Plaza Press The Newsletter for Jewish Federation Plaza

Transcription

1 MARCH 2017 Plaza Press The Newsletter for Jewish Federation Plaza Purim Celebrating March Women s History Month Mad for Plaid Month Write a Letter of Appreciation Week March 1 7 Purim March 12 International Bagpipe Day March 10 Button Week March World Storytelling Day March 20 As Young as You Feel Day March 22 Mothering Sunday March 26 The story of Purim is told in the Bible book of Esther. The heroes of the story are Esther, a beautiful young Jewish woman living in Persia, and her cousin Mordecai, who raised her as if she were his daughter. Esther was taken to the house of Ahasuerus, King of Persia, to become part of his harem. King Ahasuerus loved Esther more than his other women and made Esther queen, but the king did not know that Esther was a Jew, because Mordecai told her not to reveal her identity. The villain of the story is Haman, an arrogant, egotistical advisor to the king. Haman hated Mordecai because Mordecai refused to bow down to Haman, so Haman plotted to destroy the Jewish people. In a speech that is all too familiar to Jews, Haman told the king, "There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your realm. Their laws are different from those of every other people's, and they do not observe the king's laws; therefore it is not befitting the king to tolerate them." Esther 3:8. The king gave the fate of the Jewish people to Haman, to do as he pleased to them. Haman planned to exterminate all of the Jews. Mordecai persuaded Esther to speak to the king on behalf of the Jewish people. This was a dangerous thing for Esther to do, because anyone who came into the king's presence without being summoned could be put to death, and she had not been summoned. Esther fasted for three days to prepare herself, then went into the king. He welcomed her. Later, she told him of Haman's plot against her people. The Jewish people were saved, and Haman and his ten sons were hanged on the gallows that had been prepared for Mordecai. Continued on page 2

2 Purim continued from Page 1 The book of Esther is unusual in that it is the only book of the Bible that does not contain the name of G-d. In fact, it includes virtually no reference to G-d. Mordecai makes a vague reference to the fact that the Jews will be saved by someone else, if not by Esther, but that is the closest the book comes to mentioning G-d. Thus, one important message that can be gained from the story is that G-d often works in ways that are not apparent, in ways that appear to be chance, or coincidence. The word "Purim" means "lots" and refers to the lottery that Haman used to choose the date for the massacre. The Purim holiday is preceded by a minor fast, the Fast of Esther, which commemorates Esther's three days of fasting in preparation for her meeting with the king. The primary commandment related to Purim is to hear the reading of the book of Esther. The book of Esther is commonly known as the Megillah, which means scroll. This is the one people usually mean when they speak of The Megillah. It is customary to boo, hiss, stamp feet and rattle gragers (noisemakers; see illustration) whenever the name of Haman is mentioned in the service. The purpose of this custom is to "blot out the name of Haman." We are also commanded to eat, drink and be merry. In addition, we are commanded to send out gifts of food or drink, and to make gifts to charity. The sending of gifts of food and drink is referred to as shalach manos (lit. sending out portions). Among Ashkenazic Jews, a common treat at this time of year is hamentaschen (lit. Haman's pockets). These triangular fruit-filled cookies are supposed to represent Haman's threecornered hat. For the Record On March 15, Everything You Think Is Wrong Day, we must take time to clear up some common misconceptions. It s a day for us to wake up and smell the coffee. Let s start there, by correcting the record on coffee. Many believe that espresso is pronounced expresso, perhaps because it gives us a fast jolt of caffeine. In truth, a shot of espresso contains less caffeine than the averagesized cup of coffee. However, a single shot of espresso does have a higher concentration of caffeine than a similar-sized shot of regular coffee, but not many people drink such a tiny cup of coffee. Vikings did not wear horns on their helmets. This depiction became popular thanks to the operas of German composer Richard Wagner, where his villains wore such silly headpieces. Vikings, in fact, looked well manicured. Archaeologists have uncovered combs, tweezers, and nail cleaners from ancient Viking sites, and records show that Vikings took great pains to comb and wash their hair, beards, and mustaches. Napolean was not short! He was five feet two inches tall in French feet, which equals five feet seven inches in English measurements, making him taller than the average Frenchman. His nickname of The Little Corporal was not a jab at his small size, but a term of affection held for him by his soldiers. Albert Einstein did not fail math. When he saw a news story suggesting this falsehood, Einstein corrected the record by writing, I never failed in mathematics. Before I was fifteen I had mastered differential and integral calculus. He did, however, fail his first entrance exam into the Swiss Federal Polytechnic School, which he took two years early, despite excelling on the math and science sections. He then passed on his second attempt. Like Einstein, take this day to correct some common wrongs that many think are right.

