Dear Members & Friends of the JCC of LBI,
Another year is about to close. I hope it has been a good one for all of you.
In spite of many challenges, it has been a successful here at the JCC of LBI. You have supported our religious services, learning opportunities and fund raising events with your attendance. You have been generous with your contributions to our fund raising efforts and in volunteering your help with our various activities.
The year ends on a sad note with the retirement of 
our Executive Director, Jeri Riffle. Jeri has been a stalwart in our office and will be sorely missed. She has promised that she will not be a stranger to the JCC of LBI now that she has more leisure time. We wish her only the best as she enjoys her retirement with hubby, Ben. We welcome Mary Beth Krieger to the staff, filling in for Marcie Deutsch who is on sick leave. Leslie Dinkfelt, our capable Office Manager, will continue to keep things humming in the office.
Members should have received their membership renewal letter in the mail along with a form to make a High Holiday Appeal contribution as well as a Kol Hakavod gift . Please consider making your donation in the next few days that remain in 2017. We are counting on you.
Each new year brings with it a promise. A promise of better understanding between family, friends, co-workers, leaders and volunteers, a willingness to not just to hear but to listen, a opportunity to finish each day with a sense of peace. It is within the grasp of each and every one of us.
Wishing you a happy and healthy 2018.
ROSE
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A MESSAGE FROM RABBI JAY
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This week's Torah Portion, Vayechi, sees the death of two of our Torah heroes, Jacob and Joseph. There is much sadness for the reader of these portions even though the events occurred thousands of years ago. I get it.
With much wisdom Judaism understands mourning in compartmentalized stages. One is most aggrieved, albeit numb, at the time of a loved one's death. As time passes, the pain subsides, though the connection never disappears.
For someone mourning the death of a parent, after the funeral, there are 3 stages.
The first is Shiva, the seven-day period immediately following burial. The mourner is in a heightened state of grief. People come to the house of Shiva to comfort the mourner. Traditionally, the mourner does not leave the Shiva house during Shiva. The mourner traditionally sits on a seat lower than his/her guests, to show a lowering of his/her physical self to match his/her emotional state. The mourner will wear the article of clothing torn just before the funeral. (Many tear a ribbon instead and that will be worn. I tore a shirt, just beneath the collar on the left side, indicating a tear over my heart). The mourner does not work. The mourner is not supposed to bathe; however, the mourner can bathe to assuage social angst. The mourner does not shave or cut his/her hair. It is not appropriate to ask questions of the mourner such as "How are you doing?"
Today, in the more liberal corners of our tradition, it is customary to sit Shiva for less than the proscribed 7 days. While we each make decisions based on our own needs and desires, having gone through it, the brilliance of the 7 day period is apparent. Sitting for an extended time and being comforted and tended to by community and friends gives one the ability to slowly begin the process of dealing with the loss. In the future, if raised, I will strongly recommend to my congregants that they permit our tradition to help them to mourn as intended.
After the Shiva period it is customary for the mourners to "get up" from Shiva. Literally on the last morning of Shiva, the mourners will rise from their lowered seats and, end Shiva by walking around the block. This choreography is designed to re-introduce the mourner to the outside world and the circular route is designed to replicate the life cycle.
Once Shiva ends, the mourner continues to mourn in a less dramatic manner until 30 days after the funeral. This 30-day period is called "Sheloshim", which is the Hebrew word for 30. The mourner returns to work and to his/her life in general. However, the mourner continues not to shave or cut hair. Traditionally the mourner does not attend concerts, listen to music, or attend parties.
Once Sheloshim is over, the mourner for a parent continues his/her mourning observance for a year, counted from the date that the parent passed away. The mourner continues not to attend concerts or parties nor, some say, should the mourner even listen to music. During the year, the mourner continues to say Kaddish for his/her parent. In order to say Kaddish there must be 10 Jewish people present for the prayer service. This effectively means that over the next Hebrew calendar year, approximately 354 days, a person observing this tradition will attend approximately 1,062 services. If each service requires 10 people, that will total at least 10,620 people.
I have been saying Kaddish for my mom at three prayer services a day for almost three weeks now. I could not have done it without the help of many beautiful people in our incredible JCC community. I am thanking everyone who has helped so far, and, in advance, thanking all of those who will help me to recite Kaddish in the future.
I will discuss the history of the Kaddish in a future Shabbat Message. But more importantly, I wish to share some of my mourning journey with you to the extent possible. If you wish to share yours with me, I am always available.
Shabbat Shalom - Rabbi Michael S. Jay
Congregation members
make a minyan at the hospital on Christmas Day.
TRAVEL TO ISRAEL WITH THE JCC OF LBI
The JCC trip to Israel will take place October 7-18, 2018. The itinerary will take us from Tel Aviv to the Golan Heights, to a winery, to the Kineret, to a Kibbutz, to Sefad, to Jerusalem, to the Dead Sea, to Massada, to many museums, and more. At Massada we will be sharing in a bar mitzvah of one of our fellow travelers. What joy!
