Jewish Community Center of Long Beach Island E-Letter
September 9, 2022
13 Elul 5782
|
|
|
COUNTDOWN TO THE HIGH HOLIDAYS
THREE WEEKS TO GO!!!!!!!!
|
|
SPEND THE HIGH HOLIDAYS
HERE AT THE JCC OF LBI
CLICK BELOW FOR THE HOLIDAY CALENDAR AND ORDER FORMS FOR TICKETS, BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE AND HOLIDAY GREETINGS
|
|
YOU CAN NOW REGISTER AND PAY FOR YOUR HIGH HOLIDAY SEAT/ZOOM HOOKUP ON LINE!!!
YOU CAN ALSO INCLUDE YOUR NAMES FOR THE BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE AND YOUR HOLIDAY GREETINGS TO THE CONGREGATION ON THIS FORM . IT IS A SIMPLE AND CONVENIENT PROCESS WITH THE NEW INTERACTIVE FORM BELOW
|
|
WE ARE ADDING A FAMILY PACKAGE THIS YEAR
IN THE SOCIAL HALL
2 TICKETS FOR PARENTS ($100 EACH)
SEATS FOR ALL CHILDREN UNDER
BAR MITZVAH AGE (ADDITIONAL $50)
TOTAL: $250
*ALL CHILDREN WHO HAVE BEEN BAR MITZVAH
ARE AN ADDITIONAL $100 EACH.
|
|
You can hear the sound of the shofar every morning (but Shabbat) during the month of Elul. It is sounded at the end of the Shacharit Service between 8:45 - 9:00 (Sunday morning between 9:45 - 10:00)
|
|
 |
A TORAH MESSAGE FROM
THE RABBI
The Importance of Insignificance
If a bird’s nest happens to be before you on the road…and the mother is roosting on the young birds or on the eggs…. You shall surely send away the mother and take the young for yourself, so that it will be good for you and you will prolong your days. Deuteronomy 22:6-7.
It seems straightforward enough. One must protect the mother bird from being a horrified witness to the kidnapping of her own children; we must shield her from pain. Through it we learn that ethical behavior extends to all of our actions. Even to those actions which seem insignificant in our human-centered world.
But, I believe there is a deeper meaning. Upon closer examination it would appear that the insertion of this Torah law here, when it will be read during the month of Elul, is not by chance. Indeed, the Text expresses the essence of our task in the month of Elul. These 29 days represent a time during which we reflect on the past year. Our tradition beseeches us to review our actions, to examine our relationships, and to fully assess ourselves. We do this in order to try to improve ourselves, but also so that God will look upon us favorably at the time of judging us during the Yamim Noraim, the Days of Awe (The High Holy Days).
In a wonderfully subtle way the two verses cited above provide us with a basic starting point from which we can springboard to accomplish our self-assessment. We are being taught that we need to recognize that every action we take, no matter how seemingly trivial, has an impact on others around us. We might be inclined to see the act of taking an egg from a nest as merely an attempt to feed ourselves. We are hungry. We see an egg. We take it. It is simple. However, this piece of Torah is reminding us that nothing is simple. If we take that egg, we may well ultimately satisfy our hunger, but we are also taking something hugely precious to the mother bird.
We are being taught that it would be improper to think or say, “It’s only a bird.” Instead we must question how our actions will affect those around us, even a bird. If we must worry about the impact of our actions upon a bird, how much more so must we worry about the effect of our actions upon the people around us?
The lesson to be learned is that any action we take, no matter how seemingly insignificant it may seem, has far reaching, and often unconsidered, consequences. The Torah is imploring us to recognize that before we do something, we should consider not only the initial impact of that action, but the secondary and tertiary effects as well. We are required to take note of the bigger picture. The mother bird is not just a bird. Rather, she also represents all of humanity and the world in which we live.
