RABBI SHMUEL BERGMAN
Rabbi Shmuel Bergman grew up in Elizabeth, New Jersey and attended the Jewish Educational Center. After high school, Rabbi Bergman studied in Yeshivat Sha’alvim and attended Yeshiva University, where he received a B.A. in Accounting. He received his rabbinic ordination from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, where he was a fellow of the Wexner Semichah Honors Program.
In the summer of 2019, Rabbi Bergman moved with his family to Toronto to become the Sgan (Assistant) Rosh Beit Midrash of the YU Torah MiTzion Beit Midrash, where he provided shiurim and programming to Toronto's Jewish community. As part of his role, Rabbi Bergman served as the Rabbinic Assistant of Shaarei Shomayim, a Modern Orthodox community of approximately 600 families. In the Summer of 2021, as their Senior Rabbi left the shul to pursue a different position, Shaarei Shomayim appointed Rabbi Bergman to the position of Assistant Rabbi. Rabbi Bergman stepped up to meet the needs of his community with his shiurim, programs, and by caring for members over various lifecycle events.
Over the course of his career as a Rabbi and an educator, Rabbi Bergman has endeavored to share his love of Torah and mitzvos in a way that uplifts, inspires, and helps his listeners see the inner sanctity within themselves. Outside the sanctuary, Rabbi Bergman loves a good schmooze, a good kumsitz, and a good game of basketball.
Rabbi Bergman is married to Dr. Ahuva (Freilich) Bergman, who works as a pediatrician. Ahuva grew up in Jamaica Estates, New York and studied in Michlelet Mevaseret Yerushalayim, Stern College of Yeshiva University, and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She has a warm, caring personality and enjoys hosting guests at her Shabbos table, listening to inspiring shiurim, spending time outdoors, and building meaningful relationships with others. Ahuva and Rabbi Bergman are the proud parents of Miriam, Devorah, and Temimah.
The Bergmans are thrilled to join the Young Israel of Fort Lee community and look forward to welcoming you into their home. Rabbi Bergman can be reach at Rabbi Rabbibergmanyiftlee@gmail.com
Rabbi Neil Winkler
Rabbi Neil N. Winkler, founding Rabbi of our synagogue, arrived in Fort Lee in 1978 after having served as spiritual leader of congregations in Cincinnati, Trenton and Lawrenceville, New Jersey. A musmach of Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary in 1972, Rabbi Winkler earned his Master’s degree in Biblical Studies from the Bernard Revel Graduate School in that same year and previously had received his BA in History from Yeshiva University in 1969.
Well-known and respected from the United States to Israel, Rabbi Winkler’s accomplishments and talents are numerous - as a dynamic lecturer, consummate educator, author and spiritual leader. In addition to his duties at the Young Israel of Fort Lee, Rabbi Winkler twice served as president of the RCBC was listed as a member of the Speaker’s Bureau of the National Council of Young Israel from whom he was awarded the coveted Silver Shofar Award. Among his educational accomplishments, Rabbi Winkler has coached over thirty American champions of the International Bible Contest, including three champions coached from Israel over the past four years.
An active Zionist, Rabbi Winkler was involved in numerous organizations that support the State of Israel and has been honored by the Bet-El Yeshiva, Yeshiva University and NCSY. Rabbi Winkler published his book, Bringing The Prophets To Life in 2011, which was received with great interest and enthusiasm. The Rabbi and his wife, Andrea, are proud parents to five children and ten grandchildren.
Since making aliya in 2014, Rabbi Winkler has continued his teaching in Israeli schools and delivering shiurim in the OU Israel Center as well as various synagogues and other venues. Rabbi Winkler also delivers a weekly lecture series in Jewish History and writes a weekly column in the Torah Tidbits publication of the OU.