Rabbi Issue Date Eric S. Cohen, PhD March 2021 / President FJCCEST. 1926 17 Adar -18 Nisan 5781 NEWSLETTER OF THE FLEMINGTON JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER Bruce L. Moskovitz
ONE YEAR AGO THIS MONTH, THE WORLD STOPPED. Pg. 9
Also in this issue: Passover Guidelines Pages 2-6; Chametz Form Page 7; Schedule Page 8 Bar Mitzvah Corner Page 11 Grab & Go Giftshop Page 13 Covid & The Lockdown: Where Are We Now? Pages 16-18
1st Vice President Trustees Marvin Jacobson Phil Stern* Sharon Rednor Jerry Atlas Cara London Larry Wissner* 2nd Vice President Scott Byne Nathan Lefkow Michael Wolf* Jonathan Nemeth Jeffrey Doshna Ed Mehrlust* 3rd Vice President Immediate Past Jack Forman* Kim Muller Jim Fox Howard Nifoussi* Bruce Kamich President Richard Frank* Ronald Ort Tresurer Mindy Engle-Friedman Editor Zel Gerstein* Alan Radzin Elizabeth M. Spinowitz Jonathan Weitz Marsha Goldstein Rachel Rodriguez Secretary 1 March 2021 / Dan17 Adar Gross* 5781-18 Nisan 5781 Dale Sperling Nadine Milecofsky Alan Hylton* Elizabeth M. Spinowitz *Life Trustees 1
PASSOVER March 27 - April 4, 2021 Nissan 15 - 22, 5781
Note: Passover falls on Saturday night this year, and this calls for some modifications, described below.
A QUESTION AND ANSWER GUIDE TO PREPARING FOR PASSOVER
2 March 2021 / 17 Adar 5781-18 Nisan 5781 2
This year, Passover arrives immediately following Shabbat.
This is a rare occurrence that creates unique circumstances, directly affecting the typical Passover preparations. There are key adjustments to be made. They may seem like a challenge, but, taken step by step, they are definitely doable.
Fast of the First Born On the eve of Passover (14th of Nissan), it is traditional for all firstborn to fast, commemorating the final plague when God killed the first-born Egyptians, while the first-born Jews were saved. The fast can be circumvented if the individual participates in a seudat mitzvah, a meal following a session of learning. Since this year this date falls on Shabbat when fasting is not permitted, the fast and meal, will be observed on Thursday, March 25th at 7 a.m. (See the last page for all Passover dates and times).
The Search for Leaven, or Bedikat Chametz This should be done on Thursday night, the 13th of Nisan (March 25th). After the search is completed, one recites the Kol Chamira, located at the beginning of the Passover Haggadah, the nullification declaration for any chametz that may have been missed. After the search is completed, the remaining chametz is carefully collected and put aside to be burned the following morning.
Burning Chametz We will do this at the synagogue on Friday morning, March 26th (see last page for times). Unlike other years, the second Kol Chamira is not said following the burning of the chametz, since chametz may be consumed until Shabbat morning.
Selling Your Chametz Arrangements for the sale of chametz to a non-Jew must be made before Shabbat. This transaction won’t go into effect until after Shabbat, making it permissible to eat challah on Shabbat, if you choose (see next paragraph). You will get a separate form to fill out and send to me so that I may be authorized to act as your agent in selling your Chametz. (More info on this below.)
The Shabbat Meals Chametz may not be consumed after “the fourth hour,” on the eve of Passover (this year on Saturday), which is 10:22 a.m. But, you have already cleaned out your Chametz and burned it – how do you make HaMotzei, the blessing over Challah, on Shabbos? Here are two ways this can be done: 1. Eat the challah before the meal over a disposable napkin. The napkin with any leftover crumbs should be folded up and completely eliminated from the home (e.g., flushed down the toilet). Make sure to wash your hands before sitting down to the Shabbat meal. 2. Use egg matzah instead of actual challah. Egg matzah is not chametz, but does not count as Matzah (unless you are ill, or have digestive issues or the like) because it has egg in it.
Traditionally, we are not supposed to make preparations on Shabbat for Yom Tov, in this case Passover; all preparations for the seder (including setting the seder table) should be made after nightfall.
Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom and kosher, joyous Passover!
3 March 2021 / 17 Adar 5781-18 Nisan 5781 3
I THE LAWS OF HAMETZ
A. DEFINITION OF HAMETZ (LEAVEN)
1. Hametz is any one of the following grains—oats, spelt, wheat, rye, and barley—that has come in contact with water for 18 minutes or more. This is the beginning of the leavening process.
2. Hametz can also be any food product, whether solid or liquid, that is produced from the above grains even if these grains are of the smallest quantities. (The only exception is matzah, when the dough does not come into contact with water for more than 18 minutes and the dough is baked in less than 18 minutes.)
3. Dishes, utensils, ovens, and ranges that have absorbed even the smallest amounts of hametz and hametz products are forbidden to be used during the week of Passover unless they are properly cleansed and kashered according to Jewish law.
4. It was the custom of Ashkenazic Jewry during the week of Passover not to eat rice, corn, and vegetables of the pea family as though they were really hametz. The reason for the custom was that the above vegetables were ground into flour to make bread. To avoid any confusion between these vegetables and the five hametz grains, the custom was created to abstain from eating these foods during Passover week.
• Nowadays, there is little chance of this confusion. Eating these products, as long as they are marked KOSHER FOR PASSOVER L’Ochlei Kitniyot, “Kosher for Passover for those whose custom is to eat rice, corn, and vegetables of the pea family,” is not a violation of the Torah’s prohibition on Hametz. As noted above, Jews of Sephardic descent routinely eat these on Passover. • However, out of respect for people eating at your home, or in whose home you eat, ALWAYS ASK WHAT THEIR CUSTOM IS, and abide by it.
