the messenger - gesher

MAY 2020 • IYAR/SIVAN• 5780

THE MESSENGER

ALL our Synagogue Prayer Services and Programs are conducted over ZOOM

You can participate in one of two ways

Dialing in - or - Using internet access and a smartphone, tablet or computer

OUR WEEKDAY SERVICES:

Sunday - Friday Mornings at 9:00 am - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/110379215 Dial in by phone: 929 205 6099 Meeting ID: 110 379 215 Sunday - Thursday Evenings at 7:00 pm https://us02web.zoom.us/j/338747559 Dial in by phone: 929 205 6099 Meeting ID: 338 747 559

SHABBAT SERVICES:

Friday evenings at 7:00 pm https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86982666380 Dial in by phone: 929-205-6099 Meeting ID: 869 8266 6380 Shabbat Mornings at 10:30 am https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87481320020 Dial in by phone: 929 205 6099 Meeting ID: 874 8132 0020 Havdalah (times listed on page 11) https://us02web.zoom.us/j/729396135 Dial in by phone: 929 205 6099 Meeting ID: 729 396 135

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/110379215





“Offerings of the Heart”

The names of our Torah Members

are inscribed on the sculpture in our

Community Room.

Eternal Light Members

These members provide financial assistance and synagogue membership for families who are enduring financial hardship, as well as a full religious education for their children.

Chai Members

These members provide financial assistance and membership for families who are enduring financial hardship.

Our Torah Members These generous individuals have voluntarily chosen to support our Synagogue at a higher level of dues

than is required, in order to help other Jews who are less fortunate and in need of assistance.

Anonymous

David Korn

Stephen & Merilee Obstbaum

Joni Rosen

Ann Rosenberg

Myrna Weissman

Mordechai & Suzanne Warshavsky

Mercy Cohen

Lior & Andrea Elrom

Harvey & Barbara Fishman

Regina Friedman

Seymour & Nancy Green

Renee Gruenspecht A”H

Marvin & Shirley Kochansky

Daniel Kraut & Eve Kohut

Joseph Lempel A”H

Irwin & Karen Meyers

Joseph & Tikva Ofeck

Abraham Ravid

Seligman & Phyllis Rosenberg

Sheila Scherl

Norm & Florence Silverberg

Michael Glantz & Heidi Skolnik

Barry & Barbara Sussman

Charlotte Winter

From the Rabbi’s Study

Notes from the Cantor

Upcoming programs

4

5

6-8

Table of Contents

Donations

Birthdays & Anniversaries

Calendar

9

9

11

2019 President’s Council 2020

Guardian Leaders Gifts of $25,000 or more

*

Reggie Feuerstein

Congregation Sons of Israel

Steven & Suzette Kolitch *

The President’s Council was established to recognize and honor our “Leadership Donors” who contribute $1,250 or more to our Kol Nidre Annual Fund.

These generous individuals are the “Financial Guardians” of our synagogue.

Benefactors Gifts of $5,000 - $9,999

Sisterhood

Patrons Gifts of $2,500 - $4,999

Anonymous (2)

Seymour Blechman

*

Alvin & Nili Cohen

Hugh Gilenson & Amy Rosen

Loren & Lori Wasserman

Builders Gifts of $1,750 - $2,499

Anonymous

Renée Gruenspecht A”H

Joni Rosen

Sustainers Gifts of $1,250 - $1,749

*

Anonymous (3) Mark & Audrey Altschul

Martin & Rochelle Carus

Milton & Doryne Davis

Ira & Anna Erlichman

Regina Friedman

Alice & Arnold Grodman

*

Ruth Korn

Jerome & Barbara Margolin

Stephen & Merilee Obstbaum

Joseph & Tikva Ofeck

Marvin & Judith Platt

Terry Plawker

Leo Rettig

Richard & Nancy Schiff

Laurie Singer

Gregory & Nancy Vorbach

Myrna Weissman

Ellen Yuder

*

*

Founders Gifts of $10,000 - $17,999

Estate of Ken Feldman

Anonymous Gary & Lisa Maier *

Chai-Founders Gifts of $18,000 - $24,999

(* Indicates a Charter Member since 1995)

