MARCH/APRIL 2022 ADAR/NISSAN/IYAR 5782 - SHULCLOUD
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20 Manorhaven Blvd.
Port Washington, NY 11050
516-944-7202
portjewishcenter.org
March/April 2022 Adar/Nissan/Iyar 5782
News of the Congregation Mazel Tov to: 1 Corbey & Andy Hyman on the engagement of their daughter Mikayla to Lauren Copeland 1 Candace & Rich McCabe and Craig Stevens on the b’nei mitzvah of their children, Mitchell, Payton, Heide, and Hudson 1 Michelle & Chai Karnsomtob on the bat mitzvah of Elena Condolences to: 1 Arnie and Leslie Sucher on the passing of William Sucher and Arthur Klein Shabbat Services Friday, March 4, 8:00 pm – Shabbat Service in person and Zoom Friday, March 11, 8:00 pm – Shabbat service Friday, March 18, 8:00 pm – Shabbat service Saturday, March 19, 10:30 am – Heide & Hudson Stevens b’nei mitzvah Friday, March 25, 8:00 pm – Shabbat service Saturday, March 26, 10:30 am – Elena Karnsomtob’s bat mitzvah Friday, April 1, 8:00 pm – Shabbat Service in person and Zoom Friday, April 8, 6:45 pm – Student-led Shabbat service Friday, April 8, 8:00 pm – Shabbat service Friday, April 15 – First Night of Passover – No Shabbat service Saturday, April 16 – Second Night Seder Friday, April 22, 8:00 pm – Shabbat service Friday, April 29, 8:00 pm – Shabbat service Weekly Torah Portions March 4 Pekudei 1 Adar II Exodus 38:21 – 40:38 March 11 Vayikra 8 Adar II Leviticus 1:1 – 5:26 March 18 Tzav 15 Adar II Leviticus 6:1 – 8:36 Mar 25 Shmini 22 Adar II Leviticus 9:1 – 11:47 Apr 1 Tazria 29 Adar II Leviticus 12:1 - 13:59 Apr 8 Metzora 7 Nissan Leviticus 14:1 – 15:33 Apr 15 Pesach 14 Nissan Exodus 12:21-51 Apr 22 Shemini Shel Pesach 21 Nissan Deuteronomy 14:22-16:17 Apr 29 Achrei Mot 28 Nissan Leviticus 16:1 – 18:30 2 | Port Jewish Center www.portjewishcenter.org
Rabbi Alysa Mendelson Graf
Over the next two months, we will When Mordechai, a Jew, refused to protagonist
celebrate both Purim and Passover. Both bow low to Haman, a death sentence who has
holidays are a warning to us about the was declared for all Jews. Queen Esther “come
danger of power that goes unchecked was the only one who might be able to to royal
and an inspiration to us about the knock some sense into the king and get position for
power of our own voices. Both holidays him to rescind the edict. However, she such a time
celebrate the bravery of Jews who speak was scared. She did not think the king as this.”
truth to power: on Purim, Esther and would listen to her. She shared these Though
Mordecai; on Passover, Moses. Both concerns with Mordechai, who insisted not absurd,
holidays involve questions that are about she must speak to the king. Mordechai the story of
the essence of who we are as Jews and then asked Esther, and all of us, this criti- the Exodus is extraordinary. On Pass-
how that Jewish identity will affect what cal question: "For if you remain silent at over, before we even tell the story, we
we do in this world. this time, relief and deliverance for the are reminded that we must put ourselves
The Book of Esther tells an extraor- Jews will arise from another place, but into the story. We must remember that
dinary story. It begins with a king who you and your father's family will perish. we were slaves in Egypt. And then, we
is out of control. The king’s rule for And who knows but that you have come must reflect on why it is so important
drinking was: “No restrictions!” When to royal position for such a time as this?" to remember that fact. We were once
the king’s wife, Vashti, refused to obey (Esther 4:14) slaves. Again and again, we have known
his order to dance for his friends, he During Passover, we begin our story oppression. Amazingly, our experience
issued an edict: “that every man should with the question: “Mah Nishtanah– of repeated trauma has not prevented us
wield authority in his own home,” so Why is this night different from all other from continuing on the journey toward
that “all wives will treat their husbands nights?” And we continue by considering the Promised Land. And yet, though
with respect, high and low alike.” After the different ways we ask questions. We some may say that we have finally arrived
exiling Vashti, the king agrees to his can be wise, wicked or simple. And, in the land of milk and honey (whether it
advisors’ proposal that “officers in every sometimes, we simply don’t know how be the US or Israel), we are still obligated
province of [the king’s] realm assemble to ask at all. When we tell the story of to remember and retell the story of our
all the beautiful young virgins at the the Exodus, we will relive the moment struggles. We are called to speak our
fortress Shushan, in the harem under the of Moses being saved from the Pharoah’s truth, which we can learn from the les-
supervision of . . . the king’s eunuch.” edict that all Jewish boys be killed, and sons of our extraordinary holiday stories:
From these girls, the king plans to (and, watch as Moses is raised by Pharaoh’s we have found our way out of oppression
ultimately, does) pick a new queen, daughter and then re-discovers his Jewish again and again, not so that we can for-
Esther. Of course, the king’s behavior is identity. While Esther was called by get it, but so that we can use our position
ridiculous. Drunken leadership is not a Mordechai to serve the Jewish people, of strength to help all those in need. This
virtue and respect can not be legislated. Moses will be called by God to deliver year, and every year, may we be inspired
And yet, this does not stop the king his people out from under the yoke of by the stories and the lessons of our
and his courtiers from trying. As we all slavery. Like Esther, Moses doubts his sacred celebrations to do just that.