3 History s Winning Women The month of March is now celebrated throughout the world as Women s History Month, but it all began as a school celebration in Sonoma, California, in 1978 honoring International Women s Day on March 8. Students spent the week learning about women s contributions to culture and society and were asked to write an essay on what it meant to be a Real Woman. The week culminated with a parade through downtown Santa Rosa. Two years later, President Jimmy Carter proclaimed the week of March 8 National Women s History Week. By 1986, fourteen states had declared March Women s History Month, and one year later, Congress made it a national designation. The theme of Women s History Month this year is Honoring Trailblazing Women in Labor and Business. It has been widely reported how women experience inequalities in working conditions, opportunity, and pay in the workplace, and 2017 highlights many women who have striven to make gains in these areas. Take Kate Mullany, a labor organizer who founded one of the first women s unions, the Collar Laundry Union, in Laundresses worked long days for low pay in sweltering conditions, giving rise to the term sweatshop. Mullany led a six-day strike that helped improve pay and working conditions. A century later, in 1962, the New York Stock Exchange did not allow women on the trading floor. Norma Yaeger completed the stockbroker training program at Hornblower and Weeks, Inc., demanded the right to accompany male trainees on the floor, and went on to enjoy a successful Wall Street career. In 1979, Lilly Ledbetter was hired as a supervisor for a Goodyear Tire and Rubber plant. When she discovered that she was being paid thousands of dollars less than her male counterparts, she fought the company to receive equal pay for equal work. These women are but a few examples of activists who have made life better not just for women but for societies the world.

4 Manager s Corner Happy Purim 3/11 and 3/12 to all that celebrate! Please remember if you need something fixed in your apartment, that work orders should be called into the security desk. If you need a File of Life please see Laura Berkin-Resident Services located on the Promenade. File of Life should be updated at all times and displayed on your refrigerator. Thank you to our Social Worker, Jeanne Burstein who assisted the residents with their Bill of rights that is posted on the promenade. The Office will now be closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 pm -2 pm, if there is an emergency or you need assistance you can see either Security or Laura Berkin. I would like to say a Deepest and Personal Thank You for your condolences to all Jewish Federation Plaza residents who sent me cards as well as in person. Your hospitality and cards have meant so much and it is in times of sadness and grief that such personal words, and friends, are so valuable. I really appreciated the support!!! Ann Marie Bass-Site Manager

5 March Upcoming Events Would you like to learn more about your cell phone, tablet or computer? Floral Design Workshop Life Long Learning Watercolor Painting Kid s Cookies n Concerts: Golda Och Academy Orchestra Seeing Eye Puppy Visit Hagit Purim Entertainment Program SNAP (Food Stamps) Benefits and Eligibility with Jeanne Burstein Breathing & Meditation with Preeti Plaza Men s Club Kid s Cookies n Concerts: Jewish Learning Center Residents Birthday Party Our Stories Move Today & Walking Club Movies Leo the Therapy Dog Visit Music with Paul Red Lobster JCC Purim Program Kean University Art Gallery Meditation & Relaxation Creative Arts with Joan Rabbi Study Group Gamefest Book Club Jazz Meets Tin Pan Alley with Bob Gold Lunch at Charlie Brown s Short Story Group Tai Chi Chih Exercise with Tami Please check your calendar for dates and times of all events. We have volunteers that are ready to come to the building to assist you. To schedule an appointment call: Suzanne Berman (973) HAPPY MARCH BIRTHDAY Sandye Garrison 3/02 Anita Blumenfeld 3/02 Florence Widelitz 3/04 George Aptecker 3/05 Jinny Jeon 3/07 Steve Abramson 3/07 Renee Levy 3/12 Lila Klein 3/15 Phyllis Brownstein 3/23 Alice Almeda 3/24 Karen Storch 3/24 Mary Ellen Morrow 3/30

6 West Orange Police Officer Wagner spoke about scams. Join Tami for exercise on the promenade. JAHMA Members: The JAHMA Foundation 2017 Scholarship Application All high school seniors, high school graduates, and senior citizens in a New Jersey Affordable Housing Management Association (JAHMA) member "affiliated property" are invited by the Board of Directors of the JAHMA Foundation to apply for scholarship grants for the academic year, to be awarded in June, The JAHMA Foundation issues this invitation to distinguished residents who are pursuing some type of higher education; in college, trade/professional school or institute. This Foundation is a privately funded, non-profit organization that was created in 1999, and awarded its first scholarships in 2002, to further charitable and educational opportunities on behalf of residents living at a JAHMA member "affiliated property." This is one of the few foundations of this type in the nation. We encourage the financial support of corporations, companies, families, private trusts, and individuals wishing to join us in this effort to honor and assist those who are the future of the JAHMA community. Please contact Dr. Bruce W. Johnson of the Foundation at if you have any questions about any phase of the Foundation's work to help students living in the JAHMA sites throughout New Jersey. The submission deadline is June 1, 2017.

