JEWISH COMMUNITY
CENTER OF
LONG BEACH ISLAND
E-LETTER
February 24, 2023
3 Adar 5783
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A MESSAGE FROM THE RABBI: STUDYING THE LITURGY |
At the end of this essay I have some questions for you to answer. I would love to hear from you.
As I advised a few weeks ago, I am taking us on a journey through the prayers in our Siddur and discussing their purpose and the meaning. I hope that you have found some of what I have written interesting. I would love to hear more comments and questions. As I am writing this week, it dawns on me that I never really provided context for this weekly exercise.
Let’s begin to build a foundation this week. I believe that prayer is important but that many of us don’t fully use what our tradition provides where prayer is concerned. There is wisdom and strength to be found within the pages of the Siddur. I want us all to begin to tap into it.
I start by asking rhetorically, “Why do we pray? Why do you pray? Why do I pray?” The answers to these questions vary from person to person and, with each person, from day to day.
Sometimes prayer is generalized. Like praise of God, or thankfulness for being alive. However, other times, prayer is specific. Like asking God to heal someone, or saying the Kaddish in memory of someone we have lost. (or like asking for your sports team to win.) Prayer connects us to God, to our Jewish tradition, and/or to each other. But prayer can also connect our physical or intellectual selves to our spiritual or emotional selves.
Prayer can be formulaic and formal, but it can also be spontaneous and informal. (Again rhetorically: When was the last time you said a prayer that was in the Siddur? When was the last time you just called out to God?)
Have I bored you with all of this yet? I hope not. But, if prayer is not a regular part of your life, you might consider adding some aspect of it to your regular routine. Here is something Elie Wiesel had to say about prayer:
It is possible to live without hope and perhaps without truth --- but not without prayer, which is a quest for both. Prayer then means impulse, movement ----inward and outward. Movement toward God, movement toward [God’s] creatures ---become one with [God], One with them. Prayer means being alive ----moving toward life. For prayer is basically, and in its fullest sense, an act of faith. Faith in God and in history….To pray is to break through solitude, through fear of solitude. Prayer is a remedy for solitude even more than for sadness and torture….Prayer and study are both given to [humanity] to lift [a person] to higher spheres; they are not mutually exclusive. Indeed, they complement one another. What Torah does for the mind, prayer does for the soul. But while [a person] may study and still feel lonely, the same is not true of the [person] who prays. (Siddur Sim Shalom, For Weekdays, page 8).
While the prayers in the Siddur do not represent the only way to pray, they do represent a “way” to pray and a way “into” prayer. I look forward to continuing this journey with you.
What is your favorite prayer from our liturgy? Can you share a powerful prayer moment?
Shabbat Shalom – Rabbi Michael S. Jay
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Candle Lighting time
Friday evening
February 24, 2023
5:25 pm
(So. Ocean County)
JOIN US FOR
SERVICES
Friday night
February 24, 2023
7:30 PM
IN PERSON & ON ZOOM
Here is
your invitation from
Rabbi Jay to join
Zoom services
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Saturday Morning
February 25, 2023
9:00 AM
IN PERSON & ON ZOOM
Here is
your invitation from
Rabbi Jay to join
Zoom services
TORAH READING
Parashat Terumah
Exodus 25:1-27:19
Here is the Reading
Terumah (“Donation”) opens as God tells Moses to collect donated materials in order to build a dwelling place for God called the Mishkan (Tabernacle). God describes how to build the vessels that will fill the Mishkan - including the ark, table, menorah, and sacrificial altar - as well as the Mishkan’s walls and curtains.
HAFTORAH
I Kings 5:26-6:13
Here is the Haftorah
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CHOLENT LUNCH AFTER SERVICES FOLLOWED BY GAME AFTERNOON
ALL ARE WELCOME TO ALL OR PART OF THIS SHABBAT'S ACTIVITIES
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HAVDALLAH
Saturday evening
6:30 PM
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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KUDOS, MAZEL TOV, KOL HAKAVOD, CHEERS, HATS OFF, CONGRATS AND MORE...