5. Any non-hametz food product that was prepared in vessels and utensils that did absorb hametz is prohibited to be eaten during Passover.
B. WHAT IS NOT HAMETZ?
1. The following types of food are not considered hametz in themselves: a) Meat, poultry, and fish b) Fruits and vegetables c) Dairy products 2. The above mentioned non-hametz food categories must be processed, canned, bottled and packaged with rabbinic certification to guarantee that no hametz ingredient is included in the processing. a) The following does not require any rabbinic certification: 1. Those foods written in Paragraph #1 in their raw or fresh condition 2. Refined sugar (excluding brown sugar, which does require supervision) 3. Salt 4. Ground coffee (excluding instant coffee) 5. Pure fruit juice without additives in a glass jar or bottle only 3. The prohibition against the use and consumption of hametz applies to those products that are edible and fit for human and animal consumption. 4. Those products that are made from hametz that are not edible and are not fit for both human and animal consumption are not considered hametz, and one may derive use and benefit from them. Some examples of such products are toothpaste, deodorants, hair sprays, shampoos, soaps, lipsticks, talcum & baby powder, and cold creams & hand creams. Although toothpastes and lipsticks do not require rabbinic certification for use during Pesach, one should only use a fresh tube of toothpaste with a new toothbrush and a fresh stick of lipstick.
PLEASE NOTE: Dishwashing liquids and soaps must have rabbinic certification.
4 March 2021 / 17 Adar 5781-18 Nisan 5781 4
C. THE SALE OF HAMETZ The Torah teaches that during the eight days of Passover, Jews must not own or use any form of hametz. In the past, Jews would destroy all the hametz and hametz products before the Passover holiday or a Jew would give away all the leaven to a non- Jew as a gift that would be his permanent possession. However, Jews began to acquire much larger quantities of hametz for business or the home. The destruction or the giving away of these vast quantities of hametz would have meant a tremendous financial loss for Jews. The Rabbi's teach "Rachmana liba Be-ee." "The Law requires the heart." Jewish law gave us an alternative that has shown great compassion and understanding of the material needs of the Jewish community. This alternative is called "machirat hametz"—the selling of hametz.
The selling of the hametz is a legal business transaction with a non-Jew that involved the drawing up of a legal contract based upon rabbinic law and signed in the presence of two witnesses who also sign the contract. The contract includes an assessment of the value of the hametz being sold, a statement of the terms of delivery, and other conditions. The rabbi on Passover eve acts as the agent who will negotiate the sale with the non-Jew. The two people will reach an assessment of the value of the hametz, and the rabbi will ask for a down payment of money on the hametz. The rabbi will stipulate with the non-Jew that the balance of the money be paid on the night after the eighth day of Passover after the appearance of the stars, Sunday, April 4th, no earlier than 8:10 PM. If, at that time, the non-Jew does not want to pay the balance, then the rabbi will return the deposit to the non- Jew and the sale will not be completed.
This is a legal and binding sale and not a joke as some people claim. Any person who does desire to sell his or her hametz may fill out the form (will be emailed) appointing the Rabbi as his or her agent in the sale of hametz. Please remember that the sale of the hametz is not reserved only for traditional Jews, but every Jew can participate in the mitzvah. Even if that person does not observe the traditions of Judaism in his or her home, the person should not feel ashamed but should try to do this mitzvah.
PLEASE NOTE: Even if one will be away from one's home during Passover, one is still obligated to sell his or her hametz.
II KASHERING OF UTENSILS The process of kashering utensils depends on how the utensils are used. According to halahkah, leaven can be purged from a utensil by the same process in which it was absorbed in the utensil (kevoleo kakh poleto). Therefore, utensils used in cooking are kashered by boiling, those used in broiling are kashered by fire and heat, and those used only for cold food are kashered by rinsing.
1. Earthenware (china, pottery, etc.) may not be kashered. However, fine translucent chinaware that has not been used for over a year may be used if scoured and cleaned in hot water. 2. Metal (utensils wholly made of metal) used in fire (spit, broiler) must first be thoroughly scrubbed and cleansed and then made as hot as possible. Those used for cooking or eating (silverware, pots) must be thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned and completely immersed in boiling water. Pots should have water boiled in them that will overflow the rim. The utensils should not be used for a period of at least 24 hours between the cleaning and the immersion in boiling water. a. Metal baking utensils cannot be kashered. 3. Oven and ranges: Every part that comes in contact with food must be thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned. Then oven and range should be heated as hot as possible for a half hour. If there is a broil setting, use it. Self-cleaning ovens should be scrubbed and cleaned and then put through the self-cleaning cycle. Continuous-cleaning ovens must be kashered in the same manner as regular ovens. A microwave oven, which does not cook the food by means of heat, should be cleaned, and a cup of water should be placed in it. Then the oven should be turned on until the water disappears. A microwave oven that has a browning element cannot be Kashered for Pesah. 4. Glassware: Authorities disagree as to the method of kashering drinking utensils. One opinion requires soaking in water for three days, changing the water every 24 hours. The other opinion requires only a thorough scrubbing before Pesah or putting it through a dishwasher. 5. Dishwasher: After not using the machine for a period of 24 hours, a full cycle with detergent should be run. 6. Electrical Appliances: If the parts that come into contact with hametz are removable, they can be kashered in the appropriate way (if metal, follow the rules for metal utensils). If the parts are not removable, the appliance cannot be kashered. (All exposed parts should be thoroughly cleaned.) 7. Refrigerators need only be thoroughly cleaned with warm water and soap. The racks don't need to be covered, but if you wish to use foil or wax paper, pierce it to allow air to circulate in the refrigerator. 8. Tables, closets and counters: If used with hametz, they should be thoroughly cleaned and covered, and then they may be used. 9. Kitchen sink: A metal sink can be kashered by a thorough cleaning and by pouring boiling water over it. A porcelain sink should be cleaned and a sink rack used. If, however, dishes are to be soaked in a porcelain sink, a dish basin must be used. 10. Hametz and non-Passover utensils - Non-Passover dishes, pots, and hametz whose ownership has been transferred should be separated, locked up, or covered, and marked to prevent accidental use.
