JEWISH COMMUNITY
CENTER OF
LONG BEACH ISLAND
E-LETTER
March 3, 2023
10Adar 5783
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A MESSAGE FROM THE RABBI: |
For those who were not at cholentfest last Shabbat, you missed my beef cholent, my lamb cholent, my sausage cholent (24 quarts total), and Irene Babst’s scrumptious version of Joyce Levine’s vegetarian cholent. We ate well, some played well (Mah Jong), and others (later) slept well. If you missed it, you will have to wait until next year!
This Monday night and Tuesday we have the privilege and joy of celebrating the holiday of Purim! There are a number of traditions connected to the holiday. First and foremost we are required to be happy. We do this dressing in costume and acting with extra frivolity. Another tradition is to send gifts of food, Mishloakh Manot, to friends and to those in need. It seems that, whatever else we Jews have contributed to the world, we have certainly helped to further the notion that the way to someone’s heart is through his or her stomach!
While I will talk more about this on Friday night, here is a good synopsis of the several meanings of the holiday and the Scroll of Esther.
· The Scroll of Esther does not explicitly mention the name of God, even though the Divine presence constantly is behind-the-scenes. From this we learn to search for divinity even within the seemingly mundane aspects of our lives. God's presence might seem elusive to us, yet God always is accessible when we truly engage in a spiritual journey.
· Haman despises the Jewish people of the ancient Persian Empire because they have "different ways" of behaving, believing and belonging. This type of intolerance is not a defect only of the ancient world. It has remained as a blight upon humankind throughout the ages. Contemporary societies need to become ever more sensitive to being understanding of the needs among minority groups, whether in terms of religion, ethnicity, culture, or due to disability or to any other genre of distinctiveness.
· Mordecai tells Esther that "you have been placed in the royal court, precisely to raise a voice" in saving the Jews and the world from the evil designs of a madman intent upon mass murder. Genocide regrettably continues to rear its ugly head, time and again in every period of human history. Similarly, certain people are fortunate enough to be placed within a setting whereby they can undermine the plots of evil-doers. In that vein, Americans have been "divinely placed" in a "palace" of global influence. We must cry out in thwarting the boasts of Iran to God-forbid employ nuclear weapons in attacking the state of Israel.
· The name Esther derives from the same root as the Hebrew word - Hesder - "hidden" or "concealed." We wear costumes in celebration of Purim, in part hiding our true selves and mocking aspects of the human experience worthy of parody. Purim costumes, on the other hand, might actually reveal the inner essence of our character, so often hidden behind the façade that society foists upon us.
Join us on Monday evening as we wear costumes, have dinner at 6:00 PM, and then read the Megillah, eat Hamentaschen and enjoy each other’s company.
Shabbat Shalom –Rabbi Michael S. Jay
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Candle Lighting time
Friday evening
March 3, 2023
5:32 pm
(So. Ocean County)
JOIN US FOR
SERVICES
Shabbat Zachor
is the Shabbat immediately preceding Purim. Deuteronomy 25:17-19, describing the attack by Amalek, is recounted. There is a tradition from the Talmud that Haman, the antagonist of the Purim story, was descended from Amalek. The portion that is read includes a commandment to remember the attack by Amalek, and therefore at this public reading both men and women make a special effort to hear the reading.
Friday night
March 3, 2023
7:30 PM
IN PERSON & ON ZOOM
Here is
your invitation from
Rabbi Jay to join
Zoom services
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Saturday Morning
March 4, 2023
9:00 AM
IN PERSON & ON ZOOM
Here is
your invitation from
Rabbi Jay to join
Zoom services
TORAH READING
Parashat Tetzaveh
Exodus 27:20-30:10;
Deuteronomy 25:17-19
Here is the Reading
Tetzaveh (“You Shall Command”) opens as God instructs Moses to appoint Aaron and his sons as priests. God details how to make the priestly clothing, how to sanctify the priests and offer sacrifices during the seven days of inauguration in the Mishkan (Tabernacle), and how to build the golden altar.
