WISHING EVERYONE A ZISSEN PESACH

Transcription

1 Jewish Community Center of Long Beach Island E-Letter April 11, Nissan 5774 WISHING EVERYONE A ZISSEN PESACH In This Issue A Passover Message from Rabbi Jay The Week That Was Passover Countdown Upcoming JCC Activities Community Events This Week's Events Service Schedule Community Seder Minyanim Yahrzeits Congregation News Mitzvah Project Sisterhood JCC EVENTS 4/11-4/18 NO MAH JONGG THIS WEDNESDAY SHABBAT SHALOM CANDLE LIGHTING TIME Friday, April 11, :13 PM (So. Ocean County) PLEASE JOIN US FOR SERVICES SHABBAT HAGADOL FRIDAY NIGHT April 11, :30 PM TORAH READING: Parshat Ackrei Mot (Leviticus:16:1-18:30) HAFTORAH Malachi 3:4-3:24

2 Co-Sponsor an Oneg Shabbat Celebrate a Milestone Shoprite Gift Cards SATURDAY MORNING April 12, :00 AM TORAH STUDY WITH RABBI JAY Pavers Tree of Life Documents & Links A PASSOVER MESSAGE FROM RABBI JAY The songs of our Seders are part of what makes the traditional gatherings so much fun. Perhaps no song adds to the joy more than Dayeinu. But as we happily bolt out the refrain, "Dayeinu"("It would have been enough") have we fully considered the message of the song? What does it mean to say, "It would have been enough"? If one looks at the song as written, it recalls the good things that God did for the Israelites beginning with the Exodus story and ending with the building of the Temple. Indeed, its 15 Stanzas may well be an allusion to the 15 steps that led up to the Temple. The song is actually a liturgical motif known as a "litany" which, according the JTS Commentary on the Haggadah, is a prayer consisting of a series of petitions recited by a leader alternating with fixed responses by the congregation." Here the recitation of each of the good things that God has done is responded to with "Dayeinu". PASSOVER CANDLE LIGHTING: Monday, April 14 7:16 PM Sunday, April 20 7:22 PM (Southern Ocean County) PASSOVER SERVICES Tuesday, April 15 Wednesday, April 16 Monday, April 21 Tuesday, April 22 (Yiskor) Services begin at 9:30 AM Please help us create a special atmosphere by not using electronic devices (phones, cameras, games etc) in or around the synagogue on Saturday and Holidays. COMMUNITY SEDER The 15 stanzas can be broken up thematically as follows: 1) Five Stanzas discussing how we were redeemed from slavery; 2) Five stanzas highlighting the miracles that God performed, and; 3) Five stanzas illustrating us connecting with God. But, this is enough of the technical gobbledygook. The

3 message of the song is what strikes me. After each successive stanza, we are asserting that God did not need to go any further in bestowing gifts upon us. Accordingly, this would mean that if God had simply freed us from slavery, but left us alone in the desert, we would have been happy. First, given the amount of Kvetching that the Torah reports that our ancestors did in the desert, I find this conclusion to be virtually impossible. But, secondarily, what does it mean to say that had good fortune ended at a specific point, "It would have been enough"? Given our natural human propensity to want more and more and more, is it possible for us to say at some point, "I have enough"? I am not sure of the answer to this query, though I suspect for many of us it would be hard to say: "Stop, I don't need any more". But, maybe this is what we should be doing. (Starting with that extra helping of Chicken soup at the Seder.) While the main story of Passover is that God freed us from slavery, perhaps Dayeinu is trying to convey the additional message that we can free ourselves from being slaves to excessive wanting. Two years ago I discussed this basic theme on Rosh Hashanah using Rabbi Irwin Kula's proposition that we should be happy with the partial things we receive in our lives. My friend and colleague Rabbi Joshua Ratner expressed it slightly differently in an article he wrote on Dayeinu when he quoted from Pirke Avot, 4:1. Therein we are told that Ben Zoma teaches: "Who is rich? The one who is content with what one has." What a world it would be if, at some point, each of us looked around at what we had and said, "Dayeinu, it is enough". At our Seders as we sit with family, friends, and community, and we read, discuss, sing, laugh, kvetch, and eat, we should each take a moment to gaze around us and say silently, or out loud, "Dayeinu". Chag Sameach - Rabbi Michael S. Jay Rabbi Jay will be participating in a morning of "Spiritual Rebooting" on Sunday, April 27, 2014 at 10:00 AM at Temple Beth Ahm, 550 Lloyd Road, Aberdeen. It will be a time to focus on how to get back to remembering the COMMUNITY SEDER Tuesday, April 15 at 5:30 PM JCC of LBI Social Hall Join us for a fun-filled Seder lead by Rabbi Jay, a delicious menu, and an opportunity to celebrate the holiday with your JCC friends and family Reservations after 4/8: $50 per person Children 6-12 $20.00 per person Children under 6 free of charge Make you reservation and send your check to Vivian Fitts 4001 Julia Lane Holgate, NJ CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR RESERVATION FORM: MINYANIM SEDER

