Yom Hazikaron / Israel Memorial Day
One day before Israel Independence Day, this year Tuesday night-Wednesday, April 29-30
Yom Haatzmaut / Israel Independence Day 5 Iyar - this year on 3 Iyar, this year Wednesday night-Thursday, April 30-May 1
News - see pages 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Let’s Connect - see pages 16, 17
By Keith Krivitzky, Managing Director Jewish Federation of Ocean County keith@ocjf.org
www.jewishoceancounty.org
www.jewishoceancounty.org/donate 732.363.0530
Our Jewish Federation has two fundraising campaigns underway at the moment.
These include:
A) A push for our annual campaign, which will also help meet a match from the Claims Conference to support services for Holocaust survivors.
B) And an effort to continue our Israel campaign, which will help augment the funding provided to needy, often highly effective niche programs in Israel, that help those most affected by October 7 be able to rebuild their lives, grapple with PTSD, and recover.
I am leading with these activities, not
Our priorities are to help those Jews most in need locally, in Israel, and around the world; to strengthen and instill pride in our community; and to respond to those crises that put our community and our people at risk, such as combatting hate and antisemitism.
just because they are happening now and we want to encourage your contributions – which is true – but because this reflects our approach at the Jewish Federation of Ocean County. We are focused on a few core priorities and efforts – and we try our best not to get distracted.
That is difficult in the world we live in today, with endless news cycles and nonstop efforts to capture our attention, eyeballs, and mindshare. It seems that often the only way to make it through the day without a scrambled mind is to wear blinders or bury your head in the sand.
Or…to keep your “eyes on the prize” and stay focused on what’s really important. That’s what we try and do.
Our priorities are to help those Jews most in need locally, in Israel, and around the world; to strengthen and instill pride in our community; and to respond to those crises that put our community and our people at risk, such as combatting hate and antisemitism.
We highlight the ways in which your contribution helps enable smart impact and makes a meaningful difference in our communications. Visit www.jewishoceancounty.org/impact. You can feel confident that your funds are put to good use and are leveraged as much as possible – such as through the match from the Claims Conference or the support of the Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission, the Ocean County Prosecutor, and our elected officials for working together to counter hate and antisemitism.
Staying focused and keeping our eyes on the prize isn’t easy and didn’t originate with us. This idea is central to the holiday of Shavuot, which we will soon be celebrating.
Shavuot marks the giving of the Torah. This didn’t happen suddenly but was the culmination of a process which began with the Exodus from Egypt. As has been said by Rav Joseph Soloveitchik and other thinkers, Mt. Sinai wasn’t just the destination of the Jewish people, it
By Rabbi William Gershon Congregation B’nai Israel, Toms River www.cbitr.org
Acolleague shared with me that someone told her that he plans to make Kiddush every Friday night – he had never done that before – and recite the words of “Eishet Chayil” (Proverbs 31:10-31) to his wife on Friday nights. Why? Because he saw this video of Eli Sharabi. Eli Sharabi was a hostage held for 491 days in the dungeons of Hamas captivity.
Eli delivered a speech at the U.N. I quote part of what he said: “My name is Eli
Sharabi. I am 53 years old. I’ve come back from hell. I’ve returned to tell my story. I used to live in Kibbutz Be’eri with my British-born wife, Lianne, and my daughters, Noiya and Yahel. I came there when I was 16. It was a beautiful community. We were all passionate about creating the best life for our children and for our neighbors. On October 7, my heaven turned to hell. For 491 days, I was kept mostly underground in Hamas terror tunnels, chained, starved, beaten, and humiliated. I was held captive in the darkness, isolated from the world by Hamas terrorists… they took pleasure in our suffering. I survived on scraps of food with no medical attention and no mercy. My face was swollen, my ribs bruised.”
The chains placed on Eli’s legs never came off for 491 days, digging into his skin and placed in such a way that when he went to stand up to go to the bathroom, their restriction made it almost impossible for him to walk. He was beaten for fun and starved.
was their destiny. There was a goal, a focal point, which the children of Israel and their leaders tried to stay homed in on –though, as we see in the Torah and our history, it has often been difficult to stick to the path and avoid other temptations and distractions.
We commemorate that today as we count the Omer between Passover and Shavuot. And, today as well, it is sometimes hard to stay focused and avoid potential distractions that can seem compelling at the time.
Thanks to our leadership, we are doing our best and, in part as a result, have an outsized impact for a small Federation and community. You help make that possible.
Thank you.
To donate to our annual campaigns and meet a match to help local Holocaust survivors, visit: www.jewishoceancounty.org/HolocaustFund. To support our ongoing Israel efforts post October 7, visit: www.jewishoceancounty.org/israelresponse.
P.S. Don’t forget you can do both!
With the power of faith it is possible to conquer everything. And unity, our unity, is the most important. ~ Eli Sharabi, released Israeli hostage formerly held in Gaza
Right before he was released, they taunted him by telling him that his brother had been murdered. He said the pain was unbearable, from starvation, the pain of loss, not knowing what had happened to his wife and daughters. When he finally arrived home, he found out that his wife and daughters had been murdered.
After his speech at the UN, he went to pray at the grave of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Although I may have my own theological issues with people going to a grave to pray in that way, when someone prays, no matter where they do it, if it comes
from a deep authentic place, who am I to question them? And especially Eli.
When Eli left the gravesite, he was encouraged by the Chabad rabbi to make some remarks: “I’m not a religious person. I was in the darkest place, 50 meters underground. So I was in this very dark place, and what gave me strength every day was to recite ‘Shema Yisrael’ in the morning, to sing ‘Eishet Chayil’ every Friday night and to make Kiddush over water because we didn’t have any wine. It gave me and the other hostages so much strength – we felt the power of our faith and it helped us survive nearly 500 terrible days of captivity.”