HAFTORAH
Here is the Haftorah
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HAVDALLAH
Saturday evening
6:30 PM
Here is your invitation from
Rabbi Jay to
join Zoom services:
Sunday - Thursday
Ma'ariv Service
7:30 PM
Here is your invitation from
Rabbi Jay to
join Zoom services:
Monday- Friday
Shacharit Service
8:15 AM
Sunday at 9:00 AM
Here is your invitation from
Rabbi Jay to
join Zoom services:
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PICKLEBALL THIS SUNDAY 3/5 BEGINNING AT 12 NOON
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The Jewish Community Center of Long Beach Island is truly a center for both spirituality and community and this last weekend was an example. Saturday morning services included our upcoming bat mitzvah Ellie Braun leading a part of the service with the support of Eve Lehrer. Following services the Cholent Luncheon was enjoyed by all with three kinds of meat cholent made by Rabbi Jay and a vegetarian cholent created by Irene Babst. An afternoon of mah jongg completed the day.
Sunday morning our Pickleball Fest continued with more folks joining in the game. We were lucky to have Jim Toth, who recently completed his IPTPA Teach the Teacher Workshop, give us a comprehensive class on pickleball. Thank you to
Suzie and Jon Geier for providing bagels. It was a great Sunday morning at the JCC.
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HAMENTASHEN BAKE
WITH RABBI JAY IN THE JCC KITCHEN
Sunday, March 5th
10:30 AM
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PURIM DINNER FOLLOWED BY MEGILLAH READING
Monday, March 6th
6:00 PM - Pasta/Dairy/Pizza (surprise diary menu)
Dress in your finest costume
as we dine and read the Megillah on Purim
$20.00 – Adults $5.00 – ages 6 - 12
$0 – ages 0 -5
7:00 PM - It is a fun Mitzvah to hear the Megillah!
(In-person or on Zoom)
A fun time for all, young and old
All are welcome!!!
Tuesday, March 7, Services at 8:15 AM
Megillah at 8:45 AM
Zoom only
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QUEEN ESTHER WAS A VEGETARIAN!!!!
According to tradition, Esther became a vegetarian when she moved into the king's palace. She ate only seeds and legumes in order to avoid eating foods that were not kosher. Therefore, Purim menus worldwide include beans, chickpeas, poppy seeds, nuts and dried fruits.
The most joyous holiday on the Jewish calendar, Purim is celebrated with a multi-course feast accompanied by wine. In Queen Esther's honor, here is a vegetarian recipe from Jamie Geller's web site.
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MOM’S PASTA FAGIOLE
Serves 6
INGREDIENTS
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 large garlic clove, finely chopped
3 carrots, sliced 1/2 inch thick
3 stalks celery, sliced 1/2 inch thick
1 28-ounce can tomatoes, with liquid
1 quart vegetable stock
3 tablespoons minced fresh basil
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3/4 cup elbow macaroni
2 15-ounce cans red kidney beans, with liquid
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, optional
PREPARATION
Heat the olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots and celery and cook for 2 minutes or until softened slightly. Add the tomatoes, stock, basil, parsley and some salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil and simmer, partially covered, for 20 minutes. Add the pasta and beans and cook for 8–10 minutes or until the pasta is tender. Serve the soup sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
*Note: this soup thickens with time, as the pasta absorbs liquid. If desired, remove about one cup of the soup, puree it in a blender and add it back to the soup before serving.
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THIS WEEK'S ACTIVITIES
SUNDAY, MARCH 5
PICKLEBALL
12 NOON
HAMENTASHEN BAKE
10:30 AM
MONDAY, MARCH 6
Foundations for a Thoughtful Judaism: Practice
A Hartman Class with Rabbi Jay
10:00 AM
PASTA AND PIZZA DINNER
6:00 PM
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8
12:30 AM - 4 PM
Canasta & Mah Jongg
following Ma'ariv
7:45 PM
with Rabbi Jay
"Jewish Wisdom"
using the book
by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin
THURSDAY, MARCH 9
10:00 AM Pickleball
11:00 AM Torah Study with the Rabbi
2:00 PM Beginning Hebrew with Ira
SEE LINKS BELOW
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March 5
Hamentashen Bake
10:30 AM
March 6
Pasta Pasta & Purim
6:00 PM
March 12
5:00 PM
Tour of Jewish London
March 15
4:00 PM
WAX Book Review
March16
8:30 PM
PJP History Program
March 19
1:00 PM
BINGO
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NEW PJP PROGRAMS OF INTEREST |
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Sunday, March 12 @ 5:00 PM
“The Old Jewish Quarter of London” with Russell Nash
The story of Jewish London can be found all around the present day city, if you know where to look. Remnants and relics of the past are hidden in plain sight.
