THE MESSENGER - Gesher
Transcript of THE MESSENGER - Gesher
MAY 2020 • IYAR/SIVAN• 5780
THE MESSENGER
ALL our Synagogue Prayer Services and Programs are conducted over ZOOM
You can participate in one of two ways
Dialing in - or - Using internet access and a smartphone, tablet or computer
OUR WEEKDAY SERVICES:
Sunday - Friday Mornings at 9:00 am - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/110379215 Dial in by phone: 929 205 6099 Meeting ID: 110 379 215 Sunday - Thursday Evenings at 7:00 pm https://us02web.zoom.us/j/338747559 Dial in by phone: 929 205 6099 Meeting ID: 338 747 559
SHABBAT SERVICES:
Friday evenings at 7:00 pm https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86982666380 Dial in by phone: 929-205-6099 Meeting ID: 869 8266 6380 Shabbat Mornings at 10:30 am https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87481320020 Dial in by phone: 929 205 6099 Meeting ID: 874 8132 0020 Havdalah (times listed on page 11) https://us02web.zoom.us/j/729396135 Dial in by phone: 929 205 6099 Meeting ID: 729 396 135
“Offerings of the Heart”
The names of our Torah Members
are inscribed on the sculpture in our
Community Room.
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.
Anonymous
David Korn
Stephen & Merilee Obstbaum
Joni Rosen
Ann Rosenberg
Myrna Weissman
Mordechai & Suzanne Warshavsky
Mercy Cohen
Lior & Andrea Elrom
Harvey & Barbara Fishman
Regina Friedman
Seymour & Nancy Green
Renee Gruenspecht A”H
Marvin & Shirley Kochansky
Daniel Kraut & Eve Kohut
Joseph Lempel A”H
Irwin & Karen Meyers
Joseph & Tikva Ofeck
Abraham Ravid
Seligman & Phyllis Rosenberg
Sheila Scherl
Norm & Florence Silverberg
Michael Glantz & Heidi Skolnik
Barry & Barbara Sussman
Charlotte Winter
From the Rabbi’s Study
Notes from the Cantor
Upcoming programs
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5
6-8
Table of Contents
Donations
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Calendar
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11
2019 President’s Council 2020
Guardian Leaders Gifts of $25,000 or more
*
Reggie Feuerstein
Congregation Sons of Israel
Steven & Suzette Kolitch *
The President’s Council was established to recognize and honor our “Leadership Donors” who contribute $1,250 or more to our Kol Nidre Annual Fund.
These generous individuals are the “Financial Guardians” of our synagogue.
Benefactors Gifts of $5,000 - $9,999
Sisterhood
Patrons Gifts of $2,500 - $4,999
Anonymous (2)
Seymour Blechman
*
Alvin & Nili Cohen
Hugh Gilenson & Amy Rosen
Loren & Lori Wasserman
Builders Gifts of $1,750 - $2,499
Anonymous
Renée Gruenspecht A”H
Joni Rosen
Sustainers Gifts of $1,250 - $1,749
*
Anonymous (3) Mark & Audrey Altschul
Martin & Rochelle Carus
Milton & Doryne Davis
Ira & Anna Erlichman
Regina Friedman
Alice & Arnold Grodman
*
Ruth Korn
Jerome & Barbara Margolin
Stephen & Merilee Obstbaum
Joseph & Tikva Ofeck
Marvin & Judith Platt
Terry Plawker
Leo Rettig
Richard & Nancy Schiff
Laurie Singer
Gregory & Nancy Vorbach
Myrna Weissman
Ellen Yuder
*
*
Founders Gifts of $10,000 - $17,999
Estate of Ken Feldman
Anonymous Gary & Lisa Maier *
Chai-Founders Gifts of $18,000 - $24,999
(* Indicates a Charter Member since 1995)
From the Rabbi’s Study
Make the best of it. That’s how I would describe Passover 2020. My most favorite holiday was “celebrated” as a shadow of itself. Limited Kosher for Passover food. Almost everything on disposables. No family physically present at the table. The first seder was depressing; the second night was,
thank God, better. So “Next Year”—“L’Shana HaBa’ah—became my internal mantra. Our Zoom services were alien at first, but now they have become routine. It was nice - maybe even inspiring - to see everyone in their own Zoom rectangles swaying in their solitude to the melodies of Hallel in a silent ballet. (I had to mute everyone except the Cantor for most of Hallel because it is impossible to sing in sync on Zoom). But it was even better to have the opportunity to check in with everyone and see smiling and familiar faces at the “virtual Kiddush” that followed each service. And that’s when it struck me: the blessing of community…the blessing of belonging. I thought about those in our Shul who, for whatever reason, did not join in any of our Zooms, and what they missed out on. And even more, I thought about those who are not part of any synagogue community and are suffering in isolation, with just a few, if any, outside contacts.
