JFOC Jewish Journal May 2024

Can You Identify this Sculpture?

Hint: It is related to remembering the Holocaust. See page 5.

Yom Hashoah – Holocaust Memorial Day – is observed this year on 28 Nisan (instead of 27 Nisan) which is on Sunday night-Monday, May 5-6.

Come together for the Community Yom Hashoah Holocaust Remembrance Event on Sunday, May 5, 5:00 PM.

See the ad on page 17.

Local News – Pages 6-8

Centerfold - Pages 16-17

Living Outside the Land of Israel

By Keith Krivitzky, Managing Director Jewish Federation of

Ocean County keith@ocjf.org

www.jewishoceancounty.org

www.jewishoceancounty.org/donate

732.363.0530

Soon we will be celebrating the holiday of Shavuot, the “feast of weeks” when we commemorate the giving of the Torah.

It is said that all of the Jewish people –past, present, and future – were standing together at Mount Sinai and experienced the revelation. This idea of a shared experience and destiny is integral to who we are as a Jewish people. (Ok…some might have been paying less attention or distracted at Sinai, peoplewatching or daydreaming or whatever…but, regardless, this was a defining experience that, after the Exodus from Egypt, crystallized our communal bond.)

There are some important elements about the development of group identity that we can see here, such as alienation as a trigger and a break from the current order of things in Egypt, an experience of adversity like the Exodus, defining a new direction such as the experience at Sinai, more tumult and challenges as when wandering in the desert, and then finally being able to reach the promised land. This is all food for another discussion, but this

brings us to a challenge I think we are seeing today in terms of the relationship between Israel and the Diaspora.

As the Children of Israel are about to enter the land of Israel, after the promise of Mount Sinai and their wanderings through the Desert, two tribes asked to settle down outside of the boundaries of the land and not to cross over, Reuben and Gad. Put simply…they had a lot of livestock and the rich land outside of the boundaries of the land was better for grazing.

What is happening in Israel is our fight as well.

You can probably see where this is going…what does this say about the unity and solidarity of the Jewish people after the Exodus and Mount Sinai? While there is a familiar economic argument here, put another way – once people see that the end is in sight, divergent interests come to the fore and disrupt the solidarity that had held sway before.

Back to our story: No surprise…Moses wasn’t happy. And while the solution he offered didn’t exactly agree to this request, it wasn’t an unqualified ‘no’ either. Reuben and Gad had to fight along with the rest of the Children of Israel while assuming possession of the land and engaging with enemies; more so, they had to serve on the front lines. A compromise…among different constituents within the Jewish people – and one that has, I think, several implications for today.

First – Even though parts of the Jewish people may live outside of the land of Is-

rael, all Jews have a responsibility to support the struggles of the Jewish people and to fight against our enemies. What does this mean?

• Even though we live in the Diaspora, we are just as obligated and responsible for helping when Israel is under threat. And not just passively – we are supposed to take the lead and serve on the front lines.

• I don’t think that necessarily means “in uniform”…but it does mean that we need to be vocal and forthright with our support and to do what we can do best. If economically things are better outside of the land, we need to leverage that to help those inside. For many, that means contributing – which is why our Israel Emergency Fund is so important and will have a critical role addressing needs for the foreseeable future.

• This also means that our focus, and the primary object of our empathy, should be our extended family in Israel who are struggling. Many, when they see something the don’t like or disagree with a policy, turn to the actor who has the most leverage to try and influence the situation – we see here that our primary loyalty should be to our extended family, the Children of Israel, whether we live in the same place or not.

Second – There are risks to making the center of one’s life outside of the land, being isolated from the encompassing context of the rest of the Jewish people. We see this reality throughout Diaspora Jewry. We may have comfortable and wonderful lives…but at the same time, there are lots of other distractions and challenges to leading a distinctly Jewish life.

Between Purim and Passover and the Value of Freedom

By Rabbi David Amar Congregation Ahavat Olam, Howell www.cao-nj.org

When we reflect on Passover, we're reminded of freedom – the liberation of the Jewish people from slavery and their journey

through the desert. Their path was fraught with challenges, from their courageous crossing of the Sea of Reeds to their encounters at Mt. Sinai. Yet, the concept of freedom remains paramount, especially during Passover.

We recognize that our freedom isn't absolute, particularly when we witness inequality in the world. We, as Jewish people, have a moral obligation. We must uphold the dignity of every human being, a principle deeply rooted in societies built on democracy and equality.

As Passover approaches, a significant

• This raises a challenge in terms of loyalty to our family and our people. Many Jews, primarily younger Jews, don’t see Judaism as a tribal, familial, hybrid thing. They view Judaism as a religion…and, as such, religion doesn’t claim/exert the same type or degree of loyalty; it is amorphous and universal. Whereas the Jewish people are, by definition, particular. In a broader, more cosmopolitan, less “religious” society – this understanding of loyalty gets shaped differently.

• Being isolated can lead to delusions of grandeur – i.e., we can handle this on our own, without any help. This is likely a mistake.

• There are implications here for longterm “continuity” and vibrancy of our Jewish identity. (Duh!) Here, too, this analogy has historical precedent as the tribes of Reuben and Gad were conquered by Assyria and disappeared much sooner than the rest of the Jewish people.

What’s the takeaway for us? What is happening in Israel is our fight as well. Though some might wish to not be implicated in October 7 and its aftermath, we in the United States are not isolated from this, nor can we distance ourselves from it, and we are certainly not unaffected.

The question is: what are we going to do to make a difference? Who knows what the future will bring. By the time you read this, the situation in Israel may be vastly different. But the dynamics at play – and the divide between those inside and outside the land – is more relevant than ever.

A time will come when evil and arrogance are overcome, and righteousness prevails.

historical event, we come together for the Passover Seder. This tradition allows us to remember and relive our journey from slavery in Egypt to the establishment of our nation in the Promised Land. However, this year's celebration may feel incomplete.

Recently, we read a special Torah portion

known as Parshat Zachor. It poignantly reminds us of Amalek's attack on our most vulnerable during our desert trek. We're commanded never to forget this assault and to eradicate Amalek. Parshat Zachor is linked to Purim, as tradition suggests that Haman is a descendant of Amalek. It feels like a pivotal moment in Israel's history.

The verse on Shabbat Zachor urges us to recall Amalek's lack of fear of God, targeting the weak from behind. October 7 marked the “Nowadays” Shabbat Zachor, a day etched in our memories.

Continued on page 3

Am Yisrael Chai - The Nation of Israel LIVES ON!

Pesach begins on 15 Nisan this year on Monday night, April 22

Yom Hazikaron / Israel Memorial Day

One day before Israel Independence Day, this year Sunday night-Monday, May 12-13

Passover

Continued from page 2

Like Amalek, assailants targeted the frail, the ill, the young, and the old. They attacked those people attending a music festival and those unable to defend themselves. They entered houses, killed, butchered, raped, and burnt men, women, elders, and children. They also took with them hostages.

More than 180 days have passed since October 7, and 133 individuals (as of April 12) remain hostages in the hands of various terrorist organizations in Gaza. They also yearn for liberation, me-

Yom Hashoah / Holocaust Memorial Day this year 28 Nisan, Sunday night-Monday, May 5-6

Community Holocaust Remembrance Event - See page 17

Yom Haatzmaut / Israel Independence Day this year 6 Iyar, Monday night-Tuesday, May 13-14

taphorically and, importantly, physically. Let's reserve an empty seat for them at our Seder and pray they hear the prophet Malachi's words, anticipating the ultimate redemption. A time will come when evil and arrogance are overcome, and righteousness prevails.

The Jewish Journal is pleased to host a monthly Rabbi Column, rotating among our community’s pulpit rabbis. The views and opinions expressed are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect those of The Jewish Journal, the Jewish Federation of Ocean County or the author’s Congregation.

Leading Jewish Organizations Respond to Significant Cuts to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program

From the Secure Community Network

March 26, 2024

www.securecommunitynetwork.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a joint statement, the Secure Community Network (SCN), Anti-Defamation League (ADL), the American Jewish Committee (AJC), The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), and the Orthodox Union (OU) expressed deep concern over Congress’s decision to slash funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) by $30.5 million for fiscal year 2024. These organizations, at the forefront of advocating for and securing NSGP funds for faith-based institutions, underscore the impact of this reduction on the safety and security of communities across the United States. In a joint statement, SCN, ADL, AJC, The Conference of Presidents, JFNA, and OU said the following:

“The cut in NSGP funding presents a significant challenge to the safety and security of our communities at a time when

threats to religious and nonprofit organizations are at a record high. These funds are not just grants; they are lifelines that have fortified vital institutions against hate and violence. The security measures these funds have supported at Jewish facilities across the country have saved lives and prevented tragedy. Together, we urge Congress to prioritize additional funding to make the NSGP program whole. Any national security supplemental must include funding for NSGP and there must be increased funding for NSGP in the FY2025 appropriations bill. At the same time, we continue to encourage faith-based and nonprofit organizations to respond to this challenge with strong applications.”

