MARCH 2015 - ADAR / 5775

THE MESSENGER

“Offerings of the Heart”

The names of our Torah Members are inscribed on the sculpture in our lobby.

ETERNAL LIGHT MEMBERS

These members provide financial assistance and synagogue membership for families who are enduring financial hardship, as well as a full religious education for their children.

CHAI MEMBERS

These members provide financial assistance and membership for families who are enduring financial hardship.

Our Torah Members These generous individuals have voluntarily chosen to support our Synagogue at a higher level of dues

than is required, in order to help other Jews who are less fortunate and in need of assistance.

Martin & Rochelle Carus Murray Feit Harvey & Barbara Fishman David Korn Joseph & Tikva Ofeck Adrian Reisel Seligman & Phyllis Rosenberg

Steven Schwalbe & Annemarie Krim Marcia Sherman

Paul & Arlene Starr Jaime & Susan Weiss

Myrna Weissman

Anonymous Joan Alter Ben & Esther Bell Lore Benario Jodi Bergman Alvin & Nili Cohen Mercy Cohen Milt & Doryne Davis Lior & Andrea Elrom Regina Finer

Steven Fruchtman Jerome Goldfischer & Lila Mordoh

Seymour & Nancy Green Arnold & Alice Grodman

Fred & Harriet Hirschenfang Yakov & Vera Kishinevsky

Bruce Lager Mark & Lucille Laufer

Joseph Lempel Harry Lenson

Lillian Leshinsky Irwin & Karen Meyers

Stephen & Merilee Obstbaum Terry Plawker

Abraham Ravid & Hanna Atlas Yetta Rosen

Fred & Ann Rosenberg Newton & Sheila Scherl

David & Donna Schweid Michael & Sally Seymour

From the Rabbi’s Study

Notes from the Cantor

Birthdays & Anniversaries

Sisterhood

Member Engagement Comm.

Hebrew School News

Our Bat Mitzvah

Dona ons

Calendar

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THE MESSENGER March 2015 Published Monthly Jewish Community Center of Fort Lee Congrega on Gesher Shalom 1449 Anderson Avenue Fort Lee, NJ 07024 Volume 4 ‐ Issue #5

IDENTIFICATION STATEMENT TABLE OF CONTENTS

2013-14 President’s Council 2014-15

Anonymous (1) Gary & Lisa Maier *

Anonymous (1)

Shmuel Bar-Or

* Irwin & Marjorie Berger

Gertrud Buchler

Allan Ginsburg

Joseph & Tikva Ofeck

Sisterhood

* *

Alvin & Nili Cohen Jerome Goldfischer & Lila Mordoh Arnold & Alice Grodman

*

Randy Ketive David Korn

Stephen & Merilee Obstbaum Jack & Judith Rosenthal

Men’s Club

*

Anonymous (2) Martin & Rochelle Carus Renee Gruenspecht Marvin & Shirley Kochansky

Michael & Carol Kopelman Bruce Lager Harry Lenson

Susan Merker Joni Rosen

Newton & Sheila Scherl William & Helen Tobenkin

* * *

*

Anonymous (6) Mark & Audrey Altschul Naomi Altschul Milton & Doryne Davis Ira & Anna Erlichman Steven Fruchtman Philip & Judith Gliksman Edith Kantrowitz Jeffrey & Beth Kaplan Yakov & Vera Kishinevsky Mark & Sandy Klein

*

*

*

Richard & Jane Koch Ruth Korn Joseph Lempel Lillian Leshinsky Jerome & Barbara Margolin Roberta Mathes Irwin & Karen Meyers Ann Oster Terry Plawker Adrian Reisel Leo & Mary Rettig Yetta Rosen

Fred & Ann Rosenberg Faye Salmon

Richard & Nancy Schiff David & Donna Schweid

Ivan & Elaine Shore Norman & Florence Silverberg

Laurie Singer Heidi Skolnik & Michael Glantz

Alfred & Rose Targovnik Jaime & Susan Weiss

Charlotte Winter

*

*

Estate of Ken Feldman

*

Herb & Reggie Feuerstein

Cong. Sons of Israel

Steven & Suzette Kolitch *

* CHARTER MEMBERS

GUARDIAN LEADERS Gifts of $25,000 or more

FOUNDERS Gifts of $10,000 - $17,999

BENEFACTORS Gifts of $5,000 - $9,999

PATRONS Gifts of $2,500 - $4,999

BUILDERS Gifts of $1,750 - $2,499

SUSTAINERS Gifts of $1,250 - $1,749

CHAI-FOUNDERS Gifts of $18,000 - $24,999

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Because Passover falls so very early in April, our March Messenger contains all the information you will need to prepare for and to celebrate Pesach! Please bear in mind these two dates: because the purpose our annual tzedakah drive (tied to

