Green Cheesecake at Midnight
By Sarah Rochel Hewitt Jewish Treats by NJOP
The Jewish Holiday of Shavuot (6-7 Sivan) occurs this year on Sunday night-Monday-Tuesday, June 1-23. The holiday has three well-known, and well-loved, customs:
1) Decorating our Homes and Synagogues with Plants and Flowers: According to the Midrash, at the time of the giving of the Torah, Mount Sinai burst forth in blossoms of verdant greenery, covered with plants and flowers. This is the basis for the custom of decorating our homes and synagogues with plants and flowers on Shavuot.
2) Dairy Foods: On Shavuot, it is customary to eat dairy foods – cheesecake and blintzes are particular favorites.
Among the reasons given for this custom are:
Once the Torah was given, the Israelites refrained from eating meat because they needed to learn the laws of kosher slaughter and to make their utensils kosher.
They specifically chose to eat dairy and give themselves the time necessary to learn the laws. On a more mystical level, the gematria (numeric value of the Hebrew letters) of the word chalav, milk, is 40. Forty corresponds to the forty days and nights that Moses spent on Mount Sinai learning the Torah.
3) All-Night Learning: To demonstrate our love for Torah and our appreciation for God's revelation on Mount Sinai, it is customary to stay up all night on the first night of Shavuot either studying Torah, listening to lectures on Torah topics, or simply discussing Jewish ideas.
Another reason given for the custom of learning all night is to atone for the apathy of the Israelites, who, according to tradition, actually overslept on the morning that they were to receive the Torah, rather than being wide awake in excited anticipation.
(For other “Jewish Treats: Juicy Bits of Judaism, Daily” and many other Jewish resources visit www.jewishtreats.org and www.njop.org.)
PJ Library – Shavuot
Shavuot is almost here! For reasons that we at PJ Library will never understand, it continues to be one of the most underrated of the kid-friendly Jewish holidays. Originally a harvest festival, Shavuot comes seven weeks after the start of Passover and celebrates the giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai. Shavuot is also the unofficial universal "eat all the ice cream you can" holiday of the Jewish people. Seriously, Shavuot is a holiday that feels made for the young and young at heart.
Looking for some easy ways to celebrate with your family? Try one of these five activities:
Learn Something New
One pre-Shavuot custom is to stay up all night of the holiday to study. While keeping toddlers and tweens awake past their bedtimes may throw your weekend routine wildly off the rails, hang out in your pajamas as a family and make it a point to learn about something new together. Read a book about animals, practice some Hebrew words and phrases, explore another culture, or watch an educational video together.
Do a Mitzvah (or Two)
The holiday of Shavuot is described in the Bible and is related to the Book of
Ruth. While the story of Ruth may be too sophisticated for younger children to learn, the values embodied by the story – friendship, feeding the hungry, taking care of others, compassion – are something that children of all ages can definitely understand. Mitzvot (that’s the plural of mitzvah), are often thought of as “good deeds” but the real translation of the word is “commandment.” Follow the spirit of Ruth and Naomi and do a mitzvah to mark the day.
Eat Something Cheesy
One very delicious and fun Shavuot tradition is eating dairy. Some people say that the reason to consume dairy treats on Shavuot is because not eating meat makes everyone feel lighter, physically a good reminder about the spiritual light that comes with receiving the Torah.
Create Papercut Shapes
An Eastern European Shavuot tradition involves making elaborate papercut art to hang in your window as a decoration. The story, The Art Lesson by Allison and Wayne Marks, includes a wonderful papercutting tutorial at the end of the book. For more paper cut crafts, check out PJ Library’s Shavuot Pinterest board.
Make Flower Crafts and Crowns Children in Israel wear crowns of flowers on Shavuot, symbolizing the spring harvest and the crowns of the Torah. Make some of your own using cloth flowers or the real thing. You can also paint with flowers, take a trip to a local botanical garden, or use flowers to paint and explore color and texture.
The Jewish Federation of Ocean County wishes everyone a happy and meaningful Festival of Shavuot which begins on 6 Sivan, this year on Sunday night, June 1.
Jewish War Veterans Update
A Jewish Voice for Veterans, A Veterans Voice for Jews since 1896
By Al Adler
April has been a very busy and exciting month for the Jewish War Veterans Department of New Jersey and our Ladies Auxiliary.
On April 14, members of JWV Post 178 and Post 178 Ladies Auxiliary attended the Volunteer Luncheon hosted by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. In attendance from JWV Post 178 was Al Adler. JWV Post 178 Ladies Auxiliary was represented by Carol Adler, Tracey Adler and Susan Karsh. The guest speaker was Vincent Solomeno, Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs at DMAVA. Vincent is a veteran and is very active in veterans organizations.
