Shabbat Reminder PLUS 4/3/26

JEWISH COMMUNITY

CENTER OF

LONG BEACH ISLAND

E-LETTER

April 6, 2026

19 Nisan 5786

YOM HASHOAH April 14, 2026

If you were looking for your weekly Shabbat Reminder last Thursday... NO it didn't go into SPAM. Because of the holiday falling right before Shabbat there was no window to send one out. This Reminder Plus includes the rest of this week and the following week at well (4/5 - 4/16)

CLICK HERE FOR THE BEST VIEWING

OF THE SHABBAT REMINDER

A MESSAGE FROM THE RABBI

As a Rabbi, my preferred seder is the one in which we go from cover to cover in the Haggadah. (And we do it from right to left.) In my perfect seder, we read the entire script, sing all the songs, and perform every ritual. In my unflawed seder, there is extended discussion and thoughtful explication, that broadens what is in the book, and no one looks at their watches.

There is serious conversation, but there is also laughter. And we never forget to mention Seder’s past, and the people, the food, and unique ritual that enriched us. In truth, this is the seder that has moved me almost my entire life and certainly long before I became a Rabbi. Perhaps it played a role in my decision to become a Rabbi.

I’ve wondered why it has often been so hard to have family or friends give just 3 of the 8,760 hours there are in the year, to a ritual that our people have been doing for some 3,000 years. Shouldn’t it be enough just to do it for Zadie or Bubbie, or for Mom or Dad, or for those who walked through fire and water, to make sure that we are still able to sing Dayeinu, or for God?

But that’s me, and for me. I subscribe to a mystical teaching of the Rabbis that essentially says that the Torah (or God, or tradition) is refracted to us through a prism. This means that it hits each of us in a unique way.

Though unique, it still comes to us from the same source, we just receive it and understand it differently. A different understanding can lead to different expression. So, while my perfect seder works for me, even though I may be happiest if everyone would do it my way, it does not make it the “only” way.

In truth, thank God, the Seder is still the most followed Jewish ritual. You might think that honor might go to lighting Hanukkah candles, but it does not. Around the world, on Passover, Jews gather. While I might wish everyone participated in my version of a full Seder, I am filled with joy at the fact that Jews here, and around the world, are getting together on seder night to do something. Whether people are reciting the whole Haggadah, or the 2-minute seder, or simply pointing out the matzah, or just saying “We were slaves, now we are free, let’s eat”, it is remarkable that so many of us are taking the time to connect.

To those of us who have gathered this year, however we have observed, Kol Hakavod. The honor goes to us. May we gather “Next Year In (a Peaceful) Jerusalem”. (By the way, the Torah acknowledged that there were reasons that folks could not observe Passover at the prescribed time. Believe it or not, the Torah provides a “make-up” date. It is called “Pesach Sheni”[Second Passover], and this year it is on Friday, May 1^st.)

While it is still fresh in your mind, now would be a good time to write down the things you might want to add to your seders for next year.

If you have not had the opportunity to see the lovely message from our Christian friends in the Sandpaper, open this week’s Sandpaper to page 12 (SEE AD BELOW). We wished a Happy Easter back on our electronic sign, and I wrote a message to our Christian clergy friends. You can see that here:

CLICK HERE TO READ A LETTER FROM THE RABBI TO THE LBI FAITH COMMUNITY

I am thankful for our community, for the memories you shared with me about your seders, and for your desire to be connected to your fellow Jews on or near our beautiful Island.

Shabbat Shalom and Moadim L’Simcha – Rabbi Michael S. Jay

mjayrab@gmail.com

Rabbi Jay will be in his office at the JCC after services on Saturdays. 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 Mjayrab@gmail.com

CANDLE LIGHTING

Erev

Seventh Day of Passover

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

7:09 PM

Erev

Eighth Day of Passover

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

8:09 PM

SERVICES

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

7th DAY OF PASSOVER

9:00 AM

IN PERSON AND

ON ZOOM

Here is

your invitation from

Rabbi Jay to join Services

on Zoom

7TH DAY OF PASSOVER

Thursday, April 9, 2026

8th DAY OF PASSOVER

9:00 AM

YISKOR

10:45 AM

IN PERSON AND

ON ZOOM

Here is

your invitation from

Rabbi Jay to join Services

on Zoom

8TH DAY OF PASSOVER

Candle Lighting Time

(Southern Ocean County)

