Barbara Bar-Nissim, a long-time resident of Demarest, who for many years directed the Junior Choir at Temple Beth El in Closter, passed away at home on Monday, September 19. She was 80 years old. She enjoyed a long, productive career as a Jewish educator. As music and Hebrew teacher and then religious school principal, she was highly regarded for her innovative and spirited approach to Jewish learning and her dynamic, irreverent demeanor. She is survived by her husband, Cantor Shlomo Bar-Nissim, formerly of Temple Beth El, her four children, Matthew Aibel (Lauren Hale), Jonathan Aibel (Sarah Aibel), Carolyn Aibel (Nathaniel Miller) and Ariella Bar-Nissim, and her seven grandchildren.
The funeral, conducted by Rabbi Rebecca Shinder of Closter, took place Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at Beth El Cemetery in Paramus.
Born on March 12, 1942 in Brooklyn, Barbara Joan Friedberg attended the Yeshiva of Flatbush, Midwood High School, and East Midwood Center Jewish High School. She graduated from Barnard College and received a masters from Columbia Teachers College.
After her first marriage, to Donald Aibel, ended in divorce, she began her 40-year career as a Director of Education, first at Beth Haverim in Mahwah, then Temple Sholom in River Edge, and finally Temple Emanu-El in Livingston. Her educational philosophy focused on programming incorporating music, humor, arts, crafts, and skits, with the goal of creating students who loved coming to Hebrew School. She was highly regarded as a curriculum and program innovator and as a mentor to generations of teachers. She also found time to publish a children’s book, The Jews: One People, and a collection of original songs, I’m Proud to Be a Jew.
In retirement, Barbara read voluminously, sang alto in the Shirah Chorus at the JCC on the Palisades in Tenafly (for which she originated and regularly composed a cheeky newsletter, Shir Delight), played piano, did crosswords, developed her (meager) bridge skills, and traveled widely with her husband on a number of cruise ships on which he served as clergy. Barbara nurtured her many friendships and family relationships, and she reveled in the love of her husband, four children and seven grandchildren.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.guttermanandmusicant.com for the Bar - Nissim family.
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