Jewish Journal August 2024

Leadership also Requires Those Willing to be Led

By Keith Krivitzky, Managing Director Jewish Federation of Ocean County keith@ocjf.org

www.jewishoceancounty.org

www.jewishoceancounty.org/donate 732.363.0530

By the time you will read this, what’s fresh in my mind now will probably be a distant memory… but let’s just say this is after the early Presidential debate and recent court rulings regarding President Trump. I am not going to take a side (clearly) other than to say we have two very flawed candidates.

The reason I am even touching on this subject is that when you speak to supporters of one or the other candidate, or Party, you get this stridency and righteous indignation that seems to be disconnected from the underlying context – that both of the aspirants to one of the ultimate positions of leadership are highly pro-

Our Right to Israel

By Rabbi Shmuel Naparstek Chabad Jewish Center of Jackson www.ChabadofJackson.com

The savage massacre in Israel on October 7 had a tremendous impact on the Jewish community worldwide. Reflecting on the fact that it occurred during the holiday of Simchat Torah when Jews around the world started reading the Torah from the beginning, the first entry of the eleventh-century classic Bible commentator Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki (Rashi) provides context to the conflict.

The Bible begins with the story of creation because the day would come when people would accuse the Jewish nation of

blematic. There should at least be a little bit of bashfulness and humility, even regret, about whatever choice is made.

What is fascinating is that the Torah portions we are reading at this time (Shelach and Korach – again, apologies for the lag time…but these have been front of mind now) are all about leadership and the fundamental roles/values expected of leadership for the Jewish people.

Good leadership is necessary…but not sufficient. It takes constituents that are ready and willing to be led.

In the reading of Shelach, where Moses sends the spies to scope out the land of Israel and report back, there are a few elements I find of note:

• It was up to Moses to send the spies; he wasn’t commanded to by God.

• Moses didn’t really give very good directions or guidance in terms of what was expected of the spies, what kind of report he was looking for, and how their efforts fit into the overall vision for the future.

• The spies – all of whom were among the leaders of the people – gave into their doubts and fears, offering hyper-

bole rather than solutions or constructive suggestions.

• And throughout it all the Jewish people were complaining, venting, feeling anxious, blaming their leaders, and being ornery.

The outcome of all of this was…a bit of a disaster. The Jews were forced to wander for 40 years in the desert and have a whole generation die off before they could successfully enter and build a healthy society in the land of Israel.

Just to keep on with the story, then we get to the story of Korach – a relation of Moses who made a very interesting claim for leadership. His argument was simple – aren’t all the children of Israel holy? Why should leadership just be held in the hands of a few? Shouldn’t everyone have equal standing and equal access/ rights when it comes to leadership? There was a fair amount of rabble-rousing, and this was also in the context of perceived patronage or nepotism.

This platform makes sense, no? You can imagine a related slogan working, just as we see today to oversimplify a point. The bottom line: Korach was offering a legitimate, even compelling, political argument…it was just marred by the ambition and behavior of the leader presenting it. And, perhaps as a result, this argument

did not go down so well, judging from how God punished Korach.

This whole narrative arc in the Torah about leadership, which we can see in these portions, is fascinating…and, I think, scarily relevant.

We seem to have a gap, or more like a gaping chasm, in leadership these days. Leaders who have questionable motives, who focus less on bringing people together than on dividing and conquering. Politicians seem to want to stir the pot and score points rather than find common ground. People take umbrage and lash out at anything that strikes them the wrong way.

But there is another piece to this, too. Good leadership is necessary…but not sufficient. It takes constituents that are ready and willing to be led. The Jewish people weren’t. Leadership can help get people there, but ultimately people need to buy in and be able to believe in a path forward.

What we see in these readings wasn’t a good recipe for the Jewish people then. It took 40 years for them to accept a path forward. A question I think about a lot is what should be the takeaway from these lessons today?

stealing the Holy Land from others, Rashi wrote. Therefore, the Bible sets down the premise that G-d is the creator and master of the world. He alone chose to give the Holy Land to the Jewish nation, and there is no need to apologize for being there.

How can a Jewish kingdom in Israel thousands of years ago justify a Jewish presence there today?

This question clarifies two fundamental and interconnected points of the Israel debate. Firstly, all criticism of Israel boils down to one simple attack: Why are Jews living in that swath of land in the first place? Go live somewhere else!

Secondly, this question illustrates how the only foolproof defense for a Jewish presence in Israel today is that G-d promised it to the Jewish nation as an everlasting inheritance, an integral part of His covenant with each one of our three forefathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Every other argument about history, archeology, international law, or the sava-

gery of our enemies, is ultimately flawed.

A close reading of the Torah reveals how this divine inheritance has no expiration date and continues to be relevant even when there is no autonomous Jewish presence in the land.

Even when we are physically distant, the land remains ours forever.

Following G-d’s promise that devotion to Torah study and Mitzvah observance will elicit tremendous blessings of success, wealth, health and peace in Israel, the Torah continues with the flipside. If the Jews failed to uphold their end of the deal there would be tremendous pain and suffering, culminating in their expulsion from their Promised Land. “Your land will be desolate, and your cities will be laid waste.” Notice, even after the Jews are exiled from the land making it desolate, G-d calls it “your land.” Even

when we are physically distant, the land remains ours forever.

Beyond the biblical language, our unnatural obsession with the land we lost close to two millennia ago shows that it’s part of our identity as Jews, no matter where we are. The liturgy of our daily prayers, the grace after meals and the design of our synagogues all emphasize our unbreakable bond with Israel. Yom Kippur services and the Passover Seder, the most heavily attended Jewish events of all time, both conclude with the declaration and prayer “Next Year in Jerusalem!”

Public discourse about Israel is predictable. Detractors hurl nonsense arguments to vilify its very existence and defenders work feverishly to fact-check and counter argue within the parameters of these outlandish accusations. Over 900 years ago Rashi recommended that the best way to legitimize our presence in Israel, especially to ourselves, is by saying the truth:

Continued on page 3

A Letter from Israeli Author Dina Rubina

From Truth of the Middle East April 3, 2024 truthofthemiddleeast.com

Not long ago the Pushkin House in London together with the University of London invited the famous Israeli writer Dina Rubina to hold a meeting. The topic was to be literary – a discussion of the writer’s books. Some time ago, Dina received a letter from the moderator of the meeting.

Good afternoon, Dina

The Pushkin House advertised our upcoming discussion on social media and immediately received critical messages regarding your position on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. They would like to understand your position on this issue before reacting in any way. Could you formulate your position and send it to me as soon as possible?”

Natalia

An OPEN LETTER from Dina Rubina

Dear Natalia!

You have written beautifully about my novels; I am very sorry for the time you have wasted. But it seems we’ll have to cancel our meeting.

The University of Warsaw and the University of Torun have just cancelled lectures by the remarkable Israeli Russian-speaking writer Yakov Shechter on the life of Jews in Galicia in the 17th and 19th centuries – “to avoid aggravating the situation.” I suspected that this would also happen to me, because now the academic environment is the main nursery of the most disgusting and rabid anti-Semitism, hiding behind the so-called “criticism of Israel.” I was expecting something like this, and even sat down three times to write you a letter on the subject… but I decided to wait, and so I have waited.

That’s what I want to say to all those who expect from me a quick and obsequious account of my position on my beloved country, which now (and always) lives in a circle of ardent enemies who seek its destruction; on my country, which is

Our Right to Israel

Continued from page 2

G-d gave it to us forever. Everything else is a distraction. Even if the critics do not share this belief, they will be forced to respect our conviction in our beliefs.

I am not writing this to make anyone sympathise with the tragedy of my people.

now waging a just patriotic war against a violent, ruthless, deceitful and sophisticated enemy.

The last time in my life I apologised was in the headmaster’s office, in the ninth grade. Since then, I have done what I think is right, listening only to my conscience and expressing only my understanding of the world order and human laws of justice. And so on.

I’m really sorry, Natalia, for your efforts and the hope that you could “cook something with me” – something that everyone will like. Therefore, I ask you personally to send my reply to all those who are interested.

On Saturday, 7 October, the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah, the ruthless, well-trained, carefully prepared and perfectly equipped with Iranian weapons Hamas terrorist regime ruling the Gaza enclave (which Israel left some 20 years ago) attacked dozens of peaceful kibbutzim and simultaneously pelted the territory of my country with tens of thousands of rockets.

Atrocities that even the Bible cannot describe, atrocities and horrors that make the crimes of Sodom and Gomorrah pale in comparison (captured, by the way, by the frontal and chest cameras of the murderers themselves and boastfully sent by them in real time to the Internet), can shock any normal person.

For several hours, thousands of gleeful, blood-drunk animals raped women, children and men, shot their victims in the crotch and in the head, cut off women’s breasts and played football with them, cut babies out of the bellies of pregnant women and immediately beheaded them, tied up small children and burned them. There were so many charred and completely burnt bodies that for many weeks the pathologists could not cope with the

May we very soon merit the realization of G-d’s promise in the Torah “I will grant peace in the Land,” and may this lead to the arrival of Moshiach when peace and tranquility will reign for all.

The Jewish Journal is pleased to host a

enormous burden of identifying individuals.

My friend, who worked in a New York hospital for 20 years and then spent another 15 years in Israel identifying remains, was one of the first to arrive in the burned and blood-soaked kibbutzim with a group of rescuers and medics… She still can’t sleep. A medic used to cutting up bodies – she fainted from what she saw and then vomited all the way back to the car. What these people have seen is beyond words.