Make the Best of it
I came to understand that this is not an occasion for us to feel sorry for ourselves because are truly fortunate to have each other.
I encourage each of you to join us on Zoom. The logins for all our services and programming are provided elsewhere in this issue of the Messenger. PLEASE DO NOT DISCARD IT! IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR YOUR FULL PARTICIPATION:
• More and more of the Synagogue’s communication is conducted via email. If you have an email address, please make sure to provide it to the Shul office.
• You can participate in all our programming by dialing in to Zoom. All you need is your phone! This phone number (plus the special meeting code provided, which is particular to each service or program) will give you access: 929-205-6099.
• If you cannot receive emails, please make sure that the Shul office has your cell phone number. It is the best way to receive messages from the Synagogue. And PLEASE DO NOT OPT OUT OF THESE MESSAGES!
• Would you like me to pay you a one-on-one
virtual visit? We can speak by phone, FaceTime or Zoom. Please let me know…
And finally, remember: This too shall pass!
People Who Can Sew Are Desperately Needed
Are you any good with a sewing machine?
Masks are needed urgently for a number of crucial purposes--and homemade masks will serve the purpose!
Please call or email Rabbi Stern if you can help.
201-947-1735 ext. 314 or [email protected]
Happy Mother’s Day
Notes from the Cantor Cantor Paul Zim
Jewish women goes on; from Sarah to Esther and Ruth to Hannah.
On Mother’s Day, I think of my late mother, who told me once that I probably sang before I ever spoke. In my childhood she would sing songs of her childhood from the “old country.” I’m sure some of you remember “Oyf’n Pripitchik,” “A Yiddishe Mammeh” and “Raisins and Almonds” “Rozinkes Mit Mandlen.” These are just three Yiddish songs from who had their roots in Eastern Europe.
To all our members who are mothers (and grandmothers) we appreciate you and you always play such a crucial role in our family lives.
May you all be blessed with good health and make every day. Mother’s Day
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!
On Sunday May 10th Americans will honor our mothers with that one day, even though we pay tribute to her each and every day of the year. Mother’s Day is celebrated on various days in different parts of the world most commonly in the months of March and May. It complements
similar celebrations like Father’s Day one month later.
Historically, the Jewish people didn't have to wait until 1914, when Mother’s Day became a national holiday in the USA, to acknowledge the role of women and especially as mothers. We’re all familiar with the children of Israel 3200 years ago; they fled Egyptian bondage, stood at the foot of Mount Sinai in the wilderness and heard those words “Kabeid Et Avicha V’et Imecha,” one of the 10 commandments- “Honor your father and mother.” The inclusion of the women, in laws, of an ancient society was without precedent, unheard of among the people of the days of yore. So, as we enter the month of May, it is not illogical around Shavuot and Mother’s Day to remember that a Jewish proverb teachers that “God couldn't be everywhere, so God created mothers.”
There is a Haftarah that we read several months ago dedicated to Deborah (The song of Deborah), who spoke words that were inspiring. Deborah was a prophetess, and a heroic Israelite woman who was a leader that influenced her people with great courage. At a moment of crisis she saved our people leading them to a great military victory. The list of heroic
’
I have a last thank-you. It is to my mother, Celia Amster Bader, the bravest and strongest person I have known who was taken from me much to soon. I pray that I may be all that she would have been, had she lived in an age when women could aspire and achieve, and daughters are cherished as much as sons.
