Jewish Community Center of Long Beach Island E-Letter. June 26, Tammuz 5775 SUMMER CALENDAR OF EVENTS: 2015 SUMMER CALENDAR

Transcription

1 Jewish Community Center of Long Beach Island E-Letter June 26, Tammuz 5775 SUMMER CALENDAR OF EVENTS: 2015 SUMMER CALENDAR THE 2015 PROGRAM BROCHURE IS NOW AT THE JCC FEATURED ARTICLE OF THE WEEK COFFEE & CONVERSATIONS Monday, June 29 from 7:00-9:00 PM at the LBI branch of the Ocean County Library 217 S. Central Ave., Surf City, NJ Those left after a family member commits suicide are confronted with, not only the loss of a loved one, but also with unanswered questions, anguish, grief and guilt. Where do they go for support? How do they resolve and come to terms with these matters? Be part of the conversation with a panel that includes Heather Bense of Ocean Mental Health. Part I of the 9th Annual Coffee & Conversations series, a partnership with the Ocean County Library branch in Surf City and the JCC. This program is dedicated to the memory of Stephanie Schwait and Emily Spiegel. Toby Schwait is a founding member of the Coffee & Conversations Program. JCC THIS WEEK 6/26-7/3 Fri. 6/26 Shape, Strengthen & Stretch 9:00 AM Study with Rabbi Jay 9:00 AM Sun. 6/28 Welcome Back Brunch and Speaker 10:00 AM Mon. 6/29 Zumba 9:00 PM Sisterhood Bakefest 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Coffee & Conversation

2 Contents Rosh Hodesh Women's Group A Message from the Rabbi Kol Hakavod The Week That Was... July Activities Book Discussion Sisterhood Stuff Giving Opportunities Name Badges This Week's Events Service Schedule Oneg Shabbats Yahrzeits for Next Week Minyanim Congregation News Classes at the JCC Shoprite Gift Cards Celebrate a Milestone 7:00 PM At the LBI branch of the Ocean County Library Surf City Tues/ 6/30 Sisterhood Bakefest 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Wed. 7/1 Mah Jongg 12:30-4:00 PM Thurs. 7/2 Zumba 9:00 AM Fri. 7/3 Shape, Strengthen & Stretch 9:00 AM Study with Rabbi Jay 9:00 AM SHABBAT SHALOM JCC Caps & Polo Shirts Text Blast Sign Up

3 Gift Shop Documents & Links A MESSAGE FROM THE RABBI Thoughts on the events in Charleston... Like many, I was deeply troubled and pained by the horrific events that unfolded last week at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. It should be inconceivable that a young man could walk into a church, sit with gentle folks who are studying the Bible, and then kill 9 of them. It should be inconceivable, but it isn't. Unfortunately, we live in a world where people all too often kill because of religion, race, or nationality. Because of social media and the speed with which news travels, we see it so often, that, on some level I fear, we have become desensitized to it. But when nine innocent souls, who are studying the Bible, are killed for no reason other than their race it should send shivers up our collective spines. We should have this visceral reaction even if the killer is, as has been described, a deranged "lone wolf", and not a member of an organized group. I remember an exterminator who came to my apartment in college. He gave me sage advice when he advised, "It's not the cockroach that you see that you need to be concerned about, it's all of its friends hiding in the walls that are the real problem". Our focus now needs to be on helping our African American brothers and sisters, to heal. However, change the names, the color of the skin, add a few yarmulkes, change Bible to Torah, turn the racist lunatic into an anti-semitic, anti-israel, or jihadist fanatic and the nightmare result would, God forbid, hit more closely to home. I don't write this merely to be melodramatic. Check the news feed everyday and you will see anti-israel and Anti-Semitic rhetoric occurring all over in this world. You will also see that it is rarely condemned. Candle Lighting Time Friday June 26, :10 PM (So. Ocean County NJ) PLEASE JOIN US FOR SERVICES "SHABBAT OF SOLIDARITY" (see Rabbi Jay's message) Friday evening June 26, :00 PM ONEG SHABBAT sponsored by Julie & Ira Falkowsky in honor of their twin son's b'nai mitzvah Saturday morning June 27, :30 AM BAR MITZVAH OF JONATHAN & DAVID FALKOWSKY But there is a more tangible connection. Like the good people at the AME church in Charleston, we have a regular study group at the JCC. From the middle of December through the middle of May,

