|
A MESSAGE FROM RABBI JAY
|
When I first spoke publicly about the unspeakable horror at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida last week, a horror that has directly impacted our congregation, I began by explaining that Ecclesiastes tells us that there is a "season for everything". But, I said, there is no season, and there is no appointed time, for a massacre of children, let alone in a space where they are supposed to be safe.
And I found myself looking up to the sky and shouting, "Really?! Really?!"
Don't get me wrong. I do not blame the Holy One for the acts of a soulless, hugely disturbed, teen bent on murder and destruction. However, I, and you, have the right to inquire about how this can happen in the world that God created. And, as far as I am concerned, the inquiry to God can be as angry and as forceful as the questions being hurled at our elected officials. How!? Why!? What!? Really!?
Many have said that prayers are not enough. My one request is that we do not use this as an excuse to not pray. Prayer will not make the pain, the agony, the reality, or the underlying problem go away. However, Prayer is important; Prayer is useful; Prayer helps to heal; and Prayer will help us to begin to address the myriad issues that trauma and loss force upon us. And the families and the people who have suffered real loss need us, and our prayers, now more than ever.
I will probably be writing more on this in the weeks to come. For now, let's take a look at this week's Torah portion.
As the Shabbat that immediately precedes Purim, this week is Shabbat Zachor. It has this name because we read a section of the Torah that tells us to "Zachor" (Remember) that Amalek attacked our ancestors from behind as the Israelites were departing Egypt. By attacking from the rear, the Amalekites found easy (and innocent) victims in the old, the women, and the children.
The connection to last week's tragedy cannot be ignored. The Amalekites' malfeasance is the equivalent of going into a school full of innocent children and doing what the Parkland murderer did. Remembering puts us in a position to take action to ensure it does not happen again.
The Torah portions of the last few weeks have an additional important lesson to teach. This week we read about the "Ner Tamid", the "Eternal Light" that illuminates the Sanctuary. This is the light of eternal good; it is the light of eternal memory. Last week we read about the seven-branched Menorah; two weeks before that we received the 10 commandments. The 7 branches plus the 10 Commandments equals 17, the number of souls lost last week.
Thus, our tradition helps us to remember those lost. However there is one additional connection worth revealing. It is a message to each of us. The Sixth Commandment says: "You shall not murder". It does not take much to expand the simple meaning of the Commandment and read it as follows: "You shall not permit a situation in which others can murder or be murdered". If we have the ability to prevent murder, but do not take steps to prevent it, it is as if we have committed that murder.
I do not pretend to know what really would have prevented the Parkland shooting. Is it better protection of our schools? Is it banning the sale of Assault weapons? Is it more intense screening of gun purchasers? Is it better mental health care? Is it increasing the age at which one can purchase a firearm? Is it repealing or changing the Second Amendment? Is it all of the above? Is it none of the above?
What I do know is that the status quo is unacceptable. Our tradition informs us that we must, at all times, be agents of positive change. We must be that eternal light that never, ever goes out. Yes, positive change is good. My one request as we struggle to make the world a better place is that we not forget to pray. Pray for health. Pray for strength. Pray for healing. Pray for wisdom. Pray for peace, pray for peace, and pray for peace again.
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]
|
|
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.
|
|
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
|
| WINTER OFFICE HOURS |
The JCC Office will be open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 - 1:30.
|
| MARCH MOVIE NITE |
 Saturday evening, March 18th at 6:30 PM showing "A Stranger Among Us" starring Melanie Griffith and directed by Sidney Lumet.