From the Rabbi’s Study

Make the best of it. That’s how I would describe Passover 2020. My most favorite holiday was “celebrated” as a shadow of itself. Limited Kosher for Passover food. Almost everything on disposables. No family physically present at the table. The first seder was depressing; the second night was,

thank God, better. So “Next Year”—“L’Shana HaBa’ah—became my internal mantra. Our Zoom services were alien at first, but now they have become routine. It was nice - maybe even inspiring - to see everyone in their own Zoom rectangles swaying in their solitude to the melodies of Hallel in a silent ballet. (I had to mute everyone except the Cantor for most of Hallel because it is impossible to sing in sync on Zoom). But it was even better to have the opportunity to check in with everyone and see smiling and familiar faces at the “virtual Kiddush” that followed each service. And that’s when it struck me: the blessing of community…the blessing of belonging. I thought about those in our Shul who, for whatever reason, did not join in any of our Zooms, and what they missed out on. And even more, I thought about those who are not part of any synagogue community and are suffering in isolation, with just a few, if any, outside contacts.

Make the Best of it

I came to understand that this is not an occasion for us to feel sorry for ourselves because are truly fortunate to have each other.

I encourage each of you to join us on Zoom. The logins for all our services and programming are provided elsewhere in this issue of the Messenger. PLEASE DO NOT DISCARD IT! IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR YOUR FULL PARTICIPATION:

• More and more of the Synagogue’s communication is conducted via email. If you have an email address, please make sure to provide it to the Shul office.

• You can participate in all our programming by dialing in to Zoom. All you need is your phone! This phone number (plus the special meeting code provided, which is particular to each service or program) will give you access: 929-205-6099.

• If you cannot receive emails, please make sure that the Shul office has your cell phone number. It is the best way to receive messages from the Synagogue. And PLEASE DO NOT OPT OUT OF THESE MESSAGES!

• Would you like me to pay you a one-on-one

virtual visit? We can speak by phone, FaceTime or Zoom. Please let me know…

And finally, remember: This too shall pass!

People Who Can Sew Are Desperately Needed

Are you any good with a sewing machine?

Masks are needed urgently for a number of crucial purposes--and homemade masks will serve the purpose!

Please call or email Rabbi Stern if you can help.

201-947-1735 ext. 314 or [email protected]

Happy Mother’s Day

Notes from the Cantor Cantor Paul Zim

Jewish women goes on; from Sarah to Esther and Ruth to Hannah.

On Mother’s Day, I think of my late mother, who told me once that I probably sang before I ever spoke. In my childhood she would sing songs of her childhood from the “old country.” I’m sure some of you remember “Oyf’n Pripitchik,” “A Yiddishe Mammeh” and “Raisins and Almonds” “Rozinkes Mit Mandlen.” These are just three Yiddish songs from who had their roots in Eastern Europe.

To all our members who are mothers (and grandmothers) we appreciate you and you always play such a crucial role in our family lives.

May you all be blessed with good health and make every day. Mother’s Day

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!

On Sunday May 10th Americans will honor our mothers with that one day, even though we pay tribute to her each and every day of the year. Mother’s Day is celebrated on various days in different parts of the world most commonly in the months of March and May. It complements

similar celebrations like Father’s Day one month later.

Historically, the Jewish people didn't have to wait until 1914, when Mother’s Day became a national holiday in the USA, to acknowledge the role of women and especially as mothers. We’re all familiar with the children of Israel 3200 years ago; they fled Egyptian bondage, stood at the foot of Mount Sinai in the wilderness and heard those words “Kabeid Et Avicha V’et Imecha,” one of the 10 commandments- “Honor your father and mother.” The inclusion of the women, in laws, of an ancient society was without precedent, unheard of among the people of the days of yore. So, as we enter the month of May, it is not illogical around Shavuot and Mother’s Day to remember that a Jewish proverb teachers that “God couldn't be everywhere, so God created mothers.”