Rabbi Alysa Mendelson Graf
know, the king takes things a step fur- ability. And yet, just like in the story
ther when he issues an edict for people to of Purim, silence is not an option. Like
kneel or bow low to his advisor, Haman. the Purim story, the Passover story has a
open arms • open minds • open hearts March/April 2022
Co-President Mark Meltzer - The Lifeblood of PJC - Volunteerism
My heartfelt thank you to all the stories of donations of time and the impact only did I
generous volunteers who make our this kindness and generosity has had on have the
temple so special. others and on PJC - sometimes on following opportunity
A friend gave me the book "The Road to generations. to help shape
Character," by David Brooks. Mr. Brooks Port Jewish Center has so many volun- the future of
begins by talking about the difference teers. One of the joys of being Co-President our PJC
between resume virtues and eulogy virtues. of PJC is that I experience the do-gooders community,
Mr. Brooks says resume virtues can be daily. I marvel at their commitment to our but I got to
taught in the classroom. The formula for synagogue and their willingness to do what- know so many
developing resume virtues is known. Do ever needs to be done to keep our congrega- members of our congregation, and have
well in school, stay out of trouble, hang out tion vibrant and exciting. They never say no been fortunate enough to develop deep
with the right people, be born into the right to a request for help and some proactively friendships with several. I think the return
family, get a good job, figure out what is approach a Board of Trustees member with on investment is about as high as it can be
valued by the company you work for and do an idea for something new that they are in a volunteer position. I served for a fairly
it, save and invest your money and plan your willing to spearhead. Somehow, they man- long time, so I got to observe how import-
life prudently and carefully. Eulogy virtues age to prioritize our synagogue in the mid- ant board membership diversity is to our
cannot be taught in the classroom. It hap- dle of their busy lives. Further, a number of ability to make good decisions on behalf of
pens when a person sees and feels the value these volunteers in a room (or on Zoom) is our temple. The board needs representation
of the good, then decides to act and commit the best example of synergy and the incredi- from new and veteran members, young-
themselves. Eulogy virtues are associated ble power of shared passion at work. er and older members, men and women and
with terms like love, kindness, honesty, This is a very exciting and challenging people of differing levels of religiosity.”
bravery, faithfulness, commitment and the time for our congregation. We struggle with Rich says: ”For me, it's very simple; it
meaningful and life-changing relationships issues related to COVID, getting new mem- makes me happy. Volunteering for an orga-
that you have formed in your life. Volun- bers, security of our building, being fiscally nization can often be a thankless job. But
teering for an organization where sound and responsible, and creating new at PJC, everyone is so appreciative, it makes
you are passionate about the mission is a programs to meet the needs of our members. you feel good to volunteer. Volunteering
eulogy virtue. Each one of these is addressed by volunteers just a small amount of time goes such a
Let’s talk about eulogy virtues. You are who have added PJC to their list of priorities long way at PJC, because it’s so appreciat-
doing something that provides good to so that current members and future genera- ed. Anyone who thinks volunteering for
someone or something other than yourself. tions will have the opportunity to have the an organization is a thankless job has not
It’s giving of yourself in a way where the PJC experience. volunteered at PJC!”
benefit and joy is elsewhere, but the feeling In preparing for this column, I asked In addition to Cheryl and Rich, I thank
of warmth and satisfaction of “doing good” Cheryl Littman and Rich Feldman for their all of the congregants who have made time
is with you. Keep in mind that meaningful input. Both Cheryl and Rich have served in in their busy schedules to make PJC a
legacies are built on eulogy virtues - not a variety of leadership roles for well over a better place.
resume virtues. decade and continue to volunteer. They both For those of you who haven’t experi-
Port Jewish Center flourishes and suc- have very responsible jobs, families who enced the joy of volunteering, perhaps you
ceeds because many in our congregation count on them, and other organizations that will consider enhancing your list of eulogy
have decided to spend a portion of their need their time. I asked : “Why do you do it virtues and volunteering to help PJC in any
time volunteering. I enjoy talking with our for PJC?” way you are comfortable.
