PLEASE SUPPORT SHIRAT HAYAM’S TOILETRIES DRIVE! · would more Americans, than any other time of the year, brave nightmare traffic, pricy, sweaty trains and exasperating airline

Page The Wave, Shirat Hayam

Fridays Kabbalat Shabbat Service (Conservative) ..................................................................................... 6:00 PM Saturdays Shabbat Service (Conservative) ..................................................................................................... 9:30 AM Sundays Morning Minyan ............................................................................................................................. 9:00 AM Evening Minyan .............................................................................................................................. 5:30 PM Mon.-Fri. Morning Minyan* (January at Shirat Hayam, February at Beth El) ........................................... 7:30 AM Mon.-Thurs. Evening Minyan .............................................................................................................................. 5:30 PM * On legal holidays, morning minyan is at 8:30 AM. Note on Reform Sabbath services:

• Reform Sabbath services will not be held during the months of January and February.

• Those who wish to say kaddish, while observing Yahrzeit, are invited to attend Conservative services either

weekdays or on the Sabbath. • Reform Shabbat Eve services will resume on Friday, March 13 at 7:30 PM.

SERVICES

January/February 2020 · Tevet/Shevat/Adar 5780 Vol. 4, Issue 3

PLEASE SUPPORT

SHIRAT HAYAM’S

TOILETRIES DRIVE!

Sponsored by the Caring Committee.

For more information, see page 7.

Don’t miss New Year’s Eve at Shirat Hayam

“NYE Around the World”

December 31, 9:30 PM

RSVP NOW More information page 13.

Tu B’Shevat (New Year of the Trees) begins the evening of Sunday, February 9. Watch your e-mail for information of Shirat Hayam celebrations.

Page 2 The Wave, Shirat Hayam

“Baynaynu—Between Us”

I’ve always been more than a bit intrigued by the ambivalent nature of late Autumn’s Thanks-giving run-up to the solstice festivities of Old-Man Winter. Yesterdays that are frosty yet beckoning with bright, sunny blue skies cordially enticing joggers and strollers alike invariably alternate with dark frigid tomorrows whose gloomy clouds induce claustrophobic blues. Yet, come to think of it, isn’t that what life is so frequently really all about? Why else would more Americans, than any other time of the year, brave nightmare traffic, pricy, sweaty trains and exasperating airline delays to make a beeline to far-off family turkey dinners, convinced as they are that there’s no place like home for the holidays. Since ‘home’ equals little more than “with the family”, Elaine and I likewise chugged off to nearby Philly. (A Friday a.m. wedding commitment in Atlantic City, negated the usual Manhattan or D.C. destina-tions.) Our intrepid goal was to share, for a scant couple of hours, the naches of this Pilgrim version of Sukkot by joining whichever children and grandchildren were more readily available. At this golden stage in life’s journey (2 Bnai Mitzvahs down with 5 more to go) I find myself increasingly contemplating the planetary globe status and ensuing probable lifestyle these incredibly bright and beautiful progeny of ours will inherit.

The eldest ‘aynakel,’ a sweet sixteener, is impatiently counting down the days to her learner’s permit and newly independent wheely status. For better or worse, mind-boggling technology is eagerly matching her whelming urge to drive, since automatic driverless cars - - once a mere Florida-Seniors’ joke - - are now just around the corner. Only slightly more visionary per the old Jetson cartoons we innocently watched as kids, why do you suppose G.M., Ford, Porsche and a host of other big-brand companies are shelling out R & D billions? The race is on to produce autonomous all-electric vehicles that, in just a few years, will be a familiar sight as they silently navigate our morning, noon and night-time skies. In this brave new world, will inexorable climate change - - generated by the excess C02 of burning fossil fuel - - overwhelm nature’s protective photosynthesis (in religious terminology: “The Holy Spirit of Planetary Interbreath”) thereby scorching our common home? Just a week ago the front-page AC Press headlined which coastal cities (including Atlantic City and Miami Beach) will necessarily be inundated by rising ocean levels due to melting ice caps. The closing time frame is just about one more generation. Unless there is a monumental breakthrough in this fateful battle against climate change. One such white-knight rescue possibility is to practically harness fusion energy (hydrogen not atomic)

which scientists at New Jersey’s elite Princeton University tell us is finally on the nearby horizon. I recently signed onto an ecumenical clergy petition from Rabbi Arthur Wascow’s Shalom Center affirming our mutual task to spiritually uphold both a healthy biological ecosystem as well as a fair and just cultural/social ecosystem. The latter is a contemporary expression for how the diverse images of God— Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu and many others— are all encompassed in the name of The One who is Interbreathing Spirit of all life. As we now embark upon 2020, may our personal faith in Adonai, as well as our life— affirming Jewish tradition, ever inspire us to creatively and courageously rise to the occasion in order to meet all these daunting challenges of the futuristic decade ahead. Faithfully Yours,

Rabbi Gordon Geller


“Rabbi’s Ruminations

one year and be off by a month or more the next year. For the celebrations, we could party twice — once for each calendar! And we can learn that time is often a matter of perspective.

How long since…we moved into this house, apartment, assisted living? We’ve been married for that long? How much of my life did I focus on one thing, before my deeper concerns changed? Haven’t I learned by now that worrying about time doesn’t speed it up or slow it down?

Our sages of blessed memory (in a commentary in the Brachot tractate of the Talmud) offered a statute of limitations, as it were, based on a rule about mandated sacrifices: “avar z’mano, bateil korbano, when the appointed time for a

sacrifice has passed, the opportunity has passed as well.”