When I first heard Eli’s words I was brought to tears. He and the other hostages, like so many other Jews before them who were persecuted just for being Jews, recited the Shema in the face of death. What touched me even more about Eli Continued on page 25
By Ellen Keller
Bat Shalom Hadassah’s long-awaited trip to New York City to visit
Anne Frank: The Exhibition, finally arrived on April 3, 2025. Thanks to Ina Goldberg’s diligent arrangements, 45 members and guests boarded the bus to New York; the tour was arranged through Garden State Getaways. Our first stop was the Essex Street Market for lunch. I was looking for an old-fashioned egg cream and a real bialy. Unfortunately, nobody in any store had even heard of that nostalgic beverage, nor was the bialy like the ones I remembered from my trips to the Lower East Side as a youngster. However, food was not what we had come for. The rest of the trip was most rewarding.
Anne Frank, The Exhibition opened at the Center for Jewish History in January, to commemorate the 80th liberation of Auschwitz. It’s the first-of-its-kind, full-scale recreation of the Annex, furnished as it would have been while Anne and the others were in hiding. In addition to the rooms themselves, we had an audio guide which detailed her family’s move to Amsterdam, their lives in hiding, their arrest and subsequent time in concentration camps, and the deaths of all inhabitants hidden except Otto Frank, Anne’s father. That guide and accompanying pictures and documents also provided the history of the Nazis’ rise to power and the treatment of Jews for those who may not knowledgeable.
We saw copies of Anne’s diary translated into more than 70 languages. Anne had wanted to be a journalist as a young girl. Surely, she has been one of the most successful voices in Holocaust education. We saw artifacts, such as letters from Otto asking for the diary to be published and the answer that it would not be popular enough to be sold! There were posters of the play, which I saw as a young girl. Peter’s game and Mrs. Van Pelz’ elaborate dress that she planned to wear upon liberation, were displayed with other actual mementos although most of the furnishings were replicas.
Afterward, we traveled to The Eldridge Street Synagogue, which is now a museum. It is a breathtakingly beautiful building which has been restored to its original grandeur. Built in 1887 by four Jewish businessmen, it served both the poor immigrants on the Lower East Side,
as well as the more prosperous residents of the area. Now there aren’t enough Jews locally to form an Orthodox congregation which requires at least ten men to hold services although it is open for weddings and bar mitzvahs. Several TV shows have been filmed there. The beautiful stained glass windows, ornate wooden pews, and magnificent glass chandeliers are awesome.
Our excellent docent, Jaime Cohen, recalled the history of the building, including its restoration after years of disuse and neglect. A most interesting tale revolved around the kosher meat boycott in 1902. Meat prices had soared from 12 cents per pound to 18 cents which caused a boycott and protests, even riots. This protest led to the storming of the Eldridge Street Synagogue where services were disrupted, demanding that prices be lowered. Since one of the founders was known as the Sausage King, this dissent proved useful! Ultimately, as a result of the women’s tactics, prices were lowered to 14 cents!
The docent stated that she liked working in the synagogue because so many Jewish historical sites reflect tragic times; this building reflected the beginnings of Jewish life in New York. It was especially fitting that we visited this beautiful temple after recalling the times of Anne Frank, who symbolizes so many of the young children lost during the Holocaust. Cindy Sarna, one of those on the trip, thanked us for organizing a truly exceptional excursion that was enjoyed by all. Thanks to all of those who came with us on a visit to the past.
By Ellen Keller
On March 5, some nine days before Purim, Bat Shalom Hadassah held a pre-Purim luncheon at the Westlake Grille. It was just the second party catered by the new vendor. We were not disappointed. The delicious salad, the yummy eggplant rollatini, and baked ziti were crowd pleasers! Delicious hamantaschen from Bingo and a home-baked Nadia Massuda masterpiece cake, in the shape of a hamantasch, completed the culinary aspect of the party.
I began the party with a brief retelling of the Purim story, with many guests booing the villainous Haman. It was noted that the heroine Esther’s Hebrew name was Hadassah, which is so appropriate for our group. Our chapter has raised money needed for Hadassah Hospital’s research and wonderful patient care.
We also had a rather difficult trivia game. Despite the difficult questions, three players, Heather Markson, Marsha Inzelbuch, and Trudy Prager won cute mahjongg socks (thanks Amazon and Bonnie Birman), which they can wear at our card game on May 6. The three lucky winners of the cash prize donated their $35 back to Hadassah. Thanks so much to Bonnie Sue Rosenwald, Cindy Sarna, and Rona Stein. Our chapter is filled with heroines. It was such fun to see the parade of those guests who decided to wear costumes, which is one of Purim’s traditions. Another tradition is the giving of charity. Our chapter fulfills this tradition all year long, not only on Purim.
Join us for “A Concert for a Cause” benefiting the Frances Foundation for Kids Fighting Cancer. They will be partnering with the Congregation to present the award-winning Liberty Oak Chorus who will be entertaining us with their unique and enriching musical choir experience for an enjoyable afternoon!
This concert will take place at Congregation Ahavat Olam, 106 Windeler Road, Howell, on Sunday, May 18 at 1:00 PM. The cost to attend the concert is only $12 per person. Everyone is invited to attend this exciting event in support of the Frances Foundation for Kids Fighting Cancer.
Liberty Oak Chorus of Howell, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, is dedicated to advancing women's a cappella singing in the barbershop style. Liberty Oak Chorus’ membership consists of women from many different walks of life who travel from 48 different towns in 13 different counties and three states each week to share a common bond – the love of singing.
The Frances Foundation was started by
a group of caring friends, neighbors and community who originally came together as an outgrowth of the idea of the founder Bob Huegle, who wanted to honor his mother, Frances, who lost her battle with cancer in 2000. Because of her deep love for children, he wanted to give back to her community and others in need. Other than the joy of knowing they are helping children and families in need, no member of the Frances Foundation family accepts any payment for their work.
