulting in her current position as a Co-President.  Josh first focused on Men's Club, co-chairing it with his brother. Soon afterwards, he joined our synagogue's Executive Committee and has been an important visionary and voice for our synagogue. The synagogue has been not just a place for their daughters to learn and grow but for them to build the community they wish for their children and nieces and nephews to inherit.

Tonight, we recognize those whom we couldn't celebrate in person in 2020. We remember with fondness and love Ed Ruzinsky, z"l and know he would be pleased to see how the community has continued to flourish with his expert guidance in our ears. We celebrate Margie Shore who filled our synagogue and the Religious School with her love and kindness. We honor Renee and Brian Friedman who help make our community shine with their continued commitment to the success of TEPV.

Tonight, we celebrate the finest of our community and honor their unwavering dedication to our synagogue. My sincere appreciation to all those who helped to make this celebration a great success. I hope this evening is a night of great joy, pride, and inspiration.
 
Rabbi Loren Monosov