5 March 2021 / 17 Adar 5781-18 Nisan 5781 5
III THE SEARCH FOR THE CHAMETZ
1. The Talmudic tractate known as "Massechet Pesahim" requires an intensive and careful search for hametz in one's house on the night before Passover as soon as possible after nightfall. This cleansing of the home before Passover is traditionally known as "bedikat chametz." This year, the search for chametz takes place on Thursday evening, March 25th after sundown. 2. The supplies traditionally used for the search are: a) A candle b) Wooden spoon, paper bag, paper plate, or paper cup c) A feather 3. Since most of our homes are cleaned and ready for the Passover holidays, it is customary to place crumbs of bread in the various rooms of our homes (especially those rooms in which hametz was consumed) before the search. 4. Prior to beginning the search, the following blessing is recited: "BARUCH AHTAH ADONAI, EHLOHAYNU MELECH HA'OLAM ASHER KID SHANU BIH-MITZ-VOH- TAF, VIH-TZEE-VANU AL BEE UR HAMETZ."
"BLESSED ARE YOU, SOVEREIGN OF THE UNIVERSE, WHO HAS SANCTIFIED US THROUGH HIS COMMANDMENTS AND COMMANDED US CONCERNING THE DESTRUCTION OF THE HAMETZ."
5. The person then moves from room to room with a lit candle (please note: the house must be darkened) and gathers up the crumbs with the feather and places them in the wooden spoon or paper bag. No conversation is permitted until the search has been completed. The hametz that is found during the search is then tied up and put away so that it will be burned the next morning. 6. After the search has been completed, the person recites the following formula for nullification of the hametz preferably in the English language:
"ALL LEAVEN AND ALL HAMETZ THAT IS IN MY POSSESSION THAT I DID NOT SEE AND DID NOT DESTROY, LET IT BE NULL AND OWNERLESS AS THE DUST OF THE EARTH."
IV FAST OF THE FIRST BORN
1. It is a tradition that on the day preceding Passover, the first-born sons of our people fast as an expression of thanksgiving to G-d for having spared the first born of the children of Israel from the plague that destroyed the first born of the Egyptians. This year the fast takes place on Thursday March 25th. 2. It is permissible for the first born to break the fast for the purpose of celebrating certain religious observances such as a wedding, a circumcision, or the completion of a tractate of the Talmud. In most instances, the Rabbis of many congregations will study a Talmudic tractate during the year and complete it on the eve of Passover. There are rejoicing and celebration when the Rabbi asks not only the first born, but everyone to participate in his simcha. The celebration is known as a "siyum.” The FJCC will have minyan and a study session on Thursday March 25th at 7 AM.
V BURNING OF THE HAMETZ
1. The book of Exodus tells us: "You shall destroy leaven from your houses." On the morning of Passover eve, the hametz that was collected during the bedikat hametz the evening before and other hametz is burned in a fire. The fire is normally lit outdoors, and the hametz is then thrown into the flames. 2. After the hametz is thrown into the flames, the following statement is said in English: "Any kind of leaven which is in my possession, whether I have seen it or not, whether I have destroyed it or not, shall be regarded as null and void and shall be as the dust of the earth." 3. We will burn Chametz at the synagogue Friday, March 26th at 11:00 a.m. If you are burning Chametz on your own, the burning should take place no later than 11:59 AM. No hametz may be eaten after 10:22 AM, on Saturday, March 27th.
6 March 2021 / 17 Adar 5781-18 Nisan 5781 DELEGATION OF POWER FOR SALE OF CHAMETZ
• Before Passover (Pesach) one should get rid of all Chametz. • Locking your Chametz away, and out of sight, and giving your Rabbi this form (signed by you) is an easy way of observing one of the most important laws in the Torah. • Please remember that Chametz which is sold may not be used until the holiday is over – the night of the 8th day (please check with your Rabbi to ascertain the exact time.) • Chametz which remains in our possession over Passover, without having been sold, may not be used, eaten, bought or sold even after Pesach. • It is customary to donate funds when authorizing the rabbi to sell your Chametz. This money will be used for Maot Chittin, the provision of food for those in need. All funds donated for the purpose of selling Chametz will be given to charity.
I, the undersigned, fully empower and permit Rabbi Eric Cohen to act in my place and stead, and on my behalf to sell all Chametz possessed by me, knowingly or unknowingly as defined by the Torah and Rabbinic Law (e.g. Chametz, possible Chametz, and all kinds of Chametz mixtures).
Rabbi Eric Cohen is also empowered to lease all places wherein the Chametz owned by me may be found, particularly at the address/es (can include home and work or second home if needed) listed below, and elsewhere.
Signed: ______Date: ______
Name: ______
Address: ______
City/ State/ Zip Country: ______
Other Address: ______
City/ State/ Zip Country: ______
7 March 2021 / 17 Adar 5781-18 Nisan 5781 6
PASSOVER SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
Thursday March 25th, Fast of the First-born 7:00 AM
Search for Chametz At home, in the evening
Friday, March 26th, Burning Chametz 11:00 AM at FJCC (11:59 AM at the latest!)
