|
JEWISH COMMUNITY
CENTER OF
LONG BEACH ISLAND
E-LETTER
February 21, 2025
23 Shevat 5785
| |
|
|
A MESSAGE FROM THE RABBI
LET MY EYES RUN
WITH TEARS
DAY AND NIGHT
LET THEM NOT CEASE
FOR MY PEOPLE HAS SUFFERED
A GRIEVOUS WOUND
A CRUSHING BLOW
Jeremiah 14:17
It started with Hope and Despair. Despair and Hope. Perhaps the most chilling thing we saw on October 7th, was the video of a mother clutching onto her two young children surrounded by evil. The red hair stood out. Vibrant red hair. The fear also jumped off the screen. Hope and despair. As time passed, Despair grew.
In a year and a half of terrible days, today has become one of the most devastating. What we feared, and what we knew deep in the inner recesses of our hearts, has been confirmed. The beautiful, young Bibas family: Shiri, z”l, Ariel, z”l, and Kfir, z”l, were murdered by their abductors. It is hard to imagine the depravity of those who would kidnap a mother, a toddler and an infant -- immediately after murdering Shiri's parents. Yet, the world has barely acknowledged the crime. The international community does not express outrage. (It would prefer to sanctimoniously issue arrest warrants to the elected leader of the sole democracy in the Middle East).
Today, the young family was returned together with Oded Lipschitz, z”l, a vibrant man in his 80s. He was a journalist, a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and a musician. Ironically, Oded was a “peacenik” who, among other things, drove Gazans to doctors’ appointments in Israel.
The young family and the octogenarian were each returned in coffins.
Ariel and Kfir deserved to grow up. Shiri deserved many more decades to celebrate with her family intact. Oded deserved to live out his life in dignity. They did not and will not.
The Hope and Despair has morphed into Sadness and Anger. Anger and Sadness. How are a mother and her children abducted? How is an octogenarian, who sought nothing but peace, held hostage? How is the world not outraged? How is the world silent?
And, just as I finished writing this, it is being reported that, while the children’s bodies were returned, the other body is not Shiri’s. The bounds of Hamas’ evil are limitless. I suspect the world will, still, remain silent.
To Receive Our Dead
By: Hanna Yerushalmi
How do we prepare
to receive our dead?
With stones from Jerusalem
in our pockets, anchoring us,
with red anemones in our hands,
and a knife wedged in our hearts.
With murmurs of ancient laments
on our parched lips as
we drag our feet with halted steps
to receive those dear souls,
because not a single one of us
wants to face this news.
How do we prepare
to receive our dead?
With numb spirits,
fragmented for months,
with our right hands,
lost and withered,
with our left hands
wiping at our infinity of tears.
Now that the truth has finally been confirmed, and we have received our dead, what are we to do?
I do not know. I know that we cannot be silent. Because the rest of the world whispers, or worse ignores, we need to shout. But who do we shout at? The world is deaf. No, the world is selectively deaf.
First, we need to acknowledge the loss to ourselves. Cry. The Jewish people is a family. We are responsible for each other. When you see another Jewish person, offer condolences. Let them know how sad you are. If they do not know what you are talking about, let them know.
Next, double down on your support for Israel, your Jewish community, and the Jewish people. I spoke on Rosh Hashanah about the importance of “Doing Jewish”. If you haven’t begun, now is the time to start. Start by saying Shalom. Start by studying Torah with me on Thursdays. Start by taking the Arab-Israeli conflict class I am teaching this spring. Start by lighting Friday night candles. Start by saying the Shema. Start by buying a bottle of Manischewitz. Start by telling Jewish jokes.
It doesn’t matter where you start. At the end of the day, simply ask yourself: “Have I done Jewish Today?”.
In this week’s Torah portion, Mishpatim, God tells Moses that the Jewish people should not wrong or oppress the stranger, because we were strangers in Egypt. This requirement is so important that it is repeated some 36 times in the Torah. God’s commandment is that we express empathy for those less fortunate than us. It is an important law, and we should all be actively pursuing it. At the same time, it would be nice if we were shown the same empathy that we are required to show others.