4 we study Torah every Shabbat morning. Through the summer we will be studying on Friday mornings. Like our friends in Charleston, we are a small group of dedicated explicators of the Words of Torah and we welcome anyone to join us. Strangers occasionally walk in during our sessions and we always ask them to sit with us without looking askance or asking questions. It should not be acceptable that we live in a world in which our, or anyone else's, or God's, welcoming nature needs to be curtailed. To be sure, we should be living in a world that see's each man and woman as an integral part of our larger community. According to Rabbi Steven C. Wernick, A teaching from Genesis Rabba coalesces this thought: "Why was only a single specimen of man created first? To teach us that he who destroys a single soul destroys a whole world and that he who saves a single soul saves a whole world; furthermore, so no race or class may claim a nobler ancestry, saying, 'Our father was born first'; and, finally, to give testimony to the greatness of the Lord, who caused the wonderful diversity of humankind to emanate from one type." Rabbi Alan Silverstein of Congregation Agudath Israel in Caldwell, NJ, set forth the principle as such: "When we remember that every person - irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and nationality - descends from the same Primal Couple [Adam and Eve] and is made in God's image - a divine soul - we are reminded to be respectful and tolerant of one another". While we certainly have cultural distinctions, we are all created in God's image. The only answer is to openly and vigorously fight against any form of vile prejudice. In part this is what the Torah meant when it said at Leviticus 19:18 that, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself..." In an effort to take positive steps toward healing and hoping that something like the Charleston massacre does not happen again, the Conservative Movement's Rabbinical Assembly issued the following press release: In an extraordinary display of unity, a broad cross-section of American Jewish organizations have joined to declare this coming Shabbat, beginning the evening of Friday, June 26 and ending the evening of June 27, to be a "Shabbat of solidarity with the African- American community." In light of the horrific act of violence in Charleston, South Carolina, leaders across the North American Jewish community are asking their members to participate in this Sabbath of solidarity. Jonathan David MAZEL TOV TO THE ENTIRE FALKOWSKY FAMILY Torah Reading Chukat (Numbers 19:1-22:1 ) Here is the portion PARSHA Haftorah: Judges 11:1-33 Here is the Haftorah HAFTORAH KIDDISH sponsored by Lynn & Stan Berman on the birth of their 19th great grandchild Mordechai Yoseph Berman

5 Among the suggested actions for rabbis, congregations and organizations, are to speak out in synagogues this coming Shabbat on the issue of racism in society and to express rejection of hateful extremism. All rabbis and congregations are encouraged to reach out to AME churches in their communities with expressions and demonstrations of support. The organizations who have endorsed this call to action include: Rabbinical Assembly, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, Union for Reform Judaism, Central Conference of American Rabbis, Rabbinical Council of America, International Rabbinic Fellowship, Orthodox Union, the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association, Jewish Reconstructionist Communities, in association with the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, the Rabbinic Cabinet of Jewish Federations of North America, AJC, Jewish Council for Public Affairs and Hillel International. Each of the organizations will be issuing a call to their members and constituents to take positive steps to implement this resolution. DROP IN HAVDALLAH 9:00 PM Please help us create a special atmosphere by not using electronic devices (phones, cameras, games etc) in or around the synagogue on Shabbat and Holidays. ONEG SHABBATS and KIDDISHES I have reached out to the Reverend Lester G. Washington, Sr. at St. John AME Zion Church in Lakewood to let him know that we are taking part in this initiative and will seek to find something that we might be able to do together. I will also dedicate our Torah study for this year, to the memory of the nine innocent souls whose lives were taken in this viscous act. May their memories be forever for a blessing. May the words of the Prophet Isaiah come true speedily in our lives: "Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they experience war any more". Amen. If you have any further ideas, please do not hesitate to let me know. Shabbat Shalom - Rabbi Michael S. Jay KOL HAKAVOD CAMPAIGN Please consider being a part of this campaign to supplement the clergy needs of our congregation. This is a separate, voluntary Sponsor an Oneg Shabbat & Share the Joy of Shabbat If you would like to sponsor an Oneg Shabbat please fill out this form ONEG SPONSOR

