SHABBAT SHALOM, GESHER SHALOM!


 
March 6th, 2020
 
  [  HOME ] [ MESSENGER ]  [  CONTACT RABBI STERN]
Shabbat Times: 
Candle Lighting
Evening service at CBIOTP
Morning Service at CBIOTP
M inha at CBIOTP 
5:35  pm
7:00 pm 
9:30 am
5:00 pm
 
  Forecast: 46
/sunny

IN THIS ISSUE...
Birthdays and Anniversaries 
Nadia Fuentes - Uliss
Chase Barnett
Eloise Polinsky
Fred Wolodiger  

Nancy & Seymour Green    

   UPCOMING EVENTS
   
Monday 3/9
Evening service at CBIOTP followed by Megillah reading and costume parade 7:30 pm Dessert reception will follow Megillah reading
Tuesday 3/10
Megillah reading 6:30 am
Light breakfast and hamentashen
will be served after services
Thursday
3/12
Rabbi's Class - 10:30am
The Legends of the Bible
Newcomers welcome!
 




  We Change Clocks on Saturday Night
SPRING FORWARD!

No Purim E-Spiel from Me This Year
Because of the serious nature of the Coronavirus, there is NO PURIM SPIEL this year from me
I hope to see you in Shul.   And when you come...
  • Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer when you arrive and at other intervals
  • Try to remember not to shake hands; you can elbow bump or bow slightly, as our Korean neighbors do when they greet each other
  • No KISSING!-not people, not the Torah, not the Torah mantle, not your prayer book, even if you drop it (you can kiss it all you want once this scare is over to make up for your butterfingers...or better yet, make a donation to Tzedakah), not the Mezuzah, not the Rabbi
  • At Kiddush: no hands, no double dipping, no grazing
And if you have the patience to read something a bit more dense...
We continue to monitor the evolving COVID-19 situation as health and safety are of the utmost importance to our community. There are rumors-only rumors-that one of the hospitalized in Bergen County is a member of the Jewish community. Nevertheless, the CDC and local health authorities believe the risk of exposure is low and they do not recommend, at this time, cancellation of activities.
However, we ask that if you have flu-like symptoms including fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and upper respiratory infection, even if you are saying Kaddish, that you stay home and care for yourself. The same applies to not coming to shul to hear the reading of Zachor on Shabbat morning and for the Megillah readings. Please be in touch with Rabbi Stern directly for alternative ways to fulfill these obligations.
At the present time, we urge common-sense and regular hand washing (as appropriate), with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. Good personal hygiene practices, including covering coughs and sneezes are also important. To do this optimally, cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, and then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands. If you don't have a tissue available, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
Other appropriate actions include avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and disinfect objects and surfaces that are frequently handled. Additionally avoid close contact with people who are sick.
But as a religious community, it is critical that we be mindful of the mental and emotional health impact on those who may not be able to come to Synagogue due to health concerns. Please reach out to any such neighbors and friends with phone calls and video chats to maintain regular contact. No one should feel isolated during this time when technology makes it so easy to be connected.
We also ask you to do your part, please take the time to familiarize yourself with the every-day personal and public health preventative actions recommended by the CDC and if you have traveled to any CDC COVID-19 transmission countries, we ask that you follow the 14-day self-quarantine recommendation. Please see the NJ Department of Health for additional information. For specific questions, see the CDC's FAQ section:
Thank you for working together to help keep our community safe. May God bless us with good health and bring healing to those who are sick.





It Felt Like I was Herding Cats---but 10 out of the 13 of Us Wasn't So Bad!




Report from AIPAC Policy Conference  

We Are Down to the Wire...Voting in the World Zionist Congregation Elections Closes on March 11
Please Watch This Brief Video, and then
Vote for MERCAZ #6 Online or Pick Up a Ballot in Shul on Shabbat or on Purim
MERCAZ Top 10 Reasons
MERCAZ Top 10 Reasons



Dulce de Leche Hamantaschen: Rethinking a Famed South American Cookie for Purim                                  








































In Honor of Purim:
 

Coronavirus Rules from the Israeli ministry of Health:
General Public : Try to avoid hugs, kisses and any unnecessary contact
Ashkenazim : Continue as usual


These 2 holidays are close enough!


