Temple Emanuel Pascack Valley

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Benjamin Shull (email)
Rabbi

Rabbi Shull, a native of Philadelphia PA, was ordained in 1986 by the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia in 1980. Following his ordination from rabbinical school, he received a Masters in Social Work from Columbia University.

With his background in social work, Rabbi Shull believes in promoting congregational programs that bring together congregants to support one another through critical lifecycle moments, both happy and sad. He also believes strongly that the synagogue, in addition to being a spiritual home, should also be a "spiritual home depot" providing families, couples and singles the tools and information to build their own Jewish homes.

Rabbi Shull is a vocal advocate for Israel and looks forward to leading congregational trips to Israel.

Rabbi Shull is married to Dr. Stacy Lang. Together they have five children; Orli 17, Nathaniel 15, Daphna 13, Zachary 10, and Micah 4. As a father of five, Rabbi Shull also believes that the synagogue should be a "family-friendly" place.

Rabbi Shull looks forward to meeting you. Rabbi Shull is available individual meeting during the week. Kindly call the office to set up an appointment.

Mark J. Biddelman (email)
Cantor, Chazzan

Mark Biddelman has led Temple Emanuel in prayer, song and study for thirty-eight years.

A New Jersey native, he has been conducting services and singing for Jewish organizations since the age of seven. He attended Carnegie Institute of Technology and is a graduate of the Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute of Religion School of Sacred Music from which he received his Investiture, Cantorial Certification and Bachelor of Sacred Music degree. The college also awarded him the degree of Doctor of Music honorous causum. Cantor Biddelman is certified as a Hebrew school and music teacher by the Union of American Hebrew Congregations and the New York Federation of Synagogues.

Throughout the years, Cantor Biddelman has been a musical innovator and has composed numerous musical settings for the Shabbat prayers. In 1971 he composed the first folk-rock service for Shabbat Eve ever to be performed in a Conservative synagogue. Music from this service has become part of the contemporary Jewish Synagogue liturgical repertoire and is being sung in synagogues throughout the U.S. and Canada. In 1991 he composed another setting for the Friday eve service scored for electronic instruments. In addition, he has written other original compositions of Jewish content. More recently, his settings of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah blessings were published in the official Life Cycle Handbook of the American Conference of Cantors.

Cantor Biddelman has appeared as guest cantor at congregations throughout the metropolitan area, conducted services in Israel and appeared on radio and TV. He has also been the recipient of several awards including B'nai B'rith Man of the Year in 1990 and the Israel Bonds Sh'ma Yisrael Award in 1988. He is a past president of the New Jersey region of the Cantors Assembly, is currently their Executive Vice President and is a conductor of the New Jersey Cantors Choral Ensemble.

During his tenure at Temple Emanuel, Cantor Biddelman has prepared over 2,000 youngsters for Bar and Bat Mitzvah and prepared dozens of children and adults to conduct daily and High Holiday services. He continues to present concerts and programs and conducts services for senior citizens at facilities throughout northern New Jersey. Cantor Biddelman and his wife Bette, a craftswoman, are active members of the Jewish community and the community at large throughout the area. His daughter Terra, also a craftswoman, lives in Austin Texas.

Harvey Rosenzweig (email)
Executive Director

Harvey joined the Temple Emanuel professional staff team in the summer of 2006. He has spent the past 35 years in Jewish Communal Service, working for a number of JCC's across the country as well as UJA-Federation of New York. Working collaboratively with the Temple's Board of Directors, the Executive Director will utilize a full range of administrative, supervisory and management skills to effectively support the Temple's religious, spiritual and communal goals and objectives.

Harvey has a Masters of Social Work from Adelphi University as well as a Certificate in Not-For-Profit Management from Columbia University.

Miriam Kraemer Gray (email)
Educational Director

Miriam has been involved in Jewish education for over 30 years during which time she taught at the Fairlawn Jewish Center, B'nai Israel of Edmundson, and Temple Shalom of River Edge. She was the educational director at the Jewish Community of Paramus for 12 years.

Mrs. Gray holds a BA from Montclair State College with a major in speech therapy and theatre. Concurrently she attended the College of Jewish Studies at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. She received an MA in Jewish Education from the Graduate School of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. She has presented at teaching workshops throughout New Jersey and at C.A.J.E. conferences. In addition she has led the adult Shabbat Learning Service at Temple Emanuel for 15 Years. She and her husband Bob have three children.

Debby Landesman (email)
Director of Early Childhood

Debby Landesman has been with the program since its inception. Ms. Landesman received her training at S.U.N.Y. Cortland and at Teachers College, Columbia University. She brings a wealth of knowledge, sensitivity and enthusiasm to the school. Debby understands childhood development and the needs of young children, and especially enjoys working with the children's parents.