SHABBAT HAGADOL Friday evening, March 26 7:30 PM Light candles 7:00 PM (Light one more candle that will burn for 24 hours! Needed to light Passover candles; Yahrzeit candles work.) Saturday morning, March 27 9:15 AM
FIRST DAY OF PASSOVER Saturday evening, March 27. No synagogue services Light candles 8:01 PM (from an existing flame!) (Light one more candle that will burn for 24 hours! Needed to light 2nd night Passover candles; Yahrzeit candles work.) Sunday morning, March 28 9:15 AM
SECOND DAY OF PASSOVER Sunday evening, March 28 6:00 PM Light candles (from an existing flame!) 8:02 PM Monday morning, March 29 9:15 AM
7th DAY PASSOVER SHABBAT Friday evening, April 2 7:30 PM Light candles 7:07 PM (Light one more candle that will burn for 24 hours! Needed to light 8th night Passover candles; Yahrzeit candles work.) Saturday morning, April 3 9:15 AM
8TH DAY OF PASSOVER Saturday evening, April 3 7:30 PM Light candles (from an existing flame!) 8:08PM Sunday morning, April 4 9:15 AM
Yizkor on Sunday, April 4h will be about 10:30 AM. Holiday ends Sunday, April 4th, 8:10pm
8 March 2021 / 17 Adar 5781-18 Nisan 5781 mid this pandemic, let us recall a defining event that we A just celebrated on February 26: the 15th anniversary of our move from E Main Street to our current premises! A “thank you” to Eric Sirota for providing the program from that historic day. It was a bitter cold day, but I recall the jubilation as we carried our sifrei Torah down Main Street in Flemington, led by the Hester Street klezmer band, toward our new premises. For a link to the oratorio that Eric composed and conducted, click here (or copy and paste into your browser): https://youtu.be/ 4quo7cTgqm8. It has been heartening to learn that, week by week, more of our congregants have been able to secure their COVID shots. Yes, I know how frustrating it has been for many, but I expect over the coming few months most of our adult congregants will be vaccinated. Thankfully, this will present us with a new set of challenges as we wrestle with policies to return safely to our beloved sanctuary. We will, of course, be guided by the Centers for Disease Control and state/local guidelines. Some forward-thinking planning is already underway. We anticipate that our much-heralded Farmland Ride (4th Annual!) will return in-person this year. Mark your calendars for Sunday, June 13! As an outdoor sport activity, it will be easy to social distance; we’ll arrange registration and sign-in outdoors and provide pre-packaged snacks and lunches. We expect that pent-up demand will lead to a record-breaking number of riders. Which leads to my next appeal. Throughout the past year we struggled with engagement, both from the perspective of planners and participants. There is an exceptionally dedicated group of volunteers who consistently plan the Center Series events (including our concerts, talks, and Jewish Book Club authors), our major fundraising events (Farmland Ride, Casino Night, galas), and the means to publicize these events (Facebook, website). On the flip side, there is a devoted following for many of these events – but that means the same 20-40 logins for our Zoom events. We cannot sustain this! Let me address the participatory aspect first: if you haven’t sampled the various events that Center Series has made available, you are missing some terrific programming. Just over the past few months we had such memorable events as the Nefesh Mountain Concert, the Elvis impersonator, the Hamilton talk by Professor Watson, and the fascinating Jewish connections with Rock and Roll from Lincoln Richman. I know, I know; we all suffer from Zoom fatigue. But ask any of the participants in these events and you’ll hear how thoroughly entertaining they were (to say nothing of the opportunity to order food for many of them!). As for planning, get involved with the Center Series Committee or the Farmland Ride Committee. Dena Scibilia has chaired the Farmland Ride committee for three years of its existence. Many of the activities are well-established and the knowledge can be readily shared. Much of the planning now comes down to contacting our vendors, ordering supplies, and preparing the day-of-event volunteers. Do you know a vendor who can provide merchandise with our logo on it? Can you get a vendor to donate some of the food items for the ride? Can you help package the breakfasts and lunches? Can you stuff envelopes with letters to our vendors and past participants? For Center Series, do you know a comedian or singer who would be willing to spend an evening entertaining our congregants? Someone who can run a BINGO game on Zoom? Would you share a talent/hobby/expertise with the congregation via Zoom? Are you savvy when it comes to publicity so we can reach more people? If you speak with some of the long-time volunteers, you’ll learn how satisfying and fulfilling lending a hand can be and how these opportunities led to some lifetime friendships. Drop me a note to let me know what interests you or how you’d like to help out. STILL MORE of what I wonder: How do they get deer to cross the road only at those yellow road signs? If you send someone 'Styrofoam', how do you pack it? Why people point to their wrist when asking for the time, but don't point to their bum when they ask where the bathroom is? If con is the opposite of pro, is congress the opposite of progress? If money doesn't grow on trees, why do banks have branches? Why are you IN a movie, but you are ON TV? With gratitude,
Bruce L Moskovitz FJCC 9President March 2021 / 17 Adar 5781-18 Nisan 5781 Hebrew School - The Silver Lining
We had a busy January. The Alef – Vav students had their third and fnal Zoom Shabbat. We learned about Tu B’Shevat in Hebrew School and had the opportunity to join the FJCC community for a Tu B’Shevat Seder. Our annual Havadalah service was held on Zoom, and each family lit their own Havdalah Candle. The Hay and Vav Classes led Friday Night Services at 7:30 pm on February, 5th. This is the frst class service we have had since March and we handled the challenge well! As we move into February it was time to prepare for Purim which was rather early this year. The Rabbi, Mrs. Rapkin and I were busy preparing for the Hebrew School Zoom Megillah Reading. Purim in a Bag was available for pick up starting February 16th.