From holiday to holiday:
 
To more holiday(s):
 
 
...To Jewish ritual:
 
To existential religious philosophy (I):
 
To existential religious philosophy (II):
 
  
 
 
To ethnographic studies:

...To other stuff that I think is funny/witty:













































 


































 
Torah Reading 503, 1135   Haftarah 1282
  T'TZAVVEH
This week's portion is a continuation of the detailed listing of the appurtenances required for the functioning of the desert Sanctuary, and of the priestly garments which Aaron, the High Priest, and his sons had to wear when officiating in the Sanctuary.
 
NER TAMID - The expression "Eternal Light" is actually a misnomer; "Regular Light," while not as lofty an expression, is a more accurate rendering. The Ner Tamid was kindled each day in the evening and burned throughout the night until the morning.
 
EPHOD - A tunic, waist-length garment worn by the High Priest. It was clasped together at the shoulders by two onyx stones on which were engraved the names of all twelve tribes, symbolically identifying Aaron as the representative of all the people.
 
HOSHEN MISHPAT - The Breastplate of Judgement was a pouch approximately nine inches square that was suspended by two gold chains from the shoulders of the Ephod. It contained twelve precious stones (four rows of three); each engraved with the name of one of the tribes. These stones comprised the Urim and Tummim which were consulted as an oracle of sorts in decision making.
 
ROBE OF THE EPHOD - A sleeveless tunic of blue, worn under the Ephod. It was fringed with alternating golden and pomegranate shaped bells. The chiming of the bells indicated to the people that the High Priest was performing his duties.
 
MITRE - A turban of linen with a gold plate affixed to the front, engraved with words "Kodesh Ladonai" (Holy to the Lord).
 
OTHER GARMENTS - The High Priest also wore a woven tunic, girdle and breeches - all made of linen. Ordinary priests wore these same linen garments, but their headgear was an ordinary turban instead of the Mitre.
 
ALTAR OF INCENSE - Each morning and evening incense was burned on the altar, made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. The Altar of Incense was placed in the tabernacle just in front of the veil that covered the Holy of Holies.
 
ZAKHOR
From the second Torah Scroll we read a brief portion recounting the reprehensible attack on the Israelites shortly after the Exodus from Egypt by the Amalekites. This passage is always read on the Shabbat preceding Purim because Haman (ben Hamdata Ha' Agagi ) is thought to be a descendant of the Amalekite king Agag , who is the subject of this morning's special Haftara.
 

Tonight: Evening service at 7:00 p.m.
Tomorrow morning at 9:30 a.m.
Minha, Seudah Shlishit, Ma'ariv & Havdalah at 5:00 p.m.
During Seudah Shlishit we will read...
The Keys to Understanding American Anti-Semitism - And Fighting Back by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks              
    
This Week's Yahrzeit Observances
We hope that our weekly listing of yahrzeit observances will serve 2 purposes:
1)     To remind those who have the yahrzeit for a second time, much closer to the date of the actual observance
2)     To alert friends and acquaintances that someone they know is observing a yahrzeit. We hope that you will show them your support by joining them at our minyanim, and helping to assure that Kaddish can be recited with a minyan 
        
Joseph Hyman will be observing yahrzeit for his wife, Helen Hyman on Friday evening, March 6th
Hyla Epstein will be observing yahrzeit for her brother, Allan Abrams on Saturday evening, March 7th
Peter Bloch will be observing yahrzeit for his brother, Floyd Bloch on Saturday evening, March 7th
Sue Ann Koby will be observing yahrzeit for her father, John Breiner on Saturday evening, March 7th
Marilyn Brafman will be observing yahrzeit for her mother, Jennie Dankowitz on Saturday evening, March 7th
Jeffrey Adler will be observing yahrzeit for his father, Abraham Adler on Sunday evening, March 8th
Jerome Margolin will be observing yahrzeit for his father, Eli Margolin on Sunday evening, March 8th
Anne Sommer will be observing yahrzeit for her mother, Berta Sommer on Sunday evening, March 8th
Marilyn Saposh will be observing yahrzeit for her father, Louis Bettinger on Monday evening, March 9th
Marvin Josif will be observing yahrzeit for his father, Dov Josif on Monday evening, March 9th
Evelyn Baer will be observing yahrzeit for her grandmother, Emma Baer on Tuesday evening, March 10th
Lore Benario will be observing yahrzeit for her mother-in-law, Irene Benario on Tuesday evening, March 10th
Heidi Skolnik will be observing yahrzeit for her grandmother, Bella Weitzman on Tuesday evening, March 10th
Ethel Chesen will be observing yahrzeit for her mother, Helen Winterfield on Tuesday evening, March 10th
Diane Sudakoff will be observing yahrzeit for her father, Julius Zucker on Tuesday evening, March 10th
Ellen Yuder will be observing yahrzeit for her father, Larry Davidman on Tuesday evening, March 10th
Gloria Singer will be observing yahrzeit for her brother-in-law, Douglas Winikoff on Wednesday evening, March 11th 
Rabbi Henry Glazer will be observing yahrzeit for his mother, Rose Glazer on Wednesday evening, March 11th
Alvin Sussman will be observing yahrzeit for his sister, Blossom Cass on Thursday evening, March 12th
Roberta Mathes will be observing yahrzeit for her grandmother, Recha Mathes on Thursday evening, March 12th






