Or Chadash Newsletter 
February and March 2014
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In This Issue
Service Schedule
Kup o' Joe
In Our Community
Yahrzeits
Rabbi's Message
President's Message
Mishloach Manot
Shabbat Across America
What You Might Have Missed
OCTY
JewishLIFE
Registration Quick Links

Shabbat Service Schedule

Shabbat Window 
February 28: 7:30PM Shabbat Services
March 1: 10:00AM Shabbat Services and Sarah Loew becomes a Bat Mitzvah. 
March 7: 7:00PM Shabbat Across America Dinner and Services. RSVP here.
March 8: 10:00AM Shabbat Services and Alya Schwartz becomes a Bat Mitzvah.
March 14: 7:30PM Shabbat Experience
March 21: 7:30PM Shabbat Services
March 22: 10:00AM Shabbat Services and Sam Weiss becomes a Bar Mitzvah.
March 28: 7:30PM Shabbat Services
March 29: 10:00AM Shabbat Services and Abigail Weiner becomes a Bat Mitzvah. 
Kup O' Joe

Caffeinated Conversations
KOJ
....with Rabbi Forman. 

 

Join Rabbi Forman on selected Sunday mornings at 9AM for a lively conversation on a wide variety of topics: US and Israel politics, theology, Jewish practice, sacred texts and more. 

Feel free to suggest a topic for a future gathering.

Coffee and refreshments always served.

9AM on Sundays
March 9
April 13
May 4

*Kup is Yiddush for Head/Mind

In Our Community


Refuah Sh'leima (Get well) to... 
Eileen Berkelhammer
Susan Blaicher  
Fred Bernstein 
Millie Albert
Estelle Breines
Jim Schettino
Bill Willey
 
Condolences to
... Jill and Rick Rosenthal, and their children, Sam and Noah Rosenthal, on the death of Jill's mother, Barbara VanDeventer.

Robert and Julie Goldstein and  
their son, Austin Goldstein, on the death of Robert's father, Albert Goldstein.

Nancy and Neil Altshuler, and their children, Jake, Todd and Max, on the death of Nancy's father, David C. Myeroff. 
 
Mazel Tov...
Mazel Tov to Dan Mitchell and his family on his conversion to Judaism.
Mazel Tov to John Langer and Annette Ivry and their entire family on the occasion of Harrison's naming.
Mazel Tov to Darren and Yulia Pincus on the birth of their baby girl, Sierra Ruth. Darren, Yulia and Daniel are happy to welcome daughter/sister into their family!
 
In order to help us be a more caring community, please share your lifecycle events with Rabbi Forman. 
Feel free to click on a hyperlink to send a note and let someone know you are thinking about them.

yahrzeit photo

Upcoming Yahrzeits 

May the memories of the following individuals be for a blessing:  

 

February 28

Arnold Kassanoff

father of Jim Kassanoff

Anita Moutner

mother of Dave Moutner

Dale Moutner
sister-in-law of Dave Moutner

March 7

Rochelle Ringel

mother of Robin Lewy

Seymour Zwerling

father of Eric Zwerling

 

March 14

Murray Bacal

father of Jane Stein

Anna Gelb

mother of Shirley Levy

Stanley Gold

father of Harvey Gold

Lee J. Kenyon

grandfather of Susan Albert

Dora Meltzer

aunt of Evelyn Hersch

Elsie Strauss

mother of Joe Strauss

 

March 21

Irving Falk 

step-father of Ross Weinick

Louis Eli Werstein

grandfather of Leslie Hann

Bernard Woir

father of Caryn Speizer

 

March 28

Joseph Ettinger

father of Shelley Weller

Harold Kern

father of Allan Kern
Marc Leon
uncle of Betsy Zalaznick
Betty Roberts
mother of David Roberts
Robert John Schwade
father of Robert Schwade

April 4

Maude Albert

grandmother of Steve Albert

Norman Halper

father of Ruby Halper-Erkkila

Albert Sperber

father of Eileen Berkelhammer

 Donations
General Contribution
Steven Garfield
Nelson and Beverly Kornstein

Educational Enrichment Fund
Bruce & Betsy Zalaznick
Wishing Stuart Sack Continuing Good Health
Jewish Family Services

Jewish Family Services 

JFS is a non-profit, non-sectarian social service agency whose mission is to preserve and strengthen the quality of individual, family and community life based on Jewish values. We provide our services to a diverse socio-economic client population that includes individuals, children, young adults, families and the elderly.


 Click here for information on additional services.  