Since its inception, the NSGP has played a pivotal role in enhancing the physical security of Jewish facilities and facilities across faith-based communities that are at increased risk of being targeted by hate, violence, and terrorism. These funds have provided critical support for security enhancements such as surveillance cameras, fortified entry points,

and emergency preparedness training. In the last two years alone, at-risk Jewish institutions and facilities have seen a substantial increase in funding, directly contributing to the safety and resilience of communities across the country.

The NSGP’s importance has grown in the wake of the horrific events of the October 7th Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel, emphasizing the need for robust security measures in vulnerable communities as incidents against the Jewish community rise across the U.S. The collaborative efforts of SCN, ADL, AJC, The Confe-

rence of Presidents, JFNA, and OU have been instrumental in advocating for and expanding the NSGP since its establishment. These organizations have worked tirelessly to ensure that faith-based and nonprofit organizations have the resources and knowledge to protect themselves and their members. As the competition for NSGP funds undoubtedly intensifies due to this budget cut, our collective call to action underscores the importance of preparedness, high-quality application submissions, and the continued advocacy for the protection of all communities against hate and violence.

SSA Scam Alert: Don’t Hand Off Cash to "Agents"

The Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has issued this alert in response to increased reports of impersonation scams involving in-person cash hand-offs.

SSA OIG is receiving alarming reports that criminals are impersonating SSA OIG agents and are requesting that their targets meet them in person to hand off cash. SSA OIG agents will never pick up money at your door or in any type of exchange. This is a SCAM!

NEVER exchange money or funds of any kind with any individual stating that they are an SSA OIG agent. This new scam trend introduces an element of physical danger to scams that never existed before. This recent method of handing cash directly to a phony agent is a dangerous twist on a known scam tactic that pressures individuals to pay in a specific way by using cash or gift cards. SSA OIG and official government agencies do NOT conduct business in this manner.

“This is the latest example of how scam-

mers are constantly evolving their tactics to intimidate or pressure people into making hasty decisions that usually involve stealing their target’s hard-earned money,” said Inspector General Gail S. Ennis. “While our agents are out in the field, they will not ask you for money. I urge you not to respond to these kinds of requests.”

What to do if You Have Been Scammed

Stop talking to the scammer. Notify financial institutions and safeguard accounts. Call the police and file a police report. File a complaint with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center. Report Social Security-related scams to SSA OIG. Report other scams to the Federal Trade Commission. Keep financial transaction information and records of all communications with the scammer.

The Kindertransport Story – The Frank Meisler Sculptures

frank-meisler.com

Kindertransport is the name given to the rescue mission that began nine months prior to the outbreak of World War II. The United Kingdom took in nearly 15,000 Jewish and non-Jewish children from Nazi Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia and the Free City of Danzig. The children were placed in British foster homes, hostels, and farms.

In gratitude to the people of Great Britain and in commemoration of the 1.6 million children murdered in the Holocaust, five memorial sculptures were erected along the children’s route to safety. Frank Meisler himself was a "kinder" child. Making the series of Kindertransport sculptures along his own personal route to survival was very important for him. He considered these monuments his most significant and meaningful pieces of art.

(Editor’s Note: From our own local Jewish community, Manny Lindenbaum was

THE FINAL PARTING. HAMBURG, GERMANY (2015)

This bronze sculpture commemorates 1.6 million children murdered in the Holocaust and 10,000 children whose lives were saved by being granted entry into England in 1938. The sculpture is standing at the Dag Hammarskjöld Platz - Dammtor Bahnhof Hamburg.

a “kinder” child. At age six, Manny and his nine-year-old brother survived by escaping on a Kindertransport to England. If you know of any other “kinder” children, contact the Jewish Federation of Ocean County at 732-363-0530.)

Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey Can Help You

Caregiver Volunteers is an interfaith nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free supportive services to the elderly, disabled, veterans and those who care for them. The Faith in Action program is designed to reduce social isolation and keep people connected in their community. Currently, CVCJ provides over 40,000 hours of free vital assistance to more than 2,000 seniors living in our communities each year.

Their free services include:

• Medical Transportation: Door to door transportation to medical appointments

• Grocery Shopping: Volunteer is assigned to do in person food shopping bi-monthly

• Companionship Home Visits: Weekly visits offering friendship

• Caregiver Canines®: Pet Therapy weekly visits from a certified therapy dog

• Caregiver Respite: Support and weekly visits for those living with dementia or other chronic illness to give the family caregiver a break

• Connect thru Music: A beautiful music program designed to connect dementia clients with their former self

• Handy Andy: Simple home repair & maintenance services, in & outdoors

• Healthy Hop: Free on demand door to door transportation using Uber

• Reassurance Phone Calls: Weekly calls to reduce social isolation

With over 1300 willing and compassionate volunteers who donate their time, CVCJ is able to provide these essential services with the goal of enabling individuals to remain independent and to live with dignity and joy in their own homes. CVCJ can be reached at 732-505-2273.

Many congregations are conducting prayer services and classes online which may be accessible from a computer or a telephone. Contact each congregation for further information to access these events.

See page 29 for contact information.

TRAINS TO LIFE – TRAINS TO DEATH. BERLIN, GERMANY (2008)

This bronze sculpture commemorates 1.6 million children murdered in the Holocaust and 10,000 children whose lives were saved by being granted entry into England in 1938. The sculpture is standing at the Friedrichstrasse Railway Station.

CHANNEL

The children left Germany in small groups, travelling mostly via the Netherlands and reached England on the Hoek of HollandHarwich ferries. The sculpture is standing at the Hook of Holland.

KINDERTRANSPORT – THE DEPARTURE. GDANSK-DANZIG, POLAND (2009)

Erected at the main Railway Station of Gdansk, the sculpture depicts the departure of the Jewish children shortly before their families were deported and murdered in the Holocaust.

KINDERTRANSPORT – THE ARRIVAL. LONDON, GREAT BRITAIN (2006)

This sculpture commemorates the arrival of the Kindertransports at Liverpool Street Station in central London, from which the children were sent to foster homes and hostels.

Preparing for Power Outages

Tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Severe weather in any season may bring power outages that can disrupt things like communications, utilities, transportation, stores, pharmacies, gas stations and ATMs. They may also impede your ability to use electrically powered medical devices. It’s important to be prepared for power outages throughout the entire year.

• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. Throw away food that’s been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color or texture.

• If you use a generator, ONLY use it outdoors and away from windows.

• Make sure you have properly stored fuel for your generator.

• You may only be able to power your home’s essential features such as a refrigerator and lights.

• Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.

• Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.

• Make sure cell phones are fully charged prior to severe storms.

• Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.

• Go to a community location with power if cold or heat is extreme and you can’t moderate the temperature in your home.

CROSSING TO LIFE. ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS (2011)

Local News

Beth Am Shalom, Lakewood, Religious School Celebrates “Purim in China”

On Tuesday, March 19, the Beth Am Shalom Religious School hosted a "Purim in China" event open to the entire congregation and larger community. To see and hear the celebration echoed especially in the children’s laughter was an unparalleled delight.

Beth Am Shalom shared the following statement:

Following the events of October 7, the global Jewish community still grapples with ongoing socio-political tension and anti-Semitism here and abroad. Many have asked whether celebrating Purim is even possible, let alone if it might spark the same joy and entertaining frivolity as yesteryear. We should remember that Purim's happy ending is thanks to Jews long ago who united beyond all their differences to ensure their survival. In especially dark times laughter can be a courageous means to resist oppression. As we join to

read the megillah, sing, dance, and play together in this Purim season, we know Jewish joy persists in the laughter and play of our precious children. May the continuance of our traditions serve as a model and inspire our children to take them forward in time. Through religious education at Beth Am Shalom we commit to the fulfillment of a promise to build bridges for the next generation.

We offer special thanks to the following individuals for their help and support of this event: Devorah Malamud, Farrah Hyman, Dylan Hyman, Hailey Steinberg, Helena Goldfarb, Helen and Richard Cerbone, Jared and Jessica Eisenberg, Jessica Charne, Lucian Sliwowski, Sharon Levine, Steve Rosensweig, Women of BAS (led by President Fran Gimpel), and Yvette Atkins. Food was provided by Authentic Kosher Chinese Food & Catering in Lakewood.