How you can support The Frances Foundations for Kids Fighting Cancer: The Frances Foundation provides smiles and hope to our Warriors with individual surprises and fun group events! They also provide financial assistance to families to alleviate the financial burden during this difficult time. The Frances Foundation for Kids Fighting Cancer, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, Tax ID # 760763611. For more information about The Frances Foundation, please visit their website: www.francesfoundation.net.
Please RSVP by Friday, May 10, by emailing: Sisterhood@CAO-NJ.org. Please make your checks for $12 per person payable to “CAO Sisterhood” and mail to: Janet Seltzer, 8 Colonial Court, Howell, NJ 07731. Mark your calendars today and join us for this wonderful, uplifting musical program that your entire family will enjoy!
By Al Adler
March has been a very busy month for the Jewish War Veterans and the Jewish War Veterans Ladies Auxiliary.
The JWV Ladies Auxiliary is very, very important to our organization. JWVA 178 The Shelly Berman Memorial Auxiliary is one of the most active auxiliaries in the state, if not the country. The old concept of the Auxiliary being a group of “donut dollies” is no longer true at least in JWVA Department of NJ.
On March 9, JWV and JWV Ladies Auxiliary hosted a Purim Party at the New Jersey Veterans Home in Menlo Park, NJ. The party was well attended by our hospitalized veterans. Jolie Fromm gave a very interesting and enjoyable talk on the history of Purim. The guests received Mishloach Manot with groggers, fruit, hamantaschen, and other snacks. Thanks go out to Jolie Fromm, Susan Karsh, Carol Adler, Tracey Adler, Bonnie Stein, Selina Kanowitz, Tammy Gincel, Merci Silverman, and Ed Hornichter. The residents were so happy that this may become a yearly event.
On March 14-17 JWV Auxiliary National President Jo Reingold paid a visit to New Jersey. JWVA Department President Carol Adler and I had a great time escorting National President Reingold over that weekend.
On Friday we drove National President Reingold to the Chapel of the Four Chaplains in the Naval Yard in Philadelphia. Last month we spoke about the Chapel of the Four Chaplains. That afternoon we went to Make-A-Wish Foundation in Monroe Township. The building, built like a castle, is magical and the work they do for critically ill children is a mitzvah. That evening Jo attended Shabbat Services at Beth Am Shalom. Jo gave a lovely speech and members of JWV and JWVA assisted with the service.
On Saturday we took President Reingold to the Vietnam Memorial and Museum in Holmdel. Thanks to Bob Jacobs who conducted the tour of the museum and memorial. On Saturday evening we attended a performance by A Band Called Honalee at the Grunin Center at Ocean County Community College.
On Sunday morning National President Reingold was guest of honor at our state DCA Meeting. Post 178 sponsored the food which was catered by Bagel King in Jackson.
That afternoon National President Reingold joined the Ladies Auxiliary at the Menlo Park Veterans Home where they sponsored a Grant-A-Wish for a hospitalized Veteran. In this case the Veteran had requested a kindle since he had difficulty reading books.
That evening many members of the Jewish War Veterans and its Ladies Auxiliary attended JCRC’s 56th Israel Advocacy Event at Congregation Beth El in Voorhees at which American and Israeli heroes were celebrated. Our own Past National Commander Nelson Mellitz was honored with the Israel Advocacy Award for 2025.
PLEASE REMEMBER SUNDAY MAY 4, 2025
The Jewish War Veterans 43rd Annual Legislative Breakfast Honoring U.S. Senator Andy Kim as legislator of the year and Keep Our Veterans Alive (KOVA) as organization of the year. Cost is still only $22 a person. Kosher meals are available upon request. The event will be held at the Clarion Hotel, Route 37W, Toms River. Please call Al Adler at 732-580-9266 for details and reservations.
By Lisa Kassenoff, D.O.
Photo credits: Teri Abramson and Emilie Kovit
With the help of volunteers and Hebrew High School and USY students, Congregation B’nai Israel got an early start on Purim with a Mishloach Manot Packing Party on Sunday, March 9. An assembly line of congregants and students put together an array of goodies suitable for the holiday that were then hand-delivered to the homes of CBI’s members.
The Mishloach Manot campaign was co-chaired by Penny Leifer and Barbara Schloff, who carefully curated the basket items. Michele Pardes and Allyssa Weintraub arranged for the deliveries. And Janet Miller and the food committee provided treats. Refreshments were sponsored by the CBI Men’s Club. The campaign served as a successful fundraiser for the synagogue while helping the community fulfill the mitzvah of Mishloach Manot.
A few days later, on Thursday evening, March 13, congregants gathered again, this time for Purim itself. More than 100 people turned out, many in costumes that reflected the theme of the very “popular” musical and movie, “Wicked.” The sanctuary was filled with green faces and witch hats.
The Purim Schpeil, narrated by past CBI president Phil Brilliant, was accompanied by Purim songs led by Cantor Vadim Yucht – some to familiar tunes from “Wicked.” The Megillah was chanted by congregants, Talmud Torah and He-
Congregation B’nai Israel will host a lecture on an all-too-relevant topic: “Antisemitism Today.”
Author Dara Horn will discuss the topic, as viewed through the themes of
brew high students and accompanied by loud “booing” from the sanctuary at each mention of Haman.
Rabbi William Gershon spoke, reminding everyone not to forget the hostages still being held in Gaza and to remember those who were lost while under Hamas’s captivity – especially the Bibas family, whose pictures have been posted in the sanctuary since the October 7, 2023 attack. The Megillah reading was followed by a festive celebration with food, drink and a craft room for the children.
For information about future events, call the CBI Office at 732-349-1244.
her book, “People Love Dead Jews,” on Wednesday, May 7 at 7:00 PM, at the synagogue at 1488 Old Freehold Road, Toms River. The lecture is free and only accessible in person. Those interested in attending must register at https://www. cbitr.org/event/dara-horn-lecture.html.