the sale of Hametz) is to get monies and supplies into the hands of the needy in time for the holiday, the due date for Sale of Hametz forms is MARCH 25th. The Fast of the First Born Siyyum takes place at our regular weekday morning minyan, Friday, April 3 at 7:00am. Many of you may have this day off, making it a great time to experience this service. If you are a first born, male or female, why not join us? …and stay for a final bite of Hametz afterward!

When our ancestors departed Egypt, we knew that they were not just going from, but also going to. There was a plan. Not only were they going to Eretz Y israel, but long before they ever got there, they were given a civil and religious framework within which to live their lives and upon which to build a society. Despite this divine plan, they had plenty of ups-and-downs; all did not go smoothly. Fast forward to the modern State of Israel. Despite Israel’s successes economically, technologically, intellectually, the country is a long way from Herzl’s utopian vision. Part for the reason for that is fractious nature of Israeli society (we’re Jews, after all!) combined with the Parliamentary system. Early on the religious movements realized that, even without a majority, they could extract a sizable slice of the governmental pie by joining one or another coalition, exchanging their votes for funding. The Conservative Movement, known as MASORTI in the rest of the world, rejected forming a political party, in part because of the Western outlook that separates church and state, and in part because of the temptations that come with power. Our leaders did not want to be tainted by scandal. Judging by the scandals that have

rocked the religious political parties in Israel, our leaders were right. But the down-side of remaining on the political sidelines is that MASORTI gets next to no governmental funding, and the ultra-Orthodox have a religious monopoly. There is, however, a way that can rectify this situation…in part: Even though we don’t live in Israel, we can all vote in the upcoming Zionist Congress Elections. For a $10 registration fee we can cast our ballots for the MASORTI Zionist Party, known as MERCAZ. In the last elections those ballots resulted in MASORTI institutions and programs receiving over $2.5 million and MERCAZ delegates holding positions of influence worldwide! What a multiplier! Here’s where you come in: Won’t you please fill out and mail the registration form which is printed on the opposite page? You will then be sent a ballot where you can vote for MERCAZ - Slate #2. I feel so strongly about Israel and the vital role of Masorti institutions in contributing to Israeli society, that I will make you this offer: If you bring me proof that you have registered for the Zionist Congress and voted, hopefully for MERCAZ - Slate #2, I will refund your $10 registration fee. We are blessed with the existence of modern State of Israel; now let’s do our part to shape its destiny - its society. Just as the purpose of the Exodus was not to merely be free, but to forge a nation living in relationship with and cognizance of God, we can do our part. By casting our ballots we can assure that the Israel of our day is given the tools to implement the values of religious pluralism and equality that we as Conservative/MASORTI Jews have come to know and cherish. And then you can sit down to your Passover Seder having cast a vote for religious freedom. If you will act on it, it need not be a dream.

FROM THE RABBI’S STUDY RABBI KENNETH A. STERN

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MUSIC NOTES CANTOR PAUL ZIM

Purim will soon be upon us. It brings to mind dressing in costumes and mocking life’s seriousness, and the jokes frequently poke fun at sacred Jewish practices. Theoretically it commemorates the story of Esther, the Queen of Persia, and

Mordechai, who saved their Jews from destruction by the evil and wicked Haman. Only Simchat Torah compares with Purim in joy and fun. Simchat Torah shows how happy we are with the Torah. On Purim we are so happy to express a confidence that we will outlive every Haman. As the story of Esther is read from the Megillah, children and adults (but especially the children) respond with noisy stomping, rattles, horns and whistles whenever Haman’s name is read. This is our holiday of “letting it all out” while at the same time being grateful for our freedom to do so. In our synagogue, thanks to our wonderful Sisterhood, we continue the tradition of Mishlo’ach Manot (Purim “goodies”) exchanging gifts and donating gifts to the poor. I remember attending numerous Seudot during Purim where the family feast included the three-cornered pastries, the Hamantashen and other characteristic foods that were eaten. For me, it was always the music and those upbeat songs that made this one day holiday so memorable. Some of these favorites include: Oh Today We’ll Merry Merry Be, Chag Purim, songs that include “Grammen”,

which relate to part of the Purim story, and many other songs. I can never forget how some of the students would imitate our teachers and Rabbis with these special “Grammen” (musical parodies). From Queen Esther we learn that each of us is responsible for our fate. Sometimes we must take risks to ensure our future. From the Jews of Shushan we have learned that we can stand up and defend ourselves against those who try to destroy us. Come and experience our Purim spirit and enjoy the special songs of this holiday. Erev Purim takes place on Wednesday evening, March 4th, in our Main Sanctuary. Let us all remember the bravery of Esther, as she lives on in each of us today, tomorrow and forever.

