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JEWISH COMMUNITY
CENTER OF
LONG BEACH ISLAND
E-LETTER
March 20, 2025
14 Adar 5785
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“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. Prepare you house for Passover; It is a free will offering. Make a shiva call; It is a free-will offering. Come to the JCC’s 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.
Tonight (Thursday, March 20th), I will be going to see the documentary, October 8, a documentary film that
[O]ffers a look at the explosion of antisemitism on college campuses, social media and in the streets of America beginning the day after the October 7th attack on Israel by Hamas. Through meticulous investigation, the film also uncovers how over decades, Hamas created sophisticated networks in America to permeate U.S. institutions and examines the tsunami of online antisemitism, propaganda, and disinformation unleashed by Iran, China and Russia - with the sole purpose of dividing American society.
As a community we should be flocking to see this movie. The director, Wendy Sachs, was on one of the podcasts that I listen to regularly. She reported that she could not find anyone to distribute the film. Finally, after an exhaustive search, AMC Theaters agreed to do so, but on a very limited run. Please let AMC know that it made the correct decision by going to see the film. If you cannot make it, buy a ticket anyway. (I am serious about buying the ticket even if you cannot go). This is important.
Only as a community can we win the battle against antisemitism.
Shabbat Shalom – Rabbi Michael S. Jay
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Candle Lighting Time
(Southern Ocean County)
Shabbat Eve
Friday, March 21, 2025
6:52 PM
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Shabbat Parah
Shabbat of the Red Heifer
Shabbat Parah takes place on the Shabbat before Shabbat HaChodesh, in preparation for Passover. Numbers 19:1-22 describes the parah adumah (“red heifer”) in the Jewish temple as part of the manner in which the kohanim and the Jewish people purified themselves so that they would be ready (“pure”) to sacrifice the korban Pesach.
Friday
March 21, 2025
Services
7:30 PM
ZOOM ONLY
Here is
your invitation from
Rabbi Jay to join Services
on Zoom
FRIDAY NIGHT
Saturday
March 23, 2025
9:00 AM
IN PERSON AND
ON ZOOM
Here is
your invitation from
Rabbi Jay to join
Zoom services
SHABBAT
TORAH READING
Parashat Vayakhel
Exodus 35:1-38:20; Numbers 19:1-22
Here is Parshah
Exodus
Numbers
HAFTORAH
Ezekiel 36:16-38
Here is the Haftorah
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HAVDALLAH
7:15 PM
ON ZOOM ONLY
Here is
your invitation from
Rabbi Jay to join
Zoom services
HAVDALLAH
WEEKDAY SERVICES
Monday - Thursday
Ma'ariv Service
7:30 PM
Here is your invitation from Rabbi Jay to
join Zoom services:
MA'ARIV
Sunday - Friday
Shacharit Service
8:15 AM
Sunday at 9:00 AM
Here is your invitation from Rabbi Jay to
join Zoom services:
SHACHARIT
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Stu’s a-stu-te sayings….
TACHANUN
Tachanun (תחנון "Supplication"), is part of the morning Shacharit and the afternoon Mincha services, after the recitation of the Amidah, the central part of the daily Jewish prayer services – Generally it is not recited on festival and celebratory events.
The source of Taḥanun "is in Daniel 9:3 and I Kings 8:54, where the verses indicate that prayer should always be followed by entreaty - Based on this, Talmudic sages developed the habit of adding a personal appeal to God following as In the fourteenth century, spontaneous supplications were standardized and turned into the prayer of “Tachanun".
The resting the face on the left hand is suggested by the name of Tachanun used in Halachic literature - nefilat apayim (literally 'falling on the face') - It is also reminiscent of the Daily Sacrifice brought in the Temple, which was laid on its left side to be slaughtered - A person's arm should be covered with a sleeve, talit, or other covering - This posture, developed in the post-Talmudic period, is symbolic of the original practice, in which people lay down with their faces touching the ground to show humility and submission to God - The pose was also used by Moses and Joshua, who fell on their faces before God after the sin of the Golden calf .
There is also a Rabbinic custom to rest one’s head upon their dominant hand which is also the hand not wearing Tefilin – This enables one to have a stronger support to rest one’s head in a mournful pose and at the same time: not to interfere with the Tefilin.
