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JEWISH COMMUNITY
CENTER OF
LONG BEACH ISLAND
E-LETTER
August 1, 2025
7 Av 5785
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The fifth book of the Torah, Parashat Devarim (Deuteronomy in English), is primarily Moses’ farewell address to the people Israel as they, and not him, prepare to enter the Promised Land.
The first part of his discourse mostly recalls the history of Israel from its redemption from slavery in Egypt up to the moment that they are about to enter Eretz Yisrael some 40 years later.
It is often questioned, why there is a need for the Book of Deuteronomy. If we have already read the first four books, the fifth book seems redundant. One reason given is that it permits Moses to put his personal stamp of the stories and the laws. Since the compendium is known as the “Five Books of Moses”, Moses plan seems to have worked.
Generally, when we start a new book of the Torah, there is joy. However, the joy is tempered this year because this week we started the Month of Av, and Tisha B’Av (the ninth of Ave) begins this coming Saturday evening, August 2nd. The 9th of Av is known as the saddest date on the Hebrew calendar because it is the date on which both the First and Second Temples were destroyed. Our tradition also notes other disasters that have occurred on this date. Among others, the expulsions of the Jews from England and Spain were tied to the 9th of Av.
Tisha B’Av services will begin on Saturday evening with a film at 7:45 pm, followed by services and the chanting of the Book of Lamentations, in Hebrew: “Eicha”. (Look elsewhere in this Shabbat Reminder for more detailed information about the film). When listening to Eicha, it is the tradition, to refrain from wearing leather shoes, to light a candle, to sit on the floor (if possible). PLEASE JOIN US!
In a change of topic, I am wondering if you, my dear readers, know that I am always available, if you or someone you know, needs help. While many already do this, I want to make sure that everyone knows that, if you have an issue or a problem, or questions about Judaism or our tradition, or if you just want to chat, you can always call me or text me at 973-865-9534. Or you can email me at Mjayrab@gmail.com. We can meet in person, on Zoom, or by phone. I can meet you where you are, where I am, at the JCC, or any place that makes sense. The only time that I do not check my phone or emails is on shabbat, from Friday sundown until an hour after sundown on Saturday.
I guess, some people may think that a Rabbi is just about services, sermons, or writing these weekly messages. Yes, the JCC has services every morning and every evening (except for Sunday evening). And, yes, we have services every Shabbat, on Friday evening, Saturday morning, and most Saturday evenings. And, yes, I take every opportunity to impart some Jewish wisdom to you. But my days don’t end when we sing Adon Olam.
In the last few weeks alone, I have officiated at several funerals and visited many ill or homebound people. It is holy work that is very fulfilling. I have also been blessed to have named several babies at the JCC this summer, with another coming up in 2 weeks. A new member had a Bat Mitzvah. We celebrated the 68th anniversary of one congregant’s Bar Mitzvah. Every few weeks I join a Christian bible study group to give them a Jewish perspective on scripture. I, and Cantor Geller, have started working on services for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Sermons are percolating.
People call every day to discuss issues or ask questions. Almost daily, someone gets added to our healing prayer list. Just this I was asked the following questions:
1) What is the Jewish belief in life after death?
2) What is the Jewish position on Cremation?
3) Does the JCC have cemetery plots?
4) Do you believe in Hell?
5) Why do I have to pray to God whom I do not even see?
6) Why does Judaism require us to be kosher?
7) What’s happening in Gaza?
The JCC is 75 years strong and getting stronger. I look forward to hearing from you and finding out how I, or the JCC, can enrich your life.
Shabbat Shalom – Rabbi Michael S. Jay
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SHABBAT SHALOM
Candle Lighting Time
(Southern Ocean County)
Shabbat Eve
Friday, August 1, 2025
7:54 PM
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JOIN US
FOR
SHABBAT
SERVICES
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Shabbat Chazon
Shabbat of Prophecy/Shabbat of Vision
Friday
August 1, 2024
6:00 PM
Services at the JCC
IN PERSON AND
ON ZOOM
Here is
your invitation from
Rabbi Jay to join Services
on Zoom
FRIDAY NIGHT
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Saturday
August 2, 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 Devarim
Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22
On the first of Shevat (thirty-seven days before his passing), Moses begins his repetition of the Torah to the assembled children of Israel, reviewing the events that occurred and the laws that were given in the course of their forty-year journey from Egypt to Sinai to the Promised Land, rebuking the people for their failings and iniquities, and enjoining them to keep the Torah and observe its commandments in the land that G‑d is giving them as an eternal heritage, into which they shall cross after his death.
Here is the Torah Reading
HAFTORAH
Isaiah 1:1-27
The Haftarah on this Shabbat is read at the end of the three weeks between dire straits, which precede the mournful fast of Tisha B’Av. It is also called black sabbath due to Isaiah’s prophecy of rebuke predicting the destruction of the first temple in the siege of Jerusalem and its status as the saddest Shabbat of the year.
