2015 March-April Message - Forest Hills Jewish Center

Transcription

2015 March-April Message - Forest Hills Jewish Center
THE FOREST HILLS JEWISH CENTER
PAGE
MARCH-APRIL 2015
Vol. LXX No.4
March-April 2015 Adar—Nisan—Iyar 5775
THE FOREST HILLS JEWISH CENTER
Purim
Pasta
Drown out
Haman's name
at the Megillah
reading, March
4, with a box of
kosher pasta,
then leave the box in a designated
receptacle. City Harvest will ensure that it gets to someone in our
community who is hungry. Last
year, Forest Hills Jewish Center
sent 900 pounds of food to City
Harvest! Please see page 14 for
more information about City Harvest.
Celebrate Purim with FHJC
Wednesday Evening– March 4
6:15 PM— Children’s program for children under 7 yrs
Crafts– Stories—Songs (Crystal Room)
7:00 PM—Costume Parade in Main Sanctuary followed
by Ma’ariv & Megillah Reading
(5:25 PM—Minha in the Little Synagogue, followed by Ma’ariv &
Accelerated Megillah reading at 6:45 PM
Thursday—March 5
6:15 AM—Megillah Reading, Little Synagogue
6:00-7:30 PM—USY/Kadima Purim Party/Prep Party
(RSVP for the Purim Party to [email protected] by March 3)
Sunday, March 8
11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Forest Hills
Jewish Center
Inflatables,
Castle,
Prizes
Crafts
and
games
Face
Painting
Come in
costume and
get a free
prize ticket!
Hot Dogs,
Cotton
Candy
Popcorn!
Balloon
animals by
Skittles
the Clown
Zimriyah—April 22
On Wednesday evening, April 22,
please join us for our annual Yom
Ha'atzma'ut Zimriyah, once again,
lovingly dedicated to the memory
of Arie Avidor, z"l. We will be celebrating the music of Yehoram
Gaon, one of Israel's best-known
and most celebrated singers, who is
marking his seventy-fifth birthday
this year! The program, which will
be held in the Heller Ballroom, will
begin with Ma'ariv and Hallel
at 7:30PM, and be followed by the
Zimriyah. In a coffee house atmosphere, with delicious Israeli treats,
we will, once again, celebrate the
blessing of Israel with her music. Please join us!
THE FOREST HILLS JEWISH CENTER
PAGE 2
From the Rabbi’s Study
MARCH-APRIL 2015
Rabbi Gerald C. Skolnik
Learning to Love Kitniyot… It’s Never Too Late
As many of you will know, for many
years, this issue of whether or not
Kitniyot (legumes and rice) may be
eaten on Passover has been a source
of disagreement in the Jewish community. In general, the Ashkenazi
community, at least since the thirteenth century, has forbidden them.
Sephardim have allowed them.
favorite is that chametz sounds like “chimtzei” (hummus, chickpeas). There are others, but none of them are compelling. There
was one Talmudic rabbi who forbade them, but the Talmud itself rejects his opinion, and says that almost everyone else does
as well.
The only possible reason for continuing the prohibition against
kitniyot is that, to paraphrase Tevya, it’s a tradition, and you
In advance of the Pesach holiday, I
wanted to let you all know that, as of
this year, Robin and I have decided that we will be using kitniyot
in our house over Passover. I am not issuing this as a p’sak halacha for the synagogue; that is to say, I am not writing this to
imply that you are in any way obligated to do the same, especially if it’s a practice you feel strongly about. But what I am saying is that, after many years of struggling with the issue, I have
simply decided (and been gently convinced) that to continue to
forbid the use of kitniyot is unnecessary, and unwarranted.
The simple truth is that even those authorities that forbid the
eating of kitniyot on Passover do not regard it as chametz. Only
the five species of grain that may be used for making matza can
become chametz when mixed with water. Kitniyot, it was ruled,
does not ferment in water; it decays, and therefore cannot become chametz. My sister, who is strict in her kashrut, has sonsin-law who are not Ashkenazi, and she serves them hummus on
Pesach. It does not “treif up” your Pesach kitchen, and having it
in your house does not violate any laws of Pesach. No less an
authority than Maimonides clearly and unambiguously rejects
the idea that kitniyot are in any way chametz.
know how we Jews feel about tradition. But that shouldn’t be
enough to justify differentiating Ashkenazim from Sephardim,
and, more importantly, to justify the often-exorbitant price
hikes that we see in the kosher marketplace around Passover.
If one chooses to use processed kitniyot over the holiday, they
must bear a label saying that they are kosher for Passover for
those who eat kitniyot. But one may buy pure, unprocessed
kitniyot before Passover, and use them on the holiday.
Again- I am not saying that everyone should eat kitniyot over
Pesach, regardless of his or her traditions. I am, however, saying
that if you choose to do so, I see nothing at all wrong with it, to
Then why, you might fairly ask, do Ashkenazim generally forbid the extent that I, myself, will be doing so in my own house.
them?
Kitniyot or not… please accept my very best wishes for a sweet,
Well… the plain truth is that no one really understands the happy, and kosher holiday!
origin of the prohibition, and an eclectic variety of essentially
foolish explanations grew up to try and explain it. My personal
The Message USPS 340-300 The Forest Hills Jewish Center, 106-06 Queens
Boulevard, Forest Hills, NY 11375-4248. 718-263-7000, Fax: 718-520-4369.
Website: http://www.fhjc.org. Affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Published bi-monthly September-June. Subscription: $25
per year (included in membership dues.) Periodicals postage paid at the Post
Office in Flushing, NY. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Forest Hills
Jewish Center. 106-06 Queens Boulevard, Forest Hills, NY 11375-4248. Editorial Board: Karen L. Stein (Editor), Gerald C. Skolnik (Rabbi), Henry Rosenblum
(Hazzan), Erno Grosz (Cantor Emeritus), Deborah Gregor (Executive Director),
Susan Rosenbaum (Director, Early Childhood Education), Lynn Lancaster
(Director of Education), Laurie Worthman (Office Manager). Officers: Jack Gostl
(President), Michael Abrams (Vice President), Ilana Altman (Vice President), Sharon Matzner (Vice President), Judy Zipkowitz (Vice President), William Regen (Treasurer), Deborah Ball Witlin (Secretary). Arms: Men’s Club, Bob
Koenigsberg and Mark Weinblatt (Co-Presidents), Minyan Club, Betty Korb
(President), Sisterhood, Judy Gostl and Randy Zwick-Marks (CoPresidents). Opinions expressed in The Message are the authors’ and do not
necessarily represent those of the Forest Hills Jewish Center, its officers and
Board, or the Editorial Board.
Rabbi Gerald C. Skolnik
PS—I have based my own ruling on a t’shuvah written by a
colleague in Israel, Rabbi David Golinkin. If you wish to read a
very accessible version of his responsum, you can find it at
http://www.cjvoices.org/article/the-kitniyot-dilemma/
THE FOREST HILLS JEWISH CENTER
PAGE 3
MARCH-APRIL 2015
Hazzan Henry R. Rosenblum
Notes from the Hazzan
As I sit here in my office, with the
newest snowfall continuing to descend, my mind has already turned to
thoughts of Purim. I'm sure that like
me, you have been awaiting the coming of Spring, which still seems so far
away, while deferring thoughts of
Pesah that is now just 5 weeks away.