As if to highlight the connection between Parashat Ki Tetze and Elul, verse 7 ends by telling us that if we act as described, we will “prolong” our days. This hints at our ultimate goal during the Yamim Noraim. Our introspective reflection during Elul is intended to prepare us for God’s ultimate review of us during the High Holy Days. The message in the Text is that if we are mindful of our actions and how they impact those around us (all of those around us), we stand a better chance of being in God’s good graces and therefore have a greater possibility of finding ourselves with a positive judgment and looking forward to a happy and healthy New Year.
The mother bird, or the chick, or the egg, or the nest, may seem insignificant, but how we treat them is most definitely not. Acting with kindness and justice toward others, improves our lives and provides a model for how to make the world a better place.
Shabbat Shalom – Rabbi Michael S. Jay
|
|
|
|
Candle Lighting time
Friday evening
September 9, 2022
6:57 pm
(So. Ocean County)
JOIN US FOR
SERVICES
|
Friday night
September 9, 2022
6:00 PM
ON ZOOM ONLY
Talk given by Rose Valentine on the meaning of "The Three Gates"
Artwork in the Social Hall
Here is
your invitation from
Rabbi Jay to join
Zoom services
Saturday Morning
September 10, 2022
9:00 AM
ON ZOOM ONLY
Here is
your invitation from
Rabbi Jay to join
Zoom services
Torah Reading:
Parashat Ki Teitzei
Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19
Here is the Reading
Ki Teitzei (“When You Go Out”) contains numerous laws, more than appear in any other Torah portion. These include laws about the treatment of a captive woman, returning lost objects, forbidden mixtures, the erection of a rooftop fence, rape, collateral, and workers’ wages.
|
Haftorah
Isaiah 54:1-10
Here is the Haftorah
Stu Lehrer will be chanting the Haftorah and giving a D'var Torah
|
Havdallah
NO HAVDALLAH
THIS WEEK
Here is
your invitation from
Rabbi Jay to
join Zoom services:
Here is
your invitation from
Rabbi Jay to
join Zoom services:
Sunday - Thursday
Ma'ariv Service
7:30 PM
Here is
your invitation from
Rabbi Jay to
join Zoom services:
Monday- Friday
Shacharit Service
8:15 AM
Sunday at 9:00 AM
Here is
your invitation from
Rabbi Jay to
join Zoom services:
|
|
|
|
JEWELS OF ELUL
During the 29 days leading up to the Jewish Holy Days, the tradition is to search our hearts and create opportunities for growth and discovery. Jewels of Elul is a collection of short inspirational insights from both well-known and under-the-radar personalities who influence our global community. Whether in song, video or written word, Jewels provide a moment to reflect on our past, present and future.
Here is a sample of a Jewel from Mark Wilf. Mark and his wife Jane were one of the MetroWest Federation members who came down with mops and brooms to help clean up with the JCC of LBI property after
Hurricane Sandy.
|
|
|
Elul 9 ~ Mighty Shoulders ~ Mark Wilf
My parents had mighty shoulders. Their greatest strength was their remarkable courage. Elizabeth (Suzie) and Joseph Wilf z’’l, pushed with determined spirits and a commitment to life against Polish antisemitism. Holocaust survivors, they came to America and, like so many of their generation, started again. It is more than any of us can imagine, more than I can imagine and yet it was only one generation ago. I stand in awe of them.
Tikkun Olam was not a slogan for Suzie and Joseph Wilf, it was their north star. The birth of the modern state of Israel made their dream come true. My commitment to the State of Israel is a sacred link to their ideals and hopes, now the hopes of our family.
While I admit I also dream of a Minnesota Vikings Super Bowl win, my heart overflows with gratitude that I had the opportunity to participate in activities such as Super Sunday fundraising events. That’s the place my own values and visions were shaped and where my commitment to taking care of the other is rooted.
I still hold their hand tightly when I walk in the room to raise funds even today. Welcoming Russian immigrants in my community was what defined a win in my parents’ home. They placed in my arms the deep understanding that doing what is right is everything. Living up to their charge is how I best honor their memory. Our children know their story.
Modeling their commitment to community is how I know they will do the same, please G-D. Handing this legacy from one generation to the next and the next is the holiest work my wife Jane and I can do in this world.