Happy Purim!

PURIM ~ A TIME TO CELERATE

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ערצה עצה ע ו צ ו ע צ ה ן ת ו פ ר

ך ב ר ו ך ב ר ן ל א ' ק ו ם

כ' ע מ נ ו א ל

UTZU ETZA

Utzu etza v’tufar Dabru Davar v’lo yakum Ki imanu eil

1 Ira Smilovitz

1 Erika Krauss

2 Jordan Sarnoff

3 Jacqueline Maier

4 Joseph Ofeck

4 Eli Josif

4 Daniel Kindler

5 Kenneth Eisenstein

5 Richard Kaplan

5 Ann Bloch

6 Marlin Dickman

6 Regina Friedman

6 Samuel Merker

8 Nadia Fuentes

10 Chase Barnett

11 Bonnie Weisner

11 Debra Seidel

12 Eloise Polinsky

12 Fred Wolodiger

13 Bruce Lager

13 Susan Merker

13 Bruce Rosenbaum

13 Dean Moshe Gabay

14 Jerome Goldfischer

14 Susan Davis

15 Jill Rak

15 Jake Klein

15 Max Klein

16 Joni Rosen

16 Helene Rabin

18 Richard Fasman

18 Neal Merker

19 Joey Guigliano

20 Brooke Leon

21 Barry Seidel

22 Erwin Dickman

22 Alex Salit

23 Marilyn Saposh

24 Paul Starr

24 Zoe Hyman

25 Laura Koszer

26 Arlene Saunders

26 Marlene Perkal

27 Jack Reisner

29 Milton Davis

29 Leslie Fromkin

31 Steven Schwalbe

31 Kenneth Weisman

MARCH BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES

1 Marvin & Shirley Kochansky

1 Shahin & Fannie Zamanian Rad

4 David Sarnoff & Paige Soltano

8 Ervin & Toby Silver

9 Irwin & Marjorie Berger

9 Newton & Sheila Scherl

11 Seymour & Nancy Green

14 Alvin & Nili Cohen

18 Howard & Beth Schefflan

20 David & Susan Habler

20 Murray & Helene Polinsky

20 Daniel Nemet-Nejat & Sarah Kaplan

23 Andrew & Kristin Schulman

26 Steven & Suzette Kolitch

26 Michael & Sally Seymour

30 Arnold & Alice Grodman

30 Walter & Reva Strasfeld

Our celebration service will be Saturday, March 28th - 9:30am.

If your birthday/anniversary is not listed, please call the Center office and we will update our records. 201-947-1735

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Service Times and Activities Thursday evening, April 2 Search for Hametz Friday morning, April 3 7:00am Fast/Feast of the Firstborn 10:38am Last “opportunity” to eat Hametz 11:38am Burn Hametz (if not earlier) Please note: If at all possible, the Seder should begin each night after dark. We begin Counting the Omer at the Seder on the Second Night. First days: Saturday, April 4 9:00am Minchah at 1:00, following Kiddush Sunday, April 5 9:00am Minchah at 1:00, following Kiddush 8:30pm Ma’ariv Intermediate days Monday - Wednesday 7:00am 7:45pm April 6, 7 & 8 Concluding days: Thursday, April 9 7:00am 7:00pm Friday, April 10 9:00am 7:00pm Minchah & Ma’ariv Saturday, April 11 9:00am Sanctuary Service & Yizkor 7:00pm Minchah& Ma’ariv