In many congregations, as with ours: we conclude the Tachanun service with the singing of Shomer Yisrael [Guardian of Israel] which is our plea to acknowledge God is our Guardian whom we are dependent on, and it stresses reasons why the people of Israel are important to God and deserve God's mercy.
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SUNDAY, March 23
Pickleball 10 - 1
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MONDAY, March 24
Navigating Through the Health System with
Stevie Kiziuklewicz
CONTINUED
8:00 PM
******
TUESDAY, March 25
Pickleball
10 - 1
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WEDNESDAY, March 19
Canasta & Mah Jongg
12:30 PM
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THURSDAY, March 20
Torah Study
11:00 AM
Pickleball
10 - 1
PJP Program
Rabbi's conversation about Israel and the Middle East
with Dr. Eric Mandel
8:30 PM
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Friday, March 21
WAX Brunch
LBI Table
11:00 AM
Monday, March 24
Navigating Through the Health System with
Stevie Kiziuklewicz
CONTINUED
8:00 PM
Thursday, March 27
Rabbi's conversation about Israel and the Middle East with Dr. Eric Mandel
8:30 PM
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MAH JONGG & CANASTA
WEDNESDAYS
12:30 PM TO 4:00 PM
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PICKLEBALL
Sundays, Tuesdays
and Thursdays
10 - 1
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UPDATE ON ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST
WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW AND WHAT’S NEXT
Join us at 8:30PM on Thursday, March 27th, for a PJP special event as the JCC of LBI’s Rabbi, Michael Jay, will be in conversation about Israel and the Middle East with Dr. Eric Mandel the Director of MEPIN.
Rabbi Jay and Dr. Mandel will discuss, among other things:
What is going on, up to the minute, in Israel, Gaza and the Middle East?
What does the day after look like?
Does Saudi Arabia want a relationship with Israel?
What is happening in Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey?
How bad is the situation on US College campuses and why?
How long is the window to deal with Iran going to be open?
There will be time left for you to ask questions directly of Dr. Mandel.
Dr. Eric Mandel is the Director of MEPIN, the Middle East Political Information Network. He regularly briefs members of Congress and their foreign policy aides, as well White House advisors.
He is the Senior Security Editor for the Jerusalem Report, a columnist for the Jerusalem Post, and frequent writer for The Hill. His work has also appeared in JNS, JTA, RealClearWorld, and Defense News.
He visits the Middle East often, and at least 6 times since October 7th. He also frequently speaks on college campuses.
You can learn more about Dr. Mandel and MEPIN at https://mepinanalysis.org/.
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ABOUT THE COMEDIANS...
Robin Fox
New Jersey Stand-Up Comedian Robin Fox spent 17 years as a full-time mom and dieting. Then one day, Robin gave up dieting and decided to make her life long dream of being a comedian a reality. Today she is happier than she can ever remember and will never look back! Original and funny, she talks from her heart about the frustrations of suburban living, marriage, and being an empty nester. No longer is she willing to just be the funniest mom on her New Jersey cul-de-sac. This New Jersey mom is now a regular on the comedy scene playing at the top clubs in NYC and performing nationally.
Joe Bublewicz
A 20 year veteran of the national comedy circuit, Joe’s ability to take you on a tour of life’s absurdities will create an atmosphere of non-stop laughter by blending just the right mix of sarcasm, logic, and personality into a hilarious stand-up performance. His creative humor and sardonic style of comedy has made him a favorite at all the major comedy chains throughout the country. It’s a night out that will leave you wanting more.
Wayne Cotter
Wayne Cotter is a veteran of the talk shows, having appeared dozens of times with both David Letterman and Jay Leno. A top nationally touring comedian, Wayne hosted the Fox Television Network series “Comic Strip Live” for many years, and has been nominated as “Best Standup Comedian” in the American Comedy Awards. Although he studied Electrical Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania and began a career with a New Jersey computer company, before long Wayne started moonlighting as a Philadelphia comedian. He continued this double life for some time, and ultimately came to the visionary conclusion that the computer industry was going nowhere and left town to pursue showbusiness full time.