The JWV Department of New Jersey and the JWV Department of New Jersey Ladies Auxiliary received certificates of appreciation for the work they do at the New Jersey Veterans Homes and Hospitals.
On April 22, Al Adler and Carol Adler
attended a Yom Hashoah program at Mattison Crossing which is a senior assisted and memory care residence. The guest speaker is a resident of the home and is 99 years old, her birthday for 100 is this coming June. The program consisted of a very interesting movie of her life in Auschwitz-Birkenau, a concentration camp. The film is called “My Lost Teenage Years” and it was narrated and directed by Daniel Friedman. The movie was very interesting. My wife Carol was particularly interested in the program since her maiden name and the resident’s husband’s name were the same, and he lived in Lodg Poland where my wife’s father was born and raised before being sent to a concentration camp.
On April 24, members of the Jewish War Veterans and JWV Ladies Auxiliary attended a Yom Hashoah program at Beth Am Shalom in Lakewood. The program was sponsored by the following congregations: Beth Am Shalom-Lakewood, Congregation Ahavat Olam-Howell,
Temple Beth Or
wel comes
The guest speaker was Michele Nemeroff Blask who spoke about her mother, a concentration camp survivor, and her family during the Holocaust.
Sunday, May 4 is the JWV Department of New Jersey 43rd Annual Legislative Breakfast. At the legislative breakfast we honor a Legislator of the Year and an Organization of the Year.
us at 732-458-4700 or email us at templebethorbrick@gmail.com. Chaim Respes, Rabbi Dr. Sharon Monter, President
Congregation B’nai Israel-Toms River, Jewish Community Center-Long Beach Island and Temple Beth Or-Brick and the Jewish Federation of Ocean County.
The guest speaker was Itay Goren, a noted pianist who discussed “Banned Music.” Mr. Goren discussed the following composers whose music was banned by the Nazis: Pavel Haas, Erich Wolfgang Korngold, Luigi Dallapiccola, Darius Milhaud and Paul Hindemith. Mr. Goren illustrated his discussion by playing selections from each of these composers.
The highlight of the service was when survivors of the Shoah and second generation and third generation survivors lit candles in memory of those lost in the Holocaust.
On April 27, members of the JWV and JWV Ladies Auxiliary attended the dedication of the name of Vietnam Veteran Allan H. Katz, which was engraved on the memorial wall at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Museum in Holmdel, New Jersey. The program was very beautiful and was attended by many Vietnam Veterans and state and local politicians.
That same afternoon the Jewish War Veterans of the USA Department of New Jersey and the Ladies Auxiliary held their Yom Hashoah program at the Jewish Home in Freehold, New Jersey.
This year we will not be honoring a Legislator of the Year. We had originally chosen Senator Andy Kim but we have withdrawn this honor. State Commander Selina Kanowitz in a letter to the Senator explained our decision: “Senator Kim, as Department Commander of The Jewish War Veterans of the State of New Jersey, I regret to inform you of our collective decision to rescind our decision to award you our annual designation of Legislator of the Year. Your decision to vote against arms for Israel has alienated you from our membership. We are veterans and hope that this decision will not dissuade you from supporting veterans of all faiths. However, as Jewish War Veterans we unequivocally support Israel in which your vote has convinced us you do not.”
We are very proud and honored to honor as our Organization of the Year “Keep Our Veterans Alive” (KOVA). The organization is represented by Past State Commander and Founder of KOVA Bob Looby. KOVA presents programs and information to help prevent military and veterans suicide. Twenty or more veterans commit suicide each day. Congratulations to KOVA for their efforts in reducing the terrible number of suicides in our military.
Next month I will report on our May 4th Legislative Breakfast Event.
At the unveiling of Allan H. Katz’s name at the Vietnam Memorial and Museum in Holmdel
Members of the JWV and Ladies Auxiliary singing the Star Spangled Banner at the Yom Hashoah Service at Beth Am Shalom
Michele Nemeroff Blask speaking at Yom Hashoah presentation at the Jewish Home in Freehold
Local News
Passover Seder Held at Beth Am Shalom, Lakewood
On Sunday, April 13, Beth Am Shalom hosted a Second Night Passover Seder for over 90 people. The tables were beautifully set, the food was plentiful and delicious, and Rabbi Gold and Cantor Saouma had everyone singing and sharing readings from a creative Haggadah.
Annual Shavuot Leil Tikkun at Congregation B’nai Israel, Toms River
Congregation B'nai Israel will welcome Shavuot with its annual evening of Torah study. The event, CBI Annual Tikkun Leil Shavuot 5785, will begin on Sunday, June 1 at 7:00 PM, starting with an evening service, followed by “Tikkun: An Evening of Torah Study, Discussion, Song and Conversation” until 9:00 PM. Cheesecake and refreshments will be served.