Mark Wilf is the owner/president of the Minnesota Vikings and Chair of the Jewish Agency for Israel Board of Governors. www.gardenhomes.com
|
|
FRIDAY, 9/9
10:00 AM
Come Blow Your Horn
with Marlene Herman
TUESDAY 9/13
Preparing for the High Holy Days with Rabbi Jay
10:00 AM
“This Is Real And You Are Completely Unprepared” by Rabbi Alan Lew
WEDNESDAY 9/14
OPEN Mah jongg/Canasta
12:30 - 4:00 PM
WAX Book Club
4:00 PM
|
|
following Ma'ariv
7:45 PM
Studying the weekly portions
with Rabbi Jay based on the book
"Judaism’s Life-Changing Ideas"
by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
THURSDAY 9/15
11:00 AM Torah Study with the Rabbi
2:00 PM Beginning Hebrew with Ira
PJP 8-Part Zoom Series
Part I
8:30 PM
You must register to receive a link
609-492-4090
HERE ARE THE LINKS:
|
|
|
September 14
WAX Book Discussion
September 15
PJP 8-Part Zoom Series
Part I
.
|
|
|
|
October 6
PJP 8-Part Zoom Series
Part II
October 9
18 Mile Run
October 19
Boscov"s
Friends Helping Friends
|
|
|
|
HERE IS THE FORM FOR YOU TO PRINT, FILL OUT
AND SEND IN WITH YOUR CHECK
|
|
OR
YOU CAN NOW FILL OUT THE INFORMATION ON LINE FOR YOUR PAVER AND MAKE YOUR PAYMENT AS WELL
|
|
The JCC will once again be participating in the PNJ Consortium. An exciting 8-part series is being made available to our congregation. Please call the office if you want to register. 609-492-4090 |
|
First program - Thursday, September 15 @ 8:30 pm
Gary Rendsburg, Distinguished Professor of Jewish Studies and History, Blanche and Irving Laurie Chair in Jewish History, Rutgers University
“In Search of Ancient Israel: Historical Roots of the Biblical Narrative”
A century and a half of archaeological exploration in Egypt and Israel has revealed more and more information about the origins of ancient Israel. Key elements include: the word ‘Israel’ inscribed on the Merneptah Stele (c. 1210 B.C.E.); an Egyptian papyrus which refers to nomads from southern Canaan settling in the city of Pithom to escape famine in their land; small settlements in the central hill country of Canaan with a striking lack of pig bones; and much more. Join us as Professor Rendsburg weaves all of this documentation together, along with the relevant Biblical texts, in an effort to reconstruct earliest Israel in the historical and archaeological record.
Gary A. Rendsburg serves as the Blanche and Irving Laurie Chair in Jewish History and holds the rank of Distinguished Professor in the Department of Jewish Studies at Rutgers University, New Jersey, U.S.A. His teaching and research focus on ‘all things ancient Israel’ – primarily language and literature, though also history and archaeology. His secondary interests include ancient Egypt, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the Hebrew manuscript tradition. Prof. Rendsburg is the author of seven books and about 200 articles. His most recent book is How the Bible Is Written (Hendrickson, 2019), with particular attention to the use of language to create literature. In addition, he has produced two series for the Great Courses program, one on ‘The Book of Genesis’ and one on ‘The Dead Sea Scrolls’.
|
|
JCC WOMENS AUXILIARY: BOOK GROUP DISCUSSION
WEDNESDAYS AT 4:00 PM
|
|
Last week's Book Review was - as predicted - so much fun with the author, Maggie Anton, giving us insight into how she researched Book I of Rav Hisda's Daughter and the inside scoop about the Jewish women of Babylonia. Maggie will be joining us in September when we discuss Book II of this series.