If you need to speak with someone about all, or any, of this, please reach out to me.
Finally, please join us at services on Zoom this Friday evening at 7:30. We will say some special prayers to mark this sad time. We will also say Kaddish for the Bibas and Lipschitz families and all who have lost their lives since October 7th. Here is the link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83559208295? pwd=ZGNQbFlxR3Y4S1Vuc1hiYUNCMnNuUT09
Meeting ID: 835 5920 8295
Passcode: 437484
In its 75 years of Faith, Family and Friends, the JCC community has witnessed many tests of the Jewish people. With each test the JCC and the Jewish people have become stronger. May we continue to be strong and resolute, and may the way forward be lit by an everlasting light of peace.
Shabbat Shalom and Chazak v’Ematz- Rabbi Michael S. Jay
| |  |
|
Candle Lighting Time
(Southern Ocean County)
Shabbat Eve
Friday, February 21, 2025
5:22 PM
| |
Friday
February 21, 2025
Services
7:30 PM
ON ZOOM ONLY
Here is
your invitation from
Rabbi Jay to join Services
on Zoom
FRIDAY NIGHT
Saturday
February 22, 2025
9:00 AM
ZOOM ONLY
Here is
your invitation from
Rabbi Jay to join
Zoom services
SHABBAT
TORAH READING
Parashat Mishpatim
Exodus 21:1-24:18
Mishpatim (“Laws”) recounts a series of God’s laws that Moses gives to the Israelites. These include laws about treatment of slaves, damages, loans, returning lost property, the Sabbath, the sabbatical year, holidays, and destroying idolatry. The portion ends as Moses ascends Mount Sinai for 40 days.
Here is Parshah
HAFTORAH
Jeremiah 34:8-22, 33:25-26
In this week's haftorah, Jeremiah describes the punishment that would befall the Jews because they continued enslaving their Hebrew slaves after six years of service—transgressing the commandment discussed in the beginning of this week's Torah reading.
Here is the Haftorah
| |
HAVDALLAH
6:00 PM
ON ZOOM ONLY
Here is
your invitation from
Rabbi Jay to join
Zoom services
HAVDALLAH
WEEKDAY SERVICES
Monday - Thursday
Ma'ariv Service
7:30 PM
Here is your invitation from Rabbi Jay to
join Zoom services:
MA'ARIV
Sunday - Friday
Shacharit Service
8:15 AM
Sunday at 9:00 AM
Here is your invitation from Rabbi Jay to
join Zoom services:
SHACHARIT
| |
Stu’s a-stu-te sayings….
The Antics of Semantics…..Halachah – Meen’hag – Mah’so’ret
In the arena of Jewish definitions and interpretations:
Jewish Law, Customs, and Traditions are often vague, so…..
The following is a guideline to help in understanding it all [hopefully]
הלכה
Jewish Law [Halachah]: which amounts to practice and adherence as The Ten
Commandments and engaging in Mitzvote
מִנְהָג
Custom (Meen’hag):
A "minhag" in Hebrew, which means "custom," refers to a practice that might not be strictly mandated by Jewish law but is widely accepted within a community. Examples include specific wedding traditions or variations in prayer rituals
The practice of breaking a glass at a Jewish wedding is considered a custom
מָסוֹרֶת
Tradition [Mah’so’ret]:
Jewish tradition refers to the established body of beliefs and practices passed down through generations, often rooted in the Torah and interpreted through rabbinical teachings
At the JCC of LBI, upon the occurrence of a Yahrtzeit: we welcome family and friends to share heartfelt memories of their loved ones.
| | |
|
AN EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE JCC PRESIDENT, PHIL ROSENZWEIG
PROTECTING OUR SYNAGOGUE
After a rigorous application and review process, the JCC was recently awarded a New Jersey Office of Homeland Security grant for $100,000 to install “Hardening Equipment” in order to protect our building and congregants. Priorities for use of these funds had been discussed with the Board and a grant implementation Committee has been formed to ensure compliance with the grant’s requirements. Over the next 20 months we will be working on projects and a timetable described in the grant submission. Initial work at the JCC building includes strengthening the main and side doors and installing an emergency generator. Vendor selection for these improvements is underway and work will begin later this year. Then, beginning in the fall and into 2026, additional projects covered by the grant are to include improving our surveillance and alarm systems, adding alarms and blast film to windows, replacing the doors into the social hall, augmenting the outdoor lighting and protecting our external utilities. As work progresses the Committee will report to the Board and Congregation.
