CONNECTIONS A SPECIAL HIGH HOLY DAYS SUPPLEMENT OF THE NEW JERSEY JEWISH NEWS, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE JEWISH FEDERATION IN THE HEART OF NEW JERSEY
SACRED ‘TEXTS’ Prayer services undergo a modern, multimedia makeover PAGE 5
THE JEWISH STATE IN THE GARDEN STATE Federation offers many ways to connect with Israel at 70 PAGE 8
TOAST THE NEW YEAR Holidays are the perfect time to try sweet vintages. We’ve got your picks. PAGE 10
NJ Jewish News ■ CONNECTIONS ■ September 19, 2017
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A year in the rear-view mirror
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outpouring of support in the form of millions of dollars donated from the federation and Jewish communities s we speed toward the across North America is as heartening shofar blast trumpeting the arrival of as the fact that Jewish camps in Texas 5778, what comes to mind are not opened their bunks and kitchens, ofthe ample triggers that could divide fering free food and shelter. us, but the way in which our comHundreds of volunteers, including munity came together in response to many from various Jewish federations, the challenges and left their jobs to help in curveballs. LOOKING BACK the clean-up, living the The Jewish FedON 5777 Jewish value of careration in the Heart ing for the vulnerable. Also helping were of New Jersey is mental health professionals from the proud to have played a leading role Israel Rescue Coalition, IsraAID dilooking out for the entire Jewish peosaster recovery volunteers, and a team ple and connecting us to each other in from federation partner, ZAKA, the meaningful ways. What we’ve seen in the past few famed Israeli search and rescue group. weeks is that when one segment of The following week, as thousands the community is literally under wa- were being evacuated in Florida, fedter, the worldwide Jewish commu- erations across North America were nity comes together in response. The again ready to help as needed.
JoAnn Abraham Special to NJJN
Another city was in the news recently: Charlottesville, where hate was on display during the Unite the Right rally. Bias attacks are not new. According to the Anti-Defamation League, New Jersey has seen an uptick in antiSemitic acts, not least of which were the bomb threats phoned in to Jewish institutions this year. While most proved to be false alarms, the evacuations of children and seniors were very real, and very frightening. As a result to these threats, m a n y J e w ish and other
LOOKING AHEAD TO 5778 Celebrate 5778 with
Neve Shalom May You be Inscribed for a Happy and Healthy New Year!
One Community We welcome the entire Jewish Community to pray with us: Tickets available for both days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur New!! High Holy Day Tot Service (9:30 am on First Day of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur) Alternative Service: Searching for Meaning (10:00 am on First Day of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur) Yizkor (~1:45 pm on Yom Kippur) Please contact our office to obtain your tickets
For more information, please contact Rita at: 732-548-2238 or email her at office@neveshalom.net 250 Grove Avenue, Metuchen, NJ 08840 www.NeveShalom.net
Rabbi Eric Rosin
Hazzan Sheldon Levin
Every Jewish Journey is unique. Neve Shalom is here to support you on your journey. Together, we build One Community.
Participants in the federation’s anti-bias Community Preparedness Briefing in August took the “Stand Up For the Other” pledge. faith-based institutions, including schools, installed advanced security devices and procedures. The federation helped make that possible for dozens of institutions, which took part in security training sessions and assessments it facilitated and sponsored. Moreover, with support from the federation’s Security Task Force, those efforts won Homeland Security grants.
AND YET…
Jewish organizations are hardly the only ones concerned with security and bias preparedness. In the past 15 years, more than 300 law enforcement professionals — from police officers to district attorneys — have participated in a program designed by federation partner, CHHANGE, the Center for Holocaust, Human Rights, and Genocide Education. This year’s
program, co-sponsored by the Heart of NJ federation and the Monmouth County prosecutor’s office, sensitized the officers to the needs of communities of faith, such as our own. The officers meet with Holocaust survivors, participate in study sessions about bullying, hate crimes, and their role as first responders, and they visit the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC. And, in a separate effort, the federation convened security and bias preparedness briefings for Jewish and interfaith community leaders. While the Jewish community has strengthened bonds with law enforcement and interfaith neighbors, ironically, certain connections within the Jewish community itself have loosened. Mirroring the rest of the country, Jews in Monmouth and Greater
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Middlesex counties are increasingly mobile and decreasingly joiners. Few have grandchildren who live down the block, and those who learned Hebrew and about Yiddishkeit from their grandparents don’t have the chance to teach them to their own grandchildren.
AND YET…
While some traditional connectors may be loosening, new ones are developing. For example, PJ Library, the brainchild of the Grinspoon Founda-
Continued on following page
LOOKING AHEAD TO 5778
TEMPLE BETH SHALOM
Interested in membership? We’d love to have you!
We wish all of our friends in the community a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year
Call the Temple office for more information 732-446-1200
We Bring Good Things to LIGHT!
SELICHOT :: Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 9:00 PM Join us for light refreshments, a classic Twilight Zone episode and discussion and a Selichot service to usher in the New Year (no ticket required).
ROSH HASHANAH :: Thursday, September 21 & Friday, September 22 :: Please contact us for ticket information. KOL NIDRE :: Friday, September 29 :: Please contact us for ticket information. YO M KIPPUR MORNING SERVICES :: Saturday, September 30 :: Please contact us for ticket information for morning services. COMMUNITY YIZKOR SERVICE :: 2:30 PM in our Activity Center :: Open to all MINCHA MA’ARIV, NEILAH AND SHOFAR BLOWING SERVICES :: 7:25 PM in our Sanctuary :: Open to all SIMCHAT TORAH :: Thursday, October 12 at 7:00 PM :: Open to all AC
TEMPLE BETH SHALOM 108 Freehold Road, Manalapan, NJ 07726 732-446-1200 • templebeth@aol.com • www. tbshalom.com Rabbi Ira Rothstein • Cantor Summer Greenwald-Gonella • Karen Ross, Executive Director Nancy Shechter, Education Director
OF JEWISH L ENTER IFE
Study
Faith
Worship
Tradition
Community
Contemporary
NJ Jewish News ■ CONNECTIONS ■ September 19, 2017
PJ Library draws young families together with free Jewish-themed books delivered to their homes each month.