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JCC WOMEN’S AUXILIARY: BOOK GROUP DISCUSSION
WEDNESDAYS AT 4:00 PM
NEXT BOOK REVIEW MEETING
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Wednesday, April 16th at 4:00 PM
Discussion Leader: TBA
Book: Eternal Life By: Dara Horn
Rachel is a woman with a problem: she can’t die. Her recent troubles—widowhood, a failing business, an unemployed middle-aged son—are only the latest in a litany Continued on page 23 2 3 Volume 18/ Issue 2 JCC Women Auxiliary: Book Group Discussion – continued Wednesday at 4:00 PM Eternal Life by Dara Horn spanning dozens of countries, scores of marriages, and hundreds of children. In the 2,000 years since she made a spiritual bargain to save the life of her first son back in Roman-occupied Jerusalem, she’s tried everything to free herself, and only one other person in the world understands: a man she once loved passionately, who has been stalking her through the centuries, convinced they belong together forever. But as the twenty-first century begins and her children and grandchildren—consumed with immortality in their own ways, from the frontiers of digital currency to genetic engineering—develop new technologies that could change her fate and theirs, Rachel knows she must find a way out.
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The JCC section at Crescent Memorial Park is available for sales. Please contact Bonni Rubin-Sugarman at 609-417-7148.
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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. Here is a sample of some of our new products. The gift shop is open during office hours M-F 10 - 2.
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The following names will be read by the Rabbi on Friday evening:
Morris Chmielnik
Marian Diamond
June Hartman*
Victor Kasner
Herman Kleinfeld
Abraham Pervin*
Paul Watling
Elbert Abramson
Joyce Edelman Kass
Lillian Salander*
Betty Schleifer
Amy Smith
Milton G. Smith
Hershel Alan Denker
Joyce Edelman Kass
Albert Kessler
Phyllis Lachs
Morris Rebo
Sophia Shapiro
Meir Cohen
Arthur Goldsmith
Benjamin Katz
Henry Nagel
Milton Pollack
Allan Resnick
Sarah Rubin*
Eleanor Satir
Emily Spiegle
Seymour Tilbor
Marjorie Fisher*
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
Sylvia Glasser
Sidney Kronenberg
Fanny Parker
Manuel Sidel
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.
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Linda Chakrin
March 22
Steven Lager
March 22
Diane Hoffman
March 23
Karen Fink
March 25
Jon Geier
March 25
Marlene Nissenblatt
March 26
C. Zachary Rosenberg
March 26
Dana Langerman
March 27
Herbert Botwinick
March 28
Warren Matz
March 28
Helen Sadowsky
March 28
Ruth Turner
March 28
Nancy Young
March 28
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Arthur & Roberta Abramowitz
March 26
53rd Anniversary
Justin & Juli Brasch
March 26
25th Anniversary
Samuel & Francine Braun
March 28
43rd Anniversary
Henry & Darlene Gardner
March 28
49th Anniversary
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BAR MITZVAH PROJECT
Joanne & Howard Babbitt's grandson, Jonah, will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah this summer. For his project, Jonah is collecting new or gently used sneakers for those less fortunate. If you are "closet cleaning", and would like to help Jonah reach his goal of 250 pairs, please contact Joanne or Howard and they will be happy to pick them up from you.
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SHARE YOUR NEWS
AND PICTURES
CONTACT:
rvalen1963@aol.com
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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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AROUND THE OCEAN COUNTY
JEWISH COMMUNITY....
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YOU CAN NOW FILL OUT A GIVING FORM AND PAY ON LINE IN ONE SIMPLE PROCESS.
Go to jccoflbi.org - Giving/Pay
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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:
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
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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
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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- Jon Geier
Treasurer- Stu Cofsky
Secretary- Cliff Denker
Immediate Past President -Michael Babst
BOARD MEMBERS
Howard Babbitt
Diane Buskirk
Lorna Klein
Paul Levine
Ken Podos
Sondi Pripstein
Terri Robinovitz
Bonni Rubin-Sugarman
Rose Valentine
Ken Yudman
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
Representative to the Board - Sondi Pripstein
Rabbi Michael S. Jay, Spiritual Leader
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