Ben Genek has had longtime involvement with synagogue.
By: Anthony Coppola
EAST WINDSOR Beth El is the only synagogue Ben Genek has ever known.
Now, more than 30 years after his parents first brought him there, he has taken over as its president.
Mr. Genek made several stops within the synagogue on the way to his current position.
He first served for a year on the ritual committee, a group that assists the rabbi with rules and regulations for religious services and oversees the congregation’s cemetery policy.
"The rabbi is the final authority in all ritual matters, but in essence, the ritual committee supports the rabbi," Mr. Genek said.
Next, he sat on the board of trustees for about six years, initially advising on financial issues. Mr. Genek graduated from Rutgers University in 1993, with a bachelor’s of science degree in accounting and works at Natexis Bleichroeder Inc., a brokerage house in Manhattan, N.Y., as head of risk management.
During his board tenure, he was assigned the insurance portfolio for the synagogue and helped revamp the coverage provided to Beth El.
And Mr. Genek was executive vice president for one year before becoming president last month. At Beth El, congregates vote on the president’s post every two years.
As president, the married father of four is responsible for fiscal and operational aspects of the synagogue. His various responsibilities include evaluations of approximately 25 paid employees, appointments of chairpersons to various committees, advising on fundraising issues, and approving large expenses.
Mr. Genek, 36, said becoming president of Beth El was a goal since he joined the board.
"I just didn’t think it would happen so soon," Mr. Genek said. "When you combine the responsibilities of my job, the commute to New York City, my family, and the role of president, time is tight."
Mr. Genek is particularly proud of the transformation Beth El has experienced.
"In 1983, the congregation had just moved into a building that was barely four bare walls and a roof," he said.
At that time, he said, there were only about 100 families. Now, he estimated, there are about 350.
"Today, the general membership spans the spectrum of age, culture, and religious observance," he said.
Mr. Genek pointed out that the services offered to the community have increased with membership. Youth groups and senior activities are just two examples. The Hebrew School has been expanded and Beth El has a preschool on the premises that is open to the public.
Mr. Genek said his time on the board best prepared him for his new role and he has learned to accept the challenges that go with it.
"As president, difficult decisions have to be made and those decisions are not always in line with every congregate," he said. "You do the best that you can."

