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Name: Rabbi Ellen Lewis

Occupation: Rabbi of Jewish Center of Northwest Jersey, Washington Township. Psychotherapist in private practice, Bernardsville and New York.

Address: Bernardsville

Family: Two children: Micah Lewis-Kraus, who works for Apple in production of iPhones in Shanghai; and son Gideon Lewis-Kraus, a freelance nonfiction writer living in Berlin and writing a book on pilgrimage.

Community: Faculty, Academy of Clinical and Applied Psychoanalysis. Member, Central Council of American Rabbis (CCAR). Past president (1986) of Women's Rabbinic Network (WRN). Member of American Association of Pastoral Counselors. Member of Business and Professional Women (BPW) and Bernardsville Chamber of Commerce.

Hobbies: "Reading, antiques, travel, hiking, going to folk music concerts, and Broadway/off Broadway shows."

Self-portrait: "People see me as dedicated and thoughtful, caring and compassionate, committed to my synagogue and doing healing work with individuals. I see myself as lucky."

Motto: " 'Lo alecha hamlacha ligmor.' It isn't your job to complete the work, merely to begin."

Greatest accomplishment: "Other than my children, having two professions I love. I was among the first 20 women rabbis ordained in the Reform movement. After 30 years in the rabbinate, I am still happily and passionately doing congregational work. And I get to work to help people use therapy to improve their lives."

Bad habits: "Staying up too late."

Favorite TV: "As I'm a life-long Yankee fan, watching Yankee baseball games on TV."

Favorite food: "I like to experience the cuisine of different countries."

Best childhood memory: "Going down to the shore to visit my grandparents during the summer."

People don't know that I: "Do the New York Times crossword puzzle faithfully."

Last book I read: " 'Bangkok Tattoo,' by John Burdett."

The biggest asset in the local Jewish communities: "My synagogue is the greatest (unknown) asset. We are a small rural community of 85 families. The dedication of our members shows that you can run a vibrant intimate synagogue on a shoestring budget."

The biggest problem in the local Jewish communities: "Lack of connection with Israel."

If I had more time, I would: "Do more of what I do."