Together with the Hamas fighters, the “civilian population” rushed into the holes in the fence, joined the pogroms on an unprecedented scale, robbed, killed and dragged whatever they could get their hands on into Gaza. Among these “peaceful Palestinians” were 450 members of the UN’s UNRWA scum.

Everyone was there, and judging by the stormy total joy of the population (also captured in these inconvenient times by hundreds of mobile cameras) – there were a lot of people – Hamas supports and approves, at least before the real fighting starts, of almost the entire population of Gaza…

The main problem: our residents were dragged into the beast’s lair, more than two hundred of them, including women, children, the elderly and non-essential foreign workers. About a hundred of them are now rotting and dying in the Hamas dungeons. Needless to say, these harassed victims are of little concern to the “academic community.”

But that’s not what I’m talking about. I am not writing this to make anyone sympathise with the tragedy of my people.

For all these years, the world community has literally poured hundreds of millions of dollars into this piece of land (the Gaza Strip), and the annual budget of the UNRWA organisation alone is a BILLION dollars! All these years, Hamas has used this money to build an empire of the most complex underground tunnel system, to stockpile weapons, to teach primary school children how to

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.

dismantle and reassemble a Kalashnikov assault rifle, to print textbooks in which the hatred of Israel defies description, in which even the math problems go like this: “There were ten Jews, Shahid killed four, how many are left?” – with every word calling for the murder of Jews.

And now that Israel, shocked at last by the monstrous crime of these bastards, is waging a war to destroy the Hamas terrorists, who have prepared this war so carefully, planting thousands of shells in all the hospitals, schools, kindergartens… – here the academic world of the whole world has risen up, worried about the “genocide of the Palestinian people,” based, of course, on data provided by… who? That’s right, by the same Hamas, by the same UNRWA.

The academic community, which was not concerned about the massacres in Syria, the massacre in Somalia, the mockery of the Uighurs or the millions of Kurds persecuted for decades by the Turkish regime – this very concerned public, wearing “Arafat” around their necks, the trademark of the murderers, rallies under the banners “Free Palestine from the river to the sea! – which means the total destruction of Israel (yes, many of these “academics,” as surveys show, have no idea where this river is, what it is called, where some borders are…). – Now this very public asks me to “take a clear position on this issue.”

Are you serious?! Are you serious?!!

You see, I’m a writer by profession. All my life, for more than fifty years, I have been folding words. My novels have been translated into 40 languages, including Albanian, Turkish, Chinese, Esperanto… and many others.

Now, with great pleasure, without using too many expressions, I sincerely and with all the strength of my soul send all the brainless “intellectuals” interested in my position go to ass. In fact, very soon you will all be there without me.

Dina Rubina

Why October 7 Is Our New Never Again

By David Suissa June 9, 2024 jewishjournal.com

Every time I think I’ve fully processed the singular horror of October 7, something comes along to bring me back to square one.

It happened a few days ago when I put on these large goggles to see a virtual reality depiction of the now infamous scenes of destruction. It’s everything you’d expect from that day – the crumbled homes, the burned-out cars, the children’s bedrooms littered with bullet holes, all the visual cues of the savagery – only now, you feel as if you’re there. It’s virtual reality in name only. You don’t feel the virtual.

As I encountered in yet another way that darkest of days, listening to the soul-crushing words of survivors, I couldn’t help thinking the obvious: This day will never go away.

The images, the stories, the testimonies, the agony, are simply too real, too graphic. They overwhelm the senses. It’s as if any reminder of the 1200 Israelis murdered and the hundreds taken captive

Israelis understand that Hamas’s cruelty is ultimately responsible for the tragic deaths that have occurred since October 7 – yes, both Jewish and Palestinian.

makes a volcano of pain erupt in our brains and brings us right back to that day. The volcano erupted again recently, but this time, instead of pain we got the ecstasy of seeing four Israeli hostages rescued from the clutches of Hamas.

“The focus remained steadfastly on the hostages,” Amir Bobot wrote in JPost, describing the heroic rescue inside an urban maze deep inside Gaza, “with Yamam and Shin Bet fighters shielding them with their bodies.”

It was that little phrase – shielding them with their bodies – that especially got to me. It got to me because the difference with Hamas was so stark. While Israeli commandos stepped in front of the Israeli hostages to protect them, the cowards

Temple Beth Or

from Hamas put their fellow Palestinians in front of them for their own protection. Indeed, since the beginning of the war, the only civilians Hamas has shown any interest in protecting are those they can use as bargaining chips.

These twin evils of Hamas using terrified captives to blackmail Israel, and using their own civilians as human shields, are savage truths that have further cemented October 7 in our memories.

No dark Jewish memory, of course, can compete with the Holocaust, the lowest point of Jewish history. But the Holocaust happened more than 80 years ago. The great majority of Jews today were not alive then, but they were all alive to see October 7 explode on their smart phones over and over again.

They didn’t just see a massacre; they saw terrorists showing off these massacres on digital cameras for the world to see. They saw depravity boosted by glee. They saw murderers who were just as ecstatic at the rape and mutilation and beheading of Jews as Israelis were ecstatic celebrating the return of four hostages.

But here again, the dark cloud of October 7 is never too far away. As Israelis welcomed the liberated hostages, it was impossible to forget all the hostages who are still languishing in Hamas hell.

I used to think I had a special talent to put myself in other people’s shoes. October 7 has introduced me to my limit. No matter how hard I try, I can’t do it.

I can’t put myself in one of those bedrooms or shelters where the worst nightmares imaginable happened on that Black Shabbat. As a parent, I can’t put myself in the shoes of a father or mother whose children have been hostages for 248 days (as of June 9) and counting. I have empathy, I have pain, but I can’t come close to the real pain of a relative of those who perished or those who are still hostages.

But memory is something else. It’s a muscle that is awakened by stories and images. October 7 has awakened that collective Jewish muscle like nothing else.

It’s a question of degree. October 7 was hardly the first instance of Palestinian terrorists murdering Jews, but it was on a level none of us have could have ever imagined. Because its horror was so surreal, so otherworldly, it has lodged itself indelibly in our memories.

This helps explain why so many Jews continue to rally to Israel’s side. It’s not that they like Netanyahu’s government (I certainly don’t), or that they have no empathy for the tragic loss of Palestinian lives (I certainly do). It’s that they’re connecting two dots: the extraordinary cruelty of Hamas and the extraordinary pain of Israelis who faced that cruelty.

Israelis understand that Hamas’s cruelty is ultimately responsible for the tragic deaths that have occurred since October 7 – yes, both Jewish and Palestinian. More than anything, it is this surreal cruelty of Hamas that inflicted surreal pain on Israelis that makes October 7 a day that will never go away – a day that is our new never again.

Call us at 732-458-4700 or email us at templebethorbrick@gmail.com. Robert Rubin, Rabbi Dr. Sharon Monter, President

$200,000 Israel Emergency Campaign

Israeli solders and visitors on December 21, 2023 walk among a display of photos of people killed during the Hamas attack at the ‘Nova’ festival site in Re’im, Israel. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

Ceremony Marks Start of Rebuilding for Pittsburgh Synagogue Targeted in Antisemitic Mass Shooting

The new structure is replacing the Tree of Life synagogue where 11 worshipers were murdered in 2018 in the deadliest act of antisemitism in U.S. history.

By Associated Press

June 23, 2024

apnews.com

Second gentleman Douglas Emhoff and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro were among the dignitaries marking the groundbreaking Sunday of a new structure replacing the Tree of Life synagogue, where 11 worshippers were murdered in 2018 in the deadliest act of antisemitism in U.S. history.

Plans for the new complex include a cultural center, sanctuary, educational center and museum along with a memorial to the worshipers from three congregations who were murdered on the Sabbath morning of October 27, 2018. The new design is by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, whose previous works include Jewish museums, Holocaust memorials and the master plan for the redevelopment of the World Trade Center after 9/11.

Emhoff, the first Jewish spouse of an American president or vice president, said his purpose on Sunday was to “send a message to the Jewish community of Pittsburgh, to the country, and to the world, that we must never forget what the poison of antisemitism can do. We are turning what was once a tragic crime scene into a place of hope and inspiration – a place that is full of light,” said Emhoff, who has met previously with Tree of Life family members and survivors of the attack.

Survivors were among the speakers at the groundbreaking, including Tree of Life’s rabbi, Jeffrey Myers. “Today we announce, loudly and clearly, to the entire world that evil did not win — that it did not chase us from our home, and it never, ever will,” Myers said.

Shapiro, who is Jewish, reminded the audience that when he was sworn in as governor 18 months ago, one of the bibles on which he swore his oath was from the Tree of Life. To this day, that bible sits on his desk in the Capitol, he said.

“Far too many people in today’s world either ignore or fail to learn from the atrocities of the past,” Shapiro said. “The task of remembering requires us to stand up, speak out, and ensure that everyone in this country knows the stories of the 11 people who were murdered here – and the dangers of antisemitism.”

Much of the original synagogue complex, which had been unused since the shootings, was demolished earlier this year. The reconstruction is being overseen by a new non-profit organization, named Tree of Life. The building will include worship space for the historic congregation of the same name along with space for other activities.