We can interpret that sage comment as teaching that we ought not dwell in the past; it’s hard to move forward with a rearward perspective. The past has passed, and “it” might be what it is, but what we do with the rest of our time is up to us.

May we look forward to entering 2020 with foresight and flexibility.

Rabbi Jonathan Kremer

It’s About Time

Maybe I just need to do it more often: I find it hard to leave for vacation. Did I put “away” messages on work and personal emails? On my office phone? Am I packing too much/too little? Who/what should we plan to see? Are we scheduling too much/too little? What if it snows? What if there’s a funeral? What if…?

We can live our lives as if it’s always “what if?” time. We can hope for the best, plan for the worst. We can just take a day at a time. We can shrug and say “it is what it is.” (But what if it isn’t? Spoiler: Rosh Hashana 5781!)

Our Jewish calendar offers some perspective on time. Since our Jewish lives are governed by the moon and our secular lives by the sun, we are forced to be flexible. We might celebrate Sukkot wearing winter gear for chilly late-October nights or we might shvitz our way through a mid September lunch. Pesach might see us shoveling snow or admiring tulip sprouts — or, sometimes, both!

“Rabbinic time” is another manifestation of malleable time. Our liturgical day is broken up into 12 rabbinic “hours” of daylight. Thus, a summer “hour” is longer than one in winter. It may sound confusing, but it helps keep our prayer regimen on time.

Hebrew and English dates for commemoration of a yahrzeit or a bar/bat mitzvah anniversary might align closely

Since our Jewish lives are governed by the moon and our secular lives by the sun, we are forced to be flexible.


Cantor’s Message

A Friday Night Tradition

This Friday night tradition is taken from the priestly blessing (Numbers 6:24-26.) :

May God bless you and guard you.

May God show you favor and be gracious to you.

May God show you kindness and grant you peace.

On Shabbat and other special occasions, chanting or saying the blessings can give a feeling of closeness between you and your children. When said on Friday evening, it is a way of bringing closeness into the entire family. Many Jewish families bless their children and grandchildren on Friday night. The blessings can be said before or after Kiddush, or just after Shabbat candles are lit. For some families whose children live away from home, blessings are given over the phone. In some homes only the father says the blessings. In other homes both parents or grandparents give the blessing, or first one parent, then the other, and in some homes the father blesses the boys and the mother the girls. We first recite an introduction depending on whether the child being blessed is a boy or girl. For boys: May you be like Ephraim and Menashe. For girls: May you be like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah.

The rest of the blessing is then made:

ay God bless you and guard you. May God show you favor and be gracious to you. May God show you kindness and grant you peace.

The blessing is said by placing one or both hands on the child’s head. After offering the blessing, I have found it nice to whisper something to the child, praising them for something or offering encouragement and love. Why do we say the names of Ephraim and Menashe instead of the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the introduction of the blessing for boys? One reason given by Rabbi Mordechai Elon is that “Ephraim and Menashe are the pair of brothers in the Bible who do not see each other as competitors. They do not struggle for power, and their

ROSH CHODESH,

A Time for Us

With Elaine Geller

Sunday, January 19, Brunch, 10:00 AM

Monday, February 25, Light Dinner, 6:00 PM

Please RSVP to JoAnne at 609-822-7116 x 105

dynamic as a family never seems to be the source of great difficulty in either of their lives. By blessing our children to be like Ephraim and Menashe we seek to bestow upon our children the legacy of peace and harmony between brothers.” If you don’t already practice this Friday night weekly tradition, why not start this Shabbat?

B’Shalom

Cantor Wolbransky


President’s Message

Shalom and Happy New Year. It’s quiet around Shirat Hayam this time of year with many of our congregants away or on vacation but soon enough we will all hear the buzz of spring and summer planning for all to enjoy. Even with that said, we all appreciated our holiday programming that included a fabulous magical Chanukah family event and impressively attended Simchat Torah dinner and service. Shabbat services continue weekly in our Chapel with our core of “regulars” in attendance and delicious Kiddush lunches.

Our professional staff work tirelessly regardless of the time of year to “keep the home-fires burning” in these New Jersey cold months. The Board of Trustees, the Executive Committee and the rest of the standard committees meet regularly to establish new

policies and procedures, maintain or improve our beautiful facility, keep an eye on our finances and plan for future fabulous events.

Our Rabbis keep us focused with Torah study and Ask the Rabbi as well as inspiring sermons and an inviting open-door approach in our administrative wing. Cantor Wolbransky is on hiatus in Florida but manages to fly to our synagogue by the sea to attend and chant Shabbat services two times per month.

Congregants enter the building through our newly fortified front or bayside doors to attend book club meetings; Rosh Hodesh presentations; daily minyan; visit with Ethel, Karen or Bob; shop with Alice or Hope at our newly designed Sisterhood Giftshop in the lobby; help with cooking for Shabbat with Alice, Elaine or Ellie; or bake Challah and desserts for our Caring Network Committee’s Taste of Shabbat with Nadine and Joyce. You see…Shirat Hayam is busy all year long.

On Sunday mornings, our school wing is noisy, fun, busy, amusing, entertaining, educational, social and exuberant. We have 42 children attending our Galeem program! Much of the success of this program is due to Morah Andrea and to our chairperson Beth Sanders. We are moving forward and our young families and their children are a proving it every Sunday.

Rabbi Geller’s events, “Ask the Rabbi” and “Lunch and Learn”, will not be held in January and February, but will re-turn in the spring.