Beth Am Shalom, Lakewood Presented a Purim Spiel

Bat Shalom Hadassah – Post Purim Party and Pre-Passover Trip

By Ellen Keller

On Tuesday, March 26, Bat Shalom Hadassah held its first post-Purim party. Fifty members attended the event, where they enjoyed salads from Aisle 9 and bagels from Bagel King. But the “pieces de resistance” were prepared by Nadia Massuda, the Pearl Mesta of Westlake. Her cheese pastries and noodle puddings, the delicious desserts, and artistic vision propelled the party into a whole new dimension. Attractively colored tablecloths and napkins, candle centerpieces, the dessert dishes placed in the shape of the Star of David were all so beautiful. Westlake’s own concierge Joe McCloskey added to the beauty of the event with a continuous disc showing various Purim scenes. He even donated masks for each guest! Each

guest received a special gift, compliments of Pessy Rosenbaum from Leisure Chateau. Many guests donned costumes, including two friends who were Peanut Butter and Jelly. We had a bewigged Cruella, a pirate, a Pink Lady, several harlequins, as well as a few queens. It was fun, allowing our inner child out for a few hours.

After lunch, Ellen Keller conducted a trivia contest, as well as a Purim crossword puzzle. We reviewed the Purim story through this contest. Trivia winners were Nadia Massuda and Rena Ouzman, with many other guests scoring quite well. It was noted that both of the Persian queens were feminists in that day. Queen Vashti was banished because she refused to dance in only a tiara in front of her husband’s guests. Queen Esther, whose Hebrew

Open House at Congregation Ahavat Olam, Howell

Congregation Ahavat Olam will be hosting an Open House Lag BaOmer BBQ on Sunday, May 26, 11:00 AM1:00 PM. Explore the beautiful synagogue and learn about engaging and fun youth and teen Hebrew School programs, the Sisterhood and the Men's Club. Enjoy BBQ, games and music while socializing and connecting with our Rabbi, congregants, event coordinators, and guests. RSVP by May 17 to Congregation Ahavat Olam at 732-719-3500, or Michelle Aguilar-Aasted at 732-882-9492.

name was Hadassah, saved her people with her bravery. As Hadassah members, we are proud to bear her name and recall her courage. Winners of the 50/50 were Judy DuBow and Nancy Topiol.

Purim customs require that one give charity to the less fortunate. Many people give portions of food, called Mishloach Manos, to friends. I am so happy to report that the party garnered over $1000 to send to Hadassah Hospital, which is in such dire need at this time. We recently learned that the newest building, recently opened, scrambled to prepare an underground operating suite, with 130 beds in just 21 days, after the dastardly attacks on October 7. Our donations are going to good use.

On Wednesday, March 27, a group of

Bat Shalom members travelled to the Lakewood Matzo Factory where the very affable Rabbi Leibel Karmel led us in a visit to the see the intricate process of baking the special round thin matzo called shmura matzo. Under rabbinical supervision, the strong young men prepare the flour, knead the dough, and bake it in 2000-degree ovens for exactly 26 seconds. The whole process takes exactly 18 minutes to avoid any flour rising which would make the matzo unable to be used during Passover. It was amazing to see the intricate precision that adheres to the ancient traditions.

I love to facilitate these events which were both fun and educational for our members and guests.

Congregation B’nai Israel, Toms River, Celebrated Purim While Paying Tribute to Israel

There were costumes galore. And food, of course. And a sea of Israeli flags and blue and white T-shirts. Congregation B’nai Israel celebrated Purim with a Family Megillah Reading and Purim Extravaganza on Sunday, March 24. The event, “CBI Stands with Israel Purim Extravaganza,” drew more than 50 celebrants of all ages – many in costume (and not just the children). USY and Talmud Torah students presented a Purim spiel, which was followed by a Megillah reading. Rabbi William Gershon spoke about Israel, still at war and still waiting for the hostages to be released. Everyone then gathered in the social hall for Israeli food, music and dancing. Celebrants were able to make their own body scrub using Dead Sea salts, oil and scents, and to leave the festivities with a bit of Israel.

Liberty Oak Chorus to Perform at Congregation Ahavat Olam, Howell

On Sunday, May 19 at 1:00 PM, Liberty Oak Chorus will be performing at Congregation Ahavat Olam, 106 Windeler Road, Howell. Enjoy an afternoon of singing from the award-winning Liberty Oak Chorus, an acapella group from Howell. The chorus is a chapter of Sweet Adelines International. Liberty Oak Chorus membership consists of women from many different walks of life who travel from 48 different towns in 13 different counties and three states each week to share a common bond – the love of singing. Tickets are $12. Seats will go quickly! RSVP by Friday, May 10 by e-mailing sisterhood@cao-nj. org and reserve today. Make checks payable to “CAO Sisterhood” and mail to Janet Seltzer, 8 Colonial Court, Howell, NJ 07731. For information about future events, call CAO at 732-719-3500.

Leisure Village West Jewish American Club Presented a Purim Shpiel

With a great deal of groggers, bells, hissing and foot stomping, music and song, "A Purim Shpiel" was enjoyed by the Jewish American Club and residents of Leisure Village West in March. Community residents designed the sets, wrote the script and acted out the Purim story to the delight of all.

Temple Beth Or, Brick, Celebrated Purim

On Sunday, March 24, the Megillah of Esther was read by the Cat in the Hat (aka Rabbi Robert Rubin) as part of the in-person Purim holiday service and celebration. Also included was the Minchah Afternoon service, a lunch buffet, Purim Bingo, Purim songs, a retelling of the Purim story using the Mad Libs approach and socializing. On Saturday night, March 23, the Megillah was read over Zoom together with the Maariv Evening Service and Havdalah.

(Photo credit: Lisa Kassenoff)

Achashverosh, Esther, and Mordechai

Vashti's court

Local News

Jewish Community Calendar – May 2024

For information, contact the event host or see related publicity in this issue of the Jewish Journal.

Compiled by the Jewish Federation of Ocean County based on submissions from the event hosts - Events can be submitted at www.jewishoceancounty.org/calendar.

Thursday, May 2, 7:30 PM (and the first Thursday of every month) – Caregivers Group led by Rita Sason, Jewish Family and Children’s Service, virtual online, 732363-8010

Sunday, May 5, 5:00 PM – Community Yom Hashoah Holocaust Remembrance Event; cosponsored by Beth Am Shalom, Congregation Ahavat Olam, Congregation B’nai Israel, Temple Beth Or and the Jewish Federation of Ocean County; being held at Congregation B’nai Israel, 1488 Old Freehold Road, Toms River; 732-349-1244

Sunday night-Monday, May 5-6 – Yom Hashoah / Holocaust Memorial Day

Monday, May 6, 1:00 PM (and every week on Monday other than May 27) – Grief After Loss Group led by Rita Sason, Jewish Family and Children’s Service, virtual online, 732-363-8010

Sunday night-Monday May 12-13 – Yom Hazikaron / Israel Memorial Day

Monday night-Tuesday, May 13-14 – Yom Haatzmaut / Israel Independence Day

Thursday, May 16, 6:00 PM – Designer Bag Bingo; Beth Am Shalom, 1235 Highway 70, Lakewood; doors open at 5:00 PM; 732-363-2800

Sunday, May 19, 1:00 PM – Concert by the Liberty Oak Chorus; Congregation Ahavat Olam, 106 Windeler Road, Howell; 732-719-3500

Saturday night-Sunday, May 25-26 – Lag BaOmer

Sunday, May 26, 11:00 AM – Open House Lag BaOmer BBQ; Congregation Ahavat Olam, 106 Windeler Road, Howell; 732-719-3500

Ocean County Library Upcoming Programs on the Holocaust

The Ocean County Library in Toms River is following up on their program with Manny Lindenbaum that over 150 people attended, with two more programs.

May 7, 6:30 PM – Combatting

Hate: "America & the Holocaust" While most historians agree that the nation’s response was inadequate to address the humanitarian crisis in Europe, and that a more forceful and effective rescue policy might have saved many lives, they disagree about what was realistically possible to accomplish under the circumstances. In this program, we'll

discuss the roles and actions of the major stakeholders, including President Roosevelt and his advisors, cabinet members and their staffs, and religious leaders against the backdrop of the Great Depression, the stance against foreign immigration, and the German-American Bund movement (including New Jersey's Camp Nordland).

July 23, 6:30 PM – Combatting Hate Program #3 with Holocaust Survivors

Gela Buchbinder of Toms River, Mona Ginsberg of Toms River and Albert Hapner of Monmouth County

Remembering the Shoah – Community Event

Congregation B’nai Israel in Toms River is the host of this year’s Community Yom HaShoah with “A Service of Remembrance” on Sunday, May 5, at 5:00 PM. The memorial event is also co-sponsored by Beth Am Shalom, Congregation Ahavat Olam, Temple Beth Or and the Jewish Federation of Ocean County.

The community event, to be held at the synagogue at 1488 Old Freehold Road, will feature a probing interview of Holocaust survivors Gela Buchbinder and Arthur Spielman. The interview will be conducted by the journalist Mary Ann Giordano, who edited for The New York Times and other New York-based publications, and taught journalism at Columbia University.

Before and during the service, names of

Holocaust victims will be read, and survivors and their families will have the opportunity to light candles in memory of those who perished.

