Here is the eulogy delivered by Rabbi Jay. We all can see a little bit of our own mothers in this.
Words for our Mom, Zena Jay
Michael S. Jay - 12/10/2017
She's our mom. Always was; always will be.
Me? I was always her favorite number 3.
To be clear, she also had a favorite number 1, 2, and 4.
A ready made Dr. Seuss book.
In a house of raging testosterone, she taught the gentle touch.
Don't get me wrong. She was no pushover.....She was not to be messed with; her nail digging pinch made you sorry when you did something wrong.
But she was loving and caring and nurturing.
If you were hurting inside or out, it was she who could ease your pain.
She could laugh and cry with the best of them.
Her house, a house of 4 sweating, smelly, messy, screaming, spitting, scratching, punching, secretion emanating boys was always spotless.
Mr. Clean came to her for advice. No stain, speck of dirt, dirty underwear, or dust bunny was safe around her.
If she saw any of these things she became the terminator. "I'll be Bahhhhhk."
Her weapons of choice? A sponge, a vacuum, a buffer, a broom, a mop.
She had a set of lungs on her, which meant she could scream with the best of them; But it also meant that she had a voice like a nightingale. She didn't sing enough, when you have such a beautiful voice, you never sing enough. But boy, when she did, how wonderful it made you feel.
And she was smart. So smart. She was a wordsmith; a scrabble warrior. And she liked winning. Over the last year when we played gin, she usually won and with each victory she smiled confidently as if to say; "Mikey, did you really think you had a chance?"
With 5 hungry mouths to feed, the kitchen was always open; Even after she firmly pronounced "The Kitchen Is closed", she always went back in to sate a hungry stomach.
And could she cook?! Lamb Stew, Steaks, Hot-Fleisch Chow Mein, orange chicken, Chicago chicken, cornflake crumb chicken, Chicken soup and Matzah Balls; And the smell of the house on the Holidays and the boiled chicken waiting to be consumed when we got home from college for Rosh Hashannah or Pesach. And the care packages out the door as we journeyed from Monsey.
And was she a Grandmother? Her Grandchildren loved nothing more than to be with her, or talk with her on the phone. And the smile she had when she saw them made them know that they were all that mattered.
Maybe most importantly, she always stood by her man. Oy did she love my dad. I had the blessing of spending this past Wednesday with mom and dad. We had our usual lunch...Pizza. (Mom loved pizza) And schlepped to Lowes. I drove and parked in front as dad went in to get a light bulb. And we were sitting listening to the radio the President was announcing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Mom said she liked it, but was concerned. Anyway...we were waiting and waiting and suddenly mom says to me...."Who is that handsome man over there?" I looked up and it was my dad walking over to the car. And she smiled and was so happy when he got in the car. Happy just to be with her man, her best friend.
She cared for us, gave us advice, made sure we were okay. Laughed with us, cried with us. She knew when to hug, when to hold, and when to scold. She knew when a hand hold was just enough.
Ma, I don't know where you got the strength to give so much love.
She is our mom. Always was; always will be.
May God watch over you and bless you, with gentleness and with love. As you blessed us. Rest in peace. Amen
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!
From the Rabbi -
Folks:
I am attaching 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 the tour company (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
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 (mjayrab@gmail.com).
He is also available by appointment.
KOL HAKAVOD CAMPAIGN
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
THE WEEK THAT WAS...
Representatives of the JCC of LBI visited SOMC with Chanukah goodies and holiday songs for the patients.
Here is the JCC "choir" at the annual lighting of the Menorah at the hospital.
Photo by Marty Hochman
WINTER OFFICE HOURS
Beginning January 2, the JCC Office will be open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 - 1:30.
FOR LAST MINUTE CHANUKAH GIFTS
VISIT THE JCC GIFT SHOP DURING OFFICE HOURS
COMING HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
Bringing Holiday Cheer to SOMC
as we deliver poinsettias to the patients.
