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 The Jewish Community Center of LBI
E-Letter
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April 28, 2017
2 Iyar 5777
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YOM HAZIKARON - May 1, 2017 - 5 Iyar 5777
Yom HaZikaron (Israeli Memorial Day), the national day of public mourning, memorializes those who gave their lives in defense of the State of Israel. The Israeli Knesset established the day before
Yom HaAtzmaut (Israeli Independence Day) as a day to remember and honor soldiers who lost their lives fighting in the War of Independence and in other subsequent battled. It is a solemn day during which all places of entertainment are closed and two-minute sirens are sounded throughout all of Israel, one in the evening to mark the beginning of the holiday and one in the morning, prior to the nation's public memorial ceremony.
Yom HaZikaron begins with an official ceremony at the Western Wall, as the flag of Israel is lowered to half staff. Places of entertainment are closed for the day by law. Radio and television stations play programs about Israel's wars and show programming that conveys the somber mood of the day.
YOM HAATZMA'UT - May 2, 2017 - 6 Iyar 5777
Yom HaAtzmaut (Israeli Independence Day) marks the establishment of the modern state of Israel in
1948. It is observed on or near the fifth of the Hebrew month of Iyar in the Hebrew calendar, which usually falls in April. It is preceded by Yom HaZikaron (Israeli Memorial Day).
The festivities begin the evening before, when Israelis take to streets across the country to attend outdoor concerts, parties and barbecues, as well to watch fireworks displays. Friends and families gather together the next day, usually outside or at nature reserves, museums and other attractions, which remain open to the public free of charge. Also on Yom HaAtzmaut, teens compete in the country's Torah championship, and the Israel Prize, the country's highest honor, is awarded in a formal ceremony in Jerusalem to individuals who excel in their chosen field.
On the evening of the holiday, celebrants and officials gather at Mount Herzl, Jerusalem. A ceremony with speeches and a parade of soldiers concludes with the lighting of twelve torches, representing the 12 Tribes of Israel.
Am Yisrael Chai
Safe travels to Kayla & Zack Lombardi who are in Israel on their school trip. What a great time to be there. We look forward to hearing all about it when they return.
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A MEMO FROM YOUR FUND RAISING VICE PRESIDENTS
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Dear JCC Members,
In the near future you will be receiving a phone call from a member of the Board of Trustees to review the exciting events scheduled for this calendar year. These include our 5TH anniversary dinner dance, the Ad Journal (a major fundraiser), the two concerts scheduled for July and August and lastly the Jewish Cultural Film Festival Series (June-October).
We appreciate your support in making 2017 a successful year!
Arnie Galer & Barry Goldman
DEADLINE FOR ADS IN THE SUMMER JOURNAL IS MAY 22
CLICK ON THIS LINK TO SEE THE AD FORM
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A TORAH MESSAGE FROM THE RABBI
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The double portion that we read this week in the Torah, Tazria-Metsora, is not pleasant. It is all about what a priest is supposed to do when people have various diseases like leprosy and sores and eruptions. It even describes what to do when a house has growths on its walls. Okay, so it is weird stuff and full of hocus-pocus, and an interesting, if uninspiring read, but what does any of this have to do with us today? How can we use this information in our modern era when most of these issues are dealt with by a dermatologist?
The answer, I think, lies in the very fact that the Torah devotes valuable ink, space, and time to these ailments and what to do with them. In the ancient world, leprosy and similar diseases were a death sentence and were viewed as a punishment for some sin that the afflicted person committed. The diseased person was sent away essentially to live and die alone, or with other similarly diseased individuals. What the Torah does, in a subtle way, is let us know that this practice of banishment and death was unacceptable. Indeed, the message is clear. People get sick and when they do, we need to try to heal them. When the Torah tells the Priests what to do it is creating the first doctors in what will be a long tradition of Jews in the medical profession.
