Madison Jewish Center

Transcription

1 Our 85 th Year MAY 2016 NISAN/IYAR 5776 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES FOR MAY 2016 Friday, May 6 Candle Lighting 7:40 pm Service 7:30 pm Saturday, May 7 Services 9:00 am Jr. Congregation 10:30 am SHABBAT MAHAR HODESH BIRKAT HaHODESH Weekly Portion: AHAREI MOT Leviticus 17:1-18:30 HAFTARAH: I Samuel 20:18-42 HALACHAH FOR THE MONTH Friday, May 13 Candle Lighting 7:47 pm Service 7:30 pm BIRTHDAY/ANNIVERSARY SHABBAT NEW MEMBER SHABBAT Saturday, May 14 Services 9:00 am Jr. Congregation 10:30 am SOCIAL CLUB SHABBAT Weekly Portion: K DOSHIM Leviticus 19:23-20:27 HAFTARAH: Amos 9:7-15 Friday, May 20 Candle Lighting 7:53 pm Service 7:30 pm special Shabbat Speaker Norman Sapoznik Saturday, May 21 Services 9:00 am Jr. Congregation 10:30 am Weekly Portion: EMOR Leviticus 23:23-27:23 HAFTARAH: Ezekiel 44:15-31 QUIZ Friday, May 27 Candle Lighting 7:59 pm Service 7:30 pm Saturday, May 28 Services 9:00 am NO Jr. Congregation Weekly Portion: B HAR Leviticus 25:29-26:2 HAFTARAH: Jeremiah 32:6-2 ASK THE RABBI Tel: *

2 Page Two In case you missed it here is the Sermon I gave at the Kings Highway United Methodist Church on March 1, 2016 Rabbi Shae J. Kane D.D. Truth or Consequences A jazz pianist complained to the club owner about the piano, but the owner did nothing. Angry and frustrated, the pianist announced that he would not show up for work until the piano was repaired. A week later, he received a call from the owner that the piano was now fine. The pianist returned to work, but found that the piano was still badly out of tune. He confronted the owner: "I thought you told me the piano was now fine; but it is not fine at all." The owner replied with a surprised look. "I did have the piano fixed. Don't you see that it has been freshly painted?" This story epitomizes a massive and widespread problem that faces all of us as human beings. We are confronted with items, individuals, institutions and even politicians, that are seriously flawed. Instead of analyzing the problem and coming to a reasonable and intelligent solution, there is a tendency to seek superficial cover-ups that merely serve as camouflages. We think that if we paint the piano, put make-up on an individual, or do a p.r. job for an institution...we thereby have solved the problem. But, of course, we have left the core problem in tact; it will surface soon enough in spite of the superficial cover-up job. In this past week's portion of the Torah the Five Books of Moses taken from the The Book of Exodus and chanted in Synagogues throughout the Jewish World we read the truly startling story of the Children of Israel and the molten calf commonly called the golden calf. Moses had ascended Mount Sinai - and the people were awaiting his return at a certain time. In their calculation, the time had elapsed. Immediately they panicked and compelled Aaron to make a molten calf of gold for them to worship. When Moses came down from the mountain and saw the Children of Israel worshiping the molten calf, he cast the Tablets of God s Law to the ground and shattered them. The Children of Israel suffered great punishment for this foolishness. When Moses failed to appear at the time they expected him, how did the Children of Israel evaluate the situation? What options did they have? They could have waited another day or two to see if Moses would return? Or they could have appointed or elected someone else - Aaron or Hur - to become their leader in place of Moses. But instead of going to the core of the problem and finding a solution, they sought a quick fix. They wanted a molten calf, even though the idol surely could not replace Moses, nor could it provide proper leadership. Why would anyone want a glittering calf instead of a real human leader? Why would anyone forsake God in order to worship idols? Sometimes people are simply perverse or misguided. Sometimes they are fearful or confused. In desperation, they may turn to someone who will build for them a golden wall - paid for by someone else - as a quick fix, or to a false idol which they think is "good luck" and to which they can attribute magical or supernatural powers or even divinity.