What I do want to apprise you of
right now is a magnificent concert
and celebration of Yom Yerushalayim
set for Sunday, May 17th. Thanks to
the efforts and guidance of our concert chairs, Jack and Valerie
Leibler and Murray and Anita Miller, we have a festive and musically glorious afternoon dedicated to the celebration of the 48th
year of the reunification of Jerusalem in store for you. The guest
artists will be Israeli singer extraordinaire Cantor Magda Fishman
and the exceptional singer and performer, Cantor Netanel Herstik. We will be presenting an unusually varied program featuring
Israeli and Chassidic selections, show tunes, duets and trios , and
even one or two Cantorial selections to give something for everyone. This will be a "happening" you will surely want to experience.
When you take your next break from shoveling snow or watching
it from your windows, I urge you to circle the date now. This
promises to be a concert for people of all ages and a celebration
no one should miss.
In the meantime, stay warm and dry, with best wishes for a Simhat Purim.
B'shalom,
Hazzan Henry R. Rosenblum
The President’s Pen
A stiff-necked people
As many of you
know, one of my
favorite
Torah
quotes is when
God says to Moses
“You are a stiffnecked people.”
This quote has
always intrigued
me and I never
really considered it more than a mild rebuke. Even with a limited understanding
of those words, I have often felt that if we
were not such a stiff-necked people we
would not have survived the last two millennia.
So this month I decided to dig into it. The
actual quote comes from Exodus 32:9, and
as always translator dependent, it reads:
And the Lord said to Moses: "I
have seen this people and behold!
They are a stiff =0necked people.”
Reading the text surrounding this quote
we find that this is far from a happy time
for the Hebrews. Moses has just come
down from Sinai, found the golden calf,
smashed the tablets (the Ten Commandments) and destroyed the idol. Then Moses has to convince God not to destroy the
entire population. A really unhappy time.
Digging into the term “stiff-necked”
doesn’t help either. The term itself is believed to refer to some unpleasant behav-
iors that oxen engaged in when they didn’t feel like working. (They would stiffen
their shoulders to avoid being harnessed.)
Not exactly a favorable comparison.
the more dignified reading in the Little
Synagogue. His reason was that, for him,
Purim without children just wasn’t Purim.)
The transformation of this tale of evil into
a joyous family event is an amazing testaFinally, resorting to a dictionary, I came up
ment to the strength of spirit of our peowith several definitions for “stiff-necked,”
ple.
none particularly complimentary, except
for “stubborn,” and that was my answer. I Today the Forest Hills Jewish Center comhave long felt that “stubborn” is a much munity, and the Jewish community at
underrated quality.
large, face multiple challenges. Challenges
that are demographic, cultural, financial
All of which brings me to Purim. (As aland more. Perhaps the greatest challenge
ways, I am quick to point out that this is a
of all results from our acceptance and inlayman’s opinion and should be weighed
tegration into the fabric of modern socieas such.) Purim has always fascinated me
ty. (Be careful what you wish for!) If we
because of the contrast between the story
can just reach inside ourselves and find
in the Book of Esther and the current practhat spirit of Mordecai and Esther, and
tices of Purim. On the surface, the tale of
cultivate it, and use applied stubbornness
Purim is a horrific story. The king, Achash(avoiding stubbornness’ first cousin, obstiverosh, who always struck me as weak
nacy), we can continue to accomplish
willed and easily manipulated, is congreat things. We can build and maintain a
vinced by his evil henchman, Haman the
healthy Jewish community and leave a
Agagite, to exterminate the Jewish people.
proud legacy for our children.
A tale of genocide. Then, through skillful
planning, intelligence, perseverance and As we approach the realization of our long
stubbornness, the Jewish people not only effort to migrate to a new building, we
survive, but turn the situation into a victo- have the opportunity to exercise that legary.
cy of stubbornness in creative ways. I am
looking forward to working with all of you
Most amazing of all is that today, even
to overcome the challenges we will face.
amongst the most orthodox, Purim has
become a children’s holiday. Sort of a A happy Purim and a zissen Pesach to all.
cross between Halloween and Saint Patrick’s Day. (Rabbi Feldman, z”l, once told
me that he preferred the tumult of the
Megillah reading in the main sanctuary to
THE FOREST HILLS JEWISH CENTER
PAGE 4
MARCH-APRIL 2015
Membership & Community Affairs
As I am writing this there are only 33 more
days left of winter. But, I am an optimist so
let me rephrase that, spring is right around
the corner and you know what that means,
Purim.
PURIM EVENTS
Wednesday, March 4th at 7pm come listen
as the teens read the Megillah. For our
younger children (under 7 years), please join us at 6:15 pm
for crafts, songs and stories before the costume parade in
the sanctuary.
Thursday, March 5th, at 6 until 7:30pm, USY and Kadima will
come together for a Purim Party/Prep Party.
Saturday evening, March 7th, USY will meet after Shabbat to
Come take advantage of our Early Registration Discount
set up the carnival in the gym.
through March 11th.
Sunday, March 8th from 11:30am-1:30pm there will the bestest
Purim Carnival ever, with more games, more inflatables
and more prizes. Parent volunteers are needed for Sunday,
March 8th to help run the carnival. If you are interested,
please email [email protected].
There is a lot more going on in March:
Friday, March 13th is a Teen Shabbat Dinner. $15/ teen. RSVP to [email protected] and send a check to the Center office.
Sunday, March 15th the FHJC is hosting a blood drive.
Sunday, March 22nd at 4pm at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall is the annual HaZamir Gala concert. HaZamir is the International Jewish High
School Choir devoted exclusively to Jewish choral music. This
year's concert will feature some 350 talented singers representing 26
HaZamir chapters, including five from Israel. And I am proud to say
that now four members of our own community—Allison Abrams,
Yael Beer, Renana Chernin, and Nathaniel Korb—are participating
HaZamirniks.
And in April...
On Wednesday, April 15th starting at 7pm, please join us as we observe Yom
Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. The program will take place in the
Main Sanctuary.
Wednesday, April 22nd, please join us for our annual Yom Ha’atzma’ut Zimriyah, lovingly dedicated to the memory of Arie Avidor, z’’l.
Mike Abrams, Membership Vice President
Friday March 13 at 6:30 we will be joining for
Kabbalat Shabbat and dinner together.
Cost is $15 per teen.
RSVP to [email protected] and send your
check into the office.
Please bring your enthusiasm and your ideas for
future teen Shabbat morning programming.
COMMEMORATION
WEDNESDAY
APRIL 15—7:30 PM
Please join us for our annual commemoration
of Yom Hashoah. The program, to be held in
the Rabbi Ben Zion Bokser Sanctuary, will feature Center member Melanie Topol, a child of
survivors, who will speak about the experiences of her parents, Herbert and Brigitte Stillman. In addition to Melanie’s presentation,
there will, of course, be a candle-lighting ceremony, Hazzan Rosenblum will be leading
Ma'ariv and performing a piece of Shoahrelated music, our teens who traveled to Eastern Europe last summer will share impressions, Nagilah will perform, as well as our Hebrew High School students, who will be singing with Rabbi Skolnik.