SEPTEMBER BOOK:
Wednesday, September 14 at 4:00 PM
Rav Hisda’s Daughter Book II Enchantress: By Maggie Anton
Fantastic tales of demons and the Evil Eye, magical incantations, and powerful attractions abound in Enchantress, a novel that weaves together Talmudic lore, ancient Jewish magic, and a timeless love story set in fourth-century Babylonia. One of the most powerful practitioners of these mysterious arts is Rav Hisda’s daughter, whose innate awareness allows her to possess the skills men lack. With her husband, Rava--whose arcane knowledge of the secret Torah enables him to create a “man” out of earth--the two brave an evil sorceress, Ashmedai the Demon King, and the Angel of Death in their quest to safeguard their people, even while putting their romance at risk.
A Zoom link will be sent shortly before the event.
|
|
|
The following names will be read by the Rabbi on Friday evening
Richard Deutsch
Seymour Fruchterman*
William Meisler
Max Ungar
Charles Alexander
Zachary Lieberman
Regina Kalmuk Millstein*
Milton Schiff
Felice Stein
Bessie Steinberg
Jack Streich
Doris Block
David Gaulton
Klara Newman*
Mary Pokras
Harriett Kravetz
Lizette Harnick Miller
Raymond Berman
Naomi Chilton
Stephen Gubar*
Richard Kaplan
Walter Karp
Michael Kolb
Clara Robinson
Israel Segal
Gertrude Lebovitz
Solomon Opatosky
Henry Pacharz*
Dora Price
Vivian Sherman
Goldie Levine
Morris Shapiro
*Memorial plaque will be lit this week.
In this Zoom era, we have been able to have a daily minyan at 8:15 AM and at 7:30 PM and on Shabbat. We encourage you to join us on the day of your loved one’s yahrzeit. In the morning, the service is about ½ hour beginning at 8:15 and in the evening at 7:30 until about 7:45. Rabbi will be glad to say the traditional El Malei Rachamim prayer for you, which is recited during the funeral, going up to the grave of the departed, Yizkor remembrance day and other occasions on which the memory of the dead is recalled. You are also welcome to share with the minyan some special memories of your loved one.
|
|
|
|
Elaine Sussman
September 10
George Karp
September 11
Julie Lippmann
September 11
Alyssa Sablosky
September 11
Steven Ross
September 12
Bradley Evan Stein
September 12
Janet Barrish
September 13
Ellen Konwiser
September 13
Carol Katz Sicheri
September 13
Donald Paris
September 15
Marcia Babbitt Gonsalves
September 16
|
Nathan & Karen Fink
September 10
44th Anniversary
Mark & Lisa Schlossman
September 11
40th Anniversary
Ira & Lois Fox
September 12
40th Anniversary
Lewis & Faye Deutsch
September 13
58th Anniversary
Ken & Karen Foreman
September 16
33rd Anniversary
|
Mazal tov to JCC Member
LISA HOROWTZ
on her marriage to Adam Spector this Sunday in Annapolis, MD.
Rabbi Jay is officiating the ceremony for his sister-in-law. Mazal tov to Lisa's sister, Sheri Horowitz Jay, brother David Horowitz and mother, Sylvia Horowitz, all members of the JCC.
|
|
|
|
SHARE YOUR NEWS
AND PICTURES
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,
Debby Schweighardt
if you are in need of assistance or if you know of a JCC member that needs our help. 973-634-5349
|
|
YOU CAN NOW FILL OUT A GIVING FORM AND PAY ON LINE IN ONE SIMPLE PROCESS.
|
|
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
PAVERS
Inscribe a paver at the front entrance to the building
8" X 4", 8" X 8" and 12" X 12"
SEE UPDATED ORDER FORM:
Become a permanent part of the JCC landscape.
Purchase a personalized paving stone
in honor of your family or in memory of a loved one.
Please contact Diane Hoffman
with your order or with any questions:
PRAYER BOOKS
There are still High Holiday Prayer Books and Chumashim available to be purchased in memory or honor of someone or something. The cost of a Prayer Book is $72 each and $120 for an Eitz Hayim Chumash. The donation includes an affirmation sticker in the book and an acknowledgement letter or letters.