 We have 17 people who have shown interest in the trip. Many of them have told me that you have friends or family who also want to go.
We are going to have an awesome time.
APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN SENT OUT TO THOSE WHO HAVE SHOWN INTEREST IN THE TRIP.
Attached is a revised itinerary. You will note that on free evenings we will be provided with information on concerts or cultural events in the places where we will be. It is too early now to know what will be happening, but ITC will provide information once it is known.
The hotel difference of 300 dollars per person may or may not be significant to you. Check the websites of the hotels for an idea of the differences. The tour company tells us that the hotels are all very nice. Rooms may be smaller and there may be less amenities. Breakfast is provided at each hotel, but may be more elaborate at the higher priced hotels.
The tour is officially flying El Al; however, if you want to fly United, I believe that ITC can make arrangements.
Contact Rabbi Jay with any questions: 973 865 9534
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RABBI'S OFFICE HOURS
Rabbi Jay will now be at his office at the JCC on TUESDAYS and will have office hours from Noon - 2:00. Drop in to chat (call the office to make sure he is in and not out on an emergency 609-492-4090) or make an appointment with him (973-865-9534).
Rabbi Jay can always be reached on his cell phone ((973-865-9534) or at his email address ([email protected]).
He is also available by appointment.
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KOL HAKAVOD CAMPAIGN
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Please consider being a part of this campaign to supplement the clergy needs of our congregation. This is a separate, voluntary commitment and is additional to our low annual dues obligation. HERE IS THE LINK TO BRING UP THE DONATION FORM KOL HAKAVOD
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| WINTER OFFICE HOURS |
Beginning January 3, the JCC Office will be open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 - 1:30.
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| THE WEEK THAT WAS... |
Members of the JCC of LBI brought cheer and pointsettias to patients at Southern Ocean Medical Center on Christmas Day.
Eliana Goluboff- Schragger & Solomon Goluboff-
Schragger
Rabbi & Sheri Jay
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| SATURDAY NITE AT THE MOVIES |
SATURDAY EVENING
JANUARY 20
CHANGE OF DATE
6:30 PM
A Price Above Rubies"
Starring Renee Zelwegger and directed by Boaz Zakin
Sonia (Renée Zellweger) is a married Hasidic woman in  Brooklyn,
N.Y., whose husband, Mendel (Glenn Fitzgerald), is inattentive. She begins having an affair with Mendel's brother, Sender (Christopher Eccleston), who allows her to work in his jewelry business. There, she meets a Puerto Rican artist and designer named Ramon (Allen Payne), with whom she finds a strong connection. When Sender learns of her affection for Ramon, he sets out to ostracize her from her husband and family.
Popcorn & Soda will be available
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JCC INFORMATION
THE OFFICE IS LOCATED AT
2411 Long Beach Boulevard (24th Street)
Spray Beach, NJ 08008
ENTER THE BUILDING DURING OFFICE HOURS
THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR.
PRESS THE ENTRY BUTTON ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE ENTRANCE FOR ADMITTANCE.
Mailing Address:
2411 Long Beach Blvd.
Spray Beach, NJ 08008
Telephone: 609-492-4090
FAX: 609-492-7550
WINTER OFFICE HOURS:
MONDAY 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
WEDNESDAY 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
FRIDAY - 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Mary Beth, Tony and Leslie
Office Staff:
Leslie Dinkfelt, Office Manager
Marcie Deutsch, Computer Admin.
Mary Beth Krieger, Staff Member
Tony DrGregorio, Custodial Staff
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Rabbi Michael S. Jay
Rose Valentine, JCC President
SEE NOV/DEC/JAN BULLETIN
with this link
E-mail Editor: Rose Valentine
rvalen
[email protected]
Like" Us on Facebook: Search for Jewish Community Center of Long Beach Island and make sure the JCC of LBI: The Place to Be icon shown above shows up
or cut and paste:
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THIS WEEK'S EVENTS
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12/29 - 1/5/18
OFFICE CLOSED MONDAY
Friday 1/5
Kabbalat Shabbat
6:00 PM
Dinner
7:00 PM
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SHABBAT SHALOM
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4:23 PM
(So. Ocean County NJ)
HERE IS A CALENDAR OF ALL CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES
ON LBI FOR 5778
JOIN US FOR SERVICES
Friday,
December 29, 2017
8:00 PM
Services led by Cliff Farin
Lead by Richard Morgan
Services
of the Congregation
Torah Portion
I Kings 2:1 - 2:12
Here is the Haftorah:
Torah Reader:
Please help us create a special atmosphere by not using electronic devices (phones, cameras, games etc) in or around the synagogue on Shabbat
and Holidays. No food or drink is permitted in the sanctuary.
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| MISHABERACH LIST |
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FINAL NOTICE
We will be removing all names from the Mishaberach list at the end of December and beginning a new list for January. Please notify the office of anyone you
want to wish a
Refuah Shlema.
