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JEWISH COMMUNITY
CENTER OF
LONG BEACH ISLAND
E-LETTER
February 28, 2025
30 Shevat 5785
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A MESSAGE FROM THE RABBI
Shalom!! After this message, continue reading to see two short additional messages!
In Parashat Terumah, God tells Moses that each person should bring gifts for the construction of the Mishkan, the portable Tabernacle where God could “Dwell among God’s people”. God instructed that each person must give “as his/her heart was so moved”. No specific amount was given. Rather, the instruction was to “give as you wish”. It did not matter how much a person gave.
God’s goal was to make sure that every individual made some contribution to the building of the Mishkan. The fact that each person gave meant that, despite the amount, each person had an intimate connection to the Tabernacle. Each person could say correctly, “God is dwelling with us because ‘I’ did something to bring God here.”
The important lesson is that, regardless of where we are in our lives, we each should be involved in building for the future of the Jewish people.
It is with this introduction that I urge you to carefully read what follows, watch the video below, and either vote in the WZO election, or call me to discuss it. The participation of each of us is important to the future of Israel and to the Jewish people. It is very important that everyone participate.
Between March 10 and May 4, 2025, American Jews will vote for their delegates to the 39th World Zionist Congress, the “parliament of the Jewish people,” which will convene in Jerusalem in October 2025. Voting in the election is the most powerful opportunity to have your voice heard in Israel, make an impact in Jewish communities worldwide, and stand up for Zionism. The representatives who are elected — with one-third of them coming from the United States — will make key decisions on allocating over $1 billion annually to support the most pressing needs across Israeli society and the Diaspora.
The elected delegates include the 152 who fill American seats within the Congress. The larger the voter turnout is, the more the American Jewish voice is heard.
From the COVID-19 pandemic to Israel’s ongoing multifront war, the five years since the previous World Zionist Congress election in 2020 have seen no shortage of seismic crises. This strongly positions the 2025 election to serve as an uplifting and unifying force for diverse voices and constituencies across the Jewish community, all in support of the vibrancy of Zionism. That is why there are no “winners” and “losers” in this election — participation is a victory in and of itself.”
Ballots are cast for one of 20+ slates of candidates submitted by Zionist groups. Voting is done primarily online and via mobile devices. The fee to register and vote is $5, which goes to cover the operating costs of the election.
The election is administered by The American Zionist Movement (AZM), which is comprised of 46 national Jewish Zionist organizations and works across a broad ideological, political, and religious spectrum linking the American Jewish community together in support of Israel, Zionism, and the Jewish people.
Click her to see a short video about the WZO vote:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGWRp7_vZH8
Click here to see the list of slates:
https://azm.org/elections/#slates
Look carefully at the slates and determine which is most closely aligned with what you would hope for Israel and the Jewish people.
We essentially have a 2-month period in which to vote. Feel free to call me to discuss this in more detail. The most important thing is that we help to decide who represents us in The World Zionist Congress. As I wrote before, this is important.
Finally, and unrelated to the above. Tonight begins the month of Adar. Adar is month in which we celebrate Purim. The Rabbis say: “Mishenichnas Adar Marbim B’Simcha”, “When the month of Adar arrives, we should increase our joy!”. With all that is going on in Israel and with the Jewish people, it might be hard to feel joy. However, it is a mitzvah. So, nu? Let’s do our best to find our smile and then pass it off to someone else.
Shabbat Shalom – Rabbi Michael S. Jay
Two Other Important Messages:
1) Elsewhere in this glorious Shabbat Reminder you will see an announcement for the class I am teaching about the Arab-Israeli conflict. If you have not already registered, there is still time. The class begins on Monday, March 10th and Wednesday, March 12th. If you have any questions about this class, reach out to me.
2) This year, 2025, is the 75th anniversary of the JCC of LBI! Be sure to help us celebrate 75 years of Faith, Family, and Fun!!
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Candle Lighting Time
(Southern Ocean County)
Shabbat Eve
Friday, February 28, 2025
5:30 PM
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Rosh Chodesh Adar
Shabbat Shekalim
(“Sabbath [of] shekels”)
read in preparation for Purim, requests each adult male Jew contribute half of a Biblical shekel for the upkeep of the Tent of Meeting. The Torah portion Exodus 30:11-16 is read. This Shabbat takes place on the Shabbat before the 1st of the Hebrew calendar month of Adar, or on the 1st of Adar itself if it falls on Shabbat. In leap years on the Hebrew calendar, when there are two months of Adar, Shabbat Shekalim is on the Shabbat before the 1st of Adar II (or on the 1st of Adar II itself if it is Shabbat).