Hebrew School through a year of Covid… It has been about a year since the Hebrew School students were in the building. The last time we were together, we celebrated Purim in the building. As public schools and businesses began to shut down, we needed to make some changes. Little did we know it was the beginning of a year without Hebrew School in the building. There was no Purim Carnival, no Model Seder, no Gimel-Dalet class service, no Rabbi time, no last day of school celebration. During the following month, Mr. Katz and Mrs. Radzin meet with students by phone, zoom, or facetime for Hebrew reading. High School and college students also made weekly calls to the students to assist with prayer profciency. Mrs. Clarin met with the Gan class every Friday at 4:00 to celebrate Shabbat. Over the summer, the teachers met on Zoom to prepare for back to school. We set up google classroom and Zoom classroom times. We needed to factor in too much screen time and Zoom fatigue. What were the goals going to be for 2020-2021? Our focus became a community, connection, and content. We scheduled all classes on Zoom, identifed the scope we could cover in the short class days. The 2020-2021 school year's primary focus is Hebrew reading, prayer profciency, and holiday lessons. While we shorted the classroom time, we adapted and added programs. High Holiday Jr. Congregation became High Holiday in a Bag. Mrs. Rapkin and I put together many activities that students and families could do at home for Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. As the year progressed, we created other Holiday-in-a-Bag for Chanukah, Tu B'Shevat, Havdalah, Purim, and Passover. We introduced a Zoom Hebrew School Shabbat program that met several times during the winter at 4:00. The students had a chance to see their Hebrew School friends and lead services. The students led the Shabbat table blessings, Rabbi taught the parents the blessings for the children, and the students led the modifed Shabbat Service. It was beautiful bringing Shabbat into the homes of the Hebrew School families. There will be a Hebrew School model seder this year. The Hay and Vav students led Friday night services, and the Gimel and Dalet students will have their Siddur Service later next month. Hebrew School from Home had some challenges, but overall has been a positive experience. We end each Passover Seder by saying "next year in Jerusalem,” but I am hoping for "next year in the building."
10 March 2021 / 17 Adar 5781-18 Nisan 5781 Contributions
GENERAL FUND Sue & Rick Rothstein Barbara & Mitch Clarin -for the yahrzeit of Sue’s beloved grandfather, Morris Triber -in memory of Bella Solomon, beloved mother of Leslie Reid-Green -for the yahrzeit of Sue’s beloved mother, Lillian Volowitz -in memory of Howard Golden, beloved husband of Rhonda Krupen -in memory of Annaliese’s mom -in memory of Joseph Weinstock, beloved -for the yahrzeit of Bernard Volowitz, father of Dan Weinstock beloved father of Sue Rothstein -in memory of Rosalind Plantikow, beloved Beverly Landstrom - for the yahrzeit of mother of Lori Rapkin Morris Wolf Cathie & Art Wetstein Lesley & Cliff Lee - for the yahrzeit of -in memory of Lori Rapkin’s mother Charles Cohen -in memory of Joseph Weinstock, beloved Elaine & Ken Stern - for the yahrzeit of father of Dan Weinstock Norma Charen, beloved mother of Elaine John Fellin & Bruce Moskovitz Stern in memory of Martin F Sturman, beloved Beverly Thomas - for Len Kaminsky, thank - . you step-father of Peter Brown . -in memory of Rosalind Plantikow, beloved BUILDING FUND mother of Lori Rapkin -mazel tov to Kari & Scott Gursky on the birth Marsha & Zel Gerstein of their son Evan Abram Gursky -in memory of Howard Goldin, beloved -refuah shelemah to Matt Schutz husband of Rhonda Krupen Linda & Jerry Atlas for the yahrzeit of Yetta -in memory of Joseph Weinstock beloved Atlas, beloved mother of Jerry Atlas father of Dan Weinstock Lois Butt & Family in memory of Dan -in memory of Rosalind Plantikow, mother of Laurie Rapkin Weinstock’s father mazel tov to Kari Scott Gursky on the birth Malka Goodman for the yahrzeit of Ida - & doc their son, Evan Abram Linsenbaum, beloved mother of Malka Goodman -refuah shelemah to Debbie Hylton Mary Spohn in memory of Saverio Zuchovivki RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND Paul Yvonne Magala in honor of the FJCC & Nomi & Jack Forman - mazel tov to Stacey Craig Scott Dana Schindler thank you & - Gould and Richard Goodman on the for your expression of sympathy engagement of their daughter Sharon & Kenneth Brooks for the yahrzeit of Irene Abramson, beloved cousin of Kenneth Brooks Bar Mitzvah Corner
We are so very proud of our son, Ian Michael Rodriguez who will become a Bar Mitzvah on March 20th. Ian is currently a 7th grader at JP Case Middle School, where he takes Advanced Math, plays flute in the band, and excels in Science & Social Studies. He also added French to his list of spoken languages and wants to continue Chinese in high school. Ian has a 10-year old sister, Lindsey. He also has a pet kitty named “S’mores.” He loves bike riding, playing family games, helping his mom with crafts, Legos and Mickey Mouse! Ian enjoys STEM Club, is an avid techie and love computers and cars! He likes catching up on the latest Apple products and building worlds in Roblox. Ian is still working on his Bar Mitzvah project, but it will likely include coding or electronics.
11 March 2021 / 17 Adar 5781-18 Nisan 5781 This month in Jewish History and National Women’s History Month THE FIRST EVER BAT MITZVAH IS PERFORMED IN THE U.S.