You will travel from the City of London, where Jews lived during the middle ages to the heart of the Jewish East End of the 19th and 20th centuries. Using maps, video, photos and storytelling for an immersive virtual experience. Join London Blue Badge Guide Russell Nash for this fascinating, insightful and entertaining virtual tour.
Enthusiastic, knowledgeable, engaging and entertaining, Russell Nash is one of London’s most fabulous guides. Impeccably dressed and bursting with stories, he is a born and bred Londoner. With a background in performance his tours are sure to have you hanging on his every word. In 2021 he was awarded the prestigious TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award.
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LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON FUTURE PJP PROGRAMS
Thursday, March 30 @ 8:30 PM
"300 Ways to Enhance Your Seder: Make an Unforgettable Seder" with Dr. Murray Spiegel
Sunday, April 16 @ 12:00 PM
“A Virtual Tour of Yad Vashem in Jerusalem”
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NEXT JEWISH HISTORY PROGRAM MARCH 16 , 2023
link will be sent out prior to the date
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JCC WOMEN’S AUXILIARY: BOOK GROUP DISCUSSION
WEDNESDAYS AT 4:00 PM
Kudos to Norma Hockman for leading the February book review with great discussion questions.
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NEXT BOOK REVIEW MEETING
Wednesday, March 15th at 4:00 pm
Discussion Leader: TBA
The Choice
By Maggie Anton
Maggie Anton has written a wholly transformative novel that takes characters inspired by Chaim Potok and ages them into young adults in Brooklyn in the 1950s, a time of Elvis & Marilyn, communist scares & polio vaccines, Jewish migration & American integration. When Hannah Eisen, a successful journalist, interviews Rabbi
Nathan Mandel, a controversial Talmud professor, she persuades him to teach her the mysteries of the text forbidden to women—even though it might cost him his job if discovered. Secret meetings and lively discussions bring the two to the edge of a line that neither dares to cross, as their relationships with each other and Judaism are tested.
Looking for a discussion leader for the March meeting. Contact Deb if you are interested. dschweig19@gmail.com
FUTURE BOOKS:
April: Defending Brita Stein
ORDER YOUR BOOK FROM AMAZON AND START READING TODAY
Click here to borrow the book from the Ocean County Library.
A Zoom link will be sent shortly before the event.
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LIGHTHOUSE INTERNATIONAL
FILM SOCIETY
LET IT BE MORNING
THURSDAY , March 23
7:30 pm,
Ship Bottom Firehouse ,
2006 Central Ave, Ship Bottom, NJ
ADMISSION: $10 online/$12 door.
(Free to LIF Society members)
“Impeccably acted and written.” - RogerEbert.com
LET IT BE MORNING, an insightful, wry comedy, is the story of Sami a Palestinian-born Israeli citizen living in Jerusalem who receives an invitation to his brother’s wedding forcing him to return to the Arab village where he grew up. After the wedding finishes, with no explanation, Sami's hometown is put under a military blockade lockdown by the Israeli government.
Chaos erupts overnight amongst the villagers stuck behind the wall due to the blockade, Sami is cut off from the outside world and trapped in an unexpected situation. As he deals with questions about his own identity and hidden secrets are revealed, Sami watches everything he holds dear begin to fall apart.
LET IT BE MORNING is a film about a state of siege, both internal and external – centered around a man who has built a wall around his heart, and how that inner wall starts coming apart when an actual, real wall goes up around his hometown.
Advanced tickets are recommended and appreciated.
Thank you to our sponsor
Remax of Long Beach Island
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The following names will be read by the Rabbi on Friday evening
Bertha Bitton
Gertrude Fitts
Vivian Fitts*
Mae Lazar
Rose L. Babbitt
Hannah Dudkin
Phyllis Fisch
Harry Kolsby*
Ruth Lustgarten
Ida Plotkin
Herman Reif
Stella Reif
Anna Robin*
Bessie Swaff*
Jacob Axilbund
Adele Linderman
Phyllis Shatz
Hannah Beck*
Herbert Buchalter
David Friedenberg
Sidney Schlanger
Edythe Stern
David Cousins
Joseph Dicicco Jr.