“We hope the program expresses our solidarity and provides more understanding about what the survivors went through and how they maintained hope during that time,” said Mike Falk, who is coordinating the event. Additional speakers, including community rabbis, will participate, and “Stamp Out Hate” pins will be distributed to attendees.

The event is open to the public. Students are encouraged to attend. Security will be present. For more information, go to the CBI website, cbitr.org, or contact the CBI office at 732-349-1244. See the ad on page 17.

Temple Beth Or, Brick, Held Women’s Seder

On Sunday afternoon, April 7, the Sisterhood of Temple Beth Or held their Annual Women’s Seder with Haggadah Reading. The readings and songs reflected various aspects of Passover and what it can mean to us today. A buffet meal of kosher Chinese cuisine was served. Marlene Vogel is the Sisterhood President. For information about future events, contact TBO at 732-458-4700 or templebethorbrick@gmail.com.

Joe Lieberman’s Rabbi on the Senator Who was “One of Us”

Rabbi Daniel Cohen leads the Stamford synagogue the Lieberman family has called home for generations.

By Louis Keene

March 27, 2024 forward.com

When Rabbi Daniel Cohen was writing his book about courage, he couldn’t think of a better subject for a chapter than his congregant, Sen. Joseph Lieberman.

Lieberman, who died on March 27 at 82, eventually wrote the foreword for the book, What Will They Say About You When You’re Gone? and Cohen, the spiritual leader of Congregation Agudath Sholom in Stamford, Connecticut, will be answering the question posed by his book’s title when he officiates at the

funeral for the first Jewish politician to make a major-party presidential ticket.

In his eulogy, Cohen will of course highlight Lieberman’s commitment to Orthodox observance as he rose through the ranks of American power to become Al Gore’s running mate in 2000. But in an interview, Cohen said that at the synagogue, the late senator would be remembered as a “mensch par excellence” who – in spite of his lofty position – hung around to schmooze after services.

“He was a senator, but at the same time, he sat in seats like everybody else, he enjoyed the kiddush like everybody else,” Cohen recalled, noting Lieberman’s fondness of cholent and whiskey. “When he walked home from shul, he got soaked on rainy days. He was one of us.”

Lieberman’s dedication to Sabbath-observant Judaism began at Agudath Sholom, where both the mikveh and beit midrash are named for members of his family. When he was nominated for Vice President, his keeping kosher and not working or driving on Shabbat briefly

became campaign fodder. Lieberman continued to attend the shul on Shabbat as long as he lived in Stamford. (He moved to Riverdale following his retirement from the Senate in 2013.)

Cohen did not join Agudath Sholom until 2005, after the senator’s unsuccessful run for the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination. Lieberman suffered a stunning loss in the 2006 Democratic primary for his Senate seat, but nonetheless won reelection as an independent, and Cohen said his political stature was undiminished in the eyes of the congregation.

“People always wanted to get his ear – like, how often do you have a senator who’s like, hanging out eating cholent with you? People visiting Stamford would be like, ‘He’s davening mincha like me?’” Cohen recalled, referring to the afternoon service. “But he gave everyone the time of day. He listened well.”

Still, whenever Rabbi Cohen delivered sermons that touched on political issues, he would be a bit nervous about how

Lieberman might react – and whether his messages might influence public policy. The senator’s responses, Cohen said, were usually the same: “He said he liked them.”

The rabbi said he saw Lieberman as “the modern embodiment of the biblical Joseph – somebody who can really serve as a role model for the vision of being a Jew which is not isolating oneself from the world, but engaging in elevating the world.” He thought the senator’s commitment to religious observance was the product of a series of minor decisions guided by a commitment to God: “A life is built by small decisions, not major ones,” Cohen said. “And Senator Lieberman understood that character is built over time.”

Louis Keene is a staff reporter at the Forward covering religion, sports and the West Coast.

Sen. Joe Lieberman with Rabbi Daniel Cohen in August 2023. Courtesy of Daniel Cohen

In Honour of Anne Frank

June 12, 1929 - 1945

By Jessica Martin

Today I should have been ninety four,

I would be having a party with cake

I’d have two fine sons and a daughter too Grandchildren to cuddle and stay.

I’d have met a great man, dashing and tall

He’d have worked in an office in town

We’d have lived in the country, two dogs and a cat

I’d have had a fine wedding gown.

Margot would have lived nearby,

Surely a mother herself?

My mother and father would have been so proud

We’d have raised a glass to good health.

Instead we slept on wooden slats

As we shivered with hunger and cold

We were beaten for any discriminatory thing

We were given no toys to hold.

My mother was starving, she gave us her food

Scabies was rife in our camp

I wanted to die, this wasn’t life

Living with rats in the damp.

My best friend was in the camp next door

I missed her riotous laugh

I was glad to have my sister with me

Loneliness, was my first and my last.

I dreamed of food that I could eat

I wished for potatoes and meat

If I survived, I’d wash it all down

With wine and something sweet.

Typhus arrived and we both got sick

Doctors were never called in

We died one by one, Margot went first

Death was an easier win.

I hope I didn’t die in vain

I hope the world has learned

Hatred has no place in life

My diary forever preserved.

Secure Community Network Monthly Report – March

By Michael G. Masters, National Director & CEO

Throughout March, the team at the Secure Community Network (SCN) continued to work to address the ongoing threat landscape facing the Jewish community across North America. The SCN team, now over 100 strong, continues to work to share timely, relevant intelligence and information with key partners, while also proactively securing our facilities – from providing assessments and consultation on physical security measures to undertaking training and responding to incidents across all of our eleven SCN regions, spanning the entirety of the United States and with key partners across Canada.

We remain incredibly concerned with the threat environment, from state and non-state actors to Foreign Terrorist Organizations, and those individuals who may be radicalized to violence from exposure to online content or individuals. Recent foiled plots across Western Europe, South America, and elsewhere highlight the potential for individuals, groups, and nation-states to mobilize to act. This makes our preparation and efforts all the more critical.

We are seeing – and working to address – the heightened threat environment via our intelligence and information sharing efforts. Our Duty Desk logged 483 threat incidents and suspicious activity reports in February, reflecting a sustained increase in reports since the October 7 Hamas terror attacks. At the same time, we continue to identify individuals and incidents that present potential threats to the community. In February alone, SCN’s Duty Desk referred 74 individuals to law enforcement authorities.

To proactively identify trends before they materialize into threats, SCN has led the way in working with subject matter experts and in coordination with national law enforcement and intelligence agencies on the creation of a Red Cell Analytic Task Force to proactively combat threats that may be emanating from overseas.

With information being provided by SCN, partner organizations, and community members, our law enforcement partners are working diligently to pursue, arrest, convict, and sentence perpetrators of hate and violence against the Jewish community at an increased rate that speaks to the heightened threat levels we

still face; we recognize and thank them –collectively – for their work.

On the national level, we continue to engage partners to keep the community safe and secure. While working with communities and organizations across the country to be positioned to apply for Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) funds to protect our facilities, SCN and other Jewish advocacy partners worked together to express deep concern for the cuts to the NSGP this year.

Locally, we are seeing the impact that security initiatives led by Federations and supported by SCN, and working in coordination with other partners, such as ADL and law enforcement, can have. This past month, SCN team members provided direct training to over 2,000 community members through over 75 training courses – from situational awareness around a Jewish facility to what to do during an active threat. We are also making progress in tackling the issues that are impacting our community: in South Carolina, new legislation aimed at tackling the rise in swatting incidents was introduced, reflecting the influence of local efforts by the Charleston Jewish Federation, supported by SCN, and their

advocacy and engagement with state legislators.

The incidents and engagements of this month serve as a reminder of the importance of our mission and the collective effort required to ensure the safety and security of Jewish communities. Our resolve is strengthened by the support and collaboration of our partners and the broader community as we continue to navigate the complexities of today’s safety and security landscape with vigilance, preparation, and unity.

Stay safe.

"For the Lord thy God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills; a land of wheat and barley, and grapevines, figs and pomegranates; a land of oil olives and date honey."

Deuteronomy/Devarim 8:7-8

The Jewish Federation helped to build Israel. Today, we help keep it strong.

I Want Peace

By Claire Aschner

Recipes for peace are hardly found

But directions for war are all around

It is easier to find recipes for war

Which is why we keep having more

For peace nations would have to have empathy

And a strong desire to preserve humanity

Each country must be able to feel another’s pain

And agree from violence to abstain

An abhorrence for people to be maimed and killed

A hatred of destruction and a preference for things to be built

Many soldiers have sacrificed bravely

With their limbs or their lives or becoming unfit mentally

The ones who send soldiers to war

Are not the ones who experience the terror

Nations must give up the quest for power acquisition

And figure out the best strategies for cooperation

The focus should be on everyone’s strength and health

Not on who has the most arms and wealth

Each child could expect to live to adulthood

Contributing to society in ways that are good

Solving problems with war is ineffective

Finding peaceful solutions should be the objective

War all over is a horrible disease

Wake up world and strive for peace

Every day some soldiers are lost

War has an unacceptable cost

I want peace now, I cannot wait

Tomorrow is much too late

In war there is only mourning and sadness

Peace among nations would bring universal gladness

The Jewish

of Ocean County wishes you a very happy Passover. Passover begins on Monday Night, April 22.

