JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF
LONG BEACH ISLAND
E-LETTER
December 16, 2022
23 Kislev 5783
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A CHANUKAH MESSAGE FROM THE RABBI |
Beginning on the evening of Sunday, December 18th we will begin celebrating the holiday of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. Over the course of 8 days we will light our Menorahs. We will begin with one candle on the first night and add a candle each night to increase the intensity of the light’s, and our own, glow. We teach that it only takes one small candle to turn darkness into light.
In the Torah, the very first thing that God does, is to create light. What does light symbolize? In the creation story, it is a starting point. Everything else that happens only occurs after, and perhaps because of, that initial light. Is that first light physical? Is it the light of an idea? Is it the light of an ideal? Is it the explosion of the “Big Bang”? The answer is hard to say. But what cannot be denied is that after light is created, everything changed dramatically. We learn from this that light is powerful indeed and that its impact continues.
Light is central to the Jewish tradition. As a people, we have been charged with the task of being a “Light unto the nations” (Isaiah 49:6). The light we, as a people, are intended to be is, I believe, inextricably tied to that first light. Whatever idea or energy was made tangible by that light; it is in each of us.
When a candle is lit, there are a few options as to what happens. The candle can burn out, the candle can be snuffed out, or the candle can be used to light other candles. This last option is best because if the candle lights other candles, and then those candles light other candles, the original light becomes eternal. Our tradition is like this. One generation lights the candles of the next generation.
This year as we light our Hanukkah candles, let’s consider those people in our lives who have lit our internal candles and made our lives brighter. At the same time, it is incumbent upon each of us to light the internal candles of others. L’dor v’dor.
Our Menorahs are intended to shine a positive light, of memory and hope, on this all too damaged world. Each menorah that is lit is no less powerful than that first light of creation.
The original menorahs were lit by oil. When the Greeks made the Temple in Jerusalem impure, Judah Maccabbee and his army retook the Temple and purified it. Special oil was needed to light the menorah in the Temple and, when Judah and his warriors retook it, there was only enough oil for one day. By a miracle, the oil lasted for 8 days. This is why Hanukkah is celebrated for 8 days. Because of the miracle of the oil, it is a tradition to eat fried food. The most common fried foods eaten on Hanukkah are potato latkes and Jelly donuts. Below is a simple recipe for traditional Potato latkes:
4 large potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold works best)
1 medium/large onion
lemon juice
2 eggs
2 tablespoons of matzah meal or flour
salt
pepper
oil for frying
Peel potatoes and finely grate them together with the onions in a food processor. Sprinkle with lemon juice. Empty the grated potato/onion mixture onto a large piece of cheesecloth and squeeze out liquid into a bowl. Let the liquid sit for a while and then pour off the liquid. On the bottom of the bowl will be a "starchy" sediment. Place the grated potato/onion mixture into a large bowl together with the eggs, flour and the starchy sediment from the bowl. Combine well and add salt and pepper.
Fry in hot oil (nonstick skillet or cast iron pot is best) by dropping full tablespoons of the potato mixture into the oil. Flatten mixture and fry in batches over medium-high heat. The latkes should be golden brown on both sides. Place cooked latkes on paper towel to drain oil. To keep warm or reheat, place on a cookie sheet and place in 300 degree oven.
Serve with applesauce or sour cream and enjoy.
Chag Urim Sameach (A Happy Festival of Lights) – Rabbi Michael S. Jay
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Candle Lighting time
Friday evening
December 16, 2022
4:15 PM
(So. Ocean County)
JOIN US FOR
SERVICES
Friday night
December 16, 2022
7:30 PM
IN PERSON AND
ON ZOOM
Here is
your invitation from
Rabbi Jay to join
Zoom services
Saturday Morning
December 17, 2022
9:00 AM
IN PERSON AND
ON ZOOM\
Here is
your invitation from
Rabbi Jay to join
Zoom services
Torah Reading
Parashat Vayeshev
Genesis 37:1-40:23
Here is the Reading
Vayeshev (“He Settled”) begins the story of Joseph, describing his rivalry with his brothers, slavery in Egypt, and imprisonment after his master’s wife frames him in response to Joseph’s refusal of her advances. It also contains the story of Tamar, her husbands, and her father-in-law, Judah.