3 madisonjc.org Page Three What is the essence of idolatry? It is the assigning of false value to an individual or to an object. Idolaters think that if they worship an idol, bow to it, bring it offerings or rally and support it --then it must be god! They convince themselves that a falsehood is actually true. If they can get others to, also, foster the falsehood, this gives it the appearance of being true. The evil of idolatry is: believing in falsehood and abandoning truth. The Torah warns us not to fall into this trap. This applies not only to idols, but to everything and everyone. This applies to any demagogues or p.r. experts who try to make us believe things we know to be wrong or go against the moral and ethical ideals of our religious heritage and of our great American Society. Too many people succumb to these falsehoods. The Torah commands us to cling to truth and to reject lies. In our society, there are many who foster an idolatrous worldview. They attempt to convince us that a painted piano is fixed, even if it is out of tune with our spiritual and communal values. They promote products or people or institutions or ideas by spinning superficial images that are false and rotten at the core. They seek to make us fall into line with a lynch mob mentality, so that we suspend our own sense of clear judgment and become an idolater. The Torah warns us: do not be an idolater, do not veer from truth, do not falsely evaluate things or people. Our Talmud (Hagigah 14b) tells of four great sages who entered the "pardes" i.e. the world of profound speculation. Rabbi Akiva, one of the four, warned the others: "when you reach the domain of pure marble, don't call out 'water, water'; as it is written (Psalms 101:7), one who speaks falsehoods will not be established before My eyes. " Rabbi Akiva knew how easy it is to mistake clear marble for water, a metaphor for how easy it is to succumb to falsehood instead of clinging to truth. The marble looks so much like water: but it is not water, it is cold stone. If we wish to pursue truth, we need to evaluate people and things and ideas as they really are and not as they appear to be in their painted cover-up. Molten calves do not bring redemption. Painted pianos do not produce good music if the piano is out of tune even golden walls will not protect us. If we succumb to falsehood, we will surely pay the severe consequences. Because fakes and fakery because demagogues and demagoguery because lies and lying cannot and will not lead us to the promised land.

4 Page Four President s Message MAY 2016 Greetings everyone. We hope everyone enjoyed getting together with family and friends at your Passover seders. During Hol Hamoed many of us had a fun time on our Atlantic City bus ride. Earlier in the month, Sisterhood arranged a fascinating trip to the Lower East Side Tenement Museum. There was plenty of time for socializing afterwards at a local restaurant.. May is a very busy month at Madison. We begin with our very moving Yom Hashoah program, featuring our Youth Chorus, on Wednesday evening, May 4th. Then, on Wednesday evening, May 11, our choir will sing at our Yom Ha Zikaron/Yom Ha atzma ut observance. Israeli treats will be served. Friday, May 13th is new member Shabbat. Please attend services to support them. Saturday, May 14th is this year s wonderful Social Club Shabbat. The service will be run by our members. Cantor Rimer s classes begin Wednesday evening, May 18th. They are always interesting. We begin a monthly program of Friday evening special speakers with Norman Sapoznik on May 20th. The month ends with our two largest fundraisers, the Journal celebration honoring past president Ruth Rosenberg on Sunday, May 22nd and the Fashion Show on Thursday evening, May 26th. If you haven t made reservations yet for either event, now is the time to do so. Our affiliates work hard to prepare a variety of social and interesting programs. All our religious services are friendly, inviting and meaningful. And, since we are Jewish, most are followed by food. So, join us here at Madison. Try out our brand new sidewalk. Attendance has been increasing. I look forward to the day when we can no longer fit in the Beit Ha Midrash and must return to the Main Sanctuary. This month, continuing what I began last month, the spotlight falls on one of our newer members, Cecile Kops. Cecile, who has been coming to Madison for almost two years, grew up in Washington Heights and Laurelton, Queens in an orthodox home. She was a student at Yeshiva Central Queens. She has a BA in history from City College and a MA in political science from Brooklyn College. After retirement from the teaching profession she earned a second BA degree in Judaic Studies. Cecile belonged to the Flatbush Jewish Center for several years before moving, in 2003, to Nostrand Avenue and Quentin Road. While walking her dog, Toffee, one morning at about 6:35 AM, she crossed paths with Ilene Karpas, who invited her to the morning minyan. Cecile liked the people here; she said, everyone was so pleasant and friendly and almost immediately became one of our regulars. She particularly liked that we were egalitarian and that women received aliyot. But, there is much more to Cecile. Years ago when she was teaching on the Lower East Side, on a lark she went into a nearby ceramics studio and discovered a latent talent which has given her hours of pleasure. She is an accomplished potter and also designs and makes jewelry. Oh, and she makes books by hand. Another passion is her love of animals. Her beloved dog, Toffee, recently died leaving an empty space but she has several cats which she has rescued over the years. Cecile feels right at home at. Shalom,

