November 2015 - Van Cortlandt Jewish Center

CENTER LIGHT
X
VAN CORTLANDT
JEWISH CENTER
www.VCJewishCenter.org
N O V E M B E R 2015
CHESHVAN/KISLEV 5776
RABBI’S SHABBAT MESSAGE This month’s Center Light column is dedicated for a speedy
recovery to Rebbezin Esther Jungreis, Esther Bas Miriam and
my sister-in-law, Miriam Bas Sheva Bas Rivka Sonia. And
naturally for those in Israel who have been victims of a recent
tragic spate of vicious terrorist attacks. Also, in memory of Mr.
Elias “Al” Feuerstein ob”m. May G-d console his wife Goldie,
and family among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. Amen.
As I write these lines, a historic event of epic proportions is about
to unfold: The “SHABBAT PROJECT”. Indeed, for the 3rd year
in a row, the worldwide Shabbat of Jewish Unity is about to take
place, now in dozens of countries and hundreds of cities,
gathering Jews from every walk of life to experience Shabbat
together.
Originally ignited in 2013 by South African Chief Rabbi, Dr.
Warren Goldstein, the Shabbat Project saw as much as 70% of
its 75,000 Jews experiencing Shabbat, the vast majority for their
very first time. In 2014, the Shabbat Project went international,
spreading to 65 countries and 550 cities including in Israel,
Europe and the Americas. This “explosion” called “an
experiment that has no precedent in modern Jewish history,”
with this year Shabbat Project reaching well over one million
Jews. It is the largest number in centuries, perhaps dating as far
The
back as the Holy Temple era. The VCJC also participated
with
a Friday evening four-course meal for 30, prepared by my
wonderful and always giving wife, with some congregants
attending, as well as numerous neighbors being introduced to
the special atmosphere and warmth of a Shabbat Seudah
(meal).
What is the essence of Shabbat and source of the incredible
magnetic effect we are currently witnessing? (To see more info,
please see “Shabbat Project” online). Hashem set Shabbat as a
day apart from the other days of the week, a day unto itself, a
day for us to stand back and appreciate His awesome creation.
It is a spiritually blessed day, from the beginning of creation as it
is written in Genesis “God blessed the seventh day and
sanctified it.” (2:3) In the beginning, there was no place
designated as holy until the building of the Tabernacle more than
two thousand years later. However, time was
(continued page 5)
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Visit: www.biddingforgood,com/vcjc
to view the fantastic
AUCTION ITEMS
available Oct. 25th thru Nov. 14th
V A N C OR TL A ND T V I L L A GE
NOTES - - NOV EMB ER
Blessing over the Candles
Cover your eyes and recite the following blessing:
“Boruch A-toh Ado-noi, E-lo-hei-nu Melech Ho-olom A-sher
Ki-de-sha-nu Be-mitz-vo-sov Vi-tzi-vo-nu Le-had-lik
Ner Shel Shabbat”
Candle Lighting Schedule
Fri.
Nov. 6
4:29
Fri.
Nov. 13
4:22
Fri.
Nov. 20
4:16
Fri.
Nov. 27
4:13
Shabbos Ends
5:33
5:26
5:20
5:17
TURN CLOCKS BACK
ONE HOUR
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES Please Attend & Guarantee our Minyanim
THE CENTER LIGHT
VAN CORTLANDT JEWISH CENTER
Van Cortlandt Village
3880 Sedgwick Ave.
Bronx, NY 10463
Phone (718) 884-6105
Morning Services:
8:45
8:30
6:50
7:00
6:30
8:30
Evening Services:
Saturday, Nov. 7
Saturday, Nov. 14
Saturday, Nov. 21
Saturday, Nov. 28
OUR SINCERE SYMPATHY >
. . . Goldie Feuerstein and family on the loss of her beloved
husband and father, Elias (Al) Feuerstein, long time member
of the Van Cortlandt Jewish Center and former Board
member. Al was a regular attendee at the daily and Shabbos
service. He was a major contributor to the services, frequently
leading, particularly the more complex services, such as
Selichos. When we did not have a Rabbi, he was frequently
turned to for Halachah opinions. He will be greatly missed.