Jewish Holiday Family Photos

We invite our community members to submit a few photographs of their family’s recent holiday celebrations. Include a one-line caption describing the activity in the photo.

You may include everyone’s name or just your family’s name or without any names at all.

All submissions are subject to our editorial review, and we do not promise that all submitted photos will be published.

Email your submission to jfoceditor@ocjf.org.

We invite our community members to submit original poetry or short essays (500 words or less) to the Jewish Journal.

All submissions are subject to our editorial review, and we do not promise that all will be published.

Email your submission to jfoceditor@ocjf.org.

We continue our prayers for the situation in Israel:

May those who are still captive as hostages be released soon and safely. May those who are wounded have a complete recovery. May the memories of those who died be forever a blessing. May all have peace.

Help support our local Holocaust Survivors in Ocean County live at home with dignity.

We now have two matching grants that provide over 4 million dollars in home health care services, glasses, dental care, hearing aids...

$135,000

THREE WAYS TO DONATE

Donate online at www.jewishoceancounty.org

Call the Federation office at 732-363-0530 and talk with our staff about donation options.

Make a monthly gift to support these critical services.

FedBeat from JFNA – Jewish Federations of North America jewishfederations.org

Federations Help Farmers in Israel Get Back on Feet

From JFNA

March 26, 2024 jewishfederations.org

Jewish Federations of North America have pledged to support the farming communities of Western Negev through grants up to $12.5 million to urgently replace equipment destroyed and looted by Hamas terrorists, allowing them to resume farming in time for the spring planting season.

Working with ReGrow, a project of Volcani International Partnerships and Mishkei Hanegev, the grant will ensure that farmers and kibbutzim – which have sustained major financial losses – will be able to rebuild and emerge even stronger than before the October 7 attacks.

"The Jewish Federations recognize the

vital importance of restoring agriculture to the Western Negev after the Hamas attacks, and we are proud to be able to play such as significant part in that,” said Rebecca Caspi, senior vice president of Jewish Federations of North America.

The kibbutzim, moshavim, and independent farms of the western Negev made the desert bloom and have been a source of national and Zionist pride for decades. These farms are the breadbasket of Israel, supplying 75% of Israel’s vegetables, 20% of fruit, and 6.5% of milk, as well as other products.

“Hamas came to destroy our identity, our community and our agriculture. Our victory is to go back to our fields and make them green again.” said Moran Freibach, head of agriculture and security for Kibbutz Nahal Oz.

On October 7, as part of their murderous rampage, killing Israelis and foreign workers, Hamas terrorists also targeted and destroyed farm equipment, infrastructure, and farmworkers. Gunmen stole or destroyed everything in their path, from irrigation pipes and computers to tractors and specialized farming vehicles. In invading these communities, Hamas brutally attacked residents, their homes, and the farms that these Israelis worked decades to build.

This act of agricultural terrorism was aimed at shaking the identity and economy of the western Negev and the food security of Israel. Full resumption of agriculture is essential for the recovery of these communities and Israel’s national security. And this resumption also depends upon the replacement of critical equipment.

Federations Create Israel Emergency Loan Fund to Aid Small Businesses

From JFNA

March 19, 2024 jewishfederations.org

Jewish Federations of North America announced on March 19 that they have launched the Israel Emergency Loan Fund (the Loan Fund) to inject hundreds of millions of dollars into the Israeli economy. Through the Loan Fund, which will work with existing loan platforms, this new program provides a lifeline to small businesses across Israel severely impacted by the war and without access to traditional banking credit.

Israel is enduring a large-scale economic crisis. Businesses are struggling to survive amid unprecedented pressure. Some measures suggest 25% of all small businesses have experienced revenue declines of more than 50%, with 77% of small businesses in the north and south experiencing revenue declines of more than 50%.

The Loan Fund aims to attract $100 million in philanthropic investment capital in partnership with Federations, foundations, and other donors, of which over half has been raised. Through credit lines with the banks, these loans can be leveraged up so that the Loan Fund and its partners will be providing hundreds of millions of dollars of essential capital to the Israeli economy at this time of need.

"The capital that we are providing to su-

pport Israel's small businesses will play a vital role in the recovery of the economy following the events of October 2023, ensuring many small business owners will continue to survive and provide jobs and income," said Jeff Schoenfeld, cochair of the Loan Fund.

Operating at scale and across regions, sectors, and industries, the Loan Fund seeks to support the Israeli economy at a time of unprecedented need, sustaining small businesses that employ tens of thousands of people – across different sectors and different geographies.

“Jewish Federations are playing a crucial role in supporting Israel during the current emergency and this economic support is just one strand of the help that we are giving at this time of need," said Rebecca Caspi, senior vice president of Jewish Federations.

Tens of thousands of businesses have closed or are experiencing critical liquidity issues as a result of the war. This crisis impacts businesses across Israel and in every sector – from agriculture to high tech. Micro-, small-, and medium-sized businesses are particularly at risk given their limited access to liquid capital and the huge disruption in the normal flow of business.

Each business represents the source of income and a lifetime of work and dreams for owners, employees, and their

families.

Jewish Federations’ have realized the need to support the Israeli economy at this vital stage. Through their broad relations across the landscape of non-governmental organizations, financial institutions, and government, the Loan Fund will deliver capital quickly and at scale, across regions, sectors, and industries.

The Loan Fund’s philanthropic resources will be distributed across fully vetted non-bank loan platforms, each of whom provide loans to small businesses in a particular set of markets and sectors. The allocations enable the loan platforms to provide lower interest rate loans and to cover default risks to attack additional leverage from banks.

In addition to the Loan Fund, Jewish Federations’ Israel Emergency Campaign has now surpassed $783 million and allocated close to $385 million for humanitarian needs and economic support since October 7th.

"We want to ensure that many small businesses in Israel that have been affected by the war will still have access to much needed capital, including those on the geographical periphery and in sectors often overlooked by the traditional banking system,” said Matthew Salter, director of the Loan Fund.

"Jewish Federations have done something remarkable. Not only will the grant lay the foundation for recovery, it sends the most moving message to all our farmers, that they are not alone," said Danielle Abraham, executive director, Volcani International Partnerships.

"The Israel Emergency Response Committee has identified this initiative as an urgent priority as part of its work in the area of economic relief and rescue, and a central first move to help the communities of the western Negev rebuild following the devastation of October 7,” said Jeff Schoenfeld, co-chair of Jewish Federations’ Israel Emergency Fund.

Rep. Ritchie Torres on DEI, TikTok, and BlackJewish Relations

From JFNA

March 7, 2024 jewishfederations.org

In a recent episode of The Glue podcast by Jewish Federations, Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15) emerges as a compelling figure bridging progressive values with unwavering support for Israel. Despite his roots in progressive causes, Torres has become one of Congress's most outspoken advocates for Israel, all while fostering unity among diverse constituencies.

Hosted by Eric Fingerhut, this episode delves into Torres's efforts to strengthen bonds between the Black and Jewish communities, navigating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) amidst rising antisemitism on college campuses, and the role of social media platforms like TikTok in exacerbating divisions and promoting hate. Listen here.

"The Glue, with Eric Fingerhut," is proudly presented by Jewish Federations of North America and is available through the website of the Jewish Federation of Ocean County, www.jewishoceancounty.org/jvu.

YOU Made an Impact through the Jewish Federation of Ocean County

By Robbie Sassoon

On a recent Friday night we received a hotline crisis call from a 15-year-old girl who intended to end her life. The Social worker's first priority was ensuring the immediate safety of the girl by assessing the level of risk, and immediate danger. After a lengthy and emotional call, including exploring coping strategies to help her manage her distress in the moment, our hotline social worker was able to calm her down to the point that she was no longer in imminent danger. At the end of the call, when the Social Worker again assessed for safety, the girl responded, "How safe can anyone feel right now." The caller's expression of fear, anxiety, and trauma serves to underscore how the wartime situation has shattered people’s sense of overall safety and security.

It also serves as a poignant example of the life-saving mental health support that Crossroads is providing to vulnerable teens and young adults on the frontline of the home front. The impact of war goes beyond the direct victims. Collective trauma resulting from constant exposure to social media and witnessing the suffering and loss of loved ones, friends, neighbors, and community members can have far-reaching consequences for the entire country. As stated by the Minister of Health of Israel, the country is currently confronting the most severe mental health crisis in its history, and all residents are “traumatized.” We are witnessing trauma related emotional repercussions that the country has never seen before. As one mental health professional indicated, “the experience is unprecedented without points of reference.”