TRIBUTES
SEND ONE OF OUR TRIBUTES IN HONOR OR IN MEMORY OF
TREE OF LIFE
Add a leaf (leaves) to our beautiful Tree of Life located in the Social Hall. See the order form here: TREE OF LIFE
Bronze Leaf $90
Silver Leaf $126
Gold :Leaf $180
ENDOWMENT FUND
Herb and Selma z”l Shapiro established the first individual Endowment Fund in memory of his father, as part of the JCC’s Endowment Fund portfolio.
Since then, three additional individual Endowment Funds have been established. Other members are encouraged to also provide for the future of our JCC by establishing similar funds. Please consider adding to this number.
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 named funds will be joined together to be part of the Endowment Fund portfolio.
Endowment funds are necessary to ensure the continuation and well being of our congregation. All members are encouraged to help this important effort by contributing to this portfolio, whether as a specific named individual fund, or as a general donation. The donation can be spread over one, two, or three years, and can be paid via check, donation of appreciated stock, wills, or from the RMD of your IRA or 401K account. 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:
KOL HAKAVOD
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
|
|
2022 MEMBERSHIP FORMS
Your support is so important to the continued success of the JCC.
Here is form for renewal:
And if you have been reading our Shabbat Reminder and other communications and have not yet joined our congregation, here is the new member form:
To pay on line
Fill in your information and then
go to Donation Details - then
Other and type in 2022 Membership
|
|
JCC FUNDS
Your gift to the JCC supports our Clergy, our Congregation and the Community.
ENDOWMENT FUND
This fund was established to assure the continuity of our JCC, and our ability to continue providing a full-service congregation to serve the Jewish people of the area. While a donation of any amount is encouraged, a donation of at least $50,000 allows the donor to name a special or specific Endowment Fund in memory or honor of a specific person event, or family.
GENERAL FUND
Donations to this fund are not earmarked but placed in the general administrative account. Donations to this fund can be in honor or memory of a person, event, or family.
KOL HAKAVOD FUND
Donations to this campaign supplement the clergy needs of our congregation.
RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
This fund, managed by the rabbi, allows donors to enable the rabbi to do the work of tzedakah in response to the needs of individuals, organizations and the community.
ZENA & JERRY JAY KIDDISH FUND
The Zena and Jerry Jay Kiddush Fund was established in memory of Rabbi Jay's parents to help provide funds for our Saturday morning kiddushes.
|
|
|
JCC LEADERSHIP
OFFICERS
President- Phil Rosenzweig
Vice President-Sherry Fruchterman
Vice President-Diane Hoffman
Vice President- Rose Valentine
Treasurer- Ira Morgenthal
Secretary- Cliff Denker
Immediate Past President -Michael Babst
BOARD MEMBERS
Howard Babbitt *
Diane Buskirk*
Mitch Frumkin*
|
|
|
|
Jon Geier
Paul Levine
Donald Pripstein
Terri Robinovitz*
David Shatz
Rob Van Naarden
WOMEN'S AUXILIARY
President - Diane Buskirk
Co-Vice President - Noralyn Carroll
Co-Vice President - Jill Denker
Treasurer - Suzy Geier
Secretary - Joanne Babbitt
Immediate Past President - Irene Babst
|
|
|
|
|
JCC INFORMATION
THE JCC OF LBI IS LOCATED AT
2411 Long Beach Boulevard
(24th Street)
Spray Beach, NJ 08008
Telephone: 609-492-4090 FAX: 609-492-7550
THE OFFICE IS OPEN
TUESDAY - FRIDAY
FROM 10 - 2
|
Staff:
Leslie Dinkfelt, Office Manager
Mary Beth Krieger
Diane Parzych
Susan Berube, Kitchen Manager
|
|
|
|
LATEST
BULLETIN:
PRAYER BOOK:
WEB SITE:
PAVERS:
TREE OF LIFE
YAHRZEIT PLAQUE FORM:
KOL HAKAVOD DONATION FORM
TRIBUTES:
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Rabbi Michael S. Jay
Phil Rosenzweig, President
E-mail Editor: Rose Valentine
Graphics by
Irene Babst
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