2015 Passover Guide 5775

The Torah prohibits the ownership of hametz (leaven) during Pesah, a definition of which is perhaps in order at the outset: Hametz is anything made from wheat, oats, rye, barley or spelt that has risen (been allowed to bake unsupervised for longer than 18 minutes), or that has the potential to be transformed into flour and then could be baked. Therefore we must assure that we do not possess any hametz in its natural state, any unsupervised, processed foods that may contain even a trace of hametz, and food utensils (pots, plates, cutlery) that have come into contact with hametz. We uphold the Torah’s prohibition on ownership of hametz by consuming such products in advance of Passover, by discarding all blatantly hametz foodstuffs (breads, cereals), and finally by arranging for the sale of other hametz (all non-supervised products that do not contain any of the 5 grains, all non-Passover food utensils, and all products whose divestiture would cause us to incur a significant financial loss—liquor, for example) to a non-Jew. The trans-fer, mekhirat hametz, is accomplished by appointing an agent, usually the rabbi, to handle the sale. At the end of the holiday, the agent arranges for the reversion of ownership of the now-permitted hametz. If ownership of the hametz was not transferred before the holiday, the use of this hametz is prohibited after the holiday as well. Since the Torah prohibits the eating of hametz during Pesah, and since many common foods contain some admixture of hametz, guidance is necessary when shopping and preparing for Pesah. During the eight days of Pesah, hametz cannot lose its identity in an admixture. Therefore, the minutest amount of hametz renders the whole admixture hametz and its use on Pesah is prohibited. However, during the rest of the year, hametz follows the normal rules of admixture, i.e. it loses its identity in an admixture of one part hametz and sixty parts of non-hametz (batel be-shishim). This affords us the opportunity to differentiate between foods purchased before and during Pesah. What follows is a general guideline. However, your rabbi should be consulted when any doubt arises. Kosher le-Pesah labels that do not bear the name of a rabbi or one of the recognized symbols of rabbinic supervi-sion, or which are not integral to the package, should not be used without consulting your rabbi. Prohibited foods include the following: leavened bread, cakes, biscuits, crackers, cereal, coffees containing cereal derivatives, wheat, barley, oats, spelt, rye, and all liquids containing ingredients or flavors made from grain alcohol. Most Ashkenazic authorities have added the following kitniyot to the above list: rice, corn, millet, legumes (beans and peas; however, string beans are permitted). The Committee on Jewish Law and Standards has ruled unanimously that peanuts and peanut oil are permissible—as long as they bear a kasher l’pesah label. Some Ashkenazic authorities permit, while others forbid, the use of legumes in a form other than their natural state, for example, corn sweeteners, corn oil, soy oil; however, these, too, like all processed foods, must bear a kasher l’pesah label. Sephardic authorities permit the use of all of the above. Consult your rabbi for guidance in the use of these products. PERMITTED FOODS: A. The following foods require no kasher l’Pesah label if purchased pr ior to Pesah: unopened packages or containers of natural coffee without cereal additives (However, be aware that coffees produced by General Foods are not kosher for Passover unless marked KP); sugar, pure tea (not herbal tea); salt (not iodized); pepper; natural spices; frozen fruit juices with no additives; frozen (uncooked) vegetables (for legumes see above); milk. B. The following foods require no kasher l’Pesah label if purchased before or dur ing Pesah: Fresh fruits and vegetables (for legumes see above), eggs. C. The following foods require a kasher l’Pesah label if purchased before or dur ing Pesah: All baked prod-ucts (matzah, cakes, matzah flour, farfel, matzah meal, and any products containing matzah); canned or bottled fruit juices (These juices are often clarified with kitniyot which are not listed among the ingredients. However, if one knows there are no such agents, the juice may be purchased prior to Pesah without a kasher l’Pesah label); canned tuna (since tuna, even when packed in water, has often been processed in vegetable broth and/or hydrolyzed protein--however, if it is known that the tuna is packed exclusively in water, without any additional ingredients or additives, it may be purchased without a kasher l’Pesah label); wine; vinegar; liquor; oils; dried fruits; candy; chocolate-flavored

