Rabbi Eric Wasser, EdD., Hon. M.
The JCCH Welcomes Rabbi Eric Wasser, EdD., Hon. DM.
By Stephen E. Lipken
On August 1, the Jewish Community Center of Harrison (JCCH) welcomed Rabbi Eric Wasser. Raised in a traditional Conservative home in Toronto, Canada, he earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Toronto and studied at Yeshiva in Israel before attending the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) in New York. He holds a master’s degree in education, an honorary doctorate in sacred music, and a doctorate in education. He is also a Certified Mohel through the Chief Rabbinate of Jerusalem, has cantorial investment from JTS and received his Rabbinic ordination from Mesivta Wolkowilsk in Queens.
During the week, Rabbi Wasser teaches high school-level Talmud at The Leffell School in Hartsdale and the Talmud online at Pluralistic Rabbinical Seminary (prs.com). For the last seven years, Rabbi Wasser served Congregation Beth Israel of the Palisades in Fort Lee, NJ, and was Chazzan at Beth Hillel, Wilmette, IL, from 1990-2005.
About his new position, Rabbi Wasser states, “Our work is centered around a sentence from Psalm 100, ‘Serve G-d with Joy.’ We are branding ourselves ‘JCCH, the Jewish Community Celebrates Here,’” Wasser stated. Although his educational background is both Orthodox and Conservative, he is referred to as a “post-denominationalist,” meaning that he doesn’t believe in labeling Jewish people who come to participate. “Our synagogue features multi-generational families, with three generations praying under the same roof, a ‘big tent philosophy,’ where all are welcome to experience the joy of Judaism and holiness of Shabbat.”
For the High Holidays, Wasser is doing a three-part sermon series, Visions: Here, There and Everywhere. He will give the first two parts during Rosh Hashana. “Visions: Here” will address issues in the American Jewish community and highlight the importance of the modern synagogue. “Visions: There” will feature an analysis of the Palestinian/Israeli conflict and a prescription for peace in the Middle East. On Yom Kippur, “Visions: Everywhere” will explore the universal concepts of Yom Kippur, including atonement, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
Wasser stated, “We are hoping that our time together on Yom Kippur will be a time for self-reflection, forgiveness, and healing in order to make the world a better place. The Shofar is a call for the Jewish community to wake up from our complacency and be a shining light unto the nations.”