The observance of Yom Hashoah is a sacred
event on our synagogue calendar. Please plan
to be with us, and encourage your teenage
children to join us.
THE FOREST HILLS JEWISH CENTER
PAGE 5
Religious School Reflection
Though it’s definitely
still winter outside,
we are dreaming
about summer and
the launch of Sababa
Surf Camp. FHJC, in
partnership
with
Temple Israel of
Great Neck, is launching its first teen summer program. We are among eight programs chosen to participate in the New
York Teen Initiative for Immersive Summer
Experiences for Jewish Teens. http://
www.thejewishweek.com/news/briefs/92
-million-initiative-aims-expand-jewishsummer-options-teens This $9.2 million
initiative, funded by UJA-Federation of
New York and the Jim Joseph Foundation,
seeks to provide accessible, affordable and
inspiring Jewish summer programs for
Jewish teens in the New York area. Besides a generous grant and scholarship
fund, The Jewish Education Project is facilitating an incubator to help get our program off the ground. We are working with
branding, social media and non-profit
business experts as we work towards our
first summer.
MARCH-APRIL 2015
Lynn Lancaster
expectation of having both an incredibly
good time and gaining a better understanding of themselves.
Teens today are over-programmed, overstressed, and are swept up in the Race to
Nowhere culture. Sababa Surf Camp is a
direct response to help all teens find balance, have fun, and gain self-worth. Not
only is the camp session a respite from the
Sababa Surf Camp (Sababa means “no pressure; it also provides tools from a Jewworries” in Hebrew) is an opportunity for ish lens to help teens live a more emotionteens to experience balance, joy and pas- ally healthy lifestyle.
sion through a week of surfing in the RockI will be directing the camp along with my
aways. Teens will experience the physical
colleague Danny Mishkin from Temple
thrill of surfing, the tools of Jewish spirituIsrael.
ality and the beauty of the beach and the
ocean. Each participant will have the op- Our program is designed to book-end the
portunity to challenge him/herself in a summer with three one-week sessions—
non-competitive environment with the one at the beginning of the summer and
two at the end. Our second session will
include a Shabbaton and Saturday night
bonfire.
We are so excited. So if you have a teen,
know a teen, or know someone who
knows a teen, now is the time to reserve a
place for them on the sand. This program
is for teens entering 7th grade through
high school graduation. Finally, stay tuned
--we will be offering “A taste of Sababa for
adults.”
SHABBAT AT FHJC
Kids Kongregation
2-5 years old / 10:45 AM in M4
Singing—Dancing—Stories
Junior Congregation
1st-6th Grade/ 10:00 AM
A magical mystery tour through the
Torah!
Play in the Gym
Check the calendar for dates!
Young children and their parents are welcome to join us in the gym for a few hours
of play on Shabbat afternoon from 3-5 PM.
THE FOREST HILLS JEWISH CENTER
PAGE 6
News from Nursery School
Your child comes home from school and
you ask him/her “Who did you play with
in school today?” The answer you often
get is nobody. Before you panic, thinking
that your child has no friends, take a step
back and think about the following. Your
child may need some time after school to
unwind, and may only be ready to have a
conversation a little while later.
Another thought—if your child was older, he/she might say “No one special. I played with a whole
bunch of children today.” These possibilities would have put a
whole new spin on the situation. Without taking all of this into
consideration, you may have gone into a tizzy, thinking that my
child has no friends. You may have called your siblings, your
spouse, your mother, and/or your friends to ask advice on this
terrible situation. In retrospect, after evaluating the situation,
you feel more comfortable knowing that your child navigated
the classroom socially, happily playing in pairs or groups.
MARCH-APRIL 2015
Susan Rosenbaum
“What center or activities did you play in today? Who else was in
the center with you? Did you ask anyone to join you? Did you
ask the teacher for help?”
As you know, your child’s teacher spends many hours a day with
your child, so the next step would be to ask the teacher what
she observes. She is best equipped to convey what is going on in
school. After learning how your child functions socially in school,
ask the teacher if she has any suggestions. She might suggest
some playdates after school or on the weekends. It is good to
try a playdate with one child at a time. If the playdate is successful with a particular child, you might add one more or you might
try another child. The teacher will be able to recommend children whom she thinks will be a good match for your child.
Asking your child what he or she may like to do with the playdate empowers them. This playdate in your home may be all it
takes to put your child at ease. He/she will probably look forward to playing with that child again in school. If the playdate
doesn’t go so well, or if your child doesn’t feel so comfortable,
then maybe try to do an activity with a friend and have an expeIf your child comes home from school reporting that he or she rience outside the home.
has no friends and doesn’t want to go to school, ask open-ended
It is important to see your child in different social settings, have
questions that will lead you to a clearer picture of his/her day.
different experiences, making and keeping friends.
FHJC MERCAZ COMMITTEE
This is an election you can’t afford to ignore. Israel’s
character is in the balance.
The election we’re talking about isn’t taking place in
Israel, but it will impact directly on what happens there
– and on Jewish life around the world. It’s an election
that has to matter to every Jew who cares about the
Jewish state and the kind of society it will become, and
whether or not all Jews will be able to live, practice,
and pray there in keeping with their own understanding
of tradition.
The election we’re talking about is for the World Zionist
Congress which will convene later this year in Jerusalem. It will set policy and elect officers, directly influencing the allocation of hundreds of millions of dollars
for initiatives that will impact on the nature of Israel
and its ties with world Jewry for years to come. Elections to that Congress are taking place now.
Vote MERCAZ, Slate #2, the voice of Conservative/
Masorti Jews around the world, transforming into deed
our passion for fashioning the Jewish state as an exemplary pluralistic and democratic society every Jew can
proudly call home.
Voting ends April 30, 2015!
Visit www.votemercaz.com to vote today.
THE FOREST HILLS JEWISH CENTER
PAGE 7
MARCH-APRIL 2015
Men’s Club
Sisterhood
The Helen
Cytryn Torah
Fund
Education
Day will be
taking place
on Tuesday, March 10th. Our own Rabbi
Skolnik will be one of the scholars at this
event. We urge you all to attend. More
information is available elsewhere in
this Message.
after services at $20 per person. We look
forward to the luncheon program when a
surprise Eshet Chayil will be presented. This is not a member being honored –
rather it is a fascinating exploration of
recent history.
Please save May 19 for our annual luncheon at Cho-Sen Garden.
Look for more information about these
and future Sisterhood events in Shabbat
Shalom, on the listserv, and around the
Center.
Sisterhood Shabbat will be April
25th. Plan to be part of this FHJC tradition, See you at our next event!
when we are honored during Shabbat
Judy Gostl & Randi Zwick Marks,
services for our commitment to enhancCo-Presidents
ing and sustaining Conservative/Masorti
Judaism at FHJC. There will be a luncheon
Helen Cytryn Torah Fund Education Day
March 10, 2015 19 Adar 5775
Join us for a day in celebration of Mishpachah
Temple Beth Torah
243 Cantiague Rock Road, Westbury, NY 11590
Calling All Sisterhood Members
Join Sisterhood members from across the Brooklyn Queens Long Island region, by
enrolling in the Helen Cytryn Torah Fund Education Day, taking place on Tuesday,
March 10, at Temple Beth Torah, in Westbury. The day’s studies will include Rabbi
Skolnik’s examination of the story of Judah and Tamar, and Bellmore Jewish Center’s Rabbi Dahlia Bernstein who will present 70 Shades of Torah. For more information, please contact Center member Anise Parnes.
