You are receiving this email because you are an FJMC Club Member, Individual Member, Club Officer, Regional Leader or Friend of the FJMC.

 

Quote of the Day

 

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."


- Deuteronomy 31:6

 

IMPORTANT REQUEST:


At FJMC, we welcome and encourage feedback as to how you, your synagogue, your communal organization, etc. has mobilized to address the events of these past several weeks. We want you to be heard. We would like to share your thoughts and comments through Gesher.


Email: Lisa Pollack at assistant@fjmc.org

 

New York Metro Region

Jewish Community Stands With Israel

 

World Wide Wrap Special Edition

Wrapping Tefillin in Solidarity with Israel


Join and Participate in the

Global Solidarity Event


The national institutions: the World Zionist Organization, the Jewish Agency, the Jewish National Fund, and Keren Hayesod invite you to participate in


A GLOBAL MEMORIAL CEREMONY


Sunday, November 5th, 2023

7pm Israel Time

1pm Eastern Time

10am Pacific Time


Click here for further details!

 

At the 2019 Annual Man/Youth of the Year New York Metro Federation of Men's Club event, Omer Neutra of Midway Jewish Center, was honored as Youth of the Year. Omer who just turned 22 was taken hostage by the Hamas terrorists.


We demand the safe return of all citizens who have been taken hostage by the terrorist group Hamas.


We will not rest until every hostage is released and returns home safely. You can help bring them back home.


For further information, go to Bring Them How Now.

 

Midway Jewish Center's Social Action Committee is working closely with The Afya Foundation to collect medical supplies for Israel.


We have boxes in the lobby marked "Medical Supplies" where you can drop off items.

 

Click here to see the list of Supplies MOST URGENTLY needed at this time.

 

(PLEASE NOTE: WE CANNOT ACCEPT ANY ALCOHOL-BASED PRODUCTS)

 

Plainview Jewish Center is continuing to collect contributions that will go directly toward helping those who have been affected by the terror attacks.


We are collaborating with the Jewish Federations Israel Emergency Fund. You can drop off or call in your contribution to the PJC office. If you are writing a check, please put Israel in the memo line. So far, we have collected over $7000 from our congregants.


Thank you to those who donated. We pray for a speedy resolution to the situation in Israel. We pray for our Israeli brothers and sisters, may God protect them and they redouble their efforts to defend our homeland.


May we see the threats to Israel eliminated and may Israel soon be blessed with peace.

 

FJMC Webinar

Personal War-Time Reflections from Israel

 

Personal War-Time Reflections

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

At 9PM ET


Alex Kiderman, FJMC International VP, was visiting Israel when Hamas suddenly attacked on Saturday, October 7, 2023. In a single day, more than 350 Israeli soldiers and police and 1,400 Israeli citizens were killed across military bases, nearby towns and kibbutzim and at a music festival near Re'im. Some 200 Israeli citizens and soldiers were taken as hostages to the Gaza Strip of which the number of kidnapped children approached 30. Alex will share photos, text and warning messages, and his description of life in Israel from that terrible day's events through the following week.


Register here!

 

Mental Health

Music at a Time of Crisis

 

Watch and listen to the video

Music at a Time of Crisis

By Steven Mandel MD

and Heidi Mandel PhD LMSW



October 2023


It was a Sunday morning that I received an email that the Israel Philharmonic was to play. The host said, if the sirens go off, the musicians will go to the shelter. The audience was empty. They played Fanfare for Israel, followed by the Hatikvah. I was sad and proud.

 

This is the orchestra that played 140 times before Allied soldiers in WW2. In the Yom Kippur War, the orchestra played from the Golan to the Sinai.

 

So, what does music mean to me and how can music help with trauma, loss, grief and the stress of uncertain times.


Click here to read their full article!

 

Jewish Disability Awareness,

Acceptance and Inclusion - JDAIM

 

Save The Date!

February 2024


More information to follow

 

Israel Advocacy

 

Keep yourself informed from many perspectives.


If you only read books and listen to analysis by the people with whom you already agree, you will remain a well-informed savant. If for no other reason than you need to know your opponents, you must educate yourself with information and misinformation from the right and the left, from the Arabs and the Israelis, from the Muslims and the Jews, from fundamentalist Christians who love Israel but dismiss Judaism, and from liberal Christians who love Judaism but dismiss Israel. Go to their websites – it’s free and it’s an education.


One good source for being a media watchdog is Honest Reporting or CAMERA  


For more accurate information, go to the Israeli Government’s website


Read the Jerusalem Post and Times of Israel newspapers. 


Shop for Israeli products.