WE THANK THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE >
Thank you for re-changing the Paroches from the Yom Tov
(white) Paroches to the yearly (blue) Paroches.
Michael Baiser, Phil Baiser, Daniel Fialkovsky, Stu Harris, Neil
Harrow, Keith Kassner, Howie Leventhal, Tom Murphy and
Stu Trivax
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1st
Saturday
Sunday
Monday & Thursday
Tues., Wed., & Friday
Thurs. & Friday – Nov. 12 & 13
Rosh Chodesh – Kislev
Thurs. & Friday – Nov. 26 & 27
Thanksgiving
REFUAH SHLEMAH >
. . . Sherry Feifer, Arnold Geismar, Elliot Kaufman, Mia
Lande, Saul & Ruth Lieman, Nathan Rosenkranz, Jules
Rubinstein, Joseph Sassoon, Sarah Silber, Mayer Sodden.
4:25
4:15
4:10
4:10
F ax ( 718) 884- 6106
Website:: www.VCJewishCenter.org
Email: [email protected]
Affiliated with the Union of Orthodox Jewish
Congregations of America
Rabbi
Rabbi
President
Vice Presidents
Treasurer
Secretary
Sisterhood President
Office Manager
Office Assistant
David Borenstein
Jacob Sodden k"z
Robert Gillman
Phillip Friedman
Howard Leventhal
Stuart Harris
Marc Friedman
Ceil Hartstein
Roberta Seidner
Claire Haime
November 2015
Cheshvan - Kislev 5776
Sunday
Monday
19 CHESHVAN
1
iuaj yh 2
Tuesday
20 CHESHVAN
iuaj f 3
Morning . . 6:50
Daylight
Saving Time
Ends
Move Clock Back
One Hour
Morning . . 8:30
Wednesday
21 CHESHVAN
iuaj tf 4
Morning . . 7:00
Thursday
22 CHESHVAN
iuaj cf 5
Morning . . 7:00
Friday
23 CHESHVAN
iuaj df 6
Morning . . 6:50
Election Day
(Office Open)
Saturday
24 CHESHVAN
25 CHESHVAN
iuaj sf 7
Morning . . 7:00
Evening . . 4:35
iuaj vf
Chayei Sara
Morning . . 8:45
Candles 4:29 Evening . . 4:25
Shabbos ends 5:33
Sisterhood
meeting
10:30 am
26 CHESHVAN
iuaj uf 9
8
Morning . . 8:30
27 CHESHVAN
iuaj zf 10
Morning . . 6:50
Kristallnacht
Program
9:30 am
15
iuaj jf 11
3 KISLEV
iuaj yf 12
Morning . . 7:00
Board
meeting
Veterans'
Day
(Office Open)
4 KISLEV
ukxf s 17
Morning . . 6:50
29 CHESHVAN
Morning. . 7:00
7:15 pm
ukxf d 16
Morning. . 8:30
28 CHESHVAN
30 CHESHVAN
iuaj k 13
Rosh Chodesh
Kislev - Day 1
1 KISLEV
Rosh Chodesh
Kislev - Day 2
5 KISLEV
ukxf v 18
Morning . . 7:00
6 KISLEV
ukxf u 19
Morning . . 7:00
7 KISLEV
ukxf z 20
Morning . . 6:50
8 KISLEV
ukxf j 21
Morning . . 7:00
Evening . . 4:20
ukxf h 23
11 KISLEV
ukxf th 24
Morning . . 6:50
12 KISLEV
ukxf ch 25
Morning . . 7:00
13 KISLEV
ukxf dh 26
Morning . . 7:00
14 KISLEV
ukxf sh 27
Thanksgiving
Day
Morning . . 8:30
(Office Closed)
ukxf zh 30
Morning . . 8:30
Vayetzei
Shabbos ends 5:20
10 KISLEV
17 KISLEV
9 KISLEV
ukxf y
Morning . . 8:45
Candles 4:16 Evening . . 4:10
and
29
Toldot
Candles 4:22
CARNIVAL
11 am to 3 pm
Morning . . 8:30
ukxf c
Morning . . 8:45
Morning . . 6:30 Morning . . 6:30 Evening . . 4:15
Evening . . 4:25
Shabbos ends 5:26
BAZAAR
22
2 KISLEV
ukxf t 14
18 KISLEV
ukxf jh
Morning . . 6:50
15 KISLEV
ukxf uy 28
Morning . . 8:30
16 KISLEV
ukxf zy
Vayishlach
Evening . . 4:20
Morning . . 8:45
Candles 4:13 Evening . . 4:10
(Office Closed)
Shabbos ends 5:17
22Ya18hrzeit20a
s
Yahrzeits SISTERHOOD NOVEMBER 2015
NOVEMBER 2015
NOV.