Jonah Herszenberg
Robert Jonas
Lottie Levy*
Margot Lippmann
Henrietta Nagel
Shirley Teplitsky
Morris Weiner
Murray Elefant
Gerald Golden
Ann Nogi
Elizabeth Tittelbaum
Arthur E. Weinstein
Florence Yablon
*Memorial plaque will be lit this week.
In this Zoom era, we have been able to have a daily minyan at 8:15 AM and at 7:30 PM and on Shabbat. 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, going up to the grave of the departed, Yizkor remembrance day and other occasions on which the memory of the dead is recalled. You are also welcome to share with the minyan some special memories of your loved one.
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Phillip Glass
March 4
Steven Tebeleff
March 4
Richard Taffet
March 5
Ken Foreman
March 7
Myrna Hernandez
March 7
Lynn Reimer
March 9
Ellen Weinberg
March 9
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Horace & Carol Barsh
March 8
15th Anniversary
David & Karen Shatz
March 10
49th Anniversary
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DIANE & BARNIE HOFFMAN
on the bat mitzvah of their
granddaughter
Juliet Valentina
daughter of
Sam Hoffman & Andrea Crane
this Sunday, March 5, 2023
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A new feature of the JCC of LBI Library from Stu Lehrer
A BOOK FOR YOUR NOOK: a primary read for your library need
Every couple of months, we will highlight noteworthy books from our
JCC of LBI Judith and Don Pripstein Library:
here are our first selections found on the BOOK FOR YOUR NOOK Shelf of our Library
Daniel Silva's "The Rembrandt Affair" - Even if you never thought you would be fascinated by espionage, Daniel Silva's extraordinary style will have you riveted by his intriguing words of Israeli spy amidst world affairs and the world of art
Edward Jablonski's "Gershwin: A Biography" - Edward Jablonski brings to beacon lights the life story of the genius par excellence of one of the greatest American musicians: George Gershwin - Filled with awesome detail and great photographs, you will appreciate this legend of lyrical composition to even more heights
Abba Eban's "Heritage: Civilization and The Jews" - The beauty of our heritage is brought to astounding meaning by one of the 20th greatest historians and diplomats - You will revel with even greater pride of Judaism and Israel from the first moment you open this tremendous tome
Abigail Pogrebin's "Stars of David" - The famous celebrities from all walks of life discuss their connection, their impressions, and their identity with being Jewish - Abigail Pogregin's amazing research will have you encompassing the array of stars with their honesty and reflections
Evelyn Garfiel's "Service of the Heart" - Noted theological scholar and professor Evelyn Garfiel explains with essential respect and thorough digest of our prayers to make them even more inspirational
And don't hesitate to borrow these and all the other classic and exceptional gems from our unique and special Judith and Don Pripstein Library!
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SHARE YOUR NEWS
AND PICTURES
CONTACT:
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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.
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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:
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:
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.
TRIBUTES
SEND ONE OF OUR TRIBUTES IN HONOR OR IN MEMORY OF
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:
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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2023 MEMBERSHIP FORMS
Your support is so important to the continued success of the JCC.
Here is form for renewal:
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:
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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- Rose Valentine
Treasurer- Ira Morgenthal
Secretary- Cliff Denker
Immediate Past President -Michael Babst
BOARD MEMBERS
Howard Babbitt
Diane Buskirk
Mitch Frumkin
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Jon Geier
Paul Levine
Donald Pripstein
Terri Robinovitz
David Shatz
Rob Van Naarden
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
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JCC INFORMATION
THE JCC OF LBI IS LOCATED AT
2411 Long Beach Boulevard
(24th Street)
Spray Beach, NJ 08008
Telephone: 609-492-4090 FAX: 609-492-7550
THE OFFICE IS OPEN
MONDAY - FRIDAY
CLOSED THURSDAY
FROM 10 - 2
Staff:
Leslie Dinkfelt, Office Manager
Mary Beth Krieger, Staff Member
Diane Parzych, Staff Member
Susan Berube, Kitchen Manager
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LATEST
BULLETIN:
PRAYER BOOK:
WEB SITE:
PAVERS:
TREE OF LIFE
YAHRZEIT PLAQUE FORM:
KOL HAKAVOD DONATION FORM
TRIBUTES:
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Rabbi Michael S. Jay
Phil Rosenzweig, President
E-mail Editor: Rose Valentine
Graphics by
Irene Babst
Contributing Columnist
Sheila Weisel
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