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Chairman's Message
Dear Friends,
The upcoming July 4 Independence Day holiday reminds me of a
sermon I read, written by a Rabbi Baruj Plavnik of Buenos
Aires Argentina
in1983, entitled "Soy" ("I Am"): Substitute the word "American" for "Argentine" and you'll see why.
I
am Argentine and do not have to prove it.
I am Argentine, more than my grandfather
was Russian, or yours Moroccan, or yours Polish.
This is the difference between my
grandfather and me: he was neither Russian nor Argentine, although he was born
in Russia and lived his
whole life in Argentina. He was not Russian, although the bones of his
fathers and grandfathers for many generations are buried in Russia. Neither was he an Argentine, although his
sweat irrigated Entre Ríos and his bones rest in its earth.
He was a Jew, of this there is no doubt,
and without any doubt so am I.
He was not a Russian nor an Argentine, but
I am Argentine. Not only because the
first air I breathed was Argentine, nor because in school I dressed up as
Martín Fierro to recite verses by Hernández [José Hernández wrote the epic gaucho
poem, The Ballad of Martín Fierro]. In
the afternoon, in the "Shule", they told me how Moses took the
Jews from Egypt, while in
the morning I learned in the "escuela" how San Martín crossed
the Andes, and sure enough I dreamed that
night of Moses mounted on a white horse and of San Martín waving a miraculous
rod.
For me being Argentine is a fact.
After what has happened in this country in
the last ten years, I am not sure that I am proud to be one, but I am .
Because my father woke me up to go to
school with mate and milk, because when I go out Saturday night to the
movies I go out for pizza, because I am a fan of Boca [a popular soccer team]
and buy dollars and gamble on the exchange rate and believe that the Malvinas [Falklands
Islands] are Argentine.
I am Argentine because I feel not the
slightest need to "express my appreciation to this Great Country which
opened its brotherly arms to receive us," as did the speeches of the
"Judeo-Argentine" leaders of a past generation.
I am a Jew and I am an Argentine . . .
Jewish and Argentine.
This I will always be, whether here or in Israel or in China, the same as the great
majority of you. My grandparents were
neither Argentines nor Russians, they were honestly only Jews.
I am fully
Argentine and fully Jewish.
Rabbi Plavnik's words resonate as much in the United States in 2009 as they did in Argentina
in 1983. May they echo in our ears as we
celebrate the Independence of the United States of America.
L'hitraot,
Adam
Adam S. Weiss, Chairman
HudsonJewish Community Forum, A New Jersey Nonprofit Corporation having 501(c)(3) status |
Second Jewish Social/Intellectual "Salon" in Downtown JC, 7/14
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The second in an ongoing series of Jewish Salons will be held Tuesday, July 14, 7:30-9:00PM at the CASE
Museum, 80 Grand Street (corner of Grand and Washington) in downtown Jersey City.
The evening's topics will include such enjoyably inflammatory issues as "Why Do Jews Vote Liberal When Their Ecomonic Situation Suggests That They Should Vote Conservative?" The evening will include discussion and
socializing with Jews (and perhaps some non-Jews) from across Hudson County. The intention is to make the Salon a
permanent feature of Jewish social and intellectual life in the region. All are welcome, and encouraged (but not required) to RSVP. Refreshments will be served.
For more information or to RSVP contact the event organizer and HudsonJewish Trustee Raylie
Dunkel: Raylie@HudsonJewish.org. PS. Volunteers to serve on the HudsonJewish Program Committee should also contact Raylie.