Registration begins 9:15 a.m.
Program followed by buffet luncheon: 9:45 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Couvert: $36 Sisterhood Members, $42 Non- Members
The Men’s Club is now meeting on a
monthly basis at Carlos and Gabby’s for
tacos, scotch and a night out with the
guys. Come on March 9th or April 20th at
8:00 PM and be part of our community.
No RSVP required. No fees. No red tape.
Just get out of the apartment for a few
hours and make a few new friends or
see old ones.
Reserve June 11 for our annual membership gathering, with more details to
come.
March 14th is Men’s Club Shabbat with
our guest lay rabbi delivering a sermon
and a deli lunch to follow. Jay Luger will
be on hand to offer his annual eagerlyanticipated lecture. All are welcome.
Advance reservations required.
Speaking of Jay Luger, please consider
sending money to honor him as our Man
of the Year. Jay will be honored at the
Men’s Club awards dinner on March 29
at Crest Hollow Country Club. Joshua
Altman will also be honored that night
as the well-deserved recipient of our
Youth of the Year award. The dinner will
include a full bar and a band. Please contact Hal Berkowitz, event coordinator
at [email protected] for more details.
Also, please consider helping us deliver
yellow Yom HaShoah candles. Mark
Weinblatt is in charge and we need people to help us pack and deliver the packages.
Finally, our Bud Harrelson hot dog
breakfast has been postponed until the
fall.
Bob Koenigsberg
SAVE THE DATE
Men’s Club Shabbat — March 14
Sisterhood Shabbat — April 25
THE FOREST HILLS JEWISH CENTER
PAGE 8
MARCH-APRIL 2015
Book of Remembrance
On the eighth day of Pesach, as on all other designated holidays
when Yizkor is recited, Rabbi Skolnik will read the names of those inscribed in the Book of Remembrance.
Davora Abraham
Yakov Hassid Abraham
David Abrahams
Madeline Abrahams
Barney W. Adler
Henrietta K. Adler
Esther Anopolsky
Samuel Anapolsky
Arthur Ball
Otto Josef Baruch
Berthold Bear
Lisa Bear
Martin Bear
Toni Bear
Victoria Benghiat
Ida Benghiat
Edwin Berger
Sol Berley
Sydell Berley
Jean Roberta Biegelson
Evelyn Blum
Robert Blum
Abe Blumstein
Rabbi Baruch Micah Bokser
Kallia Bokser
Rabbi Ben Zion Bokser
Aaron Broder
Jennie Broder
Sylvia Broder
Milton Bruck
Ruth Bruck
Dora Butnick
Milton Butnick
Irving Cahn
Hugo N. Cahnman
Elaine Charap
Hyman Sid Citron
George DePinna
Marcia DePinna
Abram Dykerman
Alfred Dykerman
Erna Dykerman
Herman Dykerman
Ester Dylewski
Lola Eckstein
Helene Falik
Estelle Feiner
Sonia Gurewitz Fink
Abraham Obiedzinski Fink
Philip Fogelman
Rose Fogelman
Pauline Fox
Randy Fox
Sam Fox
Stella Frank
John Steven Fuchs
Josef Samuel Fuchs
Rosalie Fuchsberg
Meyer Fuchsberg
Dr. J. Savin Garber
Philip Garfield
Benedicto Geber
Marta Geber
Feiga Rosa Ginsburg
Albert Glazer
Cecelia Glazer
Clara Glazer
David Glazer
Gussie Glazer
Arnold Glick
Fannie Glick
Irving Glick
Max Glick
Ruth Rhoda Glick
Helen Goldenberg
Sherry Sue Goldenberg
Martin Goldman
Lola Joy Goldman
Celia Goldman
Norman Peter Goldman
Abraham Goldsmith
Harold Goldsmith
Mary Goldsmith
Benjamin Goldstein
Carl Goldstein
Dave Goldstein
Herb Goldstein
Nettie Goldstein
Rita Goldstein
Cantor Isaac Gorsky
Sylvia Gould
Ann Grossman
Gertrude B. Gruenberg
Jascha Gurewitz
Fred Hahn
Celia Haims
George Haims
Joseph Haupt
Celia F. Heiferman
Cookie Heiferman
(Esther Rose Signet)
Solomon G. Heiferman
Jean Claude Heilberg
Ray F. Heitner
Solomon Heitner
Anna Heller
Arthur Heller
Jesse Heller
Morris Heller
Albert Hirsch
Herta Hirsch
Sybil Hyman
Nathan Hyman
Eva Lea Jaari
Lochem Avichai Jaari
Julius D. Kahn
Kate Kahn
Frances Kalikow
Morris Kalikow
Nathaniel Saul Kane
Benjamin B. Katz
Haskel Katz
Helen F. Katz
Miriam Katz
Morris M. Katz
Fred E. Katzner
Gladys Kenner
Max Kenner
Herman Kingsley
Marion Kingsley
Sophie Kohn
Louis Kohn
Aaron Korn
Lillian Korn
Fortuna Kovalsky
Max Kovolick
Leo Kra
Adolph G. Kraus
Samuel Kravitz
Melanie Krieger
Abraham Krumbein
Sarah Krumbein
Benjamin Krumholz
Henry Krumholz
Jack Krumholz
Mera Krumholz
Rose Krumholz
Philip Kule
Isidore Kulichefsky
Jennie Kulichefsky
Herbert Kupferberg
Cantor David Kusevitsky
Elaine Kusevitsky
Patricia Lily Kusevitsky
Harry B. Lader
Helen J. Lader
Murray Landau
Dorothy Lapin
Samuel Lapin
Edward Lehem
Fortuna Lehem
Marco Lehem
Palomba Lehem
Sol Lehem
Charles Leibler
Frieda Leibler
Abraham Lerner
Clara Lerner
Maurice Lerner
Joseph Lestz
Leon Levin
Charles Levy
Pearl Levy
Ludwig Loewenstein
Margaret Loewenstein
Dr. Jack London
Dr. Edward Mahlab
Suzette Mahlab
Lionel Malamed
Leopold Lipot Mayer
Rose Guttman Mayer
Theodore Mayer
Michael Mayorowitz
Gertrude Mayorowitz Lukacs
Harry Mesard
Lily R. Mesard
Chaskel Morgenstern
Irene Morgenstern
Carl J. Moskowitz
Charlotte Moskowitz
George Moss
Irving Moss
Jack Nelson
Ruth Nelson
Abraham Okun
Celia Okun
Theodore Okun
Harvey L. Perlstein
Jeanne S. Perlstein
Isidore Platkin
Shep Porter
Tauba Potik
Yefim Potik
Raphael Raphael
Irwin Reich
Stephen Reich
Feiga Remetier
Frank E. Riesenfeld
Sylvia Rolnick
Carolyn Rosenblum Lubin
Howard Rosenblum
Jonathan Rosenblum
Dr. Louis Rosenblum
Seymour Rosenthal
Sidney Roth
George Rozsa
Toni Pernitz Ruda
Sabina Safier
Simon A. Safier
Gladys Salup
Abraham Salzmann
Elizabeth Samuel
Siegfried Samuel
Irving Savitz
Ruth Savitz
Jack Schaeffer
Lillian Schaeffer
Leo Schain
Martha Schain
Harold Schantz
Elias Segal
Mildred Segal
Malvin Sevin
Albert Shaw
Annette Silberman
Ruby Silberman
David Skolnik
Lillian Skolnik
Edward Skornicki
Natalie Skornicki
Mildred F. Smith
Deena Soloway
Joseph Stark
Katalin Stark
Pearl Strauss
Amy Lisa Sturm
Judith Susan Sturm
Ida Sumerfeld
Meyer Sumerfeld
Sally Tenenbaum
Fred Theise
Leslie Ticker
Marvin Ticker
Max Troper
Jack Vogel
Bessie Walker
Ellen Bea Walker
Joseph Walker
Leon Walker
Marie M. Walker
Rose Walker
Jacob Wallach
Raoul Wallenberg
Stanley Weg
Alfred A. Weinberg
Selma Weinberg
Anna Weiner
Morris Weiner
Isidore Weinkselbaum
Jennie Weinkselbaum
Jerry Weinkselbaum
Walter Weintraub
Herbert Weiser
Milton Winograd
Estelle Zafran
Ira Zalbe
Harry Zielonka
Abraham Zwick
Dora Feldman Zwick
If you are interested in placing a name in the Book of Remembrance, or on a Memorial Plaque, please contact the Center Office, 718 263-7000, or [email protected].