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Haftorah
Amos 2:6-3:8
Here is the Haftorah
Saturday evening
Havdallah
5:15 PM
Here is
your invitation from
Rabbi Jay to
join Zoom services:
Here is
your invitation from
Rabbi Jay to
join Zoom services:
Sunday - Thursday
Ma'ariv Service
7:30 PM
Here is
your invitation from
Rabbi Jay to
join Zoom services:
Monday- Friday
Shacharit Service
8:15 AM
Sunday at 9:00 AM
Here is
your invitation from
Rabbi Jay to
join Zoom services:
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Blessings over the Chanukah Lights
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, asher kid’shanu b-mitzvotav, v-tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah.
Blessed are you, Our God, Ruler of the Universe, who makes us holy through Your commandments,
and commands us to light the Hanukkah lights.
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, she-asah nisim la-avoteinu v-imoteinu ba- yamim ha-heim ba-z’man ha-zeh.
Blessed are you, Our God, Ruler of the Universe, who performed miracles for our ancestors in their
days at this season.
On the first night of Hanukkah add this blessing:
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, shehecheyanu v-ki’y’manu v-higianu la-z’man ha-zeh.
Blessed are you, Our God, Ruler of the Universe, for giving us life, for sustaining us, and for enabling
us to reach this season.
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A d’var Torah for Parshat Vayeshev by Cantor Sara Geffen Geller.
A Hero of Biblical Proportions?
We usually think of Joseph as the “hero of biblical proportions” whose story takes up most of this week’s portion, Vayeshev. We follow Joseph’s story from precocious younger brother to the bottom of a pit, to slave and prisoner, to Pharaoh’s dream analyst and thence to the second highest office in the land. Joseph organizes the entire kingdom to avert famine.
Joseph acquires the power to save the entire population from hunger. He is truly a “hero of biblical proportions.” I admire his tenacity and vision, yet I struggle to see how I might emulate him. How might I acquire enough power to help society endure?
Another part of the Torah portion offers us an alternate path to contributing to a better society. This less-discussed story, Genesis 38, centers on Tamar, the daughter-in-law of Judah. Tamar was married to Judah’s first two sons, who each died. According to levirate tradition, Tamar should next marry the third son, Shelah. However, Judah fears that Shelah will also die, so he sends Tamar back to her family home.
Here is a parallel to Joseph’s story: Tamar has also been cast into an abyss, for as long as Shelah is available to marry her, Tamar is in limbo. She can neither separate from Judah’s family nor can she marry anyone else.
While Joseph has God’s support and the skill of dream interpretation, Tamar exercises her only “power” — the ability to become pregnant and give birth. There seems to be no “hero of Biblical proportions” to help Tamar.
To paraphrase Psalm 121: “From where will her help come?” From her neighbors. This inspiring interpretation of the rest of the story is given by Professor Judith Hauptman at the Jewish Theological Seminary.
Professor Hauptman shows three times when Tamar’s local community supported her: First, in verse 13, Tamar is told by other people that her father-in-law would be passing through. This intelligence allows her to put a plan in motion. Next, in verse 21, when Judah sends the goat he had promised Tamar and seeks to recover the collateral he had left with her, the “locals” or “town council” say there had been no prostitute in the area when Judah had been with a woman. They cover for her and throw him off the trail. Lastly, in verse 24, people tell Judah that his daughter-in-law, Tamar, is pregnant — which leads to the public revelation that Tamar has been impregnated by Judah himself and the resolution of her limbo status. Professor Hauptman writes: “The role played by the townspeople in this episode, like that of a Greek chorus, is significant. They, and not the male characters, move the story along.”
The identities of the various townspeople remain unknown. But the consequence of their actions is monumental. One of Tamar’s (and Judah’s) children is Peretz, an ancestor of King David (yes, another hero of biblical proportions). By forcing Judah himself to acknowledge that he has in effect “performed” the levirate marriage, these anonymous folks lift Tamar out of her pit.
I recently moved to a new community, and for the first time in my life, I attended some meetings (Zoom and in-person) of a local political group. We learned about the qualifications of various candidates. We were updated on the progress of door-to-door canvassing, voter registration events, and postcard campaigns. The goal of the group was not to convince anyone to change their political affiliation. The goal was simply to encourage people to register and to vote. The efforts certainly did not change the outcome of every election this time, but then again, records show that only about half of the eligible voters in my district voted this year. So there is still a lot of work to do, and maybe next year… ‘
I see the possibilities and I hope to get more involved. Empowering people to vote lifts them out of a sort of pit.
I will never be a “hero of biblical proportions” like Joseph, saving an entire country through my individual actions. But if I work on it, I think I can be part of the anonymous group of people, one of many heroes, that helps our democracy endure. We all can.
Cantor Sara Geffen Geller has served Conservative congregations for 30 years. She has completed the Clergy Leadership Program of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. Cantor Geller sits on the Cantors Assembly Executive Council and the Rabbinical Assembly/Conservative Masorti Movement Subcommittee on Racial Justice.