We may take it for granted: And the bat-mitzvah we we belong to an know today is very egalitarian, conservative different from the practice synagogue, therefore it is begun in the first quarter commonplace to celebrate of the 20th century: many a Bat-Mitzvah without a Bat-Mitzvahs did not, second thought. But it is typically read from the only very recently that Torah. girls experienced this Thanks, in part, to the ritual rite of passage in our women’s movement of the
Jewish history. As is the 70s and 80s, (spearheaded, case with our collective Judith Kaplan, celebrating her “ second Bat-Mitzvah, before her in many cases, by Jewish human past, women only passing in 1996. Photo: jwa.org women), the Bat- recently earned equal Mitzvah became more access to previously Because the Reform Movement common in America. closed paths. Of course, diminished the importance of the bar Oh how far we have mitzvah and because Orthodox Jews the work to truly make come…Ninety-nine women “equal” is not accepted the gender segregation of the traditional synagogue as a divine “ years later, there is no complete, but the Bat- mandate, it fell to the Conservative difference between the Mitzvah, in the Movement to struggle with the issue of way our synagogue the bat mitzvah ceremony. American, Jewish recognizes and community, was a giant executes a Bar- versus step forward in that a Bat-Mitzvah.Thanks struggle. On March 18, 1922, you become the first-ever, to Judith Kaplan, and her Imagine the scenario: it’s public Bat-Mitzvah in the father, Rabbi Mordecai the Roaring 20s. You’re United States. Kaplan, the innovative Bat- Judith Kaplan, the Congregants and even Mitzvah is celebrated daughter of a rabbi living other rabbis, do not take to throughout the American in New York City. Women the concept of girls diaspora in non-Orthodox are relegated to only participating in the synagogues all over the listening to Torah…they process for quite some United States today. are not taught to read it or time. Only a handful of participate in the ways we synagogues adopt the Bat- Quote do today, in the Mitzvah, even a decade In Their 80s & 90s, Three Jewish Conservative movement. later. By the mid-20th Women Finally Become Bat But your father, and his century, however, versions Mitzvahs, The Washington Post, 2016 rabbinic colleagues, decide of the Bat-Mitzvah rite are it is time that women being practiced in Other Sources become integrated into the approximately one-third of JWA.org process of Jewish learning. Conservative synagogues. Wikipedia
11 March 2021 / 17 Adar 5781-18 Nisan 5781 THIS. IS. THE WEB CORNER. Each month, we will offer a link from our new website to showcase something about the flemingtonjcc.org that you may not know or may not have seen! Did you know… …The Flemington Jewish Community Center was founded in 1926 as the “Jewish Community Center of Flemington?” Learn more about the founding of our synagogue and our Jewish farming roots by visiting our History Page on the new website!
What was happening elsewhere in 1926? • Winnie-the-Pooh was published by author A.A. Milne. • American Gertrude Ederle becomes the first woman to swim the English Channel in 14 hours, 39 minutes (a record for male or female). • Robert Goddard fires the first liquid-fueled rocket. • Francisco Franco becomes Spain’s youngest general at age 33.
13 March 2021 / 17 Adar 5781-18 Nisan 5781 While the synagogue is officially closed for everyday business, we invite those who have to make the occasional visit (like picking up Passover-in-a-Bag for Hebrew School) to stop by the permanent display right outside the gift shop doors. Take a look at our merchandise and leave payment. As always, you can shop Giftshop online at TraditionsJewishGifts.com or Attachments & Sage!
FOR PERSONAL SHOPPING CONTACT: Gayle Neibert 908-310-4513 OR Marlene Wolff 908-578-7766
13 March 2021 / 17 Adar 5781-18 Nisan 5781 IMMUNE-BOOSTING Golden Turmeric Hummus The pandemic began one year ago this month, and while the vaccine protects against having a serious reaction to Covid-19 (like being hospitalized, intubated or dying from the virus), it doesn’t prevent you from contracting or getting ill from Covid-19. So for an immune booster, try this plant-based, hummus recipe where the star of the show, turmeric, can provide cancer-fighting, depression-reducing and inflammation-preventing abilities!
Ingredients • Taste and adjust flavor as • 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, needed, adding more garlic or drained* ginger for spice/zing, lemon juice • 1 medium lemon, juiced (~3 Tbsp for acidity, salt for saltiness, or 45 ml as original recipe is grated turmeric for earthiness, written) or cayenne for spice. I added a bit • 3 Tbsp tahini more ground turmeric, lemon • 2 cloves garlic (minced // plus juice, and salt. more to taste) • Serve as is or garnish with pine • 1 tsp fresh grated ginger nuts, sesame seeds, or more • 1/2 tsp fresh grated turmeric* spices. Parsley would also be a • 1/4 tsp ground turmeric (plus nice addition. Store leftovers more to taste) covered in the refrigerator up to • 1/4 tsp sea salt (plus more to 3-4 days. taste) • 1 pinch cayenne pepper Notes (optional) *If you don’t have fresh turmeric, sub • 1-2 Tbsp olive oil (or sub water) ground (slightly les,s as dried can be more pungent). Instructions *Nutrition information is a rough estimate • Add drained chickpeas, lemon calculated with lesser amount of oil. juice, tahini, garlic, ginger, fresh *Recipe makes ~1 cup hummus. turmeric, ground turmeric, salt, Nutrition (1 of 8 servings); Serving: 1 two- and cayenne (optional) to a Tbsp servings blender or food processor and Calories: 98 blend on high until creamy and Carbohydrates: 9.9 g smooth, scraping down sides Protein: 3.5 g Fat: 5.5 g needed. Saturated Fat: 0.7 g • To create a creamier texture, add Cholesterol: 0 mg a bit of oil and/or (if avoiding oil) Fiber: 3 g water. (I used 1 Tbsp oil and 2 Sugar: 1.6 g Tbsp water).