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the day she was sworn in as Justice of the Supreme Court, June 14, 1993
Shavuot Virtual Service Schedule 5780 /2020
Thursday, May 27th
Evening Prayer Service and Study Session 8:00 pm https://us02web.zoom.us/j/338747559
Dial in by phone - 929 205 6099 Meeting ID: 338 747 559
Friday, May 28th
Morning Service followed by Mincha 10:30 am https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89387030084
Dial in by phone - 929 205 6099 Meeting ID: 893 8703 0084
Evening Service for Shabbat & Yom Tov 8:00 pm https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86982666380
Dial in by phone - 929-205-6099 Meeting ID: 869 8266 6380
Saturday, May 30th
Morning Service (including Yizkor) followed by Mincha 10:30 am https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89387030084
Dial in by phone - 929 205 6099 Meeting ID: 893 8703 0084
Evening Service and Havdalah 9:15 pm https://us02web.zoom.us/j/729396135
Dial in by phone - 929 205 6099 Meeting ID: 729-396-135
GPS is Back!
Guided Prayer Service Please join Rabbi Stern for a series of explanatory talks that will reveal the structure, choreography, and varied functions of the prayers we say.
Mondays at 11:00am May 4 The Friday evening service
May 11 The Shabbat morning service Part I
May 18 The Shabbat morning service Part II
May 25 The weekday evening service
Via Smartphone, tablet or computer: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89270864772
Dial in: 929 205 6099 Meeting ID: 892 7086 4772
No, Not Really. Linda Richman will not be joining us…but join us for schmooze anyway!
Every Wednesday, 12 Noon with Rabbi Stern
Beginning May 6
BYO coffee, lunch, etc.
Via Smartphone, tablet or computer: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81464337599
Dial in: 929 205 6099 Meeting ID: 814 6433 7599
Talk Amongst Yourselves; I’ll give you a topic: Discuss…”
Donor In Honor of
Sisterhood The Laufer Family The Davis Family Jeff Adler Phyllis Lowe Phyllis Lowe Alice & Arnold Grodman Alice & Arnold Grodman
Alice & Arnold Grodman Alice & Arnold Grodman Alice & Arnold Grodman Alice & Arnold Grodman
Get Well Irith Insler Milt Davis's Birthday Shirley & Marvin Kochansky's Anniversary Nancy & Sy Green's Anniversary
Thank You to Our Synagogue Contributors
Our condolences to . . .
Susan Ginsberg
On the loss of her mother, ]
Norma Janice Ginsburg
~
Leo Rettig
On the loss of his wife,
Our esteemed member, ]
Mary Rettig
Donor In Memory of
Phyllis Breit Phyllis Breit Phyllis Breit Phyllis Breit Renee Gruenspecht Meir Berger Norman Hart Al Glick
Donations listed were received in March
May Birthdays & Anniversaries
3 Merilee Obstbaum
4 David Korn
4 Gary Maier
4 Leon Perkal
6 Daniel Kraut
6 Richard Levy
6 Richard Schiff
7 Peter Bloch
7 Jordan Leon
10 Solomon Arbeiter
10 Adrian Osian
11 Jean Burnick
12 Paul Zim
13 Madelyn Danoff
14 Barbara Margolin
15 Rachel Taylor
17 Jeffrey Adler
17 Irwin Meyers
20 Eyal Gabay
21 Charlotte Winter
22 Seligman Rosenberg
23 Olivia Hausman
24 Jeffrey Kaplan
25 Mitchell Shedlarz
26 Alvin Cohen
26 Alfred Strauss
28 Douglas Krakauer
28 Irene Eisenstein
29 Mordechai Warshavsky
18 Vera & Yakov Kishinevsky
18 Diane & Karl Sudakoff
20 Suzanne & Richard Fasman
20 Lucille & Mark Laufer
21 Carol & Benjamin Tycko
23 Barbara & Barry Sussman
25 Heidi Skolnik & Michael Glantz
27 Terry & Eran Gensler
29 Laurie Small-Levy & Richard Levy
30 Sue Ann & Wayne Koby
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all those who have made donations to the synagogue in memory of my beloved wife, Mary. Your thoughtfulness and kind words are a comfort during my time of mourning.
