Shalom and welcome to Congregation Beth El!

I am a newcomer myself as I just completed my third year as Spiritual Leader of this remarkable congregation. I was ordained as a Rabbi at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America in New York City in 1998 and wanted to be a rabbi ever since I was a young girl.

I am passionate about Judaism and Jewish community. The riches of our tradition offer us spiritual resources that can guide and accompany us through the many ups and downs of our lives. I believe that it is critical that we nurture a Jewish community that is welcoming to Jews of all ages and stages of Jewish knowledge, that challenges each of us to grow and continually increase our level of commitment to Jewish life and that provides all Jews with a place to build relationships with God, Torah and each other.

I am active in the Jewish community both locally and nationally and work hard to support the State of Israel and the Conservative/Masorti Movement in Israel. I also believe strongly that we cannot only keep to ourselves but that we are citizens of the world and have an obligation to work for the good of our interfaith community as well. Toward that end I will be an active member of the South Orange-Maplewood Interfaith Clergy Organization and will look for ways to work for social justice in our community.

I came to Beth El after working for the past seven years in New Jersey congregations. Upon ordination I served as assistant rabbi at Temple Beth Shalom in Livingston and then in 1999 came to Congregation Beth Tikvah in New Milford where I served as the solo rabbi for almost six years. During my time at Beth Tikvah I created and ran a Hebrew School that brought new families into the congregation and revitalized the synagogue.

I am married to Marc Roston and we have two precious children—Abigail and Simon. Marc is a senior portfolio manager at the Seattle-based investment firm Silver Creek Capital Management.

From the minute my family and I walked into Beth El, we felt at home. We were welcomed and treated with kindness and respect, as I’m sure you will experience when you find your way to our synagogue. Beth El is a unique community offering an open door to anyone who wants to enter and experience spiritual life, learning and growth. I hope to meet you soon. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email at RabbiR@bethelnj.org or phone at 973-763-0111.