tion and supported by the federation, brings Jewishthemed books into the homes of Jewish children every month at no cost. Parents and children read together, creating Jewish memories together in their homes. What’s more, PJ playdates and events pop up all over the area, bringing young Jewish families together and helping them form joyful and lasting bonds. PJ Library has been growing by about 20 percent each year and today it reaches some 2,000 children in our area. Its constituency has expanded, as well: Whereas originally it was just for little ones, now the program has grown with its readers, distributing age-appropriate offerings through age 11. Another program reflecting the federation’s mission to strengthen the community is a new Hebrew Free Loan program that helps defray the costs of fertility treatments, surrogacy, and adoption. Of course, Hebrew Free Loans are available for any type of need, from job loss to medical bills and even business loans, but the Building Jewish Families program helps build our Jewish community — one child at a time. Indeed, the Jewish future depends on our children, and having joyful, immersive Jewish experiences at a young age is linked to strong Jewish identity and participation later in life. That is why the federation redoubled its commitment this year to making Jewish summer camp more affordable for as many families as possible. In fact, camp grant applications are now
Mirror
AND YET…
Continued from previous page open for next summer. Our young people are also one of the community’s greatest sources of volunteers and help make people feel more connected. Teens linked with each other and with their parents’ and grandparents’ generations in record numbers this year through community service and leadership training programs, such as the federation’s JTeam Teen Philanthropy and JSERVE programs. Typical teens connected with children with special needs through programs like the Friendship Circle, Hand in Hand, and Yachad. And adult volunteers helped the community feel a little closer by bringing Kosher Meals on Wheels to seniors, and by visiting hospital patients — just two of the dozens of volunteer opportunities in our area. Then there is the connection between U.S. Jewry and Israel. While the U.S. government views Israel as an admirable ally, there are those in the Jewish community who, for a variety of reasons, seem unsure. True, when Israel is under threat of attack, donations to federations and other pro-Israel non-profits rise. But with one of the world’s strongest armies, world-famous technology innovations, and accomplishments from agriculture to health
To date, more than 600,000 young Jewish adults from around the globe, and some 900 local young people this year alone, have taken advantage of Birthright’s free, federation-supported trips to Israel. They have had eye-opening and heart-warming experiences that touched them deeply and fostered strong personal bonds with the land, people, and ideals of Israel. The federation also helped send more than 100 high school students to Israel on summer and vacation programs, and its Israel missions for families, adults, and interfaith clergy slated for the coming months are quickly filling up. So as 5777 recedes, federation’s During JSERVE, the international day leaders, professional staff, partners, of Jewish teen service, volunteers, and donors move forward teens helped load with — and for — the entire Jewish care packages. community, humbled by what the community has seen, heartened by care, people forget we still have members of the what it has accomplished, and strengthened by what extended Jewish family in need around the world it has learned. May we all be inscribed in the Book of Life. ◆ — including in Israel. On many campuses, both high school and college, Israel is held to a harsh double standard. Some discount JoAnn Abraham’s diverse careers have Israel’s history and threaten its right to exist. Caught in included teaching (very briefly), journalthe middle are students who, while feeling some emo- ism (longer and more fun), marketing for a tional connection to the Jewish state, lack the tools to major non-profit (terrific and challenging), combat the charges hurled at them. and owning a store (tough on the feet).
LOOKING AHEAD TO 5778
Find Your Home for the High Holidays Come join MJC ! 3 High Holiday service options with something for everyone FAMILY SERVICE TRADITIONAL SERVICE CONTEMPORARY SERVICE
Marlboro Jewish Center 104244
NJ Jewish News ■ CONNECTIONS ■ September 19, 2017
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Rabbi Michael Pont Cantor Wayne Krieger
Rhonda Eiger, President Rabbi Ron Koas, Associate Rabbi
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Services get creative for High Holy Days
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Debra Rubin NJJN Bureau Chief
ncorporating rock and popular music into a Rosh HaShanah service probably wasn’t anything the rabbinic sages could have envisioned, but congregants at Temple Rodeph Torah certainly can: The Marlboro Reform synagogue will hold “Rock HaShanah” services along with its traditional service to engage both children and adults. However, it is not alone in putting innovative touches on what can be an otherwise a long day for some. Synagogues are including multimedia presentations and discussions about the meaning of prayers, the holidays, and current events. Some shuls will also let non-members attend the second day of Rosh HaShanah services at no cost. For instance, Congregation Neve Shalom in Metuchen is offering an alternative service along with its traditional one. “It came about because some of our knowledgeable and creative congregants wanted to craft a High Holy Day experience that would be engaging to people no matter what their level of observance,” said Rabbi Eric Rosin. The traditional structure of the service will be followed, he noted, but there will be opportunities throughout for people to ask questions and discuss prayer, the holiday, and Torah reading to enhance their experience “in a creative way.” The creative shul lay team is being led by Michele Rosenfield, a Jewish educator who administers its Shabbat Mincha service and is involved with adult education at the Conservative synagogue. It will be offered the first day of Rosh HaShanah and on Yom Kippur. “As rabbi, my only regret is that I cannot be in both places at the same time,” said Rosin who will lead the traditional service. Congregation Kol Am will hold its annual second day of Rosh HaShanah outdoor service, which is free and open to the public, at Michael J. Tighe Park in Freehold. “Anyone who can walk into the park can come,” said congregation president Susan Canter. The service, which is held under an overhang and takes place rain or shine, takes a lot of planning from many volunteers, said Canter, but the result has always been well worth it. “It’s so wonderful to be outdoors, actually quite spiritual,” she noted. “After we all walk to the creek in the park to do tashlich, we then walk back to the area where we had services for a picnic lunch together. We ask people to bring their own food and we provide the dessert and drinks.” Children can play in the nearby playground. Canter said this year’s holiday will be made even more special because the Reform congregation is bringing in guest cantor Nancy Ginsberg, formerly an opera singer in Milan, Italy, to assist
Rabbi Ellie Shemtov. Rabbi Philip Bazeley, assistant rabbi at Anshe Emeth Memoria Temple in New Brunswick, designed a multimedia High Holy Day service four years ago to explore “an innovation Rabbi Ellie Shemtov of Congregation Kol Am reads Torah with two that spoke to a new attendees at the synagogue’s annual second day of Rosh HaShanah sergeneration while still vice in a Freehold park. The service is free and open to the public. providing our tradi- P HOTO COU RTESY OF CONGR EGATION KOL AM tional service.” tional services for which tickets are required. The “We also wanted something warm and welcoming to congregants and multimedia services will be held on erev Rosh Hato non-congregants,” he said. “It is open to anybody Shanah and the first morning, as well as for Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur morning. and there are no tickets required.” “It is kind of neat and I always get excited by it,” Focusing on spiritual reflection and personal insight, the service’s catch phrase is “Put away your said Bazeley. Using a large video screen to guide prayer books.” The Reform synagogue will also offer tradiContinued on page 7
High Holidays Header goes here
LOOKING AHEAD TO 5778 Shanah Tovah! Monmouth Reform Temple Invites you to share the
We invite friends, family and neighbors to join us for the following High Holy Day SERVICES & CELEBRATIONS: 2nd Day Rosh Hashanah Friday, September Tuesday, October 22nd, 4th, 8:30am
High Holy Days
Yom Kippur Community Yizkor Saturday, September 30th, Wednesday, October 12th, 2:30pm
We welcome the community. Admission will be provided to all of our services.