The congregation will then mark the first and second days of Shavuot with morning services, and an evening service
will be held at 6:30 PM on June 2.
Shavuot comes seven weeks after Passover and celebrates the seminal act of G-d’s giving the Torah to Moses at Mount Sinai. The holiday is observed with the reading of the Ten Commandments, eating dairy and staying up all night to study Torah.
Congregation B’nai Israel is located at 1488 Old Freehold Road. Contact the office at 732-349-1244 if you would like to attend.
Community Observes Yom Hashoah / Holocaust Memorial Day
On April 24, a community-wide Yom Hashoah program was held at Beth Am Shalom. The program was cosponsored by Beth Am Shalom (Lakewood), Congregation Ahavat Olam (Howell), Congregation B’nai Israel (Toms River), Jewish Community Center of Long Beach Island (Spray Beach), Temple Beth Or (Brick) and the Jewish Federation of Ocean County.
The event included the lighting of memorial candles by direct Holocaust survivors and by members of the second and the third generation.
The event featured Itay Goren who discussed “Banned Music” by sharing the stories of composers whose music was banned by the Nazis, including Pavel Haas, Erich Wolfgang Korngold, Luigi Dallapiccola, Darius Milhaud and Paul Hindemith. In the presentation, Mr. Goren played selections from each of these composers on the piano.
Local rabbis and cantors participated in the service. Fran Gimpel of Beth Am Shalom was Chair of the Event Committee.
Federation Leaders Meet with Lawmakers, Urge Protection for Most Vulnerable
From JFNA
April 2, 2025
Over 50 Jewish Federations lay leaders, professionals, and human service agency executives from across the nation gathered on Capitol Hill on April 2 to educate members of Congress and their staff about financial vulnerability in the Jewish community and advocate for continued essential federal aid for human services on behalf of communities across the country.
“Some 20 percent of Jewish households around the United States either cannot make ends meet or are just managing to make ends meet, and 1 out of 3 Ho-
locaust survivors here live in poverty,” said David Goldfarb, Senior Director of Jewish Federations Strategic Health Center. “This group traveled to Washington to keep families and seniors healthy and ensure they get the essential services they might not otherwise receive.”
In over 20 meetings on Capitol Hill, Federation leaders urged lawmakers to maintain and strengthen programs like Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which provide a crucial safety net for Jewish families, seniors, and other vulnerable populations.
“Financial insecurity affects every aspect of Jewish life, from access to critical health and human services, participation in synagogue life and community activities, and access to nutritious Kosher food,” said Jason Wuliger, chair of Jewish Federations of North America’s Public Affairs Committee. “For generations, the Jewish Federation network has been a cornerstone of community strength and resilience, and our generous donors help fill many gaps, but the Federal
government is an indispensable partner in helping people overcome poverty.”
Federations allocated an estimated $170 million of privately raised charitable dollars to affiliated nonprofit health and human services providers in 2022 alone. Some 42% of the network’s annual campaign dollars go toward supporting local human services, reflecting our deep commitment to responsible and effective community care.
But while charitable giving plays a vital role in meeting community needs, it cannot replace federal support for these programs. Despite significant private contributions, Medicaid’s chronic un-
derfunding has led to closures of Jewish nursing homes, staffing shortages have impacted home care agencies, and patients face reduced access to providers.
Federations urged lawmakers to protect the most vulnerable Americans in the upcoming budget.
Similarly, SSI provides critical support to 7.4 million people with disabilities, including 1 million children, and 2.4 million older adults in poverty. Unfortunately, its outdated asset limits make it difficult for recipients to save even modest sums.
Federations are urging passage of the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act, which would update the program’s asset limits for the first time in over 35 years to ensure that recipients can save for emergencies and other basic needs without putting their benefits at risk.
Jewish Federations' Statement on Antisemitic Attack Against Gov. Shapiro
From JFNA April 16, 2025
The Jewish Federations of North America are horrified by the antisemitic violence perpetrated against Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family on the eve of Passover. This shocking attack reminds us once
again that those who threaten violence really do mean to do harm. The Jewish community will continue to insist on rigorous law enforcement and full accountability to deter and prevent acts of violence.
As the Jewish Federations in Pennsylvania have stated, "These acts must not be
tolerated in any civilized society. Everyone has the right to worship freely, and our differences should not only be tolerated – but embraced and celebrated."
The governor’s unflinching assertion of his Jewish identity and support for the right of Israel to defend its people and its borders is inspiring. The work of Fe-
derations and our community partners to provide greater security, strengthen our community relationships, support our brothers and sisters in Israel, and build resilient, flourishing Jewish communities is more important than ever. The attack on Governor Shapiro and his family will cause us all to redouble our efforts.