7 Greetings, Well, it s been a hard couple of months for the social life at the Federation Plaza. Between pneumonia, bronchitis, flu, stomach bug, norovirus, etc. It seems like at least half of us were hit hard and were out of commission. And that includes half of the members of the Tenants Association Board. Since the illnesses are spread more easily in crowds, the Tenants Association cancelled several activities, postponing them until all the bacteria and virus have left our abode. Now we are rescheduling events, but couldn t get them all arranged in time to make the March calendar. So, they will be publicized by posters on the bulletin boards, and announcements at dinner. Among them will be Dr. Broudy s Singing Workers, Dr. Marcone s Big Band Era, new residents Koffee Klatsch, and a tease preparation for Who Am I? Hope all of you are well, or on the way to recovery. Joan Bender President

8 Searching for Purim The following words can be found horizontally, vertically, diagonally, forward, and backward. M M P B T Z V J T D C T T N L N E I E B T B Z Z N S Z I E R E X G R R Z H D S U G E V E T H B E I U S K Y R X S D A U U C B B B L P I U T H B A S Q H S S V H A L E A F K U K H D N A N A M A H A J Y U G A T G A T T S L S Z D H D A Q H I W H N B V A M S Y C H Y D N R R S A T H M O R D E C H A I E F U M A R E G G A R G B T H L M H A D J N C X X F I I T I B O S H E I W P B F B N S V P S M H N K I C P N L G E J E W I S H N I B Z Z E S R X G Y U U Y U AHASUERUS BIBLE ESTHER GRAGGER HAMAN HAMANTASCHEN HOLIDAY JEWISH KING MEGILLAH MORDECHAI PERSIA PURIM QUEEN SHUSHAN TZEDAKAH VASHTI WRITINGS Check the bulletin board for answers to this puzzle.

9 Jewish Federation Plaza Library Dear Residents The Library has served the people at Jewish Federation Plaza since A decision has been made for Dolores, Alyce and Helen to retire effective April 1, One of the reasons is there are not enough donations to buy new books. Large print books are very expensive, and we buy both regular and large print. From now on taking out and returning books will be on the Honor System. We wish all our friends Happy Reading and a good year! Thank you, Helen Mandel

10 A Happy Belated Birthday Wish Get Well Wishes Get Well Wishes Esther Schwartz Shirley Cruset Get Well Wishes Mrs. Helen Kuhl Marlene Mankoff Sandye Garrison Shirley Cruset Esther Schwartz Elaine Botterman Rhoda Morris Jackie Kaufman May Berenson Miriam Lateiner Margo Marlene Hyatt Linda Israel Joan Bender Gert Freeman Carole Golden Shirley Cruset Rhoda Morris Shirley Cruset Welcome Home Marion Brod Elaine Botterman

11 Welcome Home Rhoda Morris Linda Israel Millie Podnos Jackie Kaufman Elaine Botterman Marlene Hyatt Marlene Mankoff Dolores Lederman Rhoda Morris Mazel Tov Gert Freeman on her grandson's wedding Rhoda Morris Mazel Tov Elaine Botterman on her granddaughters Bat Mitzvah Marlene Hyatt Helen Mandel Marlene Mankoff Dolores Lederman Rachelle Chriss Marion Brod Condolence Merri Snyderon on the loss of Mother Marlene Mankoff Marlene Hyatt & Family Sheldon Frank Family on the loss of his mother Ilse Frank Condolence Sheldon Frank Family on the loss of his mother Ilse Frank Susan Schwitzer Sophie Lubka Marlene Mankoff Miriam Lateiner Marlene Hyatt Helen Mandel Dolores Lederman Elaine Botterman Rachelle Chriss Marion Brod Esther & Ed Schwartz