5 madisonjc.org Page Five THE LATEST FROM SISTERHOOD MAY 2O16 The Sisterhood trip to the Tenement Museum on Sunday, April 3, 2016 was a huge success. All who attended had a great time. The tour guide was very informative and a dynamic speaker. The tour group also had an interactive experience where they visited an actual apartment where a former resident spoke and responded to questions from the people on the tour (this was an actor wearing the clothing from the time period and role playing one of the people who lived in that apartment). This made the experience come alive for the tour group. Thanks go to Rachel Streich and Ilene Shapiro for organizing this wonderful event. The Sisterhood Board Meeting held on Monday, April 18 was devoted to the Fashion Show. Thank you all who attended. Sunday, May 15, 2016 is our next Maj and Mingle from 10:00 AM 12:00. Please contact Teresa Gottesmann if you are attending this event. The next Sisterhood Board Meeting will be Thursday, May 19, This will be both a Sisterhood board meeting and a Fashion Show meeting. Hope you can attend. Looking forward to seeing you at our annual Fashion Show on Thursday, May 26. Everyone who attends always enjoys this event. The theme is Disco and look forward to music, dancing, raffles, dinner and exciting fashions from TJ Maxx. If you have not made reservations, please contact Irene Cimini or Bonnie Solomon. Our annual Sisterhood End of Year dinner will be held in June of this year. A flyer will be forthcoming. Check the MJC website for upcoming events. Harriett Cohen and Shelli Feldman Sisterhood Co-Presidents

6 Page Six MJC SOCIAL CLUB HAPPENINGS MAY 2016 Great events are happening at MJC. Try to attend as many as you can. You will have an enjoyable time. Our annual Passover trip to Atlantic City was on Tuesday, April 26 th. We enjoyed Passover snacks and had fun playing Bingo on the bus. Everyone had a wonderful day gambling, shopping, and walking on the Boardwalk. The Social Club Shabbat will take place on Saturday, May 14 th. Social Club members will be conducting many parts of the service. Please try to attend and show your support. A delicious Kiddush luncheon will follow. The end of the year election barbecue is scheduled for the afternoon of June 5 th. We will be honoring Rabbi and Arlene Kane, Cantor and Kate Rimer. A proposal was made for a golf outing in the fall. It sounds like a great event. More information will be available soon. Please mark your calendars and join us as often as you can. You are guaranteed to have a wonderful time. Every member of MJC is also a member of the Social Club. Please take advantage of the many opportunities to spend time with friends. Let s keep MJC as the center of Egalitarian Conservative Judaism in this part of Brooklyn. Check our website (madisonjc.org), watch for flyers, and check the Message for further information. Reservations for all activities can be made through our address (info@madisonjc.org). Ilene Karpas

7 madisonjc.org PA NEWS MAY 2016 Page Seven SHALOM PARENTS: I can t believe how fast this school year has gone! Last month we had the Tzivos Hashem matzah bakery come to our Hebrew School. This workshop was a lot of fun for all the students and adults who attended. The last Junior Congregation of this school year will be Saturday, May 21. We commend all the students and their parents who have been coming to Junior Congregation on a regular basis! Also parents mark your calendars Friday, June 3 rd is our annual moving up/graduation ceremony. We are still selling gift cards, you can order online or pick up an order form in the office. Thanks again for your support. Finally we would like to wish all moms a happy and healthy Mother s Day. Melanie Green The Parents Association Online Gift Cards Are Now Available at M.J.C. through the Parents Association. It is Easy, Fast, and Available all year long! See further information on page 10.