Mark Meltzer
congregants who have been part of our Cheryl says: “Serving in lay leadership
synagogue for many years. They tell me at PJC has been incredibly rewarding. Not
4 | Port Jewish Center www.portjewishcenter.org
open arms • open minds • open hearts March/April 2022
6 | Port Jewish Center www.portjewishcenter.org
open arms • open minds • open hearts March/April 2022
Religious School Director
“It’s the most wonderful time of the people in the Port Washington com- an opportu-
year.” Yes, I know Andy Williams' song munity, but maybe our own classmates. nity to be
is generally a song sung around Christ- On Monday, March 14th, our Religious together, to
mas time. But for me, March and April, School students will once again be ful- celebrate
or Purim and Passover, are the most filling the mitzvah of matanot l’evyonim from where
wonderful times of the year. We change (giving to others). For the first time in 2 we have come
the clocks, it stays lighter longer, the years, we will return to Stop and Shop and all that
weather is warming up, the flowers begin with our tzedakah money in hand to we have, and
to bloom, and we celebrate my favorite help Sister Kathy and those who rely on to continue the tradition of retelling the
Jewish holidays of Purim and Passover. the food pantry at Our Lady of Fatima. story of Passover each year. Those at the
For most Jews, Purim is about hearing If you would like to contribute, please let ‘kids' end of the table’ are now all grown up
the Megillah and blotting out Haman’s me know (school@portjewishcenter.org). and will have high chairs at the end instead
name through the sound of the grog- You can bring money to the temple or of sneaking bottles of wine under the table.
gers and, of course, making and eating transfer it through Venmo. Our students The ones at the other end will recently have
hamentaschen. For me, the highlight of appreciate the support year after year. become grandparents. We will be remem-
Purim is helping others in our communi- My other favorite holiday is Passover. bering those not with us and celebrating
ty by restocking the shelves at Our Lady Yes, I admit, I love matzo. I like it for new additions. This will be the first Passover
of Fatima’s food pantry. There are four breakfast with cream cheese and jelly, for in three years around their table. I know
mitzvot (commandments) associated with lunch as matzo pizza, for dinner with some it will be extra special. Passover continues
Purim - reading the Megillah, send- butter, and of course, chocolate covered traditions for our family and each year
ing gifts (shalach manot) to friends and matzo for dessert. It will be a little harder introduces something new.
family, having a festive meal, and giving this year since I stopped eating carbs. Pass- In my mind, March and April are truly
gifts to the poor. This fourth mitzvah of over also means family for me. It is the time “the most wonderful time of the year.” I
giving gifts to the poor is a highlight of our entire family gets together around my look forward to all that lies ahead in our
our Religious School year. It feels so good sister-in-law and brother-in-law’s table for Jewish calendar!