To Women's Auxiliary of the JCC of LBI for a fabulous Shabbat Dinner and Service last Friday evening. With Irene Babst, Immediate Past WAX President of WAX heading the dinner committee, diners enjoyed a wonderful traditional Shabbat Dinner, all which was made in the JCC kitchen. Thanks to those who did all the cooking: – Noralyn Carroll, Jill Denker, Bonni Rubin-Sugarman, Eve Lehrer, Suzy Geier, Diane Buskirk and Irene Babst and a special thank you to Sue and Debbie, our kitchen staff. Without all these wonderful women, this event could not be possible. Here are two recipes for you to try at home:
RABBI JAY'S "CHICAGO CHICKEN"
8 oz. of Russian Dressing
1 package of Onion Soup
1 can of Cranberry Sauce
Mix together and pour over the chicken
Bake at 375 degrees for an hour
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Dinner was followed by a beautiful Shabbat Service organized by WAX President Diane Buskirk. The following ladies participated in the Service: Rose Valentine, Bobbie Kaplan, Debbie Levy, Suzy Geier, Sheri Jay, Diane Hoffman, Sherry Fruchterman, Noralyn Carroll, Eve Lehrer, Marcia Gonzales, Joanne Babbitt, Irene Babst, Jill Denker, Debbie Schweighardt, Ina Morgenthal, Karen Shatz and Malenie Piscetelli. The service was highlighted with a meaningful message from Diane Buskirk.
Coffee and homemade cookies and cakes completed a lovely evening.
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THIS WEEK'S ACTIVITIES
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19
PICKLEBALL
10:00 AM
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27
Foundations for a Thoughtful Judaism: Practice
A Hartman Class with Rabbi Jay
10:00 AM
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28
Study with Stu
10:00 AM
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1
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, MARCH 2
10:00 AM Pickleball
11:00 AM Torah Study with the Rabbi
2:00 PM Beginning Hebrew with Ira
SEE LINKS BELOW
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Meeting ID: 896 7186 7341
Passcode: 846264
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March 5
Hamentashen Bake
10:30 AM
March 6
Pasta Pasta & Purim
6:00 PM
March12
5:00 PM
Tour of Jewish London
March 15
4:00 PM
WAX Book Review
March16
8:30 PM
PJP History Program
March 19
1:00 PM
BINGO
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PICKLEBALL UPDATE
We had an encouraging response to our Indoor Pickleball last Sunday and this Thursday.
Beginners and Players had a great time. Spectators also enjoyed watching folks play.
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REMEMBER 10:00 am SUNDAYS AND THURSDAYS
FOR PICKLEBALL
SPECIAL TREAT THIS SUNDAY:
BAGELS AND.. FOR PLAYERS AND FANS
The program is for 6 weeks (2/19 - 3/26)
Players & Observers will be asked to sign a
Release & Waiver of Liability.
JCC MEMBERS ONLY
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PURIM Monday, March 6th
Dress in your finest costume
as we dine and read the Megillah on Purim
6:00 PM - Pasta/Dairy/Pizza (surprise diary menu)
$20.00 – Adults $5.00 – ages 6 - 12
$0 – ages 0 -5
7:00 PM - It is a fun Mitzvah to hear the Megillah! (In-person or on Zoom)
A fun time for all, young and old
All are welcome!!!
Tuesday, March 7, Services at 8:15 AM
Megillah at 8:45 AM
Zoom only
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NEW PJP PROGRAMS OF INTEREST |
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Sunday, March 12 @ 5:00 PM
“The Old Jewish Quarter of London” with Russell Nash
The story of Jewish London can be found all around the present day city, if you know where to look. Remnants and relics of the past are hidden in plain sight.
You will travel from the City of London, where Jews lived during the middle ages to the heart of the Jewish East End of the 19th and 20th centuries. Using maps, video, photos and storytelling for an immersive virtual experience. Join London Blue Badge Guide Russell Nash for this fascinating, insightful and entertaining virtual tour.
Enthusiastic, knowledgeable, engaging and entertaining, Russell Nash is one of London’s most fabulous guides. Impeccably dressed and bursting with stories, he is a born and bred Londoner. With a background in performance his tours are sure to have you hanging on his every word. In 2021 he was awarded the prestigious TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award.
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LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON FUTURE PJP PROGRAMS
Thursday, March 30 @ 8:30 PM
"300 Ways to Enhance Your Seder: Make an Unforgettable Seder" with Dr. Murray Spiegel
Sunday, April 16 @ 12:00 PM
“A Virtual Tour of Yad Vashem in Jerusalem”
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NEXT JEWISH HISTORY PROGRAM MARCH 16 , 2023
link will be sent out prior to the date
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JCC WOMEN’S AUXILIARY: BOOK GROUP DISCUSSION
WEDNESDAYS AT 4:00 PM
Kudos to Norma Hockman for leading the February book review with great discussion questions.