Simchat Torah Spectacular Service, Dancing, Mac & Cheese Dinner Thursday, October24th, 12th, Monday, October 6:00pm
with us.
Experience our Inspiring Clergy & Friendly Congregation
Please RSVP to the MRT Office
L’shana Tova
By phone 732-747-9365 By Email info@monmouthreformtemple.org
Reservations are required. Please contact the temple office
MRT • 332 Hance Ave • Tinton Falls Rabbi Marc Kline Cantor Gabrielle Clissold Rabbi Emerita Sally Priesand
At 732-531-4410 Congregation Torat El 301 Monmouth Road Oakhurst, NJ 07755 (732) 531-4410 • www.torat-el.org
NJ Jewish News ■ CONNECTIONS ■ September 19, 2017
A rockin’ new year
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This year send your
eton Mercer A Bucks - September ed new year brings new opportunities do good (Middlesex & Monmouth Zones) - to Septemb NJ Jewish News ■ CONNECTIONS ■ September 19, 2017
HASHANA GReetiNG
S
in NJJN’s special editions Choose your size: on Mercer HAPPY Bucks - September edition q Style q Style C q ROSH HASHANAH! iddlesex & BMonmouth Zones) - September 8, 201 Elaine Durbach Special to NJJN
trengthening the Jewish community is Lee Rosenfield’s profession, and what he has championed all his life. In the past year, it has taken on an intensely personal relevance. For him, as for all of us as we assess our behavior over the past year and commit to do better, core Jewish values have come to the fore: bikur cholim — caring for those in need; chesed — doing acts of loving kindness, and tikkun olam — repairing the world. He had promoted those in his consultancy business and in his capacity as chief development Reaching out across the age barrier to bring comfort, a youngofficer for the Jewish Federation ster plays cards with a senior member of the congregation. in the Heart of New Jersey. Now “As a gay man, I knew that silence legitimizes he was in need himself. Last October Rosenfield’s husband Jack Fastag ignorance and homophobia,” Rosenfield said. “The was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor, plung- more visible and the stronger we could be, the more ing the couple and their two young children into a acceptance there is.” In emails and blog posts, he has described the whirlwind of fear and tension, hospital stays and treatment sessions. Fastag, the more introverted of agonizing anxiety they have faced, and the wonderfully uplifting love they share. Whenever posthe two, might have chosen to keep things private, sible they have welcomed friends, family, but Rosenfield says he opted to go public for two and community members into their home reasons: to draw the comfort and support he knew and to Fastag’s hospital bedside. would be forthcoming for his family, and to model “People can feel an awkwardness such openness for others. around illness, a kind of stigma and t shame,” he said. “But there v When Jack Fastag fell ill last year, his should be no shame. It is part t husband Lee Rosenfield reached out of the human condition, and i to the community, welcoming support all of us will experience it for them and their two children. at some time in our lives. B May the New year I wantedishes to acknowledge est for as that, to give people permis- i uccessful sion to feel thatand way and w you aNd your FaMily share thateW it is okay, and appy ear to model an openness they i could emulate. People have k shared with me how grateful h they feel, how it has let them walk in their own lives with h more acceptance, and more a sensitivity to what others f S are going through.” For those looking to J Your name here w offer such support, op-h Your name here Your name portunities abound in the Monmouth and Greater t Middlesex communities. t The federation coordi- p nates projects through e its Community Impact r program, under the leadCont. on page 11 c
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Continued from page 5
Those attending Congregation Kol Am’s outdoor service perform tashlich before gathering for a picnic lunch. P HOTO COU RTESY OF CONGR EGATION KOL AM
A poster announcing Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple’s multimedia High Holy Day services with the catchphrase, “Put away your Prayer Books.” No ticket is required to attend. COU RTESY OF AN SH E EM ETH M EMOR IAL TEM P LE those in attendance, many parts will use a song, video, or some other tool to “convey the feeling of the prayer and get people to think a little about what is happening.” For example, during the “Mi Chamocha” prayer, Bazeley said he will show a clip of Richie Havens singing “Freedom,” which was made famous during the singer’s appearance at Woodstock, overlaid with images of the Charlottesville rally. “I’ve canvassed my colleagues not only here in New Jersey, but across the country and I don’t know anyone else who does a service like this,” he said. On the first day of the holiday, Rodeph Torah will hold Rock HaShanah and traditional services for the adults in the morning and a Rock HaShanah service for children in the afternoon, all at Marlboro High School. The Rock HaShanah services will feature Jewish musician Jacob Spike Kraus, a guest artist who promises “a full band High Holy Day service.” Rabbi Donald Weber said, “It’s really more folk than rock with a lot of Jewish music, readings from the Reform machzor. We attempt to teach as we pray. Many of the traditional prayers are there. For example, ‘Avinu Malkenu’ or ‘Unesaneh Tokef’ are recited to modern music.” And the service has been a big hit. “We are nearing capacity at the high school auditorium,” said Weber.
“We are drawing nearly 1,000 people every year.” Although tickets are required for adult services, the children’s service is open to the entire community and many families attend. Cantor Joanna Alexander is working with Kraus to “reimagine” the children’s service to reach youngsters. Alexander said Kraus “tries to compose music that sounds like the music people listen to and integrate it to get people on their feet and dancing like they might to music on the radio.” They will use one or two secular songs to spotlight themes of the holiday so the kids realize “they are still part of our modern world, not separate from it. We don’t expect a lot of quiet well-behaved chil-
dren. We expect them to get up and make noise and sing and dance and celebrate the birthday of the world.” On Yom Kippur, Rodeph Torah will hold its “sacred texting” program where congregants can anonymously text questions about issues within the Jewish community using their phones “to facilitate an open discussion.” “In past years, we’ve discussed how to dedicate ourselves to teshuvah and make positive changes for the next year,” said Alexander. “Our congregants are not monolithic. We want to make sure we don’t alienate anyone on a holy day.” ◆
drubin@njjewishnews.com
NJ Jewish News ■ CONNECTIONS ■ September 19, 2017
Rockin’
NJ Jewish News ■ CONNECTIONS ■ September 19, 2017
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Celebrating Israel at 70
Finding ways to connect with the Jewish State from the Garden State
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Dan Rozett Special to NJJN
ach year during the High Holy Days we say, “L’Shana haba b’Yerushalayim,” “Next year in Jerusalem!” While the primary focus of the Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey is the well-being of Jews in our local community and around the world, there is a special place in our hearts for Israel. The country is an amazing success story, but at the same time modern Israel faces many challenges, from living in a hostile neighborhood to wrestling with internal divisions. Where it should be a source of pride, for many the Jewish state can be a source of confusion and concern. The federation plays an important role helping educate and equip people, especially youth, so they can deal with that, and to encourage them to engage in person with the land and the people of Israel. As we approach the new year, the year when the state of Israel turns 70, here are some highlights of that relationship. May they inspire many more people to say, “This year in Jerusalem!”
