july shofar in progress - beth am...

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Check out our WEBSITE!

www.bethamshalom.org

Rabbi ................................... 1

Worship Services ............... 2

President ............................. 3

Religious School .................4

Tzedakah ......................... 6

Refuah Shleima................... 7

Yahrzeit ............................. . 8

Memorials ......................... .9

Sponsors .................... ..12-13

Calendar..........................14-15

July 2018 Tammuz-Av 5778

Volume 12, Issue 1

Beth Am Shalom - A Reform Jewish Congregation A New Beginning . . . to an Old Tradition

www.bethamshalom.org

The Shofar

What’s Inside:

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�Getting High in Jersey�

�Recreational use of cannabis in the Garden State may soon become a reality, and I’m not convinced it is such a good idea. (Medicinal, yes! And make access easier already! For the fun of it? I have a better idea.) We New Jersians have a way to relax without having to light up or ingest anything and still achieve a natural high. � �“A walk in the park may soothe the mind” says Gretchen Reynolds,” and in the process, change the workings of our brains in ways that improve our mental health, according to an interesting new study of the physical effects on the brain of visiting nature.1[1] Dr. Mardie Townsend, points to several studies, stating, “There is mounting evidence that contact with nature has significant positive impacts on mental health. It is associated with reduced levels of stress — which also has huge ramifications for physical health, reduced levels of depression and anxiety.”1[2]� �Studies aside, I believe humans have known this intuitively. One recent commentator on National Public Radio observed that property near bodies of water and other forms of nature are more expensive. We are not shocked that the small cottage by the ocean is three times the value of a Mcmansion farther inland. We simply value being near and having easy access to and views of natural beauty.� �Our people have known this too and credited and praised God for nature. “The heavens declare God’s greatness; the sky proclaims His handiwork” (Ps. 19:1). Acknowledging God as Creator, the great Maimonides draws this lesson : “When a person observes God’s works and God’s great and marvelous creatures, and they see from them that God’s wisdom is without estimate or end, immediately they will love God, praise God and long with a great desire to know God’s Great Name.”1[3]� �Hence, as we improve our mental health by reducing stress and anxiety and turn our unhealthy brooding into healthy contemplation, we can also grow Jewishly and spiritually. � �I often advise people coping with grief and anxiety or who tell me they have difficulty praying to keep trying, add study and to try taking walks and admire nature—God’s handiwork, even if they can only get away for 15 minutes or so. On Shabbat (or your own day-off) I say, give yourself the entire day. Sure, drive, but drive to the shore, the Manasquan Reservoir, a park, and take a walk and sit a while. Keep doing that. Studies show that even looking at photos of nature scenes improves mood and brain function!� �� Rabbi’s Message Continued on page 2…

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The Shofar / Volume 12, Issue 1/ / Page 2

Friday, July 6 7:00PM Erev Shabbat Family Service, Cantor Unger is here! Shabbat Pinchas

Friday, July 13 7:30 PM Erev Shabbat Service Shabbat Matot-Masel

in Lakewood Please use the bins

in the foyer

EVENTS THIS MONTH * * *

riday, July 20 30 PM Erev Shabbat Service

habbat Devarimhabbat Chazon rev Tisha B’av

riday, July 27 30PM Erev Shabbat Service

nniversaries habbat Va’etchanan

owed my own advice recently. Cindy and I drove out to Lacey Township to visit the Popcorn Park Zoo. The her was perfect, the drive itself was refreshing, and the zoo put me in a better place mentally and spiritually. e place spectacularly beautiful? No. I’ve visited more beautiful zoos. The beauty is in its purpose and the tures themselves. Popcorn Park rescues sick, abandoned, and abused animals of all kinds and allows them to out their days in natural enclosures and loving care. Thus, my visit assured me that there are good people follow the Jewish value of tza’ar ba’alei khayim—compassion for and prevention of cruelty to animals.

visit allowed me to experience beauty and wonder. I sat on one of the many benches and observed a primate me sort cower under a low shelf in its enclosure. I could not get a look at the face! When a larger version rged higher up, the shy one scampered up, and cuddled with (what I now assumed was) its mother.�

Park is also home to many peacocks. (Goodness, they are loud—well, at least the boys are!) So, I was nded how much my mother, z”l loved peacocks. For many years growing up, two of our kitchen walls were ned by a mural of peacocks wondering among ancient ruins. I recall my cousin, and professional artist, Carol, ting the artwork. Alas, after many years, the walls yellowed, and despite Carol’s generous offer to paint a new al, Mom politely declined. But the memories have remained, and so will those of my visit. �

is a prayer you can recite upon seeing a wonder of nature, especially one you have not seen in a long time.�

sed are You, Eternal, our God, Ruler of the Universe Maker of the works of Creation.