Friday
February 28, 2025
Services
7:30 PM
ON ZOOM ONLY
Here is
your invitation from
Rabbi Jay to join Services
on Zoom
FRIDAY NIGHT
Saturday
March 1, 2025
9:00 AM
IN PERSON AND
ON ZOOM
Here is
your invitation from
Rabbi Jay to join
Zoom services
SHABBAT
TORAH READING
Parashat Terumah
Exodus 25:1-27:19; Numbers 28:9-15; Exodus 30:11-16
Terumah (“Donation”) opens as God tells Moses to collect donated materials in order to build a dwelling place for God called the Mishkan (Tabernacle). God describes how to build the vessels that will fill the Mishkan - including the ark, table, menorah, and sacrificial altar - as well as the Mishkan’s walls and curtains.
Here is Parshah I
Here is Parshah II
Here is Parshah III
HAFTORAH
II Kings 12:1-17
The Haftorah for Parshat Terumah, which is often read on Rosh Chodesh, is from II Kings 12:1-17, detailing the story of King Joash who used contributions from the people to repair the Temple, aligning with the theme of "Terumah" (offering) in the Torah portion where people are instructed to donate materials for the construction of the Mishkan
Here is the Haftorah
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HAVDALLAH
6:30 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
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Stu’s a-stu-te sayings….
KADISH…..Yitgadal v’Yitkadash Shi’may Rabah….
One of the most revered Hebrew prayers is KADISH known well throughout the world – Did you know that there are 5 different versions for KADISH
Chatzi Kadish: Reader's Kadish [literally translated as Half Kadish] – a divider to punctuate between different sections of prayer as for example after the Torah service or prior to the Barachu
Kadish Shalem: Complete Kadish - To mark the end of a service, although hymns have been added to follow it as for example after the Amidah
Kadish De’Rabanan: Rabbis’ Kadish - This used after any part of the service that includes extracts from the Mishnah or the Talmud, as its original purpose was to close a study session as for example after the reading of Rabi Yishma’el
Kadish achar Hakevura: Kadish after the Burial -Recited during a funeral, also said at a Siyum following the completion of a Talmud Tractate
Kadish Yatom: Mourners’ Kadish [literally translated as 'Orphan's Kadish'] Recited by a mourner at all three daily services
It is traditional that this Kadish is recited by the mourner:
- For 11 months for a parent
- For 30 days [Shiloshim] for a spouse, child, sibling though it is that mourner certainly may choose to recite Kadish for the 11 months – There are persons who actually daily recite the Mourners’ Kadish for those who do not have anyone to chant Kadish and/or in memory of martyrs as those who perished in the Holocaust and Terrorist attacks
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-On the Yahrtzeit of a loved one.
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SUNDAY, March 2
Pickelball
10 - 1
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MONDAY, March 3
Navigating Through the Health System with
Stevie Kiziuklewicz
8:00 PM
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TUESDAY, March 4
Pickleball
10 - 1
******
WEDNESDAY, March 5
Canasta & Mah Jongg
12:30 PM
Singles, Widows and Widowers Group
3:00 - 4:00 PM
Rabbi's Class
Lilac Tree
following services
7:30 PM
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THURSDAY, March 6
Torah Study
11:00 AM
Pickleball
10 - 1
PJP Program Jewish Jamaica
8:30 PM
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FRIDAY, March 7
Studying the Prophets
following morninng minyan
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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
Shabbat Dinner & Service
Wednesday, March 19
WAX Book Club
4:00 PM
Thursday, March 20
PJP Israel Program 8:30 PM
Friday, March 21
WAX Brunch
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MAH JONGG & CANASTA
WEDNESDAYS
12:30 PM TO 4:00 PM
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PICKLEBALL
Sundays, Tuesdays
and Thursdays
10 - 1
| IF YOU MISSED THE EXCELLENT PJP PROGRAM ON THE DEAD SEA, HERE IS THE LINK AND THE PASSWORD | | |
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Navigating Through the Health System with
Stevie Kiziuklewicz
Monday, March 3
8:00 PM
ZOOM ONLY
Stevie, a Board-Certified Patient Advocate, has agreed to lead a Zoom lecture/discussion on advocacy for people of all ages navigating through health care and it’s stumbling blocks.
Please join us on Zoom for this very important program brought to you by the JCC WAX.
RSVP: dianebuskirk@yahoo.com.
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Thursday, March 6 @ 8:30 PM
“Jewish Jamaica” with Rivka Campbell
From the Inquisition to the Caribbean: Jews of Jamaica
The history of Jews in Jamaica is rich and extensive. The first wave of arrivals were escaping the Inquisition. Among the latest immigrants were European refugees running away from Nazism. Though the community today is but a fraction of its former size, its impact on Jamaica and Jewish history endures.
Rivka Campbell, a Jew of Jamaican descent born and raised in Toronto, seeks to build community among Jews of Colour in Canada while opening dialogue among the mainstream Jewish community about the experience of Jews of Colour and Jewish Diversity. She is the co-founder of the group Jews of Colour – Canada. Rivka is a recognized speaker on Jewish Diversity and has been interviewed by CJN and other publications numerous times. Rivka is filming a documentary on Jewish Diversity. She is the host of the Canadian Jewish News podcast called “Rivkush”. The only Jew of Colour hosted podcast with a focus on Jews of Colour discussing diversity, Judaism, and Israel. Rivka has lectured at Limmud conferences, synagogues, JCCs, community groups and Hebrew Schools. She is the Executive Director for Beth Tikvah Synagogue and an Executive Committee member of the North American Association of Synagogue Executives (NAASE).