IMPACT ON ISRAEL
Our federation plays an important philanthropic role through ongoing support for key partners like the Jewish Agency for Israel and the Joint Distribution Committee. We both help strengthen ties between Israel and the Jewish people around the world, and provide assistance to the most vulnerable in Israel, including new immigrants, Holocaust survivors, and those living on the periphery. We make several targeted grants to address issues and populations who are underserved or need special help, such as at-risk youth and those with special needs. Our support helps several vital programs to continue, such as Crossroads which works with youth on the streets in Jerusalem, Camp Shutaf, the only special needs summer camp of its kind in Israel, and ZAKA, which trains vulnerable youth to work with the search and rescue unit.
TRAVEL TO ISRAEL
The best way to get to know Israel is to see the country firsthand — and to go there on one of federation’s special Israel journeys. The next program is this winter, from Dec. 25-
Jan. 4. The itinerary is suitable for families and couples, and includes a special “tropical” option with a visit to Eilat. If you’re willing to wait and celebrate Israel@70, book for the special tour next Oct. 14-22, 2018. It will take participants to the four corners of the country, from the splendor of the Sea of Galilee to the mystical alleyways of the city of Safed, from the timeless walls and holiness of Jerusalem to the vibrant cultural and high-tech scene in Tel Aviv. Around 100 members of the community are expected to participate. Special early-bird pricing is available. For more information visit jewishheartnj. org/mission2018.
Some see a drone. We see the algorithm that runs it. Aberdeen Israel Fund, Inc. (NYSE: ISL) Israel is known for its cutting-edge defense industry. But our Financial Explorers see how much of its military technology also finds private use thanks to the initiative of a young and highly-skilled workforce. The Aberdeen Israel Fund taps our local knowledge to identify which Israeli companies we believe are best poised to grow. Explore more at aberdeenisl.com
Aberdeen Closed-End Funds. Open your world. International investing entails special risk considerations, including currency fluctuations, lower liquidity, economic and political risks, and differences in accounting methods; these risks are generally heightened for emerging market investments. Concentrating investments in the Israel region subjects the Fund to more volatility and greater risk of loss than geographically diverse funds. Equity stocks of small and mid-cap companies carry greater risk, and more volatility than equity stocks of larger, more established companies. Closed-end funds are traded on the secondary market through one of the stock exchanges. The Fund’s investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares may be worth more or less than the original cost. Shares of closed-end funds may trade above (a premium) or below (a discount) the net asset value (NAV) of the Fund. The net asset value (NAV) is the value of an entity’s assets less the value of its liabilities. The market price is the current price at which an asset can be bought or sold. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. Past performance does not guarantee future results. In the United States, Aberdeen Asset Management (AAM) is the marketing name for the following affiliated, registered investment advisers: Aberdeen Asset Management Inc., Aberdeen Asset Managers Ltd, Aberdeen Asset Management Ltd, Aberdeen Asset Management Asia Ltd and Aberdeen Capital Management, LLC, each of which is wholly owned by Aberdeen Asset Management PLC. “Aberdeen” is a U.S. registered service mark of Aberdeen Asset Management PLC.
PARTNERSHIPS EDUCATING Even if you stay put, you can deepen your connection. The Heart of NJ OUR YOUTH
federation is partnering with various A clear priority is connecting our organizations to offer more ways for youth to the vision, the story, the individuals to learn about and bond challenges, and the promise of Israel with Israel and all that it means to the — and we have a growing array of Jewish people. These include: resources to do this: • The Israel America Council • “Why Israel” — The inagural (IAC) — Join us for one of our exContinued on page 12 panded ShiShi Israeli Shabbat experiences in partnership with the IAC, bringing Israeli flavors, traditions, and people together to share and celebrate. • From the Grapevine — Check out this great resource, fromthegrapevine. com, to see a fresh perspective on the bounty of what Israel is about today. • The Center for Israel Engagement — We are proud to support the center at the Rutgers Hillel as it helps students develop and deepen their relationships with Israel. • Jerusalem U — We offer our local Arriving in Tel Aviv gives partners, as well as this New Jersey traveler that individuals throughunmatchable sense of excitement. out our community,
Growing Up in a Jewish Community The Jewish Federation supports programs inspiring young people to embrace their Jewish identity. Are your children and grandchildren involved? Babies and preschoolers experience joy in Jewish traditions PJ Library – free books and music PJ Playdates – fun & friendship for families Jewish preschool – continuing education and resources for early childhood educators Grade-schoolers and middle-schoolers form lasting friendships and explore values of caring PJ Our Way – free age-appropriate books and interactive book club for tweens Jewish summer camp – grants are available Hebrew after school programs & day schools Friendship programs pairing teen volunteers with child children who have special needs Theater programs, recreation groups, field trips, community service opportunities Teens deepen empathy and self discovery through community service, leadership & travel Service, philanthropy & leadership training with JSERVE and JTeam Israel advocacy training programs Grants for Israel travel Youth groups College students embrace increasing leadership and identify with the land and people of Israel Birthright Israel and teen travel missions Hillels and Chabads on college campuses
Contact us
732-588-1800 jewishheartnj.org info@jewishheartnj.org
NJ Jewish News ■ CONNECTIONS ■ September 19, 2017
Discovering Israel on a federation mission can include firsttime experiences like riding camels, as well as behind-thescenes opportunities available only to such groups.
access to this great media platform to learn more about Israel. Check out the Jerusalem U website to keep up to date with new films, and educational materials at jewishheartnj.org/ jerusalemu. • AIPAC — The organization is primarily focused on enhancing bipartisan support and understanding for Israel in Congress. We work with them on key issues and encourage you to learn more at Aipac.org. • The Shalom Hartman Institute — Our newest partnership offers engaging educational programs about Israel and key challenges facing the Jewish state. We will be offering two courses at a variety of locations throughout the Heart of NJ in honor of Israel@70, “Jewish Values and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict” and “Israel’s Milestones and Their Meanings: The Legacy of the Past and the Challenge of the Future.” • Local synagogues and schools — Our federation cosponsors a range of Israel engagement activities.