All this work, along with security policies adopted by the Board, is intended to deter and protect us against a terrorist attack or other external threats. Further, the JCC is in contact with the State, Federation, JFED, the Secure National Community and other agencies to monitor terrorist activity especially in our area.
Do note that none of this grant money can be used to pay for, or defray the cost of, or enhance, the security personnel (off duty Long Beach Township police officers) which the JCC employs for services, social gatherings and holiday celebrations. Those costs remain the sole responsibility of the JCC and are covered in part by the security fee members pay in addition to basic dues.
Thank you to the JCC members who initiated and developed this Grant Proposal and who are working diligently to implement the project. Job well done: Howard Babbitt, Michael Babst, Cliff Denker, Noralyn Carroll, Jerry Faich, Sherry Fruchterman, Jon Geier, Diane Hoffman, Ron Marr, Ira Morganthal and Phil Rosenzweig.
| |
|
SUNDAY, February 23
PICKLEBALL
10 - 1
***
TUESDAY, Febuary 25
Pickleball
10 - 1
WAX Brunch at Wally's
11:00 AM
******
WEDNESDAY, February 26
Canasta & Mah Jongg
12:30 PM
Rabbi's Class
following services
7:30 PM
********
THURSDAY, February 27
Torah Study
11:00 AM
Pickleball
10 - 1
Holocaust Survivors in 2024
8:30 pm
*********
FRIDAY, February 28
Studying the Prophets
following morninng minyan
| | |
|
Tuesday, February 25
WAX Brunch at Wally's
11:00 AM
Thursday February 27
Holocaust Survivors in 2024
8:30 pm
| |
Monday, March 3
Navigating Through the Health System with
Stevie Kiziuklewicz
8:00 PM
Wednesday, March 5
Singles, Widows and Widowers Group
3:00 - 4:00 PM
Thursday, March 6
PJP Program Jewish Jamaica
8:30 PM
Friday, March 7
Shabbat Across America
Wednesday, March 19
WAX Book Club
4:00 PM
Thursday, March 20
PJP Israel Program
8:30 PM
Friday, March 21
WAX Brunch
| |
MAH JONGG & CANASTA
WEDNESDAYS
12:30 PM TO 4:00 PM
| |
PICKLEBALL
Sundays, Tuesdays
and Thursdays
10 - 1
| | |
|
JCC WOMEN’S AUXILIARY: BOOK GROUP DISCUSSION
WEDNESDAYS AT 4:00 PM
NEXT BOOK REVIEW MEETING
| |
|
Wednesday, March 19th at 4:00 PM
Discussion Leader: TBA
The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay By: Michael Chabon A young escape artist and budding magician named Joe Kavalier arrives on the doorstep of his cousin, Sammy Clay. While the long shadow of Hitler falls across Europe, America is happily in thrall to the Golden Age of comic books, and in a distant corner of Brooklyn, Sammy is looking for a way to cash in on the craze. He finds the ideal partner in the aloof, artistically gifted Joe, and together they embark on an adventure that takes them deep into the heart of Manhattan, and the heart of old-fashioned American ambition. From the shared fears, dreams, and desires of two teenage boys, they spin comic book tales of the heroic, fascist-fighting Escapist and the beautiful, mysterious Luna Moth, otherworldly mistress of the night. Climbing from the streets of Brooklyn to the top of the Empire State Building, Joe and Sammy carve out lives, and careers, as vivid as cyan and magenta ink. Spanning continents and eras, this superb book by one of America’s finest writers remains one of the defining novels of our modern American age.
| |
|
Thursday February 27
8:30 pm - ZOOM
As we approach the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, what is still open to discuss with Germany? For the Jewish community and the world, how do we transmit the lessons of the Holocaust in an eventual world without
survivors?