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LET'S CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY TOGETHER
First Candle Sunday Night December 18th
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Join us each evening at 7:30 PM on Zoom
(except Friday evening)
before minyan to light candles together.
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Our young families will be doing a special Chanukah project
with Rabbi Jay at
10:00 AM Sunday morning
December 18th
(If you have a young one who would like to join in the family fun, please contact Rabbi Jay for more information
mjayrab@gmail.com)
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Followed by the lighting of the two Menorahs outside the synagogue at 11:00.
All are welcome to participate in the lighting.
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A Movie & Chinese
2:30 pm
Movie
"Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat"
4:00 pm
Chinese Dinner
$36.00 per person
Respond to this email if you are interested by 5:00 pm
Wednesday, December 21.
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Last Sunday afternoon, the JCC held a 100th BIRHDAY PARTY FOR HERB SHAPIRO, one of the founders of our synagogue. Herb was delighted to see so many faces - family from near and far, friends from LBI and Palm Springs, JCC members old and new - who greeted him warmly with birthday wishes and stories. We were delighted to see LBT Mayor Mancini on the Zoom. A proclamation in honor of Herb's birthday will be issued by the Township at their next meeting. MAZEL TOV HERB!!!!!! |
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Our visit to JAPAN last Sunday night via the PJP travel program included - to our suprise - a tour of the JCC of Japan synagogue building by their Rabbi Andrew Scheer (and his little son). Andrew is the son of JCC members Pam and Max Scheer and he has spent many a Shabbat at the JCC. He gave a shout out to the members on the program. Jewish geography at its best!!!!!!! |
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EXCITING NEW PNJ PROGRAMS
JEWISH TRAVEL PROGRAMS
Free of Charge to JCC Members & Friends
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NEXT PJP TRAVEL PROGRAM: "The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam: A Visit to the Secret Annex”
Sunday, January 29 at 1:00 PM
COME JOIN US on a virtual tour of the Secret Annex in the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam to examine the extraordinary life of Anne Frank and how her legacy continues to inspire young people today. Led by educators from the Anne Frank House this webinar will leave plenty of time for Q&A. Prior to the virtual tour please view the powerful documentary “The Short Life of Anne Frank” to prepare for the webinar.
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ADDITIONAL PJP PROGRAM
Thursday, January 5 @ 8:30 PM
Dr. Eric Mandel, Director, Middle East Political Information Network (MEPIN)
“Israel’s Challenges 2023: Iran, the Palestinians, Hezbollah, the Abraham Accords, and Anti-Semitism”
In this Zoom talk, we will analyze the threat of Iranian nuclear weapon, Israel's "War between the Wars" with Hezbollah, and the ring of fire Iran has created to surround and threaten Israel from all sides. We will take a deep dive into what Palestinians want and if they can accept a Jewish state in any territorial dimension. Finally, we will examine Anti-Zionism and the BDS movement, especially on the college campus, which are no less lethal a threat to Israel than a nuclear weapon.
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THIS WEEK'S ACTIVITIES
SEE LINKS BELOW
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 19
Foundations for a Thoughtful Judaism: Practice
A Hartman Class with Rabbi Jay
10:00 AM
Federation Program Honoring
Ian Rosenzweig
6:00 PM
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21
12:30 AM - 4 PM
Canasta & Mah Jongg
following Ma'ariv
7:45 PM
with Rabbi Jay
"Jewish Wisdom"
using the book
by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22
11:00 AM Torah Study with the Rabbi
2:00 PM Beginning Hebrew with Ira
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December 15 - PJP Jewish History Program
December 18-26 Chanukah
December 19 - Heroes Against Hate
December 20 - WAX Bruncheon
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The JCC is participating in the PNJ Consortium. An exciting 8-part series is being made available to our congregation.
You need not register.
NEXT PROGRAM JANUARY 26, 2022
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JCC WOMEN’S AUXILIARY: BOOK GROUP DISCUSSION
WEDNESDAYS AT 4:00 PM
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Our book last discussion on Florence Adler Swims Forever had mixed reviews on the book itself. Lots of readers enjoyed the references to Atlantic City especially those who had spent their childhood there before the Casinos. There was much discussion on the question of keeping family secrets.