Lauren Chizner
to not just give but to raise the money, Seder. Nieces and nephews come home from
actually purchase the non-perishable food college or grad school, new significant others
items, and then deliver them ourselves, join our table, and this year we will have
knowing we will be helping not just two new babies as well. Our Seder gives us
8 | Port Jewish Center www.portjewishcenter.orgopen arms • open minds • open hearts March/April 2022
10 | Port Jewish Center www.portjewishcenter.org
Donations
General Fund Rabbi's Discretionary Fund
Observing the yahrzeit of Anna Sperber In honor of Mina Bobek’s 90th Birthday, In memory of Bill Sucher, brother of
Elyse & Jim Lemonda In support of the beautification of PJC’s Arnie Sucher
garden Arlene & Joe Labenson
Observing the yahrzeit of Leo Altschuler Sarah Hogenauer
Lynn Graf
In honor of the engagement of Mikayla
In grateful appreciation for all that the Hyman to Lauren Copeland
Rabbi has done to bring the congregation Corbey & Andy Hyman
together in these incredibly difficult and
stressful times Observing the yahrzeit of Hyman Po-
Leslie & Sandy Lindenbaum lonsky, Observing the yahrzeit of Hilda
Polonsky, Observing the yahrzeits of
Observing the yahrzeit of Abraham Anna & Irving Brodsky
Miller, Observing the yahrzeit of David Muriel & Bert Brodsky
Rosenberg
Susan & Len Rosenberg In honor of Michael Cooperman’s special
birthday, Wishing Michael Cooperman a
In support of PJC speedy recovery
Janice & Gary Zelter Kathy & Steve Bernhard
Observing the yahrzeits of Esther & In memory of Bill Sucher
Gustav Cooperman In memory of Arthur Klein
Roberta & Michael Cooperman In memory of Robert (Bob) Saget
Joan Charney
open arms • open minds • open hearts March/April 2022March Yahrtzeits To be read March 4 Mar 1 Sydney Feinberg Stepfather of Heidi Oringer Mar 3 Estelle Vicente Aunt of Joan Charney Mar 3 *Rudolph Good Father of Sarafae Lucks Mar 4 *Leonard C. Smith Father of Nancy Federlein To be read March 11 Mar 5 Lillian Seidner Grandmother of Stefanie Seidner Mar 5 Charlotte Thaler Mother of Michael Thaler Mar 6 Audrey Silverman Mother of Richard Silverman Mar 9 Alison Klein Sister of Hillary Beberman Mar 9 Bella Hausthor Grandmother of Janice Zeltzer Mar 9 Barbara Johnson Wife of Stuart Johnson Mar 9 Florence Craig Aunt of Leslie Sucher To be read March 18 Mar 12 *Leah Silverstein Mother of Adam Silverstein Zichronam livrachah. Mar 13 *Joseph Sucher Father of Arnie Sucher May their memories Mar 14 Harold Shichtman Husband of Deborah Shichtman be a blessing Mar 14 Robert Graf Husband of Lynn Graf for us all. Mar 14 Harry Harrison Grandfather of Andrew Hyman Mar 15 Sylvan Silverman Father of Richard Silverman Mar 18 Alfred Ilton Father of Evelyn Strauss Mar 18 *Henry B. Rubin Grandfather of Kathy Bernhard To be read March 25 Mar 20 Martin Greenstein Father of Candace McCabe Mar 23 Joseph Zeltzer Grandfather of Gary Zeltzer Mar 24 Blanche Herman Mother of Stuart Herman Mar 25 *Ruth Sokol Aunt of Judith Keller Mar 25 Elliot Charney Brother-in-law of Joan Charney Remember a Loved One Our Memorial Board is a way of remembering loved ones and keeping them in our minds when we are in the sanctuary, particularly during the month in which a yahrzeit falls. A plaque on our memorial board is a beautiful tribute to a blessed memory. Please contact Cindy for more information. 12 | Port Jewish Center www.portjewishcenter.org
April Yahrtzeits
To be read April 1
Mar 26 Edwin Greenblatt Godfather of Sandy Hyman
Mar 27 *Lucile Helfat Mother of Jonathan Helfat
Mar 29 Carolyn Meltzer Mother of Mark Meltzer
Mar 31 *Bernard Feldman Father of Rich Feldman
Apr 1 Leo Feldhun Father of Mina Bobek
Apr 1 Jack Taczanowski Father of Eva Bersin
To be read April 8
Apr 2 Joseph Silver Husband of Shirley Silver, father of Gail Thrope
Apr 2 *Harold Mohel Uncle of Muriel Brodsky
Apr 4 Nettie Alpert Aunt of Robert Alpert
Apr 6 Walter Schneider Stepfather of Andrew Hyman
Apr 7 Henry Miraglia Father of Michael Miraglia
Apr 8 *Ruth Jane Lindenbaum Mother of Sandy Lindenbaum
To be read April 22 (no shabbat service on April 15)
Apr 11 *Saul Katz Grandfather of Ralph Katz
Apr 11 *Pearl Zeltzer Mother of Gary Zeltzer
Apr 13 Ellen Katz Wife of Ralph Katz, mother of Stuart, Michael & Dorothy
Apr 15 Esther Friedman Mother of Corey Friedman
Apr 15 Richie Love Brother of Barbara Mayer
Apr 16 Margaret Pabst Mother of Sarah Hogenauer
Apr 16 *Saul Zarwan Father of Roberta Cooperman
Apr 17 Esther Allen Mother-in-law of Jerry Halm
Apr 17 *Trudy Dreyfuss Mother of Joan Charney
Apr 18 Steven Schulman Brother of Elyse Lemonda
Apr 19 *Faye Engle Mother of Robin Helfat
Apr 19 Donald Low Uncle of Corbey Hyman
Apr 21 Lillian Rosenberg Mother of Leonard Rosenberg
Apr 21 Lyman Yarborough Uncle of Corbey Hyman
Apr 21 Frances Albertson Mother of Richard Albertson
Apr 22 Ann Strauss Wife of Stan Strauss
To be read April 29
Apr 30 *Sigmund Fuchs Father of Avery Fuchs
Apr 30 Joseph Halm Father of Jerry Halm
*Asterisks indicate that a loved one has been permanently memorialized with a plaque in the temple sanctuary.