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NJ Jewish News ■ CONNECTIONS ■ September 19, 2017
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New year, new vintages
Rosh HaShanah is a time of reflection — about wines, of course
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Joshua E. London Special to NJJN
he Jewish month of Elul is traditionally a time of reflection in which we are encouraged to contemplate our decisions and, more importantly, our mistakes. I am, of course, talking about wine — choosing the most appropriate wine for the moment. Rosh HaShanah is not only a time for introspection, but also for some increased formal dining, and a chance to try new wines with friends and family. Indeed, in the weeks leading up to that first yom tov meal, kosher consumers have come to expect new wines, new vintages and often discounts and sales as retailers try to make room for new inventory. Invariably, this makes for a prime opportunity to explore. So, to help get you started, here are some new wines of particular interest. Cantina Giuliano, Vermentino, Costa Toscano i.g.t., Tuscany, 2016 ($19; non-mevushal): The first-ever kosher Vermentino to hit the U.S. market, this is a crisp, refreshing and really lovely white with a nose of honeysuckle, white pepper, apricot, citrus, almonds and gooseberry, and flavors of white peach, under-ripe apricot, citrus, guava and
perhaps a little under-ripe pineapple. With palatetingling acidity and enticing minerality, it hankers for good food. Hagafen, Chardonnay, Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, California, 2016 ($30; mevushal): Opulent, oaky, and creamy with aromas and flavors of butterscotch, vanilla, citrus, apple, pear, pineapple and kiwi, with a lengthy, enjoyable, rich, clean and beautifully refreshing finish that includes notes of melon, vanilla, toasty oak and mild baking spice. Classic Napa chard. Just wonderful! Matar by Pelter, Sauvignon Blanc – Sémillon, Israel, 2014 ($32; non-mevushal): This is a lovely, summery, fresh, crisp and aromatic blend of 80 percent sauvignon blanc (SB) and 20 percent sémillon. The SB is a touch muted, but the sémillon helps contribute to a different overall personality, making for an especially rewarding finish — before which come delightful aromas and flavors of various citrus and some tropical fruits, straw, with some grassy undertones and nicely bracing, balancing acidity. It’ll hold for a while, but demands drinking now. Yummy, bright and refreshing. Jezreel Valley, Rose, Israel, 2016 ($22; non-
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L’Shana Tova
Sam Nussbaum, CEO Jewish Family Services of Middlesex County 32 Ford Avenue Second Floor Milltown, NJ 08850 732-777-1940 833-JFS-HELP (Toll Free) SamN@jfsmiddlesex.org
Dear Friends, We want to wish you and your families only good things for the year to come. JFS helps more than 50,000 people a year improve and change their lives; and that number is rising as we build our future together for the community. We plan to grow and become an even more vibrant and successful agency. I am eager to meet you at our programs and events. L’Shanah Tovah Tikatevu
Roy Mittman, M.D., P.A. Arthur Vasen, M.D., Ph.D., P.A. Kenneth Chern, M.D., P.A. Haralambos Demetriades, M.D., P.A. Arthur Mark, M.D., P.A. Christopher Spagnuola, M.D., P.A Hoan-Vu Nguyen, M.D., P.A. Aron Green, M.D., P.A. Sunil Thacker, M.D., P.A. Kevin McDaid, M.D., P.A. Joel Fechisin, M.D., P.A. Paul Haynes II, M.D., P.A. Praveen Yalamanchili, M.D., P.A. Adam Meyers, D.O Keiron Greaves, M.D. Vinay Chopra, M.D. George Fahoury, D.P.M. Frederick DePaola, M.D. Eric Beights, D.P.M. Andrew Nelson, M.D. Sudha Garla, M.D.
WISHING YOU & YOUR FAMILY A
Sweet New Year
Seaview Orthopaedic
& Medical Associates
Seaview Pavilion 1200 Eagle Ave. Ocean, NJ
Brick Medical Arts Bldg. 1640 Route 88 West Brick, NJ
Clearbrook Commons 294 Applegarth Road Monroe, NJ
Patriot’s Park 222 Schanck Rd. Freehold, NJ
Atlantic Commons 500 Barnegat Blvd. Barnegat, NJ
732-660-6200 • www.seaviewortho.com
560 Iron Bridge Road, Freehold, NJ
732-303-8600 www.monmouthcrossing.com
Continued from page 6
ership of Laura Safran. Recognizing that different people have different strengths — and weaknesses — they seek to match volunteers with the charitable activities that best suit them. For example, its Caring Initiative provides emotional and spiritual support for those in the hospital, dealing with chronic illness, or coping with loss. Training sessions are held at various times through- Rabbi Cy Stanway out the year. They deal with solicited help for a such aspects as the Jewish community memperspective on visiting the ber in need of a sick, listening skills, re- kidney. specting boundaries, and issues that arise for those facing the end of life. Participants in the program are taught how to provide support in an appropriate way, and they are aided in navigating the complexity of hospital volunteer procedures. The federation volunteers visit Jewish patients at any of the 10 hospitals in Monmouth and Greater Middlesex counties. According to its literature, “volunteers’ visits remind those in the hospital that the Jewish community cares about them and they are not alone.” The goal is to see patients at all 10 locations at least three to five days per week. Safran cited other examples too. “Caring community members can visit seniors at an assisted living residence, help to run programs for children with special needs, deliver a hot meal or having a phone conversation with someone who’s homebound, serve food at a program for seniors or local shelter, or help to rebuild a home damaged in Hurricane Sandy.” Giving help can also come in a very tangible way, through a physical donation. In addition to becoming a regular blood donor, one can register as a potential bone marrow donor or be considered as a kidney donor. Both gifts can make the difference between life and death. At press time, a member of the community was in need of such help. Rabbi Cy Stanway of Temple Beth Miriam, the Reform congregation in Elberon, reached out with an appeal. The patient, he said, is someone who epitomizes this kind of generosity. “She is a lifetime member of Hadassah and serves on the advisory board for Jewish Family Services. In 2000, she started one of the most meaningful programs our synagogue offers, Family Affair, which provided challah and homemade meals to families in need, and now provides meals for those sitting shiva and plants trees in memory of the deceased. These are just some examples of her impact on our Jewish community.” The patient taught psychology for many years and also taught English as a second language to immigrant students and community members. “Her passion and commitment to helping those in need is far reaching,” the rabbi said. “She has made financial contributions to countless needy organizations and has given her time and energy to countless others. Assisting ShoreHouse is but one example. Their mission is to aid those with mental illness to
build long-term relationships that, in turn, support in obtaining education, employment, and housing.” A medication she has had to take for many years has caused renal disease, now in the end stage. A kidney transplant is her best option. “She has always considered herself blessed, with a full life, amazing friends, two beautiful sons, and now two amazing grandchildren,” Stanway said. “Her only wish is to continue as a vibrant figure in the lives of her
children and grandchildren, and to one day see them under the chuppah.” He summed up his appeal: “So as we approach this High Holy Day season, and we search for ways to show our friends, family, and congregants the value of mitzvot, I hope you will spread the word. We need a donor. She needs a kidney. All of us can do a mitzvah by telling others of this story. The power of your words, of your congregants’ words, spreading this need throughout their circles is immeasurable, and a tremendous mitzvah on its own. After all, we all know the greatest gifts sometimes come from the most unknown places.” ◆
Elaine Durbach is a journalist and novelist.