6 commitment and is additional to our low annual dues obligation. HERE IS THE LINK TO BRING UP THE DONATION FORM KOL HAKAVOD THE WEEK THAT WAS Sisterhood members enjoyed a lunch of quiche, salad and dessert followed by a very interesting talk by Mary Ann Collett, Executive Director of Interfaith, Health & Support Services of Southern Ocean County. Thank you to Vivian Fitts and Lori Sherry for preparing the lunch and to Rona Stein for suggesting the speaker. A GREAT WAY TO START THE SISTERHOOD SUMMER SEASON. JULY ACTIVITIES MAH JONGG Wednesdays 12:30-4:00 PM Wed. July 1 LUNCH & MAH JONGG at 11:30 AM at Vicki's Corner Cafe on McKinley Avenue (the road just behind all the stores on Rt. 72). It's just East of where the Home Depot/Kohl's (behind the Holiday Inn). The price is $ Contact Marianne if you are coming: For details open this: LUNCH AND MAJ WE WILL ALSO HAVE MAH JONGG ON JULY 1 AT THE JCC and return it to JCC of LBI 2411 Long Beach Blvd. Spray Beach, NJ ATT: Phyllis Sisenwine Sponsor a Kiddish If you would like to sponsor a Kiddish on Saturdat mornning contact Vivian Fitts for details YAHRZEITS FOR NEXT WEEK These names will be read at services on June 26, 2015 MAH JONGG TOURNAMENT - Wednesday, July 22 See this flyer for details MJ TOURNAMENT We are close to capacity for the Tournament. Please get your reservation in ASAP if you want a spot. JULY BAZAAR - Wed. July 8 from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM SCHOLARS NEAR THE BEACH SHABBAT Fri. July 10 at 6:30 PM. $25 for dinner. Reservations required. Sat. Lunch & Learn following services Rabbi Paula Drill is our Harry Gottlin Florrie Levison Zolman Okner George Starr* Mary Cohen Mark Richard Becker Alan Diamond Spencer Levin Pauline Hurwitz Albert Luterman Isadore Shrensel*

7 visiting scholar. ROSH CHODESH WOMEN'S STUDY GROUP Av 5775 Led by Sheri Horowitz-Jay Thursday, July 16, :00 pm Host: Judy Cook Ocean Drive, The Dunes Please RSVP to or call the synagogue office at SHABBAT ON THE BEACH Fri. July 17 6:00 PM 24th Street Beach ASK THE RABBI - Sun. July 19 at 10:30 AM at Wildflowers Too in Barnegat Light in conjunction with the "Chairs of Inclusion" exhibit created by the Wae Center of the Jewish Service for the Developmentally Disabled. SIZZLING SUMMER CELEBRATION DINNER & DANCING Sun. July 19 Hot Buffet and Dancing. $45 per person. * Yahrzeit Plaque MINYANIM Harris Weisel, will be coordinating minyanim for those who are sitting shiva or observing a yahrzeit. Please contact the office if you would be interested in being notified if a minyan is needed and will attend when possible or click on this link for CONGREGATION NEWS BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP TUESDAY, JULY 21 AT 7:00 PM A German Life - Against all odds, Change is Possible A Doctors Secret: Growing up with a Nazi father, Dr.Wollschlaeger now a Jew by choice - He was born the Christian son of a World War II German tank commander - a third generation warrior who received Germany's highest military honor, the Iron Cross, which pinned on his uniform by Adolf Hitler himself. -- Miami Herald The primary goal of the book is to educate and share the different ELYSE & STUART PEPOSE on the marriage of their son David to Erica Samson LYNN & STANLEY BERMAN on the birth of their great grandchild Mordechai Yoseph Berman,

8 perspectives on a story that many people think they know --South Florida Jewish Journal He discovered his father was a decorated Nazi war hero who has kept the past hidden from his children. Dismayed by the legacy of the Holocaust, the son rebelled, converted to Judaism, and even emigrated to Israel. The rift between family and faith never healed --Topical Currents 93.1 WLRN Miami The primary goal of the book is to educate and share the different perspectives on a story that many people think they know --South Florida Jewish Journal Join us for two luncheons at member's homes on July 9 and August 11. You will attend one lunch as a guest and one as a cohost. Cost of the two luncheons is $30 ($35 donation for a nonson of Nechama & Zvi Berman SHARE YOUR NEWS CONTACT: rvalen1963@aol.com About the Author Bernd Wollschlaeger, MD, FAAFP was born, raised, and educated in Germany, emigrated to Israel, served in the Israel Defense Forces, and now lives in Miami, Florida and is a practicing family physician and author. SISTERHOOD STUFF WELCOME BACK BRUNCH ALL MEMBERS ARE INVITED Sun. June 28 at 10:00 AM RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. CALL ROSIE STARR OR THE OFFICE Following brunch will be Special Guest Speaker: Bob Cicione LCSW Topic: "Family Strife in Paradise - Surviving an LBI Summer Vacation" WE ARE BAKING AGAIN NEXT WEEK Mon and Tues morning. A July date for bakers is being scheduled. Call Diane Hoffman if you can help: LET'S DO LUNCH 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, Joy Kern, if you are in need of assistance or if you know of a JCC member that needs our help CLASSES ZUMBA Mondays & Thursdays, 9:00-10:00 AM $15 PER SESSION SHAPE, STRENGTHEN &

