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A MESSAGE FROM RABBI JAY
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W
e need look no further than the first line of Parashat Beshallach to find an interesting piece of text. Therein the Torah reports:
Now when Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, ALTHOUGH IT WAS NEARER; for God said, "The people may have a change of heart when they see war, and return to Egypt. "SO GOD LED THE PEOPLE ROUNDABOUT, by way of the wilderness at the Sea of Reeds.
The question is posed, why would God, who has already performed so many wondrous miracles, need to send the Israelites the long way around? The "pshat" (plain meaning) of the Text provides an answer. If they go the short way, it is likely they will meet the Philistine army. Having spent 400 years as slaves, the Israelites are not going to be ready for war and God is certain that they will seek to go back to Egypt. God decides is to keep the Israelites away from the Philistines. Thus, the long way is necessary.
The great commentators mostly agree with the plain meaning as explained above. However, I think God had another lesson in store the fledgling Chosen People. It may seem trite, but I think that God's message is that there are no shortcuts. In one's life, in school, in business, in relationships, in congregations, in communities, and in creating young nations, the only way to proceed is to take the long route on the journey. If we look at our own lives, we will realize that the things that have mattered most to us were not achieved by seeking the short path. Indeed, many an article has been written about the fact that what the public sees as an overnight success story, usually turns out to be someone, or some group, that worked for years before the "Overnight" success.
Over time, the Israelites will travel, learn, and grow, so that by the time they reach Mount Sinai, they will have learned enough, and grown enough, and put enough distance between themselves and slavery, that they will be able to accept the responsibilities that will accompany receipt of the Torah. If they had taken a shortcut, they would not have been able to appreciate the gift.
It seems God's lesson is that, in life, if it is worth having, it is worth working and preparing for. Take the long road and, when you get what you were seeking, remember that the journey was equal to the end result.
Shabbat Shalom - Rabbi Michael S. Jay
T
RAVEL 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!
The JCC's first 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 Masada, to many museums, and more. At Masada we will be sharing in a bat mitzvah of one of our fellow travelers.
We will be immersed in Israeli history and culture and, at the same time, we will get to better know our selves, and each other.
So far an extraordinarily nice group of people have chosen to travel with us.
This trip that has been designed both for the person who has never been to Israel, and for the person who has visited frequently. Come be a part of what is sure to be a trip of a lifetime.
In addition to a set itinerary, we will have some evenings where we will be free to explore on our own. We will be provided with information on concerts or cultural events in the places where we will be.
The tour is officially flying El Al; however, if you want to fly United, ITC can help you to make arrangements.
For additional information, call Rabbi Jay at 973-865-9534 or email him at [email protected]
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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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| FLORIDA REUNION |
Join us for the Annual Women's Florida Luncheon
Monday, February 12th
12:00 Noon
At Ocean One Bar and Grill
777 E Atlantic Ave
Delray Beach
(Downtown Delray in Chico's shopping plaza)
Please bring cash!! Will not do separate checks for large parties.
RSVP by Feb 9th
Jackie Avondoglio 561-865-5888
Or Helyn Benjamin 561-740-7499
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GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
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S
END ONE OF OUR NEW TRIBUTES IN HONOR OR IN MEMORY OF
ENDOWMENT FUND
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.
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.
We are proud to announce that Judith & Donald Pripstein have joined the Shapiros with a $50,000 donation and have established The Pripstein Family Endowment Fund.
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.
A Endowment Fund Committee has been established headed by Arnie Galer.
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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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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1/26/18 - 2/2/18
Sunday
Religious School
10:00 AM -
Tu B'shvat Seder
11:30 AM - Parent's Meeting
Friday, 2/2
Kaballat Service and Dinner
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SHABBAT SHALOM
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4:52 PM
(So. Ocean County NJ)
HERE IS A CALENDAR OF ALL CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES
ON LBI FOR 5778
Join us for Services
For the month of January, we experimenting with starting Friday night services at
6:00 PM.
Many congregations hold early Kabbalat services during the winter months rather than later in the evening. Any comments are appreciated.
Friday, January 26, 2018
6:00 PM
Rabbi's Talk:
Trees, Trees, Trees
Saturday, January 27, 2018
Torah Study
9:00 AM
Services
10:00 AM
Bechalach
Here is the Haftorah:
Torah Leigner:
Rabbi Jay
Bu B'Shvat
January 31, 2018
Tu B'Shvat, the 15th day of the Jewish month of
Shevat, is a holiday also known as the New Year for Trees.
There are few customs or observances related to this holiday. One custom is to eat a new fruit on this day, or to eat from the Seven Species (shivat haminim) described in the Bible as being abundant in the land of
Israel. The Shivat Haminim are: wheat, barley, grapes (vines), figs, pomegranates, olives and dates (honey) (Deut. 8:8).
Some people plant trees on this day.
In the 16th century,
kabbalists, developed a seder ritual conceptually similar to the
Pesach (Passover)
seder, discussing the spiritual significance of fruits and of the shivat haminim.
Plant a tree in Israel
https://www.jnf.org/
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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YAHRZEITS
FOR NEXT WEEK
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These names will be read at services on January 26, 2018
Robert Fischer
Hannah Moses*
Max Rosenbaum
Amy Babst
Thelma Brusilow
Harvey Light
Al Black
Richard Gilbert
Hyman Goldstein
Raia Koller
Linda Zelin
Barnet Bookman*
Benjamin Reiser*
Dave Tarlow
Charles Bloom
Jacob Konner
Lucy Lief
Rabbi Pinchos Chazin
Robert Greenbaum
Estelle Stokes
Irvin Cohen
Julius Marmon
* 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, February 2 @6:00 PM
Friday, March 9 @ 6:00 PM
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CONGREGATION
NEWS
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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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SISTERHOOD STUFF
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SHOEBOX RECYCLING
PROGRAM
FOR DETAILS, PLEASE CLICK:
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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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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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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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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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| 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 
