A MESSAGE FROM THE RABBI
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Virtually every holiday movie we watch has the obligatory scene of a family warmly sitting down to a beautifully honed meal and, before partaking of the bounty set before them, dutifully (and lovingly) reciting Grace; thanking God for that which they are about to eat. In the Jewish tradition, we certainly have the notion of praising God before a meal (indeed before eating anything), but equally important, and perhaps more so, is the Grace after the meal; what we call in Hebrew "Birkhat Ha-Mazon" (literally: "Blessing on Nourishment"). Indeed this prayer, with a sometimes raucously belted melody, is my favorite part of Shabbat and holiday meals.
Parashat Eikev contains the source Text for the requirement that we recite Grace after meals. At Deuteronomy 8:10 it says: "When you have eaten and been satisfied, you will bless the Lord your God for the good Land that He has given you." I have always considered the notion that we bless God after the meal, to be fascinating. Before we eat, it is easy to thank God. We are hungry and want to get to the food. But after the meal is already eaten, once we are satiated, the normal human condition would be to move on to our next activity, or to take a nap. Indeed, how often in our lives do we forget that even the mundane things in our lives, like eating a meal, are blessings from God; miracles to be acknowledged? It would seem that while some find the satisfaction of a meal to be the end-game, in our tradition, the final chorus is a "thanks!" to the One God in Heaven who made the meal possible.
But, interestingly, if one looks at the Birkhat Ha-Mazon, he will find that it is not just about the food. In its entirety, the Jewish Grace After Meals also blesses the land and, specifically, Jerusalem. The requirement to recite it is also, interestingly, not in a "command form". As Dr. Raymond P. Scheindlin, professor, Medieval Hebrew Literature, and director, Shalom Spiegel Institute of Medieval Hebrew Poetry, JTS, wrote of the Birkhat Ha-Mazon in a Jewish Theological Seminary Torah Commentary in July 2010/Av 5770:
[The][a]ncient rabbis cited [Deuteronomy 8:10] as authority for the obligation of reciting a grace after meals. However, the verse does not seem to speak about a ritual blessing, but rather a spontaneous expression of gratitude; not "When you eat and are satisfied, you must bless the Lord" (implying a commandment) but "When you eat and are satisfied, you will (spontaneously) bless the Lord." Regardless, Moses was not speaking primarily of gratitude for the food. Gratitude for the food, he declares,will lead to gratitude for the Land, and it is for the Land that he envisions the Israelites as giving thanks once they experience its bounty.
Next time each of us eats a meal, even if we do not do the full Birkhat Ha-Mazon, we should make it a point, in some way, to express our gratitude for what we have been given. (For those interested in further study of the Birkhat Ha-Mazon, click here http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/grace.html).
This week in addition to our thanks for the food we have eaten, I would like to offer thanks, in advance, to all who join us for the Coffeehouse this Saturday evening, at 9:00 pm featuring the musical of our very own Carl Steinberg. Carl provided wonderful music for last year's coffeehouse and FUN was had by all. In addition to great music, covers and his own compositions, there will be refreshments including ice cream!! We look forward to seeing you!!
Shabbat Shalom - Rabbi Michael S. Jay
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SUMMER HOURS
Rabbi Jay will be at his office at the JCC on Mondays and will have office hours from 10:00 AM - Noon. 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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THE WEEK THAT WAS...
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Thank you to Richard Morgan for the lovely program of his poems last Sunday morning. He is a special treasure in our community.
Thank you to Lynn Berkowitz for putting together another successful Bazaar last Wednesday.
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THANK YOU
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To those who worked on the volunteered at the Bazaar
SetUp/CleanUp/Shoes etc.
Reina Levy
Phil Levy
Linda Marr
Hedda Chairnoff
Jill Denker
Ina Galer
Arnie Galer
Cliff Farin
Harold Farin
Lynn Berkowitz & Joel
LBI Tables
Richard Morgan
Ira Morgenthal
Ina Morgenthal
Ken Abend
Don Paris
Rose Valentine
Mary Stowers
Karen Schwing
Harold Farin
Don Pripstein.
Kitchen Crew
Lori Sherry
Rochelle Spencer
Hedda Chairnoff
Ellen Weinberg
Alisa Friedberg
Judy Abend
Jackie Avondoglio and Hannah
Bunny Kauffman, Ryan and Herman
Karen Schwing
Linda Marr
Joan Ely
Phil Levy
Millie Wolpert
Natty Lapidus
Jody Brusilow
Lexa Merson and Nancy
Carole Nunberg
It truly takes a village. Thanks to all.
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ONGOING SUMMER ACTIVITIES
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MAH JONGG
EVERY WEDNESDAY FROM 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM
RABBI'S CLASS
Fridays from 10:00 - 11:15 PM
The Ethical Life: Jewish Values in an Age of Choice This course will focus on the general Ethics of our tradition and how that tradition can be applied to issues that have risen historically and today. This class runs for ten weeks. Each class is stand alone, so there is no need to come to all of them. There will be a suggested donation of $5 per class or $40 if you plan on attending all ten classes.
LUNCH & LEARN
with Rabbi Jay
Mondays 12:00 - 1:30 PM
An extended book club using Rabbi Joseph Telushkin's book,
Jewish Wisdom: Ethical Spiritual, And Historical
Lessons From the Great Works and Thinkers. Each
class will be stand-alone, so, if you cannot make it to
all of them, you should still come!