9 member. For questions and to make your reservation, call Helyn Benjamin at or Eileen Buzinsky at SISTERHOOD FASHION SHOW Tues. July 28 at 6:00 PM. Dinner with fashion show by Patchington's. $40. Please send your check with your reservation to Rosie Starr, 221 W. 14th Street, Ship Bottom, NJ SHOE BOX RECYCLING We are again collecting gently worn, paired men's, women's and kids shoes that are still reusable and re-wearable (no ski boots, ice skates, roller blades, flip flops, crocs or bedroom slippers). Please bring them to the JCC during office hours. "Let's clean up our closets and the environment by recycling our shoes." GIVING OPPORTUNITIES FILM FUND - NEW!!! LET'S BRING THE MOVIES TO THE JCC OF LBI We are very excited about the decision of the Board of Directors to pursue the purchase of audio-visual equipment for the JCC of LBI. This will allow us to show films as well as other educational materials in our building and opens many wonderful opportunities for future programming. Board member Fred Schragger is heading this project. Our goal is to raise $10,000 to cover the cost of the appropriate equipment needed for our facility. Be an angel, a backer, a producer by donating to our JCC of LBI Film Fund. ANGEL CONTRIBUTION: $1,000 BACKER CONTRIBUTION: $500 PRODUCER CONTRIBUTION $250 STRETCH Fridays, 9:00-10:00 AM $15 PER SESSION ZUMBA GOLD Wednesdays, 9:00-9:45 AM $15 PER SESSION STUDY WITH RABBI JAY "Ecclesiastes: There is a Season for Everything" Friday mornings 9:00-10:00 AM SHOPRITE & ACME GIFT CARDS Shoprite & Acme Gift Cards are available at the JCC Office and at Rona Stein's home in Harvey Cedars ( ) Shoprite gift cards are also available for pick up from Jeri Riffle in Barnegat Use them to buy your groceries and the JCC of LBI will receive a portion the purchase. CELEBRATE A MILESTONE AT THE JCC OF LBI

10 Your gift large or small is much appreciated. Please send your contribution to the JCC office: 2411 Long Beach Blvd., Spray Beach, NJ and mark it Film Fund. YAHRZEIT PLAQUES Space is available for memorial plaques on the yahrzeit boards in the Sanctuary. Here is the order form: PLAQUES TREE OF LIFE (located in the Social Hall) You can purchase a leaf in honor of an occasion or in memory of a loved one. Here is the Tree of Life Form: TREE PAVERS (in front of the Front Entrance) Here is the Paver Form: PAVERS Contact the JCC office if you have any questions about your donation NAME BADGES If you did not order a name tag, we will be putting in another order. Here is the link for the form to order your name tag: BADGES Celebrate a special occasion at the JCC of LBI. A wedding, baby naming, renewal of vows can have special meaning our beautiful sanctuary. Your reception, special birthday or anniversary party can be accommodated in our large social hall. See forms and information: JCC RENTAL For further information, please contact: Director of Events Chairperson Sherry Fruchterman: JCC CAPS & POLO SHIRTS FOR SALE JCC INFORMATION THE OFFICE IS LOCATED AT Caps are available in the

11 2411 Long Beach Boulevard (24th Street) Spray Beach, NJ ENTER THE BUILDING DURING OFFICE HOURS THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR. office. $15 each Mailing Address: 2411 Long Beach Blvd. Spray Beach, NJ Telephone: FAX: Shirts can be ordered in the office for delivery at the end of July. Sample sizes are available. $25 each web site: OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM TUESDAY 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM WEDNESDAY 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM THURSDAY 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM FRIDAY - 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM Office Staff: Leslie Dinkfelt Jeri Riffle Marcie Deutsch TEXT BLAST SIGN UP If you would like to receive JCC of LBI reminders and alerts via text message on your cell phone, please contact the office by (jccoflbi@gmail.com) or phone ( ) with your cell phone and provider. This information will not be shared and will only be used for JCC purposes. GIFT SHOP

12 Come visit the JCC gift shop or go to GIFT SHOP and then call the JCC office for help in placing you order. DOCUMENTS AND LINKS JUST CLICK AND YOU'RE THERE!!! Leslie, Marcie & Jeri CONTACT INFORMATION: Rabbi Michael S. Jay Don Pripstein, JCC President Jeri Riffle, JCC VP VIEW THE JULY - AUGUST BULLETIN with this link BULLETIN JULY - AUGUST BULLETIN: BULLETIN WEB SITE: JCC WEB SITE PAVERS PAVERS TREE OF LIFE TREE SISTERHOOD GIFT SHOP CATALOG GIFT JEWISH JOURNAL: JOURNAL YAHRZEIT PLAQUE FORM: PLAQUE KOL HAKAVOD DONATION FORM KOL HAKAVOD SISTERHOOD DUES DUES Editor: Rose Valentine rvalen

13 "Like" Us on Facebook: Search for Jewish Community Center of Long Beach Island and make sure the JCC of LBI: The Place to Be icon shown above shows up or click on this link FACEBOOK or cut and paste: Long-Beach-Island/ ?ref=br_tf