L ’Shanah Tovah FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT VALLEY NATIONAL BANK Visit our website to find a convenient branch location in New Jersey, New York and Florida for all of your banking solutions.
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11 NJ Jewish News ■ CONNECTIONS ■ September 19, 2017
Opportunities
NJ Jewish News ■ CONNECTIONS ■ September 19, 2017
12
Celebrating Continued from page 9 teen advocacy and education conference is scheduled for April. The focus will be on understanding the personal connection to Israel, preparing for challenges in school and on campus, and becoming empowered to engage others and lobby for Israel. • Israel scholarships —We offer grants for teens undertaking qualified educational experiences in Israel. • Write On For Israel — An application-based program enabling high school students to process complex ideas and gain confidence before college on speaking about Israel with professors, friends, and detractors. • Coming soon: A new teen philanthropy effort on behalf of Israel.
WAYS TO CONNECT AND GROW
We have an array of Israel activities — educational and experiential — where our community can connect and grow their personal relationship to and understanding of Israel. I encourage you to join us, develop, and expandyour own connection to Israel. To get involved, learn more, or participate, please contact me directly at danr@jewishheartnj.org.
WISHING YOU A
Happy &Healthy NEW YEAR! from Rabbi Melinda F. Panken, Cantor Wally Schachet-Briskin,
President Joan Fischer, Temple Administrator Stuart Brown and our entire congregation. Non-member High Holy Days tickets available, Complimentary Children's Services tickets and Yizkor tickets also available. Please join us.
Temple Shaari Emeth 400 Craig Road • Manalapan, NJ 07726 732-462-7744 • shaariemeth.org
Travelers arriving in Israel on a federation mission, mark their joy with music and dancing while overlooking Jerusalem. And — L’Shana haba b’Yerushalayim! Next year in Jerusalem! ◆ Dan Rozett is the Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ’s manager of community and Israel engagement. A native of
We wish all our friends a HAPPY NEW YEAR
From Our Family From Our Family to Yours…
to Yours...
Middlesex County and a graduate of local Jewish day schools, Rozett recently returned to the U.S. after living in Israel for 20 years. He served in an IDF combat unit and combat reserves, and he worked in educational tourism and patent administration. Returning to the U.S., Rozett chose Jewish communal work as a way to share his love for Israel and connect people in the Heart of NJ with the Jewish homeland.
L’shana Tova Temple Shalom of Aberdeen is a Reform Jewish Congregation that Opens Gateways to Jewish Living, Learning, Worship and Community.
Rabbi Dov Goldberg Albert President RabbiZager, Dov Goldberg Emilie Kovit-Meyer, Executive Director Albert Zager, President Michael Wikes, Education Director Emilie Kovit-Meyer, Executive Director Come Join Our Community Suzanne Wycoff, Gan Yeladim Director for Pesach Services Michael Wikes, Education Director Rabbi Emeritus Jack M. Rosoff D.D.
Enjoy one year free membership with the purchase of High Holy Day tickets (promotion for new members only)
Everyone Welcome! Rabbi Emeritus Jack M. Rosoff D.D.
Temple Shalom of Aberdeen
Suzanne Wycoff, Gan Yeladim Director Congregation B’nai Israel - Rumson Erev Pesach: Friday, April 22 – 8:00 am Fast of First Born Minyan First Day: Saturday, April 23 – 9:30 am Eighth Day: Saturday, April 30 – 9:30 am (Yizkor)
Visitors & New Visitors and New Members Members Always Welcome! Always Welcome! Cantor Dov Goldberg
Joel Weissglass, President Forour our High Services & Events, go to & For Holiday Services Kovit-Meyer, Executive Director events, www.cbirumson.org goEmilie to www.cbirumson.org.