Israel
Coronavirus: For Once, Israel and the Rest of the World Are on the Same Side                                                
The End of the Jaffa Orange Highlights Israel Economic Shift                                                                                 Agricultural exports have plunged as tech and pharma thrive         
 
Video: Israel's 2020 Eurovision Contest Song Features Verses in 4 Languages 
Artifact Packed 3,000-Year-Old Canaanite Temple Unearthed In Israel                                        
Video: Takele Mekonen Helped Save Ethiopian Jews                                                                    
Hijab and Handgun: Israel's First Muslim Female Detective                                                              
Israeli Woman Wins Tokyo Marathon                     
Washington Redskins Players Train with Israel Defense Forces
Israeli Arabs Gain More Seats in Knesset Elections                                                           
Return to Power?                                                                                                                                                                    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will soon be tasked with forming a coalition government, giving him the opportunity to limit the judiciary that is trying him for corruption   
 Israel's Opposition Uniting in Bid to Bring Down Netanyahu 
Lieberman, who previously pushed for a Netanyahu-Gantz unity government, now says he will recommend Gantz to form the next government. If the Joint Arab List does the same, that will put 62 seats behind Gantz, at least temporarily, and make it likely that President Reuven Rivlin will offer him a mandate to form a government.                                                                                               
Israel's Problems Are Real, But So Is Its Progress                                                                      





 BDS / Anti-Semitism / anti-Zionism

Austrian Parliament Condemns BDS Movement as Anti-Semitic    
Oklahoma House Passes Bill Opposing Israel Boycott   
Pompeo Promises to Protect U.S. Businesses in UN West Bank Data Base
The UN Human Rights Council Strikes Again 
The UNHRC has condemned Israel more than all other nations of the world combined. Now, a motley crew of rights violators seeks to harm Israelis and Palestinians alike   
 
Jewish Cemeteries Are Threatened. These People Are Guarding Them. 
The cemeteries have become easy targets for vandals in Alsace, a region with an uneasy relationship to a troubled wartime past and a penchant for voting far right.                                   
                                     
She Was Excited for a New School. Then the Anti-Semitic "Jokes" Started.        
First, a deeply offensive photo. Three students' college plans were soon derailed, and a community closed ranks.   






Hi-Tech
We saw this at AIPAC:
FDA Clears Israeli-Developed Standing Robotic Wheelchair for U.S. Distribution   
Israelis Find the Secret to Killing Toxic Algae Blooms   
Tel Aviv Is Home to over 100 Multinationals                                                      
The Changing Face of Israel's UAV Sector                                                                                
How the Israeli Navy Stays Two Steps Ahead of the Enemy  
Israeli Tech Companies Raise $1.5 Billion in First Two Months of 2020                                                      
Israel's Iran Confrontation Is Pointing the Way to the Future of War                                                  







Lecture at the JCC in Tenafly:
Holocaust Memory in a Challenging World
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, based in Washington, DC, is working to keep Holocaust memory alive by inspiring citizens and leaders to confront hatred, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity in our constantly changing world. Museum historian Dr. Edna Friedberg will discuss the depth, reach, and enduring relevance of the Museum's work, connecting Holocaust history with social, cultural and political issues today, such as laws that seek to limit Holocaust research, as well as the recent rise in white nationalist and far-right movements around the world. Examining trends and concerns through the lens of history, Dr. Friedberg will assess the current threat to Holocaust memory and how the Holocaust Museum's programs look to address them.
$8 JCC members and US Holocaust Memorial Museum members, $10 public

Includes reception 
Sponsored by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Wed, Mar 25
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
$8.00 Member
$10.00 Public
40HMCW00W0


I want to introduce you to...

Imagine 3,000 years of Jewish texts in the palm of your hand.
That's the Sefaria App.
Available 24/7. For free.
Experience the timeless joy of Torah, Talmud, and more along with commentaries, connections and translations.