KISLEV
On Sunday, October 18th, after a
wonderful brunch honoring the 50th
Anniversary of the VCJC building,
eight members of our Sisterhood,
visited the Museum at the Jewish
Home for the Aged in Riverdale. We
were met by Emily O'Leary, the
associate curator, who gave us a
tour of the museum. The latest
exhibit entitled, To Forgive and
Remember, Reshaping
Contemporary Consciousness,
was interesting. The exhibit was
planned to coincide with the Jewish
High Holidays which focus on
repentance and regret, followed by
forgiveness and renewal. Not only
did we view the art, but we had the
opportunity to hear the artists speak
about their pieces and how they
related to the theme of the show. I'd
like to thank Laura Gillman for driving
and all the ladies who participated. It
was a lovely day and we look
forward to returning in the Spring.
NOV.
CHESHVAN
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Clarice Gerber
Pauline Bougen
Arthur Winkler
Sarah Baumfeld
Rose Goldberg
Yetta Heyman
Albert Boritz
Frema Ghelberg
Lilyan Soloff
Sarah Levine
Phyllis Marcus Feiner
Ida Silverman
Murray Mazin
Louis Margolies
Simon Hirschfeld
Mayer Levine
Jacob Koch
Mollie Pease
William Schneiderman
Rebecca Schwartz
Jeanette Kaplan
Joseph Guttman
Minnie Rabinowitz
Yechiel Zemlowitz
Anne Rosenthal
Saul Nathan
Ludwig Maier
Sarah Goldstein
Morris Haime
Tessie Markowsky
Shirley Kamiel
Lena Neiditch
Jennie Fisher
Mae Heller
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Marian Goldman
Abraham Moskowitz
Hersh Blitz & children
Goldie Silverbereg
Nathan Blaiwas
Fannie Sherman
Jacob Cooper
Julius Wolinsky
Rose Roodman
Ben Abrams
Philip Axelbank
Rose Sachwald
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KISLEV
1
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Mary Zimmerman
Gussie Drucker
Sarah Oliff
Ida Gillman
Beatrice Schorr
Victor Radoff
Moe Haber
Benjamin Satosky
Sonia Teig
Chaim Shalom Sugin
Esther Blaiwas
Murray Taylor
Renee Harling
Isaac Heller
Libbie Zarwanitzer
Rivka Zarwanitzer
Abraham Certilman
Leon Thalblum
Rose Martin
Louis Rosenzweig
Max Samuel Unger
Samuel Drucker
Daniel Bernstein
Myra Moss
Lillian Levitt
Frances Abrams
Julius Solomon
Rose Glaser
Bruce Kaplan
Bertha Rothstein
Milton Rothstein
Larry Kaplan
Rose Rib
Nettie Shapiro
Howard Stoller
Murray Librot
Ray Lulkin
Dora Ducker
Sadie Horn
Yitzchak Ari Lehrach
Nathan Solomon
William Feldman
Freya Maier
Ida Fox
Louis Grossman
Pauline Cohen
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At our next meeting on Sunday,
November 1st at 10:30AM we will
discuss plans for our Chanukah
celebration. We are hoping to show a
video produced by students from
SAR Academy followed by a
delicious lunch. A separate mailing
will follow containing all the details.
