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Name: Tova Halpern

Occupation: Director of Rising Stars Academy at JCC of Greater Monmouth County

Address: Highland Park

Family: Husband is Josh Halpern, a diamond broker. Parents are Gary Bomzer, executive director of JCC in Aventura, Fla., located north of Miami Beach; and Renee, a social worker.

Community activities: "I've recently moved to Highland Park from New York City. But I've always been involved in the arts whether as an actor, director, or as community leader working in synagogue, at Young Israel in Florida. When I was at Rutgers, I helped found Hillel Theater and rented space so our productions were for the Rutgers community, including the Jewish community. We had to be self-sufficient at Rutgers so we had to finance the program. We would work with the Jewish federation, so if a nursing home wanted to see us, they had to come to us."

Hobbies: "I love to bake and cook. I'm also very active and love to dance and run. I also love going to Broadway plays and reading plays."

Self-portrait: "I'm outgoing and I like to laugh. I try to see the bright side of everything. I like being able to spread my enthusiasm about the arts."

Motto: "I always remind my actors and staff that what's special about the performing arts is that you get to leave all your troubles at home. When you come to the working stage you are 100-percent present in your actions and in your efforts and everything else comes naturally. The goal is to be yourself and who you are and they should be open to new experiences."

Bad habits: "I'm so overly committed to my work. I also don't like to wash dishes."

Favorite TV Show: "'Glee,' a show on Fox network at 9 p.m. Wednesdays.

Favorite food: Chocolate Cake

Best childhood memory: "Going to see Carol Channing in 'Hello Dolly' at 6 years old. I remember when she walked down the staircase as Dolly and started to sing and the orchestra and the lights came on, I remember thinking: This is what I want to do! I felt special, engaged. It was one of those experiences that changed my life."

People don't know that... "I'm afraid of thunder and lightning."

Last book I read: " 'Those Who Save Us,' by Jenna Blum, about a mother and daughter and their experiences during the Holocaust in Germany."

The biggest asset in the local Jewish communities: "There is such incredible talent with the children I work with at the JCC. It's very frustrating for parents who are looking to find an outlet for their children and not have to sacrifice their religious beliefs. If we didn't provide this outlet they wouldn't have a place to go."

The biggest problem in the local Jewish communities: "Right now it is what is going on in the economy. Everyone is hurting. It's inspiring that people still want programs to continue in this environment."

If I had more time... "I'd sleep more."