The attack claimed the lives of 11 worshippers from Dor Hadash, New Light and Tree of Life congregations, which shared space in the synagogue in Squirrel Hill, the heart of Pittsburgh’s Jewish community. Two worshippers and five responding police officers were also injured in the attack. The attacker was sentenced to death in 2023 after being convicted on 63 counts, including hate crimes resulting in death.

“The end of our story is not victimhood, it’s about how we as Jewish people define ourselves and, out of the worst moments, our capacity to be resilient, to get up and to rebuild,” said Carole Zawatsky, chief executive officer of the Tree of Life non-profit organization overseeing the project in tandem with the congregation of the same name. Organizers aim to have the project completed by the end of 2026, she said in an interview,

She said the project aims to honor the memories of the 11 who were killed and to combat the hatred behind such attacks. “What we’re truly doing is looking at the root of all identity-based hate,” she said. “In a society where antisemitism is allowed to flourish, all forms of hate are allowed to flourish. It is an American problem.”

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.

Second gentleman Doug Emhoff gives remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Tree of Life complex in Pittsburgh, Sunday, June 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Droke)

Second gentleman Doug Emhoff, left, is joined by Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, second from left, and other dignitaries during a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Tree of Life complex in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Rebecca Droke)

Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, center, Tree of Life congregation and 10/27 survivor, leads an interfaith blessing during the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Tree of Life complex in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Rebecca Droke)

Audrey Glickman, a 10/27 survivor, sounds the shower during the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Tree of Life complex in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Rebecca Droke)

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro gives remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Tree of Life complex in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Rebecca Droke)

Peg Durachko, center left, and Carol Black, center right, hug as they participate in the breaking of the glass, at the end of the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Tree of Life complex in Pittsburgh. Durachko’s husband Richard Gottfried was killed in the attack and Black is a survivor. Also on stage are other survivors and family members of those killed in 2018. (AP Photo/Rebecca Droke)

Local News

Jewish War Veterans Department of New Jersey Activities

By Al Adler, Past Commander Department of New Jersey

On June 9, JWV Post 178 held their monthly meeting. Leisure Chateau graciously provided our breakfast and Florence Leone from Leisure Chateau was our guest speaker. Thank you to Leisure Chateau for the delicious breakfast.

On a sad note, JWV Post Commander Dave Kessler and his lovely wife Judy will be moving to Virginia. Dave has been Commander of our post for over 10 years and on a personal note I have known Dave and Judy for over 40 years. In fact, Dave and Judy danced at my wedding nearly 48 years ago. We will dearly miss Dave’s steady hand and leadership, but we are sure Dorit Attias will do a splendid job as our new Post Commander.

On Sunday, June 23, the JWV Department of New Jersey held its 93rd annual convention at the Clarion Hotel in Toms River.

At the Convention the outgoing officers were honored, including Charles (Chuck) Greenberg-Commander, Selina Kanowitz-Senior Vice Commander, Al Adler-Junior Vice Commander and Allen Falk-Judge Advocate. New Department elections were held and the Department Officers for 2024-2025 are Selina Kanowitz-Department Commander, Larry Rosenthal-Senior Vice Commander, Al Adler-Junior Vice Commander and Mike Berman- Judge Advocate. Good luck to all of our state officers for a successful year.

The guest speakers at our convention were Bob Newell former American Legion State Commander who spoke about his trip to Israel that was sponsored by the Jewish War Veterans. The other speaker was Judith Elias Issacson, President of Heroes to Heroes which sends military and veterans suffering from PTSD to Israel. Both speakers were very informative.

The JWV Department of New Jersey Ladies Auxiliary also held their state meetings and elections at this time. The new Auxiliary officers are Carol Adler-Department President, Tracey Adler-Senior Vice President and Secretary, Susan Kar-

sh-Junior Vice President, and Sophie Ruderman-Judge Advocate.

The highlight of the convention was the testimonial for State Commander Chuck Greenberg and State Auxiliary President Carol Adler. Commander Greenberg received a beautiful plaque in recognition of the work he did for the Department.

If you would like to join the Jewish War Veterans or Jewish War Veterans Ladies Auxiliary, please contact Post Commander Dorit Attias at (732) 886-0282 or Post Auxiliary President Tracey Adler at (908) 812-9154.

Department of New Jersey Ladies Auxiliary President Carol Adler getting reinstalled as NJ Department President by Past National President of the National Ladies Auxiliary and current NJ Department Judge Advocate Sophie Ruderman who is doing the installation

Comedy Night at Beth Am Shalom, Lakewood

Join Lois Pollinger, Cyndy Friedland, Joyce Scranton and Helen Cocuzza of Beth Am Shalom’s Fundraising Committee for Beth Am Shalom’s second Comedy Central event on Saturday, September 14. This year we will be featuring Joey Callahan, Ed McGonigal and Joe Bublowicz as Master of Ceremonies.

Joey Callahan has performed all over the United States and Europe, sharing what it’s like to be a dad to two girls which inspired his F.O.D., fathers of daughters, which allows him to jab at having millennial daughters. He has appeared on Comedy Central, ESPN and is a regular at the Borgata in Atlantic City.

Ed McGonigal knew from the first time

he saw Dick Van Dyke trip over the ottoman that he knew he wanted to work in comedy. He has a career which has allowed him to headline in clubs and casinos all over the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Ed has appeared on Comedy Central, won an ACE award and has written for Jay Leno and other comedians.

Joe Bublowicz hails from Hamilton, New Jersey and Beach Haven West. He appears regularly at The Surflight Theater in Beach Haven, the Borgata in Atlantic City and numerous clubs from Pennsylvania to Connecticut. Joe will lead us thru the evening with his charismatic style and humor.

Doors open at 7:00 PM with snacks, dessert and coffee being served. Covert is $50 per person. For more information call Lois at 732-477-2585. The event will be held at Beth Am Shalom, 1235 Route 70, Lakewood, NJ 08701.

National Ladies Auxiliary Junior Vice President and Current President of the JWVA Department of New Jersey Carol Adler giving her testimonial speech

(l-r) Past NJ Department Commander Al Adler, National Junior Vice President Carol Adler, NJ Department Senior Vice Commander Selina Kanowitz and Auxiliary 126 member Merci Silverman at the Memorial Day service at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Holmdel, New Jersey

(l-r) Yvonne Mays, the adjutant general for the New Jersey National Guard; Past NJ Department Commander Chuck Greenberg and Vincent Solomeno from the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs recognizing Past NJ Department Commander Chuck Greenberg for his hard work

Past NJ Department Commander Chuck Greenberg receiving a beautiful plaque from current NJ Department Commander Selina Kanowitz for all of his hard work

Guest Speaker General (Ret.) Norton A. Schwartz, former Chief of Staff U.S. Air Force

Jewish Community Calendar – August 2024

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, August 1, 11:00 AM (and every day, Sunday-Thursday) – JVU: The Jewish People Policy Institute Daily Webinar; Jewish Federations and the Jewish Agency; https://www.jewishoceancounty.org/jvu

Thursday, August 1, 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

Monday, August 5, 1:00 PM (and every week on Monday) – Grief After Loss Group led by Rita Sason, Jewish Family and Children’s Service, virtual online, 732363-8010

Monday, August 5, 1:30 PM – Women’s Rosh Chodesh Program for the month of Av, led by Cantor Ruth Katz Green, in-person and on Zoom, song sheets available, optional: bring own parve/dairy lunch at 12:30 PM before the program, Congregation B’nai Israel, 1488 Old Freehold Road, Toms River, 732-349-1244

Monday night-Tuesday, August 12-13 – Fast of the 9th of Av (Tisha B’Av)

Monday, August 19 – Celebration of the 15th of Av (Tu B’Av)

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

E L I E

His voice

Caresses the room With the same Gentleness as The wind

That played the strings Of David's harp A flame

In the darkness

Guiding us home he Recalls the reality and Extols the dream-Jerusalem. The temple

Twice built Three times destroyed-The carnage of the Shoah Belies the dream

Burned in the collective Memory of the children of Israel

Our hands

Warm with the fervor Of applause

We follow the pilgrim

From one sanctuary To another Glad for his Survival and his Message -His warm touch

Untiring smile

Eyes that speak to The spark within us Rekindle the light -Jerusalem

Anise Winokur Singer May 3, 1987

A Tribute to Elie Wiesel

Has The Jewish-Created American Hot Dog Finally Assimilated?

By Shira Feder

August 15, 2018 forward.com

The story of the New York hot dog is the story of the Jews, and the story of the American hot dog fits squarely in the purview of one Nathan Handwerker.

What’s so Jewish about all-beef hot dogs?

Historians follow the hot dog trail all the way back to Roman emperor Nero’s cook Gaius, who may or may not have masterminded the creation of the sausa-

ge. Germans loved nothing more than feasting on a sausage with beer and some kraut. The birthplace of the first modern hot dog is contested, but it’s no surprise that the fight came down to Frankfurt and Vienna.

But the man who made the hot dog the cultural juggernaut it is today wasn’t German (or Roman!). He was a Jewish immigrant from Poland named Nathan Handwerker.

It all started at a hot dog stand stationed in Coney Island that opened in 1870, owned by a German Jew by the name of Charles Feltman. Some believe Feltman, who was from Frankfurt, Germany, was the first to shove some hyper-processed meat into a roll so people could eat lunch on the go. By 1900 Feltman employed 1200 workers at his German beer garden and had the capacity to serve eight thousand people daily. One of those 1200 employees was Nathan Handwerker.