8 Page Eight YAHRZEIT DONATIONS FOR MAY 2016 HAVE BEEN MADE BY: Brian Klasewitz Bella Benders Florence Benstein Stacie Bono Harry Cooper Betty Goldenkranz Arlene Gordon Teresa Gottesmann Randye Gravitz Ruth Greenspun Thelma Gruber Mady Kiner Jennifer Kubasky Steven Lampert Marilyn Madans Howard Madans Stanley Moldovan Diane Morgan Edith Novikoff Phyllis Pack Helene Pelowitz Leonard Podell Paul Podell Taba Rubinowitz Fern Rudorfer Jules Sachson Lillian Schreibstein Rochelle Siller Harold Silver Karyn Weintraub Alex Yakubovich THE MESSAGE Published 11 times a year * July/August * 1 issue Affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 2989 Nostrand Ave., Brooklyn, NY * info@madisonjc.org Fax: Shae J. Kane D.D....Rabbi Leslie Rimer.....Cantor Roy Alexander...President Sisterhood Presidents Harriett Cohen & Shelli Feldman MJC Social Club President Norman Green P.A. President: Steven Green Message Layout Bruce Herman Editorial Staff Rabbi Shae J. Kane D.D. Monique Ander Ellen Green Ilene Karpas Roy Alexander Bruce Herman Marlene Podell SERVICE SCHEDULE Friday Evening & Erev Yom Tov 7:30 PM Saturday Morning & Yom Tov Morning 9:00 AM Weekday Minyanim (Mon. & Thurs.)...6:45 AM Sunday Morning & Legal Holidays... 8:30 AM If you need a Minyan at any other time, please call the office and we will attempt to assemble one. TEMPLE OFFICE HOURS The Synagogue office will be open Monday through Thursday from 9:00am to 4:00pm, Friday from 9:00am -12 noon We are closed on all Jewish and legal holidays.

9 madisonjc.org Page Nine SAVE THE DATE Social Club Saturday, May 14 9:00am Social Club Shabbat Sisterhood Sunday, May 15, am -12 noon Maj & Mingle Thursday, May 26 7:00pm Fashion Show Parents Association Sunday, May 15, am 4 pm Flea Market Congregation Wednesday, May 4 th 7:00pm Yom HaSHOAH service Wednesday, May 11 th 7:30pm Yom Haatzmaut service Sunday, May 22 nd 11:00am Journal Celebration Jewish Humor A man says to his Jewish friend, Why does a Jew answer a question with a question? His friend responded, Why shouldn t a Jew answer a question with a question?

10 Page Ten Online Gift Cards Are Now Available at M.J.C. through the Parents Association It is Easy, Fast, and Available all year long! 1. Go to 2. Click on family signup and then click on create an account. 3. Next fill out all the necessary info and set up an account. 4. You will see join a nonprofit. Underneath will be a box marked enrollment code. Enter A3897D and then click on join. 5. Now you will be able to order your gift cards online through M.J.C. 6. All money for gift cards must be checks payable to M.J.C and sent to the office after you order your gift cards online. Please Label the envelope Attention Melanie or Steven Green. 7. For those of you who are not comfortable ordering online we also have a printed list of gift cards that are available and a printed order form. These also get sent to the office with a check payable to M.J.C and marked attention Melanie or Steven Green. 8. No gifts cards will be sent to us unless we send them a check first.