We look forward to seeing everyone
at the meeting.
Daylight Savings Time ends, don't
forget to turn your clocks back one
hour before going to bed Saturday
evening.
Ceil Hartstein
President
7
p
BOARD CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
We rebounded! The Succos Meals were, thank G-d, so
successful that no one would have imagined. Two years ago we
had over 100 meals. Due to circumstances beyond our control,
we went from over 100 meals to 68 meals. Then the impossible
happened! We picked up 22 meals to bring us to a very
respectable 90 meals. Not only that, we also had new faces of
people who had never eaten before in a Succah. We had four
new faces which accounted for 15 meals. All this could not have
happened if certain people didn’t help make the whole
experience most enjoyable.
First there was Rabbi Borenstein, who kept each meal lively with
a really good songfest and really good D’var Torahs. Marcy
Harris did practically a one person job in dealing with the caterer,
being the captain in the kitchen, serving the food and
encouraging others to come. She was assisted quite ably by
Ceil Hartstein in dealing with the caterer and getting the food as
well. Our caretaker, Ismael Bernard, not only helped to build the
Succah, but worked with Marcy in the kitchen and served the
food as well. Michael Baiser and Stu Trivax spent many hours
with Rabbi Borenstein in helping to build the Succah. I’ve seen
quite a few shul Succahs, but ours is the nicest. The reason for
that is our decorations are better. Thank you Sabrina Heit for
decorating the Succah and thereby keeping our Succah as the
best shul Succah.
On Sunday, November 8th, we will have a breakfast program
commemorating Kristalnacht. Our guest speaker will be our
own Sonja Geismar. Kristalnacht began the Nazi atrocities
against the Jewish people. No nation in the world stopped them.
Are things repeating themselves? Anti Semitism is on the rise
here and especially in Europe. Extreme right wing parties play a
major role in the governments of Hungary and in the Ukraine.
You also know about the high level of Anti Semitism in France.
Israel is the only country in the UN whose right to exist is under
constant challenge. Israel is the only UN member that has been
targeted for annihilation by another member. Israel has won all
of its wars yet its enemies insist on dictating the terms of peace.
We also have Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions on college
campuses here in the USA. We have to stand up for ourselves.
By remembering and letting our enemies know we are caring
and concerned, will not win.
Be there on Sunday, November 8th. It’s more crucial now than
ever before. See the Kristalnacht flyer included in this
newsletter.
Neil Harrow, Chairman
Board of Trustees
Van Cortlandt Jewish Center Commemorates the
50th Anniversary of the Dedication of the Building
On September 19, 1965, the Van Cortlandt Jewish
Center dedicated its new building. On October 18, 2015,
VCJC had a brunch celebrating the 50th anniversary of
this event.
In March 1947 VCJC moved from a room at 80 Van
Cortlandt Park South to a house at 3997 Gouverneur
Avenue. (The house has since been torn down.) In
September 1965 it moved to its current home at 3880
Sedgwick Avenue.
At the brunch, two videos were shown; one from the
dedication of 3997 Gouverneur Avenue and one of the
dedication of the 3880 Sedgwick Avenue building. The
videos showed, among other things, the parade of torahs as
congregants marched them from one building to the next.
The 1965 dedication video shows such dignitaries as Mayor
John Lindsay and Bess Meyerson. If you would like to see
these two videos, VCJC is making them available for $10.00
for both.