Joe and I are looking forward to attending our Florida Reunion Luncheon on Wednesday, January 22 at Hunters Run in Boynton Beach with a catered buffet lunch by Ben’s Deli. I can’t wait to kibbitz with our “Snowbirds” and report on our updates and changes going on at Shirat Hayam.

So…stay warm, stay active, stay healthy and stay focused. Shirat Hayam is here for you, whatever the time of year. See you in Shul!

L’Shalom,

Jodi Handler

Sisterhood Gift Shop

We’re up and running!

Help wanted.

No experience necessary.

Call Alice Melnick

609-230-8163.


Two years of learning

culminated on Shabbat

Sukkot (October 19) when

seven women celebrated their

Jewish commitment as b’not

mitzvah. Readings and

discussions about sacred texts

and storied traditions,

calendar and kashrut, God

and giving, Hebrew and holy

days — and so much more! —

were engaging, challenging

and fulfilling.

In their own words:

We were encouraged to ask

questions, to dig deep and

deeper, look for

connections.

I was so excited: I was

going to explore and learn,

I was finally going to get

my questions answered!

Who is God? Is there really

a God? I found out that,

with each question, there

was another question.

Nothing was black or

white. I learned that

Judaism is about

continuous learning and

growth…

With Rabbi Kremer, we

studied a variety of topics

including Shabbat

observance, the holiday

cycle, prayer, the structure

of services, keeping

kosher, and God. Each

week we studied the

upcoming Torah portion

With Cantor Wolbransky,

we began to learn to read

Hebrew. We started with

the Alef-Bet, moved on to

the vowels and we started

putting words together.

What had been a complete

mystery to me finally began

to make sense.

I was never involved, I

attended services and then I

left. I was also a bit

intimidated because of my

inability to read and

understand Hebrew…I

immediately enjoyed the

intellectual enrichment,

learning all about holidays

and the rituals, the Torah,

and much more. We shared

wonderful group

discussions that evolved in

many directions, and were

extremely interesting. I

never felt intimidated and

was happy to contribute and

participate.

The main text we used is “The

Observant Life,” published by

the Rabbinical Assembly, an

comprehensive book about the

practice and philosophy of

Conservative Judaism. Overall,

the explanations of and

guidance on “doing Jewish”

helped all of us — students and

teachers — gain a deeper

appreciation of Jewish life.

We are proud of Jerrilyn

Benson, Lois Shohen-Brown,

Caren Karp, Sheila Hollander,

Ellie Kremer, Andrea Weiss,

and Barbara Wolnerman for

their commitment to learning

and growing. And we look

forward to continued learning

with them — and with others

(like you!) who are eager to

know more.

New classes for “Lomdim /

Learners” will be announced in

the next issue of The Wave.

— Rabbi Jonathan Kremer &

Cantor Harvey Wolbranksy

Congratulations to Our Adult Bat Mitavah Class!


Community and Social Action

(Lomdin Photo, left, by Ed

Weinstein)

From left to right: Barbara

Wolnerman, Sheila Hollander,

Andrea Weiss, Cantor

Wolbransky, Rabbi Kremer,

Ellie Kremer, Caren Karp,

Jerrilyn Benson, Lois

Shohen-Brown

With much appreciation, a special thank you to Rabbi Jonathan Kremer from the

Adult Bat Mitzvah Class: Jerrilyn Benson, Lois Shohen-Brown, Sheila

Hollander, Caren Karp, Ellie Kremer, Andrea Weiss, Barbara Wolnerman.

With much appreciation, a special thank you to

Cantor Harvey Wolbransky from the Adult

Bat Mitzvah Class: Jerrilyn Benson, Lois Shohen-Brown, Sheila

Hollander, Caren Karp, Ellie Kremer, Andrea Weiss, Barbara Wolnerman.

ISRAEL MATTERS

On November 10, Jerusalem Post correspondent and politi-cal analyst Gil Hoffman spoke at Shirat Hayam with updates on the latest issues affecting Israel. Coordinated by Israel Matters, with thanks to congre-gant sponsors and a Maalot Grant sponsorship on behalf of JNF (Jewish National Fund) and Nefesh B'Nefesh.

SHIRAT HAYAM COMMUNITY

GARDEN The 2019 season was the most successful in our 5 year history. We donated nearly 300 lbs of produce to the South Jersey Community Food bank in EHT. Our green and cubana pepper crop was extraordinary. We had abundant onion, japanese eggplant, radish, carrot and tomato crops. However, our cucumber and beet crops were a disappointment. If you walk by the garden now, you’ll see kale and turnip plants still growing because they are able to survive the winter weather. Many thanks to my garden assistants: Rich Pachler, Elliott Kraus, Phil Hollander, Joe Singer, Howard Rosenfeld, Jerry Green, Jean Flaxenburg, Zelda Soloff, Noah Bronkesh, Judy Galler and Bruce Kamis.

Alan Friedman

TOILETRIES

DRIVE Please drop off at Shirat Hayam Lobby:

Toothbrushes · Toothpaste, Hairbrushes · Combs · Shampoo · Deodorant · Mouthwash · Personal & Baby Care Products · Towels & Washcloths · First Aid Items · Paper Products

To benefit the Atlantic City Rescue Mission and JFS

Questions? Contact Iris Needleman at

[email protected]


Board, Committee, and Community Notes

We celebrate with:

Anna and Jerald Green on the marriage of their daughter, Ariela Green to Assa Cohen.

Barbara Harvis and Andrew Renny on the birth of their granddaughter, Avery Maya Renny, daughter of Matty Renny and Adam Lessler.

Debbi and Bob Goldich on the birth of their granddaughter, Sylvie Lux Goldich, daughter of Robin and Matthew Goldich.