By 1915, Handwerker, who was biding his time working for Feltman, was living off the hot dogs he sold, eating them for breakfast, lunch and dinner, making a measly $5 a week serving them up to people, and sleeping on a kitchen floor for a

year while he raised $300. (Today, that $300 he scrimped and saved for would have the buying power of $7,322.50.) That $300 was destined for greatness.

Handwerker used it to open a competing hotdog stand called Nathan’s Famous, which charged 5 cents a dog, compared to his ex-employer’s 10 cents. It was a triumph of pure capitalism.

Every American cliche became true when it came to Nathan’s Famous: You can pull yourself by your bootstraps. You can come to America to make a man out of yourself, to a place where the streets are paved with gold. There is money to be made in America, and the American dream is not just reserved for a select mythic few. When the Great Depression blasted across America, Nathan’s Famous weathered the storm, even as his competitors crashed and burned.

What made Nathan’s Famous so impervious to the socioeconomic struggles of the day? For one, like every capitalist, Handwerker was an excellent marketer. “Nathan, Nathan, Why You Waitin’?”

Sophie Tucker famously sang in 1916. Public relations flunkies for Nathan’s Famous described the song as the inspi-

ration for the name of the store, cleverly reframing the romantic jingle into some musical product placement.

Jaded customers were skeptical, wondering what drek, or slime, Handwerker put in his hot dogs to keep costs so low. Handwerker hired actors to stand in front of the store in full doctor’s regalia, white coat and all, and devour hotdogs with relish. When crowds saw this bit of marketing maneuvering, they queued up to purchase, confident in the (mistaken) knowledge that if Nathan’s Famous hotdogs were good enough for medical professionals, they were good enough for your average Brooklyn Jew and his wary, nagging mother.

Nathan’s Famous hotdogs were so famous that first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who was the indisputable arbiter of American class and taste in 1939, decided to serve them to King George VI of England and his queen. “So many people are worried that the dignity of our country will be imperiled by inviting royalty to a picnic, particularly a hot dog picnic!” wrote Roosevelt in her syndicated newspaper column. But that didn’t matter. It was the American way, to break with tradition, to

Continued on page 13

"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.

Image by Getty

Secure Community Network Monthly Report – June 2024

By Michael G. Masters National Director & CEO Secure Community Network

This past month saw a continuation of the heightened threat environment that has faced our community recently, and the increased manifestation of that threat through outward acts from individuals harassing, intimidating, and assaulting members of our community. All just for being Jewish.

Wherever we are as a community –whether riding on public transportation, trying to get a cup of coffee in a Jewish-owned business, or seeking to enter a synagogue – we should be free to do so, unobstructed and free from fear. Our work as a community is to ensure that we confront those individuals, groups, and forces that would deny us our identity, and our basic religious freedom and liberty, and be able to ensure the continuity of Jewish life, and our people. Coming together, as organizations and as a community, we can stand strong, proud, secure, and resilient.

At SCN, we are maintaining our focus – working diligently with Federations,

national partners, law enforcement, and other key stakeholders – to keep Jewish life safe and vibrant. Recognizing the threat and concerns facing our community, we are working to ensure meticulous preparation for all aspects of Jewish life, including our most sacred times.

This year, we will launch our annual High Holidays Safety & Security Webinar Series earlier than ever before, with an expanded offering of trainings, webinars, and encore presentations to accommodate as many participants as possible. This proactive approach reflects our commitment to ensuring that every Jewish organization can conduct meaningful and secure holiday worship, even in these complex and dynamic times, and that every member of the community can participate in the High Holidays.

The sustained high level of threat incident and suspicious activity reports we have logged between May 20 and June 20 underscores the persistent challenges we face. The ongoing pace of incidents confronting our community can lead to a sense of numbness, and even acceptance of the current conditions – a normalization of hate and violence. We

cannot allow that to be the case. Each incident – each attack – directed against the Jewish people must be identified and addressed, as a community and with law enforcement. The current environment is far from normal and requires our unwavering vigilance and preparation.

Our enhanced Camp Security Initiative, in partnership with the Foundation for Jewish Camp, embodies our commitment to safeguarding every aspect of Jewish life. By equipping camps with training and helping to harden their facilities, we aim to ensure that campers and staff can focus on what truly matters – enjoying an enriching and joyful summer experience and allowing parents not to worry while their children are away. It is fundamental that our community members, especially the children in our community, have the right to participate fully in Jewish life without fear.

As we continue to expand our team and

strengthen our partnerships, including working with Federations to bring in new security professionals in South Palm Beach County and Philadelphia, we are building an ever-more-robust network of protection for Jewish communities at the local level. Our ongoing work in intelligence sharing, training, and community support reflects our understanding that in this heightened threat environment, preparation is not just prudent, it is essential.

In these continuously challenging times, our unity and commitment to securing Jewish life remain our greatest strengths. As we work tirelessly to prepare for the High Holidays and beyond, let us draw inspiration from our collective resilience and determination to ensure that Jewish life can continue to flourish unabated by fear.

Stay safe.

Why Do Orthodox Jewish Men Wear Big Fur Hats?

By Rabbi Jack Abramowitz

August 29, 2022

Dear Jew in the City, Why do Orthodox Jews wear big fur hats?

Sincerely, Suzanne

Dear Suzanne,

Thanks for your question. I’m sure you are familiar with the children’s riddle, “Why do firemen wear red suspenders?”

The answer, “To keep their pants up,” only addresses why firemen wear suspenders. The question one should have asked is “Why are the suspenders worn by firefighters red?”

Similarly, I could just answer why Orthodox Jews wear hats. This, in fact, is so-

mething we have addressed in the past. I will infer, however, that the intention of your question is “Why are the hats worn by Orthodox Jews made of fur?”

As with most queries of “Why do Orthodox Jews do such-and-such?”, the question generalizes something that is not truly universal. Sure, some Orthodox Jews wear big fur hats, but most don’t. The practice is limited to most Hasidic sects, plus to the Yerushalmis (a non-Hasidic Ashkenazi community in Jerusalem).

The fur hat in question is known by its Yiddish name, “shtreimel.” The shtreimel was adopted by Eastern European Jewish communities in the 18th century, coinciding with the rise of Hasidic Judaism. (Technically, a shtreimel is one particular style of hat; there are others. One that might be familiar on sight is the spodik, which is taller and more cylindrical than a shtreimel; a spodik is the style generally favored by Hasidic sects of Polish descent. To the casual observer, however, they are all “shtreimels.”)

A shtreimel is made from a large piece of velvet surrounded by fur. The fur usually comes from the tips of the tails of sable,

martens or fox. (Synthetic shtreimels do exist; they are more common in Israel than elsewhere.) A shtreimel can cost thousands of dollars, so it’s not uncommon for a Hasidic man to own a second, cheaper shtreimel so that his main shtreimel will not be battered by the elements. While Yerushalmis start wearing a shtreimel at bar mitzvah, Chasidim start doing so at marriage; a shtreimel is often gifted to the groom by his new father-in-law. Shtreimels are only worn on special days with one’s finest clothes; they are never worn with weekday outfits.

The exact origin of the shtreimel is unknown but there is an interesting legend. According to the legend, a certain anti-Semitic noble issued a decree that Jewish men had to identify themselves by wearing an animal tail on their heads – kind of a precursor to the infamous yellow star. While the intention of the decree was to denigrate the Jews, the rabbis came up with a plan that would comply with the law but in a manner bestowing honor: they wove multiple tails into a crown-like shape, in the manner of royalty. (Prior to Napoleon’s 1812 incursion on Russia, Eastern European nobility wore such fur hats. They subsequently embraced more Western styles,

leaving the shtreimel a uniquely Jewish garment.)

The shtreimel has no inherent religious significance but those who wore it decided to imbue it with relevant symbolism in order to make it more meaningful. One of these was to make the number of tails involved in its manufacture important. For example, most shtreimels are made of 13 tails to symbolize the 13 “Divine attributes” and/or God’s unity. (The Hebrew word echad – “One” – has a numerical value of 13.)

Shtreimels made of different numbers of pelt have similar connotations. Another religious significance after the fact is Rabbi Pinchas of Koretz’s statement that the word “Shabbos” (spelled ShBT in Hebrew) is an acronym for Shtreimel Bimkom Tefillin, i.e., “shtreimel in place of tefillin.” (The shtreimel is typically worn on Shabbos and holidays – days on which tefillin are not worn.)

An interesting postscript: because of their shape, Stella D’oro Swiss Fudge Cookies are often referred to by Orthodox Jews as “shtreimel cookies.” Be-

Continued on page 25

E

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Contact JFOC office by calling 732-363-0530 sending your pledge to: 1235A Route 70, Lakewood, NJ 08701 or https://jewishoceancounty.org/gem

YOU Made an Impact through the Jewish Federation of Ocean County – Joint Distribution Committee (JDC)

Our core partners at the Joint Distribution Committee have done fantastic work in a number of areas and we just want to highlight two: children's mental health and the escalating issues in the North.

Children's mental health: 83% of Israeli children are showing pronounced distress since October 7.

Tens of thousands of very young children, under the age of six, experienced unimaginable horrors since the start of the war. Children from the South barely escaped massacres. Evacuee children are far away from everything familiar to them. Children from the North are exposed to daily rocket fire and sirens.