Photos & Recipe from MinimalistBaker.com
*From WebMD.com 14 March 2021 / 17 Adar 5781-18 Nisan 5781 Covid and the Lockdown: Where Are We Now? Globally, the SARS-CoV-2 virus, also known as Covid-19, has taken more than 2.5 million lives. In the US, the country with the most Covid deaths, that number is over 590,000 as of this posting.1 What we knew in March 2020 was limited. Coronavirus was “novel;” that means humans had no natural immunity to it, thereby possibly overwhelming our naive immune systems. The first evidence of how the virus targeted individuals came from the source of the first outbreaks: Chinese citizens around Wuhan were dying at alarming rates by late December 2019. What was unknown at first is that many in the community were infected, but showed little to no symptoms immediately associated with the disease. Travel continued, and the illness spread across the world. By March 2020, US governors in the Northeast as well as other area hot-spots put sweeping stay-at-home orders in place, in an unprecedented move. Never before had the law proscribed citizens to cease non-essential travel: picking up food/groceries or gas were considered essential; a visit to a friend’s house for anything other than a wellness check was not. Among the businesses and facilities closed was our very own synagogue, and other houses of worship. There was a run on disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer. Restaurants were allowed to operate for take-out /delivery only. Grocery stores and gas stations were the only ways of fulfilling households’ essential needs. Shipping and supply lines had a hard time negotiating what became known as The New Normal. As a result, varying items with no direct correlation to the disease became increasingly hard to find, like toilet paper, flour, butter spray and garlic.2 Healthcare was not spared the onslaught; because of the increasing strain on Northern and Eastern-New Jersey hospitals, elective surgical cases were halted in the state by gubernatorial order to allow staff to assist Covid+ patients. Schools shut down completely for in-person learning as superintendents and independent school leaders transitioned to 100% virtual learning. As of Fall 2020, the NJ Dept. of Education reports that only 10% of public schools in the state have fully opened to in-person learning.3 And while this caused private school admissions to rise, the impact of school closures is rearing its ugly head: The Covid Slide is a thing. Public school students in Middle- and Upper-Schools are experiencing major lags, especially in math. “Overarchingly, we’re seeing kids with upwards of a half a year to possibly even up to one year loss in learning,” says Lynette Guastaferro, of Teaching Matters, a national professional learning organization dedicated to increasing teacher effectiveness. And sadly, due to increased student suicide (as young as 9 years old in Las Vegas) and mental stressors on our children around the country, many school districts have been forced to open, despite high Covid numbers. As the Las Vegas superintendent put it “When we started to see the uptick in children taking their lives, we knew it wasn’t just the Covid numbers we need to look at.”4 The financial toll was also not lost on us, as we look back one year: the estimated loss in GDP (gross domestic product) was $7.592 billion (with a ‘B’) with a Health Loss (including impairment and death) translating to $16.121 billion and an economic loss of $196.475 billion for families of 4, according to a study published in JAMA last year.5 (See slide, left).
16 March 2021 / 17 Adar 5781-18 Nisan 5781 Fortunately, these extremes were short-lived. As more data was gathered on the illness, the evolution of the response and the increased availability of PPE (personal protective equipment), lockdown measures were eased. Schools opened in the Fall for in-person instruction in the state, with the governor leaving the final decision to local districts instead of issuing a state-wide mandate. New Jersey restaurants, one of the first industries to close, have been open for indoor dining since Friday, September 4th, 2020.6 At the height of the virus, during the most severe part of lockdown and when restaurants were shuttered to anything but take-out and delivery, the highest 7-day average for deaths was 398. After reopening restaurants, New Jersey’s highest 7-day average (in January) was 98.7 That’s a 76% decrease in deaths with restaurants operating at 25% (now, 35%) capacity. And currently, with 833,000+ residents of our state fully vaccinated8, the good news will likely continue, and the chances of ever having to execute stay- at-home orders as severe as those from Spring of 2020 are unlikely. Domestic leisure travel is starting to regain footing: in January, the four busiest domestic air routes were out of Atlanta to four Florida cities: Ft. Lauderdale (#1) followed by Orlando, Miami and Tampa.9 Given the lenient rules for masking and 100% restaurant capacity in the state, is this a sign that many Americans are through with lockdowns? When polled by Gallup in Fall 2020, Americans were less likely to comply with lockdowns like those imposed in Spring 2020 by 23% (only 49% said they would shelter in place now if recommended to do so by health experts, vs. 63% in Spring of last year). Those feeling very or somewhat confident in avoiding infection also rose from 68% (April 2020) to 82% (Nov 2020). However, mask wearing still remains: 88% of those polled reported wearing a mask outside the home as recently as the Fall of last year.10 So where are we now? New Jersey residents are three times less likely to die from Coronavirus as they were in Spring 2020 (see 7-day average cited and graph above). And as various strains surface, “no evidence indicates that any new variant causes more serious illness,” according to Medical News Today.11 What does all this mean now that 2020 is in the rearview and vaccination is the destination? The New Normal has changed, yet again. Mask wearing will likely be with us a long time; but as summer and outdoor activities approach, we humans, being the social animals that we are, will likely take full advantage of the warmer weather and venture or gather outside. After all, arts & sporting events in New York (and New Jersey) have been approved, beginning April 2 with 33% capacity.12 Could we begin seeing Broadway musicals again? Regardless of how you may feel or think about the virus and subsequent measures taken by local, state and federal governments to mandate protective orders, we have made it through what is hopefully the worst of it, one year later. It wasn’t without sacrifice, as New Jersey saw more residents die from Coronavirus than the state had casualties from WWII.13 In order to honor their memories, we will thrive despite the virus and the decisions we had to make because of it.