Debbie and Joe Skwisz on the engagement of their son, Michael Kornblum to Elaine Valdopena.

Lauri and Sandi Greenberg on the bat mitzvah of their granddaughter, Autumn Leah Greenberg, daughter of Jamie Greenberg and Chase Rosenhaus.

Leslie and Richard Steinberg on the marriage of their daughter, Lauren Steinberg to Kerry Traub.

Marcy and Les Rosenthal on the birth of their grandson, Parker Luciana, son of Samantha and Matt Luciana.

Nadine and Michael Winkelstein on the bat mitzvah of their granddaughter, Madison Soffian, daughter of Jessica and Greg Soffian.

Roberta and Greg Gordon on the birth of their grandson, Baruch Gordon, son of Keren and Steven Gordon.

SECURITY COMMITTEE UPDATE

Shalom and Happy New Year. Our Security Committee has been very productive over the past months. Many congregants are concerned about our current security issues and what actions have taken place. Here is an update.

Many of our security plans have come to fruition and I am excited to report that our protective glass has been installed for the front and bayside doors as well as the outside atrium windows. We have ordered a new camera system with major upgrades for all point of entry doors as well as a new intercom and fob system. By the time this

edition of The Wave is published, that work will be done. We are also installing new emergency exit doors on the right-hand side of the sanctuary to the lobby. Currently there are no exit doors on that side of the sanctuary. We have stayed within our current security assessment budget for these new installations.

Because of the positive response from the congregation at large, the security committee is procuring estimates from private security companies for on-sight armed guards to be present in the lobby during all

Shabbat services, special and private events and holiday services. We have employed the Ventnor Police Department for these events and have paid a high cost per hour. In order to be fiscally responsible to our members, we will need to seek a more prudent way of providing personal security for our services and events. This on-sight security will be a yearly expense and will need to be covered by the congregation in the form of a yearly security assessment. As many of our Country’s synagogues have discovered, security and our congregation’s safety comes at a price and unfortunately in this current climate of active preparedness, we will need additional funds. Other security features are included in this plan and will be presented as we continue to move forward.

Your Executive Committee, the Board of Trustees, the Finance and Security Committees take this situation very seriously and we all want you to feel confident and safe when you enter our vast building. We will continue to keep you informed as our plans evolve.

Marc Needleman Chairperson

Shirat Hayam Security Committee



SISTERHOOD NEWS

Sisterhood is rejuvenating, and it is such an exciting time!

First, we want to wish all our snowbirds a warm and dry winter - you will be missed.

Next, can you believe it has been 20 years since the change to the new millennium; do you remember if you did anything special? Well, now here we are entering the year 2020, and Shirat Hayam is going to bring it in with a blast. Look for information about our New Year’s Eve party elsewhere in the Wave.

Game day: Do you play canasta, bridge, mah jong? Bring your friends and play at Shirat Hayam. January 9 and 23, and February 13 and 20. If you don’t know how to play, consider taking Canasta Lessons from Barbara and Linda. The cost is 3 lessons for $15.

TORAH FUND

On Sunday, November 17, 2019, several sisterhood members attended the Annual Torah Fund – Founder’s Day event at Temple Har Zion, in Mount Holly, NJ. This year theme for the Torah Fund pin was “Chesed” which means “kindness” in Hebrew or translated as “lovingkindness”.

This year’s Torah Fund guest speaker at the event was Rabbi Raysh Weiss from Congregation Beth El, in Yardley, PA. She spoke about the power of the millennials and her observations on their approach to organized Judaism.

At this event we were presented with a certificate for exceeding our Torah Fund goal for the year. We were one of 22 Sisterhoods in the Mid-Atlantic region to obtain this achievement.

After the luncheon and award presentations, Debbi Goldich, WLCJ Convention 2020 chair, spoke about the Annual Convention July 12 – 15, 2020, to be held in Chicago. Please contact Debbi for more details for this wonderful event.

Sisterhood is cooking! Please consider volunteering to prepare for Kiddush lunch or other synagogue events.

Movie and Dinner: Celebrate Chinese New Year with us, January 25th, 6 PM. Chinese buffet, $20 per person. This is always a fun time to gather in a warm place with friends.

Here’s a preview about upcoming events in the Spring: Sisterhood Shabbat, Women’s Passover Seder March 25, 6 PM, Mother’s Day High Tea May 3, Bingo, and Torah Fund.

We wish each and every Shirat Hayam member a Happy and Healthy New Year! We look forward to working and playing with you in the upcoming year!

Andi Weiss & Alice Melnick Sisterhood

PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE

The Programming Committee this year is focusing on providing fun (and usually free) programming for Jewish (and the occasional secular) holidays.

Please join us for New Year’s Eve, a new tradition this year —- with a focus on being inclusive for all. You don’t need a date, you don’t need to stay until midnight to have fun, and you’ll get to try New Year’s traditions from around the world. If you haven’t already, please call the office and RSVP (otherwise we might run out of food, and you know we’d hate that).

Coming up in the Spring are an expanded Purim event, a Lag B’Omer picnic and more.

Jenny Wagner, [email protected]


Shirat Hayam mourns the loss of our member Leonore Slatkin.

Our Condolences To:

Alia Sayegh on the loss of her brother, Harold “Boots” Potler.


CARING NETWORK

We should all be so proud of the good work being done by the Caring Committee. These dedicated woman and men have been working diligently to provide help where it is needed in the Com-munity.