Crossroads has absolutely been experiencing what the minister of health expressed. Since the onset of the war, we have seen a steady uptick in young people reaching out for help in our center and on our hotline. Ensuring continued timely access to therapeutic and crisis support services is of paramount importance, and the need is more pressing than ever before.

Central to our wartime crisis support efforts is our 24/7 crisis hotline – a lifeline for youth in moments of acute dis-

Logo

dging

grieving the loss of a close friend killed while on active duty from a terrorist attack or for a lone soldier who was recently released from Reserve duty after three months in Gaza and is seeking help for depression, and dealing with an earlier life trauma triggered once again by the war.

In essence, being at the forefront of mental health care during wartime in Israel requires a multifaceted approach. Looking ahead, it is imperative that we be prepared for the lasting effects of this national trauma, as the psychological scars of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) persist even after the conflict has subsided. By all indications, this will result in a significant increase in demand for mental health services. Consequently, it is paramount to ensure that essential financial resources remain readily available to enable our youth to have access to the indispensable mental health support that is crucial for their emotional healing, and well-being in order to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

"Street Art Board. Hearts – The Hebrew art prompt, if you believe that you can destroy something, believe you also can repair it, is an expression from Rabbi Nachman of Breslov. This collage unites hearts in personal expressions of hope for the restoration of safety, security, and peace for the people of Israel.

"Crossroads

emotional distress.

tress. Whether triggered by the sounds of sirens, rocket explosions, or the devastating loss of someone close, our hotline Social Workers offer a listening ear, practical coping strategies, and referrals to additional resources as needed. In a world fraught with uncertainty, knowing that help is just a phone call away can make all the difference for a young person in crisis.

The availability of our therapeutic support services is especially important in reducing the psychological effects of the wartime conflict and promoting resilience, whether it is for a lone soldier who is

of the Jewish Federation of Ocean County on the webpage of Crossroads acknowle-

the Jewish Federation's support for their Gap Year Services program.

Social Worker Hotline Phone" – Guiding hope 24/7. Our Crossroads Social Worker takes a critical call on the Crisis Hotline, offering support and a lifeline to a caller in

"Crossroads Social Worker with IDF soldiers” – Colors and conversation. IDF soldiers join our Crossroads Social Worker in a street art activity. Art is another pathway of connecting and creating meaningful conversations about the happenings in the lives of young people and being able to offer helpful assistance as needed.

“They

forgot Ukraine for

a minute”

– Two Years into Russian Invasion, Jewish Groups Fight to Maintain Support for Ukrainian Communities

American and international Jewish organizations say they initially struggled to garner support for their activities in Ukraine as attention turned to Israel, but donors have returned.

By Haley Cohen

February 23, 2024

ejewishphilanthropy.com

Classrooms remain empty. Children have become orphans. More than 10,000 civilians have been killed. The world has turned its attention to Israel’s war against Hamas.

This is life in Ukraine today, a country still shattered by a grinding war that broke out two years ago when Russia invaded on February 24, 2022. The Jewish groups that have provided psychological support, material aid and relocation assistance for civilians in war-torn cities say they are still hustling two years later, even as Israel’s war with Hamas and recovery from the trauma of the October 7 massacre have become a central priority for Jewish federations and donors.

“The Jewish communal infrastructure of support and rescue has been tested these past few years more seriously than any time since WWII,” said Eric Fingerhut, president of the Jewish Federations of North America. “Our ability to maintain historic levels of response to multiple crises over a long period of time has proven the necessity and strength of the Jewish Federation system,” he continued.

JFNA has raised and distributed $96.1

million for Ukraine, and among other services, has helped 180,000 Ukrainians find refuge in the U.S. and assisted 91,925 people make aliyah to Israel because of the Russia’s invasion, according to the organization.

Among the initiatives JFNA is helping to support on the ground in Ukraine include the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee’s (JDC) effort to provide ongoing care to more than 41,000 Jews in Ukraine – the elderly, poor, displaced and newly impoverished – including basic and emergency essentials such as food, medicine, water, homecare for the homebound and sick as well as evacuation services. They are also currently helping 3,479 internally displaced people of all ages.

JDC’s crisis response work – including delivering life-saving heating and winter supplies to 29,000 Jewish community members in Ukraine – is carried out by its network of Hesed social service centers, Jewish community centers and thousands of staff and volunteers.

Since the start of the war, JDC has aided more than 52,900 Jews in Ukraine with at least one-time relief aid. Additionally, hundreds of Jewish families from Ukraine will participate in respite visits to escape the cold this winter and ongoing conflict at Szarvas, the JDC-Lauder International Jewish summer camp in Hungary. According to JDC, the group has delivered 800 tons of humanitarian aid including food, medicine, soap and other crucial supplies to Jews sheltering in Ukraine and those who have fled to Moldova.

Amos Lev Ran, JDC’s director of external relations who is based in Romania, told eJewishPhilanthropy that the group’s continued humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine are based on three decades of experience working in Ukraine, building Jewish life after the fall of the Soviet Union and caring for needy Jews. “We’re also launching new programs to meet the needs and have expanded to new target groups, beyond children and elderly, including the middle aged,

Continued on page.

A JDC aid worker delivers a humanitarian relief package to an elderly Ukrainian Jewish woman on January 7, 2024. COURTESY/ ARIK SHRAGA/JDC

Protecting Our Children: A Fight for Religious Freedom in Texas Schools

By fredi Bleeker Franks

March 22, 2024

wrj.org/blog

(Women of Reform Judaism)

Once, finding me crying outside of the cafeteria, a friendly counselor asked what was wrong. When I tried to explain, she said to me, “You don’t have to be anybody other than who you are. You’re pretty special, and those other kids are sure missing out.”

I have remembered those words for a very long time.

When I was a little girl, my father was a very successful manager for a group of discount stores called Hills Department Stores. Because he was so successful, we moved a lot – like, really a lot. My mom followed him from small Ohio town to small Ohio town, which meant that I went to a lot of different schools when I was growing up.

One thing remained constant though –and that was the feeling that I was different because I was Jewish. More than once, children who had befriended me at the beginning of the school year were not allowed to play with me or even sit with me on the school bus once I told them that I didn’t believe in Santa Claus, or when my mom realized that the Saturday night sleepovers were just a ruse to get me to go to church with them on Sunday. My mom never told me why I could no longer stay overnight at my friends’ houses, but I figured it out by myself.

My parents tried to explain to me that people who told me that I was never going to heaven were well-meaning, but it was difficult for me to understand. I was proud of being Jewish and didn’t understand why my friends’ parents were so concerned with my religion, and whether I had accepted Jesus.

Fast forward to 2023: Texas Legislatu-

re passed The Chaplains Bill, or Senate Bill 763 - which was a piece of legislation that allows chaplains to be hired in school districts to provide student support services or to volunteer in schools for similar purposes. School districts in Texas had until March 1, 2024, to opt in or out of having unlicensed chaplains in their schools. Under the law Governor Greg Abbott signed in August as Chapter 23 of the Texas Education Code states, chaplains employed or volunteering in the district are allowed to provide suicide prevention, intervention and postvention, mental health support, behavioral health support, and create programs for overall student support.

This bill was pushed through by members of the National School Chaplain Association, a Christian activist group with the explicit purpose of “putting Jesus back into schools” that is now pushing similar legislation in many states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah. The purpose of these bills is to introduce Christianity and “Biblical guidance” into our public schools and to blur the line between church and state, a democratic principle that we, as Reform Jews, hold dear to our hearts.

As the chair of RAC-TX, I work closely with our Religious Action Center organizer, Emily Bourgeois, who alerted me to this bill. With Emily as the lead, we quickly organized a campaign to educate Texans about this bill, and the consequences of allowing chaplains to serve as counselors in our schools. Working with a diverse group, including Texas Impact, BJC (Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty), Interfaith Alliance, the Anti-Defamation League, Jewish Federations, National Council for Jewish Women, and WRJ members across Texas, we worked in an interfaith, interreligious partnership to challenge the Chaplains’ bill in the 25 largest school districts in the state.

RAC-TX concentrated its efforts in the 10 districts with the highest Jewish populations, which we are proud to say opted out of having chaplains in their school districts. We organized phone calls, wrote op-eds for local newspapers, and appeared at school board meetings to speak against opting into this change and to advocate for our children. Our strategy team met weekly, over Zoom, to chart our course. We are proud of the work that we did, and the coalitions that we built.

I imagine myself, as a young girl, being told that I was not going to get into heaven and that the child I played with yesterday was no longer allowed to speak to me. I think about what would have happened if a chaplain had come across me crying outside the cafeteria instead of a licensed, trained counselor. How might that have affected me? Would I still be proud to be Jewish?