There is a Haftarah that we read several months ago dedicated to Deborah (The song of Deborah), who spoke words that were inspiring. Deborah was a prophetess, and a heroic Israelite woman who was a leader that influenced her people with great courage. At a moment of crisis she saved our people leading them to a great military victory. The list of heroic

’

I have a last thank-you. It is to my mother, Celia Amster Bader, the bravest and strongest person I have known who was taken from me much to soon. I pray that I may be all that she would have been, had she lived in an age when women could aspire and achieve, and daughters are cherished as much as sons.

- Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the day she was sworn in as Justice of the Supreme Court, June 14, 1993

Shavuot Virtual Service Schedule 5780 /2020

Thursday, May 27th

Evening Prayer Service and Study Session 8:00 pm https://us02web.zoom.us/j/338747559

Dial in by phone - 929 205 6099 Meeting ID: 338 747 559

Friday, May 28th

Morning Service followed by Mincha 10:30 am https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89387030084


Evening Service for Shabbat & Yom Tov 8:00 pm https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86982666380

Dial in by phone - 929-205-6099 Meeting ID: 869 8266 6380

Saturday, May 30th

Morning Service (including Yizkor) followed by Mincha 10:30 am https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89387030084


Evening Service and Havdalah 9:15 pm https://us02web.zoom.us/j/729396135

Dial in by phone - 929 205 6099 Meeting ID: 729-396-135







GPS is Back!

Guided Prayer Service Please join Rabbi Stern for a series of explanatory talks that will reveal the structure, choreography, and varied functions of the prayers we say.

Mondays at 11:00am May 4 The Friday evening service

May 11 The Shabbat morning service Part I

May 18 The Shabbat morning service Part II

May 25 The weekday evening service

Via Smartphone, tablet or computer: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89270864772

Dial in: 929 205 6099 Meeting ID: 892 7086 4772

No, Not Really. Linda Richman will not be joining us…but join us for schmooze anyway!

Every Wednesday, 12 Noon with Rabbi Stern

Beginning May 6

BYO coffee, lunch, etc.

Via Smartphone, tablet or computer: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81464337599

Dial in: 929 205 6099 Meeting ID: 814 6433 7599

Talk Amongst Yourselves; I’ll give you a topic: Discuss…”



Donor In Honor of

Sisterhood The Laufer Family The Davis Family Jeff Adler Phyllis Lowe Phyllis Lowe Alice & Arnold Grodman Alice & Arnold Grodman

Alice & Arnold Grodman Alice & Arnold Grodman Alice & Arnold Grodman Alice & Arnold Grodman

Get Well Irith Insler Milt Davis's Birthday Shirley & Marvin Kochansky's Anniversary Nancy & Sy Green's Anniversary

Thank You to Our Synagogue Contributors

Our condolences to . . .

Susan Ginsberg

On the loss of her mother, ]

Norma Janice Ginsburg

~

Leo Rettig

On the loss of his wife,

Our esteemed member, ]

Mary Rettig

Donor In Memory of

Phyllis Breit Phyllis Breit Phyllis Breit Phyllis Breit Renee Gruenspecht Meir Berger Norman Hart Al Glick

Donations listed were received in March

May Birthdays & Anniversaries

3 Merilee Obstbaum

4 David Korn

4 Gary Maier

4 Leon Perkal

6 Daniel Kraut

6 Richard Levy

6 Richard Schiff

7 Peter Bloch

7 Jordan Leon

10 Solomon Arbeiter

10 Adrian Osian

11 Jean Burnick

12 Paul Zim

13 Madelyn Danoff

14 Barbara Margolin

15 Rachel Taylor

17 Jeffrey Adler

17 Irwin Meyers

20 Eyal Gabay

21 Charlotte Winter

22 Seligman Rosenberg

23 Olivia Hausman

24 Jeffrey Kaplan

25 Mitchell Shedlarz

26 Alvin Cohen

26 Alfred Strauss

28 Douglas Krakauer

28 Irene Eisenstein

29 Mordechai Warshavsky

18 Vera & Yakov Kishinevsky

18 Diane & Karl Sudakoff

20 Suzanne & Richard Fasman

20 Lucille & Mark Laufer

21 Carol & Benjamin Tycko

23 Barbara & Barry Sussman

25 Heidi Skolnik & Michael Glantz

27 Terry & Eran Gensler

29 Laurie Small-Levy & Richard Levy

30 Sue Ann & Wayne Koby

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all those who have made donations to the synagogue in memory of my beloved wife, Mary. Your thoughtfulness and kind words are a comfort during my time of mourning.