Lunch will provided with a suggested donation of $5.
(Used books will be available for purchase for around $10
each)
ZUMBA
Monday/Thursday/Friday
9:00 PM
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AUGUST EVENTS
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ANNUAL CONGREGATION MEETING
Monday, August 14 -
10:30 AM
BOOK DISCUSSION: "The Paris Architect" by Charles Belfoure
Friday, August 18 6:00 PM
SHABBAT ON THE BEACH
in Loveladies just south of St. Clare's Church
Sunday, August 20 @ 7:00 PM Documentary
"THERE ARE JEWS HERE"
Latrobe Torahs are brought to the JCC of LBI
"In a touching scene, congregants from Beth Israel Congregation marching under a chuppah escorted the Torah to its new home, where they were told by Rabbi Michael Jay that "your congregation will be connected with our congregation forever."
WOMEN'S ROSH CHODESH
at the home of Ruth Miller, 321 Beach Plum Drive, Loveladies.
Please RSVP to sherihorowitzjay@gmail.com or
Call the synagogue office at 609-492-4090.
Saturday, August 26 @ 8:45 PM Sunday, August 27 @
4:00 PM
From the stages of Broadway, where he played the pivotal role of Jean
Valjean in Les Miserables, to packed arenas on tour with the Gold/Platinum
selling rock-symphonic band, The Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Bart Shatto has
delighted audiences with his magnificent talents. Shatto's name may be
familiar to LBI regulars as he has also performed multiple memorable times at
the Surflight Theater in Beach Haven in Les Miserables and Jekyll and Hyde.
He has also had the privilege of performing at such distinguished venues as
Carnegie Hall and at the National Theatre in Washington D.C. for President
General Admission $45; Reserved seating $70
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FEDERATION FILM FESTIVAL
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FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK ON:
FILMS
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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 JULY/AUGUST 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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8/11 - 8/18
Friday
Rabbi's Class
10:00 - 11:15 AM
Saturday
Drop-In Havdallah
9:00 PM
followed by Coffee House with Carl Steinberg
Daven on the Beach @24th Street
9:00 AM
Annual Membership Meeting
10:00 AM
Zumba
9:00 AM
Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Jay
12:00 - 1:30 PM
Sisterhood Book Group
10:30 AM
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Rabbi's Class
10:00 - 11:15 AM
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SHABBAT SHALOM
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7:39 PM
(So. Ocean County NJ)
HERE IS A CALENDAR OF ALL CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES
ON LBI FOR 5778
JOIN US FOR SERVICES
SISTERHOOD SHABBAT
Friday,
August 11, 2017
8:00 PM
Special Service created by
Bonnie Farin
"It Couldn't Be JOY
Without a Little Oy"
Saturday, August 12, 2017
Eikev
(Deuteronomy 7:12 - 11:25)
Here is the Parshah
Isaiah 49:14-51:3
Here is the Haftorah:
Drop-in-Havdallah
9:00 PM
following Havdallah
with the music of Carl Steinberg
Sunday
Daven on the Beach at 24th Street
9:00 AM
SPECIAL SHABBAT SERVICES
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 August 11, 2017
Jack Blecher
Myer Elgart*
Joseph Friedland
Sophie Neustadt*
Leslie Kaufman
Sylvia Davis
Adam Marc Kreiger*
Sidney Pripstein*
Louis Greenwald*
Celine Kolb
Grace Petter
Tillie Schoenberger
Samuel Bell*
Lena Levison*
Samuel Richman
Morris Rosner
Miriam Blaher
Nathan Dondershine
Lydia Garay
Shirley Halpern
David Hochman
Mildred Rosenthal
Louis Alexander
* Yahrzeit Plaque - These names are lovingly enshrined on our synagogue memorial boards.
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CONGREGATION
NEWS
CONDOLENCES TO
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JAY & NINA PREMSELAAR
on the loss of Jay's father
Aaron Premselaar,
a Holocaust survivor.
If anyone wishes to make a donation they can contact the Anne Frank Society for Mutual Respect.
"May God remember forever our dear ones who have gone to their eternal rest. May they be at one with the One who is life eternal. May the beauty of their lives shine for evermore, and may our lives always bring honor to their memory."
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, 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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MEN'S CLUB
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Men's Club Reorganization Meeting
Sunday, September 17, 2017
at 10:00 am
Steering Committee members and
potential new members are invited to attend
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SISTERHOOD STUFF
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SISTERHOOD WRAP UP MEETING
Tuesday, August 22
10:00 AM
Sponsor an
Oneg Shabbat
and Share the Joy of Shabbat!
SEE THIS FORM TO RESERVE A DATE:
SHOEBOX RECYCLING
PROGRAM
FOR DETAILS, PLEASE CLICK:
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GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
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RAFFLES
All members should have received their raffle tickets. Please help to make this project a success by purchasing tickets. Additional tickets are also available in the office.
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.
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)
If you want to have a paver(s) installed by the High Holidays, your order must be in by August 1. The next time pavers will be installed is the Spring of 2018.
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 KIDDISH SPONSOR KIDDISH FORM ONEG SPONSOR ONEG SUMMER CALENDAR CALENDAR |
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