Emily spoke at a recent press conference on the success of the campaign. In part, she said: “We are taught in our tradition that it is our responsibility as a collective to teach our values to our children. By protecting our children from proselytization today in the state of Texas, we are fulfilling those commandments and are

ensuring that the only people who will have a say in our children's religious education are the parents, clergy, and Jewish educators who lead our community and work tirelessly every day to instill our values in these kids. I'm standing here today on behalf of the hundreds of Jewish clergy and lay leaders from across the state who came together over the last six months to advocate for our children –many of them showing up to their school boards for the first time. It is because of them that we are here today. It is because of them that we won.”

Emily and I will be at the 2024 Women's Fried Leadership Conference, presenting on a different topic, I encourage you to

Continued on page. 23

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FULFILL THE MITZVAH OF TZEDAKAH WITH AN INDIVIDUAL TRIBUTE CARD FOR $18 EACH.

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JFOC Tributes

March 12 – April 8

In Honor of

Cantor Green by Hal & Diane Halvorsen

Sol Weinberg’s 101st bir thday by Robert Klipper

In Memory of

William Czirjak by Paula Berkoff

Tova & Zvi Dershowitz by Hillel Dershowitz & Jo Wein

Bonnie Farin by Harold Farin

Morty Miller by Anise Singer

Fredda Lynn Rosenfeld Peel

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Please contribute to:

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It is easy to donate a little each month, to make a big impact!

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PJ Library Photos with Children

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Do you have a photo of your child reading or holding a PJ Library book? We would like to publish some of them. We omit the names of children. The names of any adults in the photos could be included or omitted based on the guidance of the adult submitting the photo(s). Email them to JFOCeditor@ocjf.org

Jewish Federation of Ocean County

1235A Route 70, Lakewood, NJ 08701

732-363-0530

Ukraine

Continued from page 18

people who never needed our assistance before the crisis and now have lost their jobs and turned to us,” he said.

Pivotal boots-on-the-ground care has also been led by a prominent Jewish humanitarian aid group affiliated with Chabad, which has been organizing humanitarian aid in Ukraine since the fall of the Soviet Union under the name Federation of Jewish Communities. When the war started, it spun off into a separate entity called Jewish Relief Network Ukraine (JRNU) to focus solely on Ukraine, using the same infrastructure that had already been in place for decades.

Judi Garrett, COO of JRNU, recalled that when the war broke out in 2022, “[Chabad] had to do two things: they needed to separate out their effort in Ukraine… they couldn’t be running around Ukraine anymore with the former Soviet Union logo. They also needed to create a way to fund money specifically for Ukraine. The oligarchs that had been providing funding for years in Russia and Ukraine were no longer available. So they went through the U.S. to raise money and make sure it was being spent just in Ukraine,” Garrett continued. “Early on, it was easy to raise money,” she told eJP, adding that October 7 was “a major turning point.”

“Folks in Ukraine were very empathetic, and it was the first time really where Jews in Ukraine were rallying around Israel,” Garrett continued. “Immediately, the major Jewish funding sources pivoted to Israel almost entirely, all the federations dealt with that horrific situation.”

“That definitely hurt in terms of major grants,” Garrett said. In terms of individual donors, she said it “dropped off im-

mediately but has come back quite a bit. People are recognizing that they need to help Israel but can’t forget about Ukraine. They forgot about Ukraine for a minute but we have very loyal donors.”

“Still,” Garrett said, “that does not replace the major loss of [funding from] foundations, which we are hoping will come back at some point.” She emphasized that despite the challenges October 7 has brought to funding Ukraine, JRNU’s work “has not changed at all,” estimating that the group is touching 90% of the Jews in Ukraine in one way or another, while assisting non-Jews as well.

“Not everybody is getting medicine or a hot meal but about 50,000 people are getting something – heaters, warm clothes … mental health care,” Garrett said. “Local Jewish communities help a lot and some have lost a lot of members but others have gained as people move around the country … We don’t exclusively help Jews, we help as much as we can without asking people to prove their Judaism.”

A silver lining of the crisis, Garrett said, is that “a lot more people have wanted to connect with being Jewish. People have reached out and connected with the Jewi-

sh community to a much greater extent than before because they are searching for whatever they can get to get through this.”

Garrett said that two years into the war, “the world wants us to move to long-term

Religious Freedom

Continued from page 20

find us, to talk to us, and to do all you can to make sure that this insidious attempt to thwart the separation of church and state does not gain a foothold in your state. After all, as Emily said at the press conference, “If we can win in Texas, we can win anywhere."

fredi Bleeker Franks serves as the Chair of RAC-TX. She belongs to Congregation Emanu El in Houston, TX where she volunteers on the congregation’s Social Justice Core Team and is the congrega-

rebuilding like job and language training. But that’s a tension. It’s really hard when people are struggling with their day-today lives, when people would starve, to tell them to focus on finding a job. We’re doing both.”

tion’s Education VP. She is the e-news coordinator for WRJ Today and was a long-time board member of the Women of Reform Judaism. She is currently a member of the Committee on Social Action and the URJ North American Board. In addition to those volunteer activities, fredi is a volunteer/docent at the Holocaust Museum Houston. She lives in Houston with her husband Paul and their pandemic puppy Tillman.

Ceremony Held to Celebrate the 128th Anniversary of the Jewish War Veterans

By Albert Adler JWV National Quartermaster

On March 15, 2024, the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America celebrated its 128th anniversary.

Founded on March 15, 1896, at the Lexington Avenue Opera House in New York City by a group of 63 Jewish Civil War Veterans who were concerned by the growth of anti-Semitic comments and published reports that Jews never served in the Civil War.

The ceremony this year on March 15 took place at the original location of its first meeting at the old Opera House. The event was organized by JWV Post 1. This event included comments by JWV National Commander Barry Lischinsky, JWVA Auxiliary National President Shirley Zak and JWV National

Vice Commander Gary Ginsburg. Jerry Alperstein who was the Master of Ceremonies presented National Commander Lischinsky with a custom-made kippah from Israel and a copy of the minutes of the first meeting in 1896. The ceremony concluded with the Mourners Kaddish recited by David Goldstein of Post 1.

Later that evening many members of JWV and JWVA attended a Shabbat Service at the Central Synagogue in New York City. The synagogue was nearly full with approximately 500 people in attendance. Senior Rabbi Angela Buchdahl announced that JWV and its Ladies Auxiliary were in attendance and the members in the synagogue stood up and applauded. JWV’s 128th birthday was also mentioned before the shehechayanu blessing and the congregation was most receptive.

JWV National Commander Barry Lischinsky at the Lexington Avenue Opera House in New York City (l-r) JWV Past National Commander Alan Paley, National Ladies Auxiliary Junior Vice President Carol Adler and JWV National Quartermaster Al Adler

JWVA National President Shirley Zak giving greetings from the National Ladies Auxiliary at the Opera House

Group picture of JWV and JWVA members on the bimah at Central Synagogue in New York City

In Honor of the Jewish War Veterans –128th Anniversary

By Assemblyman Alex Sauickie and JWV NJ Department Commander Chuck Greenberg, SGM, US Army (Ret)

TRENTON, N.J. – In honor of the 128th anniversary of the founding of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America organization, Assemblyman Alex Sauickie introduced a resolution designating March 15 as Jewish War Veterans Day in New Jersey.

“Jewish American soldiers have battled much more than just foreign enemies and national adversaries. They have combated antisemitism and injustices and fought for recognition and fundamental rights. As the nation and this state once again experience rising anti-Semitic rhetoric and crimes, it is a moral imperative that we honor the men and women of the Jewish faith who have not only faced adversity, but so bravely served this country and protected American values and freedom,” Sauickie (R-Ocean) said.

In response to anti-Semitic remarks about Jews not serving in the American military, a group of Jewish Civil War veterans gathered in New York City on March 15, 1896, for the first meeting of the Hebrew Union Veterans Association, which is now the Jewish War Veterans of

America. They serve as a Jewish voice for veterans, and educate and advocate on issues important to the Jewish veteran community from funding for veterans homes to kosher food for troops.

“The Department of New Jersey, JWV, USA has always been at the forefront of caring for veterans and advocating against antisemitism. The members of this great organization deserve credit and recognition for what they do, and I’m proud to be associated with them. I’m thankful that Assemblyman Sauickie has chosen to recognize them by proposing a Jewish War Veterans Day in New Jersey,” said Chuck Greenberg, Commander of the New Jersey Department of the National Jewish War Veterans organization.

The joint resolution (AJR163) calls for public officials, organizations and citizens to recognize Jewish war veterans with appropriate events and activities on March 15 each year. “May March 15 forever be a day to recognize our Jewish veterans and their tremendous work to better the lives of all veterans and servicemembers while continuing to promote patriotism and denounce hate in all its forms,” Sauickie said.

