JEWISH COMMUNITY

CENTER OF

LONG BEACH ISLAND

E-LETTER



November 21, 2025

1 Kislev 5786





Thanksgiving

CLICK HERE FOR THE BEST VIEWING

OF THE SHABBAT REMINDER

CLICK HERE TO READ THE JEWISH JOURNAL WTH JCC ARTICLE ON PAGE 5. 

A MESSAGE FROM THE RABBI


In this week’s Torah portion, Toldot, we are told that Rebecca is unable to conceive a child. The Torah points out that Isaac Pleaded with God for help. It strikes me as odd that only Isaac would do this. Clearly Rebecca would have been asking for God’s help as well. So why does the Torah only mention Isaac’s plea?


There are many possible answers to this query. The first answer that occurs to me is that Rebecca’s petition is a given. Generally, the Torah uses words sparingly, so why waste ink telling us that Rebecca cried to God for a child when we “know” that, as a young wife wishing to be a mother, she must have done so? The second answer might be that, God would only accept the prayers of a man. However, we know this is not true because we have already read that God and Sarah had conversations. We also know, from the Haftarah we read every Rosh Hashanah, that God answered Hannah’s prayer for a child.


So why does the Torah present Isaac as the pleader? I think there are a few important lessons to be learned here. First, we should pray for others, especially our loved ones. Isaac could have taken the position that the problem was solely Rebecca’s to bear. Instead, he actively addresses the issue. The act of confronting God on behalf of his wife is powerful and shows a deeply loving relationship.


The second lesson is that Isaac is hurting. He, too, wants a child. Rebecca’s barrenness is Isaac’s as well. Each time she does not conceive, is a loss to him. The Torah is telling us to take note of this.


However, I think that the Torah’s point goes just a bit further. Isaac is, indeed, hurting on a very personal level, but he is hurting for his beloved as well. In our lives we unfortunately know friends or family who have been diagnosed with debilitating and/or terminal illnesses, or have otherwise suffered physical or emotional setbacks. Our natural tendency is to reach out to the person with the illness; we seek to shelter the injured party; our energy goes toward helping that person. And it is appropriate that we do so. But the problem does not reside only with the poor soul who has received a bad diagnosis. A spouse, child, and a parent, are each impacted by the shattering of a life.


God receives Isaac’s prayer because the Holy One knows that, like Rebecca, Isaac needs God’s presence.  We are each created in God’s image. As we travel through our days it is important to reach out to those around us who are suffering from illness.  At the same time we need to be aware that the loved ones of that person need our physical, spiritual, and emotional help as well. 


Do God’s work. Share your strength. Repair the world one person at a time.


Shabbat Shalom – Rabbi Michael S. Jay


Candle Lighting Time

(Southern Ocean County)

Shabbat Eve

Friday, November 21, 2025

4:18 PM

JOIN US

FOR

SERVICES

Friday

November 21, 2024

SERVICES

7:30 PM

ON ZOOM ONLY

Here is 

your invitation from 

Rabbi Jay to join Services

on Zoom

FRIDAY NIGHT

Saturday

November 22, 2025

9:00 AM

IN PERSON AND

ON ZOOM

.Here is

your invitation from 

Rabbi Jay to join

Zoom services

SATURDAY MORNING


TORAH READING

Parashat Toldot 

Genesis 25:19-28:9

Toldot (“Generations”) opens with the births of Isaac and Rebecca’s twins, Jacob and Esau. Esau sells his birthright to Jacob in exchange for soup. Isaac and Rebecca travel to Gerar, where Isaac makes a peace treaty with King Abimelech. Isaac gives Jacob the blessing meant for Esau, and Jacob runs away to his uncle Laban. 

Here is the Portion

 

HAFTORAH

Malachi 1:1-2:7

This week's haftorah opens with a mention of the tremendous love G‑d harbors for the children of Jacob, and the retribution He will visit upon the children of Esau who persecuted their cousins. This follows the theme of this week's Torah reading, whose two protagonists are Jacob and Esau.