17 March 2021 / 17 Adar 5781-18 Nisan 5781 Sources: 1. “COVID-19 Map.” Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center, coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html. 2. Eannucci, Chris. “Hard-to-Find Items at My Local Grocery Store.” New Jersey 101.5, New Jersey 101.5 FM, 12 Apr. 2020, nj1015.com/hard-to-find-items-at-my-grocery-store/. 3. Yellin, Deena. “In NJ and NY Suburbs, Private Schools See Enrollment Rise as Families Seek in-Person Learning.” North Jersey Media Group, NorthJersey.com, 25 Sept. 2020, www.northjersey.com/story/news/education/2020/09/23/nj-and-ny-private- school-enrollment-up-families-seek-in-person-learning/3477961001/. 4. Green, Erica L. “Surge of Student Suicides Pushes Las Vegas Schools to Reopen.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 24 Jan. 2021, www.nytimes.com/2021/01/24/us/politics/student-suicides-nevada-coronavirus.html. 5. David M. Cutler, PhD. “The COVID-19 Pandemic and the $16 Trillion Virus.” JAMA, JAMA Network, 20 Oct. 2020, jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2771764. 6. Burns, P. Kenneth. “New Jersey Restaurants Can Raise Indoor Dining Capacity Starting Friday.” WHYY, WHYY, 3 Feb. 2021, whyy.org/articles/new-jersey-restaurants-can-raise-indoor-dining-capacity-starting-friday/. 7. Google Search, Google, www.google.com/search? client=safari&rls=en&q=nj%2Bdeaths%2Bcovid%2B19%2Bdecember%2B2020&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8. 8. New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub, covid19.nj.gov/#live-updates. 9. O'Hare, Maureen. “There's a New Busiest International Air Route and It's Not Where You'd Expect.” CNN, Cable News Network, 10 Feb. 2021, www.cnn.com/travel/article/world-busiest-air-routes-february-2021/index.html. 10. Saad, Lydia. “Americans Less Amenable to Another COVID-19 Lockdown.” Gallup.com, Gallup, 24 Feb. 2021, news.gallup.com/ poll/324146/americans-less-amenable-covid-lockdown.aspx. 11. “COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Variants: What Are They and Will Vaccines Work?” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/coronavirus-variants#are-variants-more-dangerous. 12. “Governor Cuomo Announces Event, Arts and Entertainment Venues Can Reopen at 33 Percent Capacity Beginning April 2.” Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, 6 Mar. 2021, www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-event-arts-and- entertainment-venues-can-reopen-33-percent-capacity. 13. Brent Johnson | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. “N.J. Coronavirus Death Toll Just Surpassed State Fatalities from World War II.” Nj, 13 June 2020, www.nj.com/coronavirus/2020/06/nj-coronavirus-death-toll-just-surpassed-state-fatalities-from-world-war- ii.html.
BIRTHDAYS 19 YAHRZEITS 1 Neal Wolff 1 12 Ryan Goldschmitt 20 Tillie Gross David Greenberg David Jacobson Jerrold Atlas Betty H. Mehrlust Edwin Large 3 Mary Ellen Ort Kitty Zuchovicki Stanley Martin McInerney 21 2 Leezenbaum 4 Marlene Wolff Katherine Formica 13 Ricky Braff 22 Sara Reta Schutz Janet Engle Daniel Rapkin Elaine Huber 3 Rose Slavin Michael Rumore Philip Stern Melvyn Herman Weinstein 5 23 Kestenbaum 14 Frederick Sharon 4 Minnie Arowitz Rothstein Zimmerman Doris Hilzer Bessie Hurwitz Arielle Rumore 24 Rachel Kassel Dennis Edward Ort 7 Scott Hornick Lorraine Klein Alan Stolpen Liz Slavin Mitchell Miller 5 Thomas Sudzin 8 25 Martin Gilbert 15 Steven Greenstein Joel Goldstein 6 Martha Seligman Andrew Ollwerther Caroline Riche Seymour Gitlin 16 9 Jacob Weinstock- Rose Marshall Sidney Gold Bradley Mason Gallagher 7 Kitty Lefkow 11 27 Etta Moskovitz Regina Sperber Kaitlin Greenstein Fred Eisinger 8 17 12 Caroline Farber Evelyn Simon Reubin Bragin Judy Gold Frederick Kleiman 9 18 Beth Rosenberg 28 Marvin Harry Rubin 13 Stephanie Zimmerman 20 Jordan Franklin Goldman 11 Carlene Frank 14 30 Burt Platkin 22 Sharon Brooks Eric Sirota Elizabeth Bea Friedman Shane Gerstein 31 Rosenberg 24 15 Dana Cohen 12 Stuart Kamich Daniel Weinstock Bradley Glacken Anna Goldstein 27 16 Jenna Shankoff Samuel Lisa Harper Goldman 17 ANNIVERSARIES 28 Patricia Lefkow 18 Peter 19 Tina & Scott Doshna Andrea Goldstein- Martoccia 30 Byne Sarah Benari HAPPY PESACH
18 March 2021 / 17 Adar 5781-18 Nisan 5781 Coming Soon!
Mar. 9th, 11am - Get out of your house. Come into the fresh air. Make a difference to those in need of food. GIVING GARDEN PLANNING MEETING Visit the website for the zoom link!
Synagogue Members: Register Now for FJCC Genealogy Group on March 11 at 7:30pm
Non-Members, click here to register: Click to Register (non-members)
Keep an eye out for registration links via News & Notes or on the FJCC website!
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