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ch ata Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, oseh ma’aseh v’reishit.�

get up, get out, look, praise God—feel better, repeat.�

bi Steve

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The Shofar / Volume 12, Issue 1/

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I would like to thank everyone who has worked for temple this past year. Of course that would be impossible because you know I will miss someone. So, here it is…my thanks for the moment. I want to thank each of you who add your touch to BAS, whether it be a daily set up or an email to let me know you spotted something out of place. I want to thank all of the BOT members, for the time you have spent at the meetings, the time you have spent in committee and the time you have spent on the phone, computer, facebook, email or text for BAS. I want to thank my EB for all of the above and more. Getting on board last year with a lot of sudden changes. Thank you for the time and energy making the connections among the congregation. Although we may be a smaller congregation, I really feel we have become more connected, and more of a family, than in the previous 30 years of my membership here. I hope this continues. Shalom, Arlene Gaona, President Beth Am Shalom

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

July Birthdays: Yom Wholedit Samayach – Happy Birthday to: Blake Hyman, 20 Sivan Kenneth Hankins, 20 Tammuz Michael Manekas, 25 Tammuz Brooklyn Silvan, 9 Av Lila Witkin, 15 Av Many thanks to those of you who continue to support our Religious School with your generous donations. Shelly Newman & Michelle Goldman Religious School Co-Chairs �SENIOR YOUTH GROUP Watch for text message for trip to Blue Claws Stadium in July. Trip will be for game and meal will be at your discretion . Info to follow via text. Congratulations to all graduates, 5th, 8th, high school and college. The Senior Youth Group wishes you success in your next endeavor!

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RELIGIOUS SCHOOL


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Dear Congregants, This letter is coming to you from Ocean County RAFT (Reaching Across Faith Traditions). Our mission is to create a vibrant community that fosters respect, appreciation, and friendship through shared knowledge of all faiths. We are embarking on a community project to do just that. We are creating a beautiful mosaic quilt of our diverse community. We need your help. The goal is to create a quilt with individual squares that represent members of your congregation. These 6 inch squares will tell who the individual is, what it is that makes up their identity, their family’s identity. They can tell their story with words, pictures, and/or symbols. Participants may use different media and styles. The patch should include first name and faith (instructions will be provided). Ocean County Library is hosting drop-in sessions Tuesdays from 5-7 and Wednesdays from 11-12. We are ready to help you! No skill needed! Each congregation will be given up to 20 squares to be distributed among the congregants. When completed, these squares will join the other faiths’ squares and be assembled into a beautiful quilt; each square complementing the other. Our desire is to demonstrate that no matter our labels, we also share a lot in common. The completed project will be unveiled at the Ocean County Library, in Toms River, on October 23 in Mancini Hall. After that it will travel from congregation to congregation as per requests. We hope that you will join us in this quest to demonstrate the beauty of diversity. Thank you, Ocean County RAFT Membership Corner Just a reminder to all of our members. The Annual Membership drive will be Friday evening, August 3rd, 6:45 PM. Hope that you will be on board to help us welcome our guests and make them a part of our Temple Family. Women of BAS We have begun meeting to discuss next years calendar. If there are events which you would like to organize please let us know. Two members have spoken with us about events, A Game Day, (mah jong, cards, etc) and 'Movie with a Menu'. Looking forward to good things!

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RAFT

THIS & THAT

The Shofar / Volume 12, Issue 1 /

TZEDAKAH

YAHRZEIT FUND Rhoda & Art Pedowitz in loving memory of Max Wachman Fischel Myers in loving memory of Irving Myers Fischel Myers in loving memory Dorothy Myers Rose & Sheldon Fialkoff in loving memory of Alex Farbman Denise & Bob Mako in loving memory of Meyer Resnick Ellie & Harold Kravetz in loving memory of Samuel Kravetz Arlene Grasso in loving memory of Irma Soffer Arlene Grasso in loving memory of Bernard Soffer Karen & Gerald Ferencz in loving memory of Michael Ferencz Lynn Silverman in loving memory of Victor Silverman Nancy Schmarak & Linda Higgins in loving memory of Anne Schmarak Nancy Schmarak & Linda Higgins in loving memory of Adolf Schmarak Rochelle Rosenberg in loving memory of Ruth Tredway Rochelle Rosenberg in loving Memory of Hermann Rosenberg GENERAL FUND Carl & Tama Nelson in memory of Jean Gold