Horn is a multiple National Jewish Book Award Winner. Her works include the novels “In the Image” (2002), “The World to Come” (2006), “All Other Nights” (2009), “A Guide for the Perplexed” (2013), and “Eternal Life” (2018), and the essay collection “People Love Dead Jews (2021). All
were published by Norton.
Her nonfiction work also has been widely published, including in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, Smithsonian, and The Jewish Review of Books, and she is a regular columnist for Tablet. She is the recipient of numerous awards and has lectured for audiences in venues throughout North America, Israel and Australia.
With a doctorate in Yiddish and Hebrew literature from Harvard University, Horn has taught courses in these subjects at
Sarah Lawrence College and Yeshiva University and has held the Gerald Weinstock Visiting Professorship in Jewish Studies at Harvard. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and four children.
The program is made possible with the support of the Irving and Esther Rosen Adult Education Fund. For information, call the CBI Office at 732-349-1244.
See ad on page 3.
Beth Am Shalom Hebrew School
Principal Josh Inzelbuch directed the students in their Purim Spiel entitled “Who’s Got Talent in Shushan.” The setting was on TV station WTBAS of Lakewood, New Jersey. Jaxson Eisenberg commentated the talent show. The contestants auditioning were Achashvayrosh who said he had no talent, Vashti who’s talent was to show the other girls how to be gorgeous for the men, Haman who said he was great at giving advice, Bigtan and Teresh who displayed their professional knife swallowing skills (but were really soldiers that lost their jobs), Shlemazel the Magician and Queen Ester whose talent was singing “Popular” to show the girls how to be more assertive. Of course, Queen Ester was the winner and saved the Jews! Such fun was had by all, followed by a Purim Carnival complete with prizes and pizza for all.
On April 3, the Women of Beth Am Shalom welcomed women to its popular annual, Miriam’s Seder. Participants took turns reading from a modern Haggadah celebrating women. Along with the traditional Seder plates, each table had a tray of coffee beans, pomegranate seeds, artichoke leaves, and orange slices. Many mothers brought their daughters, and many daughters brought their mothers to this multigenerational event. Many thanks to Randi Bell, Jennifer Sacks, and Fran Gimpel who planned and carried out this inspirational and meaningful Seder.
Compiled by the Jewish Federation of Ocean County based on submissions from the event hosts – Events can be submitted at www.jewishoceancounty.org/calendar. Most of the Jewish Virtual University webinars are emergent with only a few days’ notice and are updated on the page www.jewishoceancounty.org/jvu and our facebook page facebook.com/jewishocean.
Tuesday night-Wednesday, April 29-30 – Yom Hazikaron / Israel Memorial Day
Wednesday night-Thursday, April 30-May 1 – Yom Haatzmaut / Israel
Independence Day
Thursday, May 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, 732-363-8010
Sunday, May 4 (and every week on Sunday), 12:00 Noon – American Jews
Extending their Hand to Brethren in Poland, Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), check JVU page
Sunday, May 4, 3:00 PM – Sunday Funday; Congregation Ahavat Olam, 106 Windeler Road, Howell; call Arlene Stein at 732-367-4046
Monday, May 5 and 12, 2:00 PM – Israel Briefings, Jewish Federations of North America, check JVU page
Tuesday, May 6, 1:00 PM (and every week on Tuesday) – Grief After Loss Group led by Rita Sason, Jewish Family and Children’s Service, virtual online, 732-363-8010
Tuesday, May 6, 8:30 PM – PJ Library Speaker Series, register at www.jewishoceancounty.org/pj-library
Wednesday, May 7, 7:00 PM – Antisemitism Today with Dara Horn; Congregation B’nai Israel, 1488 Old Freehold Road, Toms River; call CBI at 732-349-1244; see pages 3 and 7
Friday, May 9, 11:00 AM – PJ Tot Shabbat, register at www.jewishoceancounty. org/pj-library
Tuesday, May 13, 11:00 AM – PJ Library Hebrew Circle Time, register at www.jewishoceancounty.org/pj-library
Thursday night-Friday, May 15-16 – Lag B’Omer
Continued on page 11
From JFNA March 20, 2025
Jewish Federations of North America and Taglit-Birthright Israel are pleased to announce a strategic partnership to grow the number of global Jewish community members that travel to Israel to volunteer at this critical time.
The two organizations will leverage their scale and expertise to ensure that at least 10,000 participants volunteer in Israel in 2025 to support Israel’s recovery and rebuilding, while also responding to the surge of interest in Jewish life since the October 7th attacks. The two organizations will also explore pathways to sustain and grow these efforts for years to come.
This joint initiative builds on the successes that both Federations and Birthright Israel have had facilitating and running volunteer trips since the attacks. Birthright Israel sent 8,000 volunteers – including many alumni of classic Birthright Israel trips – to Israel in 2024 on oneand two-week trips facilitated by a range of organizations including synagogues, Federations, and other community-based institutions. Jewish Federations have sent an additional 1,000 volunteers since August alone through their Serve Israel platform. More broadly, Federations have been deeply engaged in supporting Israel through efforts that have raised over $850M since October 7.
“Jewish Federations are at the forefront of efforts to help Israel rebuild and recover from the terrible events of October 7 and the war that followed. Pairing Birthright Israel’s deep expertise in running meaningful educational trips with Jewish Federation communities' deep relationships and partnerships, including over 500 Israeli NGOs that have received emergency support since October 7, will allow us to help Israel rebuild in significant ways through new volunteer experiences,” said Julie Platt, Chair of the Board, Jewish Federations of North America.
"We are thrilled to partner with Jewish Federations of North America to dramatically expand volunteerism in Israel. This initiative, which began as a response to our community’s urgent desire to support Israel’s recovery after October 7, has grown into a major pillar of Birthright Israel's work. We hope to partner with new and existing supporters of the Birthright Israel program to ensure that we can meet the increasing demand for volunteerism in Israel," said Josh Nash, Chair of the Board, Birthright Israel.