7:12 PM

SERVICES

Friday

April 10, 2026

SERVICES

7:30 PM

ON ZOOM ONLY

Here is

your invitation from

Rabbi Jay to join Services

on Zoom

FRIDAY NIGHT

Saturday

Friday, April 11, 2026

TORAH STUDY

9:00 AM

SERVICES

10:00 AM

IN PERSON AND

ON ZOOM

Here is

your invitation from

Rabbi Jay to join

Zoom services and Torah Study

SATURDAY MORNING

TORAH READING

Parashat Shmini

Leviticus 9:1-11:47

Shemini (“Eighth”) opens with the consecration of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Two of Aaron’s sons are consumed by a fire sent from God when they attempt to offer a “strange fire.” God describes the animals, birds, and fish that are permissible and prohibited for consumption, as well as some laws of ritual purity.

Here is the Portion

HAFTORAH

II Samuel 6:1-7:17

This week's haftorah mentions how Uzzah was struck dead when he disrespectfully touched the Ark of the Covenant; reminiscent of Nadab and Abihu's death described in this week's Torah reading.

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

THIS WEEK SEE SERVICE SCHEDULE ABOVE FOR WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY MORNING SERVICES

PASSOVER OVER IS NOT OVER!!!

Don't let those extra sheets of matzah go to waste!

Here are a few recipes for the rest of the holiday.

MATZAH BRIE WITH THE SALAMI AND ONIONS

(could be breakfast for dinner)

Ingredients

1 onion thinly sliced
Extra virgin olive oil
8 thin slices of salami cut into strips
6 sheets of matzo
6 eggs whisked
Kosher salt
Freshly cracked black pepper
Garnish: thinly sliced scallions

Instructions

Heat a large saute pan, lightly coated with evoo, over medium-high heat. Saute onion for 5 to 7 minutes until caramelized and medium golden brown.
While onions are caramelizing, break matzo into large shards and place in a colander in the sink. Run warm water over matzo to soften it a bit. Don’t soak it, just moisten it!
Add salami to the saute pan and continue cooking for 3 minutes until salami begins to crisp up.
Push salami and onions to the side and add eggs and matzo to the pan. Gently stir matzo until eggs are set, then bring onions and salami into the party and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
Garnish with sliced scallions

.from https://jamiegeller.com/

MATZAH CLUSTERS

Combine 3 sheets of crumbled matzah with 3 cups of MELTED semi-sweet chocolate, and 1 cup each dried cherries, silvered almonds and coconut. Drop by the teaspoonsful onto a baking sheet lined with wax paper Refrigerate until firm.

from my box of Passover recipes. Unknown origin RV

END ZONE VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL FIELD

INSPIRING PASSOVER NEWS

For the first time ever, Chabad of Vanderbilt hosted its annual Passover seder inside FirstBank Stadium, bringing hundreds of students together for an unforgettable on-field celebration. Yasher Koah

4/7 - 4-16

TUESDAY, April 7

Pickleball

10 AM - 1 PM

*****

WEDNESDAY, April 8

NO Mah Jongg/Canasta

*******

THURSDAY, April 9

NO Pickleball

NO Torah Study

11:00 AM

Sunday , April 12

Pickleball

10 AM - 1 PM

TUESDAY, April 14

Pickleball

10 AM - 1 PM

Community Yom Hashoah Program

6:30 PM

*****

WEDNESDAY, April 15

Mah Jongg/Canasta

12:30 PM

*******

THURSDAY, April 16

Pickleball

10 AM - 1 PM

Torah Study

11:00 AM

Tuesday, April 14

Community Yom Hashoah Program

6:30 PM

Wednesday, April 22:

WAX Book Club

4:00 PM

“The Midwives’ Escape: From Egypt to Jericho” By Maggie Anton

MAH JONGG & CANASTA

WEDNESDAYS

12:30 PM TO 4:00 PM

PICKLEBALL

Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays

10 - 1

CLICK HERE FOR A WAX CALENDAR OF EVENTS

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER TO JOIN THE PROGRAM

WAX BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP

Wednesday, April 22nd at 4:00 pm

Discussion Leader: TBA

The Midwives’ Escape: From Egypt to Jericho

By Maggie Anton

An Egyptian mother and daughter, Asenet and Shifra, a midwife and her apprentice, wake up on the morning of the tenth plague to find Asenet's husband and son, both firstborns, dead. Asenet's sister Pua, married to an Israelite, urges Asenet's family to leave Egypt with them, which they reluctantly do, along with Asenet's wainwright father and his two apprentices. Recognizing that the Hebrew god is more powerful than any of the Egyptians' gods, other non-Israelites join the exodus, including Hittite and Nubian palace guards. Once hearing and accepting God's commandments at Mt. Sinai, these two Egyptian midwives join the Israelites on their forty-year journey to The Promised Land where they tend to the wounded, share hardship and adversity, fall in love, and start a new home and a new generation.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE PROGRAM

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR JUNE 10

Interested in hosting Lighthouse International Film Festival LIFF guest (s) during the festival, June 10 - 14? The festival brings tech, filmmakers, staff and interns to LBI for the event. Those who host receive 2 All Access Passes and are not expected to feed, drive or entertain.