We have a team headed by Nadine Winkelstein that will establish a Meal Train for those who need temporary help with meals. We also have Taste of Shabbat (again Nadine) and Joyce Schwartz. Our congregants love this so much that we often get donations in honor of this wonderful program. And then we had a shiva luncheon catered by Ellie Kremer. That was another true Mitzvah. It's all about helping those in need when they need it the most.

Let's keep up the good work! Our next project will be personal care items. So when you go to the dollar store, why not buy an extra bottle of shampoo or a tube of toothpaste. These little things mean a lot to our less fortunate neighbors. Caring Net-work sincerely thanks all volunteers for their dedication and hard work!

Iris Needleman

RITUAL COMMITTEE REPORT: OPEN SEATING FOR THE 2020 HIGH HOLIDAYS

September 2020 Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur holidays will mark 31 years celebrating in the current sanctuary. Many of us have observed the gradual decrease over the years in the number of chairs we set up for the High Holidays. But there has been another change which more directly affects the spirituality of the services. In the early years in this building, almost all the seats were filled for Kol Nidre and parts of Yom Kippur day and the first day of Rosh Hashanah. Now, at least half of the seats in the sanctuary are empty for Kol Nidre, despite being assigned. Under-standably, many of our

congregants, for one or more of the holidays, attend services with their children and grandchildren at other synagogues. The scattered crowd makes it difficult to achieve a feeling of spirituality.

During the past few years we have “downsized” our space for Shabbat services during the winter months with services being held in the chapel. Sixty congregants in the chapel gives a much better feeling than sixty spread out through the sanctuary. The executive committee and the ritual committee have decided to address this

problem for the 2020 High Holidays by instituting open seating and setting up fewer chairs. Having our congregants in a more compact seating arrangement will enhance our services. We realize that this is a significant change from past practice, but it is a policy whose time has come and we are hopeful that congregants will be understanding of the need for this change. Alan Friedman, Ritual Committee (Conservative) Chair Jodi Handler, President



News from the Kitchen:

SISTERHOOD IS COOKING!

Fridays, 9:30 AM to Noon

January 10

February 21

Please join us whenever you can— just an hour of your time would be appreciated.

Alice Melnick 609-230-8163

GIVING THANKS IN FELLOWSHIP

On Monday evening, November 25, more than 150 people gathered for an annual Interfaith Thanksgiving service coordinated by the Absecon Island Clergy Fellowship with Mosaic (A Community of Sacred Partners). The program, prepared by Rabbi Jonathan Kremer, included Presidential Thanksgiving Day Proclamations of George Washington and Barrack Obama, among others, as well as texts from Psalms and other inspirational poems. Hosted this year by Beth El Synagogue, Margate, the service featured a range of Christian and Jewish clergy and a representative of the Muslim community. Musical performers included a Jewish Community Chorus conducted by Cantor Ralph Goren — with soloists Cantor Harvey Wolbransky and Cantor Larisa Averbakh — and St. James Choir. Canned goods were collected for a local food pantry. Kiddush (aka, fellowship and snacks) followed the service.

FROM THE MEN’S CLUB DESK

In spite of freezing cold rain that surely dampened the turnout for Eagles & Latkes on the big screen, and an unfortunate loss for the Eagles, a variety of food was enjoyed by all that attended. A special thank you for our volunteers, Bruce and Andi Weiss, Steve and Alice Melnick, and Diane and Ben Mashioff for preparing all the food for the event.

Our inaugural football pool was a huge success with all 100 Squares being sold out. Thank you so much for showing support for this Men’s club fund raiser.

Here are our football pool winners:

Quarter 1 & 2: Barker Law Office – won on two different squares purchased - $150; Quarter 3: Barbara Wolnerman - $75; Quarter 4: Joanne Brown - $125

Upcoming Events: Sunday April 19th @ 6:00 PM after a long week of matza what better way than a spaghetti and meatball dinner with salad, Italian bread, dessert, wine tasting and a movie. Come one, come all to gather at Shirat Hayam with family and friends.

New Events: Details soon about our upcoming Spring fishing trip, miniature golf day at new Congo Falls and B-B-Que-Bourbon Basketball with 76ers Marc Zumoff long time sports announcer. Stay tuned.

Regards, Ben Mashioff Chair

609-217-4857


Community Notes

DAILY MINYAN

There is rarely a day in the life of a synagogue that some member does not have to say Kaddish in memory of a loved one. In order to do so, there must be nine other people praying with them at the daily minyan. There are too many times that we have to get on the phone looking for more people or just hold our minyan service without giving this person the opportunity to say Kaddish. Some understand and say very little about the attendance. Others leave with tears in their eyes because they were remembering their loved one.

YOU ARE NEEDED!! Please try your best to join us for minyan, either morning at 7:30 AM (8:30 AM on legal holidays and 9:00 AM on Sunday) or evenings at 5:30 PM, so that a fellow congregant is afforded the opportunity to say Kaddish for a loved one.

THANK YOU!

Thank you to everyone who attended the Frank and “Annell” Nancy Cohen Memorial Tribute. My thanks to Rabbi Kremer and Cantor Wolbransky for the honor of leading a portion of Shabbat services on my 60th birthday, and also for the honor of chanting Haftorah and presenting a speech on November 16th. Thanks to Gila for the delicious Kiddush lunch, sponsored in honor of my wonderful parents, Frank and Annell Cohen on their 62nd anniversary, my dad Frank Cohen’s 86th birthday, and my 60th birthday. Thanks, also, to Ethel Levinson and Karen McKinney for their assistance.

Todd Cohen, Life-long Beth Judah/Shirat Hayam member,

and Leader of Wednesday evening minyan

Our Next Generation

Remember, Galeem is always happy to accept new students! Encourage your friends to join

in the fun and the learning. Please enjoy some pictures of a recent fun crafts event.