D. The following processed foods (canned, bottled or frozen), require a kasher l’Pesah label if purchased dur -ing Pesah: milk, butter, juices, vegetables, fruit, milk products, spices, coffee, tea, meat and fish, as well as all foods listed in Category C. DETERGENTS: If permitted dur ing the year , powdered and liquid detergents do not require a kasher l’Pesah label. MEDICINE: Since hametz binders are used in many pills, the following guidelines should be followed: If the medicine is required for life sustaining therapy, it may be used on Pesah. If it is not for life sustaining therapy, some authorities permit, while others prohibit. Consult your rabbi. In all cases, capsules are preferable to pills. KASHERING OF UTENSILS: The process of kasher ing utensils depends on how the utensils are used. Accord-ing to halakhah, leaven can be purged from a utensil by the same process in which it was absorbed in the utensil –but only if the utensil can be kashered, as some utensils cannot be kashered. Therefore, utensils used in cooking are ka-shered by boiling, those used in broiling are kashered by fire and heat, and those used only for cold food are kashered by rinsing. A. EARTHENWARE (china, pottery, etc.) may not be kashered. However, fine translucent chinaware which has not been used for over a year may be used if scoured and cleaned in hot water. B. METAL (only if wholly made of metal) UTENSILS USED IN FIRE (spit, broiler) must first be thoroughly scrubbed and cleansed and then made as hot as possible. Those used for cooking or eating (silverware, pots) must be thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned and completely immersed in boiling water. Pots should not be used for a period of at least 24 hours between the cleaning and the immersion in boiling water. C. METAL baking utensils cannot be kashered. D. OVENS AND RANGES: Every part that comes in contact with food must be thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned. Then, oven and range should be heated as hot as possible for a half hour. If there is a broil setting, use it. Self-cleaning ovens should be scrubbed and cleaned and then put through the self-cleaning cycle. Continuous cleaning ovens must be kashered in the same manner as regular ovens. MICROWAVE OVENS, which do not cook the food by means of heat, should be cleaned, and then a cup of water should be placed inside. Then the oven should be turned on until the water disappears. A microwave oven that has a browning element cannot be kashered for Pesah. E. GLASSWARE: Authorities disagree as to the method for kashering drinking utensils. One opinion requires soaking in water for three days, changing the water every 24 hours. The other opinion requires only a thorough scrub-bing before Pesah, or putting them through a dishwasher. F. GLASS COOKW ARE: There is a difference of opinion as to whether it may be kashered. One opinion is that it must be kashered. After a thorough cleansing, there should be water boiled in them which will overflow the rim. The other opinion is that only a thorough cleansing is required. G. GLASS BAKEW ARE, like metal bakeware, may not be kashered. H. DISHWASHER: After not using the machine for a period of 24 hours, a full cycle with detergent should be run. I. ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES: If the parts that come into contact with hametz are removable, they can be ka-shered in the appropriate way (if metal, follow the rules for metal utensils). If the parts are not removable, the appli-ance cannot be kashered. (All exposed parts should be thoroughly cleaned.) J. TABLES, CLOSETS AND COUNTERS, REFRIGERATORS AND FREEZERS: If used with hametz, they should be thoroughly cleaned and covered, and then they may be used. K. KITCHEN SINK: A metal sink can be kashered by thoroughly cleaning and then pouring boiling water over it. A porcelain sink should be cleaned and a sink rack used. If, however, dishes are to be soaked in a porcelain sink, a dish basin must be used. L. HAMETZ AND NON-PASSOVER UTENSILS: Non-Passover dishes, pots and hametz whose ownership has been transferred, should be separated, locked up or covered, and marked in order to prevent accidental use.

Additional information: The entire home (offices and cars, too) should be cleaned to remove any accidental presence of hametz, and this may be the origin of spring cleaning. When it comes to cleaning the kitchen, it is most practical to first clean out and cover the cabinets shelves (after which you place your kasher l’Pesah foods and utensils in/on them) then to clean the refrigerator and micro-wave, the ovens, range and dishwasher, the sink and countertops, and finally the floor. It is customary to provide tzedakah in advance of Passover (ma’ot hittim - “money for wheat”) in recognition of the increased burden incurred by those who can least afford the additional expenses entailed in preparing for this holiday. It is also customary to include some tzedakah along with your Sale of Hametz form both to help defray the cost of incentivizing someone to purchase the hametz, and also to provide additional funds for the needy for Passover. Bedikat Hametz the search for hametz takes place on Thursday night, April 2nd. By this time the entire house should be ready and the search is more symbolic than actual. To make sure that the blessing is not said in vain, a few pieces of bread or crackers are placed throughout the home on napkins before the search is begun. The Fast of the First Born (for both men and women), in commemoration of the Israelite first born being spared in the Tenth Plague, takes place on Friday morning April 3rd at 7am. The regular weekday morning service is followed by a brief study session, which exempts all first born from fasting. A light breakfast is served in the synagogue. An excuse note will be provided to any student who attends this service and may be late for school. No hametz may be eaten after 10:38am on the 3rd; all remaining hametz that has not been otherwise disposed of or transferred, must be burned by 11:38am. The Seder should not begin until it is dark, as the Israelites did not leave Egypt in the evening, but at night.