Nearly 100 people came to celebrate. Proclamations were
given by Assemblyman Jeffery Dinowitz and City Council
member Andy Cohen. State Senator Jeff Klein spoke about
the importance of following our Jewish heritage.
Rabbi David Borenstein, President Robert Gillman and
Marcy Gillman-Harris all spoke about this important event
and how after 88 years we’re still a thriving Jewish Center.
A raffle was held and winners were Michael Stoller ($50
Target Gift Card), Renee Stoller (Tower of Goodies),
Charlotte Ganberg (bottle of kosher wine) and Sol Feiner
($25 Visa Gift Card). The food was catered by Cafeccino
Bakery.
After the videos, the speeches and brunch, everyone
stayed to go through the mementos and reminisce about the
dedication.
The pictures and story are by Jack Spiegel. All of the
pictures from this event (and most of VCJC events) can be
found
in
our
on-line
Photo
Gallery
at
www.vcjewishcenter.org
Part of the exhibit of mementos from the beginning
VCJC to now
Rabbi David Borenstein discusses VCJC and its
88 year history
Marcy Gillman-Harris discusses the programs VCJC
has held over the years.
Rabbi Borenstein (left) and President Robert
Gillman (3rd from left) receive proclamations from
Assemblyman Jeffery Dinowitz (2nd from left) and
Council member Andy Cohen (right.)
State Senator Jeff Klein (left) and VCJC Treasurer
Stuart Harris discuss VCJC.
Here is part of the almost 100 people that came for
brunch, videos and to commemorate the dedication
of Van Cortlandt Jewish Center.
RABBI’S MESSAGE – continued
RABBI’S MESSAGE – continued
designated as holy right from the beginning of creation. Shabbat
is the first and most enduring holiness. It is the “soul of time” that
infuses holiness into every aspect of creation. Rabbi Avigdor
Miller ob”m in his classic book Sing You Righteous explains,
on Shabbat, after we have seen to the body’s needs and desires
of delicious and plentiful meals satiating us and naps to rest, we
can contemplate: 1) G-d’s creation of the vast magnificent world
and cosmos exnihilo, (something from nothing) 2) Gratitude for
G-d’s creation of Mankind and ourselves 3) G-d’s altruistic
kindnesses 4) The mindfulness and purposefulness in G-d’s
world and 5) Studying G-d’s instruction book and blueprint for the
world and how we can grow -- the Torah.
is worth a lot of money”. As the poor man may be totally
unaware of its great value, he may pawn it for a mere fifty or a
hundred dollars. And so he and his wife searched frantically
for the destitute man and explained to him its special value.
That Friday night, R. Shmel’ke related the incident to his
Chassidim. He continued, this is what G-d meant when he told
Moses to inform the Jews of the precious gift of Shabbat.
Moses was to convey to them the pricelessness of Shabbat,
that it is a day of limitless spiritual potential. Otherwise, they
might trade it away for nothing more than a piece of kugel.
We learn from the Artscroll book, Sabbath - Its Essence and
Significance the sanctity of Shabbat is superior to all sanctities
and its blessing is superior to all blessings. Therefore, in 7
sections of the Torah, Israel is commanded regarding the
Shabbat, to show that all 7 days of the week revolve around
Shabbat. This is also why, in the daily prayers, the song of each
day begins with today is the (e.g. second, third, etc.) day in the
Shabbat. Shabbat is therefore our most significant connection to
our Creator. In The Shabbos Companion, the author, Rabbi
Abraham J. Twersky, quotes the teaching, “if you observe
Shabbat I will consider it as though you observed all the
commandments in the Torah." Shabbat is the lifeblood of
Judaism. Historically, when our enemies set themselves to
uproot Judaism, they invariably would challenge us by prohibiting
the observance of Shabbat.
The challenge continues. When the Jewish people received the
manna in the wilderness they were instructed not to go out to
gather their daily portion on Shabbat, but assured they would
receive a double portion on Friday. Our faith is challenged
today, when so many rely on Saturday’s business to boost their
income. We are taught that no blessing occurs from Shabbat
desecration and money earned on this day will later be lost.