Christmas Day 10:00 AM
Meet at the hospital lobby
MEN'S CLUB MEETING
NEXT MEN'S CLUB MEETING
Sunday, December 17
Election of Officers
Minyan 9:00 AM followed by breakfast and meeting
LET'S PLAY DREIDEL
The Hebrew word for dreidel is sevivon, which, as in Yiddish, means "to turn around." s have four Hebrew letters on them, and they stand for the saying, Nes gadol haya sham, meaning A great miracle occurred there. In Israel, instead of the fourth letter shin, there is a peh, which means the saying is Nes gadol haya po - A great miracle occurred here.
Playing with the dreidel is a traditional Hanukkah game played in Jewish homes all over the world, and rules may vary. Here's how to play the basic dreidel game:
1. Any number of people can take part.
2. Each player begins the game with an equal number of game pieces (about 10-15) such as pennies, nuts, chocolate chips, raisins, matchsticks, etc.
3. At the beginning of each round, every participant puts one game piece into the center "pot." In addition, every time the pot is empty or has only one game piece left, every player should put one in the pot.
4. Every time it's your turn, spin the dreidel once. Depending on the side it lands on, you give or get game pieces from the pot.
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
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
MAH JONGG & LUNCH
FROM MARIANNE CLEMENTE
We will be having our December Holiday luncheon on Tuesday, December 19 at 11:30 AM at Brazzi's on Route 72. Again, here's the details:
Tuesday - December 19, 2017
11:30 a.m.
Brazzi Wood Fired Trattoria, 601 Route 72 (heading East in the Harborside Plaza)
We will order off the menu and get separate checks.
As usual, I will collect an extra $1.00 from each of you as an extra tip for the waitresses. Also note that the way Brazzi's set up for us is that they'll reserve the tables of four for us to play, and then we'll all sit together to have lunch about an hour in to our playing. It's really very pleasant and they are very accommodating.
Please RSVP only if you are attending. It is important that you let me know you are attending so I can give Brazzi's a headcount. As always, I can be reached by a reply to this email or my phone number is 212-249-6292.
Also, if you would like to be removed from this list, please get back to me either by email or phone (212-249-6292).
Thanks and have a great day!
Marianne
YOU CAN HELP
VOLUNTEER at
Interfaith Health & Support Services of Southern Ocean County, Inc. in Manahawkin.
a coalition of different faith communities, social service, and health care organizations
that provides volunteer physical, emotional and spiritual support to those living at home who are vulnerable because of age or disability.
Here is a list of various volunteer opportunities at Interfaith: INTERFAITH
Interfaith is collecting old cell phones, glasses, hearing aids and used stamps on envelopes. We will have a box at the JCC for any donations.
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.
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.
MISHABERACH LIST
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.
YAHRZEITS
FOR NEXT WEEK
These names will be read at services on December 15, 2017
Joseph Blumenthal*
Herman Glassman*
Arnold Schwartz
Marcia Yankowitz
Shari Zalkind*
Nathan Shapiro
Joseph Valentine*
Seymour Abend
Carl M. Cole
Michael Kaplan
Jacqueline Mogil
Lorraine Liebowitz
Reba Papier
Sidney Fisch
Mark Goldman
Irving Butler
Mendel Fischer
Henry Gondelman
Charles Moss
Wynne Davis
Ethel Snyder*
Louis Bass*
* Yahrzeit Plaque - These names are lovingly enshrined on our synagogue memorial boards.
UPCOMING SHABBAT ACTIVITIES
We are planning special Shabbats in the months to come.
Friday, December 15:
Sisterhood Chanukah 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
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.
YAHRZEIT PLAQUES
Space is available for memorial plaques on the yahrzeit boards in the Sanctuary. Here is the order form:
Please contact the JCC Office (609-492-4090) if you would like to place an ad in the Bulletin
TD AFFINITY PROGRAM
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.
NAME BADGES
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
TEXT BLAST SIGN UP
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.