They are everywhere if you just look for them. Israel needs our economic and moral support. Shopping for Blue & White Israeli products also negates the fraudulent claims of the BDS Movement.


Support Israeli emergency medical services.


Magen David Adom fulfills the function of the Red Cross in Israel. Likewise, Hadassah Hospital and many other hospitals and emergency centers in Israel need our support.

 

JPPI and WZO Survey

American Jews feel less secure and safe

 

Attitudes of US Jews in the Third Week of “Iron Swords”: The JPPI and WZO Report


(eJewishPhilanthropy) American Jews of all types said they feel less secure now than they did two weeks ago, immediately following the Oct. 7 massacres in southern Israel, according to a new survey by the Jewish People Policy Institute, reports eJewishPhilanthropy’s Judah Ari Gross. For the survey, JPPI, a think tank funded by the Jewish Agency for Israel, polled 696 American Jews online.


The study found that while the extent of the change differed between different denominations, all of the groups responded feeling less secure now than they did in the first week of the war, amid a significant rise in antisemitic incidents across the United States. 


Read the study!

 

Around the World

 

A man walks along a building whose facade is covered with Stars of David in the Alesia district of Paris, Oct. 31, 2023. (Geoffroy van der Hasselt/AFP via Getty Images)

Stars of David spray-painted on Paris buildings remind Jews of 1930s, mayor says


(JTA) Police are investigating dozens of Stars of David found spray-painted on the walls of buildings in a Paris neighborhood this week, the latest in a series of incidents tied to the Israel-Hamas war that have had French Jews on high alert since Oct. 7.


Click here to read the article!

 

Police shown outside the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, Belgium after a gunman killed two Swedish nationals at a soccer match, Oct. 17, 2023. (Dursun Aydemir/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Police in at least 3 European countries arrest suspects for allegedly planning terror attacks tied to Israel-Hamas war


(JTA) Police in at least three European countries have arrested people they said were threatening or planning terror attacks related to the Israel-Hamas war.


Click here to read the article!

 

An empty Shabbat table symbolizing the over 200 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, in Times Square, New York City, October 27, 2023. (Luke Tress)

Shabbat tables in Times Square set with 224 empty seats represent hostages held by Hamas


(New York Jewish Week) In front of a long U-shaped table in Times Square, set for 224 people, a crowd began to sing “Happy Birthday” for a 12-year-old boy named Erez. 

Thursday was Erez’s birthday, but the gathering was no celebration. Erez, along with his sister, Sahar, and father, Ofer Calderon, are three of the more than 200 hostages taken by Hamas in the terror group’s Oct. 7 invasion of Israel. Erez’s grandmother and cousin were killed...


Click here to read the article!

 

Out of the Darkness Community Walks Recap

 

Out of the Darkness Community Walk, Jones Beach, Long Island


On Sunday, October 22, Jonathan Brody, 2nd VP of Operations of the FJMC New York Metro 2023-25 Executive Committee, a member of Midway Jewish Center, and an FJMC Inclusion Committee member and his family, Beth and Josh, joined over 2,000 people across the country who walked in the the Out of the Darkness Community 5K Walk to prevent suicide and support AFSP's mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.


Thanks to all who came out to support the cause.

 

World Wide Wrap

 

WWW2024 will soon be here!

Sunday, February 11, 2024!


Club Registration is now open!


Hoping the WORLD WIDE WRAP will be in-person for many of you. 

Of course, it can be done virtually if needed, and whether virtual or in person, you need to register!


Please visit www.fjmc.org/wrap for registration and programming ideas!


Here's a short checklist of some action items clubs should now be addressing:


1. Register on the https://fjmc.org/www-registration website

Be one of the top 50 and register now!


Remember, you must register your club to qualify for a Quality Club Award.


2. Have a Plan for your Club’s Wrap programming incorporating this year's theme, "Wrap for Israel".


3. Send out publicity out now

Save the date: Sunday, February 11th, 2024


Len Abrams 

leonardabrams@yahoo.com

2024 World Wide Wrap Chair



Bill Becker

wbecker1919@gmail.com

2024 World Wide Wrap Co-Chair

 

Around the Region

Kristallnacht Commemoration

 

Park Avenue Synagogue

50 E 87th Street

New York, NY 10128

www.pasyn.org

Phone: (212) 369-2600

Vigil for the Anniversary of Kristallnacht


Thursday, November 9

After 5:45 pm minyan services

87th Street 

with Cantor Davis and

Suzanne Redlich, LCSW 


On the 85th anniversary of Kristallnacht, join us for a vigil grieving this day in history. We will gather to discuss the meaning of the day, honor the lives of those who were lost, persecuted, or harmed, and pray and sing in remembrance and peace. All ages are welcome. 

