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Name: Rabbi Andrew D. Bloom

Occupation: Rabbi of Congregation B'nai Israel in Rumson

Address: Morganville

Family: Married to Michal, a certified teacher who is the office assistant to director of Health South Rehabilitation. Three children: David, 12, Maya, 9, and Lia, 5. Sister Lauren Estes is assistant director of Hillel at Tufts University and married to Peter Estes, a graphic Web designer. Parents are Ervin and Gail Bloom of Lake Worth, Fla. In-laws Felix and Miriam Richter of Ramat Gan, Israel.

Community activities: Chaplain for Rumson Police Department. Member of the New Jersey Rabbinical Assembly of the Conservative movement, and member of the New Jersey Board of Rabbis.

Hobbies: "Field archery, coin collecting, reading Eastern philosophy, presidential history, watching sports, and a connoisseur of single malt scotch."

Self-portrait: "I am a family-oriented person who loves spending time with his family and friends. I am deeply committed to helping people through their lifecycle moments and needs. I am ambitious in fulfilling my goals, expect a lot from people and even more from myself. I am a long-suffering Washington Redskins, Baltimore Orioles, and Washington Wizards fan. With a lot of prayer they will hopefully start to win before the Messiah comes."

Motto: "Live with integrity, do what is right, and speak the truth without deceit" -- Psalm 15.

Greatest accomplishment: "I am blessed with a beautiful family that brightens my daily existence. I am very proud of my service as a combat medic in the Israel Defense Forces. My appointment as rabbi of Congregation B'nai Israel is a great honor and achievement. The congregation is a warm and welcoming community that has become a second home to my family. My appointment as police chaplain of Rumson is a tremendous way to give back and support those who protect our daily freedom."

Bad Habits: "I don't exercise as much as I should."

Favorite TV: "I love political and forensic dramas. My favorites are 'NCIS,' 'The West Wing' and my all time favorite 'MASH'."

Favorite food: "Schwarma in pita and a good steak."

Best childhood memory: "I grew up in Brookeville, Md., and while I was in middle school there was a huge snowstorm, canceling school for a week. My friends and I played football outside in the snow even though we could hardly move. It was a fantastic time. The memory of this week is one of the reasons I love playing with my kids for hours outside in the snow."

People don't know that I: "Lived on Kibbutz Netzer Seereni for five years. I milked cows to put myself through college."

Last book I read: " 'The Book of Five Rings,' by Miyamoto. His classic on Samurai strategy, which can be summed up: If you fail to prepare -- be prepared to fail."

Biggest asset in the local Jewish community: "The volunteers and individuals who invest their time, funds, and efforts in ensuring that synagogues and the larger Jewish community continues to grow and strengthen Jewish identity in the midst of American assimilation."

If I had more time I would... "Spend more time exploring the national parks in the U.S. with my family."