To be clear, not everyone agrees with my notion that these portions are about natural disease. Many great commentators believe that the illnesses listed, and the cures involved, are only about punishment for specific sins that we commit. I cannot subscribe to this theory and in refutation cite you to Nehama Leibowitz who tells us that at another point in the Torah (Exodus 21:19) we are told that one who injures another is required to "cause him to be thoroughly healed." According to Rabbi Yishmael, as recorded in the Talmud, Bava Kamma 85a, "[from this Torah text] we know that a physician is allowed to cure".
The Torah's detailed attention to these issues helps us to understand the importance of taking care of those who become ill, even if we determine that the illness is contagious, or part of an epidemic. And even if we somehow deem that the disease was brought about by a person's own actions. Healing of any sort is God's work. May we continue to live in a world where healing and finding cures to diseases is of paramount importance. And may we offer our many blessings to those who undertake this holy task and to all who care for the less fortunate in our midst.
Shabbat Shalom - Rabbi Michael S. Jay
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Rabbi Jay will be at the JCC on Tuesdays and will have office hours from 1:00 - 3:00 PM. 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).
This is also a good time to telephone the rabbi.
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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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FIVE 'N THRIVIN"
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On Sunday evening, June 25 we are holding our
"Five 'N Thrivin" Gala Event
in the JCC Social Hall.
Honored Founders:
Selma & Herb Shapiro
and Builders:
Edd Dreyfus, Sherry Fruchterman & Jeffrey Shapiro
It will be a wonderful evening, enhanced by an ad journal to be distributed that evening and at the two other events planned for the summer season.*
Here is your opportunity to send special greetings to the honorees as well as help the JCC continue their vision of providing a place for the community to pray, learn and enjoy social events together.
Attached is the ad journal form: AD JOURNAL Please fill it out and along with your check, mail it to the JCC of LBI, 2411 Long Beach Blvd., Spray Beach, NJ 08008. We would also appreciate your reaching out to merchants who you frequent to ask them to be part of our Ad Journal campaign.
Your invitation to the gala should arrive soon. We look forward to a wonderful evening of celebration.
*July 20th "A Trio of Women Cantors: Contemporary, Liturgical & Show Music"
*August 26th and 27th "Back to Broadway: Heroes, Villains and Dreamers", starring Bart Shatto
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UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
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INTERFAITH SHABBAT
Friday
, May 5
8:00 PM
Guest Speaker:
Pastor Roy W. Minnix Jr.
Pastor Minnix Is a graduate of Concordia Theological Seminary and has served in the ministry for 44 years at 4 different parishes in South Dakota, New York, Maryland and most recently in Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey. He has been involved in a ministry to the American Indians, community organizing, with a focus on community policing, and has served as the Director of a Christmas In April program, serving families in need In Ocean County. Roy and Anita, his wife of 47 years have 3 adult children and 7 grandchildren. They have also provided foster care to 23 children and sponsored 4 refugee families. Now retired, Pastor Minnix is busy as a vacancy pastor and an addiction and mental health counselor, as well as a Student of the Torah. Indeed, he is a regular at the JCC's Torah Study Class every Saturday morning.
- Island Singers will perform
- Special Oneg Shabbat prepared by the Sisterhood
OPEN MAH JONGG
starts up again on
Wednesday
MITZVAH DAY 
Join us for our first Mitzvah Day
Sunday morning, May 21
We will be preparing the building for the season, doing some planting of flowers, touch-ups here and there and getting the Center & Rabbi's house all spruced up.
