Jewish Community Center of Long Beach Island E-Letter
February 25, 2022
24 Adar 1 5782
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A TORAH MESSAGE FROM THE RABBI
“And Moses Assembled the entire community of Israel”. So begins this week’s Parasha, Vayak’hel. It occurs just after Moses returns from the mountain carrying the second set of the Ten Commandments. Moses then tells the people about Shabbat (again), and also lets the people know that they can donate whatever their hearts desire toward the building of the tabernacle. These “free-will” offerings are an important part of the building of the God’s home on earth. Indeed, ultimately, the people offer so much, that they are told to stop making donations.
Why does Moses assemble the entire community? Why doesn’t he meet with just the leaders? I think the answer is that Moses is reminding the people of the importance of community. It is as if he is saying: “You all need to hear what I am saying, and you all need to be a part of God’s plan”. When all of the people hear of Shabbat, they are reminded that Shabbat is not about individual observance. Rather, the holy day is intended to be communal. When everybody contributes to the tabernacle, it belongs to everyone. We are the Tabernacle, and the Tabernacle is us. We connect with God, and God connects with us.
By calling the community together Moses is reaffirming its importance. When we do things together, for the community, we are strengthened. This is where the free-will offerings come into play. The things we do for our community are free-will offerings. When we make a donation, no one is compelling us to make it. It is a free-will offering. As part of a community, we should always do our best to observe lifecycles. Congratulate a bride and groom; it is a free-will offering. Send a gift for a newborn child; it is a free-will offering. Send mishloach manot (gift baskets) on Purim; It is a free-will offering. Make a shiva call; It is a free-will offering. Go to religious services, it is a free-will offering. When we do these from our hearts, it strengthens us and our community.
Shabbat is mentioned when Moses brings the community together in order to illustrate that Shabbat is intended to be a communal event. Shabbat is best spent with others. Food is best when it is shared with others. Song is best when we sing together. In today’s world people don’t feel compelled to observe Shabbat. Perhaps we should treat Shabbat, and its component parts as a free-will offering. Light the candles; A free-will offering. Say Kiddush over the wine; A free-will offering. Say motzi and eat the Challah; A free-will offering. Have a delicious meal with your friends, eat, schmooze, and sing; A free-will offering.
During Kabbalat Shabbat I will talk a bit about the Jewish history of Ukraine and what is happening in Ukraine now. May we pray for peace.
Shabbat Shalom – Rabbi Michael S. Jay
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An emerging humanitarian crisis |
Dear Friends,
As you have seen on the news, Russia has invaded Ukraine. Regardless of politics and posturing, there is an emerging humanitarian crisis unfolding.
We can help make a difference. Help us raise $10,000 to support those most at risk!
More than 300,000 Jews live in Ukraine. We are currently helping more than 40,000 elderly and vulnerable through our partners on the ground, the JDC. With the fighting, these needs are expanding significantly. Your support will help with providing food, medicine, supplies, shelter, and other life-saving services to many who have fled their homes or who will need to relocate.
The Jewish Federation has already allocated emergency funds to help address the growing need. Your tax-deductible donation will help us provide even more critical support to those in need – and will have an immediate impact.
We will share further updates with you as we get them. Thank you for your ongoing support.
Keith Krivitsky
Managing Director
Jewish Federation of Ocean County
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SHABBAT INSPIRES
Click on this video
to hear Jewish comedian and TV star Elon Gold talks about how Shabbat is what keeps the Jewish people connected.
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Candle Lighting time
Friday Evening,
February 25, 2022
5:26 PM
So. Ocean County
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JOIN US FOR
SERVICES
Friday Evening
February 25, 2022
6:00 PM
ZOOM ONLY
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Here is
your invitation from
Rabbi Jay to join
Zoom services
Shabbat Shekalim ("Sabbath [of] shekels" read in preparation for Purim, requests each adult male Jew contribute half of a Biblical shekel for the upkeep of the Tent of Meeting. This Shabbat takes place on the Shabbat before the 1st of the Hebrew calendar month of Adar, or on the 1st of Adar itself if it falls on Shabbat. In leap years on the Hebrew calendar, when there are two months of Adar, Shabbat Shekalim is on the Shabbat before the 1st of Adar II (or on the 1st of Adar II itself if it is Shabbat).
Saturday Morning
February 26, 2022
Services
9:00 AM
ZOOM
AND
IN PERSON
Here is
your invitation from
Rabbi Jay to join
Zoom services
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Torah Reading:
Parashat Vayakhel
Exodus 35:1-38:20
Here is the Reading
Vayakhel (“He Assembled”) opens as God commands the Israelites to observe the Sabbath. Moses asks for material donations for the building of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), and the people donate. A group of artisans designated by God begin building the Mishkan and its vessels.
Haftorah
II Kings 12:1-17
Here is the Haftorah
Saturday Evening
5:30 PM
Torah Study
6:30 PM
Havdallah
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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A TASTE OF LADINO MUSIC
with Sarah Aereste
Sunday, February 27th at 5:00 PM
This is a free event for JCC members. For non-members, tickets are $18.00 per zoom link.
LAST TIME TO REGISTER
IS FRIDAY 2/25 AT 10:00 AM
Zoom link will be sent prior to event.