The initiative is open to Jewish adults aged 18-50 who are interested in strengthening Israel through hands-on volunteer work and offers significant assistance to cover costs. The cost to North American volunteers for the one-week program, including flights, is $600.
The initiative is set to expand its offerings, including raising the age cap, in the months ahead.
Volunteerism is critically important to supporting Israel at this time, as tens of thousands of Israelis serve on reserve duty and fewer foreign workers are available. Over the past eighteen months, volunteers have made meaningful contributions to Israel, contributed both to the economy and Israel’s national food security, and have found their experiences transformative, significantly strengthening their connections to Israel while fostering a profound sense of belonging with the Jewish community back home.
This initiative is also supported by Mosaic United and the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs.
For more information and to apply for a 2025 Birthright Israel Volunteer trip experience, please visit https://www.birthrightisrael.com/volunteer-in-israel.
Jewish Federations’ Global Volunteer Hub is Recruiting Volunteers on Behalf of NATAN
for NATAN Telemedicine Project to aid Ukrainian civilians in the war zone
Family doctors or doctors of internal medicine fluent in Ukrainian or Russian.
Volunteer doctors will be asked to assist in one or two shifts per month (depending on availability) Each three or four-hour shift is conducted at home in front of the computer
Interested?
Please send a resume to Dr. Albina Rotshtein albinart@gmail.com and mention “JFNA Global Volunteer Hub” referral
JFNA’s Global Volunteer Hub is looking for North American Ukrainian and/or Russian-speaking mental health professionals to bolster the work of our partner organizations in Europe supporting Ukrainian refugees.
The need is both immediate and ongoing.
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?
Please complete our volunteer application via this link.
Like us at: www.facebook.com/jewishocean
From JFNA
March 20, 2025
When it comes to Israel and Zionism, there's a lot of noise, and not a lot of nuance. That’s why Jewish Federations have launched Getting Grounded in Israel & Zionism, a self-paced learning program that provides historical context, key facts, and analysis on Israel and Zionism. The course is designed to help participants better understand these topics and engage with confidence.
Guided by Rabbi Mike Uram, Chief Jewish Learning Officer for Jewish Federations of North America, the program explores key moments in Israel’s history,
the foundations of Zionism, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
From the origins of the modern state to the wars, peace efforts, and the impact of October 7, this course provides a comprehensive roadmap for learners of all backgrounds. The curriculum features 17 short videos – also available as a podcast – as well as upcoming discussion guides to support deeper engagement.
This initiative reflects Jewish Federations’ commitment to educating and empowering our communities. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to learn more, this program provides a clear and engaging way to understand Israel
and Zionism.
Editor’s Note: Learn more and download the free course through the Jewish Federation of Ocean County at www.jewishoceancounty.org/jvu.
Continued from page 9
Sunday, May 18, 1:00 PM –A Concert for a Cause; Congregation Ahavat Olam, 106 Windeler Road, Howell; call CAO at 732-719-3500; see pages 5 and 24 Monday, May 19, 8:00 PM (and every month on the third Monday) – Living Our Values: Jewish Parenting with PJ Library, register at www.jewisho ceancounty.org/pj-library Sunday night-Monday, May 25-26 –Yom Yerushalayim / Jerusalem Day Monday, May 26 – U.S. Memorial Day
Save the following dates: June 19 –Let’s Connect, June 26 – Game Day, June 29 – Brunch in honor of Rabbi Stephen Gold
For information, contact the event host or see related publicity in this issue of The Jewish Journal.
By Michael G. Masters National Director & CEO Secure Community Network
As we prepare to gather around the seder table this Passover with family and friends, we do so amidst persistently challenging times for our community. Recent weeks have seen a concerning escalation in protests and encampment activities that threaten the safety and security of Jewish students, community members, and institutions. This rise in tensions underscores the urgent need for preparedness and vigilance as we enter one of the most meaningful times of the year.
At the Secure Community Network (SCN), we remain committed to providing the tools and resources to keep your family and community safe during these important times. Recognizing the
increasing threats to Jewish students, our SafeU: Campus Safety Initiative continues to equip young adults with essential skills in situational awareness, de-escalation techniques, and emergency response strategies, which you can read more about in a profile of this program in Jewish News Syndicate.
This past month, our team was dedicated to advocating for the protection of Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) funding that has supported critical security upgrades at Jewish facilities across the country. In addition to an oped defending the continued robust funding of the program, our NSGP team has been hard at work keeping the community updated on its status while security directors have testified in front of lawmakers as to its effectiveness.
As part of SCN's all-hazards approach,
we are working to ensure our communities are fully prepared to handle the unpredictable nature of spring weather, including severe storms, flooding, and other seasonal emergencies. Our newly announced Spring Weather Safety webinar series provides practical guidance, empowering individuals and institutions with essential knowledge and actionable steps to enhance resilience, safeguard property, and save lives during severe weather events.
As we approach Passover, a holiday symbolizing liberation and perseverance, we urge our communities to proactively review and enhance their security preparations.
Through collective vigilance and dedication, we can honor the perseverance of our ancestors, whose courage and resilience secured for us the blessings
of freedom and prosperity we cherish today. Let us recommit ourselves, as we do each Passover, to ensuring a safe and thriving community – affirming that their sacrifices were not in vain and that future generations will inherit the strength and security we continue to build together.
Stay safe.
Our team constantly monitors open-source information to keep a careful eye on extremist rhetoric and activity, antiIsrael or antisemitic rhetoric or ideologies, social media commentary and suspicious activity or behavior. We are stronger together, and JFed Security is committed to ensuring our community’s safety. You can report a threat, incident or suspicious activity related to our Jewish organizations, facilities or community members through our Incident Report Form - www.jewishoceancounty.org/ incidentreporting.