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FEDERATION EVENTS
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For ticket information click here:
PLACE
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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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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 (jccoflbi@gmail.com) 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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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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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
OFFICE HOURS:
MONDAY 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
TUESDAY 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
WEDNESDAY 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
THURSDAY 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
FRIDAY - 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Office Staff:
Jeri Riffle, Executive Director
Leslie Dinkfelt, Office Manager
Marcie Deutsch, Computer Admin.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Rabbi Michael S. Jay
Rose Valentine, JCC President
VIEW THE MAY/JUNE BULLETIN
with this link
E-mail Editor: Rose Valentine
rvalen
1963@aol.com
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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4/28 - 5/5
Saturday
Havdallah at 8:45 PM
Final Winter Movie 9:00 PM:
"Young Frankenstein"
Friday 5/5
Community Interfaith Shabbat
8:00 PM
See JCC Calendar:
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SHABBAT SHALOM
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7:30 PM
(So. Ocean County NJ)
JOIN US FOR SERVICES
Rabbi's Talk:
"A Kinder Gentler We"
Torah Study
9:00 AM
Services
II Kings 7:3 - 7:20
Here is the Haftorah:
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 April 28, 2017
Fred Gottesman
Ada Heller
Fanny Kelsen
Lazar Lebovitz
Phil Pepperman
George Rosner
Pearl Elefant
Jack Halpern
Batia Shatz
Tessie Weisel
Ann Bernstein
Libby Flumenbaum
Burton Greenblatt
Harold Kugel
Leon Schachter
Alfred Baker*
Ben Levenstein
Nathan Rubenstein*
Abraham Mizrahi
Rose Einhorn
Bernard Levine
Harry Papier
Gussie Treiber*
Nellie Callet*
Anna Gerber*
Blanche Zwillman
IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO ATTEND SERVICES ON FRIDAY NIGHT TO SAY KADDISH, PLEASE NOTIFY THE
OFFICE
* Yahrzeit Plaque - These names are lovingly enshrined on our synagogue memorial boards.
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CONGREGATION
NEWS
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SHARE YOUR NEWS
CONTACT:
CONDOLENCES TO
William MacLean
on the loss of his father
"May his memory be a blessing"
RABBI JAY
4/27/17
JANET COHEN
being honored at the
Adath Israel Women's League Torah Fund
Campaign Dinner on behalf of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America
Sunday April 30 at 3 pm Adath Israel Congregation in Lawrenceville, NJ
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, Joy Kern, if you are in need of assistance or if you know of a JCC member that needs our help.
609- 978-3669
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KIDDISHES
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Contact Lynn Berkowitz
or Rose Valentine
for information about
sponsoring a Kiddish
609-709-3160
973-632-0913
SEE NEW DONATION & MENU
Sponsorship includes:
*Printed acknowledgement on the food table, in
the Shabbat Reminder email and in the Shabbat program
*Verbal, public acknowledgement from the bimah during services.
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SISTERHOOD STUFF
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SISTERHOOD'S
SHOEBOX RECYCLING
PROGRAM
FOR DETAILS, PLEASE CLICK:
2017 DUES
Your $36 Sisterhood Membership Dues
are now due. All checks should be sent to
Carole Nunberg
Kings Grant
2 Golf Club Way
Marlton, NJ 08053
We appreciate your support.
ONEG SHABBATS
Sisterhood is responsible for the Oneg Shabbats each Friday night. We could use your help in organizing each week. This is a special call to those who are in the area off season. Pick a week that you can help and let Jody Brusilow (
jrb53056@icloud.com) know so you can be placed on the schedule.
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GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
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MORRIS L. SHAPIRO ENDOWMENT FUND
All organizations should have a substantial endowment fund to ensure its continuation. Except for dire emergencies, the principal amounts in the fund cannot be used to run the organization. Interest earned from the account may be used. As previously announced, Herb and Selma Shapiro have created a JCC Endowment Fund to honor Herb's father. It will be known as "The Morris L. Shapiro Endowment Fund at the JCC of LBI " The Shapiros have generously pledged a total of $50,000 to fund this. While initially established by the Shapiros, anyone may contribute to this important fund.
Join Herb and Selma in helping 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.
Your gift to the fund can be sent to the JCC Office. Please mark your check accordingly.
AUDIO/VISUAL PROJECT
We are very excited about the decision of the Board of Directors to pursue the enhancement of the audio system for the JCC of LBI as well as the purchase of a projection system. This multi-phased project will allow us to become a venue for expanded programming and opens us up to many wonderful opportunities for future planning. Your gift large or small is much appreciated. Please send your contribution to the JCC office: 2411 Long Beach Blvd., Spray Beach, NJ 08008 and note on the memo line A/V Project.
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: BADGES
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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 AD JOURNAL FORM AD JOURNAL |
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