Shirat Hayam Social Events

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT SHIRAT HAYAM

A new tradition at Shirat Hayam (with Beth El). This year’s theme is

“New Year’s Around the World” — come try out different traditions of welcoming the new

year. Try new activities, new food, and hear new music. (Plus some traditional favorites, of course.)

Celebrate NYE in three time zones!

December 31, 2019 9:30 PM

RSVP to Karen NOW (so we’ll have food to feed you).

609-822-7116 x 101

DINNER AND A MOVIE Sisterhood Event (all are welcome)

Celebrate Chinese New Year with us!

Chinese buffet $20 per person

Saturday, January 25 6 PM

Reminder: if you are interested in Canasta les-sons by Barbara and Linda ($15 for set of 3) call Ethel to arrange. 609-822-7116 x121.


Shirat Hayam Holiday and Social Events

Enjoy this picture from the December 15th “Get Ready for Chanukah” Party. Full report in the next issue of the Wave.

Sisterhood Gift Shop

We’re up and running!

Help wanted.

No experience necessary.

Call Alice Melnick

609-230-8163.


Tributes

In honor of

Cantor Harvey Wolbransky by Jerrilyn Benson, Lois Shohen Brown, Sheila Hollander, Caren Karp, Ellie Kremer, Andrea Weiss, Barbara Wolnerman (the Adult Bat Mitzvah Class)

Cantor Wolbransky for High Holiday services by Donna Josephs and Charlotte Josephs

Cantor Harvey Wolbransky by Ethel and Arnie Levinson, Faith and Jonathan Rosenkrantz

Cantor Harvey Wolbransky’s installation by Jody and Marc Ludwig, Cindi and Jeff Zimmerman

Ethel and Arnie Levinson’s birthdays and anniversary by Natalyn and Cantor Harvey Wolbransky

Elayne Penn for participation during High Holiday services by Cantor Harvey Wolbransky

Cantor Deborah Stern for participation during High Holiday services by Cantor Harvey Wolbransky

Beth Sanders Rabinowitz for participation during High Holiday services by Cantor Harvey Wolbransky

CARING NETWORK

In memory of

Joseph Schwartz by Joyce and Mark Schwartz

In honor of

Caring Network for the lovely Shabbat gift by Elaine and Frank Gelb, Sondra Leopold, Barbara and Henry Roth, Jeanne Sackman, Gail and Harold Stein

JNF TREE FUND

In memory of

Beloved mother of John Daniels by Ilene Daniels

Beloved mother of Staci Marino by Ilene Daniels

Bill Miller (ring trees) by Ilene Daniels

Coleen Simons by Phyllis, Troy, and Stacy Scherr

Frank and Annell 'Nancy' Cohen by Todd M. Cohen

Mark Stein by Aunt Fagie, Troy, Josh, Stacy, and Billy

Muriel Kugel by Phyllis, Troy, and Stacy Scherr

Murray Rosenberg by Linda and Richard Goukler

Paul Abramson (a ring of trees) by Sharon and Barry Hammond and Family

In honor of

Todd M. Cohen’s 60th birthday and his leading Wednesday evening service and chanting Friday evening Kiddush by Carol, Al, and Jeff Rickel

Todd M. Cohen's 60th birthday and leading Wednesday evening services, chanting Friday evening kiddushes by Todd M. Cohen

KIDDUSH FUND FOR BIRTHDAYS/ANNIVERSARIES - CONSERVATIVE

In honor of

Steve Melnick’s 75th birthday by Stella Ann and Sam Borenstein, Sheila and Alan Friedman, Diane and Benjamin Mashioff

Todd M. Cohen on his 6oth birthday and for leading Wednesday evening services and chanting Friday kiddushes by Todd M. Cohen

KIDDUSH FUND FOR TRIBUTES

In memory of

Lenore Slatkin by Gail and Douglas Stanger

In honor of

Elaine Geller for the wonderful kiddush by the Adult Bat Mitzvah Class

BIBLE FUND

In memory of

Reuben Grossman by Penny Soble

BILL TOLMAN YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP FUND

In memory of

Charles K. Levy by Frances Baronowitz

In honor of

Todd M. Cohen on his 60th birthday and leading Wednesday evening services, chanting Friday kiddushes by Todd M. Cohen