Indeed our weekly income is divided into the week days, and it is
inconceivable that observing Shabbat, the source of all blessing,
would cause us any financial loss. Interestingly, Friday’s double
portion of Manna is symbolized at our 3 Shabbat meals by the
two loaves (Lechem - Mishneh) placed on the table. The
Shabbat tablecloth represents the dew that covered the ground
before the manna fell and the challah cover on top is symbolic of
the second dew that fell atop the manna to protect it. In fact, to
show they appreciated the sublime nature of Shabbat, even the
greatest and wealthiest leaders of the Jewish people would insist
on personally participating in preparations for the Sabbath Bride
or Queen, as it is described in our Sabbath prayers.
Indeed, appreciation of Shabbat is illustrated in the following
story. Rabbi Shmel’ke of Nikolsburg, who himself lived in
abject poverty, had his door forever open to the poor and
downtrodden. Once a destitute man who did not even have
adequate money for the Sabbath meals for his family appeared
before him. Finding nothing else, he gave the man his wife’s
wedding ring. When his wife returned, she exclaimed, “that ring
A day of eternal Divine holiness, Shabbat favors us in multiple
dimensions and aspects; connecting us to our Creator, the
Shabbat reflects the uniqueness of the special bond between
G-d and His Chosen People and empowers us with a special
Divine protection. When we speak of the importance of a Jew
being a Shomer Shabbat, (Sabbath-Observer), there is truth in
the statement that “far more than Israel has safeguarded the
Shabbat, the Shabbat has safeguarded Israel.”
Regarding introducing our people to their beautiful heritage and
particularly the holy Shabbat, G-d says, “If you keep the lights
of Shabbat, I will keep the lights of Zion”. In the face of the
recent atrocities in Israel, may Hashem view our enhancement
of our Shabbat observance as the necessary merit to protect
our brothers and sisters around the world and especially in
Israel from all harm. Amen.
Shalom
Rabbi David Borenstein
__________________________________________________
BECOME A VCJC INDIVIDUAL SUPPORTER
We have activated a recently created program called
"Individual Supporter Role". This program asks individuals
to donate to the VCJC and offers them the opportunity to have
their donation acknowledged on the VCJC website. We have
three defined levels of donations: Bronze at $36/year (twice
chai), Silver at $90/year (5x chai), and Gold at $180/year (10
x chai). While we have decided to allow other donations to be
counted towards qualifying for recognition as an Individual
Supporter, we ask and hope that you will donate specifically
towards this program. We will welcome donations of any size.
The acknowledgement of your role as an Individual Supporter
on our website may include a phrase of your choice, such as
"In memory of ___", "In honor of ___", "Hebrew School
Alumnus (Alumna)", etc. If you wish, you may remain
anonymous.
Please pick up an enrollment form by contacting or visiting the
office, or by email using [email protected]. Thanks!
Jack Kleinfeld, Chair
Committee for the Future of VCJC
THE CENTER LIGHT
Jewish National Fund
Tree Certificates are available in
the synagogue office
$15 per certificate
Become a VCJC Individual
Supporter!
You will be acknowledged on our
website.
Contact the office at 718-884-6105
Or
Send an email to
[email protected]
Keep VCJC strong!
THE CENTER LIGHT
Jacqueline F. Noboa, DPM
PODIATRIST
SEDGWICK PROFESSIONAL CENTER
3898 Sedgwick Avenue
by Appointment
(718) 548-1988
House visits available
Medicare Assignments Accepted
HAROLD I. GINSBURG, D.D.S.
•
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GENERAL DENTISTRY
COSMETIC
IMPLANTS
RECONSTRUCTIVE
PROSTHETICS
3845 Sedgwick Avenue
by appointment
(718) 543-0044
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