The goal is to cultivate "an awareness that allows them to feel secure in any situation," Kerri Reifel, SCN’s director of campus safety and security, told JNS.
By Mike Wagenheim
March 17, 2025 jns.org securecommunitynetwork.org
The Secure Community Network, the 21-year-old nonprofit that serves as the North American Jewish community’s official safety organization, wants Jewish students to prepare to keep themselves safe by watching tape like a football team would do to prepare for its next opponent or the U.S. Secret Service does during its advance work ahead of a presidential visit.
“College years are meant to be some of the best and most formative times in a young person’s life. Our goal is to equip Jewish students with the tools to fully embrace that experience while giving them the confidence to respond effectively in an emergency,” Kerri Reifel, SCN’s director of campus safety and security, told JNS. “We want to ensure that fear doesn’t paralyze them,” she added. “It’s not about living in fear but about cultivating an awareness and preparedness mindset that allows them to feel secure and confident in any situation.”
Reifel and SCN walked JNS through an exclusive, first look at the nonprofit’s SafeU training program. It is part of the organization’s larger Operation SecureOurCampuses initiative, which has expanded its intelligence and training efforts across more than 50 high-risk universities.
SCN helps Jewish students review video footage of real-life situations in interactive sessions with security experts. Situational awareness is key, according to Reifel.
“Once that becomes second nature, you can gradually add more, such as recogni-
zing potential objects that could be used to protect yourself,” she said. “The key is to move at your own pace so the process doesn’t become overwhelming. This is about fostering a new muscle, which will enhance your sense of confidence and control rather than fear,” she said.
Designed with student input, SafeU centers on participatory dialogue and was created for scenarios that have developed since October 7, 2023, including violent protests at Columbia University and Barnard College. It is highly interactive. “They wanted to make decisions for themselves. They want to feel empowered,” Reifel said of the students. “This is what they’re experiencing. They tell us what they would do, and then we tell them, from all of our law enforcement experience, what we think is the best decision in these situations. At the end of the day, you’re giving students the power to make decisions on their own and feel confident in what those decisions are,” she said. “It’s very unique training.”
Chad Lotman, the nonprofit’s national trainer and curriculum developer, told JNS that the program’s goal, rather than being specific to scenarios, is to ingrain general principles that students can use to make better decisions.
The training has four components: awareness, planning, training and action. “With all the different things that were occurring on campus, it’s impossible to cover every scenario, so we came up with some scenarios – some generic, real-world scenarios, things that actually happened,” Lotman told JNS. “We found videos on social media and news coverage. We look for different videos of real-world events to focus our attention on.”
Awareness has been hard after October 7, with SCN tracking a record 5,409 threat incidents and suspicious activity reports in 2024, according to Lotman. Those include vandalism, harassment, physical assaults, terror plots and support for terrorist organizations. SCN referred 1,364 individuals to law enforcement in 2024, in-
cluding for threats at universities, he said.
SafeU prepares students to be aware of what events, including protests and rallies, are happening on their campus; what threats or risks face the local community; what rights students have as local residents and students; what university codes of conduct are; and what the laws are on harassment, stalking and assault. “That’s good awareness for people to understand. Can I defend myself? What should I be reporting when I see these things happen?” Lotman said. “Do I have a code of conduct as a student where there are certain things that limit my responses or may put me in a bad light if I do certain things?”
Students are also trained to consider whether the force on campus is law enforcement or unarmed security and whether security will protect Jewish students or leave them on their own. SCN also teaches students to plan departure routes from events that could become volatile in advance and to know alternate routes around established protest sites on campus to avoid walking into hostile environments.
Once students are aware of potential threats and risks, they can make basic plans, like knowing the locations of exits from campus buildings they frequent and, in some cases, using those exits to make sure they are accessible, Lotman told JNS. “That’s the type of training we can do that can help us in those moments when things happen suddenly,” he said. “You can make those decisions much faster, which leads to action.”
Lotman cited a video from an October 2024 incident in which Jewish students at Cooper Union in Manhattan locked themselves in a library for about 40 mi-
nutes after Hamas supporters filed past security and pounded aggressively on the doors. “We start with that interactive piece of our training, asking a lot of questions and trying to get the students thinking about what would they do if they got trapped in their dorm, in the library,” he said. “The more we think about these things ahead of time and do that planning and training, the more options we come up with, and the better options we may have as far as what our actions may be,” he said.
SCN is the official security provider and adviser for Hillel International, but SafeU training is also offered to Chabad branches, Greek life and the larger student population, according to Reifel. “We tell our students, ‘Hey, bring your friends. They don’t have to be Jewish,’” she said. “This is just training for all college students. Yes, we designed it because of the current climate, but we try to encourage our students to bring anyone that they want, and we offer it.”
Campus administrators have helped coordinate the training sessions, Reifel said. When schools are presented with data and trend lines showing an escalation from more minor events like vandalism to direct targeting of Jewish students on campuses, they have generally been quick to react, often increasing the security presence on larger campuses substantially at potentially volatile events, she added.
Ultimately, though, SCN officials want students to prepare for anything. “We can come up with those plans and we put those file folders away in our head, and they pop up when needed,” Lotman said. “I remember where that exit is, I remember walking to that door, and I know exactly where it’s at, and it comes to us much more readily than if we’ve never thought about it and are under stress.”
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.
Submitted by Jared White Director of International Relations and Partnerships
Derech Eretz
Iam honored to have recently joined the team at "Derech Eretz" as the Director of International Relations and Partnerships. As Naomi steps down after many years of exceptional work, I am privileged to continue the incredible work we do together on behalf of "Derech Eretz", Israel, and the Jewish people worldwide. Together with my new colleague Hadas Golan and our CEO Asaf Amir, our goal is to strengthen the valuable partnerships that have been built over the years, as well as forge new ones.