Enjoy NY Artsy Weekend!
March 5-8 The Armory Show
Naama Tsabar @Kasmin Gallery (Pier 94, Booth 700)
Fatma Shanan @Dittrich & Schlechtriem (Pier 94, Booth 714)
Doron Langberg @Yossi Milo Gallery (Pier 94, Booth 715)
March 3-9 SPRING/BREAK Art Show
Zac Hacmon with Sophia Ma (room 1145)
March 4-8 VOLTA
Yigal Ozeri @Rutger Brandt Gallery
Inbar Hasson @KYAS ART SALON

Film
In Times Like These: Amos and Efratia Gitai
March 5 | 7pm
Film series continues through March 9th
MoMA
Staged reading and film series introduced by Amos Gitai. Featuring Marthe Keller, Ronald Guttman and Edna Stern. The intellectual and artistic bond between mother and son, the birth of a nation both emerge through the prism of Jewish history and literature.

Art
"THE NATURE OF THINGS"
Keren Anavy & Tal Frank
Througt March 12
ZAZ10TS
The nature of Things, an artist book by Keren Anavy & Tal Frank celebrate eight years of artistic collaboration, will be displayed throughout March 12 on Times Square Billboards. The project is up on the corner of 41st street and 7th in NYC.
This is part of a new curated project ZAZCorner by ZAZ10TS Gallery, New York.

Film
Israeli Film Festival of Philadelphia
March 7-29
14 nights comprising the best of contemporary Israeli film, including special screenings with the filmmakers and guest speakers in attendance.
For more info, please click here

Music
Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra
Lahav Shani, conductor
March 15 | 3pm
Lincoln Center
In this all-Brahms program, beloved pianist Emanuel Ax joins the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra under rising star Lahav Shani, Music Director Designate of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, for the D-minor Piano Concerto, a majestic score born from the composer's tumultuous personal life. The program concludes with Brahms's final symphony, his Fourth, a dramatic pinnacle that still cuts close to the heart.

Music
Israeli Songbook -
A Tribute to the Women Poets of Israel
March 5 | 7:30pm
Yeshiva University Museum's Center for Jewish History
MusicTalks presents: Israeli-American singer-songwriter and actress, Shira Averbuch, and an all-female Israeli-American ensemble pay tribute to Israel's female poets. Through story and song, Shira will take you on a journey into the heart of Israel's inspiring women of song like Rachel, Leah Goldberg, Tirtza Atar and more.

Music
Noa: 30th Anniversary Concert
March 18 | 7pm
The Temple Emanu-El Stericker Center
Noa returns for her fourth appearance at the Streicker Center with Gil Dor and bassist Or Lubianiker for a special 30th anniversary concert of her greatest hits and her most audacious music yet, modern interpretations of Bach's concertos and cantatas.

Music
Peggy Rockefeller Concert featuring the Goldstein-Peled-Fiterstein Trio
March 26 | 7:30pm
The Rockefeller University
Performances by Alon Goldstein (piano), Amit Peled (cello), and Alex Fiterstein (clarinet) reflect their special gifts, originality, marvelous sense of ensemble, and love of chamber music. They will be playing selections from Beethoven, Stutschewsky, and Brahms.

Dance
Peridance Contemporary Dance Company: Spring Season
March 21-22, 27-29
Salvatore Capezio Theater
PCDC's program features works by Igal Perry, Yin Yue, and Dwight Rhoden. Photographer Rachel Neville and filmmaker David Bates, Jr. will be honored at our opening night benefit dinner. The program also includes a low-cost matinee performance for community members.

Music
Eviatar Banai
March 26 | 8pm
Symphonyspace
One of the most loved and talented musicians in Israel. The words, beliefs, and sentiments conveyed through his music have an enduring power, accompanying us through the most beautiful and challenging moments of our lives.

Birthright Israel - Free Trip
10 amazing days of new discoveries, friendships, and adventures!
Free trip to Israel with Israel Outdoors
This trip is a gift from Birthright Israel with additional support from
Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey
May 31 - June 10, 2020

Onward Israel
Jumpstart your career!
Intern in your field of study this summer in Tel Aviv. Rolling admission registration has begun - don't miss your chance to apply!
Spend summer 2020 living and working in the center of Tel Aviv
Build Your Resume | Experience Israel
June 10 - August 4, 2020
Cost: $500
Rolling Admissions: November 18, 2019 - March 15, 2020