Sincerely, Leo Rettig
PLACE YOUR AD HERE
Call Kathy Grazian
201-592-0463
BRIDGE OPTICIANS 301 Bridge Plaza North
Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201-944-6440
Harrison L. Rosenberg
Anthony Bravo David Mandel Lila Mordoh Lisa Stein
Re-Inventing the Bible Thursdays at 11:00 am
Want a zoom invitation? Email the Rabbi! Join Rabbi Stern as we discover the amazingly creative juices of the classical rabbis! They were masters at spinning yarns, embellishing narrative, and inventing out of whole cloth to really make the Bible come alive through what they called Midrash Aggadah.
Using Louis Ginzberg's one-volume The Legends of the Bible (you can buy a used copy online for less than $10), we will contrast the biblical text with these rabbinically enhanced narratives.
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
May 2020 Iyar/ Sivan - 5780
Daily Online/Phone Service Times Sunday - Friday 9:00am & 7:00pm Saturday 10:30am & Minchah
1 7 Iyar
Bible Study 11:30 am
2 8 Iyar
Service via zoom 10:30 am Havdalah 8:45 pm
3 9 Iyar
4 10 Iyar GPS 11:00 am
5 11 Iyar
6 12 Iyar
Coffee Talk 12:00 pm
7 13 Iyar
8 14 Iyar
Bible Study 11:30 am
9 15 Iyar
Service via zoom 10:30 am Havdalah 8:45 pm
10 16 Iyar
11 17 Iyar GPS 11:00 am
12 18 Iyar
13 19 Iyar
Coffee Talk 12:00 pm
14 20 Iyar
`
15 21 Iyar
Bible Study 11:30 am
16 22 Iyar
Service via zoom 10:30 am Havdalah 9:00 pm
17 23 Iyar
18 24 Iyar
GPS 11:00 am
19 25 Iyar
20 26 Iyar
Coffee Talk 12:00 pm
21 27 Iyar
22 28 Iyar Bible Study 11:30am
23 29 Iyar Service via zoom 10:30 am Havdalah 9:00 pm
24 1 Sivan
31 8 Sivan
25 2 Sivan
GPS 11:00 am
26 3 Sivan 27 4 Sivan
Coffee Talk 12:00 pm
28 5 Sivan 29 6 Sivan
Bible Study 11:30 am
30 7 Sivan
Service via zoom 10:30 am Havdalah 9:15 pm
7:42PM
AHAREI MOT/KEDOSHIM
BEHAR/BECHUKOTAI 7:49PM
EMOR
8:01
SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
Until further notice, all services will be held virtually, via ZOOM.
If you did not receive an invitation via email,
please let the office know.
7:35PM
Shavuot Erev shavuot
Mother’s Day Lag B’Omer
7:55 BAMIDBAR
Memorial day
Rabbi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kenneth A. Stern
Cantor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Zim
Rabbi Emeritus . . . . . . . . . . . . . Irving Spielman
Messenger Editor . . . . . . . . . . . .Yael Gevertzman
2019 - 20 Board of Trustees
Sisterhood
President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ethel Chesen
Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Martha Shemin
Financial Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ann Bloch
Corresponding Secretary . . . . . . . . . Evelyn Davis
Recording Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . Rochelle Carus
Men’s Club
President/Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alan Stern
Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marvin Kochansky
Auxiliary
Clergy & Directors
301 Bridge Plaza North Fort lee NJ 07024
JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF FORT LEE / GESHER SHALOM
Phone: (201) 947-1735 Fax: (201) 947-1530
EMAIL: [email protected] VISIT US: www.geshershalom.org
Contact Us
President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Altschul
Vice Presidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrea Elrom
Wayne Koby
Richard Schiff
Ira Smilovitz
Treasurer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arnold Insler
Secretaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Niles Burton
Iris Coleman
Joan Alter Ethel Chesen
Regina Friedman Hilda Froelke
Hugh Gilenson Seymour Green
Vera Kishinevsky Dan Kraut
Howard Schefflan Laurie Singer
Alan Stern Nancy Vorbach