 

Meals On Wheels 
Meals on Wheels needs volunteer drivers in our area. Serve your homebound senior neighbors a hot noontime meal. The commitment to drive is only once a month. It will take only an hour or two once a month to get that good feeling of giving. Call our office at (908)284-0735 to offer your time or for more information (and/or check out our website at mowih.org). Help us, help others. Many thanks. 
  Rabbi's Message


JMF This past week I met with Congressman Leonard Lance along with a group of NJ rabbis to discuss immigration reform and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.  The group of us are working together for justice and are a part of a national movement called Rabbis Organizing Rabbis.  R.O.R. has been created for and by Reform rabbis who are standing together to influence the passage of just legislation. This gathering was part of our first national campaign.

During our meeting Congressman Lance shared with us his sense of how those issues might be taken up by Congress.  And we shared with him the values of our Jewish tradition that called upon not only rabbis, but every Jew, as well, to speak out. We shared the words of Torah: Tzedek tzedek tirdof  - Justice, justice shall you pursue (Deuteronomy 16:20); the words of our sages:  Lo Alecha hamelacha ligmor - It is not up to you to complete the task, but neither are you free to desist from it (Pirkei Avot 2:21); the words of our commentators: The world exists for the sake of kindness (Rashi, 11th century); and the words that each of us were speaking that day.

 

As Congress continues to debate the pros and cons of what to do with 12 million immigrants and how to ensure equal employment rights for every worker in our nation, we can speak out to our leaders and share our voices.  We are not only heirs of this sacred tradition, we are shapers of it, as well.  And we ought be vocal in using the voices of the past and the voices of today to shape our world for the better.  

 

I hope you will spend five minutes and send an email to your Senators and to your Representative. As Rabbi Hillel said 2000 years ago: If I am not for myself, who will be for me?  If I am only for myself, what am I?  And if not now, when?

 

Shalom!  

Rabbi Joe Forman

President's Message

My latest question whenever I run into a fellow Or Chadash member is, "Have you signed up for scrip yet?"  Usually followed up with a, "If you haven't, you really should."  In case you've missed the emails and the posters on the door, scrip is back at Or Chadash. If you participated in the past, you'll notice a lot is different this time around.

 

First, it's all electronic. You create your account online, set it up to have a direct debit through your checking account and start shopping. (You can also pay by check if that works better for you!)  The best part is, a percentage of whatever you buy through scrip goes directly to Or Chadash.  In our first month, we raised just over $200 with just 7 families participating! Imagine what we could do if we had half of our congregation participating on a regular basis.  It's great fundraising for Or Chadash because we aren't asking our members to do anything they wouldn't normally do. (We all have to grocery shop and at some point put gas in our cars!)

 

Scrip can go a long way in having a positive impact on the financial foundations of Or Chadash in the years to come.

 

There are retailers on the scrip site for just about any need you can imagine; grocery shopping, clothes, movies, restaurants, travel, home improvement and gas. One of the things I love most about scrip is that I can buy ScripNow; an automatic purchase that can be used right away.  (I'll be using that later this morning for Shutterfly and Panera!)

 

If you haven't signed up, I urge you to do it.  It takes a few minutes to get going, but once you do, it's easy. Pick one thing each month, whether it's groceries, gas or your Starbucks habit and commit to using scrip for it.  Our next order deadline is March 23rd. 

 

A huge thank you to Christine Berg, our scrip guru, for having the energy and enthusiasm to get this started at Or Chadash.  If you have questions about signing up or ordering you can contact her at cberg3@comcast.net.

 

January also brought the revitalization of our Sisterhood.  Thank you to Kristina Witzling, Deb Weiss and Michelle Korfin for organizing a great Bunco night.  Over a dozen of our "sisters" joined us for a night of fun, food and hanging out. More events are in the works and we hope to see many of you there.

 

Stay warm out there and just think, in about 6 weeks spring will be on our doorstep.

 

Shalom! Caryn

Mishloach Manot - Purim Project
We don't want you to miss out on Or Chadash's custom of sending Purim goodies to all of our fellow Or Chadash families. This custom, called Mishloach Manot, has become a beloved tradition at Or Chadash. It is also our NUMBER ONE fundraiser. On top of that, Or Chadash has the highest percent participation of ANY of the 400 other temples participating in the Mishloach Manot program -- according to Purim Project, the company that manages this program for us. We are very proud of this distinction and want to surpass our previous participation percentage.   

You should have received a letter containing your unique username and password in the mail. Use these to log onto the website and make your selections, or use the form included with the mailing. We will be taking orders until March 9.