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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Thursday, 3/3
KOL NASHIM
with
Cantor Sara Geller
7:45 PM
Friday 3/4
SHABBAT DINNER
SHABBAT ACROSS AMERICA
6:00 PM
Sunday 3/13
MAKE HAMENTASHEN
with Rabbi Jay
10:30 AM
Thursday, 3/24
BOOK DISCUSSION
"Never Alone" by Natan Sharansky
led by Ted Leventhal
7:45 PM
Wednesday 3/30
WAX BOOK REVIEW
4:00 PM
Thursday, 3/31
INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR
Jonathan Stone
"Prison Minyan"
7:45 PM
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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Friday, 4/1
KOL NASHIM
Celebratig Rosh Chodesh
with
Marlene Herman
10:00 AM
Friday 4/1
SHABBAT DINNER
6:00 PM
Sunday 4/3
MAKE MANDEL BREAD
with Joanne Babbitt
10:30 AM
Saturday 4/16
COMMUNITY SEDER
6:00 PM
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HIGHLIGHTS
Chaverah Trip to the Grounds for Sculpture, Princeton
May 15, 2022
Kol Nashim Program with
Dana Newborn
May 31, 2022
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JCC WOMENS AUXILIARY: BOOK GROUP DISCUSSION
WEDNESDAYS AT 4:00 PM
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Yasher Koach to Gloria Cantor for doing a terrific job leading the discussion last week of "Jerusalem Maiden" by Talia Carner.
MARCH BOOK SELECTION
Wednesday, March 30th at 4:00 pm NOTE NEW DATE
Discussion Leader: Rose Valentine
"The Forest of Vanishing Stars" by Kristin Harmel
An evocative coming-of-age World War II story about a young woman who uses her knowledge of the wilderness to help Jewish refugees escape the Nazis—until a secret from her past threatens everything.
Future books
Wednesday, May 11th at 4:00 pm NOTE NEW DATE
Discussion Leader: Nora Hochman
"Hotel Moscow" by Talia Carner
Wednesday, June 15 at 4:00 PM
Cilka's Journey by Heather Morris
Discussion Leader TBA
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"Kol Nashim": A Woman’s Look at Torah and Tefillah
An Exciting WAX Series
Led by dynamic Jewish educators, together we will study Torah and Tefillah from a woman’s point of view. Our faculty includes: Cantor Sara Geller, Dr. Deborah Miller, Dana Newborn, Sheri Jay and Marlene Herman
OUR SECOND PROGRAM
Thursday, March 3rd at 7:45 PM on ZOOM
"Who Wrote the Book of Esther? John Stewart? Jane Austen?"
with Cantor Sara Geller
Let's look at the details that make this Book of the Bible such a timeless -- and humorous -- story. Like any good book club discussion, reading the book beforehand is helpful but not necessary.
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Meet our Presenter: Cantor Sara Geller
Cantor Geller has been the high-holidays cantor for JCC-LBI for two seasons. Prior to that she served B'nai Shalom of Olney, MD for 18 years. She currently chairs the Seaboard Region for the Cantors Assembly. Sara lived in the Boston area for many years and served two Conservative synagogues there. In addition to practicing piano and singing, Sara enjoys reading academic papers about many Jewish and music topics.
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"Never Alone"'Prison, Politics, and My People
A Book by Gil Troy and Natan Sharansky
Thursday, March 24, 2022
7:45 PM
Discussion led by
Ted Leventhal
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'Susan & Friends 2022: The Men Speak Out”
Thursday, March 31, 2022
7:45 PM
Author: Jonathan Stone
Title: The Prison Minyan
Discussion led by
Rabbi Michael Jay
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CHAVERAH VISIT TO THE
GROUNDS FOR SCULPTURE
HAMILTON, NJ
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Chaverah
Date: Sunday, May 15, 2022
Rain Date: Sunday May 22, 2022
Mode of transportation: Car pool
Ticket Prices: $15.00 Senior rate
$18.00 Group rate
$10.00 Students
Tickets will be ordered 2 weeks prior to the event
Arrival time: 11:00 AM
Lunch: Rat’s Café 1:00 PM - Order from menu
This is the tentative plan, thought this would be a wonderful opportunity to be outside and enjoy the weather with our friends who we have all missed so much over the past 2 years.
So, who’s on board, again, this plan is tentative but we need to begin.
Questions: Irene Babst 856 904-5145 or JCCofLBIChaverah@gmail.com
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Also in stock - Mezuzah Scrolls |
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The following names will be read by the Rabbi on Friday evening
Meir Cohen
Arthur Goldsmith
Benjamin Katz
Milton Pollack
Sara Rubin
Eleanor Satir
Emily Spiegle
Seymour Tilbor
Lillian Hammer
Sel Gross Medvin*
Gloria Reason*
Josephine Tucker
Minnie Britz*
Solomen Chalek
Edna Eisner
Helen Freedman
Edward Gold
Abe Rosenbaum
Melvin Shapiro
Ginette Shomer
Sidney Kronenberg
Fanny Parker
Manuel Sidel
Felix Horowitz
Robert Muscente
Sam Wittenberg
Harvey Leon Fruchtman*
Norman Gerber*
Gussie Herman*
Esther Tannenbaum
*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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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
Phillip Glass
March 4
Steven Tebeleff
March 4
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Gibbi & Anna Tkatch
February 28
18th Anniversary
Robert Finkel & Jacqueline Printz
March 3
31st Anniversary
SHARE YOUR NEWS
AND PICTURES
CONTACT:
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SUBJECT HEADER CORRECTION: SAD NEWS SENT OUT EARLIER TONIGHT
WAS FOR
Elbert Stanley Abramson
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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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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 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
TUESDAY AND THURSDAY
FROM 10 - 2
CONTINUE TO USE THE PHONE OR EMAIL WITH REQUESTS.
OUR OFFICE STAFF WILL BE CHECKING IN REGULARLY.
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Staff:
Leslie Dinkfelt, Office Manager
Mary Beth Krieger, Staff Member
Kitchen Manager: Susan Berube
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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
Michael Babst, President
E-mail Editor: Rose Valentine
Graphics by
Irene Babst
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