Specific skills sets and types of experience desired include:
Experience working with individuals who have experienced trauma (children and/or adults)
Experience working with veterans (Ukrainian speakers preferred)
Experience providing support to older adults
Volunteers are responsible for covering their own travel and accommodations. Volunteers’ insurance and meals are covered and JFNA provides a postservice stipend to volunteers to help offset costs of roundtrip travel and accommodations.
INTERESTED?
YOU Made an Impact through the Jewish Federation of Ocean County
PTSD Organizations
Following the horrific attack of October 7, the Jewish Federation of Ocean County (JFOC) has made approximately $250,000 in emergency grants to assist the people of Israel as they respond, rebuild, and recover. The focus has been on healing and helping those most affected by October 7 and its aftermath, as well as vulnerable populations, address Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other emerging issues.
The Federation’s latest round of Israel Emergency grants centered on organizations that are providing healing for hostages and their families, as well as addressing PTSD and recovery from injuries following efforts to counter Hamas and other terrorists. The following seven organizations received support:
Belev Echad is an international nonprofit dedicated to restoring wounded IDF soldiers back to life through physical, medical, legal, emotional, and financial support. Extensive therapies and programs help the soldiers recover and transition back into a meaningful life without limits.
Brothers for Life, created and run by injured Israe-
li veterans, gives critical and immediate help to other injured Israeli combat veterans who sacrificed their lives for the safety of the Jewish people.
Israel Heart2heart has the mission to offer unwavering assistance to soldiers living with PTSD who are grappling with the challenges brought on by battle shock. Their comprehensive approach addresses these difficulties head-on, encompassing three vital areas: community, mind-body-soul wellness, and employment reintegration.
Rising Heroes has the goal to build the mental resilience and provide practical tools for combat soldiers. This includes taking breaks to recharge, strengthening their team framework as a source of resilience and meaning, and providing techniques for personal and team-level cognitive regulation and processing of the events.
Continued on page 11
YOU Made an Impact through the Jewish Federation of Ocean County
Pass It On for Passover 2025
Dear Jewish Federation of Ocean County:
This year’s Pass It On for Passover campaign was a great success, thanks in part to your generous support.
The Collection Locations were three Lakewood Department of Public Works drop-off sites: the Main DPW (resident drop off), Dzio Park and Patrick Park. In addition, we placed bins at ten other locations, throughout Ocean County, including Lakewood, Toms River, Jackson and Manchester. These bins were placed at local shuls and public gathering areas, making it easier for community members to contribute.
The Food Collected came to a total of 3,000 pounds of unopened, non-perishable Chometz.
The Food Distribution included 420 pounds to Fulfill (the Food Bank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties), 1,500 pounds to the Sixth Street Baptist Church and 1,080 pounds to Bethel Church.
Regarding the Volunteers & Logistics, we operated with one lead driver and a few additional volunteer drivers, ensuring timely and respectful delivery of the donations to our partner organizations.
Thank you, Avi Kotler
YOU Made an Impact through the Jewish Federation of Ocean County
PTSD Organizations
Continued from page 9
Thank Israeli Soldiers works in partnership with the IDF’s Division of Mental Health and their Division of Behavioral Sciences. Today, over 620 facilitators have been trained and have screened more than 82,000 soldiers for PTSD. They are helping soldiers process their experiences in battle and are teaching resilience-building skills to transition on and off the battlefield.
The Transcending Trauma Project is a life-changing program that addresses the profound impact of October 7 on Israeli soldiers and their families, displaced persons, and Nova Festival celebrators. The project supports individuals in the early,
mid, and post stages of trauma, and then later if chronic PTSD has developed. It provides immediate intervention and treatment, builds resilience and encourages post traumatic growth. Transcending Trauma is an excellent way to regain a sense of trust and learn to manage this ongoing crisis.
TIKVOT is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization that rehabilitates Israel’s wounded soldiers and victims of terror through sports. Founded in 2007, TIKVOT has already helped thousands of severely injured Israelis to overcome their pain, trauma and disability and rebuild productive lives.
Earlier this year, the Jewish Federation of Ocean County disbursed renewal grants to these organizations: Camp
Shutaf, Counseling Center for Women, Crossroads, Derekh Eretz, Dror, Koby Mandell Foundation, Lev Otef, and the Lone Soldier Center in memory of Michael Levin. Additional funds for special projects were granted to Koby Mandell Foundation and Lev Otef.
JFOC has now supported 34 organizations since the beginning of the war on October 7, 2023.
The Jewish Federation is currently seeking to raise additional funds to support these and other organizations. The goal is $25,000, which will be aided by a $10,000 matching grant, doubling the impact of the first $10,000 in donations. To donate visit: www.jewishoceancounty.org/israelemergency or send a check to 1235a Rt. 70, Lakewood, NJ 08701.