CEMETERY FUND Howard & Lois Geschwind ONEG FUND Howard & Lois Geschwind In honor of their anniversary Irwin & Carol Young in honor of their anniversary Shelly and Dennis Newman in honor of their 55th wedding anniversary Lynn & Steven Kaban honor of their anniversary Janet & Harvey Diamond in honor of their anniversary SEN. YOUTH GROUP FUND Howard & Jennifer Baron CANTORS MUSIC FUND Irv Witkin in honor of Lila’s Bat Mitzvah RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY Fischel Myers in memory of Jean Gold Connie Zirin in memory of Jean Gold Harriet & Marty Glassman in memory of Jean Gold Shelly & Dennis Newman in memory of Jean Gold Lucille Berger in memory of Jean Gold Samantha & Steven Friedeman & Family in memory of Jean Gold Mary Ann Pastino in loving memory of Daniel Friedland

Sarah Salmansohn in loving memory of Moshe Shadur Jack Birkenthal in loving memory of Isidor Birkenthal MERRILL POLLINGER SCHOLARSHIP FUND Wendy Fishler in honor of What would have been her Dad, Merrill’s Birthday Lenore Turteltaub in loving Louis Fillmore RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUND Wayne & Rose Friedland in memory of Daniel Friedland and in honor of what would have been Daniel’s birthday Randi & David Bell in honor of the retirement of Karen Blenner Gail & Bernie Grabelle in loving memory Don Lustig

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TZEDAKAH cont'd

REFUAH SHLEIMA

Delores Ackerman

Lucille Berger Wayne Birkenthal Bella Blankfield Michele Braff

Brandon Bravo Lynn Schnitzer Cardinale

Barbara Chester B.J. Christian Elliot Cohen Bill Davis Kim Dehl

Claire Drapkin Brooke Ducey

Dov Eisak Marcia Eisenstein Richard Eisenstein

Sylvia Finkel Pearl Epstein

Trish Frankenberg George Frazer

Charlotte Freedman Shawn Friedman Lane Galloway

Jonathan Geltzeiler Marilyn Gilbert Linda Gillick

Michael Gillick Marc Kaban Steven Katz Tyler Keats

Richard Koch Lauren Leonard

Rose Levine Logan Maarberg Truday Maarberg

Linda Millet Marie Morgadonna

Ava Nebbia Carl Nelson Michael Neil

Herbert Parker Stanley Perlman

Flora (Cookie) Pisano Beverly Rosenzweig

Myrna Sachs Keith Sacks

Donald Sapara

Paul Sayah Marilyn Siegel

Linda Silverstein Donna Strassman Wallace Strauss David Tolchin Manny Topal David Vienick

Alexandra Warren Cheryl Wasserman Michelle Watkison

Nancy Yaeger

2018 - 2019

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS

Rose & Wayne Friedland Denise & Bob Mako

Janet & Harvey Diamond Dorothy & William Freiman

SUSTAINING MEMBERS

Rose & Wayne Friedland

Carol & Irwin Young

2018 – 2019

JCASE

Rochelle Rosenberg in memory Of Husband, Peter

YEDIDAY

Rose & Wayne Friedland

YAHRZEITS

July 6

Carol M. Feder Barbara Lach

Hermann Rosenberg Kathryn Vester

July 13

Jeane Ackerman Rita Crain

Alex Farbman Henrietta Frankenberg

Ben Ginsberg Steven Goldfarb

Mildred Stone Lida Jess Mininsohn Adolf Schmarak Roberta Witkin Harry Yudman

July 20

Carl Baccaro

Samuel Kravetz Rochelle Lavene Frieda Oldsman Meyer ResnickAllegra Sasson

Victor Silverman Irma Soffer Jospeh Vona

Isidore Wasserman

July 27

Tommy Atkins Jack Blankfield Michael Ferencz Franes Fishkin Isaac Gimpel

Melvin A. Gold Louis Fillmore Huckman

Dorothy Myers Janice Sickel Pauline Silber Bernard Soffer

When observing a Yahrzeit, please check the Kaddish list to be sure your loved one’s name is included. If omitted, please inform Rabbi Gold so he can add it to the list. The Kaddish list is displayed on the Yahrzeit Wall.