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THE JCC OF LBI IS ONE OF HUNDREDS OF CONGREGATIONS PARTICIPATING IN SHABBAT ACROSS AMERICA!!!!!
JOIN US FOR SHABBAT DINNER AND A SPECIAL SERVICE
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SHABBAT DINNER
MARCH 7 AT 6:30 PM
MENU
FOODARAMA WRAPS BUFFET
GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST & PORTOBELLO MUSHROOMS W/ FRESH
SPINACH AND ROASTED RED PEPPER COULIS
THE JEWISH HOAGIE WRAP- CORNED BEEF, PASTRAMI & KOSHER SALAMI W/
RUSSIAN DRESSING & COLE SLAW
TUNA SALAD W/ CELERY, CARROTS, RED ONION, MAYO, LETTUCE & TOMATO
GRILLED MARINATED VEGETABLES W/CARAMELIZED ONIONS & ROASTED RED PEPPER VINAIGRETTE
GARDEN PASTA SALAD
ASSORTED MINI FANCY PASTRIES
$25 PER PERSON
Dinner hosts: Joanne and Howard Babbitt
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The Membership Committee would like to invite JCC members to reach out to friends and neighbors who are not members of the JCC and who would like to learn more about our community to be our guests at Shabbat Dinner on March 7th.
Please contact the JCC Office if you will be inviting guests by Tuesday 2/4.
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PLEASE NOTE THE CLASS WILL BEGIN
ONE WEEK LATER (March 10th and 12th)
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JCC WOMEN’S AUXILIARY: BOOK GROUP DISCUSSION
WEDNESDAYS AT 4:00 PM
NEXT BOOK REVIEW MEETING
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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.
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PJP PROGRAMS
As part of the PJP consortium the JCC is privy to many outstanding programs.
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The JCC section at Crescent Memorial Park is available for sales. Please contact Bonni Rubin-Sugarman at 609-417-7148.
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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.
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New item in the Gift Shop COASTAL COLORS COLLECTION OF MEZZUZAHS. Great Chanukah gift for someone moving into a new home.
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Lavina Haven Soy Candles and
Essential Oil Soaps
| Resin Bowls and Candlesticks by Seacrest Designs | |
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The following names will be read by the Rabbi on Friday evening:
Rona Cohen
Madeline Goldberg
Gussie Herman*
Belle Saferstein
Esther Tannenbaum
Arlene Babst
Rachel Bendavid
Adam Heller
Esther Hirsch
Ann Schmalz
Fay Schragger
Jeffrey Weiner
Nancy Brill
Melvin Denholtz
Max Gottlieb*
Jeffrey Scott Gross
Bella Karp
Eleanor Marcus
Hilda Rosenberg
Belle Yudman
Theodore Brod*
Mildred Grossman
Lisa Ellen Kaufman*
Israel Koller
Max Kopelman
Aaron Lox
Haim Mosios
Regina Brenman
Gilda Cousins
Frank John Lamagna
Eric Moss
Moshe Neustadt*
Steven Fisch
Martin Rosenzweig
Robert Rothschild
Irvin Babbitt
Ethel Dalinsky
Irving Newman
Lawrence Zegas
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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Harris H. Weisel
March 1
Susan Fisher
March 2
Alvin Konner
March 2
Phillip Glass
March 4
Steven Tebeleff
March 4
Richard Taffet
March 5
Ken Feldman
March 7
Myrna Hernandez
March 7
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Ethan & Julie Sheffet
March 2
29th Anniversary
Robert Finkel & Jacqueline Printz
March 3
34th Anniversary
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SHARE YOUR NEWS
AND PICTURES
CONTACT:
rvalen1963@aol.com
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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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ABOUT THE FILM
This evocative drama delves into the profound human experiences in the aftermath of the October 7th attacks, capturing a narrative that transcends borders and speaks to universal themes of loss, resilience, and hope.Set against the backdrop of a kibbutz ravaged by conflict, "Of Dogs and Men" follows 16-year-old Dar, portrayed by the talented Ori Avinoam, as she embarks on a journey to find her missing dog, Shula.
Filmed in the immediate aftermath of the October 7th attacks, the film seamlessly blends fiction with real-life experiences, featuring improvised dialogues and authentic portrayals by local residents. Dar's quest not only leads her through the physical remnants of devastation but also into the hearts and stories of those who, like her, grapple with the scars of recent events.
SEE THE TRAILER BELOW
Showing sponsored by the JCC of LBI
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YOU CAN NOW FILL OUT A GIVING FORM AND PAY ON LINE IN ONE SIMPLE PROCESS.
Go to jccoflbi.org - Giving/Pay
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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:
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
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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
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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- 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
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