Here is the Haftorah


WEEKDAY SERVICES

NO SERVICES THURSDAY11/27


Monday - Thursday

Ma'ariv Service

7:30 PM

Here is your invitation from Rabbi Jay to

join Zoom services:

MA'ARIV


Monday - Friday

Shacharit Service

8:15 AM

Sunday at 9:00 AM

Here is your invitation from Rabbi Jay to

join Zoom services:

SHACHARIT


To study the portion in depth, click on this button

 TORAH STUDY

A Jewish ethical will, or tzava'ah, is a document that passes down ethical values, wisdom, and personal history from one generation to the next. Originating from biblical figures like Jacob, who gave his sons a deathbed blessing, ethical wills are a tradition of sharing what matters most in life, beyond material possessions. They can include personal stories, values, and wishes for the future, and are often written as a letter to loved ones.


Click here to view the program last week with Rabbi Jay

SUNDAY, November 23

Pickleball

10 AM - 1 PM

PJP Shtetl Series 

1:00 PM

******

TUESDAY, November 25

Pickleball

10 AM - 1 PM

******

WEDNESDAY, November 19

Canasta & Mah Jongg

12:30 - 4 PM

****

THURSDAY, November 27

NO PICKLEBALL

NO TORAH STUDY

*****

FRIDAY, November 28

NO Studying the Prophets

following morning minyan


Sunday, November 23

“A Virtual Tour of the Once 

Jewish Towns of Eastern Europe”

1:00 PM


Friday, December 12

WAX Brunch

at Beach Bum

11:00 AM


Sunday, December 14

PJP Shtetl Series

“Exploring the Lives of Jewish Children in Eastern Europe”


Thursday, December 17

WAX Book Club

Alliyah: A Jewish Family Saga

by Harold Emanuel

4:00 PM 


Friday, December 19

Hanukah Shabbat Dinner

6:00 PM


Wednesday December 31

New Year's Eve Celebration


8:30 PM


MAH JONGG & CANASTA 

WEDNESDAYS

12:30 PM TO 4:00 PM 


PICKLEBALL

Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays

10 - 1


LIST OF

JCC OF LBI EVENTS

TO PUT ON

YOUR REFRIGERATOR


CLICK HERE


PJP "Shtetl" series with Evgenia Kempinski.

Part 2 

Sunday, November 23 at 1:00 PM

“A Virtual Tour of the Once Jewish Towns of Eastern Europe”


CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE PROGRAM


If you missed the first program

HERE IS THE LINK TO THE RECORDING Passcode: Pa7FX4f?


Wednesday, December 17th at 4:00 pm

Discussion Leader: TBA

Aliyah: A Jewish Family Saga

By Harold Emanuel



Unfolding Jewish Journey: From Warsaw to Manhattan, Hermanski Family Battles Adversity, Embraces America, Engages in History, Preserves Faith & Tradition.

Immerse yourself in the captivating narrative of Aliyah - A Jewish Family Saga, which chronicles the tumultuous journey of 16-year-old Lazar Hermanski and his

12-year-old brother, Mendel. The tale begins in the heart of the 1881 Warsaw Christmas Day pogrom, a turning point that propels the young protagonists and his soon-to-be wife, 14-year-old Daria Solov, to seek an uncertain future in Manhattan's Lower East Side. While the Hermanskis strive to blend into the fabric of American society, they grapple with maintaining their Jewish traditions. The struggle between preserving their heritage while acclimating to their new homeland forms the crux of the narrative. Aliyah - A Jewish Family Saga paints a vivid picture of an era filled with change and opportunity, making it an engaging read for those interested in historical novels that explore the complexities of immigration, cultural assimilation, and the resilience of the human spirit.





The JCC section at Crescent Memorial Park is available for sales. Please contact Bonni Rubin-Sugarman at 609-417-7148.


We are very excited to add to the WAX Gift Shop items from local merchants and artisans. Stop in to look and buy one (or more) of these beautiful pieces for your home, as a gift or just for yourself.


The gift shop is open during office hours M-F 10 - 2.