4 importance of feeling rooted and connected to our Jewish heritage. For further information contact Bonnie Farin at THE WEEK THAT WAS... One of our new members, 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 YAHRZEITS FOR NEXT WEEK These names will be read at services on April 11, 2014 Our Religious School families enjoyed a wonderful Model Seder last Sunday. Thanks to Mrs. B for organizing this very special annual event and to Stephanie Riffle Grill & Sydney Gottesman for their help. PASSOVER COUNTDOWN PASSOVER/ PESACH SALE OF CHAMETZ The Biblical injunction is that "no leaven shall be seen or found in your possession during Passover." Because of the requirement of disposing all chametz by Monday, April 14, at 10:00 AM, the ritual transaction on the part of the individual must be completed at that time. JCC of LBI members may appoint Rabbi Michael S. Jay as their agent in the following manner: Send in the form with your donation to the "Rabbi's Discretionary Fund". CLICK ON THIS LINK TO RETRIEVE THE FORM: CHOMETZ Philip Cohen Deborah Gottlieb Jerome Shapiro *Oscar Glickman *Julius Snyder Elissa Blester *Irving Koseff Jacob Safersten *Bernard Gubar Alfred Levin Felix Schoenberger Joseph Indzel *George Gubar Vera Sidel Fanny Fuhrmann Laura Kaplan Harold Katz *Irving Bzezensky Allan Mayro Louis Rubinfeld Pearl Corson Rose Gottlieb Malvina Malmed Claire Levin

5 * Yahrzeit Plaque CHECK LIST FOR THE SEDER PLATE During the Seder the symbolic foods of the holidays are explained and tasted. Representative portions are displayed on a plate in front of the leader. The following foods are on most Seder plates: Karpas: A mild green vegetable such as parsley or celery. At the beginning of the service the karpas is dipped into the salt water. The karpas symbolizes the new growth of spring; the salt water represents the tears shed by the enslaved Israelites. Maror: A bitter herb, usually horseradish. It symbolizes the intense bitterness of slavery. Charoset: A sweet spread made from fruit, nuts and wine. It represents the mortar the slaves prepared for the building of the pharaohs' cities and pyramids. Zeroah: A roasted shank bone (or sometimes a roasted poultry neck), which represents the paschal lamb that was always sacrificed at the Temple before Pesach festival and then roasted for the meal. Baytzah: A roasted egg. This is another symbol of a supplemental festival offering always brought to the Temple on Pesach. The egg also symbolizes the mourning Jews still feel for the loss of the Temple. Other items on the Seder table: Three matzos are placed together on a plate, folded in one or two large napkins or in a special matzo cover. The three are necessary because 2 matzos are used for every festival and Shabbat; the third is needed to break in half for the afikomen. The afikomen is wrapped in a napkin and then hidden for the children to find for a reward of money or candy. The three matzos are also invested with symbolic meaning: the three religious divisions of the early house of Israel- Kohan, Levite, and Israelite- and the forefathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Small bowls of salt water should be placed around the table for dipping. Each diner should have a wine glass, and Five new yahrzeit panels with room for 100 plaques are now available. Each plaque costs $250. A second or more, if ordered together, cost $225 each. A reserved plaque is $75. Call the office for an order form or click on this link for the form: PLAQUE CONGREGATION NEWS Many of our members have been asking how they can be of comfort to Toby Schwait on the loss of her granddaughter, Emily. She has let us know that donations in support of the American Foundation For Suicide Prevention's "Out of the Darkness Walks" would be very special to her and the family. Join her family team "Finding the Art of Balance - For Emily" For further information about the walks click on this link: FOR EMILY LISA HOROWITZ on the bat mitzvah of her daughter, ERICA and granddaughter of SYLVIA HOROWITZ

