Basking Ridge Chabad Celebrates 20 Years

Whatever preconceived notions one might have about the demeanor or perspectives of an Orthodox rabbi, be prepared to have them completely shattered upon meeting Rabbi Mendy Herson, spiritual leader of Chabad Jewish Center in the Basking Ridge section of Bernards.

Even in a brief conversation with Rabbi Herson, it is easy to be inspired by his spirit, intellect, humor and humanity, and moved by his quest for the meaning of life in its many shapes and forms.

His enthusiasm for questioning invites everyone around him to think about themselves and the role of a spiritual leader in a very different way, and even the Chabad website reflects his penchant for humor and warmth with headlines such as: “This Shul’s for You” and enjoy a place “Where Everybody Knows Your Name.”

Herson and his wife Malkie established the Chabad center in 1992 as a site that would welcome Jews and non-Jews alike to enjoy fellowship, spiritual and intellectual inquiry without judgment or expectations.

When asked how Orthodox Judaism differs from Conservative or Reformed, Rabbi Herson said he prefers not to focus on the differences or get caught up in the labels.

“I would rather say I am totally committed to Jewish law and I adhere to the Torah, and believe that everyone has a positive purpose in this world and each and every one of us is valuable because we’re created by God,” Herson said.

He said while he does abide by kosher laws, he doesn’t judge others who don’t.

“I do what I do because it is meaningful to me. I also want to actively help people make meaningful choices. At the same time, I’m not going to pressure someone to practice everything that I practice,” Herson said.

For Herson, focusing on what people have in common is most important.

“My goal is to be the best that I can be, and to help others achieve their highest self. The purpose of my life is that my work and my energy serve as a tool for bringing light into the world,” Herson said.

The Chabad Jewish Center was established by the Hersons in a small apartment in Basking Ridge to serve the needs of a small group of Jewish families in the community.

By 2004, Chabad built a new structure on its existing location at 3048 Valley Road and has grown into a vibrant center that includes special events, a synagogue, and three schools – the Breitman Hebrew School with 120 students, and the Zimmer Pre-School and Olam Academy (kindergarten to second grade) with 70 students.

On Sunday mornings, adults of all faiths meet for a rousing discussion that explores a broad range of topics from a spiritual, ethical, moral and intellectual perspective.

For the Hersons, and Youth Directors Yitzchok and Batsheva Moully, the purpose of the Chabad Center is to provide a place where everyone can feel at home within a Jewish context and offer the opportunity for Jewish discovery through open-minded exploration.

The Hersons also enjoy a busy raising their eight children.

Malkie Herson, Chabad educational director, shares her husband’s enthusiasm for spiritual and intellectual discovery.

Herson leads the educational mission inspired by the Torah and by the Italian philosophy of Regio Emilia.

“What is common to both is an absolute respect for the infinite potential of each human being,” Herson said.

She said, “You and I are born with our own talents and infinite potential, but sometimes we get closed down – it may be because of society or the educational system we’re exposed to.”

“Our educational process is to respect the innate ability that children have and to view them as competent,” she said.