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NEXT BOOK REVIEW MEETING
Wednesday, March 15th at 4:00 pm
Discussion Leader: TBA
The Choice
By Maggie Anton
Maggie Anton has written a wholly transformative novel that takes characters inspired by Chaim Potok and ages them into young adults in Brooklyn in the 1950s, a time of Elvis & Marilyn, communist scares & polio vaccines, Jewish migration & American integration. When Hannah Eisen, a successful journalist, interviews Rabbi
Nathan Mandel, a controversial Talmud professor, she persuades him to teach her the mysteries of the text forbidden to women—even though it might cost him his job if discovered. Secret meetings and lively discussions bring the two to the edge of a line that neither dares to cross, as their relationships with each other and Judaism are tested.
Looking for a discussion leader for the March meeting. Contact Deb if you are interested. dschweig19@gmail.com
FUTURE BOOKS:
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
Theodore Brod*
Harry Dudkin
Mildred Grossman
Lisa Ellen Kaufman*
Israel Koller
Max Kopelman
Aaron Lox
Regina Brenman
Gilda Cousins
Frank John Lamagna
Eric Moss
Moshe Neustadt*
Steven Fisch
Irvin Babbitt
Ethel Dalinsky
Irving Newman
Gloria Cohen
H. Leonard Flam
Amanda Kanowitz*
Nellie Lehman
Isador London
Solomon Schall
Gerson Brasch*
Bernard Herman*
Robert Lapidus
Florence Marmon
Ernest H. Morgenstern*
Dr. Elias Shapiro
Morris Uniglicht
Sheldon Kanis
Sylvia Kaplan
Barney Linderman
Dave Oxfeld
Samuel Weinberg
*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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John Schweighardt
February 25
Joan Silver
February 26
Betsy Silverman
February 26
Martin Chazin
February 28
Bobbi Freedman
February 28
Harris H. Weisel
March 1
Susan Fisher
March 2
Alvin Konner
March 2
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Gibbi & Anna Tkatch
February 28
19th Anniversary
Ethan & Julie Sheffet
March 2
27th Anniversary
Robert Finkel & Jacqueline Printz
March 3
32nd Anniversary
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HELENE & STEPHEN SCHARF
Grandparents
&
SHIRLEY SCHARF
Great Grandma
on the birth of
Benjamin
to Matthew & Sarah Scharf
and
Jonah
to Michael & Nina Scharf
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A new feature of the JCC of LBI Library from Stu Lehrer
A BOOK FOR YOUR NOOK: a primary read for your library need
Every couple of months, we will highlight noteworthy books from our
JCC of LBI Judith and Don Pripstein Library:
here are our first selections found on the BOOK FOR YOUR NOOK Shelf of our Library
Daniel Silva's "The Rembrandt Affair" - Even if you never thought you would be fascinated by espionage, Daniel Silva's extraordinary style will have you riveted by his intriguing words of Israeli spy amidst world affairs and the world of art
Edward Jablonski's "Gershwin: A Biography" - Edward Jablonski brings to beacon lights the life story of the genius par excellence of one of the greatest American musicians: George Gershwin - Filled with awesome detail and great photographs, you will appreciate this legend of lyrical composition to even more heights
Abba Eban's "Heritage: Civilization and The Jews" - The beauty of our heritage is brought to astounding meaning by one of the 20th greatest historians and diplomats - You will revel with even greater pride of Judaism and Israel from the first moment you open this tremendous tome
Abigail Pogrebin's "Stars of David" - The famous celebrities from all walks of life discuss their connection, their impressions, and their identity with being Jewish - Abigail Pogregin's amazing research will have you encompassing the array of stars with their honesty and reflections
Evelyn Garfiel's "Service of the Heart" - Noted theological scholar and professor Evelyn Garfiel explains with essential respect and thorough digest of our prayers to make them even more inspirational
And don't hesitate to borrow these and all the other classic and exceptional gems from our unique and special Judith and Don Pripstein Library!
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SOME THOUGHTS FROM OUR CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST SHEILA WEISEL
The Winter of My Life
It seems like yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life as a wife. Yet in a way it seems like forever ago and I wonder where all the years went. I know that I lived them all and I fondly remember the hopes and dreams that I had. Some of them came true while many didn’t. Now here it is … the winter of my life and I wonder how it got here so fast. READ MORE BY CLICKING HERE
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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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2023 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:
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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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