 When a brutal murderoccurs among the Hasidic Jewish community and looks like an inside job, tough New York cop, Emily Edith (Melanie Griffith), goes undercover as a Hasid to find the culprit.
|
| WOMEN'S SEDER |
|
CONGREGATION SHA'AREY HA-YAM
&
BETH AM SHALOM
MIRIAM'S SEDER
THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018
6 PM
BETH AM SHALOM
1235 NJ-70
LAKEWOOD, NJ 08701
CANTOR ARLYLNE UNGER WILL CONDUCT THE SEDER
Members and Extended Family
(Age 13 and above): $25.00 each
Adult Non-Members
(Age 13 and above): $30.00 each
Children Age 10-12: $15.00 each
Children under 10: Free
Deadline for reservations is March 7, 2018
Menu includes:
Glatt Kosher Chinese Buffet
Wine, Soda, Coffee or Tea
See attached for Reserations:
MIRIAM
|
|
| BE A VOLUNTEER |
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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:
|
|
|
|
| |
|
2/23 - 3/2
Wednesday
Pizza & Purim
6:00 PM
See JCC Calendar:
|
|
SHABBAT SHALOM
|
5:24 PM
(So. Ocean County NJ)
HERE IS A CALENDAR OF ALL CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES
ON LBI FOR 5778
SHABBAT ZACHOR
Shabbat Zachor ("Sabbath of Remembrance ) is the Shabbat immediately preceding Purim, describing the attack by Amalek
(Deuteronomy 25:17 - 19).
There is a tradition from the Talmud that Haman, the antagonist of the Purim story, was descended from Amalek
Friday, February 23, 2018
7:00 PM
Rabbi's Talk:
Explaining the meaning of
Saturday, February 24, 2018
Torah Study
9:00 AM
Services
10:00 AM
Tetaveh
(Exodus 27:20 - 30:10;
special maftir Deuteronomy 25:17 - 18)
Haftorah:
ISamuel 15:2 - 15:34
Here is the Haftorah:
Torah Leigners:
Rabbi Jay
Wednesday evening
February 28
6:00 PM
Pizza & Purim
Thursday morning
March 1
Megillah Study
9:00 AM
Purim Service
10:00 AM
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.
|
|
YAHRZEITS
FOR NEXT WEEK
|
These names will be read at services on February 23, 2018
Gerson Brasch*
Bernard Herman*
Florence Marmon
Ernest H. Morgenstern*
Morris Uniglicht
Sheldon Kanis
Sylvia Kaplan
Barney Linderman
Dave Oxfeld
Samuel Weinberg
Bertha Bitton
Gertrude Fitts
Vivian Fitts*
Mae Lazar
Hannah Dudkin
Phyllis Fisch
Harry Kolsby*
Ida Plotkin
Herman Reif
Stella Reif
Anna Robin*
Bessie Swaff*
Jacob Axilbund
Adel Linderman
Hannah Beck*
Herbert Buchalter
David Friedenberg
Jonah Herszenberg
Solomon Meyerson*
Sidney Schlanger
Edythe Stern
Yetta Nagel
* Yahrzeit Plaque - These names are lovingly enshrined on our synagogue memorial boards.
|
|
CONGREGATION
NEWS
|
|
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
|
| UPCOMING SHABBAT ACTIVITIES |
We are planning special Shabbats in the months to come.
Kabbalat Shabbat & Dinner
Friday, March 9 @ 6:00 PM
|
|
KIDDUSHES
|
Contact
the office 609-492-4090
for information about
sponsoring a Kiddush
SEE DONATION & MENU:
|
|
SISTERHOOD STUFF
|
Jewish Community Center of LBI
PASSOVER SEDER
Saturday March 31, 2018
at 6:00 PM
led by Rabbi Michael Jay
Spiritual Leader of the JCC of LBI
All are Welcome!!! Reservations Necessary
See flyer for details:
SHOEBOX RECYCLING
PROGRAM
FOR DETAILS, PLEASE CLICK:
|
|
CELEBRATE A MILESTONE AT THE
JCC OF LBI
|
The JCC is a beautiful place to celebrate a milestone: wedding, anniversary, baby naming, birthday.
Contact the office for further information. 609-492-4090
|
|
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
ADS FOR JCC BULLETIN
|
Please contact the JCC Office (609-492-4090) if you would like to place an ad in the Bulletin
|
|
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 ([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.
|
| 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 |
|
|
The Jewish CommunityCenter of LBI 