CALL PAUL LEVINE WITH ANY QUESTIONS

484-802-0586

SEE ORDER FORM BELOW

CONGREGATION NEWS

The following names will be read by the Rabbi on Friday evening:


Arlene Britz*

Harriet Cohen

Julius Cohen

Fay Dreyfus*

Lenore Enteles

Florence Leistner

Ben Berkowitz

Joseph Kaplan

Ira Lee Herman*

Frank Mirrer*

Henry Avondoglio*

Rebecca Cohen

Dr. Milton Lowenthal

Julius Pashman

Milton Batoff

Sophie Brasch*

Lydia Davis

Herbert Shapiro

Dr. Seymour Cohen

Dorothy Labran

Ida Liebowitz

Vera Beebe

Harry Entin

Phyllis Potash

Max Silver*


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.


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


Marlene Matz

November 22

Rima K. Rosenstein

November 22

Renee Van Naarden

November 23

Joe Mayers

November 24

Dale Morgenstern

November 25

Judy Nelson

November 25

Howard Cohen

November 26

Michelle Ehrich

November 26

Robert Finkel

November 26

Adam Meyers

November 26

Eleanore Elefant

November 27

Joshua Braun

November 28

Rachel Leventhal

November 28

Sondi Pripstein

November 28

Steven & Arlene Silverman

November 23

40th Anniversary

David & Sharon Hendler

November 25

41st Anniversary

Martin & Norma Hochman

November 25

66th Anniversary

Gerald Faich & Bonni Rubin-Sugarman

November 28

12th Anniversary

SHARE YOUR NEWS

AND PICTURES


CONTACT: 

rvalen1963@aol.com


stu’s a-stu-te sayings…..

KOSHER and HALAL

 

The Shop Rite of Manahawkin offers fresh Kosher meat [at the end of aisle 16]– Approaching this refrigerated showcase: the Kosher selections are on the right side, and Halal selections are on the left - Here is a table showing the very basic explanation of the similarities and differences between the two.


CLICK HERE FOR THE TABLE



THANKSGIVING RECIPES

FROM jewbelong



Everything Bagel Stuffing

Move over, boxed stuffing… it’s time for Everything Bagel Stuffing to shine on your holiday table! Crunchy, golden bagel cubes get tossed with savory onions, celery, and scallions, then baked to perfection with a rich custard-like mixture that’s soft inside and crisp on top. Inspired by classic deli flavors and perfect for Thanksgiving or Shabbat, this stuffing is the ultimate conversation starter — and the side dish everyone will be asking for seconds of. Whether you’re looking for a Jewish twist on a holiday classic or just love the flavors of everything bagels, this recipe hits all the right notes: buttery, savory, and impossibly comforting. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead and reheats beautifully, making your holiday cooking a little less stressful and a lot more delicious.


Serves 8-10

Cooking time: 1.5 hours

Ingredients

Butter, olive oil, or cooking spray

6 large day-old everything bagels, cut into rough 1-inch cubes (about 12 cups)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, diced

3 celery stalks, diced

4 scallions, ends trimmed and chopped

2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

2 large eggs

1/2 cup heavy cream (there is kosher non-dairy product out there) 

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or pareve margarine)

jump to instructions


Lightly grease a 3-quart casserole dish or 9×13-inch baking pan with butter, olive oil, or cooking spray. Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F.

Spread the bagel cubes evenly on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake, stirring once halfway through, until the bread is dry and lightly toasted, about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F.

In a medium skillet, heat the oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onions and celery and cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are very soft, about 10 minutes. Stir in the scallions, then remove the skillet from the heat.

In a large bowl, whisk together the broth, eggs, and cream; season with salt and pepper. Add the toasted bagel cubes and sautéed vegetables, stirring until everything is evenly coated.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and drizzle with the melted butter. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake until a knife inserted in the center comes out warm, about 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking until the top is golden brown and crisp, 15–20 minutes more. Let the stuffing cool slightly before serving.