CAMP RAMAH SCHOLARSHIP FUND

In memory of

Fred Saul by Janice Saul

Mary Blecker by Norma and David Blecker

Rusty Cain by Norma and David Blecker

Ruth Worker by Selma Rosenberg

Sam Shick by Norma Shick

Sarah Shick by Norma Shick

Sol Letzter by Carole and Paul Letzter

In honor of

Ethel and Arnie Levinson’s triple celebrations by Janet and Shy Kramer

Ethel Levinson’s birthday by Carole and Paul Letzter

CANTOR WOLBRANSKY’S DISCRETIONARY FUND

In memory of

Keith Ball by Jerrilyn and Steven Benson

Rusty Cain by Natalyn and Cantor Harvey Wolbransky


Tributes

Shy Kramer’s 90th Birthday by Diane and Benjamin Mashioff

RABBI GELLER’S DISCRETIONARY FUND

In memory of

Andrea Sheryl Kauffman by Joyce Kauffman

Bunny Rothkopf by Alvin Rothkopf

Eva Cantor by Velma Krassenstein

Eva Wolf by Debbie and Mark Borowsky

Frances Borowsky by Debbie and Mark Borowsky

Howard Krassenstein by Velma Krassenstein

Joyce Lorber by Fran Gelman

Nettye Harris by Gloria LeCuyer

Rhoda Rottenberg by Gloria LeCuyer/Adam Lecuyer

Ruth Kugel by Gloria LeCuyer/Adam Lecuyer

Stanley Friedman by Charlotte Friedman

In honor of

Rabbi Geller's inspiring High Holiday Service by Lisa and Scott Naegele

RABBI KREMER'S DISCRETIONARY FUND

In memory of

Daniel Josephs by Charlotte Josephs

Edward Budenstein by Barbara Ann Budenstein and Esther Weinrach

George Weisfeld by Judith and Stanley Weisfeld

Gertrude Sundheimer by Sue, Alan, and Michael Preis

Harriet Taub by Susan Smallow

Jacob Budenstein by Barbara Ann Budenstein and Esther Weinrach

James Casel by Brenda and Bernard Casel

Lily Burkhardt by Shirley and Bernard Josephson

In honor of

Adult Bat Mitzvah Class (Jerrilyn Benson, Lois Shohen Brown, Caren Karp, Sheila Hollander, Ellie Kremer, Andrea Weiss, and Barbara Wolnerman) by Michele and Noah Bronkesh

Lucas Levenson and Whitney Mackay’s marriage by Elizabeth and Barney Lihn

Rabbi Kremer's spiritual and uplifting High Holiday Sermon by Donna Josephs and Charlotte Josephs

Rabbi Kremer for the High Holiday help by Donna Josephs

Rabbi Jonathan Kremer by Ethel and Arnie Levinson

Rabbi Kremer by Faith and Jonathan Rosenkrantz

Rabbi Jonanthan Kremer by Jerrilyn Benson, Lois Shohen Brown, Sheila Hollander, Caren Karp, Ellie Kremer, Andrea Weiss, and Barbara Wolnerman (Adult Bat Mitzvah Class)

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL

In memory of

Samuel Gordesky by Beth Sanders Rabinowitz and Ari Rabinowitz

SYNAGOGUE FUND

In memory of

Clare Katz by Marlene Garber

Cyla and Joel Kowenski by Tobey and Eric Sopher

Edward Trautenberg by Stella Ann and Sam Borenstein, Sheila and Alan Friedman, Rene and Clifford Kane, Janet and Shy Kramer, Lynn and Charles W. Kramer, Ellie and Rabbi Jonathan Kremer, Barbara Harvis and Andrew Renny, Mary Ann Rich, Elizabeth Shapiro

Frances Levin by Ralph Levin

Alice Melnick for the wonderful kiddush by the Adult Bat Mitzvah Class

MAHZOR PRAYER BOOK FUND

In memory of

Sam Roth by Barbara and Henry Roth

MINYAN FUND

In memory of

Daniel Josephs by Donna Josephs

Roslyn Steerman by Paul Steerman

Sally Berk by Wilma and Richard Dannenbaum

In honor of

Shy Kramer's beautiful Haftarah reading by Donna Josephs

Todd M. Cohen's 60th birthday leading Wednesday evening Minyan services and chanting Friday services by Todd M. Cohen, Carol, Al, and Jeff Rickel

PRAYER BOOK - REFORM

In memory of

Ellen Borowsky by Diane and Benjamin Mashioff

PRAYER BOOK - SIDDUR LEV SHALEM

In memory of

Abraham Mashioff by Diane and Benjamin Mashioff

Jacob Rosenkrantz by Jonathan Rosenkrantz

Milton Popowsky by Lynn and Charles W. Kramer

Rusty Cain by Diane and Benjamin Mashioff

Sylvia Wingrod by Marcy and Les Rosenthal

In honor of

Ethel and Arnie Levinson’s birthdays and wedding anniversary by Illene and Rubin Warren


Tributes

Frances Steeble Choper by Jessica Choper

Harold Potler by Ellie and Rabbi Jonathan Kremer

Harriett Freemark by Morton Freemark

Jacob Moskowitz by Sue, Alan, and Michael Preis

Jean Lavinsky by Linda Lavinsky

Jennie Margulies by Ruth Margulies

Jerome Cohen by Saul H. Cohen

Jerome Howard by Jane and Richard Singer

Joseph Gurwood by Jodi, Joe and Anita Handler

Judith Schlank by Jodi, Joe and Anita Handler, Ellie and Rabbi Jonathan Kremer

Lenore Slatkin by Stella Ann and Sam Borenstein, Jane Johnston, Donna Josephs, Rene and Clifford Kane, Janet and Shy Kramer, Lynn and Charles W. Kramer, Ellie and Rabbi Jonathan Kremer, Ethel and Arnold Levinson, Fran and Martin Peskoe

Marvin Fishman by Frances Levine

Miriam Pressman by Anna and Jerald Green

Morris Goldstein by Jodi, Joe, and Anita Handler

Morris Lavinsky by Linda Lavinsky

Morton Shiekman by Dona and Jonathan Shiekman

Paul Liber by Mary and Barry Skaler

Peggy Dutot by Denise Miller

Renee Stashin by Leslie and Jeffrey Meltzer

Rose Levitt Goldstein by Jodi, Joe, and Anita Handler

Rusty Cain by Michele and Noah Bronkesh, Sheila and Philip Hollander, Donna Josephs, Ellie and Rabbi Jonathan Kremer, Jacquie and Harris Sirota

Sally Ann Berk by Sondra Leopold and Bobby Sirulnik, Rhoda Malamut, Illeane and Marvin Podolnick