Very young Israeli children of all backgrounds are living with profound behavioral changes: sleeplessness, loss of appetite, increased crying, temper tantrums, restlessness, and jumpiness. They need trauma treatment to reduce their suffering, prevent future PTSD, and ensure healthy development.

JDC deployed emergency services addressing the needs of Israel’s traumatized young children and training their parents and teachers to do the same. These interventions have reached nearly 13,000 of the most severely impacted children, their parents, and teachers as of April 2024. Interventions include:

• Setting up and equipping 200 daycare centers in evacuee hotels

• Providing the evidence-based Hibuki doll trauma therapy to children in extreme need

• Developing and implementing an innovative new system of play-based, creative trauma therapies tailored to the needs of kindergarten children

Escalating issues in the North: 300,000 Israelis in the North have been devastated by months of rocket attacks and widespread displacement since the start of the war.

The situation in the North continues to worsen, with more than 60,000 Israelis already evacuated and another 240,000 living in the line of fire. The need for humanitarian support surges every day, and many towns are too small, or are stretched too thin, to meet the demand.

With a focus on rebuilding infrastructure and critical social services, JDC is leading collaborative efforts between dozens of local and national government leaders responsible for 30+ municipalities across the North.

The war has intensified the key challenges already faced in Israel’s northern communities, many of which lag behind in healthcare, employment, access to public transportation, and higher education. To boost the resilience of these towns and cities, JDC has been:

• Providing urgent relief to residents who live in the line of fire – including optimizing welfare, healthcare, and education services, and integrating children back into school

• Assisting struggling businesses and the newly unemployed, as well as establishing the team of essential workers who will ensure continuity of services and businesses in the event of a war on the northern front

• Leveraging JDC’s experience in regional planning and capacity-building through the establishment of a forum of city managers and key leaders to share knowledge, best practices, and collaborative solutions to shared regional challenges

• Launching a health preparedness initiative to plan and build the infrastructure needed to respond to both routine health needs and extreme emergencies, in collaboration with local and national government, HMOs, and the nonprofit sector

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.

YOU Made an Impact through the Jewish Federation of Ocean County – Bring Hersh Home

Dear Federation of Ocean County,

We want to thank you for your thoughtful and generous donation to the JGive campaign. It really touches us in this darkest of times that you are sending prayers and

support so that we can keep our critical work going. Your kind donation helps us to pay our three full-time team members. We can't tell you how much we appreciate your considerate and gracious gift.

Please keep praying for Hersh to stay strong, survive and to come home alive and NOW, along with the other beloved hostages. It's enough. Dayenu. It's time.

With gratitude, and hope for good news....tomorrow,

Rachel, Jon and the Bring Hersh Home Team

V’Ahavta: Community NARCAN Trainings

V’Ahavta – “you shall love.” Vahavtatrainings.splashthat.com

Why do we talk about love when we talk about NARCAN and harm reduction training? The late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King shared his vision for the “Beloved Community.” And our own tradition instructs us: you shall love. Love God, love your neighbors, love the stranger among us.

But Jewish tradition’s obligation to love is not about a swell of romantic feeling towards one’s intimates, nor is it a distant concept applied – rosy-eyed – to all of existence while a guitar strums in the background.

Hot Dog

Continued from page 8

mix high brow with low brow, to serve a reigning monarch the reigning fast food of the time. And it worked. King George loved the grilled hot dogs so much that he requested seconds.

By the time those enterprising Jewish Lower East Side butchers caught on to the trend, serving all-beef hotdogs with mustard and horseradish, it was official: the hotdog was chasing a dream of American citizenship. By the time the Hebrew National Kosher Sausage Factory

Love is about acts of care, empathy, kindness, and righteousness in our own families, our communities, and our neighborhoods.

Join BeWell, the Blue Dove Foundation, and Selah for a 1-hour training on Zoom at 12:00 Noon on either Wednesday, July 24; Monday, August 26 or Thursday, September 12.

For any questions, feel free to reach out to any of the following people: Carly Coons at carly@thebluedovefoundation. org, Arielle Krule at akrule@selahbk. org or Beth Lipschutz at beth.lipschutz@ jewishfederations.org.

opened in the Lower East Side in 1905, it was official: The hotdog was as American as Abraham Lincoln or sweet tea.

Jews ate hot dogs because they were cheap, accessible and had been so completely swallowed up by American culture that they did not register as Jewish. Eating a hot dog in public made a Jew more American. It was one of many symbols of proof that the Jews had made it, as New Yorkers, as businessmen, and as Americans.

Shira Feder is a writer. You can reach her at feder@forward.com and @shirafeder

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.

2024 Sponsorship Opportunities & Benefits

Gold Sponsor: $5,000 – Includes tickets for events and a full page ad in Ocean JPages

Silver Sponsor: $2,750 – Includes tickets for events and a half page ad in Ocean JPages

Bronze Sponsor: $1,500 – Includes tickets for events and a quarter page ad in Ocean JPages

Patron

$1,000 –

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in Ocean JPages

Sponsor Level:    Gold@$1800   Silver@$1000   Bronze@$540   Patron@$360 (Gold, Silver and Bronze Sponsors, please email camera-ready logo to sharron@ocjf.org)

Film Festival Ticket Ordering

TICKET PRICES: $12 PER FILM OR $72 FULL PACKAGE PASS

Sponsor online and catch a free classic film at www.jewishoceancounty.org/filmfestival.

Individual Film Screenings

(1) Less Than Kosher

(2) The Boy in the Woods

(3) Here Lived

(4) No Name Restaurant

(5) Xueta Island

(6) The Monkey House

(7) Two Day Shorts Program

Sunday, September 8 – 5:00pm

MARQUEE THEATER·ROUTE 37 TOMS RIVER

Sunday, September 8 – 7:00pm JCC OF LBI

Sunday, September 15 – 5:00pm

MARQUEE THEATER·ROUTE 37 TOMS RIVER

Sunday, September 22 – 12:00pm

MARQUEE THEATER·ROUTE 37 TOMS RIVER

Sunday, September 29 – 5:00pm

MARQUEE THEATER·ROUTE 37 TOMS RIVER

Sunday, September 29 – 7:00pm JCC OF LBI

Monday–Thursday, September 9–12 VIRTUAL SHOWING

Monday–Thursday, September 16–19 VIRTUAL SHOWING

Wed–Thu, September 25–26 – 5:00pm IN PARTNERSHIP WITH A WIDER BRIDGE

Study: Nearly 20% of Jewish Households Struggle to Make Ends Meet FedBeat from JFNA

From JFNA

May 22, 2024 jewishfederations.org

Anew financial analysis using data from 2018 to 2023 shows that 19% of Jewish households in 12 communities around the United States either cannot make ends meet or are just managing to make ends meet.

Like households in the United States at large, Jewish households with children, people with a disability or chronic health issue, and single parents are much more likely to experience financial vulnerabilities than other Jewish homes.

They’re not alone though. In the Jewish community, Orthodox households, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and Russian-speaking Jewish individuals are also more likely to face financial difficulty. This is primarily because these populations tend to be younger and more likely to have children. For Orthodox households, an additional financial challenge is the cost of enrollment in day schools.

The report, entitled “Analysis of Financial Well-being Using the CMJS Combined Dataset,” was the result of a new effort to standardize financial data across community studies, allowing researchers to accurately compare communities and draw broader conclusions about the Jewish community on a national scale.

This report is part of a comprehensive effort undertaken by the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies (CMJS) at Brandeis University, in collaboration with the Jewish Federations of North America and The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation. The dataset gathered information from more than 53,000 respondents in 25 communities since 2015. This report on financial well-being incorporates data from 22,000 respondents in 12 communities representing over 1 million Jewish adults and nearly 700,000 Jewish households throughout the United States.

“With our broad communal reach, Jewish Federations were uniquely able to coordinate a consistent approach to the survey questions across communities, giving us new insights into what drives our Jewish communities and what barriers they face

to flourishing,” said Jessica Mehlman, Associate Vice President of Impact and Planning at Jewish Federations of North America. “We know that day schools and Jewish Family Services are among the top three collective recipients of local Jewish Federations, and we look forward to working with them on incorporating these latest findings into the work they do every day to support Jewish life in our communities.”

The analysis found that financial vulnerability remains a problem within the Jewish community across several key indicators. While 2% of households say that they are unable to make ends meet, another 17% say that they are just managing to make ends meet. Data shows that 11% of Jewish households fall below 250% of the federal poverty line, which in 2023 equated to $62,150 for a family of three. Additionally, 6% of Jewish households report they could not currently cover an emergency expense of $400, and 7% were unable to afford necessities in the past year.

“This report breaks the myth that poverty is not a Jewish problem,” said Jon Hornstein, Program Director leading the Weinberg Foundation’s grantmaking focused on the Jewish community. "It should serve as a call to action for how funders, direct service agencies, and Federations can work together to better serve individuals and families in our communities who are struggling financially.”

Additionally, the costs of participating in Jewish life pose a greater barrier for both lower-income and middle-income Jewish families than higher-income Jewish families. While an overall 11% of Jewish households said financial limitations affected their engagement in Jewish life, the report found that 49% of poor households, and 28% of those managing to make ends meet, say finances are a constraint to participation in Jewish life.

“We see this unexpected split when it comes to the effect of costs,” said the study’s lead author, Dr. Janet Krasner Aronson, Associate Director of CMJS. “Those who are more well off are able to better afford the costs of Jewish life, while those who are on the lower end of the financial spectrum tend to be more

Jewish Federations Meet with President Zelensky on Ukraine Mission

Jewish Federations of North America leaders met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a mission to Ukraine this week to express the Jewish community’s continued commitment to supporting the country.