Grapefruit Ginger Cranberry Sauce

This cranberry sauce bursts with flavor in every bite. Bright grapefruit juice and a hint of fresh ginger lift the tartness of the berries, giving it a lively, slightly spicy kick. It’s tangy, fragrant, and surprisingly versatile — perfect for spooning over turkey, dolloping onto stuffing, or even sneaking a taste straight from the bowl. 


Serves 4-6

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound fresh or frozen cranberries

½ cup sugar or up to ¾ cup if higher desired sweetness

1 tablespoon grapefruit zest about 1 large grapefruit

½ cup grapefruit juice about ½ large grapefruit

1 ½ tablespoons grated ginger about 1 inch piece

¼ teaspoon kosher salt


In a medium sauce pot over medium heat, add all ingredients and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until cranberries begin to burst and release their juice. Remove from heat and transfer to a resealable container and allow to cool to room temperature before covering and transferring to the refrigerator to cool completely. Serve chilled.


HERE IS A THANKSGIVING BOOKLET

FROM jewbelong

FILLED WITH

SONGS AND READINGS

FOR YOUR THANKSGIVING TABLE.


CLICK HERE


The St. Francis Food Pantry is in need of meat and chicken as well

as canned goods and non-perishable items.

Hours are Monday-Thursday 10 - 2.

There is a box outside the Community Center door to leave items

when the Pantry is closed.

.

Let's share our bounty with those in need.

YOU CAN NOW FILL OUT A GIVING FORM AND PAY ON LINE IN ONE SIMPLE PROCESS.


Go to jccoflbi.org - Giving/Pay

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:

PAVER 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:

dihoff1@aol.com



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.

See Order form here: Prayer Book



TRIBUTES

SEND ONE OF OUR TRIBUTES IN HONOR OR IN MEMORY OF

See order form here: TRIBUTES



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: 

YAHRZEIT



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


2025 MEMBERSHIP FORMS


Your support is so important to the continued success of the JCC.

Here is form for renewal:

RENEW NOW


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:

JOIN NOW


BE A PART OF THE WOMEN'S AUXILLARY

2025 DUES FORM HERE


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

1ST Vice President-Sherry Fruchterman

2ND Vice President-Diane Hoffman

3RD Vice President- Jon Geier

Treasurer- Stu Cofsky

Secretary- Cliff Denker

Immediate Past President -Michael Babst


BOARD MEMBERS

Howard Babbitt 

Diane Buskirk

Lorna Klein

Ken Podos

Sondi Pripstein

Terri Robinovitz

David Shatz

Bonni Rubin-Sugarman

Rose Valentine

Ken Yudman


WOMEN'S AUXILIARY

President - Diane Buskirk

Treasurer - Suzy Geier

Secretary - Joanne Babbitt

Lorna Klein

Joyce Levine

Representative to the Board - Sondi Pripstein

Immediate Past President - Irene Babst



Rabbi Michael S. Jay, Spiritual Leader


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

email: jccoflbi@gmail.com

web site: www.jccoflbi.org  

  

THE OFFICE IS OPEN

MONDAY - FRIDAY

FROM 10 - 2




 Staff:

 Leslie Dinkfelt, Office Manager

  Mary Beth Krieger, Staff Member

 Diane Parzych, Staff Member

Susan Berube, Kitchen Manager




BULLETIN:

LATEST BULLETIN



PRAYER BOOK:

Prayer Book

 

WEB SITE:

JCC WEB SITE


PAVERS:

PAVER FORM 


TREE OF LIFE

TREE

  

YAHRZEIT PLAQUE FORM:

YAHRZEIT PLAQUES


KOL HAKAVOD DONATION FORM

KOL HAKAVOD


TRIBUTES:

TRIBUTES 



CONTACT INFORMATION:

  Rabbi Michael S. Jay

mjayrab@gmail.com


Phil Rosenzweig, President

prosenzweig@sanddlawyers.com 


 

E-mail Editor: Rose Valentine 

rvalen1963@aol.com 

Graphics by

Mary Beth Kreiger

Contributing Articles by

Stu Lehrer