Here is the Haftorah
WEEKDAY SERVICES
Monday - Thursday
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
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BEACH SERVICES
at 6:00 PM
August 8: Services at Loveladies
August 15: Services at Loveladies
August 22: Services at
Spray Beach
August 29: Services at Spray Beach
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EREV TISHA B'AV
Saturday, April 2
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7:45 PM
Showing of After October, a documentary produced by AISH which tells the stories of 4 families who were shattered by loss but who chose to rise above the tragedy. You will be inspired by their incredible faith. The film runs about an hour.
SEE THE TRAILER HERE
After the film we will Daven Mincha and Maariv and chant Eicha.
IN PERSON AND ON ZOOM
Here is
your invitation from
Rabbi Jay to join
Zoom services
TISHA B'AV SERVICE
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stu’s a-stu-te sayings…..
For the past two weekends, our Rabbi and Rebitzen had Shabat guests- Coincidentally they were two of my former students: Todd and Zach - It just so happens that their last name is Jay and they are the Rabbi’s nephews
The most rewarding professional aspect of my life has been teaching Hebrew School – Along with their older brother Josh, Zach and Todd were a teacher’s dream: exemplary, brilliant, engaging, and fun – Today they are all in professional careers making their profound altruistic mark on society
I would be remised if I didn’t do a ‘shout out’ to my most recent students from the JCC of LBI: Jake and Max Yudman as they too encompassed rare and remarkable qualities and traits as the Jay Brothers
Of course, I will always pay homage to all my students’ parents for their incomparable and phenomenal support for us faculty
It has been said a teacher can never teach anyone anything, they can only help them to learn – I have tried to complement that adage with my approach making each class appealing, challenging, unconventional, and fun
So one might ask what the purpose of this essay aside from reminiscing and shepping nachas from my extraordinary students: simple! I always love learning new things and our Shule provides the vehicle and platform for that with our many classes
Did you know that when it comes to learning Scriptures from Torah to Tanach and Talmud: that study session is called a ‘Shir’ or ‘Song’ as the ancient and skilled dynamics of Judaic learning is indeed as lilting as a sweet song
So please if indeed within your busy schedule, you have a moment in time to join us and do know that it matters not if you are a Hebrew Scholar or you have never taken a Jewish class: you are welcomed to join us such as the enlightening Torah “Shir” on Thursday Mornings at 11 AM
Do check our website for all happenings as well as our Shabat Reminder for all classes and special events that fall under the priceless arena of education – You just might be amazed by how much you learn and how much you are loving it!
And now to Josh, Zach, Todd, Jake, Max and to all my students both young and young at heart, a rousing Todah Rabah [thank you very much] for making my teaching tenure so ultimately rewarding
B’ahavah
Stu [formerly “Mr L”] Lehrer
PS – I can’t resist but it was beyond a personal joy meeting Todd and Zach’s girlfriends who to no surprise as wonderful, brilliant, and fun as they are! Eve and I couldn’t be happier for them!
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THANK YOU THANK YOU
A most successful Bazaar was held last Wednesday. In spite of the heat, many members, Island residents and visitors made there way to the JCC, which was filled with vendors. Susan Shapiro, daughter of JCC Founders Selma & Herb Shapiro, had a table discussing her new publication "Estranged".
No Bazaar would be complete without the WAX providing food in the kitchen for the event. And the big suprise was a Kosher Mr. Softy Truck and a wonderful Ukulele concert.
Many thanks to Chairperson Howard Babbitt and staff member Mary Beth Krieger for all their hard work in putting this important fund raiser together. YOU ARE A GREAT TEAM!!!!
Thanks to our Volunteers: Jill Denker, Paul Levine, David & Karen Schatz, Art Davis, Bill & Lorna Klein, Ira & Ina Morgenthal, Arlene Schragger, Stu & Paula Mandell, Diane Hoffman, Robin Genna. Special thanks to: Don Pripstein, Ron Marr for as usual rising before the sun to arrive before 5:30 AM. Also, Jon Geier and Ron Buskirk for being the next shift at 6 AM. I heard so many compliments from vendors about how great it was to set up and how polite and helpful they were. How much better we are from other events.
Last, but certainly not least, thanks to the all of the Wax Volunteers, who as always ran the food service and kitchen with style and enthusiasm under tough circumstances on such a hot day, in a very hot kitchen. Kudos go Diane Buskirk and the WAX crew: Robin Grossman, Maxine Paris, Malanie Piscatelli, Noralyn Carroll, Suzy Geier, Bunny Kaufman, Stu Lehrer, Bev Rosenberg, Hana Cofsky, Bev Miller, Paul Levine, Sue Rubinfeld, Joyce Levine, Ron Buskirk, Ruth Turner, Diane Parzych, Robin Genna and Sue Davis.
A special shout out to Suzy Geier for being there the entire day, and though she mostly worked on food service, she helped in anyway needed to make sure things got done and made the whole day better.
We couldn't do it without our staff and the members and friends who suppoorted the event. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.