We continue our prayers for the crisis in Israel:
May those who are still captive as hostages be released soon and safely.
May those who are wounded have a complete recovery. May the memories of those who died be forever a blessing. May all have peace.
Securing Our Community
Securing Our Community
Secure Community Network, Hillel International, and Partners Launch Essential Campus Safety Questions Resource to Empower Students & Families
CHICAGO, IL As prospective students and their families weigh admissions offers, attend welcome events, and evaluate potential colleges, the Secure Community Network (SCN), the official safety and security organization for the Jewish community in North America, is partnering with Hillel International and additional partners to announce a new resource guide titled “Essential Safety Questions to Ask Before Deciding on a College.”
This resource, available on SCN’s website, is designed to help Jewish students and families navigate the admissions and send-off process and ensure important decisions about their future are informed by the seriousness with which colleges and universities are addressing and responding to the unprecedented increase in threats and incidents directed at Jewish students, staff, faculty, and organizations on North American college campuses –including 500 threat incident and suspicious activity reports logged by SCN and over 120 encampments on campuses in 2024 alone.
Developed in close consultation with campus security experts, Jewish communal leaders, and higher education subject matter experts, the resource equips families to ask targeted, informed questions to admissions and security personnel, incorporating safety considerations are a key factor in choosing a college.
“Choosing a college is about more than academics – it’s about selecting a community where students feel safe, valued, and supported,” said SCN National Director & CEO Michael Masters. “In a moment when threats targeting Jewish members of college communities have risen to unprecedented levels, this resource represents our proactive commitment to empowering families with the critical information necessary to hold colleges accountable and keep students safe. Ensuring campuses remain places of growth, dialogue, and safety is foundational to not just safety but thriving Jewish life.”
“Alpha Epsilon Pi International (AEPi) continues to work every day to make sure that campuses are safe spaces for our members to exhibit their Jewish pride and advocate on behalf of Israel. Working together with our partners at SCN, we can provide parents and guardians with the questions they should and can be asking of campus administrators and provide resources for prospective students,” said CEO of Alpha Epsilon Pi International Rob Derdiger. “Our mission – developing leadership for the Jewish community – has never been more important than it is today, and we are grateful to have these resources to help us continue to accomplish the AEPi mission.”
“Hillel International is committed to ensuring that every Jewish student can pursue their education in a safe and supportive environment,” said Hillel International President and CEO Adam Lehman. “This new resource empowers students and families to make informed decisions as they approach college decision day, and we look forward to working with partners like SCN to ensure that Jewish students are safe to express their full identities on campus.”
“Ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for Jewish graduate students is essential to their academic success, career prospects, and wellbeing,” said The Jewish Grad Organization CEO Rabbi Dave Sorani. “We are proud to stand with SCN and Hillel International in empowering Jewish graduate students to ask the right questions so they can make well-informed choices about their future academic home."
“We are pleased to partner with Secure Community Network and Hillel on this important resource for families. Health and safety of students is the top priority of Zeta Beta Tau,” said Libby Anderson, CAE, Chief Executive Officer of Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity. “The Fraternity works proactively to address disturbing antisemitic activity on campus, to educate a broad audience and to help all students feel safe as part of our mission as the
world’s first Jewish fraternity.”
The program builds on SCN’s broader campus safety initiatives, including its longstanding partnership with Hillel International. In August 2024, SCN and Hillel International announced the launch of Operation SecureOurCampuses, an effort to expand resources to over 50 college and university campuses to include full-time intelligence analysts dedicated to monitoring campus developments and enhanced coordination with law enforcement, public safety officials, and centers of Jewish life.
SCN also recently announced the SafeU: Campus Safety Initiative developed in partnership with Hillel International, the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism (FCAS), and three-time Super Bowl Champion Julian Edelman, a first-of-itskind training program designed to equip university students with critical situational awareness and first-aid skills.
To report a campus security incident to SCN’s dedicated campus monitoring database, please visit reportcampushate.org.
About Secure Community Network, Inc.:
The Secure Community Network (SCN), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the official safety and security organization of the Jewish community in North America. Founded in 2004 under the auspices of Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, SCN serves as the central organization dedicated exclusively to the safety and security of the American Jewish community, working across 146 federations, 50 partner organizations, over 300 independent communities, and other partners in the public, private, nonprofit, and academic sectors. SCN is dedicated to ensuring that Jewish organizations, communities, life, and culture can not only exist safely and securely, but flourish. Learn more at securecommunitynetwork.org.