www.cbirumson.org 171 Ridge Road •• Rumson, Rumson, NJ 07760 171 Ridge RoadRoad NJ 07760 171 Ridge 732-842-1800 Rumson, NJ 732-842-1800 (732) 842-1800 www.cbirumson.org www.cbirumson.org
Rabbi Laurence Malinger Sarah Zemel, Cantor President Howard Scheines Director of ELC, Elyse Everett 5 Ayrmont Ln. Aberdeen, NJ 07747 (732) 566-2621 www.templeshalomnj.org
PLEASE PATRONIZE OUR
ADVERTISERS
13
Continued from page 10
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d
t e
mevushal): This vivid and delicious rosé — a unique blend of 38 percent carignan, 37 percent syrah, 15 percent argaman and 10 percent sauvignon blanc—is aromatic, flavorful, refreshing and delightful, with notes of raspberries, citrus and watermelon, balanced by racy acidity; the finish is long and enchanting. A standout Israeli rosé amidst the dozens that have hit the American market this year—no small feat! Château Les Riganes, Bordeaux, France, 2016 ($10; mevushal): This is a simple yet serious and very pleasing entry-level Bordeaux (from the Entre-Deux-Mers region); fruity, soft, with some light but typical Bordeaux characteristics of black cherry, plum, cassis, blueberry, blackberry, spice, vanilla, wisps of smoke, a little earthiness and just enough balancing tannins and acidity to keep it all enjoyably together. Not tremendous depth or finesse here, but a very nice little wine all the same — especially for the money. Château Trijet, Bordeaux, France, 2015 ($12; non-mevushal): Another tasty, enjoyable, budget-friendly little quaffer from Bordeaux — a 70/30 blend of organically grown merlot and cabernet sauvignon — offering dark fruits (raspberries, black cherries), lavender and tobacco leaf, a touch of licorice and just enough old-world charm to keep it grounded and food-friendly; with a little time
L’shana Tova Freehold Jewish Center 59 Broad Street • Freehold, NJ 07728 732-462-0254 office@ freeholdJC.org www.freeholdjc.org Rabbi Ira Grussgott Cantor Aron Heller Executive Director Marvin Krakower President Jesse Glick
the nose opens up more than expected, with additional earthy black cherry and even a little cracked pepper. Carmel Selected, Mediterranean Blend, Shomron, Israel, 2016 ($12; mevushal): This inviting blend of 45 percent shiraz, 30 percent carignan, 20 percent petite sirah and 5 percent viognier, is light, fruity and altogether very Israeli; it is mostly dry, though with a touch of fruitpunch on the short but pleasant and lively finish. Surprisingly, it all holds together and just sort of works. With time in the glass, it smooths out a bit more and surprisingly beckons another glass, and another, perhaps even another bottle. Terra di Seta, Chianti Classico, DOCG, Tuscany, 2013 ($20; non-mevushal): This delicious mediumbodied blend of 95 percent sangiovese and 5 percent cabernet sauvignon (all ICEA certified organically grown), offers up delicious aromas of violets, sour red cherry, coffee and cranberry, leading into a lovely palate of freshly crushed raspberries and blackberries, red currants, red cherries, with a touch of vanilla, ginger and pepper spice; with soft, fine
tannins, nice rich acidity and a long, smooth finish with an additional touch of cocoa and spice. Yummy. Cantina Giuliano, “La G i o i a , ” C o s t a To s c a n o i.g.t., Tuscany, 2015 ($25; non-mevushal): This wine is a medium-to-full-bodied yet nicely refreshing and hugely enjoyable blend of 65 percent sangiovese, 20 percent cabernet sauvignon and 15 percent merlot; it’s herbal, earthy and fun, with a complex nose of ripe cherry, white stone fruits, oak, leather and inviting wine-cellar funk, followed by flavors of jammy fruits, fresh cherry, ripe dark berry fruits, mushrooms and all with an enjoyable earthy, funky quality to it. At times the earthiness does an interesting tango with the fruitiness, not entirely gracefully, but appealingly and entertainingly from start to finish — which is long and satisfying. Overall, this is interesting and very enjoyable.◆
Joshua E. London writes the “L’chaim” wine column for The New York Jewish Week’s website, jwfoodandwine.com.
Wishing you a
Happy &Healthy
neW year!
SUPERIOR OFFICE SYSTEMS Canon • Kip • Sharp Document Solutions Since 1967 19 Gross Avenue • Edison, NJ 08837 Tel: 732-738-0093 • Fax: 732-738-4339 www.superiorofficenj.com
NJ Jewish News ■ CONNECTIONS ■ September 19, 2017
Vintages
NJ Jewish News ■ CONNECTIONS ■ September 19, 2017
14
The challenge of community
A
Keith Krivitzky Special to NJJN
lieve are four key components to ensuring the wellbeing of the Jewish community. If we are to build on what we have already accomplished and ensure our future, we need to address these core issues:
s I speak with Jewish community professionals, rabbis, and leaders from across the country, and as I consider what lies ahead in 5778, I believe the biggest challenge before us is the most basic one: How can we make the At its most basic level, the Jewish community is an case for the importance of extended family — and famcommunity itself, specifi- LOOKING AHEAD ily looks out for one another. cally the value of being part TO 5778 They take care of family of the Jewish community? members in need, celebrate Ultimately, that is what the Jewish Federation in accomplishments, and offer support when someone the Heart of New Jersey is all about. We build com- is struggling. That said, not everyone seems to realmunity and encourage as many Jews as possible to ize that we are a family, which presents challenges, find their connection to the Jewish world. Our focus but also opportunity. is on strengthening, protecting, and enriching our The problem is that the needs of the Jewish comlocal and extended Jewish family. munity are growing. Our population is aging and, To that end, I’d like to share with you what I be- geographically speaking, we are more spread out
CARING
We wish all our friends a HAPPY NEW YEAR
than at any point in our history. The number of
xhnt xics L’shana Tova
May
you be inscribed for a happy and healthy new year
CRABIEL PARKWEST FUNERAL CHAPEL
Temple Beth Shalom
108 Freehold Road Manalapan, New Jersey 07726 732-446-1200 Rabbi Ira Rothstein Cantor Summer Greenwald-Gonella Karen Ross, Executive Director Nancy Shechter, Education Director
8
577
L’ Shana Tova! May your New Year be sweet, meaningful and memorable. Warmest Wishes, JCC Princeton Mercer Bucks & JCC Abrams Camp Family
Marlboro Jewish Center Congregation Ohev Shalom 103 School Road West Marlboro, NJ 07746 732-536-2300 www.mjcnj.com
Frank S. Facchini, Mgr. (NJ Lic. No. 3217) Lisa M. LoRicco Sharp (NJ Lic. No. 3710) Paulette Crabiel Wahler (NJ Lic. No. 3875) 239 Livingston Avenue Phone (732) 828-2332 New Btunswick, NJ 08901 Fax (732)) 296-0941 www.Crabiel.com • e-mail:CrabielFH@aol.com
Rabbi Michael Pont Associate Rabbi Ron Koas Cantor Wayne Krieger Rhonda Eiger, President Bonnie Komito, Exec. Director
May you be inscribed for a healthy and peaceful New Year JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY 1775 Oak Tree Road ● Edison, NJ 08820 732-494-3232 ● www.jccmc.org Dorothy Rubinstein, Chief Executive Officer Barbara Muhlgeier, President
May
you be inscribed for a happy and healthy new year
Congregation Sons of Israel 33 Gordons Corner Road • Manalapan, NJ
732-446-3000 www.sonsofisrael.com Rabbi President RabbiRobert RobertPilavin Pilavin••Steve DavidWertheim, Binder, President Jackie DirectorofofNursery NurserySchool Schooland andKindergarten Kindergarten RenéeWeilheimer, Narson, Director
15
CRISIS
Second, we must keep our eyes on the prize and maintain a focus on the core work needed to strengthen our community. In other words, we have to shut out the noise that distracts us from that goal. Lastly, remember what it is that binds us together, while recognizing the integrity of our differences. We are no longer a monolithic community. We need to show respect for other backgrounds and perspectives, while remembering that our whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
We’re all too aware that we are living in an era of crisis after crisis. From natural disasters, like Tropical Storm Harvey and Hurricane Irma, to the One of our greatest challenges is that, increasingly, violence in Charlottesville and concerns about anti- so many of us don’t have the same connection to Semitism, from threats to Israel to divisions in the Jewish life or the Jewish people as our parents and Israel-Diaspora relationship, responding to these grandparents. It’s not that, in my opinion, most of crises has become something of a new normal. Our those who fall in this category have made a constrength as a community depends on how well we scious choice, or that they are not interested; rather, prepare for these incidents and how we react when they haven’t found a compelling reason to opt-in. they occur. As my mentor once said: “Today, being Jewish is Like the year that was, 5778 will bring its share an option and not a condition.” of difficulties, and for us to confront them we need, Those of us who are connected have already first, to recognize and reinforce who we are and drunk EmanuEl-NJ_HHDgrandpa_2.833x3.5_Aug2016.qxp_Layout 1 8 the Kool-aid; we’re a part of the choir, and what we stand for. what the Jewish community currently has to of-
CONNECTIONS
fer works for us (mostly). But for many others, it does not. They simply are not buying what we are selling. We can continue trying to sell the same product, maybe repackaging it with glitzy marketing that gets a bump in interest — but unless we develop persuasive entry points and different models for how to engage Jewishly or have meaningful Jewish experiences, we will lose large segments of our community. For community to grow, it needs to evolve. That means Jewish organizations and leaders need to look at themselves differently and try to balance the values that we hold dear — and that make us who we are — with the changing needs of our constituents. In the age of social media and emojis that replace human interaction, we need to establish mechanisms for people to foster meaningful relationships and make personal connections.