Sale of Hametz (Please submit no later than Wednesday, March 25th)

I/We authorize Rabbi Kenneth Stern to act as my/our agent to sell all of my/our

Hametz (food items, cooking utensils, cutlery and crockery) that may be located in my/our home(s), office(s) or car(s).

Signature(s) ____________________________________________________________ Print Name(s) __________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________ Please Note: It is customary to accompany this authorization with a donation, which will be used to help provide provisions for the poor. Those wishing to do this should enclose a check in any amount made out to: Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund.

We invite you to join us for our next

General Membership Meeting March 19th - 1:00pm

Speaker: Dr. Nathan Reiss

Topic: Jewish Family Names Fact or Fiction

Program Coordinator Refreshments Naomi Altschul Bring a Friend

Sisterhood Book Group Wednesdays at 8:15pm

March 11th “The Language of Flowers”

By Vanessa Diffenbaugh

Refreshments will be served. Chairpersons Kathy Grazian &

Naomi Altschul

SISTERHOOD ETHEL CHESEN, PRESIDENT

Executive Board Meeting

Thursday, March 12 at 1pm

Dr. Reiss received a Ph.D. in meteorology in 1973. from 1972 until his retirement in 1997 he was a professor in the Department of Meteorology and Environmental Sciences at Rutgers University. He has written articles and lectured extensively on the subject of genealogy and related topics. We hope that you will choose to join us for this exciting afternoon as we kickoff the second half of this year’s programs calendar. By then “old man winter” will just be a memory we would like to forget. See you there!! ****************************** Just a few words on our complete Mishlo’ach Manot Project, Sisterhood’s only major fundraiser. It has been a hectic, busy time. Winter weather was not to cooperative as you all know. However, we persevered and hopefully you enjoyed the fruits of our labor. Our congregants came through financially and also volunteered in the many facets of this project (packing, routing and delivering).

We are still tabulating the profits, but more of that in our next issue of the Messenger. At this point, I personally would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all who made a huge project into a labor of love. ************************************ Enjoy the Purim holiday of feasting, joy and fun with your families.

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A NOTE FROM THE MEMBER ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE

The Member Engagement Committee would like to make you aware of a study done by the Baylor Institute for Studies of Religion and published in the January 2015 edition of the Journal of Religion and Health. The survey of more than 5,000 Jews living in four of the largest Jewish population centers in the United States (Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, and New York), found that… “Jews affiliated with a synagogue report-ed better health than their secular, non-affiliated coun-terparts.” It did not seem to matter whether the affilia-tion was Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, or Reconstructionist; Jews who attended synagogue (whether frequently or infrequently) fared better. This finding certainly provides an interesting talking point for synagogue membership. As always, if you know of any individuals or families who are seeking to join a synagogue, please let the Member Engagement Committee know.

 

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US Survey finds Jews who participate in their faith “seem to do better” than those who don’t BY JTA / January 15, 2015, 2:29am

Purim may well be the happiest day of the year. From festive meals to creative costumes; from upbeat music to lively dancing; there’s no happier, livelier day on the Jewish calendar. The Megillah, itself states, “For the Jews there was light (a reference to Torah), and simcha (rejoicing)”. In the midst of all this happiness, we realize that no celebration can be complete without thinking of our fellow friends and neighbors by sending Mishlo’ach Manot and giving money to the poor. We have to realize what true happiness is. Happiness is the feeling we experience when we are at peace with ourselves and can honest-ly say we’re doing the best we can in any given situation. Happiness is a sense of inner satisfaction and fulfillment. We see this demonstrated in the Purim Megillah twice. The first time we see it when it talks about Haman, the evil prime minister who plotted to destroy the Jewish people. Haman had it all:

power, wealth, and fame. When he realized that Mordechai the Jew would not bow down to him, all of a sudden Haman’s happiness disappeared. All he wants is for Mordechai to bow down to him. What happen to his happiness? He still had all his riches, power etc. We learn that Haman’s happiness was simply based on external factors. As soon as things weren’t going his way he was no longer happy. In the Megillah it states that for the Jews there “was light and happiness.” “The Jews were happy and rejoiced.” They were celebrating because they were miraculously saved, but more than that, they were happy because they found inner peace and satisfac-tion because they had each other. Their community remained intact. Purim insists that we take advantage of the holiday to strengthen social contacts. This is a time for us to reach out to our friends in our community and share our happiness with them.

