JCC the Place to Be The Jewish Community Center of LBI 

E-Letter





December 23, 2016
23 Kislev 5777




Dear Members & Friends,

This year, the first night of Chanukah coincides with Christmas eve.  This has only the 33rd time this has happened since 1900. 

Many of us have family members who celebrate Christmas, some who enjoy the festivities of both.  So often we dwell on the differences in the holidays.  This year gives us pause to reflect on the similarities.  Both occur in December, the events of centuries ago are retold (the birth of Jesus and the story of the Macabees}, lights are a central part of the holiday (Jews light candles, Christians light up evergreen trees), gifts are exchanged and special foods are served.  But most important of all, it is a time for families and friends to be together! 

This year, Rudy and I will be lighting the Chanukah candles for the 2nd night of the holiday on Sunday night with some of our family as they celebrate Christmas in their home.  I am looking forward to this special experience where we can share the festivities.  

I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday.

Rose Valentine
President, JCC of LBI
Contents
A Message from the Rabbi
Kol Hakavod
The Week That Was...
Thank You
Upcoming Activities
Community Activities
Giving Opportunities
Name Badges
This Week's Events
Shabbat Information
Yahrzeits
Mi Shaberach List
Congregation News
Onegs & Kiddishes
Men's Club News
Sisterhood Stuff
Acme Stamps
TD Affinity Program
Text Blast Sign Up
Bulletin Ads
Documents & Links
A HOLIDAY MESSAGE FROM THE RABBI
 
There is a well-known discussion in the Talmud (at least it is well known in Rabbinic circles) in which the Rabbis ponder why we light the Menorah in the fashion that we do.  Why do we light one candle the first night and two candles the second night, and so on, and so on?  For a full explanation of the discussion, email or call me and I would love spend time learning together.
 
In short, we light the menorah in accordance with the ruling of Hillel our great sage who lived between 110 BCE and 10 CE. Most of us probably know the name Hillel.  If not for the houses that bear his name on college campuses, then we know Hillel for one of his famed aphorisms. It is Hillel who said: "That which is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. That is the whole Torah; the rest is explanation; now go and study."
 
The main reason given by the school of Hillel, for why we light the Menorah in ascending order, is essentially that we should increase in matters of sanctity, and not reduce. Miracles should grow, not shrink. Hillel's point would appear to be that by increasing the candles we increase the glow.  The brighter the glow, the more the miracle is extolled.  Another way to look at it is that if the candles represent an acknowledgement of God's miracles, then by adding a candle each night, we are metaphorically increasing those miracles.
 
One candle is surely enough to blot out darkness, but we make the nights increasingly magnificent when we add candles.
 
However, there is also another way to look at this.  If each candle represents a mitzvah, then each night, when we add a candle, we are increasing the mitzvoth we do.  So with each successive night, our mitzvoth grow.  Each time we do a Mitzvah, we are making the world a better place.  When we compound those mitzvoth, our ability to repair the world gets stronger. 
 
We might not see this ability to make the world better with just one candle.  We might not be able to see it with just two candles.  But by the time we get to eight candles, it is clear that there is power in what we do. By adding candles incrementally, we are showing that we don't have to do everything at once.
 
If we multiply those candles by the number of menorahs that are lit in our homes, and that are lit in our towns, and that are lit in our country, and that are lit in the world.  The power for good change becomes immeasurable.
 
May each candle that is lit this year represent a mitzvah yet to be performed, and may the sum of those mitzvoth be a brighter, safer, and more enlightened world.  Amen.
 
Shabbat Shalom and Chag Urim Sameach - Rabbi Michael S. Jay
 

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...

MAZEL TOV to the MEN'S CLUB who held their first activity last Sunday.  Everyone had a great time bowling together at the Thunderbird Lanes in Manahawkin.  Thank you to Ira Morganthal for putting it all together and to Sisterhood for treating our Religious School students to a fun afternoon.

Bowling

Special recognition goes to Rabbi Jay who bowled a 193!

 


Here is our Junior All-Star Bowling Team:

Mike Gatto

Abigail Krill
 
Emilie Krill

THANK YOUS

Thank you to Ina Morganthal, Ira Morganthal, Rona Stein and Jody Brusilow for helping to get the Membership Renewal mailing ready to be sent out to you.
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES




MOVIE SCHEDULE FOR THE WINTER

Saturday Nites 7:00 PM
Havdallah 6:45 PM

January 7 "Fiddler on the Roof"
January 21 "Schindler's List"
February 4 "Blazing Saddles"
February 18 "Yentl"
March 4 "Crossing Delancey Street"
March 18 "West Side Story"
April 1 "The Producers"
April 15 "Sound of Music"
April 29 "Young Frankenstein"


COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

JCC Members Helen Gross and Joanne Ramer are putting together a Chanukah Party at the Holiday Inn on Rt. 72 in Manahawkin on Tuesday Dec.27th at 3:30 pm..There will be wine and latkes.The price is under $25.00 per person...Please call Helen asap....609 607 0005 .
 
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES

STOCK DONATIONS
T here is still time to make a Stock Donation to the JCC of LBI in 2016. Two ways to save on your taxes- If you donate a stock that has appreciated, you don't pay a capital gains tax on the increase in value, and of course you claim the donation as a charitable contribution. In this manner you help the JCC with your stock donation, and help yourself.

Your stock broker knows how to do this and the JCC can be of assistance. It's easy, and a good way to help the JCC stay healthy f inancially.