I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the Jewish Federation of Ocean County for your outstanding dedication to our mission. Your federation and community are true partners in our important work, and it is a joy to work alongside you.
I would also like to share an exciting update from our "Derech Eretz" Youth Leadership program, which is currently wrapping up its six-month cycles. Last week, we held four final ceremonies for our "Mechinot" programs in Ashalim, Nitzana, Kmehin, and Kibbutz Mashabe Sade, with hundreds of participants.
As you know, our programs involve participants from all walks of Israeli society, fostering social mobility and transforming the lives of Israeli youth. These efforts ultimately contribute to strengthening Israeli society, the Jewish people, and our world at large.
During the ceremonies, I witnessed firsthand the magic of "Derech Eretz." Watching the participants and their families celebrate the conclusion of their programs was deeply moving. These young people are about to embark on the next phase of their lives, whether by joining the IDF or pursuing national service – a challenging yet pivotal chapter. They all will be taking part in our Alumni programs as well, which is a very important for the future. The participants shared stories of the challenges they faced, the friendships they formed, and how "Derech Eretz" has shaped their lives. It was a truly beautiful and emotional experience.
A particularly meaningful part of the
ceremony was the "Family Circles" segment, where parents and siblings shared how their children have evolved from teens to empowered young adults through their time with "Derech Eretz." This was a powerful moment that highlighted the program's profound impact. Included are some pictures from the ceremonies.
At these ceremonies, we also honored the memories of four of our alumni who tragically lost their lives in the recent war. These young heroes left behind a legacy of hope, love, and courage. One of them, Sgt. Avitar Ohayon Abkesis, z”l, who fell during the battle at Kibbutz Kissufim, was quoted during his time at "Derech Eretz" saying, "Be sensitive to what’s happening around you and extend a hand when needed."
As is customary at the end of each ceremony, Israelis from all walks of life join together to sing "HaTikva," our national anthem. This unifying moment brings hope to our nation and people.
I would love to explore ways we can work more closely together. Your ongoing dedication and commitment of your community is truly changing lives, and we look forward to many more years of this extraordinary partnership.
Should anyone be planning a visit to Israel in the near future, we would be honored to host them at "Derech Eretz." May peace be with you.
Join your friends for a community night out at featuring
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This hilarious & poignant story is universal in its message: The journey to follow one's DREAM, and the parents who SUFFER thru it!
THURSDAY | JUNE 19 | 7:30PM
THE STRAND THEATER, 400 CLIFTON AVENUE, LAKEWOOD, NJ
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“I will not be used to provide cover for a completely unacceptable situation,” Lipstadt wrote in The Free Press.
By Philissa Cramer
March 3, 2025
jta.org
Deborah Lipstadt, who was the U.S. special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism under
President Joe Biden, revealed in an essay published on March 2 that she had turned down a position at Columbia University because of the school’s role in recent pro-Palestinian protests.
In the essay, published in The Free Press, Lipstadt said she was not convinced that the Ivy League university was sincere in its efforts to improve the campus climate – and that she was worried that she would face harassment while teaching.
She also said she worried that spending a semester at Columbia while on leave from her appointment at Emory University could whitewash a crisis at Columbia and its affiliated women’s college, Barnard. “I fear that my presence would be used as a sop to convince the outsi
de world that ‘Yes, we in the Columbia/ Barnard orbit are fighting antisemitism. We even brought in the former Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism,’ Lipstadt wrote. “I will not be used to provide cover for a completely unacceptable situation.”
Columbia has been a hotspot of protest over the Israel-Hamas war since it began with Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. The school was the birthplace of last year’s nationwide encampment movement.
Lipstadt said she had been heartened by Barnard’s decision to expel two students who interrupted an Israeli history course with a pro-Palestinian protest – and then dismayed when the school allowed student protesters who occupied
a campus building last week to leave without consequences. “Watching Barnard capitulate to mob violence and fail to enforce its own rules and regulations led me to conclude that I could not go to Columbia University, even for a single semester,” she wrote, adding that Columbia’s interim president, Katrina Armstrong, had personally called her after she conveyed her decision on Friday.
The Free Press was founded by Bari Weiss, the crusading journalist who first rose to prominence calling out anti-Israel sentiment at Columbia, from which she graduated.
The Jewish Federation of Ocean County is sponsoring Ocean County schools' participation at this annual Colloquium as Chhange expands on their year long theme "The Art of Dialogue." We are thankful to the Ocean County Cultural & Heritage Commission for providing the stipends for busing.
Chhange (Center for Holocaust, Human Rights & Genocide Education)
Honored Holocaust Survivors on March 26 who are part of their Speakers Bureau
Anise W Singer
Sleep crusted eyelashes
Filter morning sunbeams Refracting light
Through the arc of the Palladium window
Worlds become alive It's Spring!
Richard Morgan
Isle, a Nile crocodile, floats, All mouth and tail, Only eight-ball eyes showing. More voyeur than stalker, he Watches the Princess bathe in The shallows of the river’s edge.
She, attended by ladies With girlish chatter, Is guarded by stoic men, Their backs to her.
Should one of them turn his head, He’d forfeit his eyes.
Isle waits,
As he does each morning, But today is different –
Today he sees a small basket Suspended like him in the water, an ark That makes baby sounds.
He approaches.
This may be His best meal of the day. He narrows his attention on his quarry. Suddenly He sees movement.
A girl standing in the water Armed with a staff Swings it down on his snout With a ferocity unexpected for her size.
A sharp pain cuts into his brain And he withdraws.
The commotion catches The attention of the Princess. As Isle retreats, he sees her Lift a baby out of the basket
While the girl sentry Coldly eyes him.
With breakfast
A fading thought, He departs
Dividing the water
With such grace, It is a small miracle.
We continue our prayers for the crisis
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.
