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JEWISH COMMUNITY
CENTER OF
LONG BEACH ISLAND
E-LETTER
October 31 2025
9 Cheshvan 5785
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A MESSAGE FROM THE RABBI
The story of Abraham and Sarah is familiar to most of us. God tells Abraham to leave his native land and to depart from his father’s house to a land that God would show to Abraham. God then tells the prophet that: “I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you shall be a blessing.”
Abraham does leave and the rest is, as they say, history. It is a great and moving story. Our patriarch, the father of our people, hears God and begins the process of creating a Jewish nation. We have a tendency to see the story in “mythic” proportions. It is bigger than real life; Abraham is bigger than real life. We have been trained to see the story as a great biblical epic and to view Abraham as a dutiful prophet who, because of his great faith, robotically goes on his journey. This is a great way to understand it but, in its size and impact, we tend to lose sight of the fact that Abraham and Sarah, as special as they were, were human. They were surely created in God’s image, and our tradition recognizes them as prophets. But they were human just the same.
By recognizing that Abraham and Sarah were human, and not just Bible action figures, the story takes on a slightly different dynamic. Consider what it must have been like for them to leave their nation, to move from their community, and to depart from the family home. They left family, friends, business associates, colleagues, and their favorite restaurants and coffee shops. They gave up familiarity for the unknown.
While the Text tells us of the decision to leave in a few short sentences, in real life it must have taken longer. How did Abraham convince Sarah to leave her mother and father? How could he leave his aging father who had already witnessed the death of another son? The Torah is silent on these issues. When we further analyze the Text and realize that they were asked to leave to go to an unspecified land based upon a promise of a vague blessing and “Greatness”, the story becomes even more remarkable.
While the theological power of the biblical drama cannot be denied, neither can the human element. There is holiness in seeing the human side of our patriarch and matriarch. When we consider that there must have been fear, trepidation, loss, and anger in their decision to move on, the story becomes real. While God commanded that the journey be taken, ultimately, Abraham and Sarah made a choice to embark on it. And if it was a choice, we can see ourselves in Abraham and Sarah.
May we all have the strength and compassion of Abraham and Sarah and make choices that will enable us to take journeys that will help us to grow, help others to grow, bring us closer to God, and help create a better world.
Shabbat Shalom – Rabbi Michael S. Jay
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With SNAP food benefits set to expire November 1, local food banks will need an infusion food. Bring your donations to the
St. Francis Food Pantry directly
Monday – Thursday:
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
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Candle Lighting Time
(Southern Ocean County)
Shabbat Eve
Friday, October 31, 2025
5:37 PM
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JOIN US
FOR
SHABBAT
DINNER
&
SERVICES
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Friday
October 31, 2024
SHABBAT DINNER
6:30 PM
SERVICES
7:30 PM
IN PERSON AND
ON ZOOM
Here is
your invitation from
Rabbi Jay to join Services
on Zoom
FRIDAY NIGHT
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Saturday
November 1, 2025
9:00 AM
IN PERSON AND
ON ZOOM
Here is
your invitation from
Rabbi Jay to join
Zoom services
SATURDAY MORNING
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TORAH READING
Parashat Lech-Lecha 5
Genesis 12:1-17:27
Lech Lecha (“Go Forth”) recounts Abraham’s (here known as Abram) first encounter with God, his journey to Canaan, the birth of his son Ishmael, the covenant between him, his descendants, and God, and God’s commandment to circumcise the males of his household.
HERE IS THE PORTION
HAFTORAH
Isaiah 40:27-41:16
The haftorah for this week discusses Abraham's journey to the land of Canaan at G‑d's behest, and touches upon Abraham's miraculous battle against the four kings, both of which are described in this week's Torah reading.
Here is the Haftorah
WEEKDAY SERVICES
Monday - Thursday
Ma'ariv Service
7:30 PM
Here is your invitation from Rabbi Jay to
join Zoom services:
MA'ARIV
Monday - 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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NOTICE:
BEGINNING NOVEMBER 7, FRIDAY NIGHT SERVICES (EXCEPT FOR SHABBAT DINNER EVENINGS) WILL BE ON ZOOM ONLY
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MENU
Vegtable Soup
Sloppy Joes/North Jersey Style
Salads
Dessert
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SUNDAY, November 2
Pickleball
10 AM - 1 PM
******
MONDAY, November 3
Davening 101 with Stu
7:45
TUESDAY, November 4
Pickleball
10 AM - 1 PM
******
WEDNESDAY, November 5
Canasta & Mah Jongg
12:30 - 4 PM
****
THURSDAY, November 6
Torah Study
11 AM
Pickleball
10 AM - 1 PM
*****
FRIDAY, November 7
Studying the Prophets
following morning minyan
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Friday, October 31
Shabbat Dinner
6:30 PM
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November 3/November 10
Adult Education: Davening 101
7:45 PM
Sunday, November 9
Everything You Want to Know About the Surflight Theatre
with Steve Steiner
11:00 AM
Monday, November 10
Drawing with Joyce Smith
10:30 AM
Thursday, November 13
Ethical Wills
with Rabbi Jay
7:45 PM
WAX Brunch
Friday, November 14
LBI Table
11:00 PM
Wednesday, November 19
WAX Book Review
4:00 PM
NEW
Sunday, November 23
PJP
“A Virtual Tour of the Once
Jewish Towns of Eastern Europe”
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MAH JONGG & CANASTA
WEDNESDAYS
12:30 PM TO 4:00 PM
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PICKLEBALL
Sundays and Thursdays
10 - 1
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DAVENING 101 with Stu
Monday,November 3
7:45 PM
Learn to participate more fully during services
with Stu Lehrer, Ritual Chair.