If you have any questions, please contact the Betsy Zalaznick at bzalaznick@orchadash-nj.org.
Shabbat Across America
ShabbatAcrossAmerica

 

Or Chadash is Celebrating Shabbat Across America 

 

on Friday, March 7 at 6:30 PM with a

Spaghetti spaghetti Shabbat

~ $6/person!* ~

~ All You Can Eat ~

~ Rose Morlando's Famous Delicious Meatballs ~ 

~ Spaghetti (with Meatballs or Plain/Veggie [with Butter]) ~

~Tableside Service from our Teens ~

~ BYOB ~

~ Religious School Kids Eat Free ~

  

Following dinner we will have a festive Shabbat Service featuring  

our 6th and 7th grade students.

 

Come have fun with us at this special Shabbat!
  

Shabbat Across America is for everyone: 

singles, couples, families - all ages!  

Bring your friends!

  
We will be serving up a dinner of spaghetti with tomato sauce or butter and salad. Since it's Shabbat, you can also feel free to BYOB! We also ask that each family bring a drink (apple juice or white grape juice) or dessert to share. Cost is $6 per person. 

*Children enrolled in Religious school are FREE!  
  
Click here to register!
 

Please register by Wednesday, March 5! 

Author Becky Blades at Or Chadash - Thursday, March 13, 7 PM
Please join us on Thursday, March 13, 2014 at 7 PM when Becky Blades, author of 
Do Your Laundry or You Will Die Alone, shares her coming-of-age common sense stories on topics like RSVPS, cell phone etiquette, budgeting your allowance and forgiveness.  
 
270 right-sized morsels of common sense are playfully illustrated in Becky Blades' book.  Blades came up with the title to address her own child's weak spot, and she says the laundry turned out to be a bountiful metaphor.  "It truly is about sorting and folding," she says.  
Do Your Laundry Or You Will Die Alone, Advice Your Mom Would Give If She Thought You Were Listening speaks a young person's language, but in the voice of a mother's unconditional love.  
 
Books will be available for purchase at the synagogue in advance and at the program.
What You Might Have Missed
Trip to the Jewish Museum in NYC 1/19

Sisterhood BUNCO Night 1/29

Harrison Langer's Naming 2/7

Keepers 2/9
Caroline Campion, co-author of Keepers cookbook shared cooking and meal planning insights as well as the behind the scene details of the creation of their amazing cookbook!   Or Chadash friends "cooked from the book!"



Gravity Vault 2/9
Our Teaching Assistants were treated to an afternoon at Gravity Vault in Chatham.  This will become an annual event. We ALL had a blast!  (Arms a bit sore the following day!)

OCTY - Feed the Need Project
OCTY (Or Chadash Temple Youth) is participating in Feed the Need again this year!
Everyone who joined us last year found it not only to be fun, but also a very personally rewarding experience. When you see, at the end of your shift, what you've done as a group in just a short time, I promise you it is truly a priceless feeling.

Please sign up to join us as part of the OC youth group team-- "youth" or not!!-- and be part of OC/OCTY's contribution to this beyond worth-while project.

You are welcome to help whenever it is convenient for you... however:
OC/OCTY is going to aim to get as much of our group as possible signed up for the 4:30-6:30 PM shift on that Saturday, March 29th.

You can register under "group registration", select "join a team", and find us, "OCTY14", in the drop down menu.

For more information and to sign up or donate, visit http://www.helpfeedtheneed.org/

If you have any questions, please contact me via email:
rachel.nicole21a@yahoo.com or at (908) 894-4342

The OCTY Leadership team hopes to see everyone there!

Rachel Albrecht
OCTY Leadership Team
President
Bat Mitzvah - Sarah Loew
Sarah Loew will become a Bat Mitzvah on March 1. She is the daughter of Darren and Elizabeth Loew, and the oldest sister of Katherine, Meredith, and David.  Currently a 7th Grader at Readington Middle School, her favorite activities include skiing, running, reading, swimming, golf, tennis, softball and piano.  For her Mitzvah project, she ran the Rothman Institute 8K as fundraiser/solemate for Girls on the Run (and as an exciting bonus placed 3rd in her age group).  She also volunteers with the Hunterdon Outreach, and is working on an interview project of long-time Hunterdon County residents, in order to document their memories and stories of life in our area over the past several decades.  Sarah's Torah portion is P'kudei which is about building the Tabernacle.  She is very excited to celebrate her Bat Mitzvah with her friends and family.
Bat Mitzvah - Ayla Schwartz
Ayla Schwartz will become a Bat Mitzvah on March 
8th. She is the daughter of Meredith and Aaron Schwartz and sister of Talia Schwartz. Ayla attends seventh grade at Kingwood Township Elementary School.  Ayla's Mitzvah project is in honor of her friend Matthew Owens. She is supporting a program called Play It Forward, LLC. This program helps families who have a child with a disability.  Play It Forward provides families with customized swing sets for free. Ayla has enjoyed spreading the word about this program. She is supporting the cause by creating and handing out pamphlets to raise awareness and encourage donations such as building materials and volunteer support. Her Torah portion, Vayikra, describes the laws of animal sacrifice. Ayla loves music and singing. She enjoys art, reading and spending time with her family relaxing or cooking on the weekends. She is excited to celebrate this special day with her friends and family.
Bar Mitzvah - Sam Weiss