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 now have two matching grants that provide over 4 million dollars in home health care services,
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.
online at
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.
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
March 11 – April 7
In Honor of A refuah shleima for Pearl Dearman by Sylvia & Gary Hup
In Memory of
Karen Liss by Arnold Liss
Julie Tajfel
Tributes
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
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
The Jewish Federation of Ocean County has a special opportunity for donors who contribute monthly – i.e., an automatic monthly donation by credit card.
At our Federation, we call this being a GEM – a Giver Every Month. And, thanks to some of the Federation’s leadership, for every new GEM we get by May 15, they will make an extra $36 donation to the Jewish Federation.
What does that mean? That means if you become a GEM, your gift will be mat-
ched with an additional $36 contribution. If we get ten new GEMs, that’s an extra $360. It doesn’t take many positive responses for this offer to add up!
Take this opportunity to become a GEM with a monthly contribution of $50, $36, $18, or whatever amount you feel is appropriate.
This is a great way to show your support, make an annual contribution, and ensure your funding goes to work throughout the entire year.
is that he was, after all, not a religiously observant man. Given all that he had to endure, he would have had every right to reject Judaism and God. But Eli didn’t do that but rather chose to embrace our Tradition’s most fundamental teaching of faith in spite of being engulfed in unbelievable pain and darkness.
Then he told us that he recited the Eishet Chayil, A Women of Valor (Proverbs 31:10-31) which husbands sing to their wives at the Shabbat table every Friday night. It is a beautiful poem of praise, appreciation and love. Eli could only dream of actually singing those words to his beloved Lianne with his beautiful daughters sitting at the Shabbos table. Tragically, he will never get a chance to sing those words to his wife, but they gave him a way to express his love for her when hope seemed lost.
And finally, he recited the Kiddush, which reminds us of the value of life, through creation and the value of human dignity through the Exodus, a prayer that sanctifies the Shabbat by drinking wine which in our tradition is a sign of joy. To have the courage and faith to say those words, albeit over water, in the dark dungeons of evil, every Friday night for all those days is a remarkable and eloquent act of faith in God and the Jewish people.
Before Eli left the Rebbe’s grave he had a message for the Jewish people: “With the power of faith it is possible to conquer everything. And unity, our unity, is the most important.”
May Eli’s prayers be answered speedily and may his courage and faith inspire all of us to be united together as one people, b’lev echad, with one heart and one soul.
Richard Morgan
Pharaoh, Lone survivor, His multitudes of men, Chariots and horses
All drowned, Sits alone
On his gold, jeweled throne
The morning following His defeat, robe and hair
Still damp with saltwater.
“Where is everyone?”
The chamber is deathly still.
“Where is Moses?”
The walls remain silent.
“My slaves. What’s Happened to my slaves?”
The crickets in the corner
Do not answer.
“Where is Moses’ God?
Tell him to show his face.”
The invisible God Does not respond.
“Wasn’t ten plagues enough?”
No answer.
“Am I to be alone till I die?” Silence…
Continued from page 2 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.
The Jewish Journal is pleased to host a monthly Rabbi Column, rotating among our community’s pulpit rabbis. The views
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.
“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.”
Learn coping strategies, get practical information about dementia and managing other chronic diseases, find new community resources and benefit from the support of other caregivers
By Kayly Donovan, MSW Intern Jewish Family & Children’ Service
Imagine you come home from work after a long day and feel the need to unwind. You could go for a walk outside, make your favorite homemade meal, pick up a book or other hobby that helps you relax, or even go meet up with a friend. Unfortunately, even with all these options, many of us find ourselves guilty of choosing the same activity: picking up our phone and spending quite a bit of time staring at it.
Recent statistics show that the average screen time usage for Americans is about seven hours per day with five of those hours being spent on smartphones. While these devices do enable us to connect, communicate, and share experiences with others they also have serious implications for our physical and mental health.
people spend about three hours per day on their phones while at work, which is unsurprising when we consider that 44% of people reported not being able to go twenty-four hours without a phone.
It is also important to acknowledge that this unhealthy attachment many have developed was not unintentional. Social media platforms in particular were designed to be addictive, cleverly using animations and algorithms that feed users content targeted towards their interests which keeps people in the U.S. engaged for about two hours per day. Social media further perpetuates mental health issues with the constant notifications and updates creating a sense of urgency, fear of missing out, and feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, distorted self-image, and worthlessness. As a result, heavy social media users are at an increased risk for stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
It makes sense that spending so much time staring at a computerized screen could impact us physically, but in what ways are we being affected and how seriously? Some of the most common phone-related issues include eye-strain, neck and shoulder pain, headaches, and trouble sleeping with 69% of people experiencing such symptoms in the past year. Additionally, we must consider how we tend to sit when using these devices. The National Library of Medicine shows that prolonged use of smartphones could affect posture and respiratory function over time.
Another area of health vulnerable to the effects of smartphones is our mental health. The overuse of screens has the potential to diminish several aspects of mental functioning such as time management, focus and attention span, and socialization. It has been reported that
For many, these mental and emotional impacts are particularly hard to recognize, so what can we do to mitigate these risks? Fortunately, many devices have a variety of built-in tools and settings that allow us to limit our usage and protect us from harmful or unwanted content. We can program our phones to set a time limit for different apps and notify us when we have reached our limit for the day. We can also try to be more mindful about reaching for our phones and instead replace it with a healthier activity. Some may also find it helpful to delete time-wasting apps or schedule designated screen breaks throughout the day.
All in all, smartphones do have many potential benefits, but we must be aware of the physical and mental health implications over usage has in order to maintain a healthy relationship with our devices.
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!
...making a difference
TUESDAYS 1:00 -2:30pm
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
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
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
April 25 7:28 PM
May 2 7:35 PM
May 9 7:42 PM
May 16 7:49 PM
May 23 7:55 PM
May 30 8:01 PM
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
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.
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