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MEMORIALS

Beth Olam Cemetery

Located at 1235 Highway 70 in Lakewood

A perpetual care memorial park with ground level grave markers only.

For information and availability, contact: Art Pedowitz – (732)657-6252 or Temple Office – (732)363-2800

* * * * * * * * * *

Toms River Jewish Cemetery

Whitty Road, Toms River

Section One reserved for Jewish decedents, with traditional upright grave markers. Section Two reserved for non-Jewish

decedents, with ground level grave markers only.

Section Three reserved for Jewish decedents, with ground level grave markers only.

For information and availability, contact: David Sosis – (732)244-4212 or Temple Office – (732)363-2800

The Rabbi, Officers and Members of the Congregation extend their

heartfelt sympathy to,

Sarah Salmansohn,

On the loss of her Husband, Moshe Ben Rachel

Randi Bell on the loss of her

Uncle, Isidore Birkenthal

When Tragedy Strikes

Tragedy often comes suddenly and unannounced, therefore, it is wise to plan for the eventuality when death touches us. We want to be there for you, and accordingly, we have prepared this emergency guideline, which we hope you will save:

1.� If a loved one becomes seriously ill and is taken to the hospital, please call Rabbi Gold at his temple office.

2.� If the situation is grave, do not hesitate to call Rabbi Gold at his home: (848)222-4912.

3.� If the Rabbi is unavailable, we do have contingency plans. Please call a Temple Officer or Committee Chairperson listed below:

Arlene Gaona........................ (732)567-8179 Melanie Giudice..................... (732)688-6945 Mike Krasner ..................... (370)370-5729 Cemetery Committee: Art Pedowitz ........................ (732)657-6252 David Sosis..........................�(732)244-4212

Memorializing Our Loved Ones

Temple has different ways for you to keep

alive the memory of your loved ones.

STONE “HONOR WALL” Large Tile.........................$10,000 Medium Tile..........................5000 Small Tile.............................2500

BRASS PLAQUES

Large Plaque.......................$1250 Sanctuary Seat ......................500

Honorial/Memorial ....................250

BRONZE YAHRZEIT PLAQUES.....$250

PATIO PAVER .............................150

TREE OF LIFE LEAF......................125

EXTERIOR TREE MEMORIALS.......500

Please contact the Temple Office:

(732) 363-2800 or [email protected]


Trees in Israel

Beth Am Shalom is now selling trees in Israel through the Jewish National Fund.

Do you have a simcha such as births, birthdays, engagements, weddings,

bar/bat mitzvahs or anniversaries that you wish to honor, and/or a death that you want to memorialize?

The cost is $18.00 per tree.

You can purchase individual trees, a ring of trees (3),

a circle of trees (5), or an orchard of trees (10).

Please contact Fran Gimpel , 732-657-7120

and give her the name of the honoree or decedent, and the name and address where to send the acknowledgement.

(Donations to this program will be listed on the Tzedakh Page)

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MAKING A DONATION IS EASY

In an effort to make it easier for you to help make the office run more efficiently, we request that the form below be used when making a donation. Please fill it out and mail or drop it off at Temple, along

with your check. Thank you for your cooperation. (The minimum donation for an acknowledgement card to be sent is $10.00)

Funds to which donations can be made are: Rabbi Stanley & Myra Yedwab Adult Academy of Judaism, Merrill Pollinger Scholarship Fund, Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund, Cantor’s Discretionary/Music Fund, Building Fund, General Fund, Oneg Shabbat, Religious School, Cemetery Beautification Fund, Honorial/Memorial, Yahrzeit,

Jr. or Sr. Youth Group, Prayer Book*

*Please note: while lesser donations are welcome, the cost of a Prayer Book is now $35.00 & large print is $45.00

Please accept the following donation(s) to the fund indicated below: From:______________________________ Address:____________________________

Please send acknowledgment card to: Please send acknowledgment card to: In memory of/in honor of/on the occasion of: In memory of/in honor of/on the occasion of: Fund: _____________________ $______ Fund: __________________ $_______


Merrill Pollinger Scholarship Awarded to 2 Outstanding Students at Beth Am Shalom