6 there should be a cup for Elijah. A pillow or cushion should be placed on the left arm of the leader's chair to symbolize the reclining of all participants. ROSIE STARR'S RECIPE FOR BRISKET 4-5 large onions 3-4 lb. brisket Garlic powder 1 can Pepsi (must be Pepsi) 1 cup ketchup 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons brown sugar Preheat oven to 450 F. Cut up onions and put in heavy pot with a lid. Put brisket on top of onions. Sprinkle garlic powder on top of brisket. Braise in 450 F oven for ½ hour. Take out of oven and pour can of Pepsi over brisket. Make a mixture of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar. Add mixture over Pepsi covered brisket. Put back in 350 F oven for 2 ½ hours. When cool, slice at an angle and put in a serving dish that can go in oven. Put back in oven for ½ hour. Test for tenderness. Servings: 4-6 Note: Rosie will not be back on LBI in time for the Seder so we are at least bringing to the JCC family her wonderful recipe. SHARE YOUR NEWS CONTACT: rvalen1963@aol.com 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 UPCOMING JCC OF LBI ACTIVITIES MITZVAH PROJECT MAH JONGG Wednesdays 12:30-4:00 at the JCC. NO MAH ONGG 4/16 Help Justin Bach with his Bar Mitzvah project by bringing to the JCC items he will be donating to the Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter. The following would be much appreciated: blankets, towels, toys,

7 harnesses, beds, bones and catnip. Justin will be bar mitzvah at the JCC on May 24, Friday, May 9 at 7:30 PM Guest Speaker: INTERFAITH SERVICE 2014 Guest Speaker: Rev. William McGowan, Zion Lutheran Church, Barnegat Light Island Singers will perform PUT ON YOUR CALENDAR: So many of our members purchase tickets in advance to the Surflight performances, we wanted to give you a heads up on the show the JCC will be going to as a group. SISTERHOOD DUES Remember to send in your 2014 Sisterhood dues ($30) to Vivian Fitts, 4001 Julia Lane, Holgate, NJ CO-SPONSOR AN ONEG SHABBAT SAVE THE DATE Sunday, September 14, :00 PM matinee performance A Chorus Line at Surflight Theatre Contact Rona Stein at to reserve a seat for this production and for more information. Tickets are limited so reserve yours early. Cost is $45/ticket. Not only will you enjoy this fabulous musical, this is a wonderful fundraiser for the JCC of LBI. COMMUNITY EVENTS HEALTH FAIR Its great way to commemorate a family occasion, a milestone in your life, the memory of a loved one or just to share the joy of Shabbat. Join with your friends and congregation in co-sponsoring an oneg. Your cost to participate is $36. Call or Phyllis Sisenwine ( /Phyllis@powerfulcoaching.com) or Bonnie Farin (

8 April 12 (CORRECTION OF DATE) - 9:00-11:30 AM at St. Francis. See the details by clicking onto this link: HEALTH FAIR Support the Arts on LBI April PM - "Hall of Fame Retrospective" Fund Raiser celebrating the start of the 6th year of the festival at Upstairs at the Dutchman. For further information, LIFFinfo@gmail.com or click on this link to view the flyer: LIFF 1827/bonjoyfarin@msn.com) to reserve your date. The dates available are: May 30 June 27 July 4, 11, 25 August 1, 22, 29 WE HAVE ALREADY HAD A NICE RESPONSE FOR SPONSORSHIP SO PICK YOU DATE/DATES AND RESERVE YOUR ONEG WITH THE CHAIRPERSONS AT THE CONTACT INFORMATION ABOVE. CELEBRATE A MILESTONE AT THE JCC OF LBI ISRAEL INDEPENDENCE DAY BRUNCH An invitation from the Jewish Culture Club at Mirage I wanted to invite your members to a wonderful event that the Jewish Cultural Group of Mirage is hosting. It is the Israeli Independence Day Brunch that will take place in our ballroom on Sunday, April 27th, at 11 am. We will be serving bagels and all varieties of smoked fish, salads and breakfast pastries. A wonderful singer/guitarist, Hal Aaron, will be performing as well. The cost is $20 pp. We hope that many of your members will join us for the festive occasion! Please let me know if you would like to attend! We hope you will consider celebrating a special occasion at the JCC of LBI. A wedding, baby naming, renewal of vows can have special meaning in our beautiful sanctuary which seats 124 people (can be opened to more seating). Your reception, special birthday or anniversary party can be accommodated in the large social hall which has a capacity for table seating for 200 and can be set up auditorium style for 280 persons. In