“Ukraine continues to be subjected not just to outrageous military attacks by Russia, but also to bombings of its homes, hospitals, and schools, and attacks on its electricity grid and civilian infrastructure designed to make life unbearable. I hope the Ukrainians know that their incredible courage and resolve is being supported by the free nations of the world,” said Jewish Federations of North America President and CEO Eric D. Fingerhut.

“Since the outbreak of the war, Federations have been providing humanitarian aid through our core partners, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, the Jewish Agency for Israel, and World ORT, as well as numerous other partner organizations on the ground including Chabad, Israel Trauma Coalition, and IsraAID, both here in Ukraine and in neighboring countries. We will continue supporting Ukraine,” he added.

Due to the sensitivity of the meeting, no photos or reporters were allowed to the meeting.

In their discussion, President Zelensky expressed gratitude for the support his country has received from around the world, discussed the common plight of Ukraine and Israel, and expressed his appreciation for the Jewish community’s ongoing support, as well as hopes of further visits once the war ended. He reiterated that Ukraine is on the front lines of the fight for freedom and the right of all nations to determine their own destiny,

and that they would not give up that fight and would prevail.

Jewish Federations fundraising for the Ukraine emergency has now surpassed $100 million, focused on emergency operational costs, temporary housing and transportation for evacuations, security, humanitarian support, trauma and medical relief, and immigration and absorption in Israel.

This vital aid has helped 507,000 Ukrainians who remained in their country, including internally displaced women and children who have been reluctant to leave behind their family members who were required to join the army. That includes efforts to bring Jewish life to the over 160,000 Jews, many of them internally displaced, through Jewish education, summer camp experiences, and social service support.

With this mission, Jewish Federations became the first North American Jewish organization to visit Kyiv since the start of the war and were honored to meet separately with First Lady Olena Zelenska, who reiterated her confidence as well that Ukraine will prevail and implored the group to continue advocating on behalf of Ukraine at home.

Fingerhut noted that the Jewish community, while fully committed to supporting Israel at this critical time, will not diminish its support or commitment to the Jewish community and people of Ukraine.

“As we feel with Israel, a country forced into a prolonged war by a vicious and unprovoked attack from just outside its own border, we feel the pain of the Ukrainian people and we want to share your message,” he told the first lady.

"Israel and Ukraine are in a battle for their freedom and sovereignty against anti-democratic regimes that want to see them wiped off the map. We could not be more proud that the Jewish community continues to stand by Ukraine's side, and will continue to provide whatever support we can as it continues to bravely fight for its survival," added David Heller, Jewish Federations' National Campaign Chair.

From JFNA June 21, 2024 jewishfederations.org

MAIMONIDES SOCIETY

JOIN OCEAN COUNTY'S MAIMONIDES SOCIETY

Named for Rabbi Moses ben Maimon (also known as Maimonides or Rambam, perhaps the most famous Jewish physician of all time) the Jewish Federation of Ocean County Maimonides Society is the place for physicians, surgeons, dentists and other healthcare professionals – people dedicated to healing the sick and committed to the notion of tikkun olam (repairing the world).

MEMBERSHIP :

$1000 Maimonides Honor Society – Entire practice listed on JFOC's website and 1/2 page ad in Ocean JPages

$540 – Membership and 1/4 page ad in Ocean JPages

$360 – Membership and 1/8 page ad in Ocean JPages

$180 – Membership with JFOC's website listing

Become a Maimonides Society Member at www.jewishoceancounty.org/maimonides.

Bring Them Home Bracelets

Thank you to the Genesis Foundation that Sent these "Bring Them Home" bracelets. When you put them on, it reminds you to pray for this horrific situation and the families waiting for the return of their loved ones.

Israel just informed 31 families that their loved ones have died. There are approximately 135 hostages still in captivity!

If you would like to order a bracelet call Judie Singer at 732-364-7854 and make checks payable to Congregation Ahavat Olam 732-719-3500

Jews and The American Revolution

By NJOP Staff njop.org

In honor of July 4th, Independence Day, Jewish Treats would like to share some of the contributions made by two Jewish patriots who helped shape the fledgling nation.

In 1776 there were approximately 2,000 Jews in America. This rather small part of the population took an active role in the American Revolution. One company of soldiers in South Carolina had so many Jewish soldiers that it was called the "Jews' Company."

One of the Jewish heroes of the American Revolution was Haym Salomon Arriving in New York from Poland in 1772, Salomon became a financial success as a merchant and dealer in foreign securities.

Through the influence of the patriotic New York Sons of Liberty, Salomon obtained a contract to supply American troops in central New York. When the British took New York, Salomon covertly encouraged the Hessian mercenaries fighting for the British to desert. He was

arrested, his property was confiscated, and he was sentenced to be hanged. Salomon escaped and fled penniless to Philadelphia. Starting in 1781, Salomon used his financial acumen to help the Superintendent of Finance, William Morris, save the new nation from fiscal ruin. Unfortunately, his personal finances took a turn for the worse and he died in debt in 1785.

Another Jewish patriot was Francis Salvador. Arriving in South Carolina from London in 1773, Salvador involved himself in politics and was elected to the South Carolina General Assembly. He also served as a delegate to South Carolina's revolutionary Provincial Congress, which prepared the colony's complaint against the British Crown.

When war broke out, the British made an alliance with the nearby Cherokees, who attacked frontier settlements. According to legend, Salvador galloped nearly thirty miles to warn the settlers of an impending attack and then returned to the front lines. During one such Cherokee attack, Salvador was hit by a bullet and fell from his horse. Discovered by a Cherokee warrior, he was scalped-becoming the first Jew to die fighting in the American Revolution.

The Antidote of Baseless Hatred

Jewish Treats of NJOP

By NJOP Staff njop.org

The calendrical period between the Fast of the 17th of Tammuz and the Fast of Tisha (9th) B'av (this year it is July 23-August 13) is known as Bein Hame'tzarim (in the midst of distress) and is referred to colloquially as the "Three Weeks." While the latter describes the time frame between these two fasts, the former, finds its source from the verse in Scripture (Lamentations 1:3), "all her [Israel's] pursuers overtook her in the midst of her distress." The Three Weeks represents the saddest period in the Jewish calendar.

The Talmud teaches that while the First Temple was destroyed because of the cardinal sins of murder, idolatry and sexual immorality, the successful razing of the Second Temple by the Romans is attributed to Sinat Chinam, which literally means "free hatred," but connotes hatred for no apparent reason or, at least, no legitimate reason.

Rabbi Abraham Isaac Hakohen Kook famously stated that the antidote to baseless hatred is baseless love, Ahavat Chinam (Orot Hakodesh, section 3, page 324). In modern parlance, which perhaps owes a proper citation to Rabbi Kook, the concept of "random acts of kindness" may find its source from this idea.

Related to the concept of Ahavat Chinam is Ahavat Yisrael, the love we should exhibit for our fellow Jews.

The primary Scriptural source associated with Ahavat Chinam and Ahavat Yisrael is the famous "Golden Rule: "You shall not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the Lord" (Leviticus 19:18). Rabbi Hillel famously taught, "that which is hateful to you, do not do to others" (Talmud Shabbat 31a). Referring to this Biblical verse, Rabbi Akiva proclaimed: "This is a major principle of the Torah" (Jerusalem Talmud Nedarim 9:4).

Jewish Treats by NJOP

Why Do You Break a Glass at a Jewish Wedding?

By Eveline G

June 23, 2024

blog.judaicawebstore.com

Perhaps the most iconic moment of a Jewish wedding is the stepping on a glass, to joyous cheers of “mazel tov!” (“congratulations!”) from the guests. But where does this tradition come from and what does it mean?

Jewish weddings are famous, even in pop culture and among non-Jews, for ending with the breaking of a glass. Traditionally the groom steps on a wrapped glass at the end of the ceremony, and the loud pop of the broken glass has become culturally associated with the moment the couple are officially married (the Jewish version of “you may now kiss the bride”) and met with congratulatory cheers by the guests.

The custom continues to this day, and though it’s usually done by the groom, both of the newlyweds might step on a glass in some non-Orthodox communities or at same-sex weddings.

Origins

of the custom

The tradition of breaking a glass at a Jewish wedding goes all the way back to the Talmud, though it wasn’t always done by the groom or even at the ceremony itself. The tractate Brachot recounts two different rabbis, Mar son of Ravina and Rabbi Ashi, who were bothered by the excessive revelry at their sons’ respective wedding feasts, and so they each smashed an expensive glass cup in front of the wedding guests in order to sober and sadden them.

Eventually this custom was incorpora-

ted into the wedding ceremony itself and done by the groom, though it’s unclear when exactly it became so formalized or universal. The glass breaking wasn’t always done by foot either; medieval German synagogues are known to have included a special stone in their facades to be used for breaking the glass at wedding ceremonies.

