JEWISH COMMUNITY

CENTER OF

LONG BEACH ISLAND

E-LETTER



December 5, 2025

15 Kislev 5786





CLICK HERE FOR THE BEST VIEWING

OF THE SHABBAT REMINDER

A MESSAGE FROM THE RABBI


My Dear Readers, as I am writing this, we are 10 days away from Hanukkah. It seems like just last week was Thanksgiving. (Oh, last week was Thanksgiving.)


I wrote the essay below two years ago. I hate to say it but, despite what my essay says, I think we need miracles more today than ever before. Oy.



What do you think? Please read the essay and let me know if you would prefer to have miracles, or to live in a world where miracles are not needed.


All I Need is: No Need For a Miracle


It’s nearly that time of year again. We will be lighting our Menorahs and recalling the various miracles that God performed for our ancestors as they overcame the Syrian-Greek army and rededicated the Temple. I love this time of year. I love the Menorah. I love the story. I love the songs. I love the Sufganiyot. I love the latkes.


Too often I love the latkes in excessive amounts. 


Having acknowledged my immense adoration of the holiday and its traditions, something dawned on me as I was preforming the mitzvah of pondering the candles flickering on our Menorah. I am a bit nervous to report that I have an issue with the whole idea of the miracle(s).


Before you shout out “Rabbinic Blasphemy!”, hear me out.


My problem is borne of the fact that, more often than not, a miracle is required because something bad has happened or is happening. Look at the Hanukkah story. Israel is overrun by the Syrian-Greeks and Israelites are being forced to convert. The Temple is defiled. The military and oil miracles only become necessary because of the sad state of affairs experienced by our ancestors.


Indeed, a review of many of the miracles of our tradition will reveal that misery, or something resembling it, preceded each wondrous event.  


Sarah had a baby at 90, but only after suffering years of infertility. Redemption from Egypt occurs, but only after centuries of slavery. The Red Sea splits only because the Egyptians had given chase. David slays Goliath, but he must do so only because the Israelites are in constant conflict with the Philistines. 


It seems that the flip side of the occurrence of a miracle is the fact that the miracle was needed in the first place. 


While I recognize the importance of acknowledging the miracles that happen (and I love celebrating them), I have a new thought. Perhaps we should also be praying for a time when miracles are no longer needed.


Here is my prayer for this holiday season:


Dear God, Who spoke and created the world by first saying: “Let there be light”.

May the time soon come when the world will not need You to perform miracles. 

A time when the way it is, is as it should be.

A time of peace.

A time free of conflict.

A time free of Antisemitism.

May this time occur soon.

Amen.


We are each a light. Shine as bright as you can. Help others to shine.


Shabbat Shalom and get your Menorahs ready– Rabbi Michael S. Jay


Candle Lighting Time

(Southern Ocean County)

Shabbat Eve

Friday, December 5, 2025

4:13 PM

JOIN US

FOR

SERVICES

Friday

December 5, 2024

SERVICES

7:30 PM

ON ZOOM ONLY

Here is 

your invitation from 

Rabbi Jay to join Services

on Zoom

FRIDAY NIGHT

Saturday

Dcember 6, 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 Vayishlach 

Genesis 32:4-36:43

Vayishlach (“He Sent”) follows Jacob and his family as Jacob wrestles with a man (commonly understood as an angel), is renamed Israel, and reconciles with his brother, Esau. Jacob’s daughter, Dina, is raped by a Hivite prince, and her brothers sack a city in response. Rachel dies as she gives birth to Jacob's youngest child, Benjamin.

Here is the Portion

 

HAFTORAH

Obadiah 1:1-21

The haftarah for Vayishlach is the entire book of Ovadia (Obadiah), which is the only book of the Tanach that has just one chapter. It tells of the terrible fate awaiting Edom, Esau’s children, when the Moshiach comes.

Here is the Haftorah

WEEKDAY SERVICES


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 register for this weekly email to study the portion

in depth from Sefaria 


Click on this button

 TORAH STUDY

Rabbi Jay will be in his office at the JCC after services on Saturday. The Rabbi is also available at any time or place to schedule in-person, or virtual meetings at your convenience. The Rabbi can be reached by call/text 973-865-9534 or email at Mjayrabrab@gmail.com

HANUKOP DEMON HUNTERS

 “ner tamid lo kava” (“an eternal light didn’t go out”) 


Its time for Christmas carols everywhere. Not to be outdone, here is a Hanukkah-themed a cappella medley by the Maccabeats. The song is a K-Pop Demon Hunters*- inspired Hanukkah medley where the Maccabeats sing about fighting the "demons" of darkness with light. This is a recent release from late Novembe


*For some who do not know about K-Pop Demon Hunters (me for instance),

it is a 2025 American animated musical urban fantasy film. The co-author

Maggie Kang's wanted to create a story inspired by her Korean heritage, drawing on elements of mythology, demonology, and K-pop (form of popular music originated in So. Korea).