9 Thanks and have a wonderful and joyous Pesach! Claire Edelstein, JCG President wheel459@aol.com For more information click on this link:independence WOMEN'S DIV. OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OCEAN COUNTY Presents "The Place to Be" Celebrating the Power of Women's Philanthropy with author and young activist, Erin Schrode. Thursday, May 8 at Temple Beth Am Shalom, Lakewood Boutique 6 pm, Dinner 7 pm. $118 minimum gift to the 2014 Campaign. Learn more about Erin Schode by clicking on this link ERIN Contact Lynn Berkowitz for more information addition there is a kosher restaurantsized kitchen, two classrooms and a library. Please click on this link to view/download the following forms and information: JCC RENTAL Rental Application Rental Payment Schedule Rental Contract JCC Rules & Regulations List of Facility Fees List of Honoraria for Rabbi of the JCC of LBI For further information, please contact: Director of Events Chairperson Sherry Fruchterman: SHOPRITE GIFT CARDS JEWISH HERITAGE NIGHT AT THE BLUE CLAWS STADIUM IN LAKEWOOD Please join the Jewish communities of Ocean & Monmouth County on Sunday May 18th, 2014 at Jewish Heritage Day with the Lakewood Blueclaws. Attached you will find a flyer which provides activities and ticket information. HERITAGE KOL HAKAVOD CAMPAIGN Please consider being a part of this newly instituted campaign to supplement the clergy and facility needs of Shoprite gift cards are available at the office. Use them to buy your groceries and the JCC of LBI will receive a portion the purchase. A GREAT GIFT IDEA. BRICK PAVERS The paver fund raising program is ongoing. Pavers will be installed two times a year: spring and fall. To download the paver order form, click on this link: PAVERS. Proceeds of this program will go towards the "burning of our mortgage."

10 our congregation. This is a separate, voluntary commitment and is additional to our low annual dues obligation. PLEASE CLICK ON THIS LINK TO BRING UP THE DONATION FORM KOL HAKAVOD JCC OF LBI TREE OF LIFE JCC INFORMATION THE OFFICE IS LOCATED AT 2411 Long Beach Boulevard (24th Street) Spray Beach, NJ ENTER THE BUILDING DURING OFFICE HOURS THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR. Mailing Address: 2411 Long Beach Blvd. Spray Beach, NJ Telephone: FAX: jccoflbi@gmail.com web site: OFFICE HOURS: We are so excited by the response to our beautiful new Tree of Life. You can commemorate a special occasion, honor or remember a loved one with a leaf on our new tree. There are three donation opportunities: Gold leaf (10 times chai) $180 Silver leaf (7 times chai) $126 Bronze leaf (5 times chai) $90 Click on this link to see the Tree of Life Form: TREE Please drop this form off at the Office or mail to JCC of LBI, 2411 Long Beach Blvd. Spray Beach NJ along with your check. MONDAY 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM WEDNESDAY 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM DOCUMENTS AND LINKS

11 THURSDAY 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM FRIDAY - 9:00 am - 2:00 PM Office Staff: M/W/T: Leslie Dinkfelt F: Jeri Riffle Data Entry: Marcie Deutsch JUST CLICK AND YOU'RE THERE!!! FEB - APRIL BULLETIN: BULLETIN WEB SITE: JCC WEB SITE PAVERS PAVERS TREE OF LIFE TREE SISTERHOOD GIFT SHOP CATALOG GIFT Leslie, Jeri & Marcie CONTACT INFORMATION: Rabbi Michael S. Jay mjayrab@gmail.com JEWISH JOURNAL: JOURNAL YAHRZEIT PLAQUE FORM: PLAQUE KOL HAKAVOD DONATION FORM KOL HAKAVOD Don Pripstein, JCC President djprip@gmail.com Judy Smith, JCC VP jsmith337@comcast.net VIEW THE FEB - APRIL BULLETIN with this link

12 BULLETIN Editor: Rose Valentine rvalen "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: Center-of-Long-Beach-Island/ ?ref=br_tf