The meaning of breaking the glass

There are several meanings and reasons that have developed for the breaking of the glass at Jewish wedding ceremonies:

• To symbolize the destruction of our Holy Temple and to remind us of our sadness and mourning for it even during our greatest moments of joy; this is traditionally the most commonly cited reason behind the breaking of the glass

• To show that joy must always be tempered; this was likely the original reason in the Talmud

• As a reminder of the fragility of human relationships and acknowledgment that marriage will require both joy and sadness

• Marriage is a covenant, and Jewish covenants normally include cutting or breaking something, such as circumcision or the breaking of the stone tablets at Mt. Sinai; similarly, there is a tradition to break a plate at Jewish engagements

• There have historically been superstitions surrounding scaring away demons believed to be attracted to happy occasions such as weddings, and it’s possible the loud noise of the breaking of the glass was also meant to serve this purpose

What kind of glass to use and how to break it safely

A regular drinking glass or wine glass is usually used for the wedding breaking glass, though some couples today opt for a lightbulb as it’s easier to break and makes a louder popping sound. Some opinions, however, are opposed to using something

Continued on page 30

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Flexible Hours: Life doesn’t adhere to a 9-to-5 schedule, and neither do I. I offer flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate your needs. Your convenience is my priority.

Wide Range of Services: From real estate documents and loan signings to legal forms and affidavits, I am proficient in handling various types of notarizations. No document is too complex for my expertise.

Business and Individual Clients: Whether you’re a business owner needing regular notary services or an individual with a one-time need, I am here to assist you. Reliable service tailored to your specific requirements.

Ready to experience the ease of a traveling notary service? Don’t hesitate to reach out! Call or text me at 570-954-2256 or email me at jvazques1123@yahoo.com

TRIBUTE DONATIONS

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

Jewish Federation of Ocean County accepts a minimum donation of $18 and sends a Tribute card as well as lists your tribute in the Jewish Journal to anyone you may want to acknowledge; a simcha, graduation, an award, new grandchild, starting a new adventure, get well, loss of a loved one, or any other life-altering event. Call the Jewish Federation of Ocean County at 732-363-0530, email sharron@ocjf.org or visit our website www.jewishoceancounty.org/tribute.

A Tribute Card Pack

You can purchase a dozen blank assorted tribute cards to send on your own for a $36 contribution to the Jewish Federation. Contact Sharron at the Jewish Federation of Ocean County at 732-363- 0530.

JFOC Tributes

June 20 – July 9

In Memory of Lois Weinstein and her son Bill Weinstein by Rochelle Rosenberg

PJ Library Photos with Children

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

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.

• 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

Yad Vashem Equips Academicians and Educators with Tools to Fight the Rise in Holocaust Distortion and Antisemitism

From Yad Vashem

July 5, 2024

jta.org/paidpost

The first major Global Holocaust Education Conference and Academic Seminar since October 7 is taking place on the Mount of Remembrance at Yad Vashem.

Yad Vashem’s International Institute for Holocaust Education has been engaged with two significant events aimed at strengthening its commitment to fostering effective and impactful Holocaust education and fighting antisemitism. Most notably, the International Educational Conference, entitled “Holocaust Education in a Global Context”, is taking place on the Mount of Remembrance in Jerusalem. Concurrently, the second annual Alan Cornell US Campus Faculty Seminar is underway. Both programs are specifically designed to equip educators and university professors with essential knowledge about Holocaust history and the fight against antisemitism.

The International Educational Conference unites about 150 educators from 40 countries over four days. It will be Yad

Vashem’s first conference since the horrific October 7th Massacre in Southern Israel, providing an essential opportunity to discuss the severe challenges of Holocaust education in this post-October 7th world.

“At a time when antisemitism is exploding around the world, we are witnessing rampant Holocaust distortion and inversion in mainstream society,” emphasized Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan. “These conferences are not just a meeting of the minds of educators charged with teaching the Holocaust to our younger generation. The fact that educators and academicians are coming to Yad Vashem testifies to a commitment to his-

tory and its necessity in their respective societies. It sends a signal to our leaders that Holocaust education is important not only for knowledge and awareness regarding history but as an indispensable tool in creating a more tolerant and open society.”

Participants of both the International Conference and the Alan Cornell Academic Seminar will engage with Yad Vashem’s extensive archival holdings, gaining firsthand exposure to primary sources from the Holocaust period. Through a series of in-depth workshops, lectures and discussions, participants can share ideas and best practices, including strategies for combating Holocaust distortion, inversion, and antisemitism. It is organized to address new and upcoming challenges to Holocaust education, as Holocaust remembrance enters a new stage.

“Today, Holocaust education experiences challenges that were hardly ever seen before,” said Dr. Gilad Olstein, the director of Yad Vashem’s International Institute for Holocaust Education and head of the International Conference. “One of the purposes of this international confe-

rence is to openly discuss, with all frankness, the challenges we face today and are about to face in the years ahead. For example, on the threshold of a new era in which the world will no longer hear personal testimonies from Holocaust survivors, Yad Vashem educators will present innovative approaches developed at the Mount of Remembrance to teach students about the history of the Holocaust in the absence of survivor testimony.”

The programs of study, situated among the institute’s poignant memorials and exhibits, reflect Yad Vashem’s commitment to fostering solid and responsible Holocaust education and meeting con-

Continued on page 25

Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan addressing the International Conference at Yad Vashem (Gilad Artzie / Yad Vashem)

Teachers from all over the world gather at Yad Vashem for an international conference on Holocaust education. (Gilad Artzie / Yad Vashem)

Hebrew University Launches New English-taught Undergrad Program to Attract Jewish Students from the U.S.

By Zev Stub July 8, 2024 jta.org

Early in her senior year in high school in Washington D.C., Elie Ravitz-Basser realized that the Israel-Gaza war would upend her college plans. “I applied to four universities in the United States early in the fall, but everything changed after October 7,” she said. “At that point, I decided to attend college only in Israel, surrounded by people who share my Jewish values.”

Ravitz-Basser is set to start her bachelor’s degree this fall in Jerusalem, pursuing a double major in English and Liberal Arts at Hebrew University’s Rothberg International School. She’ll be part of a brand-new, three-year undergraduate degree program, offered in English for the first time at Hebrew University.

“This is a unique opportunity to study in Jerusalem and immerse myself in the Israeli culture,” Ravitz-Basser said. “I’m excited about the classes I’ll be taking, and I feel a deep connection to my great-grandparents, who came to Israel from Poland in the 1920s with the vision of reestablishing their homeland.”

Ravitz-Basser is among many recent

high school graduates who have reconsidered their college plans in light of the anti-Israel protests that swept across U.S. campuses this year. For her, the breaking point came during the violent protests and encampments that spread from coast to coast this spring, many of which were seen as not just anti-Zionist but antisemitic. “That made it clear that I wouldn’t attend any college where I couldn’t feel safe without hiding my identity,” she said.

Hebrew University is not just a top-tier Israeli academic institution but also consistently ranks among the top 100 universities in the world. As it prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary next year, the university has long offered a wide variety of programs in English for international students, including semester- and

year-long programs for undergraduates as well as about 40 different master’s programs.

However, the new three-year undergraduate program in English marks the first time overseas students can complete an entire BA degree at the Jerusalem institution. “The Rothberg International School has been developing this program for a few years,” said Naama Oryan, director of Hebrew University’s International Marketing Division. “Our original goal, which remains unchanged, was to offer a top-tier academic program that celebrates the diversity of Jerusalem and Israel. Students now have the option of studying for a BA in English at HUJI. We will support them and make HUJI their home away from home while they’re here.”

Degree tracks are available in English, Business, and Liberal Arts, and all undergraduate students are required to pursue a double major. “We offer it this way to encourage our students to engage in multidisciplinary learning,” Oryan said.

About 25-30 students are expected in the first year, primarily from North America but also from Japan, India, France and Germany. Additionally, some new immigrants to Israel who prefer to take clas-

ses in English will join. Classes begin in November, right after the Jewish holiday season.

Unlike other programs, students have the option to transfer their credits from the English program to the university’s regular Hebrew tracks in their second year, allowing them to better integrate Hebrew classes as their language skills improve. Additionally, they have the option to take Hebrew classes to further enhance their language proficiency.

The tuition cost is one of the program’s biggest selling points. The undergraduate program costs $15,000 per year – a

Continued on page 25

A new immigrant, an Israeli and an international student strolling together at Hebrew University's Safra campus at Givat Ram, in Jerusalem. (Courtesy of Hebrew University)

Hebrew University’s new three-year undergraduate program in English marks the first time overseas students can complete an entire BA degree in English at the iconic Jerusalem university. (Courtesy of Hebrew University)

Continued from page 24 Hebrew

fraction of the price of most US colleges. Master’s degrees typically range from $5,000 to $10,000 per year. After securing scholarships for US students, Ravitz-Basser expects to pay about $7,000 for her tuition in the program. “Many of the US colleges I applied to were around $85,000 a year,” she said. “That’s amazing.”

These scholarships are made possible in part through American Friends of the Hebrew University (AFHU), the university’s American fundraising and promotional affiliate, which raises an average of $60 million annually to support Hebrew University. AFHU operates six offices across the United States and promotes the university through donor events and public relations efforts.

Hebrew University accommodates a diverse student body of 25,000 across six campuses in Israel, including three in Jerusalem and one in Rechovot. Approximately 10% of its students hail from overseas, representing over 90 countries worldwide.

Beyond academics, campus life at Hebrew University offers robust student support services and a wide range of extracurricular activities, from yoga classes and Shabbat programs to parties

and Jewish learning opportunities. “Our office of student life has significantly expanded its services in recent years, now providing 24/7 support for nearly all student needs to ensure they feel cared for and at home” Oryan said.