Virtual Speakers Bureau

Federation speaker:

Anti-Semitism: It's Here Today - What We Can Do Israel - Current News

JFCS speaker:

Successful Aging/Are the Golden Years Golden? Long Distance Grandparenting

Managing Stress in a Stressful World Reducing Conflict in the Family

The Jewish Family & Children’s Service speakers include: clinical social workers, retired educators, attorneys and business advisors

A Ask about more topics! For more information contact Rita at 732-363-8010 or jfcs@ocjf org

JEWISH FAMILY AND

changing lives...

Your Grandchildren and You

By Rita Sason, LCSW, Director Jewish Family & Children’s Service

On your journey through life, you fulfill many roles. When children are young the parenting role centers around homework, school activities, carpooling and meals. However, eventually children mature and go on to establish their own homes and families. The relationship with adult children is less central to one’s life. While the quiet may be nice at first, you may begin to feel unfulfilled.

Human beings possess an innate need to give to others. For so many years you supported and gave endlessly to your children. Now they are self-sufficient and you are left with an empty nest. While they may no longer be physically needy, your presence in their life is still of the utmost importance, especially when it comes to their children, your grandchildren.

Grandparents play an important role in their grandchildren’s lives. Grandparents provide unconditional love. Like parents, grandparents love unconditionally, which helps a child feel safe and secure. The benefits go both ways; relationships such as these can help grandparents have happier and longer lives. Grandparents help teach family culture, tradition and history.

Children benefit tremendously when Grandpa and Grandma are involved in their lives. They may seem to have a fast-paced social life enhanced by social media, but there is no question that they gain from a strong connection with their grandparents. In fact, according to a 2013 study, this relationship does wonders for both sides.

"We found that an emotionally close

grandparent-grandchild relationship was associated with fewer symptoms of depression for both generations," said Sara M. Moorman, an assistant professor in the Department of Sociology and the Institute on Aging at Boston College. The benefit to grandparents was accentuated by a study from researchers in Melbourne, Australia who found that babysitting for grandchildren once a week decreased the risk of Alzheimer’s for those adults. If grandchildren live a distance, with the use of virtual visits a long-distance relationship is possible and valuable.

Children benefit tremendously as well from a constant loving relationship. Grandparents may serve as role models. Although they may not be able to teach them how to use their iPhone, they can draw upon their rich life experience to help mentor their grandchildren through life’s challenges, both social and emotional.

Additionally, children may be hesitant to share their mistakes with parents for fear of discipline or parental disappointment. Grandparents can serve as a non- judgmental address creating a safe place for them to unload anything and everything.

Finally, children fare when they are culturally grounded and attached to their heritage. Noted psychiatrist Murray Bowen (who developed a unique brand of family systems theory) explained that children need a secure attachment to their roots in order to develop a healthy sense of self-worth. When kids are supported by their own family it provides a unique sense of security that is hard to come by from other sources.

The bottom line is that you may have turned a page on one chapter of parenting. But for your grandchildren, you are starting a brand new story.

Together with the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (Claims Conference) and a grant from the State of New Jersey, the Jewish Family and Children’s Service of the Jewish Federation of Ocean County has been providing the sacred obligation of pikuach nefesh (saving a life in jeopardy) to Holocaust Survivors for many years. We realize that unless you are impacted directly, you may not fully appreciate how important this work is. Every dollar you contribute will be matched 25 times!

CHILDREN'S SERVICE ...making a difference

PJ Library – A Special Project with Many Parts

The Jewish Federation of Ocean County is proud to be able to administer the PJ Library program. The program is much more than books!

We have been able to participate and sponsor programs for our community's children, including our Fall Festival with One Ocean County.

PJ Library also has podcasts. One of them, "Have I Got A Story For You," can be found on the JFOC website at www. jewishoceancounty.org/pj-library.

There is a program for PJ Grandparents, so they can receive a few goodies during the year to share when the grandchildren visit.

And about the books … Sometimes one new book a month isn't enough! We've got book racks around our community –in our Jewish Federation office, at Beth Am Shalom in Lakewood and at Congregation Ahavat Olam in Howell. The books can be borrowed or swapped out for a PJ Library book that is in good shape but has been outgrown.

Please help us to know what you want to see from the PJ Library program by taking this short survey at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/3m2H7J5.

Any questions, please contact Sharron Greenberg, JFOC Development and Programs Manager, at sharron@ocjf.org.

Jewish Federation of Ocean County, a non-profit corporation, publishes The Jewish Journal 12 times a year. Views expressed by columnists, in readers’ letters and in reprinted opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Jewish Journal, the Jewish Federation of Ocean County or any agency of the Jewish Federation of Ocean County. Submissions of copy and .jpeg photos may be sent to Editor (jfoceditor@ocjf.org) or mailed to the known office of publication. All copy or photos submitted to The Jewish Journal shall become the property of The Jewish Journal and the Jewish Federation of Ocean County. All submissions of text or photography may be changed and printed at the discretion of the editor without notice to the submitter. The Jewish Journal reserves full discretion to decide what will be published. No material will be accepted which is considered against the best interest of the Jewish community. Acceptance of advertising neither endorses advertisers nor guarantees kashrut.

SYNAGOGUES

CHABAD

CHABAD JEWISH CENTER OF JACKSON

645 Cross Street

Lakewood, NJ 08701

Rabbi Shmuel Naparstek

732-523-5112

Email: info@chabadofjackson.com

www.ChabadofJackson.com

CHABAD JEWISH CENTER OF TOMS RIVER

2001 Church Road

Toms River, NJ 08753

Rabbi Moshe Gourarie

732-349-4199

Email: rabbi@chabadtomsriver.com

www.chabadtomsriver.com

CONSERVATIVE

CONGREGATION AHAVAT OLAM

106 Windeler Road

Howell, NJ 07731

Rabbi Cantor David Amar

Rabbi Emeritus Michael Klein

732-719-3500

email: CAOReceptionist@cao-nj.org

www.cao-nj.org

CONGREGATION B'NAI ISRAEL

1488 Old Freehold Road

Toms River, NJ 08753

Rabbi William Gershon

Rabbi Emeritus Richard Hammerman

Cantor Emeritus Daniel Green

732-349-1244

Email: info@cbitr.org

www.cbitr.org

TEMPLE BETH OR

P.O. Box 789

Brick, NJ 08723

Rabbi Robert B. Rubin

Rabbi Emeritus Dr. Robert E. Fierstien

732-458-4700

Email: templebethorbrick@gmail.com

www.templebethorbrick.org

ORTHODOX

CONGREGATION SONS OF ISRAEL

590 Madison Avenue

Lakewood, NJ 08701

Rabbi Shmuel Tendler

732-364-2230

Chazan Zelig Freilich

CONGREGATION SONS OF ISRAEL

401 Park Ave.

Lakewood, NJ 08701

Rabbi Baruch Ber Yoffe

732-367-3116

SHABBAT & PASSOVER CANDLE LIGHTING IN LAKEWOOD

April 19

April 22

April 23

April 26

April 28

April 29

May 3

May10

May 17

May 24

May 31

REFORM

BETH AM SHALOM

1235 State Highway 70

Lakewood, NJ 08701

Rabbi Stephen D. Gold

Cantor Jon Sobel

732-363-2800

Email: office@bethamshalom.org

www.bethamshalom.org

PM

Here is How You Can Support Our Holocaust Survivors and Seniors

Please contribute to:

• Friends of JFCS

• The Holocaust Survivors’ Special Fund

• The Seniors Lunch Program Special Fund

It is easy to donate a little each month, to make a big impact!

• Go online to www. jewishoceancounty.org.

• Send a check, use your credit card, transfer stock.

UNAFFILIATED

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF LBI

2411 Long Beach Blvd. Spray Beach, NJ 08008

Rabbi Michael Jay

609-492-4090

Email: jccoflbi@gmail.com

www.jccoflbi.org

For Shabbat:

Blessed are You, Ad-nai our G-d, Sovereign of the universe, who hallows us with mitzvot, commanding us to kindle the light of Shabbat.

For Passover Nights - 1, 2, 7 and 8

Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the universe, who hallows us with mitzvot, commanding us to kindle the light of Holiday.

For Passover Nights - 1 and 2

Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the universe, who has kept us alive and sustained us and enabled us to reach this moment in time.

• Call the office and talk with our staff.

• Bring in your Tzedakah box. We will count it for you.

• Consider making a monthly gift to support your community.

Jewish Federation of Ocean County

1235A Route 70, Lakewood, NJ 08701 732-363-0530

www.ocjj.net

Holocaust Survivors Alert

If you are a Holocaust Survivor who has never applied for compensation, or was turned down previously, there are new funds and guidelines. For more information, you may call the Claims Conference in NY at 646-536-9100 or go to their website: www.claimscon.org.

Click on survivor resources, then click on compensation programs. They have a FAQ (frequently asked questions) section which should be read prior to applying.

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