12 MARCH 2017 PLAZA Calendar is subject to change Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Program Location Code 1. Recreation Room 2. Promenade 3. Dining Room Note: Location is subject to change 1 11:00 Move Today & Walking Club 2 12:15 Life-Long Learning 3 1:30 CHORAL GROUP 1 4:00 Breathing & Meditation with Preeti :45 Trader Joe s Florham Park 11:00 Exercise 2 2:00 Adult Coloring 2 3 9:00 10:00 1:00 ONEG SHABBAT 3 4 9:00 SHABBAT SERVICE 1 11:00 KIDDUSH 3 7:00 MOVIE :00 BRUNCH 3 2:00 MOVIE :15 TOWN BUS 10:45 Essex Green & Kmart 11:30 TAI CHI 2 1:00 Hagit Purim Entertainment Program 1 6:00 LIBRARY 2 6:45 Life-Long Learning :00 EXERCISE 2 1:00 SNAP (food stamps) benefits and eligibility with Jeanne Burnstein 2 2:00 CURRENT EVENTS 1 6:30 Meditation & Relaxation :45 Rt 10 Shopping & Farmers Market 11:00 Move Today & Walking Club 2 12:15 Life-Long Learning 3 1:30 CHORAL GROUP 1 3:00 Floral Design Workshop 1 9 Fast of Esther 10:00 Kid s Cookies n Concerts: Golda Och Academy 3 10:15 Walmart & Rt 22 Shopping 11:00 Exercise 2 3:00 Plaza Men s Club :00 10:00 1:00 ONEG SHABBAT :00 SHABBAT SERVICE 1 11:00 KIDDUSH 3 7:00 MOVIE 1 12 Purim Daylight Saving Time Begins 11:00 BRUNCH 3 12:30 Seeing Eye Puppy Visit 2 2:00 MOVIE :15 TOWN BUS 11:30 TAI CHI 2 11:30 JCC Purim Concert 6:00 LIBRARY :30 TA New Resident Coffee 3 11:00 EXERCISE 2 TBA SNAP Assistance 2:00 CURRENT EVENTS 1 7:00 Music with Paul :00 Move Today & Walking Club 2 11:30 Red Lobster & Rt 22 Shopping 12:15 Life-Long Learning 3 1:30 CHORAL GROUP 1 4:00 Breathing & Meditation with Preeti-2 7:00 BINGO 16 9:00 10:00 11:00 Exercise 2 1:00 Leo the Therapy Dog Visit 2:00 Our Stories1 7:30 Resident s Birthday Party 17 11:30 Livingston Library Fred Miller Lectures in Song 1:00 ONEG SHABBAT :00 SHABBAT SERVICE 1 11:00 KIDDUSH 3 7:00 MOVIE :00 BRUNCH 3 2:00 MOVIE :00 BRUNCH 3 2:00 MOVIE 1 Gamefest after Movie 2 20 Spring Begins 10:00 Kean University Art Gallery 10:15 TOWN BUS 11:30 TAI CHI 2 1:00 Jigsaw Puzzle with April 2 6:00 LIBRARY 2 6:45 Life-Long Learning :00 Bed Bath & Beyond & Panera Bread Springfield, NJ 10:15 TOWN BUS 11:30 TAI CHI 2 6:00 LIBRARY 2 6:45 Life-Long Learning :00 EXERCISE 2 1:00 Barnabas Health 1 2:00 CURRENT EVENTS 1 4:00 Kid s Cookie: Passover-Jewish Learning Center 1 6:30 Meditation & Relaxation :00 EXERCISE 2 1:15 Rabbi Study Group 2:00 CURRENT EVENTS 1 7:00 Music with Paul :45 Livingston & Short Hills Malls 11:00 Move Today & Walking Club 2 12:15 Life-Long Learning 3 1:30 CHORAL GROUP 1 4:00 Breathing & Meditation with Preeti-2 6:00 WOHS: The Little Mermaid 29 10:45 Essex Green & Kmart 11:00 Move Today & Walking Club 2 12:15 Life-Long Learning 3 1:30 CHORAL GROUP 1 4:00 Breathing & Meditation with Preeti-2 6:45 Creative Arts with Joan :45 Sands Casino 2:00 Short Story Group featuring Pearl Kaufman 1 7:00 Book Club :00 Lunch at Charlie Brown s, Millburn 11:00 Exercise 2 2:00 Jazz Meets Tin Pan Alley with Bob Gold 1 7:00 Etz Chaim Pre-Passover Program :00 10:00 1:00 ONEG SHABBAT :00 10:00 1:00 ONEG SHABBAT :00 SHABBAT SERVICE 1 11:00 KIDDUSH 3 2:30 Singing Workers with Dr. Saul Broudy 1 7:00 MOVIE 1