About Hillel International:
Founded in 1923, Hillel has been impacting the lives of Jewish college students and countering antisemitism on campus for more than 100 years. Hillel International is a global organization that welcomes students of all backgrounds and fosters an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning, and Israel. As the largest Jewish
student organization in the world, Hillel builds connections with emerging adults at more than 850 colleges and universities. During their formative college years, students are inspired to explore, experience, and create vibrant Jewish lives.
About JGO: The Jewish Grad Organization:
The Jewish Grad Organization (JGO) is the national movement for Jewish graduate students and alumni. Their mission is to foster Jewish community on grad school campuses and to cultivate Jewish identity and leadership among young adults at this critical life stage. Since 2011, JGO has built a network of grassroots Jewish affinity clubs at over 150 graduate campuses across North America, impacting 10,000 unique students a year through more than 650 annual programs. They have empowered a generation of young Jewish leaders and touched the lives of more than 40,000 individuals. Learn more at https://www. gojgo.org.
About Zeta Beta Tau (ZBT) Fraternity: Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity was founded in 1898 in New York City as the world’s first Jewish fraternity. ZBT is a Brotherhood of Kappa Nu, Phi Alpha, Phi Sigma Delta, Phi Epsilon Pi and Zeta Beta Tau. ZBT is represented on 80 campuses across North America and has 140,000 undergraduate and alumni brothers throughout the world.
About Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi) Fraternity:
Alpha Epsilon Pi is the world’s leading Jewish college fraternity, operating chapters on more than 150 college campuses in the United States, Canada, and Israel. Founded in 1913, AEPi has more than 110,000 living alumni. The fraternity’s mission – developing the future leaders of the Jewish communities – is demonstrated every day through acts of brotherhood, Tzedakah (charity), social awareness and support for Jewish communities and Israel. For more information, visit AEPi.org or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
See page 18 for more about Securing Our Community.
2025 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 Sponsor: $1,000 – Includes tickets for events and name listing in Ocean JPages
All sponsorship levels are listed in multiple issues of the Jewish Journal and featured on our website, in community emails and social media.
The deadline to be in the next issue of the Jewish Journal is the first Thursday of each month
Full Series Discount Sponsor Level: Gold@$5000 Silver@$2750 Bronze@$1500 Patron@$1000 (Gold, Silver and Bronze Sponsors, please email camera-ready logo to sharron@ocjf.org)
Sponsor Level: Gold@$1800 Silver@$1000 Bronze@$540 Patron@$360
Single Event – Fill in (Gold, Silver and Bronze Sponsors, please email camera-ready logo to sharron@ocjf.org)
Let's Connect : VIP Ticket @$60/person VIP Package @$90/person
I've made my minimum required donation in 2025 and/or $ donation is included.
Send form to: Jewish Federation of Ocean County · 1235A Route 70 · Lakewood, NJ 08701 · 732-363-0530
Securing Our Community
Secure Community Network and The Jewish Grad Organization Formalize Strategic Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to Enhance Campus Safety and Preparedness
The Secure Community Network (SCN), the official safety and security organization for the Jewish community in North America, and The Jewish Grad Organization (JGO), the leading organization on graduate school campuses in America servicing Jewish graduate students, have formalized a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to strengthen security awareness and preparedness across JGO’s national network of graduate school chapters and sponsored events.
Through this agreement, SCN will serve as JGO’s official safety and security partner, providing strategic support to enhance safety measures at JGO-affiliated events and affinity clubs across more than 150 graduate campuses. SCN will assist JGO in implementing best-practice security frameworks, including emergency preparedness planning, training programs, and coordination with law enforcement.
The MOA also ensures that JGO will benefit from SCN’s comprehensive security resources, including intelligence sharing; threat, vulnerability, and risk assessments; physical security consultations; incident response; and real-time intelligence from SCN’s Jewish Security Operations Command Center (JSOCC).
“Our partnership with JGO is part of SCN's ongoing efforts to ensure that Jewish students can learn and congregate safely on campus,” said Michael Masters, National Director & CEO of SCN. “Our work with JGO is the latest
in a comprehensive suite of work, resources, and safety recommendations to protect Jewish students across North America. Together, our goal is to foster a preparedness mindset among students and organizers and ensure campuses can continue to be places for learning and growing, not battlegrounds for their student bodies.”
SCN will collaborate with JGO’s leadership and affiliates to create tailored training programs and implement enhanced security protocols. This partnership will also provide specialized support for event programming and campus security, ensuring that JGO-affiliated students and organizers are fully equipped with the tools and knowledge to maintain a safe and secure campus environment.
“At JGO, our mission is to build and strengthen Jewish communities on graduate campuses, and ensuring the safety of our students is a critical component of that work,” said Rabbi David Sorani, CEO of JGO. “By partnering with SCN, we are taking proactive steps to ensure that every JGO-affiliated space remains safe and welcoming.”
