JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF
LONG BEACH ISLAND
E-LETTER
December 23, 2022
29 Kislev 5783
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During Hanukkah we say what is perhaps my favorite prayer service in our entire liturgy, “Hallel”. The word “Hallel” literally means “praise”. The service is a series of six psalms (113-118) that we recite at prescribed times during the year. We say it during Sukkot and Hanukah, Pesach, and Shavuot.
But why do we say Hallel? What is the point? The simple answer is that it is to praise God for the good that has happened to us, and for the good that we hope we will get in the future. The theory seems to be that if we heap praise on God, then how could we possibly receive anything but “good” in return? This answer is nice because it fits into our traditional theology which teaches us that God created the heavens and earth and everything in between, and has a hand in all that happens. Thus, we praise the Deity and sit back and wait for the positive return.
But I think it is more than that. We praise and we joyously sing out because sometimes we just need to do that. If we wait for the perfect moment to be joyful, we might be waiting a very long time. Things are rarely 100% perfect. So our tradition prescribes a time for us to simply acknowledge the “good” in our lives. To shout “Hallelujah!”
Hallel is telling us that we should not set preconditions to our happiness. If we “chase” happiness; if we say I will be happy when I have a new home; or I will be happy when I lose weight; or I will be happy when I get a new car or a new job, it is likely that will never be happy for long.
This message is highlighted near the end of the Hallel service when we sing Psalm 118, Verses 21-29. In particular, verse 24: “Zeh ha-yom asah Adonai, nagilah v’nism’ka vo.” (This is the day God has made, let us rejoice in it), expresses the need to seize the moment.
The message? Praise, and be happy now. We should open our eyes to the good that each of us has in our lives. In other words, we should be actively happy. When we are happy, we are better suited to make others happy.
Every day presents unceasing opportunities to recognize Hallel moments. Recognize them. For starters join us any morning during Hanukkah to hear the Hallel prayer!!
Shabbat Shalom and Chag Urim Sameach(A Joyous festival of lights) – Rabbi Michael S. Jay
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Rosh Chodesh l’banot also known as Chag habanot [Girls’ Day] or in French: Fête des Filles) is a holiday, celebrated by some of the Jewish communities in the Middle East on Rosh Chodesh of the Jewish month of Tevet, during the Jewish holiday of Chanukah. The Jewish community where the holiday was most preserved is in Tunisia. But there is also evidence that it was also celebrated in Jewish communities in Libya, Algeria, Kushta, Morocco and Thessaloniki. |
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Candle Lighting time
Friday evening
December 23, 2022
4:18 PM
(So. Ocean County)
SHABBAT
ROSH CHODESH
CHANUKAH
JOIN US FOR
SERVICES
Friday night
December 23, 2022
7:30 PM
ON ZOOM ONLY
Here is
your invitation from
Rabbi Jay to join
Zoom services
Rabbi Richard Hammerman will join us for services with a
Shabbat Message
Chanukah: A Many Sided Dreydel
Saturday Morning
December 24, 2022
9:00 AM
ON ZOOM ONLY
Here is
your invitation from
Rabbi Jay to join
Zoom services
Torah Reading
Parashat Miketz
Genesis 41:1-44:17; Numbers 28:9-15, 7:42-47
Here is the Reading
Miketz (“After”) follows Joseph as he interprets Pharaoh's dreams and rises to become second-in-command to Pharaoh. When Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt seeking food during a famine, Joseph accuses them of spying. He insists that they return with their youngest brother, Benjamin, and later plants a goblet in Benjamin’s bag.
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Haftorah
Zechariah 2:14-4:7
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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Last Monday night the Ocean County Jewish Federation honored members of the community as "Heroes Against Hate". Ian Rosensweig, son of Beth Zemble and Phil Rosensweig, was one of the honorees. |
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Ian was away with his family on vacation and was not at the event. Click on the button below for the video of his response to this speciall honor. |
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Rabbi Jay accepts the Heros award from Keith Krivitzky, OCJF Managing Director, on behalf of Ian Rosensweig. |
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THIS WEEK'S ACTIVITIES
SUNDAY 12/25
MOVIE AND CHINESE SUPPER AT THE JCC
NO CLASSES WEEK OF 12/26
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January 5 - PJP Eric Mandel Israel Program
January 9 - JCC Clean Up
January 15 - JCC Clean Up
January 18 - WAX Book Group
January 21 - Cholent/Game Afternoon Shabbat
January 21 - Lighthouse International Film Society film at the JCC
January 26 - PJP History Zoom Series
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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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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
Seymour Abend
Sylvia Applebaum
Carl M. Cole
Michael Kaplan
Jacqueline Mogil
Inge Batoff
Clara Beckerman
Lorraine Liebowitz
Joseph Nakkab
Reba Papier
Millie Wolpert
Sidney Fisch
Mark Goldman
Irving Butler
Mendel Fischer
Henry Gondelman
Ruth Moss
Dan Renzin
Ethel Snyder*
Louis Bass*
Linda Marlene Herman
Jacob Stern
Naomi Antonoff
David Fineberg
Jerry Green*
Henry Herzig
Samuel Lisagor*
*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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Craig Israelite
December 24
Ninette Steinberg
December 24
Richard Feldgus
December 25
Lynn Levitt
December 25
Debra Belena
December 26
Marsha Chazin
December 26
Carol Koransky
December 26
Mark Rosenbloom
December 26
Shelly Roseff
December 27
Stuart Steigerwald
December 27
Joyce Levine
December 28
Carolyn Racusin
December 28
Barry Sherman
December 28
Kerry Iris
December 29
Natty Lapidus
December 29
Julie Sheffet
December 29
Samuel Sisenwine
December 30
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Howard & Sherry Fruchterman
December 24
Bernard & Vera Hershenberg
December 24
50th Anniversary
Jay & Barbara Berman
December 26
63rd Anniversary
Clifford & Jill Denker
December 30
38th Anniversary
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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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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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