Sincerely, Leo Rettig

PLACE YOUR AD HERE

Call Kathy Grazian

201-592-0463

BRIDGE OPTICIANS 301 Bridge Plaza North

Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201-944-6440

Harrison L. Rosenberg

Anthony Bravo David Mandel Lila Mordoh Lisa Stein

Re-Inventing the Bible Thursdays at 11:00 am

Want a zoom invitation? Email the Rabbi! Join Rabbi Stern as we discover the amazingly creative juices of the classical rabbis! They were masters at spinning yarns, embellishing narrative, and inventing out of whole cloth to really make the Bible come alive through what they called Midrash Aggadah.

Using Louis Ginzberg's one-volume The Legends of the Bible (you can buy a used copy online for less than $10), we will contrast the biblical text with these rabbinically enhanced narratives.

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

May 2020 Iyar/ Sivan - 5780

Daily Online/Phone Service Times Sunday - Friday 9:00am & 7:00pm Saturday 10:30am & Minchah

1 7 Iyar

Bible Study 11:30 am

2 8 Iyar

Service via zoom 10:30 am Havdalah 8:45 pm

3 9 Iyar

4 10 Iyar GPS 11:00 am

5 11 Iyar

6 12 Iyar

Coffee Talk 12:00 pm

7 13 Iyar

8 14 Iyar


9 15 Iyar


10 16 Iyar

11 17 Iyar GPS 11:00 am

12 18 Iyar

13 19 Iyar


14 20 Iyar

`

15 21 Iyar


16 22 Iyar


17 23 Iyar

18 24 Iyar

GPS 11:00 am

19 25 Iyar

20 26 Iyar


21 27 Iyar

22 28 Iyar Bible Study 11:30am

23 29 Iyar Service via zoom 10:30 am Havdalah 9:00 pm

24 1 Sivan

31 8 Sivan

25 2 Sivan

GPS 11:00 am

26 3 Sivan 27 4 Sivan


28 5 Sivan 29 6 Sivan


30 7 Sivan


7:42PM

AHAREI MOT/KEDOSHIM

BEHAR/BECHUKOTAI 7:49PM

EMOR

8:01

SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Until further notice, all services will be held virtually, via ZOOM.

If you did not receive an invitation via email,

please let the office know.

7:35PM

Shavuot Erev shavuot

Mother’s Day Lag B’Omer

7:55 BAMIDBAR

Memorial day

Rabbi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kenneth A. Stern

Cantor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Zim

Rabbi Emeritus . . . . . . . . . . . . . Irving Spielman

Messenger Editor . . . . . . . . . . . .Yael Gevertzman

2019 - 20 Board of Trustees

Sisterhood

President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ethel Chesen

Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Martha Shemin

Financial Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ann Bloch

Corresponding Secretary . . . . . . . . . Evelyn Davis

Recording Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . Rochelle Carus

Men’s Club

President/Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alan Stern

Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marvin Kochansky

Auxiliary

Clergy & Directors

301 Bridge Plaza North Fort lee NJ 07024

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF FORT LEE / GESHER SHALOM

Phone: (201) 947-1735 Fax: (201) 947-1530

EMAIL: [email protected] VISIT US: www.geshershalom.org

Contact Us

President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Altschul

Vice Presidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrea Elrom

Wayne Koby

Richard Schiff

Ira Smilovitz

Treasurer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arnold Insler

Secretaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Niles Burton

Iris Coleman

Joan Alter Ethel Chesen

Regina Friedman Hilda Froelke

Hugh Gilenson Seymour Green

Vera Kishinevsky Dan Kraut

Howard Schefflan Laurie Singer

Alan Stern Nancy Vorbach

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