This partnership is part of SCN’s broader campus security initiatives, which include programs such as SafeU, a training platform designed to equip students with practical safety skills; Report Campus Hate, a system for tracking and responding to antisemitic incidents; and “Operation SecureOurCampuses,” a nationwide effort to enhance security preparedness at Jewish institutions. Together, these initiatives reinforce a shared commitment to ensuring that Jewish students have the tools, training, and resources necessary to remain vigilant and secure while engaging in Jewish life on campus.
Holocaust Survivors Alert
If you are a Holocaust Survivor who has never applied for compensation, or was turned down previously, there are new funds and guidelines. For more information, you may call the Claims Conference in NY at 646-536-9100 or go to their website: www.claimscon.org. Click on survivor resources, then click on compensation programs. They have a FAQ (frequently asked questions) section which should be read prior to applying.
Secure Community Network April 2025 Report
By Michael G. Masters National Director & CEO Secure Community Network
As we prepare to turn the page on April, we reflect on a Passover season that was, for many, as sobering as it was sacred. Amid rising campus protests, heightened hate, and increasingly complex security challenges, our community gathered with resilience, purpose, and unwavering commitment to one another. At SCN, we met these challenges head-on – preparing and standing at the ready so our communities could gather in safety and peace.
In the lead-up to the holiday, we hosted two national webinars – one for Jewish institutions and community members and one in partnership with the National Fusion Center Association for law enforcement professionals across the country. Together, these efforts helped ensure that both those protecting Jewish life and those living it were equipped for a safe and meaningful Passover.
Throughout April, we continued to strengthen our security shield. From expanding our regional security network in Connecticut, to equipping Jewish families with new campus safety evaluation
tools, to announcing a formal partnership with The Jewish Grad Organization, SCN remained focused on delivering proactive, practical resources that meet this moment. We were also proud to see our work highlighted in national media, where we continued calling out threats and demanding accountability from institutions in ensuring the safety and security of Jewish community members.
Just after the Passover holiday, we published an op-ed in Jewish News Syndicate responding to the online circulation of a pro-Hamas operations manual that called for violent tactics and attacks, urging decisive action against those providing material support to terrorism, and calling on educational institutions to take substantive steps to protect the Jewish community.
Passover teaches us to remember our journey from oppression to freedom –and to recommit ourselves each year to protecting what our ancestors so courageously secured. In that spirit, we thank you for your partnership and your trust, and we renew our shared promise to continue to work together to build a safe, secure, and resilient Jewish community.
Stay safe.
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
$18/person call the synagogue office 732-363-2800 to make a reservation
Gold: $500 (includes 2 free tickets)
Lox: $360 (includes 2 free tickets)
Bagel: $180
Schmear: $72
TRIBUTE DONATIONS
Special Offer
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.
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 federation@ocjf.org or visit our website www.jewishoceancounty.org/tribute.
NEW
Send an email tribute for a minimum donation of $10
Mazel Tov, In Honor of You, Birthdays, and in Memory of e-mail cards sent on your behalf and listed in the Jewish Journal
JFOC Tributes
April 8 – May 5
In Honor of
Dr. Mitchel & Debbie Alpert’s 45th anniversary by Sue & Steve Greenberg
Walter Berg by Rochelle Rosenberg
Pearl Dearman by Sahra and Gary Hup
Dustin & Daniel Friedland by Wayne & Rose Friedland
Our 10th anniversary by Sue & Steve Greenberg
Rita Sason by Beth Pincus
Rita Sason by Leslie Zwain
In Memory of
Bill Berenter by Thelma Berenter
Mendel, Yetta, and Regina Dodyk by Jerry Dodyk
Judith Feldbaum by Leonard Herman
Hadasa Smith, Ita Feit, and Ita Szuzkewiz by Ruth Fierstien
Ben & Frieda Gross by Sahra & Gary Hup
Arthur Haffner by Marilyn Haffner
Jay Lisnow by Jacquiline Lisnow
Karen Liss by Arnold Liss
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.
Tributes
Family and all the innocent people who perished in the Holocaust by Arlene & Jack Neugarten
Jonathan Rosenfeld by Paula Rosenfeld
Those remembered at Yizkor by Rabbi Robert and Susan Rubin
Dr. Warren & Mrs. Diana Schnitzer by Dr. Robert & Laurie Schnitzer
Joel Tenn and Gina Tenn by Rochelle Rosenberg
Barbara Zwain by Leslie Zwain
• Consider making a monthly gift to support your community.
Jewish Federation of Ocean County 1235A Route 70, Lakewood, NJ 08701 732-363-0530
How a Jewish Man with Parkinson’s Won “Jeopardy!” after 24 Years and a Missed Voicemail
Harvey Silikovitz, a lawyer and globe-trotting karaoke performer, hopes to inspire others with a chronic illness.