HIGH HOLIDAY APPEAL
Your gift to the 5777 High Holiday Appeal is vital to the operation of the JCC of LBI.  We depend on your generous support. 

You should have received an Appeal letter a few weeks ago. Please take a few minutes to reflect on how your contribution can make a difference and return your card and appeal donation in the envelope provided.  If you can't find the card, that's okay - you can send your appeal contribution to the office (2411 Long Beach Blvd., Spray Beach, NJ 08008) noting that it is for the High Holiday Appeal Campaign.


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. 

  YAHRZEIT PLAQUES
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 
Here is the Paver Form: 

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:  BADGES

 
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

web site: www.jccoflbi.org  
  
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.

Leslie, Marcie and Jeri

 
CONTACT INFORMATION:
  
Rabbi Michael S. Jay

Rose Valentine, JCC President
rvalen1963@aol.com




  VIEW THE DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY BULLETIN
with this link

 

E-mail Editor: Rose Valentine rvalen
1963@aol.com



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or click on this link  FACEBOOK
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THIS WEEK'S EVENTS
12/23 - 12/30

Friday 12/23
6:30 PM
Chanukah Dinner

Saturday
FIRST NIGHT OF CHANUKAH

Sunday
10:00 AM
meet at the hospital lobby
Christmas Visit with patients at SOMC


SHABBAT SHALOM

Shabbat

Candle Lighting Time
Friday
December 23, 2016
4:19 PM
(So. Ocean County NJ)

JOIN US FOR SERVICES

Friday, December 23, 2016
8:00 PM

Rabbi's Sermon:
 "All You Need Is Love"


Saturday, December 24, 2016
Torah Study
9:00 AM 
Services
10:00 AM

Torah Reading
  
Vayeshev
(Genesis 37:1 - 40:23) 
Here is the portion:

Haftorah 
Amos 2:6 - 3:8
Here is the
HAFTORAH

Torah Readers:
Aaron Lombardi
Rabbi Jay



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.


CHANUKAH CANDLE LIGHTING



One candle is added to the menorah each night. The first night, you light only the shammus (the one at a different height) and one Chanukkah candle. By the eighth night, you light all of the candles.
Candles should be added to the menorah from right to left (like Hebrew writing).  The shammus candle is lit first. 
While 
holding the shammus candle, recite the following blessings. They are usually sung.  Do not light the other candles until the blessings are done!

Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam
Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe 

asher kidishanu b'mitz'votav v'tzivanu
Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us 

l'had'lik neir shel Chanukah. (Amein)
to light the lights of Chanukkah. (Amen)

BLESSING FOR THE 
CHANUKAH MIRACLE
Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam
Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe 

she'asah nisim la'avoteinu bayamim haheim baziman hazeh. (Amein)
Who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days at this time 

SHEHECHEYANU
 (Who Has Kept Us Alive)
This blessing is recited only on the first night of Chanukah.

Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam
Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe 

shehecheyanu v'kiyimanu v'higi'anu laz'man hazeh. (Amein)
who has kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season (Amen) 

Candles should be left burning until they go out on their own. They must burn for more than half an hour. Standard Chanukah candles burn for about an hour.

YAHRZEITS
FOR NEXT WEEK

These names will be read at services on December 23, 2016

Albert Goldberg*
Emil Goldstein*
Helen Eisen
Ray Farin
Jack Newman*
John Patrician
M. Charles Ross
Saul Hurwitz
Leanore S. Klein
Jerome Odenheimer
Stella Pervin*
Philip Schleifer
Samuel Tucker
Rachel Cherins
Sol Grossman
Joseph Blumenthal*
Herman Glassman*
Arnold Schwartz*
Marcia Yankowitz
Shari Zalkind*
Carl M. Cole
Nathan Shapiro
Joseph Valentine*
Seymour Abend
Michael Kaplan
Lorraine Liebowitz
Jacqueline Mogil
Reba Papier
 
 
* Yahrzeit Plaque - These names are lovingly enshrined on our synagogue memorial boards.
MI SHABERACH LIST

 
The Mi Shaberach (prayer for the sick) list of names will be purged on Dec 31 and names for new list should be called or sent to Office.

CONGREGATION
NEWS

 
SHARE YOUR NEWS
 
     
  
Caring 
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 
 
   
KIDDISHES 

on Saturday morning

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.
 

MEN'S CLUB

Next Men's Club Meeting
Sunday, J anuary 15, 2016
9:30 - 11:00 AM
SISTERHOOD STUFF

SISTERHOOD GIFT SHOP CHANUKAH SALE

NOW 25% OFF SHOWCASE ITEMS
Visit the JCC Gift Shop during office hours to purchase your special Chanukah gifts
CANDLES AND LAST MINUTE GIFTS AVAILABLE

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.  

SHOE BOX RECYCLING

We are collecting gently worn, paired men's, women's and kids shoes that are still reusable and re-wearable (no ski boots, ice skates, roller blades, flip flops, crocs or bedroom slippers). Please bring them to the JCC during office hours.

"Let's clean up our closets and the environment by recycling our shoes."


ACME STAMPS

If you are on the Island and shop at Acme, but are not collecting the Farberware Saver Stamps, please collect them for the Mah-jongg Tournament. Drop them off at the JCC office and put in Karen Schwing's mailbox. We will use them to buy pots and pans for the gift table at the Mah-Jongg Tournament. Thanks for your help!

Karen Schwing and Stacey Vreeland, Mah-Jongg Tournament Co-Chairs

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.
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. 

ADS FOR JCC BULLETIN

Please contact the JCC Office (609-492-4090) if you would like to place an ad in the Bulletin
 

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