THE FOREST HILLS JEWISH CENTER
PAGE 9
MARCH-APRIL 2015
IT’S TIME FOR PASSOVER
The new Rabbinical Assembly Pesah Guide was prepared for the
Rabbinical Assembly Committee on Jewish Law and Standards
by Rabbi Barry Starr and the Committee on Jewish Law and
Standards (CJLS) Kashrut Subcommittee.
Please visit rabbinicalassembly.org/pesah-guide for detailed
information about how to kasher your kitchen for Passover.
The guide also includes detailed explanations on various items
on the list including the use of a dishwasher, quinoa, peanuts,
glassware and countertops.
(If you don’t have access to the guide online, please contact the
FHJC guide and we’ll be happy to print one for you.)
Forest Hills-Rego Park Communal Passover Seders
Rego Park Jewish Center is having a communal Seder on the first night, while
FHJC will be having our Seder on the second night of Pesach. Members of both
shuls and their friends are welcome at both Seders.
FIRST SEDER | FRIDAY, APRIL 3
If you are interested in the Rego Park JC Seder, please contact them directly at
(718) 459-1000.
SECOND SEDER | SATURDAY, APRIL 4
Join your fellow Center members for a lively, family friendly Second Passover
Seder led by Rabbi Skolnik and Hazzan Rosenblum. We have a delicious buffet
planned, including a special children’s menu. Bring your own Kosher wine (we’ll
provide the grape juice). Watch for details.
THE FOREST HILLS JEWISH CENTER
PAGE 10
MARCH-APRIL 2015
PREPARATION FOR SEDER
need of redemption. The leader of the
Seder should explain its presence when
reciting the matza zo paragraph in
Maggid.
A. Haggadot—For a meaningful and
inspiring Seder, it is very helpful to use a
Haggadah
with
interesting
commentaries on the text. While it is
sometimes easier to follow when
everyone’s Haggadah is the same, some
prefer to use different editions so the
diverse commentaries enliven the
discussion around the table.
B. Setting the Table—Now that the
home is ready for Passover, the festival
table should be set. This is a gala
occasion in our lives, and we use our
choicest linens, silver and dishes which
we have provided for Passover. Flowers
in honor of the Spring are usually used as
a centerpiece. Two candles are on the
table ready for the blessing. At each
setting there is goblet for wine. Cushions
are provided for participants to recline
upon, as a symbol of our freedom.
On the table we find the special symbols
of Passover:
Matzot—Three matzot separated by
doilies, or in a special case for this
purpose, are set one on the other. These
signify the three categories in the Jewish
community of today: The Kohen, the
Levi, and the Yisrael.
The K’arah—The Passover Plate. This is a
distinctive decorative platter on which
are placed the symbols of Passover in a
prescribed order. The symbols are as
follows:
a. Maror (Bitter Herbs) — to remind us
of the bitter hardships which our
forefathers suffered in Egypt.
b. Haroset (A mixture of fruits, fresh or
dried, chopped nuts, spices and wine.
The recipe differs according to the
culture European or Sephardic) —
resembles the mortar which our ancestors used in building the mighty
cities of Egypt.
c. Zeroa (Roasted Shank Bone) — is a
symbol of the Paschal offering at the
Temple.
d. Betzah (Roasted Egg) — is also a
reminder of a Temple offering.
e. Karpas (Parsley) — is the agricultural
symbol of Passover, the green produce
of the earth which God gives to us
with the coming of Spring.
f. Salt Water — a symbol of the crossing
of the Red Sea, or of the tears shed in
Egypt.
Cup of Elijah — In the center of the
table, we also place a large goblet of
wine which is meant for the prophet
Elijah who is the symbol of hope and
faith. On Passover eve, according to
tradition, Elijah visits every Jewish home.
During the Seder ritual, at a designated
point, the door is opened to welcome
this honored guest.
Wine — The Arbah Kosot — Enough
wine must be provided to fill each one’s
cup four times. These four cups are
drunk to recall the four words used in
the Bible to describe freedom from
slavery. God says, “I shall bring forth, I
shall deliver, I shall redeem, and I shall
take.”
CONTEMPORARY ADDITIONS TO THE
PASSOVER SEDER
Throughout the struggle to free the Jews
of the former Soviet Union, a fourth
matzah was added by many families to
the Seder plate. It was called the Matzah
of Hope, and it represented our fervent
wish that Soviet Jewry might be
redeemed to a life of freedom.
Thankfully, we have lived to see the
redemption of Soviet Jewry. We are
painfully aware, however, that there are
Jews throughout the world who remain
in peril, most especially Jews in Arab
countries. Additionally, anti-Semitism
has reared its ugly head in many European countries and in other areas around
the world.
Though the original reason for the prayer
no longer applies, there is ample reason
to retain the ritual of the Matzah of
Hope, for all of those Jews who are
imperiled, and, in a more universal spirit,
for all people who are enslaved and in
IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE SHOAH
Most contemporary haggadot make
some reference to the Shoah, and it is
entirely proper to do so on the Seder
night. The most appropriate juncture for
including the Shoah is during the ritual of
Elijah’s cup, when the door is opened to
greet the harbinger of the Messiah, and
we
traditionally
recite
Sh’foch
Chamat’cha, a prayer for retribution
against our enemies. Though many are
uncomfortable with the sentiments
expressed in Sh’foch Chamat’cha, it is
precisely that discomfort which can
provide the grist for meaningful
discussion about the nature and
significance of our freedom after
Auschwitz, and how it is that we are to
relate to our painful past.