If you are interested in acquiring a plaque for your loved one, please contact the PJC office.
open arms • open minds • open hearts March/April 2022Happy Birthday to Us —March and April Birthdays 3/1 Hugh Goldson 3/23 Heidi Oringer 4/12 Sandy Hyman 3/1 Johanna Menzel 3/23 Candace McCabe 4/14 Corbey Hyman 3/2 Judy Epstein 3/24 Arlene Labenson 4/14 Carolyn Levin 3/5 Leslie Sucher 3/27 Roberta Cooperman 4/15 Johann Bogensberger 3/8 Sarah Haase 3/28 Ralph Katz 4/16 Susan Rosenberg 3/9 Terri Lerner-Frey 3/29 David Silberg 4/19 Sarah Hogenauer 3/10 Michael Gitman 3/31 Simon Menzel 4/20 Stephen Klemes 3/14 Richard Silverman 4/2 Jeffrey Brodsky 4/21 Stuart Herman 3/15 Linda Feldman 4/6 Barbara Mayer 4/21 Larry Wallick 3/17 Hudson Stevens 4/6 Kayla Brodsky 4/24 Stuart Lucks 3/17 Heidi Stevens 4/7 Sean Cohen 4/26 Gabrielle Gitman 3/18 Janice Zeltzer 4/7 Frann Ziskin 4/29 Max Bogensberger 3/22 Nancy Solomon 4/10 Adam Bernstein 4/30 Judy Sofen Advertising Opportunity Do you have a business or service you would like to advertise in this newsletter? Display your business card in the PJC newsletter for one year. Fees: $75 for members, $125 for non-members. Contact Cindy in the office at 944-7202. 14 | Port Jewish Center www.portjewishcenter.org
Port Jewish Center Organization PJC office hours: Monday 12:30-6:30 pm, Wednesday and Friday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Port Jewish Center newsletter submission deadline is the 10th of the month prior to publication. Newsletter Editor: Susan Rosenberg Please send all submissions to: susanmrosenberg1@gmail.com 20 Manorhaven Boulevard Port Washington, New York 11050, 516-944-7202 Clergy And Staff Rabbi Alysa Mendelson Graf | rabbi@portjewishcenter.org Lauren Chizner, Religious School Director | school@portjewishcenter.org Cindy Ellner, Office Manager | info@portjewishcenter.org Laurie Ellis, Bookkeeper | bookkeeper@portjewishcenter.org Custodian, Jose Blanco PARTY (formerly PJCY) Advisor | party@portjewishcenter.org Officers Co-Presidents: Mark Meltzer & Matthew Kepke: president@portjewishcenter.org 1st Vice President: Ilise Tow-Friedman Treasurer: Adam Lenter: treasurer@portjewishcenter.org Corresponding Secretary: Allison Roditi Immediate Past President: Jay Beberman Board Of Trustees Helen Albertson Sarah Hogenauer William Keller Robert Klang Merrill Moccio Deborah Silberg Donna Berman, Rabbi Emerita Extended Family Do you know of a PJC member who is ill? Going through a difficult time? A death in the family? Please let us know so we can reach out. Call one of the following: Rabbi Alysa Mendelson Graf 516-944-7202* or rabbi@portjewishcenter.org *select option 8 and follow the instructions to page the rabbi Co-Presidents: Mark Meltzer: mam811@aol.com or Matt Kepke: president@portjewishcenter.org Or caring@portjewishcenter.org open arms • open minds • open hearts March/April 2022
Upcoming Events Lunch & Learn Hamantasch-a-thon Passover First Night/2nd Night Seder Tuesdays at 12pm Sunday, March 13 Friday, April 15/Saturday, April 16 Book Club & Author Talk Purim Yom HaShoah Wednesday, March 2 & 30 Wednesday, March 16 Thursday, April 28 at Community Syn. Rosh Chodesh Student-led Shabbat Spring Fling Thursday, March 3 & 31 Friday, April 1 Saturday, April 30 at 7pm Port Jewish Center 20 Manorhaven, Blvd. Port Washington, NY 11050
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