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Morton “Moe” Tener was born July 7, 1931. Although “beginnings” were humble, his character and integrity were already firmly entrenched in his psyche at an early age. A “straight arrow,” who has never deviated from a strong value system and stalwart sense of honor. He typifies “Common Man.”
“I am the people - the crowd - the
mass. Do you know that all the great work of the world is done
through me?”
Carl Sandburg…... 1950
In his youth, Moe took
simple pleasures in academics, Hebrew School and just “hanging out with
the guys on the corner!”
It became
apparent early on, Moe was a talented basketball player. “Tiger” on the
court, and possessing an uncanny eye for the “basket,” he
dribbled, “jump shot” and soared, for Bartram High School, to become
Philadelphia All Public Basketball Player in 1949. Moe was also keen in
academics, and won full paid scholarships to Pennsylvania Military
College, Albright College and Rider College. He chose Rider College to
continue his studies and “play ball.”
Upon graduation, in 1953, Moe enlisted in the Army, requesting the South Pacific. He was sent to Thule Air Force Base Northern Gun Battery, in Greenland, however, where for the first time in his life, encountered anti-Semitism. He was the only Jew on the base. Through rebuke (i.e. extra K.P. and Guard Duty, twice weekly instead of once, in weather 40 degrees below, threats to remove his P.F.C. stripes, etc.) Moe remained undaunted.
Honorably
discharged October 9, 1955, Moe then sought a teaching career in New
Jersey. His first position was Teacher, Assistant Basketball Coach
Gloucester Public Schools in 1955. .From there he advanced to Mt. Laurel
Public Schools, Counselor/Head Basketball Coach, Clayton Public Schools,
Department Chairman, Haddon Township Public Schools, Administrator
Monroe Township Public Schools and to date, Professor, Rowan University.
He has served the State of New Jersey for 49 years.
Moe pursued his academic studies and
received an M.S. from Temple University in 1959, M.S. from University of
Pennsylvania in 1962 and Ed. D from Temple University in 1968.
During this
time, Moe’s summers were spent at various private children’s camps in
the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.
|
1945,1946 |
Camp Akiba |
|
1947-1950 |
Camp Pine Forest |
|
1951-1953 |
Camp Arthur |
|
1956 |
Camp Sun Mountain |
|
1957-1999 |
Camp Log-N-Twig… |
From Waterfront,
Head Counselor, to Director, Moe trekked a long and dedicated 42-year
spiritual journey through the fields of Log-N-Twig. He operated at
a “grass roots,” level, rather than the “ivory tower,” from afar.
Moe visited every camper possible, from Marblehead Massachusetts, Long
Island New York, Hazelton, Reading, Easton, Allentown, Philadelphia,
Pittsburg PA, Silver Spring Maryland, Delaware, Washington, DC Florida,
Detroit MI, California etc. He also drew from Israel and Australia.
----- Camp Log-N-Twig
was Moe Tener. Every camper knew, he was his or her advocate,
(comforting when one is far from home!) Their love and affection
was clear, when he was constantly invited to life events, Bar/Bat
Mitzvahs and weddings. To this day, Moe has maintained lifelong
friendships founded upon this voyage. Camp Log-N-Twig was sold in
1998.
Moe is a
spiritual man and believes in “giving back” to society. He is active in
his synagogue, Beth Sholom, in Elkins Park, PA, Moe has volunteered his
services at the Jewish Geriatric Center in Philadelphia, Abramson Center
for Jewish Life in Horsham, PA., Special Olympics, Montgomery County,
PA., Special Olympics, Monroe County, PA., Special Services Pike County
Development Center and is an avid American Red Cross Donor.
He does it quietly!
“A man
makes no noise over a good deed, but passes on to another as a vine to
bear grapes again in season.”
Aurelius….2nd c.
“The noblest service comes from nameless hands, And
the best servant does his work unseen”
Oliver Wendell Holmes…..1872.
Morton Tener, quiet, unassuming, “salt of
the earth.” A diamond.
“By their fruits ye shall know them.” ......The Bible