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NEXT BOOK
Wednesday, January 18th at 4:00 pm
Discussion Leader: Sondi Pripstein
Three Sisters By Heather Morris
Against all odds, three Slovakian sisters have survived years of imprisonment in the most notorious death camp in Nazi Germany: Auschwitz. Livia, Magda, and Cibi have clung together, nearly died from starvation and overwork, and the brutal whims of the guards in this place of horror. From there, the three sisters travel to Israel, to their new home, but the battle for freedom takes on new forms. Livia, Magda, and Cibi must face the ghosts of their past--and some secrets that they have kept from each other--to find true peace and happiness.
FUTURE BOOKS:
February: House on Endless Waters
March: The Choice
April: Defending Brita Stein
ORDER YOUR BOOK FROM AMAZON AND START READING TODAY
Click here to borrow the book from the Ocean County Library.
A Zoom link will be sent shortly before the event.
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The following names will be read by the Rabbi on Friday evening
Garret Emanuel Davis
Phyllis Schwartz
Albert Goldberg*
Emil Goldstein*
Charles Barsh
Helen Eisen
Ray Farin
Jack Newman*
John Patrician
M. Charles Ross
Ralph Celebre
Saul Hurwitz
Leanore S. Klein*
Jerome Odenheimer*
Stella Pervin*
Temi Saivetz
Philip Schleifer
Samuel Tucker
Rachel Cherins
Herman Glassman*
Sol Grossman
Lionel Wolpert
Joseph Blumenthal*
Arnold Schwartz
Marcia Yankowitz
Shari Zalkind*
Stanley Antonoff
Nathan Shapiro
Harvey Sherman
Joseph Valentine*
*Memorial plaque will be lit this week.
In this Zoom era, we have been able to have a daily minyan at 8:15 AM and at 7:30 PM and on Shabbat. 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, going up to the grave of the departed, Yizkor remembrance day and other occasions on which the memory of the dead is recalled. You are also welcome to share with the minyan some special memories of your loved one.
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Jill Berson
December 20
Elly Rosenthal
December 20
Irwin Sablosky
December 21
Bernard Barrish
December 22
Beverly Miller
December 23
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David & Viki Pashman
December 21
54th Anniversary
Frank & Renee Ward
December 21
36th Anniversary
Mitchell & Arlene Frumkin
December 22
43rd Anniversary
Neil & Rebecca Stern Dolinger
December 23
32nd Anniversary
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Harold Farin
recuperating from Surgery
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SHARE YOUR NEWS
AND PICTURES
CONTACT:
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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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FEDERATION HEROES AGAINST HATE |
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We are excited to announce that Ian Rosenzweig, son of Beth Zemble & Phil Rosenzweig will be one of the honorees at this event. Ian is being recognized for his effort confronting anti-semitism in his school. Join the community for Chanukiah lighting, dinner, and honoring our Heroes and Jewish Journal committee. Register early, capacity is limited.
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An interesting article sent in by Sheila Weisel....CLICK HERE
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YOU CAN NOW FILL OUT A GIVING FORM AND PAY ON LINE IN ONE SIMPLE PROCESS.
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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:
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:
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.
TRIBUTES
SEND ONE OF OUR TRIBUTES IN HONOR OR IN MEMORY OF
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:
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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2022 MEMBERSHIP FORMS
Your support is so important to the continued success of the JCC.
Here is form for renewal:
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:
To pay on line
Fill in your information and then
go to Donation Details - then
Other and type in 2022 Membership
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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- Rose Valentine
Treasurer- Ira Morgenthal
Secretary- Cliff Denker
Immediate Past President -Michael Babst
BOARD MEMBERS
Howard Babbitt
Diane Buskirk
Mitch Frumkin
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Jon Geier
Paul Levine
Donald Pripstein
Terri Robinovitz
David Shatz
Rob Van Naarden
WOMEN'S AUXILIARY
President - Diane Buskirk
Co-Vice President - Noralyn Carroll
Co-Vice President - Jill Denker
Treasurer - Suzy Geier
Secretary - Joanne Babbitt
Immediate Past President - Irene Babst
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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
THE OFFICE IS OPEN
MONDAY - FRIDAY
CLOSED THURSDAY
FROM 10 - 2
Staff:
Leslie Dinkfelt, Office Manager
Mary Beth Krieger, Staff Member
Diane Parzych, Staff Member
Susan Berube, Kitchen Manager
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LATEST
BULLETIN:
PRAYER BOOK:
WEB SITE:
PAVERS:
TREE OF LIFE
YAHRZEIT PLAQUE FORM:
KOL HAKAVOD DONATION FORM
TRIBUTES:
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Rabbi Michael S. Jay
Phil Rosenzweig, President
E-mail Editor: Rose Valentine
Graphics by
Irene Babst
Contributing Columnist
Sheila Weisel
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