IN CELEBRATION OF ISRAEL
At the very conclusion of the Seder, it is
customary to sing L’shanah Haba’ah
Bi’rushalayim Hab’nuya; Next year in a
rebuilt Jerusalem! Obviously, the theme
of enslavement and redemption
resonates deeply as we contemplate the
existential significance of Israel’s
creation after the Shoah. Now more than
ever, with Israel challenged at every
turn, we should end our celebration of
the Seder with a rededication to both
the ideal and the reality of the Jewish
state.
Passover Greetings
The traditional greetings for Pesach in
both Hebrew and Yiddish carry the important implications of this holiday of
freedom and redemption. Using the
Hebrew word Chag immediately tells us
that Passover is one of the three pilgrimage festivals, while kasher reflects
the importance of the stringent rules of
Kashrut applied at this joyous season,
reminding us of our bondage in Egypt.
In Hebrew: (Chag Kasher V’sameach)
Or simply: (Chag Sameach)
In Yiddish: (A Zissen Un Kosherin
Pesach)
THE FOREST HILLS JEWISH CENTER
PAGE 11
MARCH-APRIL 2015
Schedule of Services
Congregational Kiddush Hosts
Unless otherwise indicated, our regular schedule of services is as follows:
March 21—Marsha & Mel Marx and
Bertel Marx in honor of the baby
naming of their grandchild and great
grandchild Sophia Rebecca.
Shacharit:
Weekdays…………………...……….7:00 AM
Shabbat …………………………......9:00 AM
Sunday, and legal holidays…..8:20 AM
Minha/Ma’ariv
Weekdays…………………………………………………...7:30 PM
Friday Kabbalat Shabbat…………………..……See calendar
Saturday night, Sunday, and legal holidays….Sundown
Schedule of Children’s Services
Junior Congregation…………..……..10:00 AM - Noon— Little Synagogue
Kids Kongregation…………………....10:45 AM - 11:45 AM—Room M4
March 2015 / Adar-Nisan 5775
SUN
1
10 Adar
MON
2
11 Adar
TUE
3
12 Adar
*ALL WEEKDAY EVENING EVENTS AND CLASSES
ARE HELD IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE 7:30
Nursery
Purim UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.
PMSchool
MINYAN,
Masquerade
Please
try to attend the minyan on the nights you
Breakfast
attend those events. Thank you
Bridge/ Yarncraft
8
17 Adar
PURIM CARNIVAL
11:30AM-1:30PM
9
18 Adar
24 Adar
19 Adar
4
5:34pm Candle Lighting
5:35pm Kabbalat Shabbat
11
12
13
20 Adar
25 Adar
15 Adar
22 Adar
Teen Kabbalat Shabbat
and Dinner
Bridge/ Yarncraft
17
26 Adar
6:42pm Candle Lighting
6:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat
Yoga
18
27 Adar
19
28 Adar
20
29 Adar
Rabbi’s Talmud Class
23
3 Nisan
24
4 Nisan
Yoga
25
5 Nisan
Board of Trustees
Mtg.
Kadima Cupcake
Wars
26
6 Nisan
9 Nisan
30
10 Nisan
31
14
23 Adar
Parashat VayekhelPikudei
Shabbat Parah
Men’s Club Shabbat
Play in the Gym
21
1 Nisan
Rosh Hodesh Nisan
Shabbat HaChodesh
6:50pm Candle Lighting
6:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat
27
7 Nisan
Heb. Lit. Group Mtg.
28
8 Nisan
Parashat Tsav
Shabbat HaGadol
Rabbi’s Talmud Class
29
Spring Ahead!
Daylight Savings
Parashat Vayikra
Matza Factory
Yoga
16 Adar
FHJC Annual Journal
Dinner Dance
Kadima/ USY Purim
Party
21 Adar
7
Parashat Ki Tisa
PURIM
Rabbi’s Talmud Class
Bridge/ Yarncraft
2 Nisan
6
SAT
Exec. Board Meeting
14 Adar
Rabbi’s Talmud Class
Helen Cytryn Torah
Fund Education Day
16
FRI
5
Blood Drive
22
THU
13 Adar
Ta’anit Esther
5:25pm Minha
EREV PURIM
6:15pm Children’s
Program
7:00pm Costume
Parade and
Megillah Reading
Talking Together
Men’s Club Mtg.
15
10
WED
6:57pm Candle Lighting
7:00pm Kabbalat Shabbat
11 Nisan
Minyan Club
*ALL WEEKDAY EVENING EVENTS AND CLASSES ARE HELD IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE 7:30 PM MINYAN, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. Please try to attend the minyan on the nights you attend those
events. Thank you.
Tseerim
Movie & Pizza
Bridge/ Yarncraft
THE FOREST HILLS JEWISH CENTER
PAGE 12
MARCH-APRIL 2015
Congregational Kiddush Hosts
Schedule of Services
Unless otherwise indicated, our regular schedule of services is as follows:
Shacharit:
Weekdays…………………...……….7:00 AM
Shabbat …………………………......9:00 AM
Sunday, and legal holidays…..8:20 AM
April 25—Sisterhood in honor of
Sisterhood Shabbat
Minha/Ma’ariv
Weekdays…………………………………………………...7:30 PM
Friday Kabbalat Shabbat……………………....See Calendar
Saturday night, Sunday, and legal holidays….Sundown
Schedule of Children’s Services
Junior Congregation & Clubs……..10:00 AM - Noon— Little Synagogue
Kids Kongregation………………..…...10:45 AM - 11:30 AM—Room M4
APRIL 2015 / Nisan-Iyar 5775
SUN
MON
TUE
WED
*ALL WEEKDAY EVENING EVENTS AND CLASSES
ARE HELD IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE 7:30
PM MINYAN, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. Please
try to attend the minyan on the nights you attend
those events. Thank you.
5
16 Nisan
No Religious School
9:00am-Shacharit
6
17 Nisan
6:45am-Shacharit
No Nursery School
7
18 Nisan
6:45am-Shacharit
No Nursery School
No Religious School
1
12 Nisan
THU
2
FRI
13 Nisan
No Nursery School
Rabbi’s Talmud Class
14 Nisan
No Nursery School
Fast of the 1st Born
Erev Pesach
1st Seder
4
15 Nisan
Pesach I
9:00am-Shacharit
8:06pm Candle
Lighting
2nd Seder
7:04pm Candle Lighting
Communal Seder
7:05pm Kabbalat Shabbat
Yoga
8
3
SAT
19 Nisan
6:45am-Shacharit
No Nursery School
9
20 Nisan
6:45am-Shacharit
No Nursery School
Rabbi’s Talmud Class
10
21 Nisan
9:00am-Shacharit
No Nursery School
11
22 Nisan
YIZKOR
Shabbat Hagadol
Pesach II
12
23 Nisan
Hol HaMoed Pesach
13
24 Nisan
Hol HaMoed
Pesach
Bridge/Yarncraft
14
25 Nisan
Hol HaMoed Pesach
15
26 Nisan
7:12pm Candle Lighting
7:11pm Candle Lighting
7:10pm Kabbalat Shabbat
7:10pm Ma’ariv
16
27 Nisan
17
28 Nisan
Yom Hashoah
No Religious School
Talking Together
Executive Board
Mtg.