11 madisonjc.org Page Eleven MEMORIAL FUND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS HAVE BEEN SENT To: Norman Green & Family A donation has been made in memory of your beloved brother Syras Green By: Fern & Leonard Rudorfer To: Norman Sapoznik A donation has been made in memory of your beloved mother Pearl Sapoznik By: Sheila & Bert Goodman Judy Posniack Marlene & Paul Podell Irma & Roy Alexander Monique & Richard Ander Ruth Rosenberg Linda & Steve Bell Myra Lee & Albert Fleischman Bunny & Brian Bender Ellen & Norman Green Diane & Greg Posniack Arlene, David & Jonathan Abels Ilene Karpas Irene & Frank Cimini Harriett & Stephen Cohen Shelli & Ronald Feldman To: Loretta Packer & Family A donation has been made in memory of your beloved husband Dr. Arnold Packer By: Ellen & Norman Green Monique & Richard Ander Sheila & Bert Goodman Marlene & Paul Podell Ruth Rosenberg Linda & Steve Bell Myra Lee & Albert Fleischman Bunny & Brian Bender Irma & Roy Alexander Diane & Greg Posniack To: Curtis Packer & Family A donation has been made in memory of your beloved father Dr. Arnold Packer: By: Irma & Roy Alexander Ellen & Norman Green Sheila & Bert Goodman Marlene & Paul Podell Ruth Rosenberg Linda & Steve Bell Myra Lee & Albert Fleischman Bunny & Brian Bender Barbara & Barry Stein Judy Posniack Andrew Menkes & Ruth Richards Diane & Greg Posniack Elysa & Seth Resnikoff

12 Page Twelve For: Suellen Schussel By: Sheila & Bert Goodman Marlene & Paul Podell Irma & Roy Alexander Monique & Richard Ander Ruth Rosenberg Linda & Steve Bell Myra Lee & Albert Fleischman Bunny & Brian Bender Ellen & Norman Green Diane & Greg Posniack Judy Posniack Hannah Dreifus & Family For: Lauren Szcapa By: Sheila & Bert Goodman Marlene & Paul Podell Irma & Roy Alexander Monique & Richard Ander Ruth Rosenberg Linda & Steve Bell Myra Lee & Albert Fleischman Bunny & Brian Bender Ellen & Norman Green Diane & Greg Posniack Arlene, David & Jonathan Abels Hannah Dreifus & Family Ilene Karpas Judy Posniack R FUAH SH LEIMAH PRAYER DONATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR SPEEDY RECOVERY PRAYERS For : Yaffa Sapoznik By: Judy Posniack Ellen & Norman Green Diane & Greg Posniack Marlene & Paul Podell Sheila & Bert Goodman Bunny & Brian Bender Myra Lee & Albert Fleischman Ruth Rosenberg Linda & Steve Bell Irma & Roy Alexander Monique & Richard Ander Ilene Karpas Irene & Frank Cimini Teresa & Mario Gottesmann Shelli & Ronald Feldman Harriett & Stephen Cohen

13 madisonjc.org Page Thirteen MAY 2016 Birthday List 3 Monique Ander 9 Sara Koprak 3 Matthew Cohen 11 Marilyn Cohen 3 Warren Leibowitz 21 Ilene Marcus 3 Heather Pallone 22 Ellen Green 6 Eric Shapiro 22 Randi Herman 8 Harriet Cohen 25 Jodie Cohen 8 Burton Siegel If we have misspelled a name, left something out, or have failed in any way to properly acknowledge anyone who should have been acknowledged, please forgive us. Please note that some names may not have not been included. Anniversary List 1 Stacie & James Bono 19 Elissa & Steven Bieber 5 Bunny & Brian Bender 31 Terri & Joseph Harary

14 Page Fourteen PERSONALS Dear friends at Thank you for your support & contributions in memory of my mother Pearl Sapoznik From: Norman Sapoznik Dear everyone, I very much appreciated the best wishes for my recovery. Surgery is hard, healing is hard as well, and every time someone has taken the time to call or write to hope that I m feeling better, has made it all easier. Thank you all very much, I am absolutely overwhelmed. Matthew Eli Resnick To our Madison family: Thank you for your good wishes and donations in honor of Ingrid and Rob's marriage Judy Posniack

15 madisonjc.org Page Fifteen To: Greg Goldstein & Family A donation has been made in memory Of your beloved wife & mother Renee Goldstein By: Marlene & Paul Podell To: Loretta & Curtis Packer & Family On the loss of their beloved husband, father & grandfather Dr. Arnold Packer IN MEMORIAM We record with sorrow the passing of our esteemed member Dr. Arnold Packer May his soul be bound up in the bonds of eternal life. Heartfelt sympathy is extended to his family.