Greg Schneider, CEO of the Claims Conference, will join us on ZOOM to reflect on the negotiations with Germany and Austria for funding for Holocaust survivors.
| |
Presented by the PJP Consortium and The Emanuel Synagogue Adult Education Committee. | | |
HHREC MemoryKeeper Story Hour: Yuval Ehrenreich, GenerationsForward Speaker
Mar 05, 2025 7:00PM—8:00PM
| |
|
Yuval Ehrenreich, the son of a child sole survivor who knew little about his parents, and nothing about his extended family, will tell the story of his step-grandfather Jakob (Jacques) Samuel. Five years ago, he discovered a picture of him in an archive, learning for the first time what he looked like. Driven to know more about him, he expanded his archival search and traced Samuel’s complex life, to uncover stories his father never knew. Following a transformative trip through Germany, France, and Belgium, where Yuval walked in his step-grandfather’s footsteps, he made startling discoveries, adding new layers to his understanding of his family’s Holocaust survival story.
| |
PJP PROGRAMS
As part of the PJP consortium the JCC is privy to many outstanding programs.
Travel around the world to Jewish neighborhoods...Study the ever complex dynamics of Eretz Yisrael...Enjoy stories of famous Jewish commedians,,,,
Zoom link will be published prior to each program....
| |
|
The JCC section at Crescent Memorial Park is available for sales. Please contact Bonni Rubin-Sugarman at 609-417-7148.
| |
|
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. Here is a sample of some of our new products. The gift shop is open during office hours M-F 10 - 2.
| |
New item in the Gift Shop COASTAL COLORS COLLECTION OF MEZZUZAHS. Great Chanukah gift for someone moving into a new home.
| | |
|
|
Lavina Haven Soy Candles and
Essential Oil Soaps
| Resin Bowls and Candlesticks by Seacrest Designs | |
|
The following names will be read by the Rabbi on Friday evening:
Hershel Rich
Leonard Schey
Jerry Weisberg*
Estelle Gottesman
Tee Gottlieb*
Harold Koyner*
Lewis Levison*
Morris Miller*
Jeanne Goldberg
Alan Klein
Etta McEwan
Ruth Schwartz
Marlene Harelick
Bette Kender*
Louise Newman
Jean Spitzer
Edward N. Barol
Saul Block
Sigmund Donin
Bernard Klein
Benjamin Lachs
Lawrence Rubin
Leonard Sheff
Alyssa Miriam Alhadeff*
William “Billy” Petersohn
Florence Morris Piscetelli
Shirley M. Racusin*
Sam Fine
Harvey Leon Fruchtman*
Norman Gerber*
Joseph Lenkowsky
Esther Litvin
Louise Paul
Louis Rose
Rose Rosenweig
Sheldon Rubin
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.
| | |
|
Malenie Piscetelli
February 22
Barbara Pyles
February 22
Patricia Adell
February 23
Wendy Lager
February 25
John Schweighardt
February 25
Joan Silver
February 26
Martin Chazin
February 28
Bobbi Freedman
February 28
| Regards from a JNF Israel mission from Mark Chazin and one of his grandson’s, Josh, at “their” bomb shelter in Patish, near the Gaza border. | |
SHARE YOUR NEWS
AND PICTURES
CONTACT:
rvalen1963@aol.com
| |
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
| | |
|
SHARE YOUR NEWS
AND PICTURES
CONTACT:
rvalen1963@aol.com
| | |
|
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
| |
|
YOU CAN NOW FILL OUT A GIVING FORM AND PAY ON LINE IN ONE SIMPLE PROCESS.
Go to jccoflbi.org - Giving/Pay
| |
|
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
| |
|
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
| |
| |  |
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.
| |
|
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
| | | | | |
