Rabbi, RCBI; Assistant Rabbi, Temple Israel
rabbileiah@synagogue.org
Rabbi Leiah Moser’s journey to the rabbinate began when she discovered Judaism while teaching English in Japan. She had read Maimonides and the philosopher Emmanuel Levinas in college, where she also read Robert Alter’s translations of Genesis and the King David story—her first true exposures to Jewish thought and writings; but it was her unexpected introduction to the Jewish religion while in Japan that spurred her religious awakening, one that illuminated her subsequent career and religious paths. Upon her return to the States, Rabbi Leiah joined a synagogue in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she converted to Judaism in 2008. She graduated from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and was ordained as a rabbi in 2017.
During her rabbinic studies, she received an Auerbach Ignition grant for her work incorporating electronic music into Jewish prayer. Her rabbinic interests include Talmud, kabbalah and Jewish mysticism, and the exploration of these through a queer lens; art and writing as a spiritual practice; and building open and accessible communities for all. Outside of her rabbinic work, Leiah enjoys fantasy and science fiction, painting, gaming, and making electronic music.
Leiah earned her bachelor’s degree from North Central College in Naperville, Illinois in philosophy, the history of ideas and Japanese, and an MA in humanities from the University of Chicago. During her college years, she focused on exploring different philosophers’ ideas about a possible “third term” between/beyond subject and object. A framed piece of Japanese calligraphy (a graduation gift created by one of her professors) reads aidagara, meaning “relationship or “in-betweenness” which hangs in her office.
The year 2017 was an auspicious one for Leiah. Not only did she become an ordained rabbi, she also got married to Ross Mattio and became a stepparent to four children. In 2018, she published a Jewish young adult fantasy novel titled, “Magical Princess Harriett,” about a transgender girl saving her town from the forces of darkness. Rabbi Moser has office hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.; her office is on the 2nd floor.
Office Manager & Bookkeeper
mnassan@synagogue.org
201-444-9320
Maureen joined the Temple Israel family in 2002 as office manager overseeing a staff of five. Her position over the years has evolved to include human resources manager, bookkeeper, and facilities coordinator.
Maureen works with committee chairs, lay leaders, synagogue staff, and members on a daily basis. She keeps the congregation informed of all the programs and events the synagogue has to offer. She is the eyes and ears of the temple.
Maureen graduated from Berkeley Secretarial School and went to work for Chase Manhattan Leasing Company and for Price Communications Company while pursuing her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Ramapo College in the evenings.
Maureen lives with her husband Bob, their two children, and one furry canine.
Interim NNJJA Principal
My name is Barnett Goldman and I am so excited to be joining NNJJA as the interim principal. Since moving to New Jersey in 2010, I have been teaching elementary school in the Westwood Regional School District. Overall, I have been teaching for nineteen years. I received my bachelor’s degree from St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue, NY. I have two master’s degrees: one in special education from Southern Connecticut State University and one in school administration from Scranton University. I have been married for twenty years and have two phenomenal children. I also have an adorable dog who is five years old.
When I am not teaching, I am coaching, watching, or playing sports. I coached soccer at the middle school and high school levels for over fifteen years. I was the athletic director at my two previous schools and coached basketball, soccer, baseball, tennis, and cross country as well. I play the trumpet in my free time and love photography. During the summer, I am the assistant director for Crane Lake Camp. I look forward to getting to meet all of you and working together throughout the year to have a championship end to the school year!