A scholarship for excellence was created in 1994 by Lois Pollinger in memory of her husband, Merrill Pollinger who passed away in 1992, Merrill was a manufacturer's rep, selling books to school libraries; college book stores and public libraries. He was a member of Beth Am for about 30 years. He had been Financial Secretary, Religious School Chair, Social Action Chair, and a member of the Board. In the photo are: Merrill's daughter, Wendy(Fishler), her daughter, Meryl, Lois’s granddaughter, and Kenneth Pollinger, Merrill's son. Each student received a $500 scholarship from donations to the Scholarship Fund. One of the recipients, Ilana Lavene, attends Marine Academy of Technology & Environmental Science of Ocean Co. She participates in many activities in the New Egypt High School. She also fund-raises for the Ocean County Oceanaires. She is a great role model to BAS students, as well as her younger sibling. She is very knowledgeable in Hebrew language, prayers & Bible stories. Ilana assists in leading BAS children's choir at every practice and at services. The other recipient Sarah Eisenstein is an 8th grader at Lake Riviera Middle School. She has been on High Honor Roll for 12 consecutive marking periods. She is a member of the National Jr. Honor Society. Sarah is an outstanding student in academics and extremely committed to helping her class at all times, She reads Hebrew well and is an integral part of our BAS Youth Group.

Left to right –Merrill’s daughter Wendy Fishler, Lois Pollinger, Lois’s granddaughter, Meryl, and Kenneth Pollinger, Merrill’s son

The Shofar / Volume 12, Issue 1/ Page 12

Haikus for Jews

“For You, A Little Wisdom” By David M. Bader

“Hey! Get back indoors! Whatever you are doing Could put an eye out”

YOUR AD COULD GO HERE!!

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1235 Highway 70

Lakewood, NJ 08701 Ph: 732-363-2800 Fax: 732-363-7823

Rabbi Stephen D. Gold

Rabbi Stanley Yedwab, Rabbi Emeritus Arlene Gaona,President

Melanie Giudice, Vice President Michael Krasener, 2nd VP

Florence Galloway-Markowitz, Financial VP David Lederman, Treasurer

Randi Bell, Secretary Barbara & Henry Yuson, Webmasters

David Garcia, Facebook

BETH AM SHALOM

Check out our Website & Facebook Page:

www.bethamshalom.org https://www.facebook.com/

BethAmShalomLakewood

Beth Am Shalom: Reform Jewish Congregation, Est. July 2007 by the merger of Temple Beth Am and Temple Beth Shalom. Member of the Jewish Federation of Ocean County and Union for Reform Judaism.

The Shofar is a monthly periodical. Annual Subscription cost for mailing is $36. Issue Date: July 2018, Volume 12, Issue Number 1

Religious School Calendar

MONTH CLOSED SPECIAL EVENTS

September Fri.,7th: 6:00 Pot Luck 7:00 Family Service 1st Sun. Session: 16th, Grades K-6 10:00 Mandatory Parents’ Meeting Sun. 23rd School Dedication Sun. 23rd 6:00PM Erev Sukkot Pot Luck 7:00PM Erev Sukkot Service Sun. 30th: Grade 3 Book Ceremony

October 7 Fri., 12th: 6:30 Pot Luck 7:30 Family Service & Consecration 1st Tue. Session: 9th, Grades 3-9 November 25 Fri, 2nd: Pot Luck & Family Service / Gr. 6 Tues. 6th, Kristallnacht Program

December 23, 25, 30 Fri., 7th : Pot Luck & Family Service, Gr. 8 Sun. 2nd, Class Parties for K-3 Tues. 4th, Class Parties 4-9

January 1, 20 Fri., 4th: Family Service

February 17 Fri. 1st: Family Service

March Fri., 2nd: Family Service with Grade 4&5 Wed. 20th Purim Service & Schiel April 21,23,28 Fri., 5th: Family Service, Grade 5 Sun. 14th: Model Seder K-3 Tue. 16th: Model Seder 4-9 May Fri., 3rd: Pot Luck & Family Service? Gr. 3&4

Last Sessions: Tuesday, 21** Confirmation: May 17, 2019 Sunday, 19 * Grades K-3 will be participating in all family services. Although attendance is not mandatory, it is a learning experience, enjoyable for the children, and an honor to be called up to the Bima. Please help your children to have this wonderful experience as often as possible.

BETH AM SHALOM 1235 Highway 70 Lakewood, NJ 08701

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