18
29 Nisan
Parashat Shmini
Rabbi’s Talmud Class
Heb. Lit. Group
Yoga
Bridge/Yarncraft
19
30 Nisan
20
1 Iyar
21
2 Iyar
Yom Hashoah Program
22
3 Iyar
Kadima
Board of Trustees
23
4 Iyar
7:19pm Candle Lighting
6:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat
24
5 Iyar
Rosh Hodesh Iyar
Rosh Hodesh Iyar
Tseerim
Yom HaZikaron
Men’s Club
Yoga
Bridge/Yarncraft
26
7 Iyar
27
8 Iyar
28
9 Iyar
Yom HaAtzmaut
Zimriyah/ Ma’ariv–
7:30pm
29
10 Iyar
Teen Lounge
30
11 Iyar
Minyan Club
Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Parent Meeting
Rabbi’s Talmud Class
YAC Meeting
Bridge/ Yarncraft
Yoga
Kadima Gym Night
6 Iyar
Parashat TazriaMetzorah
Yom Ha’Atzmaut
Rabbi’s Talmud Class
25
Chicken Soup Shabbat
7:26pm Candle Lighting
6:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat
Sisterhood Shabbat
THE FOREST HILLS JEWISH CENTER
PULPIT FUND
Carol and Norman Guttman in
honor of Josh Leeman’s Bar Mitzvah
Anita and Maurice Miller in honor
of Josh Leeman’s Bar Mitzvah
Anita and Maurice Miller in honor
of Rabbi and Robin Skolnik, and
Leora and Yoni Warren on the
birth of granddaughter and daughter, Calanit
Tikva, Zahava, Hanna, Dorothy
Mahlab in celebration of Gerri
and David Kule’s 73rd wedding
anniversary
Miriam Weintraub in honor of
Gerri and David Kule’s 73rd wedding anniversary
Miriam Weintraub in honor of
Norman Gursen’s birthday
Harriet Seiler in honor of Norman
Gursen’s 80th birthday
Anita and Maurice Miller in gratitude to Norman Gursen on his
special birthday
Anita and Maurice Miller in gratitude to Norman Gursen, Dr. Judy
Beizer, and Dr. Martin Topol for
honors received
Ted Feldman in gratitude to Martin Topol for the Cohen honor on
Shabbat Vayigash
Roz Feuer in gratitude to Norman
Gursen for honors received
Roz Feuer in gratitude to Teri and
Steve Goffner for their kindness.
Sharon Clements in gratitude for
honors received
Grace Schwartzberg in honor of
David and Gerri Kule's anniversary
Kim Trigoboff in deep appreciation to everyone at FHJC for all the
good wishes, notes, calls, meals,
and concern while recovering from
injury
Anita and Maurice Miller in
memory of Melanie Krieger, beloved wife of Al Krieger
Edie and Ira Beer in memory of
Melanie Krieger, beloved wife of
Al Krieger
Helaine and Joe Fox in memory of
Melanie Krieger, beloved wife of
Al Krieger
Louis Jaari in memory of his
brother, Raymond Major
(yahrzeit)
Louis Jaari in memory of his
brother, Henry Moskowitz
(yahrzeit)
Miriam Weintraub in memory of
Shulim Reifer
PAGE 13
Miriam Weintraub in memory of
Bayla Reifer
Miriam Weintraub in memory of
Yosef Reifer
Anthony and Georgette Dankner
in memory of Anthony’s father,
Henry Dankner
Ilse Seitenbach in memory of her
husband, Max, and sons, Irwin and
Ronnie
Carl and Elaine David in honor of
the birth of Rabbi and Robin
Skolnik's granddaughter, Hadar
Eliana
Helaine and Andy Bass in honor
of the birth of Rabbi and Robin
Skolnik's granddaughter, Hadar
Eliana
YOUTH ACTIVITIES FUND
Tikva, Zahava, Hanna, Dorothy
Mahlab in celebration of Norman
Gursen’s 80th birthday
Rebekah and Norman Fassler in
honor of Norman Gursen’s special
birthday
Rebekah and Norman Fassler in
honor of Gerri and David Kule’s
73rd wedding anniversary
Pauline, Mark, Melissa, Robbie
and Erica Raphael in honor of the
birth of Norman and Carol
Guttman's grandson
Steven Powsner in gratitude to
the Bochners for their kindness
Rebekah and Norman Fassler in
honor of Monica and Ezra Lagnado’s daughter Caroline’s engagement to Akiva Miller
Monica Lagnado, Lucette Lagnado, Caroline and Evelyn Lagnado
and Akiva Miller in gratitude to
Norman Gursen for honors given
in memory of father and grandfather, Leon Lagnado (yahrzeit)
Pauline and Mark Raphael in
memory of Syd Garber
Laura and Norman Vogel, children
and grandchildren in memory of
Seymour Leiken
Laura and Norman Vogel in honor
of the birth of Rabbi and Robin
Skolnik's granddaughter
Laura and Norman Vogel in honor
of the birth of Candice and Carl
Koerner's granddaughter
MARCH-APRIL 2015
Refuah Shelemah
‫רפואה שלמה‬
a full and speedy recovery to
Kim Trigoboff
Mazal Tov
‫מזל טוב‬
…to those in our Center family who are celebrating a simha:
to Marian & Martin Krasilovsky on the occasion of the
Bar Mitzvah of their grandson Benjamin Daniel Miller
to Deborah & Yaakov Gregor on the marriage of their son
Dan to Rachel Bloom
to Carol & Norman Guttman on the birth of their grandson,
Max Guttman
to Monica & Ezra Lagnado on the engagement of their
daughter Caroline to Akiva Miller
to Carole & Erwin Weinberg on the birth of their
granddaughter Dara Costello-Weinberg
to Rabbi & Robin Skolnik on the birth of
their granddaughter, Hadar Eliana
Candice & Carl Koerner on the birth of
their granddaughter, Mairead
to Rita & Michael Lieberman on the birth of
their grandson, Dylan Mason
to Lottie & Henry Burger on the birth of
their great grandson, Dylan Mason
We mourn the loss of our dear Center Members and friends
Syd Garber and Margo Stricker
May their memories be for a blessing.