READ MORE ABOUT THIS NEW MACCABEATS CHANUKAH PARADY BY CLICKING HERE



ENJOY!!!!!

2-Ingredient Hanukkah Cookies

from thenosher


These cookies come together in 15 minutes and are a perfect gift for a holiday party.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes Yield: 16 cookies


Ingredients

  • 1 package store-bought chocolate chip cookie dough
  • Hanukkah gelt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Portion cookie dough into even pieces, roll lightly into balls.
  3. Place on baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
  4. Immediately after taking the cookies out of the oven, place a piece of gelt on each cookie, and gently press down while cookies are still hot. Allow to cool.
  • Author: Shannon Sarna
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes


POTATO PANCAKES IN ONION RINGS


Here is a creative twist on traditional potato latkes, where the latke batter is fried inside an onion ring "mold". The result is a unique, savory dish that combines the crispy texture of a potato pancake with the distinct shape and flavor of an onion ring. 


Preparation Overview

Recipes typically use a standard potato pancake (latke) batter with the addition of a thick-cut onion ring to give it structure during frying. 

  1. Prepare the Latke Batter: Grate raw potatoes and an onion, then squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible to ensure crispiness. Mix the dry potato mixture with beaten eggs, a binder like flour or potato starch, and seasonings (salt, pepper, sometimes garlic powder or paprika).
  2. OR PREPARE LATKES FROM THE BOX ALA ROSE V
  3. Prepare the Onion Rings: Slice a large onion into thick rings (about 1/2 inch). For extra structure and crispiness, the onion rings can be dredged in a separate batter (e.g., cornstarch, egg wash, and panko breadcrumbs) before adding the potato mixture.
  4. Assemble and Fry:
  • Heat oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium heat (around 350°F or 175°C).
  • Place the prepared onion rings into the hot oil.
  • Carefully spoon the potato pancake batter into the center of each onion ring, pressing gently to fill it.
  • Fry for a few minutes on one side until the potato is set and golden brown, then carefully flip and fry the other side.
  • Drain the finished items on a paper towel or wire rack to remove excess oil. 

Serving Suggestions

These hybrid potato pancakes are best served immediately while hot and crispy. Common accompaniments include: 

  • Sour cream
  • Applesauce
  • Beet horseradish
  • Sweet chili sauce
  • A poached or fried egg on top for a heartier meal 


SUNDAY, December 7

Pickleball

10 AM - 1 PM

******

TUESDAY, December 9

Pickleball

10 AM - 1 PM

******

WEDNESDAY, December 10

Canasta & Mah Jongg

12:30 - 4 PM

****

THURSDAY, December 11

PICKLEBALL

10 AM - 1 PM

TORAH STUDY

11:00 AM

*****

FRIDAY, December 12

Studying the Prophets

following morning minyan


WAX Brunch

at Beach Bum

11:00 AM


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


NEW LIST OF

JCC OF LBI EVENTS

TO PUT ON

YOUR REFRIGERATOR


CLICK HERE


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:



Charlotte Frank

Jeanette Kaufman*

Hy Zimmer

Abraham Weissler

Jack Barham

Alfred Berson

Pauline Kolsby

Abe Morgenthal*

Lillian W. Pacharz*

Bertha Simandl

Albert Haas

Miriam Kaplan

Sam Rosenblith

Israel J. Cramer

Esther Gold Entin

Zena Jay

Joel Lantzman

Rachel List*

Henry Medvin

Jerome Polaner

Charles Farin

Houshang Golsaz

Bernard Potash

Henrietta Schocat

Robert Eisner

Dora Levy

Benjamin Serepca*


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.

We are sad to share with you the passing of "SARGE" Pickman, comedian and entertainer, who passed away Monday morning. Sarge was our headliner the summer of 2018 and became an extended part of the JCC family. May his memory be a blessing. READ MORE ABOUT SARGE HERE

Deanna Feinberg

December 7

Gregorie Sacharok

December 7

Sanford Oxfeld

December 8

Richard Berson

December 10

Ronald Buskirk

December 10

Lisa Schlossman

December 11


Philip Rosenzweig & Beth Zemble Rosenzweig

December 9

36th Anniversary

Joel & Laura Leizer

December 12

55th Anniversary

 

 

David Shatz

Dr. Lee Gardner

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


NEWS FROM OUR FEDERATION

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 Krieger

Contributing Articles by

Stu Lehrer