HEBREW SCHOOL NEWS MYRA LONDON & ZEEVA SKLAR CO-DIRECTORS

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PURIM AND HAPPINESS

OUR BAT MITZVAH

Erica RosevKrauss . . . March 21 , 2015

Erika Rose Krauss, daughter of Anita Krauss will become a Bat Mitzvah on March 21, 2015. She is the granddaughter of Sylvia Krauss and the late Erwin Krauss, of Fair Lawn, NJ. Erika is a 7th grade student and she loves singing, ice skating and has a special flare for fashion. Her Torah portion is Tzav, which means command. It describes the laws of sacrifices and how Moses initiates Aaron and his sons to the priesthood. Erika has stated that her heritage is important to her and she feels honored to be Jewish. Judaism allows her to express her love of learning and of being kind to

others. It teaches her what it means to be a good person. Her goals for the future are to study hard and help others achieve their dreams. Erika would like to thank Rabbi Stern and Cantor Zim for their years of teachings, special thanks to Amichai Margolis for devoting so much time helping her through her Bat Mitzvah training, and of course her mother for without whom, none of this would be possible.

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All listed donations were received in January

DONOR IN HONOR OF

Nancy & Richard Schiff Nancy & Richard Schiff Nancy & Richard Schiff Debbie & Charles Shatz Alice & Arnold Grodman Alice & Arnold Grodman Alice & Arnold Grodman Alice & Arnold Grodman Alice & Arnold Grodman Alice & Arnold Grodman Alice & Arnold Grodman

Roberta Mathes Murray Feit & Margalit Pashayan’s Marriage Laurie Smilovitz’s Birthday Laurie Smilovitz’s Birthday Laurie Smilovitz’s Birthday Jodi Bergman’s Birthday Reggie Feuerstein’s Birthday Selma Spielman’s Birthday The Reisners’ Anniversary The Messeris’ Anniversary Re fu’ah Shelaymah Lewis Bobross

The meaning of the word "Tzedakah

Tzedakah is the Hebrew word for the acts that we call "charity" in English: giving aid, assistance and money to the poor and needy or to other worthy causes.

Our Sages taught: The giving of tzedakah is as great as all the other mitzvot together.

THANK YOU TO OUR SYNAGOGUE CONTRIBUTORS

RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND

DONORS IN HONOR OF Andrea & Lior Elrom Tzedakah Carol & Michael Kopelman Emily Kopelman DONORS IN MEMORY OF Carol & Michael Kopelman Bernie Weinflash Joan Alter Harvey Jolt Neuhaus & Horn Families Devorah Horn Leonard Horn

Sisterhood Alice & Arnold Grodman Alice & Arnold Grodman Sisterhood Sally & Michael Seymour Mary & Leo Rettig Marilyn Saposh The Davis Family Edith Kantrowitz Ethel & David Chesen Kathy & Sol Grazian Vincent Buckles Joyce Kaplan Irene Skelton Marcella Kowalewski Alice & Arnold Grodman

Bertha Berkowitz Bertha Berkowitz Harvey Jolt Harvey Jolt Harvey Jolt Harvey Jolt Harvey Jolt Harvey Jolt Harvey Jolt Harvey Jolt Harvey Jolt Leila Kaplan Leila Kaplan Leila Kaplan Leila Kaplan Jerry Garfinkel

DONOR IN MEMORY OF

Our Condolences to . . .

ROSE LEDERMAN On the loss of her beloved mother,

BETTY LEDERMAN

HANNA ATLAS On the loss of her beloved father,

JOSEF ATLASOWICZ

YETTA ROSEN On the loss of her beloved grandson,

ADAM ROSEN

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These Adver sers are contribu ng to our Center. Please tell them you saw their ad in The Messenger.

BRIDGE OPTICIANS 301 Bridge Plaza North

Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201-944-6440

Harrison L. Rosenberg

Danny Lim David Mandel Lila Mordoh

Joseph or Tal Mizrahi Phone 201-384-7100 Fax 201-384-0303

Home Made Kosher Delicacies Appetizers, Delicatessen & Party Catering

469 S. Washington Ave. Bergenfield, NJ 07621 Specializing in Washington Ave & New Bridge Rd Kiddush Luncheons

Congregation Gesher Shalom

Jewish Community Center of Fort Lee

GIFT SHOP Beautiful gifts to show your love and usher in important times of the year.