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Sheri Jay &
Susan Shapiro
| | Ukulele Concert under the Tent | |
Kosher Mr. Softy Truck
visits JCC
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SUNDAY, August 3
Pickleball
10 AM - 1 PM
******
TUESDAY, August 5
NO Pickleball
3 - 6 PM
******
WEDNESDAY, August 6
NO Canasta & Mah Jongg
12:30 - 4 PM
*****
THURSDAY, August 7
Torah Study
11 AM
NO Pickleball
10 AM - 1 PM
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Sunday, August 10
75th Anniversary Gala
Wednesday, August 13
WAX Book Club
4 PM
Sunday, August 17
Annual Congregation Meeting
10 AM
Tuesday, August 19
WAX Brunch
11 AM -1 PM
Jersey Girls Kitchen & Market
Thursday, August 21
Tours of Harvey Cedars
Bible Center
10 AM and 11 AM
Sunday, August 31
Comedy Nite at the Surflight
8:00 PM
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MAH JONGG & CANASTA
WEDNESDAYS
12:30 PM TO 4:00 PM
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PICKLEBALL
Sundays and Thursdays
10 - 1
Tuesdays
3-4 PM Beginners
4 - 6 PM Experienced Players
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WAX BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP
THIRD WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH
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Wednesday, August 13th at 4:00 pm
Discussion Leader: TBA
*IN PERSON AT THE JCC LIBRARY AND ON ZOOM
Red Dog Farm
By Nathaniel Ian Miller
Growing up on his family’s cattle farm in western Iceland, young Orri has gained an appreciation for the beauty found in everyday things: the cavorting of a newborn calf, the return of birdsong after a long winter, the steadfast love of a good (or tolerably good) farm dog. But the outer world still beckons, so Orri leaves his nononsense Lithuanian Jewish mother and his taciturn father, Pabbi, to attend university in Reykjavík. Pabbi is no stranger to cycles of life and death, growth and destruction. He is pursued by the memory of a volcanic eruption and its aftermath, and so many years of hard-scrabble farming have left their mark. Jaded, and no longer able to find joy in his way of life, Pabbi falls into a depression soon after Orri goes away to school. Orri, feeling adrift and aimless at the end of his first semester, comes home.
For the first time, Pabbi allows Orri to help him run the farm. Despite their conflicting attitudes, Orri and Pabbi must learn to work together. Meanwhile, Orri meets a kindred spirit on the internet: Mihan, a part-time student. Over time—and countless texts and phone calls—their connection deepens. By year’s end, Orri must decide whether he wants to—or should—return to university, and what a future with Mihan would hold, if she’ll have him.
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SURFLIGHT COMEDY SHOW
To Benefit the JCC of LBI
August 31, 2025
8:00 PM
Contact the Surflight Box Office to order your tickets. 609-492-9477
When you order your tickets, you can request to sit near the JCC section. The JCC will receive a portion of the revenue from ALL seats sold in the theater.
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The JCC section at Crescent Memorial Park is available for sales. Please contact Bonni Rubin-Sugarman at 609-417-7148.
| | | | Beautiful new jewelry item | | |
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.
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CALL PAUL LEVINE WITH ANY QUESTIONS
484-802-0586
SEE ORDER FORM BELOW
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The following names will be read by the Rabbi on Friday evening:
Rudi Cohen
Irwin Moses*
Joseph Schiller
Leslie Barrish
Elaine Gonsalves
Tola Herszenberg
Nellie Lichtenberg
Jennie Oxfeld
Jeannette Shapiro
Sam Glasser
Arthur Goldman
Abbey Koseff
Benjamin Price
Rebecca Rosner
Nathan Stone*
Howard Tittlebaum
Evelyn Bookman*
Leah Harab Budker*
Max Dreyfus*
Shirley Fischer
Sol Daniel Gussin
Judith Katz
Doris Morton
Clara Waxman*
Frank Dondershine
Herb Josephson*
Mary D. Klein
Emil Mendlow
Esther Saden
Carl Sher*
Sidney Levine
Sadie Taub*
Gladys Abrams
Leslie Blint
Rima Demby
Frank Fink*
Alvin Hurwitz*
Bernard Miller
Gertrude Oertell
Thelma Petter
Jay Max Starr, MD
Lawrence Troum
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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Howard Koransky
August 3
Harold Herzig
August 4
Heather Pass
August 5
Amy B. Wolf
August 5
Roberta Scott
August 6
Janet Cohen
August 8
Michael Diesenhaus
August 8
Annette Kaplan
August 8
Stacey Wasserman
August 8
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Martin & Stacey Chazin
August 4
29th Anniversary
Michael Diesenhaus & Sondi Pripstein
August 6
30th Anniversary
Sanford & Ellen Oxfeld
August 8
55th Anniversary
C. Zachary Rosenberg & Dana Newborn
August 8
12th Anniversary
Leonard & Sheila Small
August 8
54th Anniversary
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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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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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