 

Dix Hills Jewish Center

555 Vanderbilt Pkwy

Dix Hills, NY 11746

www.dhjc.org

Phone: (631) 499-6644

Kristallnacht Commemoration Thursday, November 9

7:30pm - 8:30pm


November 9th is known as Kristallnacht – the night of broken glass.  The massive pogrom on November 9, 1938, marks when the forces of anti-Semitism grew strong enough to cause the Shoah.

 

Congregation L'Dor V'Dor

49-10 Little Neck Pkwy

Little Neck, NY 11362

www.olnjc.org

Phone: (718) 224-0404

Remembering Kristallnacht

Never Again Is Now!

Sunday, November 5 at 11:00 am

Live at Congregation L’Dor V’Dor

and In Our Zoom Room


Speaker: Professor Sabine von Mering

Brandeis University

Topic: How Social Media Fuels Antisemitism


Sponsored by the Yom HaShoah//Kristallnacht Community Committee of Congregation L'Dor V'Dor, Temple Torah, Congregation Etz Hayim at Hollis Hills Bayside

 

Temple Israel of Great Neck

108 Old Mill Road

Great Neck, NY 11023

www.tign.org

Phone: (516) 482-7800

Kristallnacht Commemoration

3G The Living Link to the Past


Sunday, November 12th – Noon

(Please note that lunch will be served from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. followed by the presentation)


The Temple Israel Shoah Remembrance Committee invites you to commemorate Kristallnacht as we continue to hear witness from survivors.  


Join us for lunch, conversation, and exploration of our collective history as we find new ways to remember the past.


Register here.

 

Plainview JC

95 Floral Drive West

Plainview, NY 11803 

www.plainviewjewishcenter.org

Phone: (516) 938-8610



Plainview Jewish Center

Comedy Fundraiser Night

Thursday, November 9, 2023


Doors open at 6:30 pm

Please arrive by 7:30 pm

Showtime: 8:00 pm


Refreshments and drinks are available 2 item minimum per person at a table


Tickets $25

For tickets, contact Bruce Hymowitz 516.965.9770 or email: brucehymowitz@gmail.com


90 Division Avenue

Levittown, NY 11756

www.govs.com

516.731.3358

 

Forest Hills JC

106-06 Queens Blvd

Forest Hills, NY 11375

www.fhjc.org

Phone: (718) 263-7000

FHJC is proud to welcome Honorable Eric Adams, Mayor of New York City


Shabbat Services

Saturday, November 4


Please join us for Shabbat Services as we welcome him to our synagogue. His address will begin at 11am.

 

Temple Israel of Great Neck

108 Old Mill Road

Great Neck, NY 11023

www.tign.org

Phone: (516) 482-7800

Israeli Folk Dance Class


Join us on Tuesday nights for an Israeli Folk Dance Class led by Randi Barenholtz. 


The class will be held in the Multipurpose Room: 7:30 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. (beginners) & 8:15 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (regular). Great for the mind, body and soul! Catch the spirit!  There is a charge of $14/session.


For more information contact Randi Barenholtz at (917) 991-6408 or email randib919@gmail.com.

 

Midway Jewish Center

330 S. Oyster Bay Road

Syosset, NY 11791

www.mjc.org

Phone: (516) 938-8390

Nurturing Jewish Pathways:

Towards Jewish Radical Belonging



November 7, 14 & 28

December 5


Course is free for MJC members!

$54 for non-members!

Register here!

 

Forest Hills JC

106-06 Queens Blvd

Forest Hills, NY 11375

www.fhjc.org

Phone: (718) 263-7000

Rabbi Graber Installation

Friday, November 10-11, 2023


You are invited to the Installation of Rabbi Daniel Graber, our new spiritual leader. Join the celebration, Nov. 10-11 at Shabbat services and dinner Friday night and Shabbat morning followed by Kiddush lunch. RSVP here 


Note that costs are $54 per adult,

$118 per family 

(Parents + children 17yrs and younger).

 

Upcoming Events to the Editor


If you have an article of interest, a special event happening at your Men's Club or other news for the New York Metro Region newsletter, please forward them to Lisa Pollack at assistant@fjmc.org

 

Jewish Culture

 

The Yiddish Philharmonic Chorus at a concert in June 2023. (Miana Jun)

The Yiddish Philharmonic Chorus celebrates its 100th anniversary with a rare Yiddish rendition of ‘Hatikvah’


(New York Jewish Week) — Last fall, when Binyumen Schaechter started putting together the 2023 repertoire for the Yiddish Philharmonic Chorus, he thought an apt theme and title would be “Chutzpah! Yiddish Songs of Defiance” to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising as well as the 75th birthday of the State of Israel. 