special birthday
Monica and Ezra Lagnado with
appreciation to Dr. Martin Topol
for honors received
Lillian Rosenthal in memory of
Abraham Oper (yahrzeit)
HENRY M. KATZ MINYAN CLUB
FUND
Ruth Barnett in memory of beloved father, Samuel and beloved
sister, Hannah Barnett (yahrzeits)
JACK VOGEL FUND
David Vogel with appreciation to
Rabbi Skolnik for his kindness
Elaine Vogel in gratitude to Rabbi
Skolnik for his kindness and comKIDDUSH FUND
passion at a difficult time
Edie and Ira Beer in honor of Nor- David Vogel in memory of his
man Gursen’s birthday
precious grandmother, Syd Garber
Lillian Rosenthal in honor of Nor- Elaine Vogel in memory of an
man Gursen’s birthday
unforgettable and great lady, Syd
Esther Wolberger with gratitude Garber
to the Center for honoring her
Robin and Glenn Rothbort in
memory of Syd Garber
Joanne and Haskell Klaristenfeld
in memory of Syd Garber
AG KRAUS FUND
Carole Friedman in memory of
Yaakov ben Rachamim (Gorjian),
beloved father of Suzy Hakimian
BIBLE FUND
Nagilah in memory of Melanie
Krieger, beloved wife of Al Krieger
MAHZOR FUND
Richard and Barbara Braunstein in
memory of loving mother, Iris
Braunstein
Trudy Emanuel in memory of her
father, Louis Emanuel
PRAYER BOOK FUND
Illene and Warren Rubin and Family in honor of Norman Gursen’s
special birthday
THE FOREST HILLS JEWISH CENTER
PAGE 14
RITA BERGER FUND
Julie Berger in honor of the
birth of Yael and Adam Friedland's son
Julie Berger in honor of the
birth of a grandson to Drs. Naomi and Mark Ramer
Carol and Norman Guttman in
honor of the birth of Erwin and
Carole Weinberg’s granddaughter, Dara Costello-Weinberg
Carole and Erwin Weinberg in
memory of Ethel Ingberg
yahrzeit)
CANTOR’S MUSIC FUND
Miriam and Morris Chait in
memory of Melanie Krieger,
beloved wife of Al Krieger
Fran and Steve Shapiro with
love and gratitude in honor of
Hazzan Henry Rosenblum
ESTELLE'S PLACE & NURSERY
FUND
Roslyn Feuer in memory of her
husband, Edward Feuer
Roslyn Feuer in memory of her
mother, Eva Forman
LEAH WEINBERG FUND
In gratitude to Erwin Weinberg
and family for their generous
donation to the Leah Weinberg
Fund
Carole and Erwin Weinberg in
honor of the birth of Carol and
Norman Guttman’s grandson,
Max
RABBI’S FUND
Monica and Ezra Lagnado in
memory of Aron Friedlich (15th
PJ LIBRARY FUND
Anise and Philip Parnes in
memory of Libbijane Goldman,
z’’l, mother of Anise Parnes
RUTH AND JACK NELSON FUND
Dorrie and Hal Berkowitz in
honor of Joe Fox
FHJC Donates 900 Pounds of Food to City Harvest
City Harvest gratefully acknowledges the donation of 900 pounds of
food during 2014. Food has been distributed to their network of
community food programs throughout the five boroughs of New
York City. Special thanks to Ron Sternberg for coordinating the FHJC
efforts. Thank you to all of you who participated in this mitzvah of
feeding the hungry.
MARCH-APRIL 2015
Todah Rabah
Dear Friends,
The celebration of my
80th birthday at a special Kiddush
luncheon on Shabbat, January 24
was such a wonderful gift. I extend my most heartfelt thanks to
all of you who helped to make it
happen and everyone who
offered their good wishes. I look
forward to celebrating at FHJC
with you, my friends, for many
years to come.
Norman Gursen
Blood Drive at
FHJC—Sunday,
March 15
Our semi-annual blood drive is
on Sunday March 15, 10 AM 2:30 PM. What better gift to give
than life? You can do it - you can
save a life. For someone who
needs blood, you are the only
source. Make the decision to do
something really meaningful.
Please join us. No appointments—just show up (with a
picture ID). Give the gift of life—
Give Blood.
THE FOREST HILLS JEWISH CENTER
PAGE 15
MARCH-APRIL 2015
FHJC Chesed Day 2014
Recently members of the FHJC Chesed
Committee participated in two volunteer
events. On December 24, members volunteered at the Masbia soup kitchens in
Rego Park and Flatbush. Some served
meals, some helped prepare meals, and
some packaged food for delivery to neighbors. Volunteers included Doria Kalt, the
Bochner Family, the Luger Family, Ruth
Danis, Naomi Danis, the Feigenbaum Family, Peter Wilner, Perry and Benita Almeleh, David Snyder, Barbara Kupferberg,
Steve Goffner, Rae and Gary Kerzner, and
Rick and Hilda Chusid. Everybody found
this to be a rewarding experience.
On Christmas Eve, FHJC volunteers helped
God’s Love We Deliver to deliver holiday
meals to the elderly, ill, and others who
otherwise cannot provide meals for themselves. FHJC members included Hal and
Dorrie Berkowitz, Mike and Lisa Abrams, Ruth Baran-Gerold, David and Judy Zipkowitz
and Marcy Mirkin and her daughter Leah. Marcy described the experience as “a great
experience on many levels,” including using it as a teaching moment for her daughter.
The 22nd Annual HaZamir Gala Concert will take place on Sunday, March
22, 2015 at Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln
Center at 4 PM. The program will include performances by singers from all
26 HaZamir chapters in the US and
Israel, the HaZamir Chamber Choir and
the HaZamir Alumni Choir. Dr. Ruth K.
Westheimer will be honored as this
year's Zamir Choral Foundation Kinor
David recipient. For Sponsorship and
Journal ad information, as well as Ticket information, go to: http://
wizadjournal.com/
hazamirgalaconcert22/
The Chesed Committee is proud of all of its volunteers. We’re hoping to plan similar
events in the future.
FHJC Youth Activities
FHJC has an exciting and vibrant youth program! Check out what’s coming!
Tseerim—For children in Grades 2-4
 Sunday, March 29th—Pesach Fun
 Sunday, April 19th—Yom HaAtzmaut Israel Celebration
Noon—1:15 PM. $5 for lunch. Email Marcy at [email protected] to RSVP and for more information.
Kadima — For Pre-Teens and Tweens in Grades 5-7
Email Adam at [email protected] to RSVP and for more information.
 Join us for our Purim Party/ Prep Party on Thursday, March 5th. RSVP by March 3, no charge for the party (pizza is included.)
 Sunday, March 8th—Purim Carnival—Come help us run the greatest carnival ever!
 Thursday, March 19th — Cupcake Wars! 6-7:30 PM, $5 for pizza.
 Thursday, April 16th— Israel Celebration, 6-7:30 PM, $5 for pizza.
 Thursday, April 30th — Kadima Gym Night, 6-7:30 PM, $5 for pizza.
 NEW: 7th Grade Experience at METNY Regional Convention—April 24-26—Email [email protected] for more information.
USY/ Teens—Grades 8-12
Email Karen at [email protected] to RSVP and for more information.
 Join us for our Purim Party/ Prep Party on Thursday, March 5th. RSVP by March 3, no charge for the party (pizza is included.)
 Saturday night, March 7th– Purim Carnival Set Up
 Sunday, March 8th—Purim Carnival—Come help us run the greatest carnival ever!
 Thursday, March 12th—Teen Lounge, 6-7:30 PM, $5 for yummy dinner
 Thursday, April 23rd—Teen Lounge, 6-7:30 PM, $5 for yummy dinner
 METNY Regional Convention—Hudson Valley Resort & Spa—April 24-26—Email [email protected] for more information.
JOIN US! Friday, March 13th is a Teen Shabbat Dinner. $15/ teen. RSVP to [email protected] and send a check to the Center
office.
THE FOREST HILLS JEWISH CENTER
PAGE 16
MARCH-APRIL 2015
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Forest Hills Jewish Center
Rabbi Ben Zion Bokser Square
106-06 Queens Boulevard
Forest Hills, NY 11375-4248
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January 4, 2014
FHJC
Tell us you're from FHJC and we'll make a
generous donation to the shul for every child
that is registered.
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