Samuel Gordesky by Sheila and Alan Friedman, Donna Josephs and Charlotte Josephs, Ellie and Rabbi Jonathan Kremer

Sidney Krupnick by Anne and Richard Cohen

Sylvia Nemetz by Judith and Stanley Weisfeld

Toby Mest by Carol and Stuart Mest

In honor of

Adult Bat Mitzvah Class (Jerrilyn Benson,Lois Shohen Brown, Caren Karp, Sheila Hollander, Ellie Kremer, Andrea Weiss, Barbara Wolnerman) by Sheila and Alan Friedman, Elayne and Sheldon Penn, Robin and Tom Shields, Marsha and Joseph Singer, Cantor Deborah Stern

Adult Bat Mitzvah Class of Andi Weiss by Diane and Stewart Ceasar

Aliyah on Shabbat by Stanley Grossman

Aliyah on Yom Kippur by Ethel F. Levinson

Aliyah on Kol Nidre by Lisa and Scott Naegele

Aliyah for my birthday by Harris Sirota

Anita Handler’s speedy recovery by Michele and Noah Bronkesh, Sheila and Alan Friedman, Miriam and

Larry Hirsch, Donna Josephs and Charlotte Josephs

Ariela Green and Assa Cohen’s marriage by Ellie and Rabbi Jonathan Kremer

Bat Mitzvah of Jerrilyn Benson by Caren and George Trantas

Bat Mitzvah of granddaughter of Diane Parlin by Ethel and Arnie Levinson

Birth of my great granddaughters, Dylan Paige Weinberg and Sunny Faye Beebe by Florence Cotler

Birth of Ruthie Sara Schoffer, granddaughter of Leo and Patti Schoffer, by Sheila and Alan Friedman

Birth of Avery Maya Renny, granddaughter of Barbara Harvis and Andy Renny, by Miriam and Larry Hirsch, Ellie and Rabbi Jonathan Kremer

Elayne and Sheldon Penn by Cantor Deborah Stern

Ethel Levinson for special kindness by Nancy Phillips

Ethel and Arnie Levinson’s birthdays and 60th anniversary by Stella and Sam Borenstein, Anne and Richard Cohen, Todd M. Cohen, Stanley Grossman, Donna Josephs and Charlotte Josephs, Mimi and Rafi Levy, Barney Linn, Carol and Matthew Marin, Brenda and Morris Markowski, Karen and Nathan Price,

Diane and Ben Mashioff, Lisa and Scott Naegele, Iris and Marc Needleman, Elayne and Sheldon Penn,

Fran and Martin Peskoe and Family, Howard Rosenfeld and Adrienne Epstein, Gertrude and Joachim Rudoler, Joan Shapiro, Myron Shapiro, Lois Shohen-Brown, Marsha and Joseph Singer, Jacquie and Harris Sirota, Barbara and Joseph Wolnerman, Cantor Deborah Stern, Myra and Jerry Greenberg, Nadine and Michael Winkelstein

Friday Night Services, Rabbi Kremer, and Cantor Wolbransky by Agnes and Howard Markowitz

High Holiday services by David Spitzberg, Marilyn and Phillip Rabinowitz

Jodi Handler becoming President by Gladys Shubin

The Lang Family by Goldie Lang

Tributes continue on page 19



Tributes continued

Lauren Steinberg and Kerry Traub’s marriage by Sheila and Alan Friedman, Ellie and Rabbi Jonathan Kremer

Lois and Allison Fried by Zieva and Marc Konvisser

Marriage of Ken and Sarah Handler by Gladys Shubin

Marriage of Jackie to Joe Masters, granddaughter of Barbara and Morton Spiegel, by Rhoda Malamut, Martha and Harold Moskowitz

Michael Kornblau and Elaine Valdopena’s engagement by Ellie and Rabbi Jonathan Kremer

Mitch Brezel by Jodi and Joe Handler

Ritual Committee (Alan Friedman) for the Rosh Hashana Aliyah by Donna Josephs

Todd Cohen’s 60th birthday by Martha and Richard Pastcan

YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP

In memory of

Lillian Cohen by Richard Cohen

SISTERHOOD NEEDS YOU – YES, YOU!!!

• Help prepare Kiddush lunch; • Volunteer to work in the gift shop; • Programming – we can’t do it without

you; • Membership.


OFFICERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

President ............. Jodi Handler………………[email protected] Vice Presidents .... Steven Baer.…………[email protected] Alice Melnick.………[email protected] Karen Pollock.……………[email protected] Secretary .............. Ari [email protected] Treasurer ............. Lisa Naegele.……………[email protected]

To Contact Us

Shirat Hayam .... Phone: 609-822-7116 Fax: 609-822-4654

Rabbi Gordon L. Geller ............. x 102 [email protected]

Rabbi Jonathan Kremer ........... x 103 [email protected]

Cantor Harvey Wolbransky ..... x 104 [email protected]

Cantor Emeritus Edmond A. Kulp [email protected]

Ethel Levinson .............................. x 121 Congregational Engagement [email protected]

Karen McKinney .......................... x 101 Office Administrator [email protected]

JoAnn Botbyl ................................ x 105 Secretary [email protected]

Bob Barrett .................................... x 127 Bookkeeper/Accounting [email protected]

Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Permit No. 1562 Pleasantville, NJ

Please use Amazon Smile for your Amazon online purchases. Shirat Hayam receives a percentage of every purchase!

mailto:[email protected]






Documents

PLEASE SUPPORT SHIRAT HAYAM’S TOILETRIES DRIVE! · would more Americans, than any other time of the year, brave nightmare traffic, pricy, sweaty trains and exasperating airline