COMMITMENT Ultimately, enabling and empowering community requires individuals to step up and demonstrate
Continued on following page
May you and your loved ones find blessing in this New Year
Wishing you & WISHING your family a YOU
& Sweet New Year YOUR FAMILY A L’shana Tova hbwf hnçl Photo courtesy of iStockphoto.com
Temple Emanu-El of Edison 100 James Street, Edison, NJ 08820 732.549.4442 www.edisontemple.org Ask about our incentives for new members!
L’shana Tova Roy H. Tanzman, Esq. Phone: 732.855.6024 Fax: 732.726.6527 rtanzman@wilentz.com
90 Woodbridge Center Dr. • Ste. 900, Box 10 Woodbridge, NJ 07095-0958
L’shana Tova
Sweet New Year
Congressman Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr.
Frank Pallone, Jr. Representing the people of the 6th District of New Jersey Representing the people of the
6th District of New Jersey Paid for by Pallone For Congress Paid for by Pallone For Congress, Warren Goode, Treasurer
511 Ryders Lane, 511 Ryders Lane, 511 East Brunswick,NJ 511Ryders RydersLane, Lane, East Brunswick,NJ East Brunswick,NJ 732-257-7070 East Brunswick,NJ 732-257-7070 732-257-7070 Rabbi Jeff Pivo 732-257-7070 Rabbi Jeff Pivo Rabbi Jeff Pivo www.ebjc.org Rabbi Jeff Pivo www.ebjc.org www.ebjc.org
www.ebjc.org
We are thrilled to have you meet Rabbi Pivo who is We are thrilled to have you meet Rabbi Pivo who is We are thrilled to have youto meet Pivo who is bringing a renewed energy our Rabbi EBJC community. bringing a renewed energy our Rabbi EBJC community. We are thrilled to have youto meet Pivo who is bringing a renewed energy to our EBJC community. Yizkur service is open to everyone. If you’d like to bringing a renewed energy to our EBJC community. Yizkur service is open to everyone. If you’d like to Yizkur open toplease everyone. If you’d likeEllen. to attendservice servicesisat EBJC, call and ask for attend services at EBJC, please call and ask for Ellen. attendservice services EBJC, call and ask for Yizkur is at open to please everyone. If you’d likeEllen. to
attend services at EBJC, please call and ask for Ellen.
The Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County 310 Mounts Corner Drive PO Box 7078 Freehold, NJ 07728 732-252-6990 info@jhmomc.org • www.jhmomc.org
L’shana Tova Rabbi Lisa Malik, Ph.D. Mark Rosenthal, President Amy Naphtali, Preschool Director Ann Gabel, Religious School Principal
Temple Beth Ahm
550 Lloyd Road Aberdeen, NJ 07747 732-583-1700 www.templebethahm.org
NJ Jewish News ■ CONNECTIONS ■ September 19, 2017
people with special needs is growing, and as society’s social fabric frays, the capacity of our Jewish social service system to help is particularly strained. But here lies the opportunity: By being there for people when they are in need and helping the most vulnerable within our family, we showcase the power of unity and make the case for why it’s worth being part of the Jewish community.
NJ Jewish News ■ CONNECTIONS ■ September 19, 2017
16
Community
Continued from previous page leadership, while making a commitment to supporting and engaging others. The work of a community is not sustainable without those of us willing to take time out of our busy schedules, get our hands dirty, and, of course, open their wallets. But commitment is a two-way street. It is not just about what an individual receives, but what that individual can give back. We, as a community, need to get better both in appreciating the efforts of those who donate time or resources, but also encouraging others to do so in healthy ways. And we all need to recognize that giving and receiving go together.
The challenges of building and sustaining community today are not unique to the Jewish community. Faith-based communities and membership organizations are struggling across the country. At the same time, our society is seeing a crisis of values and meaning — whose impact can be seen in a variety ways, from the rise of extremism to increases in drug abuse. The diminishment of meaningful communities is a contributing factor, but it also points to a potential solution and a path to a better future. Community serves a vital role in society, and also a vital role in peoples’ lives. Looking ahead to the new year, the key challenge we face is how to reinvigorate and refashion community. People want to be a part of movements that offer meaning and
TO OUR READERS, ADVERTISERS AND FRIENDS
Engaging young people in new ways is key to the community’s future health. Shira Vickar-Fox
Gabriel Kahn
Lori Silberman Brauner
value beyond themselves; they want to belong to and believe in something greater. And that’s something our community can offer. ◆
Keith Krivitzky is CEO of the Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey.
Steven Weisman
Nancy Greenblatt
Elizabeh Fun
We wish all our friends a HAPPY NEW YEAR Rabbi Eric Eisenkramer, Rabbi Eric Milgrim, Cantor Andrew Edison, Cantorial Soloist, Robyn Streitman, The Board of Trustees, Congregation and Staff of Temple B’nai Shalom East Brunswick, NJ 732-251-4300 www.bnaishalom.com
Robert Wiener
Johanna Ginsberg
vcuy vba
Abby Kanter
NEW JERSEY JEWISH NEWS
L’Shana Tova L’Shana Tova Tikotevu
vcuy vba
Tikotevu
Temple Rodeph Torah
Debbie Rubin
Lauri Sirois Not pictured: Lisa Hunt
Nancy Karpf
15 Mohawk Drive Marlboro, NJ 07746 732-308-0055