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YAHRZEITS
FOR NEXT WEEK
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These names will be read at services on December 29, 2017
Benjamin Goodman*
Joseph Martin*
Howard Paitchel
Bernice Shechtman
Bertha Goldstein
Richard Kirsh
Hillary Levine
Joshua Scharf
Mildred Tittelbaum
Morrie Baker
Sidney Gottlieb
Martin Kader
Jacob Weill*
Lise Polishook
Ethel Rosenberg
Sam Rosenberg
Florence Cohen Galer
Herb Morton
Phyllis Tanenbaum
Murray Weiner
David Weinzimmer
Dora Chazin*
Mildred Epstein
Sydney Racusin
Evelyn Diamond
Paul Sidel
* Yahrzeit Plaque - These names are lovingly enshrined on our synagogue memorial boards.
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| UPCOMING SHABBAT ACTIVITIES |
We are planning special Shabbats in the months to come.
Kabbalat Shabbat & Dinner
Friday, January 5 @6:00 PM
Friday, February 2 @6:00 PM
Friday, March 9 @ 6:00 PM
Shabbat and all the REST
One Shabbat a month, you can spend Saturday at the synagogue. There will be Torah Study @ 9
Services @10
Lunch @12
Game Afternoon @ 1-3
Mah jongg lessons will be given.
No betting or money
will be exchanged.
You can participate in any
or all of these activities.
January 20
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CONGREGATION
NEWS
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CONDOLENCES TO
Barry Sherman
on the passing of his father
Harvey Sherman
"May God remember forever our dear ones who have gone to their eternal rest. May they be at one with the One who is life eternal. May the beauty of their lives shine for evermore, and may our lives always bring honor to their memory."
SHARE YOUR NEWS
CONTACT:
CARING COMMITTEE
This committee acts as a support system for congregation members facing illness and other personal situations that need to be addressed.
Please contact Chairperson, Kem Spencer if you are in need of assistance or if you know of a JCC member that needs our help.
201-819-3210
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CELEBRATE A MILESTONE AT THE
JCC OF LBI
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The JCC is a beautiful place to celebrate a milestone: wedding, anniversary, baby naming, birthday.
Contact the office for further information. 609-492-4090
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KIDDUSHES
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Contact
the office 609-492-4090
for information about
sponsoring a Kiddush
SEE DONATION & MENU:
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SISTERHOOD STUFF
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SHOEBOX RECYCLING
PROGRAM
FOR DETAILS, PLEASE CLICK:
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GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
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END ONE OF OUR NEW TRIBUTES IN HONOR OR IN MEMORY OF
ENDOWMENT FUND
A donation of at least $50,000 to the endowment fund will allow the donor to name one of the funds as the donor wishes. All such name funds will be joined together to be part of the endowment fund portfolio. Join Herb and Selma Shapiro to help assure the continuity of our JCC, and our ability to continue providing a full-service congregation to serve the Jewish people of the area. All members are encouraged to help this important effort by contributing to this fund whether as a specific named fund, or as a general donation.
Your gift to the fund can be sent to the JCC Office. Please mark your check accordingly.
Space is available for memorial plaques on the yahrzeit boards in the Sanctuary. Here is the order form:
TREE OF LIFE (located in the Social Hall)
You can purchase a leaf in honor of an occasion or in memory of a loved one.
Here is the
Tree of Life Form:
TREE
PAVERS (
in front of the Front Entrance)
Only 4 x 8 and 12 x 12 size pavers are available
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NAME BADGES
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If you did not order a name tag, we will be putting in another order. Here is the link for the form to order your name tag: TAGS
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TEXT BLAST SIGN UP
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If you would like to receive JCC of LBI reminders and alerts via text message on your cell phone, please contact the office by email ([email protected]) or phone (609-492-4090) We would be alerting you for example that "Services are cancelled" or "Last opportunity to sign up for Community Seder".
This information will not be shared and will only be used for JCC purposes.
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ADS FOR JCC BULLETIN
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Please contact the JCC Office (609-492-4090) if you would like to place an ad in the Bulletin
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TD AFFINITY PROGRAM
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Easy money!
Do you have an account with TD Bank?
You can contribute to the JCC without it costing you a cent. TD Bank will pay us on the number of accounts in our TD Affinity Club. There is no minimum number of members. We automatically receive $10 for every checking account and .01% of the balance on Savings Accounts. In addition we receive $50 for any new accounts. This is strictly confidential and the JCC does not know the amount in any of the accounts.
We just received a check for $456.00 from TD Bank. So think about joining this program and helping the JCC to reap the benefits.
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| DOCUMENTS AND LINKS |
| JUST CLICK AND YOU'RE THERE!!! LATEST BULLETIN: BULLETIN
WEB SITE: JCC WEB SITE MEMBERSHIP FORMS MEMBERSHIP PAVERS: PAVERS TREE OF LIFE TREE JEWISH JOURNAL: JOURNAL YAHRZEIT PLAQUE FORM: PLAQUE KOL HAKAVOD DONATION FORM KOL HAKAVOD KIDDUSH SPONSOR KIDDUSH |
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The Jewish CommunityCenter of LBI 