He had no idea that, nearly a year later, when the chorus was gearing up for an encore performance of its June concert on their 100th anniversary, Hamas would invade Israel and slaughter 1,400 Israelis — and that Jews might need to turn to these historical songs of defiance once again. 



Click here to read the article!

 

Based on the real-life filming of "Jaws," the Broadway play "The Shark Is Broken" stars, from left, Colin Donnell as Roy Scheider Alex Brightman as Richard Dreyfuss and Ian Shaw as Robert Shaw. (Matthew Murphy, Courtesy Polk & Co.)

This Jewish actor plays Richard Dreyfuss in Broadway’s ‘The Shark Is Broken’


(New York Jewish Week) In 1974, three men — Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss and Robert Shaw — spent countless hours together aboard the Orca, a converted fishing boat docked in the open ocean east of Martha’s Vineyard. The trio, all actors, were filming “Jaws,” the Steven Spielberg-directed blockbuster whose filming schedule famously went 100 days over schedule. The Orca is also the setting, and the men the cast of characters, of the play “The Shark Is Broken,” now playing at Broadway’s Golden Theatre. The play chronicles the tense relationships between the actors as they sit onboard, day after day, waiting — with decreasing amounts of patience — for the film’s mechanical shark (nicknamed “Bruce”) to be repaired so filming can continue...


Click here to read the article!

 

New York Nosh

 

From a high-end dinner at HaSalon to heart-shaped challahs at Breads Bakery, Jewish eateries across the city are raising money to support Israel.

Jewish NYC restaurants win new fans — and lose others — through Israel fundraisers


(New York Jewish Week) New York City-based restaurateurs Yuval Dekel and Ari Bokovza, friends since high school, have deep roots in Israel and a shared love of Jewish cuisine. Dekel owns Liebman’s, the last kosher deli in the Bronx, and Bokovza is the executive chef of Dagon on New York’s Upper West Side, a restaurant that features food from the Levant.

Like Jews around the world, the two friends were devastated when they learned of the deadly attacks by Hamas on southern Israel on Oct. 7. The pair quickly devised a plan to do what they do best: prepare delicious food and bring people together, this time in support of Israel...


Click here to read the article!

 

S&P Lunch in the Flatiron District, Manhattan

A ‘Jewish luncheonette’ returns to the Flatiron District, with a killer egg cream


(New York Jewish Week) Egg creams — which famously involve neither eggs nor cream — are one of those iconic New York Jewish foods with mysterious origins. Does the name derive from a mispronunciation of the Yiddish word “echt,” meaning genuine? Or is it a riff off the phrase “Grade A milk”? No matter. If you are in search of the platonic ideal of a classic egg cream, head to Flatiron’s S&P Lunch...


Click here to read the article!

 

Affinity Groups & Webinars

FJMC Affinity Groups & Webinars are open to all.

 

Join us for Yiddish Lite!

Beginner's Yiddish Group

Alternate Tuesday Evenings

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

at 8pm ET

Hosted by Al Davis

Click here to register!

 

Join us for Yiddish Alive!

Advanced Yiddish Group

Monday, November 13, 2023

at 8pm ET

Hosted by Jeffrey Newton, Joe Rotstein,

Esther Scheer and Barry Wagner

Click here to register!

 

Join us for Torah Talks!

December 7, 2023

7:30pm ET | 6:30pm CT | 4:30pm PT

With Norm Kurtz and Benny Sommerfeld

Click here to register!

 

Join us for Sports Affinity!

Wilt, Ike & Me” with Guest speaker: David Richman

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

9pm ET

Affinity Group Leaders:

David Kravitz and Danny Mandeau

Click here to register!

 

Join us for Financial Insights!

"Option Trading Strategies: Success, Excitement & Less"

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

8pm ET

Affinity Group Leaders:

Richard Gray and Gary Smith

Click here to register!

 

We invite you to check out our new website!


  • What's happening around the NY Metro Region
  • Upcoming NY Men's Club events
  • FJMC International Programs
  • NY Metro Fundraisers
  • NY Metro newsletter archives
  • Resources

And much more to come!


Reminder: If your New York FJMC Men's Club would like an event published in the newsletter or on our website, please email it to Lisa Pollack at assistant@fjmc.org


New York Metro Region Newsletter edited by Lisa Pollack.

www.newyorkmetrofjmc.org

newyorkmetroregionfjmc@gmail.com

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