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We sent you the wrong link for the recorded program on the show "South Pacific" which is part of the John Kendrick Broadway Series. I highly recommend you watch the program (Rose)
HERE IS THE CORRECT LINK
Password: .^8fCM1G
ADDITIONAL PJP PROGRAM
Recording of the program Shtetl: "The Jewish Life" with Eurgenia Kempinski
CLICK HERE FOR THE RECORDING
Password Pa7FX4f?
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WAX BOOK DISCUSSION
The third Wednesday of each Month
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Wednesday, November 19th at 4:00 pm
Discussion Leader: TBA
ON ZOOM
Beyond the Rivers of Babylon: My Journey of Optimism and Resilience
in a Turbulent Century
By Joseph Samuels and Julie Fax
Growing up on his family’s cattle farm in western Iceland, young Orri has gained an appreciation for the beauty Rowing upon the Tigris River to enjoy a summer campfire on the tiny islands that emerged every summer, teenaged Joseph Samuels never could have imagined that these waters would soon become his only hope for freedom. At the age of 19, he was forced to leave his family behind as he smuggled out of Iraq in the secret hold of a Basra riverboat to escape the violent and repressive anti-Semitism that, over the next few years, would spell the end of the twomillennium old Iraqi Jewish community. Beyond the Rivers of Babylon follows Joe’s remarkable journey, from his colorful childhood in the Old Jewish Quarter of Baghdad, to his life-altering service in the Israeli Navy, to starting a family and building a real estate empire in Montreal and Los Angeles. Blessed with a landscape of a home that is no more, and in the process imparts the lessons of a life lived to its fullest. remarkably vivid memory and a keen ability to look inward, Joe paints a sensoryJoe paints a sensory landscape of a home that is no more, and in the process imparts the lessons of a life lived to the fullest.
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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.
The gift shop is open during office hours M-F 10 - 2.
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CALL PAUL LEVINE WITH ANY QUESTIONS
484-802-0586
SEE ORDER FORM BELOW
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The following names will be read by the Rabbi on Friday evening:
Donna Greenberg
Joseph Hirschman
Harry Liebowitz
Minnie Miller*
Lillian Callet*
Klara Myers Furman
Gloria Gates
Herman Paris
Susan Dondershine
Shirley Millstein Fruchtman*
F. Donald Paris
Ethel Salonsky
Manny Grossman
Matthew Muscente
Judith Callet Pripstein*
Albert Rutman*
Norma Schey
Betty Steigerwald
Ephraim Baker
Moe Grossberg
Dorie Solomon*
Leo Steinberg
Irving Weissler*
Eric Dolinger
Sophie Fruchtman*
Nathaniel Lee Green*
Mildred Kader
David Litvin
Irving Traster*
Harriet Treatman
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.
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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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Ina Morgenthal
November 1
Greg Silvershein
November 3
Jared Glugeth
November 4
Dale Hartman
November 4
Dana Ranani
November 4
Stacey Vreeland
November 6
Brian Bates
November 7
Peter Smith
November 7
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Steven & Dale Tebeleff
November 2
39th Anniversary
Howard & Ruth Miller
November 3
40th Anniversary
Kenneth & Jill Yudman
November 3
18th Anniversary
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SHARE YOUR NEWS
AND PICTURES
CONTACT:
rvalen1963@aol.com
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Sharon & David Hendler
and their daughter Stacy
and son-in law-Geoff
on the birth of their grandson
Henry Richard Holden
He joins his older brother James.
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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
Ken Podos
Sondi Pripstein
Terri Robinovitz
David Shatz
Bonni Rubin-Sugarman
Rose Valentine
Ken Yudman
WOMEN'S AUXILIARY
President - Diane Buskirk
Treasurer - Suzy Geier
Secretary - Joanne Babbitt
Lorna Klein
Joyce Levine
Representative to the Board - Sondi Pripstein
Immediate Past President - Irene Babst
Rabbi Michael S. Jay, Spiritual Leader
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