Contact Christine Rooney if you are interested liffinfo@gmail.com

The gift shop is open during office hours M-F 10 - 2.

CLICK HERE FOR PAVER FORM

CONGREGATION NEWS

The following names WERE read by the Rabbi on Friday evening April 3:

Leonard Berman

Milton Bloom

Irving Bzezensky*

Laura Kaplan

Harold Katz

Benjamin Lehrer

Allan Mayro

Pearl Corson

Stuart Geier

Rose Gottlieb

Claire Levin

Malvina Malmed

Louis Rubinfeld

William Schreer

Bernice Silverman

Edward Albert*

Donald Bosswick

Robert Jack Bzezensky*

Henry Millstein*

Norman Shaer

Pearl Weinzimmer

Jacob Britz*

Kathryn Hadley*

Arnold King Brenman, MD

Fanny Dickman

Joseph Horowitz

David Rosenbloom*

Samuel Troum*

Joseph Callet*

Sylvia Evans

Deborah Gottlieb

Anita McMillan

Richard Saivetz*

The following names will be read by the Rabbi on Friday evening April 10:

Carole Nunberg Britchkow

Geraldine Isanuk

Barbara Sher*

Marian Selsky*

Sydell Sussman

Ben Weisberger

Barbara Greenberg

Howard Lander

Raleigh Liebenberg

Bill Sisenwine

Kurt Albu

Dora Haber

Raphael Haber

Anna Schwartz

Daid Weinstein

Mae Hirschorn Cohen*

Morris Ross

Calvert I. Waranch*

Ruth Brasch

George Foosaner

Alfred David Frumkin

Ruth Goldman*

Marty Telles

Matilda Tubis

Stewart Turner

Izzy Ungar

Marvin Einhorn

Larry Holt

Audrey Konwiser

Evelyn Miller*

Jennie Shapiro

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.

Hugh Chairnoff

April 4

Maxine Paris

April 4

Clifford Denker

April 6

Robert Farin

April 7

Alan Wechsler

April 9

Laura E. Leizer

April 10

Barry Freedman

April 11

Stanley Wallach

April 11

Sandra Rosenbloom

April 12

Karl Mayro

April 13

Elyse Halevah

April 14

Frederic Schragger

April 14

Arthur Abramowitz

April 15

Gail Meltzer

April 15

Donald Pripstein

April 15

Viki Pashman

April 16

Hedda Chairnoff

April 17

Suzanne Geier

April 17

Alan Jacobson

April 17

George & Susan Karp

April 7

47th Anniversary

Scott & Dana Ranani

April 8

26th Anniversary

Cary & Lynn Reimer

April 8

54th Anniversary

James & Amy Wolf

April 9

32nd Anniversary

Howard & Janet Cohen

April 12

39th Anniversary

SHARE YOUR NEWS AND PICTURES

CONTACT:

rvalen1963@aol.com

Marybeth Kreiger

Arlene Schragger

We would like to expand our Caring Committee to reach out to folks who need a "how are you doing?" call once and a while. Please contact

Debby Schweighardt

973-634-5349 if you are interesting in participating

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

2026 MEMBERSHIP FORMS

Your support is so important to the continued success of the JCC.

Here is form for renewal:

RENEW NOW

CLICK HERE TO RENEW ON LINE

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

CLICK HERE TO JOIN ON LINE

BE A PART OF THE WOMEN'S AUXILLARY

2026 DUES FORM HERE

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

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.

NER TAMID FUND

The Ner Tamid Fund was established in 2025 as part of the JCC’s 75^th Anniversary Celebration. Its purpose is to fund necessary maintenance or improvement of our beautiful JCC building as well as the Parsonage. To ensure that the JCC remains an Eternal Light for the Jewish Community on and off the island and in Southern Ocean County generally, please consider making a separate donation to the Ner Tamid Fund, or allocating a small portion of your High Holiday donation to that fund.