Phone 201-947-1735

PLAWKER REAL ESTATE, INC.

601 Palisade Avenue, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632

Terry Plawker

Licensed Broker/Owner

Business: 201-567-5335

Cellular: 201-788-8451

Terryplawker@yahoo.com

Residential - Commercial - Condos - Coops -

Land - Rentals Property Management - Appraisals

14

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

MARCH 2015 Adar - Nisan 5775

Daily Service Times Mon ‐Thur 7:00am & 7:45pm Friday 7:00am & 7:00pm Saturday 9:30am & Minchah Sunday 9:00am & 7:45pm

1 10 Adar 2 11 Adar 3 12 Adar 4 13 Adar Shul & School 4pm Dinner 6:30pm Megillah Reading 7:00pm Party 8:00pm

5 14 Adar Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Course 10:30am

6 15 Adar Bible Study 11:30am

7 16 Adar

8 17 Adar Purim Festival 10am

9 18 Adar

10 19 Adar

11 20 Adar Sisterhood Book Club 8pm

12 21 Adar Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Course 10:30am Sisterhood Board Meeting 1pm

13 22 Adar Bible Study 11:30am

14 23 Adar

15 24 Adar

16 25 Adar

17 26 Adar 18 27 Adar

19 28 Adar Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Course 10:30am Sisterhood Membership Meeting 1pm

20 29 Adar Bible Study 11:30am

21 1 Nisan Erika Krauss Bat Mitzvah 9am

22 2 Nisan

23 3 Nisan

24 4 Nisan

25 5 Nisan

26 6 Nisan Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Course 10:30am

27 7 Nisan Bible Study 11:30am Shabbat Together Music Service 7pm

28 8 Nisan GPS & Birthday/Anniversary Service 9:30am

Club Shabbat & Torah Tots 11am

29 9 Nisan

30 10 Nisan

31 11 Nisan

Please consider joining us from time to time and attend one of our daily services

to help us make a minyan.

MINCHAH 6:30PM

VAYAKHEL-PEKUDE

KI TISA

MINCHAH 5:15PM

TZAV

MINCHAH 6:45PM

Purim

MINCHAH 6:45PM

VAYIKRA

Daylight Savings

5:34PM

6:42PM

6:49PM

6:57PM

Welcome Spring

Rabbi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Kenneth A. Stern 

Cantor  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   Paul Zim 

Execu ve Director  . . . . . . . . . .   Martha Dawson 

Rabbi Emeritus  . . . . . . . . . . . . .   Irving Spielman  

Messenger Editor . . . . . . . . .  Debbie Mulholland 

2014 - 15 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Sisterhood

President . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . . . . . .   Ethel Chesen 

Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Edith Kantrowitz   

Financial Secretaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Ann Bloch 

  Shifra Ruda  

Corresponding Secretary . . . . . . . . . Evelyn Davis 

Recording Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . Rochelle Carus 

Men’s Club

President/Treasurer . . . . . . . . . William Tobenkin 

Recording Secretary. . . . . . . . Marvin Kochansky 

Corresponding Secretary. . . .  Marvin Kochansky 

AUXILIARY

CLERGY & DIRECTORS

NON‐PROFIT ORGANIZATION 

PAID PERMIT NO. 3225 

SO. HACKENSACK, NJ 1449 ANDERSON AVENUE

FORT LEE, NJ 07024

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF FORT LEE / CONG GESHER SHALOM

1449 ANDERSON AVENUE FORT LEE, NJ 07024

PHONE: (201) 947-1735 FAX: (201) 947-1530 HEBREW SCHOOL: (201) 947-1654

EMAIL: office@geshershalom.org VISIT US: www.geshershalom.org

CONTACT US

Co ‐ Presidents . . . . . . . . . . .  Arnold Grodman 

          Marvin Josif 

Vice Presidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrea Elrom 

  David Korn 

  Mark Laufer 

  Richard Schiff 

Treasurer  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   Alvin Cohen 

Secretaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wayne Koby 

  Hennie Ostrower  

Mark Altschul   Shmuel Bar‐Or 

Ethel Chesen  Mark Klein 

Marvin Kochansky  Carol Kopelman 

Lisa Maier   Avri Ravid 

David Sarnoff   Ivan Shore 

Ira Smilovitz  Alan Stern 

William Tobenkin                                     

@CGSJCC /JCCFortLee