16 Page Sixteen HONOR FUND MAZAL TOV TOV && BEST BEST WISHES To: Vicky & Gary Dreifus A donation has been made in honor of the birth of your granddaughter Cloe By: Ruth Siegel To: Hannah Dreifus A donation has been made in honor of the birth of your great granddaughter Cloe By: Ruth Siegel To: Ingrid & Robert A donation has been made in honor of your marriage By: Ruth Rosenberg To: Judy Posniack A donation has been made in honor of the marriage of your daughter Ingrid to Robert By: Sheila & Bert Goodman Marlene & Paul Podell Ellen & Norman Green Ruth Rosenberg Linda & Steve Bell Irma & Roy Alexander Monique & Richard Ander Myra Lee & Albert Fleischman Bunny & Brian Bender Diane & Greg Posnaick Ilene Karpas Barbara & Barry Stein Irene & Frank Cimini Shelli & Ronald Feldman Harriett & Stephen Cohen Teresa & Mario Gottesmann

17 madisonjc.org Page Seventeen KIDDUSH FUND SPONSORS FOR MAY KIDDUSH FUND SPONSORS FOR MAY Annual Kiddush Sponsors: Arlene and David Abels Monique and Richard Ander Ellen and Max Hamou Ilene Karpas Barbara and Joseph Kowalski Cecile Kops Diane and Greg Posniack Judy and Max Posniack Barbara and Barry Stein Terri and Joseph Harary Harriett and Stephen Cohen Shelli and Ronald Feldman Platinum Kiddush Sponsors: Irma and Roy Alexander Bunny and Brian Bender Sheila and Bert Goodman Ellen and Norman Green Randi and Bruce Herman Marla and Matt Hesse Beverly and Seymour Hoffnung Mady Kiner Helene and Susan Master Marlene and Paul Podell If you would like to be a sponsor, contact: Norman Green (917) emg522@aol.com

18 Page Eighteen MADISON JEWISH CENTER Cordially Invites You to Attend Our 85 th ANNIVERSARY JOURNAL CELEBRATION Honoring Woman of the Year Ruth Rosenberg Sunday, May 22, :00 AM 2989 Nostrand Avenue Brooklyn, New York 11229

19 madisonjc.org Page Nineteen

20 Page Twenty MAY 2016 NISAN/IYAR 5776 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Nisan 23 Nisan 24 Nisan 25 Nisan 27 Nisan 28 Nisan 29 4 Nisan 26 Yom HaShoah Service 7 pm Candle Lighting 7:39 pm Services 7:30pm Services 9am Jr. Congregation 10:30am 8 Nisan 30 9 Iyar 1 10 Iyar 2 11 Iyar 3 12 Iyar 4 13 Iyar 5 14 Iyar 6 Rosh Chodesh Iyar Rosh Chodesh Iyar Exec Bd meeting MJC Bd Meeting 8bpm Yom Haatzmaut Service 7:30 pm Candle Lighting 7:46 pm Services 7:30pm BIRTHDAY/ANNIVERSARY SHABBAT NEW MEMBER SHABBAT Services 9am Social Club Shabbat Jr. Congregation 10:30am 15 Iyar 7 Maj & Mingle 10 am- noon Flea Market 10am - 4pm 16 Iyar 8 17 Iyar 9 18 Iyar10 19 Iyar Iyar 12 Candle Lighting 7:53 pm Services 7:30pm Speaker: Norman Sapoznik 21 Iyar 13 Services 9am Jr. Congregation 10:30am 22 Iyar 14 Journal Celebration 11 am Pesach Sheni 23 Iyar Iyar 16 Social Club meeting 25 Iyar Iyar 18 MJC Fashion Show 7 pm Lag B Omer 27 Iyar 19 Candle Lighting 7:59 pm Services 7:30pm 28 Iyar 20 Services 9am No Jr. Congregation 29 Iyar Iyar Iyar 23

21