Sam Weiss will become a Bar Mitzvah on March 22. He is the son of Debbie and Gary Weiss and older brother to Ben Weiss. Sam is a seventh grader at Clinton Township Middle School.  He enjoys tennis, music and is an avid sports fan. In addition, Sam is excited to be a part of Clinton Township Middle School's production of "High School Musical" on March 6-8. Sam's Torah portion, Sh'mini, details which foods are permitted for eating and which are forbidden to the people of Israel. It reminds us of the holiness of food. Sam has really enjoyed his Mitzvah project. He has volunteered weekly at the preschool that he attended at Spruce Run School. He has worked with kids who have needed some with social situations and will continue to do so for the remainder of the year. It has been a very rewarding experience. Sam is looking forward to celebrating his Bar Mitzvah with family and friends.

Bat Mitzvah - Abby Weiner
Abby Weiner will become a Bat Mitzvah on March 29th, 2014. She is the daughter of Maureen and Paul Weiner. Abby is a seventh grader at  Moravian Academy in Bethlehem, PA. She enjoys cooking, gardening, skiing, and anything that requires a creative and artistic flair. Abby's Torah potion is M'tzora. It deals with the skin condition called "tza'arat", often translated as leprosy. It focuses on those people who were "cast out" because they were thought to be unclean.  A modern day interpretation would be people being discriminated against because they are different, even bullied, and excluded from society. Abby's Mitzvah project has grown throughout the year.  Last summer and fall Abby helped the preschool class from Old Greenwich Presbyterian Church with their Mission Garden (affiliated with America's "Grow- A- Row"), weeding and harvesting over 3,000 pounds of produce, which was donated to the Norwescap food bank of Phillipsburg, NJ. As the season moved to winter Abby assisted Mary Litsch (Director of Resident Services) at Country Meadows Retirement Community in Bethlehem, PA. She has served at many socials, including a family open house at their Alzheimer's unit. She is also part of the "Dinner Out" club with residents of the independent building. Abby has become of favorite of the outgoing "octogenarians " of Country Meadows. She also has volunteered her soup-making skills to the efforts of Or Chadash's Chesed committee. Abby and her family are looking forward to a memorable service and celebration! 
Jewish Life Welcomes Gerard Edery
Jewish LIFE: Learning Is For Everyone 
Jewish Life

 

Jewish LIFE (Learning Is For Everyone), our community wide adult education program, has an exciting new season of programs and special events planned for the coming year.  A great lineup of special events are scheduled in addition to a wide variety of classes  and films offered at our participating synagogues.  The complete 2013-2014 Jewish LIFE brochure will be available on line at www.ssbjcc.org.  Printed copies will be available at the Shimon and Sara Birnbaum JCC in Bridgewater.

 

  • Sat., Mar. 29, 9am: A Taste of Jewish Spain., Master guitarist, singer, and storyteller Gerard Edery will be our special guest as we enjoy the rich cultural and culinary traditions of Jewish Spain. (Hosted by Temple Beth El, Hillsborough)  
  • Thurs., Apr. 3, 10:30 am: A Night to Celebrate Israel, More details to come. (Hosted by the Raritan Valley Country Club, Bridgewater)  
  • Thurs., April. 10, 6:30 pm: The Irma Horowitz Film Series: Falafel & Films, presenting "First Night", "New Year's Resolution", "I'm Ready", & "Alone" (Hosted by the JCC, Bridgewater)  
  • Sun., April 27, 7pm: Yom Hashoah Observance, Hosted by Temple Shalom, Bridgewater  
  • Sun., April. 30, 12Noon: Rabbi Dayle A. Friedman, That Our Hearts May Grow Wise: Cultivating Wisdom as We Age,
    We suggest aging is the "final exam" of our spiritual life. We investigate the possibilities within Jewish life's spiritual curriculum for acquiring the character traits (middot), spiritual tools and perspective to ready ourselves for the challenges we will inevitably face. Lecture and discussion. (Hosted by the Wilf Campus, Somerset). 

Please refer to the Jewish LIFE brochure for program fees and additional information.  To register for programs hosted at the JCC, please call 908-725-6994 x201.  To register for programs at other locations, please contact the hosting synagogue or agency.