By Benyamin Cohen
March 17, 2025 forward.com
Harvey Silikovitz spent 24 years trying to get on Jeopardy! – and less than 30 minutes winning it. But after winning, he was stumped by a question about the Forward.
Just recently, in an online trivia league, he was asked: “The newspaper called the Forverts, founded in 1897, provided socialist-leaning coverage of politics and
government, as well as columns aimed at familiarizing its readers with American culture. It was published in what language?” He guessed French. The correct answer? Yiddish. Obviously. “I didn’t associate Jewish immigrants specifically with socialism, Emma Goldman notwithstanding,” he told me over the phone.
Silikovitz, 55, is believed to be the first contestant with Parkinson’s to win Jeopardy! – and he became an overnight sensation. Clips of his victory exploded across social media. He landed on The
Today Show and World News Tonight. The Michael J. Fox Foundation reached out, eager to share his story as proof that those with Parkinson’s can still achieve their dreams.
His road to Jeopardy! was almost as grueling as the game itself. It probably helped that knowledge was ingrained in him from an early age. Growing up in New Jersey, he attended the Hebrew Youth Academy. Although Silikovitz is quick to point out that he skipped second grade.
But even for a kid who was already ahead of the game, getting on Jeopardy! was anything but easy. He first passed the show’s online audition test in 2004. Then he passed it again. And again. And again – nine times in total. In 2019, he finally got the call. And he missed it. The voicemail sat there, unheard, until it was too late. Jeopardy! moved on.
Then, a few months later, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. That might have ended the story. But instead, Silikovitz kept on trying.
Before his taping in January, he practiced with a simulated buzzer, knowing his body could sometimes move beyond his
control. He played seated, an accommodation offered by the show’s producers. “I didn’t care what people thought about those things,” he said. “I just wanted to go there and play the game and prove to myself and to other people that someone with Parkinson’s could get on the show and hopefully do well.” And he did. He didn’t just win. He dominated. He returned on Tuesday and finished in third place – but at that point, he had already won the game he had been chasing for decades.
After a whirlwind week of TV interviews, viral fame, and Jeopardy! fandom, Silikovitz is finally decompressing. And he won’t let a wrong answer go to waste. “When I miss a trivia question, the silver lining is I make a flash card on it,” he said. “And I go down a rabbit hole when I’m making that card, and I learn things that I wouldn’t have known had I gotten the question right.” At some point, when life settles down, he’ll make that flash card about the Forward.
Benyamin Cohen is a senior writer at the Forward and host of our morning briefing, Forwarding the News. He is the author of two books, My Jesus Year and The Einstein Effect.
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
kashrut.
Harvey Silikovitz on “Jeopardy!” Courtesy of Jeopardy Productions, Inc.
CHILDREN'S SERVICE
...making a difference
Holocaust Survivors Need Our Help
Adapted from the recent email message from Annabel Lindenbaum, Board Chair of the Jewish Federation of Ocean County
Passover has just come. We say during the seder: “Let all who are hungry come eat.” The Jewish Federation is taking that to heart, with our grants to feed hungry Jews around the world and our sponsorship of Pass It On For Passover locally. We also have been providing meals and support to more than 60 Holocaust survivors in our community.
We need your help to keep providing these services and helping our local Holocaust survivors. Can we count on you to make a donation?
We provide close to $7 Million in services to our local Holocaust survivors. This funding comes through the
Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (Claims Conference) and restitution funding from European governments. However, in order to enable this funding, we need to raise and match $135,000. We have already raised $35,000 and are turning to you to help us raise the rest!!!
Would you help us raise the additional $100,000 needed with a tax-deductible contribution? Please DONATE NOW!
Mail your donation to: Jewish Federation of Ocean County, 1235A Route 70, Lakewood, NJ 08701, and indicate Holocaust Survivors Fund in the memo line. See pages 22 and 29 of this issue of the Jewish Journal for other ways to donate.
As we celebrate our holidays with family and friends, we can also help others celebrate and live life with food, medicine, and dignity.
TUESDAYS 1:00 -2:30pm
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 Chaim Respes
Rabbi Emeritus Robert E. Fierstien z”l 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 AND HOLIDAY CANDLE LIGHTING IN LAKEWOOD
May 16 7:49 PM
May 23 7:55 PM
May 30 8:01 PM
June 1 8:02 PM
June 2 after 9:03 PM
June 6 8:06 PM
June 13 8:09 PM
June 20 8:11 PM
June 27 8:12 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
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.
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 Shavuot:
(On both nights)
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the universe, who hallows us with mitzvot, commanding us to kindle the light of Holiday.
(On both nights)
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the universe, who has kept us alive and sustained us and enabled us to reach this moment in time.
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