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Jewish Bike Riding Group
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Now that the weather is warm enough, HudsonJewish is
delighted to announce the formation of an informal bike riding group. The group will meet Wednesday evenings at the
Korean War Veterans memorial at the south
end of Washington Street
in downtown Jersey City. Assemble at 6:30PM and depart at 6:40PM. The ride will be cancelled in case of
rain. Again, this is an informal group -
bring your own bike, helmet, and anything else you need for a leisurely ride. For more information contact Susan Farenci
at: sfarenci@gmail.com
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July Events
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To post your own organization's events to the HudsonJewish community calendar, email Honorary Trustee Jessica Lemmon (Jessica@HudsonJewish.org) for a username and password. Posting events is the best way to avoid scheduling conflicts and broadcast your events (and existence) to the community. Dates/times/locations may change, so check the online calendar for updates.
Friday, July 3, 5-7:15 PM:
Join
Temple Israel Community Center in Cliffside Park for a triple-header: 1. Welcome back the Rabbi (who was out for surgery); 2. Celebrate Independence Day; and 3. Get a musical start on Shabbat. From 5-7:15PM, we'll celebrate Independence
Day - and formally welcome back our Rabbi - with a tradition July 4 BBQ: Hot
dogs, hamburgers, grilled chicken, BBQ vegetables, and fabulous side
dishes. Price: adults, $22; children 4-12, $11. The BBQ will be catered by Savvy Simchas. For more details contact HudsonJewish Trustee Annette Hassell: Annette@HudsonJewish.org.
Friday, July 10, 6PM: United Synagogue of Hoboken, Shabbat in the Park- Church Square Park: You bring Kosher or Vegetarian dinner, we bring Challah, grape juice, Shabbat prayers and songs. For more information contact USHkids@gmail.com.
(Also Friday, August 7).
Tuesday, July 14, 7:30-9:30PM Second meeting of the lively Jewish
intellectual/social salon in downtown Jersey
City. Topic: "Judaism and Politics in America: An open discussion." Thought starters: Does Judaism influence your
outlook on politics? If so, how? Is liberalism (in America ) the natural leaning for
Jews based on our tradition? What do "conservative" Jews think about the second topic and why presumably do they disagree? The conversation is meant to be
open and as forthright as people want it. While it may get heated since we are
breaking both rules of conversation among Americans (discussing politics and
religion), we should strive for understanding and not agreement. The goal of the
event should not be to sway anyone to any particular political position but to
better understand our unique perspectives and look at how Judaism may or may
not inform our views. Location: CASE
Museum, 80 Grand Street (corner Washington)
in downtown Jersey City. Bring some refreshments if the mood strikes you;
coffee and conversation served for sure. For more information contact Raylie Dunkel, Raylie@HudsonJewish.org.
Tuesday, July 21 6PM: Temple Emanu-El of Bayonne, Annual Summer Barbecue: A delightful summer feast including the traditional Barbecue foods.... good company, door prizes,alot of fun! Great for families- All are welcomed Advanced Reservations Required Cost: Adult- $20.00; Children under 13- $ 5.00. This is a great way to meet the Temple Emanu-el community. For Reservations, call Temple Emanu-El Office: 201-436-4499. Location: Temple Emanu-El 735 Kennedy Boulevard Bayonne, NJ 07002. Alternately, contact Dr. Ellen F. Goldberg DoctorBossLady@aol.com. |
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Local Volunteer David Kronick Honored
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Local resident and former Assemblyman Dave
Kronick recently received a Volunteer of the Year award from the JCC in Tenafly
at a breakfast ceremony. Dave received
the award because of his efforts in bringing North Hudson residents together in
prayer and entertainment as a Director at Temple Beth El in North
Bergen and the JCC. His
senior lunches are famous in the area!
Dave
served as a State Government for three terms as Assemblyman representing New Jersey's 32nd
legislative district, as well as Director of North Bergen Parking Authority.
Dave
spends most of his time keeping the temple's building in good condition and
recently held a kiddish in honor of the restored, magnificent stained-glass
tower.
If you live in the North Hudson area, a visit to Temple Beth El is worthwhile to see the stained glass tower as well as meet the friendly congregation -- just ask for Dave. |
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HudsonJewish: Connecting Our Community
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