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JEWISH COMMUNITY
CENTER OF
LONG BEACH ISLAND
E-LETTER
November 21, 2025
1 Kislev 5786
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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
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Candle Lighting Time
(Southern Ocean County)
Shabbat Eve
Friday, November 21, 2025
4:18 PM
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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
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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
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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
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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
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To study the portion in depth, click on this button
TORAH STUDY
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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
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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
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Sunday, November 23
“A Virtual Tour of the Once
Jewish Towns of Eastern Europe”
1:00 PM
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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
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MAH JONGG & CANASTA
WEDNESDAYS
12:30 PM TO 4:00 PM
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PICKLEBALL
Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays
10 - 1
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LIST OF
JCC OF LBI EVENTS
TO PUT ON
YOUR REFRIGERATOR
CLICK HERE
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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.
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The JCC section at Crescent Memorial Park is available for sales. Please contact Bonni Rubin-Sugarman at 609-417-7148.
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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.
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CALL PAUL LEVINE WITH ANY QUESTIONS
484-802-0586
SEE ORDER FORM BELOW
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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SHARE YOUR NEWS
AND PICTURES
CONTACT:
rvalen1963@aol.com
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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
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THANKSGIVING RECIPES
FROM jewbelong
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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.
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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.
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HERE IS A THANKSGIVING BOOKLET
FROM jewbelong
FILLED WITH
SONGS AND READINGS
FOR YOUR THANKSGIVING TABLE.
CLICK HERE
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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.
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YOU CAN NOW FILL OUT A GIVING FORM AND PAY ON LINE IN ONE SIMPLE PROCESS.
Go to jccoflbi.org - Giving/Pay
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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