The university campus serves as a vibrant hub where students encounter Israel’s diverse population, encompassing Jews, Muslims, Christians, and Druze. Despite political tensions, relationships between Jewish and Arab students have remained peaceful throughout the war. Approximately 20% of the university’s student body consists of Christian and Muslim Arabs, reflecting their proportional representation in Israel’s population

Applications for the upcoming school year are still being accepted, and remaining spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested students can find more information or attend an online open-house event at www.studyinjerusalem.com.

This article was sponsored by and produced in collaboration with American Friends of the Hebrew University, a national nonprofit that connects the passions of Americans to talent at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. This story was produced by JTA’s native content team.

Yad Vashem

Continued from page 23

temporary challenges, such as antisemitism. Through these projects, Yad Vashem realizes its ongoing mission of commemoration and Holocaust education – all while preserving their relevance for coming generations.

Among all the international conferences that deal with Holocaust education, the meetings held by Yad Vashem have become the most anticipated by the educational community and draw the highest number of participants. This year, educators from 42 countries have participated, many from nations where antisemitism has recently increased, such as South Africa, the UK, France, and the US.

In an average year, Yad Vashem hosts about 70 seminars, engaging over 2000 teachers worldwide, most of whom are not Jewish. However, since October 2023, daily work with foreign educators has become increasingly challenging due to rising antisemitism and negative perceptions of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Despite these challenges, the upcoming conference will tackle other critical issues in Holocaust education, reflecting the complex global landscape post-October 7. Topics will include Holocaust education in the aftermath of October 7, comparisons between contemporary events and

the Holocaust, and the use of technology in Holocaust education.

In these challenging times, Yad Vashem remains steadfast in its mission, recognizing that deeper insights into antisemitism and the history of Israel and Zionism can help dispel misconceptions. Equally important has been the creation of supportive communities for educators dedicated to Holocaust education.

Fur Hats

Continued from page 10

tween the delicious dollop of fudge in the center and the fact that they’re parve (i.e., non-dairy), Swiss Fudge Cookies are a popular Shabbos treat, since they can be enjoyed after meat meals. In 2003, the company announced plans to replace the parve fudge with a cheaper dairy alternative. The plan so outraged the Orthodox community that Stella D’oro was inundated with requests not to change the formula. Ultimately, the company reconsidered the move, given that going dairy would preclude a significant portion of the product’s use. So even those of us who don’t wear shtreimels have strong positive associations with the identifiably Jewish shape.

Sincerely, Rabbi Jack Abramowitz JITC Educational Correspondent

MONDAYS 1:00-2:30pm

“I feel guilty because I’m so irritable.”

“How come nobody asks how I am doing?”

“I’m so distracted at work, worrying about Mom.”

"I’m tired of relatives and friends criticizing me. I’m doing the best I can.”

changing lives... JEWISH FAMILY AND

The Transition to College

By Deborah Sason, Guest Writer Jewish Family & Children’s Service

For many, the summer months are a time of thinking about vacations, trips and less structure and responsibility. But for others, thoughts of the major life change that is about to take place are in the forefront. The transition to college is a major life event, but it need not be a stressful or difficult one.

The difficult and often stressful challenges of the transition – independence, time management, and the search to find one’s own way – present students with not just challenges, but opportunities as well. Incoming college freshman must be prepared to handle these challenges in a positive way in order to avoid the pitfalls that often plague new college students.

Independence can be a blessing or curse because it can lead to organized success or to chaotic failure. In order for students to take advantage of their newfound freedom they must not only assume a mindset of responsibility, but actively practice responsibility and make it a part of their routine.

A simple way of practicing responsibility is to create daily or weekly to-do lists and to not end a day or a week until those tasks are completed. Such a practice will imprint responsibility and gradually increase a student’s ability to withstand the often chaotic and disorderly atmosphere of college living.

Time Management is perhaps one of the most important skills for new students

to learn in order to thrive in college and avoid common pitfalls. The best way to manage time is to prioritize your list of responsibilities based on due date, time, and difficulty. Get started right away on the assignments that are due soon, take the most time, and are the most difficult. This simple and effective strategy ensures that students will allocate their time in the most effective way possible, get their work done, and make their lives easier and less stressful.

The search to find one’s own way is perhaps the most elusive and hard to define for college students. College is a time of change personal discovery. Woodrow Wilson had a maxim about this phenomenon: “The purpose of a university should be to make a son as unlike his father as possible.” That maxim still rings true today.

How can students deal with the enormity of this task of self-discovery? The best way to maintain a balance between keeping an open mind and remembering that true and meaningful self-transformation is best not undertaken all at once. Change takes time. It is a journey, not revolution.

The active practice of responsibility, prioritization of tasks, and embrace of a mindset of gradual transformation will help to ensure that students handle the travails of college with success, confidence, and even a self-assured calmness and sense of enjoyment. The college years should be educational, enlightening, and even fun, but they can only be so with the right mindset and life skills. Good luck!

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

What is Jewish About Respecting Differences?

There are many values and concepts in Judaism that emphasize the importance of respecting and learning from others. Adam yehidi nivra, for example, means, “every person is a unique creation." This means appreciating the wonderful things that make each person an individual and celebrating differences.

Another concept, lomed mikol adam, shows us how much each person has to offer. Because everyone has something they can teach us, we know that we can learn from each person's unique gifts.

Finally, we give kavod or respect, because it is the right thing to do. By teaching children to celebrate differences, we help them view the world through multiple perspectives.

The books in the lists below feature diverse characters, multi-ethnic families, as well as characters learning to get along and respect each other despite differences.

Reading Tips:

• Choose books that feature diverse characters as well as unexpected friendships.

• Read some books with no human characters where children can see themselves reflected in those characters. An example from our selections might be a book like Beautiful Yetta, The Littlest Pair, or Baxter: The Pig Who Wanted to be Kosher.

• Read books that deal head on with tough topics like intolerance or bullying. We have some age-appropriate suggestions below.

Chik Chak Shabbat by Mara

Rockliff

Recommended for ages 6 to 7 Years

Everyone in Goldie Simcha’s apartment building knows it’s Friday night when they smell her delicious Shabbat cholent. But one Friday night, Goldie doesn’t feel well enough to cook. Her neighbors step up to make an unusual cholent for Shabbat – and soon Goldie will feel much better.

The Only One Club by Jane Naliboff

Recommended for ages 4 to 5 Years

As the only Jewish child in her class, a young girl not only learns that each person is unique but is able to share this understanding with her classmates.

The Mitten String by Jennifer Rosner

Recommended for ages 6 to 7 Years

Ruthie loves to knit – and to help people. When her family gives shelter to a deaf woman and her baby, Ruthie realizes there’s a way for her to do both at once!

Picture your child or grandchild here holding a PJ Library book.

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

Cantor Vadim Yucht

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 CANDLE LIGHTING IN LAKEWOOD

July 19 8:04 PM July 26 7:58 PM August 2 7:51 PM August 9 7:43 PM August 16 7:33 PM August 23 7:22 PM August 30 7:12 PM

REFORM

BETH AM SHALOM 1235 State Highway 70 Lakewood, NJ 08701

Rabbi Stephen D. Gold Cantor Jon Saouma 732-363-2800

Email: office@bethamshalom.org www.bethamshalom.org

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.

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.

• 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

Zelensky

Continued from page 18

Zelenska, who runs a major charity in Ukraine, noted the Israeli inspiration for a project to build "resilience centers" that would provide social services and psychological support to Ukrainians.

The mission’s participants included representatives from Baltimore, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Pittsburgh, and Washington, DC, and followed another firstof-its-kind mission to Ukraine in 2022.

When Russia invaded Ukraine, creating the greatest humanitarian crisis in Europe since World War II, Jewish Federations jumped into action. Federations were uniquely positioned to lead the emergency response because of their

Jewish Households

Continued from page 18

Orthodox who may be more motivated to participate in Jewish life regardless of cost, as well as financial assistance is more generally available for lower income families.”

If you would like to speak to the study’s author or learn more about families whose Jewish life is affected by cost, please contact Kelley Quinn at Kelley.Quinn@ jewishfederations.org.

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.

long presence in the region supporting partners in Ukraine and the region. In addition to work through these partners, Jewish Federations have also spearheaded efforts to create volunteer opportunities for North Americans to help Ukrainians, and advocated for policies and programs to support Ukrainian refugees in the United States.

Last year, the city of Kyiv honored the Jewish Federations for their extraordinary support and humanitarian efforts. In 2022, Jewish Federations joined forces with Zelenska, Israel’s First Lady Michal Herzog, and Israeli trauma group Natal in a project to bring 27 Ukrainian therapists to Israel to study trauma techniques in a one-week intensive course.

Jewish Wedding

Continued from page 21

as cheap as a lightbulb for such an important and meaningful custom.

Some Jewish couples opt to buy a glass made expressly for this purpose, which can be made even more special and meaningful with a decorated pouch or by hailing from the Land of Israel.

The glass should be in a protective pouch or covered with a heavy cloth or foil in order to keep the shards from dispersing or causing injury.

It is also common to keep the broken shards as a special memento, and they can even be incorporated into a piece of décor or Judaica for the home like a beautiful mezuzah!

at: www.facebook.com/jewishocean

Beartown by Fredrik Backman

3. Breakfast Champions by Kurt Vonnegut

Flowers for Algeron by Daniel Keyes 5. Flamer by Mike Curato

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams