December 2014 - Rego Park Jewish Center

REGO
PARK JEWISH CENTER
BULLETIN
“And let them make for me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them.”
EXODUS 25:8
VOLUME 75 NO. 4
KISLEV / TEVET 5775
DECEMBER 2014
CONCERT
CELEBRATING
CHANUKAH
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21ST
2:30 P.M.
Starring
BASYA SCHECHTER
AND HER BAND
“PHARAOH’S DAUGHTER”
Exotic Sounds of
Flute - Guitar - Drums - Bass
“Learning…………..
that is the secret of
Jewish survival”
TORAH BRUNCH
On behalf of
Jewish Theological Seminary
SUNDAY,
DECEMBER 28, 2014
Crystal Ballroom
Plus a Traditional Latka Party
In Advance $10
At Door $12
In Honor of
Barbara Arion
REGO PARK JEWISH CENTER
97-30 Queens Boulevard, Rego Park, NY 11374
Telephone: (718) 459-1000
Fax: (718) 459-0431
Website: www.rpjc.org
Samuel Waidenbaum..........................................Rabbi
Josiah Derby, M.A*............................Rabbi Emeritus
Sisterhood President
Ruth Loewenstein
Ruth Loewenstein....................Chairman of the Board
of Trustees
Sunday Breakfast Club & Learn-In President
Romiel Daniel
Rabbi Romiel Daniel.....................................President
Men’s Club President
Jack Alkana
Robin Diamond………...Hebrew School Coordinator
Yiddish Vinkel President
Mildred Pelton
* deceased
MEETING WITH
RABBI WAIDENBAUM
Rabbi Waidenbaum will always be
available for your needs. However, to ensure
that the Rabbi is here, it is preferable that you
set a definite appointment in advance so that you
will not find the Rabbi otherwise engaged and
so that you may be better assured of his
undivided attention.
Please call the office at 718-459-1000.
The direct line to the Rabbi is 718-459-1047.
Special Events Group
Lee Lobel-Zwang
IMPORTANT!
If you are celebrating a simcha, please notify the
Center office so that we may announce it in our
Bulletin and also so that Rabbi Waidenbaum can
announce it on Shabbat.
If you are ill, please have someone notify Rabbi
Waidenbaum or the office and let us know if you
would like it announced.
Please don’t assume that the office or Rabbi will
“hear about it.” Please have someone close to you
phone the Rabbi or Lynne in the Center office directly
to let them know.
The Rego Park Jewish Center Bulletin is published 9 times/year (Sept. - June)
Page 2
REGO PARK JEWISH CENTER BULLETIN
FROM THE RABBI’S DESK
Chanukah marks a special type of miracle. It marks those rare occurrences when we witness G-d’s
intervention in history. “Nes Gadol Hayah Sham,” we say, “A great miracle happened there.” During the week of
Chanukah we recite Al Hanisim, Hallel, and thank G-d, “For the miracles and the salvation which occurred for our
ancestors in other days and in our time.”
We tell the story of a small cruse of oil that burned for eight days. When we look back at our history, we
recognize that there have been moments when we were keenly aware of G-d’s presence in our lives. From the
Exodus to the founding of the State of Israel, we have been able to say, time and again, great miracles have
occurred. That we are here today is one of them!
On a personal level, we experience such occasions as well. Someone who has overcome a serious illness or
survived a life threatening accident comes to synagogue and recites the Gomel blessing, a B’racha in which he /she
says, “Hagomel Lichayavim Tovot Shegemalani Kol-Tov.” “Thank You G-d, for graciously bestowing Your favor
upon me even though I’m unworthy of such kindness.” At such times we ask ourselves, “Why am I here? Why did
I deserve to survive?” The congregation responds, “May the One who has been gracious to you continue to favor
you with all that is good.”
On such occasions it’s easy to say, “Thank G-d.” When our lives hang in the balance, it’s not hard to look
back and acknowledge that we’ve been given a precious gift. Unfortunately, such feelings of gratitude are often
short lived and quickly forgotten. The sad truth is, most of us live on a “what have you done for me recently”
philosophy of life. It’s easy to say thank you in the thick of the moment. It’s much harder to hold on to our
gratitude once we’ve already received what we want. It’s much easier to celebrate holidays. They only occur once
a year. They mark dramatic, memorable events. Almost all of them include delicious food. It’s easy to be thankful
when you’re keenly aware of G-d’s blessings, because you’ve been the recipient of them. It’s harder to express
gratitude on a daily basis as part of your life.
So Chanukah is all about gratitude. We need to celebrate the dramatic moments in our lives, but we also need
to take the time to give thanks for the small miracles that we receive each day. It’s great to celebrate Chanukah once
a year. On Tuesday night, the 16th of December, as we light the first Chanukah candle, may we take the time to
count our blessings. We like to give gifts at this time of year. Maybe we should ponder the gifts we have already
received. Only then will we come to realize that great miracles occurred to us, not only long ago, but even today,
and every day! May your Chanukah candles shine brightly in your home - Amen!!
“AH FREILECHEN CHANUKAH!”
B’Shalom
Rabbi Samuel Waidenbaum
RABBI’S ADULT EDUCATION CLASS
PARASHAT HA’SHAVUA - Weekly Torah Portion
Wednesdays from 6:30 - 8:00 P.M.
December Dates: December 3, 10
There is no charge and everyone is welcome.
REGO PARK JEWISH CENTER BULLETIN
Page 3
IN THE BEGINNING….A VIDEO PRESENTATION OF
REGO PARK JEWISH CENTER
If anyone missed seeing the repeat of the history of
our shul during the past 75 years, all I can say is you missed
a wonderful event. On Sunday afternoon, October 19th,
Sandy and Martin Novzen set up the screen in the Chapel.
Our audience first heard Sandy Novzen giving a most
interesting and informative history of our borough and
specifically of Rego Park and Forest Hills. She spent hours
researching the fantastic facts she told us about and if
anyone wants a copy, I’m sure she will have a copy for you.
This is a history that goes back to the late 1600s when our
area was first discovered by English and Dutch farmers. As
Sandy spoke about the many years from then to the present,
it was unbelievable how much we didn’t know about our
borough and the land on which our beautiful synagogue
was built.
Then it was time for the presentation. Even those of
us that attended the June Journal Dinner Dance event and
saw the presentation for the first time, were absolutely
riveted by the people and events of the RPJC family.
Starting with the breaking ground of our shul and the 75
years of our history, this wonderful pictorial event
presented in black and white and color, nestled in the arms
of both soft and cheery background music, brought many of
us to tears. As we recalled our history of events, Hebrew
School, Bat and Bar Mitzvahs, weddings, meetings,
parades, our various club events, barbeques, Journal
Dinners and where possible, religious events, we went back
in time to our younger selves. And when the reverent
Remembrances part was shown, many of us just cried
whether openly or in our hearts, remembering the memories
and wonderful times we had share with those no longer
with us.
This remarkable event made possible by an idea of
mine that never could have been realized had it not been for
the work of Sandy Novzen and Lynne Goldwaser. This
was indeed a labor of love; hours spent scanning the
remarkable precious photographs sent in by many of you,
and some which were as old as our synagogue - putting it
all together according to years and then finding and
inserting the right music so that each part of the movie was
made even more wonderful - the days and nights spent
working on this cannot be measured by time alone because it was done with the knowledge that we were going
to present something very wonderful - to keep always - and
to add to - a legacy of us so that whoever comes in the
future will know what a wonderful awesome group of
people they are a part of. Yes, it was a different time than
the rushed days of the present - but it was more. We were
indeed a family of Jews, interacting, enjoying each other,
and being happy and part of a very historic and wonderful
synagogue. There are no words I can think of to say to
Sandy and Lynne - other than thank them for taking my
idea and making it a reality - indeed, turning it into
something that will be there for others to enjoy in the
future. And to Martin Novzen, who was our “go to”
person, helping us with the organization of the wonderful
photographs and knowing just when and where the music
should go - and just being there for us to talk to when we
were stumped - mere thanks is not enough and we hope he
knows how much we all appreciated his help and advice.
We hope that this pictorial history of our RPJC will
be an ongoing legacy - whenever we have an affair where
we can take photos, please be sure to send us a copy or
bring it into the office - we will make it part of the next
presentation - and the next - so that we will never forget the
memorable times and remarkable people that make up the
RPJC.
Sandi Goodman
EVERYONE HAS A STORY TO TELL
AND WE ARE INTERESTED IN HEARING YOURS
Early next year I will be meeting with people who want to share the story of their journey and all
the joys and unfortunate tears that got them to where they are today. In the meantime gather your
favorite photos, newspaper clippings, letters and memories that will assist in telling your story.
Once this project is completed we will all have a beautiful, insightful story of how each of our
lives has intertwined with the Rego Park Jewish Center.
Sandy Novzen
Page 4
REGO PARK JEWISH CENTER BULLETIN
FOCUS ON SISTERHOOD
“Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”
Zachariah 46, Haftorah Chanukah
The lights of the Chanukah Menorah stand for all
three of the above. The burning candles are a reminder of
Judah Maccabee’s fight for religious freedom and Jewish
survival. The result of the Maccabee’s struggle was more
than a military victory; it was an uplifting of the Jewish
spirit and it was a rededication.
This is the season to rededicate. The very name
Chanukah means “rededication”. Sisterhood has two
dedications in the months of Kislev/Teves (December).
On Sunday morning, December 28, at our Annual Torah
Brunch, we shall celebrate a double Simcha and promise
you a great day. Sisterhood will honor and pray tribute to
Barbara Arion.
Barbara will be our Woman of
Achievement, our inspiration for our campaign on behalf
of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, the
Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in Los Angeles, & the
Schechter School of Rabbinic Studies in Jerusalem. A
relative newcomer to the Rego Park Jewish Center,
Barbara Arion has become an integral part of our RPJC
family. She is on the Sisterhood Board and is our
Recording Secretary. Barbara is co-chair for the monthly
film project and organized a successful Yom Kippur
Break the Fast supper. She was born in New Haven, CT,
moved to NYC in 1947 to attend NYU, where she met her
husband, & they moved to Queens in 1952. She raised two
sons - one is an astrophysicist and the other is a
veterinarian – both are married and there are two
granddaughters – one is employed by the Nature
Conservancy, and the other one works in the Los Angeles
TV industry – and there is a very proud Mother and
Grandmother. As a youngster, Barbara loved Hebrew
School and enjoyed going to Shabbat services. At NYU
she joined the Jewish Culture Organization & today she
still marvels how meaningful and appropriate our sacred
writings are in our current, daily lives. Barbara worked as a
statistician at the Plaza Hotel & Lever Brother and also as
a docent at the Bronx & Central Park Zoos. After receiving
her M.A. in Math, she taught at Russell Sage J.H.S. Watch
the mail for your invitation & make your reservation to
honor Barbara Arion on December 28, 2014.
Secondly we are rededicating ourselves to J.T.S.,
the Ziegler School and the Schechter Institute in Jerusalem.
In Hebrew the same root is in the words for “dedication” as
in “education.” Our dedication to education, “hinukh”,
REGO PARK JEWISH CENTER BULLETIN
comes naturally. Our institutions are training rabbis,
cantors, teachers and lay leaders to serve Jewish
communities worldwide. Women like us are the backbone
of these institutions, supporting their efforts to spread
Torah to all that will listen. Thus we are ensuring our
legacy to future generations of Conservative Jews.
Our pre-Torah meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 23, at
12:15 P.M., will be dedicated to our upcoming Torah
Brunch, to Mishpacha, and as we are celebrating the 7th
day of Chanukah, we are asking you to share your
Chanukah remembrances with us. Bring a dairy sandwich
and of course we shall serve latkes and applesauce.
Our Shabbat Dinner was a huge success. It was
such a pleasure and delight to be together as one big
Mishpacha. All were thrilled as Reina Goodman’s
granddaughter, Pnina Lanxner’s great grandson, Aviva &
Yafa Daniel, Jacob & Aaron Zucker , were blessed by their
respective parents and grandparents – this is our future. We
ate – everything was delicious, we prayed and we sang
Zemirot led by Rabbi Samuel Waidenbaum and Rabbi
Romiel Daniel (we missed Noreen). We thank our “helping
hand” ladies – Mollie Alkana, Ruth Kaplan, Elaine
Spodick, Ruthe Unger, as well as Jack Siegel & his helpful
grandsons. Thanks to Lynne Goldwaser for her help in so
many ways. But we would not have been able to be so
successful without Robin Basdeo’s tremendous help,
advice and care. Thank you Alvin Saywack. Our cosponsored kiddush on Shabbat was most unusual and
enlightening. We were very privileged to listen to Dr.
Leslie Lobel teach, explain and clarify the latest findings
about the Ebola outbreak – it was fascinating.
As usual we are very thankful to Mollie Alkana for
the erudite book discussion about “A Guide to the
Perplexed”. It was a wonderful meeting and encouraged
stimulating discussion.
Mazal Tov to Rabbi Samuel & Rebbetzin Susan
Waidenbaum on the birth of a granddaughter who was
named in our Shul on Shabbat Vayera. May she bring you
much joy.
L’Hitra’ot V’Shalom
Ruth Loewenstein
Page 5
SPECIAL EVENTS GROUP NEWS - REVIEWS
WISHING ALL A HAPPY CHANUKAH
Lee Lobel-Zwang, Coordinator
REVIEW
REVIEW
SIMCHAT TORAH
IN THE INDIAN JEWISH TRADITION
OUR TRADITIONAL
SIMCHAT TORAH HIGHLIGHT
Simchat Torah in the Jewish Indian tradition was
celebrated on Sunday, October 19, 2014 by the Indian
Jewish Congregation of the U.S.A. It was a joyous,
emotionally stirring experience.
Of all the festivals on the Jewish calendar
(Passover, Shavuot and Sukkot) Simchat Torah is the
mitzvah to rejoice. The 48 hours of Shemini Atzeret
and Simchat Torah should be highly treasured! Every
moment is an opportunity to draw bucket and barrelful
of material and spiritual treasures and it is
accomplished through dancing.
Torah enjoins us that only Sukkot is described as
“the season of our rejoicing, “Rejoice on your
festivals!” The highlight of this day are the hakafot; on
Simchat Torah the Torah scrolls wish to dance, so we
become their feet. It was so uplifting to be part of the
youthful energy and melodious prayers performed by
the Indian Jewish community and it also provided a
source of comfort and joy especially in these times of
turmoil around the world. It is a joy and a wonderful
feeling to celebrate such a meaningful holiday and to
realize that in so many various Jewish traditions around
the world the faith of the Jewish people is so vibrant
and alive.
The young men dancing with the Torah and
passing the Torah to the women was also moving as it
is the only holiday when women are allowed to hold the
Torah. It is a kid-friendly event and the children added
to the spirituality of Jewish faith and tradition to be
continued to the next generation. (L’dor v’dor)
On a more modern note, the ladies wore gorgeous
saris; the preparation of the various Jewish Indian
dishes, although somewhat spicy, was delicious.
Rego Park Jewish Center is honored to have such
an event and credit is due to our distinguished Rabbi
Romiel Daniel and Noreen Daniel.
Until next year,
Rebecca Katz
Page 6
Mazal Tov to Hasan Torah, Rabbi Donald
Weinberg, and Hasan Bereishit, Jeffrey Cohen. It was a
heart-warming and spiritual delight to see you
separately proceeding to the Bima, under a wedding
chupah, while the congregation chanted Simcha Tov
and Mazal Tov. Hasan Torah, Rabbi Weinberg read the
last ending passage from the Torah. Hasan Bereishit,
Jeffrey Cohen read the beginning of the Torah anew! It
was a special honor for these two valued congregants.
What a wonderful way to encompass this in the joyous
holiday of Sukkot.
PARK HILLS CHAPTER OF HADASSAH
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16TH
at 1:00 P.M.
Celebrating Chanukah
featuring
A FESTIVE WELCOME TO
HADASSAH’S NEW HOME
40 WALL STREET
You Can Underwrite a Mezuzah
to grace a doorpost with your name
Come gather together with friends to light
the first Chanukah candle
Delicious refreshments served
Florence Cohen - President
718-275-0636
REGO PARK JEWISH CENTER BULLETIN
SPECIAL EVENTS GROUP NEWS - REVIEWS
COME PARTICIPATE IN THIS FASCINATING DISCUSSION
Lee Lobel-Zwang, Coordinator
PARASHAT & HAFTARAT CLUB
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13th
at 12:30 P.M.
BEREISHIT VAYESHEV 37.1 - 40.23
Jacob favored his son Joseph, for he was the child
of his old age. He made him a coat of many colors.
The jealous sons hated Joseph. Joseph had dreams
foretelling that his parents and others would bow down
to him. His brothers plotted to kill him - they threw him
in a pit and stained his coat with blood and told Jacob
he was devoured by a beast. Jacob rent his clothes and
went into mourning. The sons sold Joseph to a caravan
of Ismaelites who carried Joseph to Egypt, and sold him
to Potiphar. Joseph was falsely accused by Potiphar’s
wife and thrown into prison. Joseph became overseer of
all prisoners. He interpreted the dreams of the chief
baker and the cupbearer for Pharaoh - death for one,
freedom for the other. It became true.
HAFTARAT AMOS 2.6 - 3.8
The Lord said: “For the three transgressions, for
four I will not revoke it. They have sold for silver
whose cause was just, and the needy for a pair of
sandals - you trample heads of the poor - make the
humble walk a twisted course.”
Presenters:
Rabbi Samuel Waidenbaum,
Rabbi Romiel Daniel, Charles Lehat
DR. LESLIE LOBEL SPEAKS ON
EBOLA - “VIRUSES DON’T SLEEP”
At the November 8th Shabbat Sisterhood
kiddush, our congregation had the unique privilege to
hear Dr. Leslie Lobel, (M.D./Ph.D) speak to us on the
subject of Ebola and the Ebola epidemic in West
Africa. Dr. Lobel is a world-renowned research
scientist in virology. He heads a contagious diseases
lab at Ben Gurion University in Beer Sheva. His
research takes him five times a year to laboratories in
East Africa, with which he has a longstanding
collaborative relationship.
This year Dr. Lobel has been called upon to share
his deep knowledge of Ebola and the study of virology
with major world organizations, such as the European
Union, the U.S. Dept. of Defense and Agriculture and
the National Institute of Health. He pointed out that
past successes in research dating back as far as the end
of the Cold War have led to a general sense of
complacency. He stressed that government must serve
its central role, that it must resume investing in medical
virology research and public health study. Furthermore,
intergovernmental sharing of knowledge in these fields
must be implemented in order to maximize success. He
cautioned “viruses do not sleep.”
Happy Chanukah
Host
Joyce Fefferman
SPECIAL EVENTS GROUP PERSONALS
It’s a mitzvah to be a host at one of the Parashat &
Haftarat Club sessions - donating a lite, delicious repast
gives you the opportunity to share your birthday or
happy events with us or memorialize your loved ones.
REGO PARK JEWISH CENTER BULLETIN
Page 7
SPECIAL EVENTS GROUP
NEWS - REVIEWS
Lee Lobel-Zwang, Coordinator
COMING ATTRACTIONS
FILM FESTIVAL
SUNDAY AT THE MOVIES
January 18, 2015 at 2:00 P.M.
“SAVING MR. BANKS”
Starring Tom Hanks
February 22, 2015 at 2:00 P.M.
“THE JEWISH CARDINAL”
With Outstanding Cast
March 29, 2015 at 2:00 P.M.
“WHEN COMEDY WENT TO SCHOOL”
Jewish Comics and the Catskills
April 19, 2015 at 2:30 P.M.
“WALK ON WATER”
Thriller with a Mossad Agent
SUNDAY BREAKFAST CLUB &
LEARN-IN WITH THE RABBI
This past month, five new attendees were
welcomed to our group, making for greater
camaraderie and lively discussions.
In addition to Rabbi Waidenbaum, we heard
from three guest speakers, who each filled in on a
moments notice: Rabbi Romiel Daniel, Rabbi Donald
Weinberg and Mark Hochberg.
The topics presented were diversified and
inspirational:
1. The Torah - its existence before creation as a
reflection of G-d’s wisdom, spirituality and will vs.
after Mount Sinai, as a series of commandments to be
obeyed.
2. Noah - compared to Abraham...self-centered
man vs. unifier and “blessing to all nations.”
3. The Greatest Mitzvot - acts of loving
kindness. Importance of being the best you can be.
4. Judaism in relation to environmentalism from the Bible’s earliest admonitions to todays most
scientific methods for preserving the planet.
Where else can you learn so much and be with
friends on a Sunday morning? Join us soon!
Elaine Spodick
$5.00 Each Film
Refreshments Served
THE KNITTING CIRCLE
SPENDING THE WINTER
IN FLORIDA?
THURSDAYS, DECEMBER 4th and 18th
at 2:00 P.M.
Come share a cozy, warm time together, learning and
sharing ideas in knitting and crocheting. The afghan
blanket we are all working on together needs to now
come together. Please come, bring your knitting and
enjoy a friendly, creative afternoon.
PLEASE NOTIFY
THE CENTER OFFICE
Lite Refreshments Served
REINA GOODMAN - INSTRUCTOR
Page 8
REGO PARK JEWISH CENTER BULLETIN
December 2014
KISLEV / TEVET 5775
Sun
Mon
1
KISLEV 9
M.S. 7:00 A.M.
E.S. 6:15 P.M.
Tue
2
KISLEV 10
N.M.S.
E.S. 6:15 P.M.
Wed
3
KISLEV 11
N.M.S.
Y.V. 12:30 P.M.
E.S. 6:15 P.M.
R.C. 6:30 P.M.
Thu
4
KISLEV 12
M.S. 7:00 A.M.
KNITTING 2 PM
E.S. 6:15 P.M.
Fri
5
KISLEV 13
N.M.S.
E.S. 4:15 P.M.
C.L. 4:10 P.M
Sat
6
KISLEV 14
M.S. 9:00 A.M.
B.B.
E.S. 4:15 P.M.
S.E. 5:13 P.M.
“VAYISHLACH”
7
KISLEV 15
M.S.
8:45 A.M.
B.C.L.I. 9:30 A.M.
NO EVENING
SERVICE
8
KISLEV 16
M.S. 7:00 A.M.
E.S. 6:15 P.M.
9
KISLEV 17
N.M.S.
E.S. 6:15 P.M.
10
KISLEV 18
N.M.S.
Y.V. 12:30 P.M.
E.S. 6:15 P.M.
R.C. 6:30 P.M.
11
KISLEV 19
M.S. 7:00 A.M.
E.S. 6:15 P.M.
12
KISLEV 20
N.M.S.
E.S. 4:15 P.M.
C.L. 4:10 P.M.
13
M.S.
P.C.
E.S.
S.E.
KISLEV 21
9:00 A.M.
12:30 P.M.
4:15 P.M.
5:14 P.M.
“VAYESHEV”
14
KISLEV 22
M.S.
8:45 A.M.
B.C.L.I. 9:30 A.M.
S.D.
2:00 P.M.
NO EVENING
SERVICE
15
KISLEV 23
M.S. 7:00 A.M.
E.S. 6:15 P.M.
16
KISLEV 24
N.M.S.
E.S. 6:15 P.M.
1ST CHANUKAH
CANDLE
21
KISLEV 29
M.S.
8:45 A.M.
B.C.L.I. 9:30 A.M.
CONCERT 2:30 PM
NO EVENING
SERVICE
6TH CHANUKAH
CANDLE
28
TEVET 6
M.S. 8:45 A.M.
SIST. TORAH
BRUNCH
NO EVENING
SERVICE
22
KISLEV 30
M.S. 7:00 A.M.
E.S. 6:15 P.M.
7TH CHANUKAH
CANDLE
23
TEVET 1
M.S. 7:00 A.M.
SIST. 12:15 P.M.
E.S. 6:15 P.M.
17
KISLEV 25
M.S. 7:00 A.M.
Y.V. 12:30 P.M.
B.D. 3:00 P.M.
E.S. 6:15 P.M.
2ND CHANUKAH
CANDLE
24
M.S.
E.S.
TEVET 2
7:00 A.M.
6:15 P.M.
18
KISLEV 26
M.S. 7:00 A.M.
KNITTING 2 PM
E.S. 6:15 P.M.
3RD CHANUKAH
CANDLE
25
TEVET 3
M.S. 8:45 A.M.
E.S. 6:15 P.M.
19
M.S. 7:00 A.M.
E.S. 4:15 P.M.
C.L. 4:12 P.M.
4TH CHANUKAH
CANDLE
26
TEVET 7
M.S. 7:00 A.M.
E.S. 6:15 P.M.
TEVET 4
N.M.S.
E.S. 4:15 P.M.
C.L. 4:16 P.M.
20
KISLEV 28
M.S. 9:00 A.M.
E.S. 4:15 P.M.
S.E. 5:16 P.M.
“MIKETZ”
5TH CHANUKAH
CANDLE
27
TEVET 5
M.S. 9:00 A.M.
E.S. 4:15 P.M.
S.E. 5:20 P.M.
8TH CHANUKAH
CANDLE
“VAYIGASH”
ROSH CHODESH
29
KISLEV 27
30
TEVET 8
N.M.S.
E.S. 6:15 P.M.
31
TEVET 9
N.M.S.
E.S. 6:15 P.M.
REGO PARK JEWISH CENTER BULLETIN
B.B. = BIRTHDAY BLESSSINGS
B.C.L.I. = BREAKFAST CLUB
LEARN IN
B.D. = BOOK DISCUSSION
C.L. = CANDLE LIGHTING
E.S. = EVENING SERVICE
M.S. = MORNING SERVICE
N.E.S. = NO EVENING SERVICE
N.M.S. = NO MORNING SERVICE
P.C. = PARASHAT CLUB
R.C. = RABBI’S CLASS
S.D. = SINGLES DANCE
SIST. = SISTERHOOD
S.E. = SHABBAT ENDS
Y.V. = YIDDISH VINKEL
Page 9
T’AI CHI AND HEALTHY LIVING
Can T’ai Chi help you? Yes, in certain ways. It
can help you with your sense of balance, it can help
you in your daily activities, and it can also help you
think and concentrate more clearly. We invite you to
join us.
Practicing the slow fluid movements in T’ai Chi
and Qi Gong helps you develop your Chi (the energy
within yourself). You achieve the feeling of inner
peace that helps you deal with your daily activities and
chores. T’ai Chi is the slow movement of your body in
a learned and practiced routine, fluid motion and peace
of mind, “your body in motion while you meditate.”
In the Orient, T’ai Chi and Qi Gong are practiced
regularly to maintain good health. Here in the West
practicing these forms twice weekly is also part of a
healthy lifestyle regimen. They contribute positively
to awareness, maintaining good balance, good blood
pressure readings, and a peaceful mind.
Come and join us and become the beneficiary of
good health, spirit, and mind. We meet every Tuesday
from 10:15 to 11:15 A.M. Our group members are
friendly and will welcome you.
Jack J. Alkana
YIDDISH VINKEL
Revive your Yiddish. Our Yiddish Vinkel meets
every Wednesday afternoon at 12:30 P.M. We speak
Yiddish, read Yiddish stories and poems and sing
Yiddish songs. Coffee and delicious danish are served.
So come, enjoy warm friendship and have
“fargeneegen.”
A very Happy Chanukah to all!
BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP
Cheryl Strayed is the author of “The New York
Times” bestseller Wild which was chosen by Oprah
Winfrey as her first selection for Oprah’s Book Club
2.0.
One reviewer writes: “Why read Wild (subtitled
from Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail Through
California and Oregon?) It is because Cheryl Strayed is
brutally honest about her weaknesses as well as her
strengths, because she writes magnificently and
because she speaks for so many women who have
suffered similar insults and assaults and lack the skill to
write as articulately as she does.”
Wild is at once an adventure in world of nature as
well as a meditation on the nature of grief and survival.
Her mother has succumbed to lung cancer, her father is
long gone, her formerly caring stepfather has
abandoned the family, her siblings find it too difficult
to visit their gravely ill mother and so Cheryl alone
remains with her in her final days and hours.
Both her difficult past and her challenging
present are part of the author’s memoir. Cheryl Strayed
is comforted and helped by remembering her mother’s
oft-repeated saying, “I’m with you always.”
If you would like to join us, or if you want more
information, please call me at (718) 263-4973. We will
be meeting at the Center on December 17th from 3:00
to 4:30 P.M.
Mollie Alkana
Mildred Pelton,
President
Page 10
REGO PARK JEWISH CENTER BULLETIN
MAZAL TOV
Mazal Tov to Blanche & Sol Kisloff on the
birth of their great granddaughter Taylor Blake
Haffner on June 26, 2014. Taylor is the daughter of
Joshua & Carly Haffner and the granddaughter of
Beverly & Steven Haffner.
Mazal Tov to Rabbi & Susan Waidenbaum on
the birth of their granddaughter Shoshana Yaffa on
Friday morning, November 7, 2014. Sara & Charles
are the happy parents.
MANY THANKS TO THE
FOLLOWING FOR SPONSORING
A CONGREGATIONAL KIDDUSH
Rabbi Donald Weinberg, who was honored on
Simchat Torah with the honor of Chasan Torah.
DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS
Barbara Arion
Avi Bernstein
Albert Dayan
Reina Goodman
Malka Gross
Morris Karol
Sol Leibowitz
Frieda Mirzoeff
Rhoda Rothkopf
Ken Sasmor
Arthur Schwartz
Lillian Smith
Ruthe Unger
Miriam Warmbrand
DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
Claire & Daniel Begalman
Jeffrey Cohen, who was honored on Simchat Torah
with the honor of Chasan Bereishit.
Clara & Abraham Herscu, in honor of Rabbi Donald
Weinberg.
Sisterhood, in honor of Sisterhood Shabbaton.
Lee Lobel-Zwang, in honor of her son Dr. Leslie
Lobel.
JEWISH WAR VETERANS
LOSS IN MEMBER’S FAMILY
Kathy Decker, Daughter in law of Shirley Decker
We extend our deepest condolences to
Shirley Decker and family.
David Most, brother of Florence Most
We extend our deepest condolences to
Florence Most and family
REGO PARK JEWISH CENTER BULLETIN
The Kew-Forest-Woodside-Loitz Post 250,
Jewish War Veterans of the USA and their Ladies
Auxiliary, have announced that their next Sunday
morning meeting will be held on December 21st at
9:30 A.M. The congregation is invited to attend.
There is no change.
For further information contact Co-Commander
Sy Weber at 718-271-6015 or Past Queens County
JWV Commander Kenneth Lloyd Brown at
718-297-7711.
Page 11
COMMEMORATIVE FUND
Blanche & Sol Kisloff, in honor of the birth of their
great granddaughter Taylor Blake Haffner.
Pnina Lanxner, in honor of the birth of her great
grandson Charles Meir Auerbach.
HEBREW SCHOOL FUND
Clara & Abraham Herscu
GENERAL DONATIONS
MEMORIAL FUND
Margie Bloomberg, in memory of Shirley Sternin.
Shirley Decker, in memory of her daughter in law
Kathy Decker.
Luba Marcus, in memory of Irene Silfin.
Dora Podziba, in memory of Irene Silfin.
HIGH HOLIDAY HONORS
Max Amper, in honor of aliyah on Rosh Hashanah.
Barbara Arion, for honor on Shabbat.
Dennis Cohen, for High Holiday honor.
Shirley Decker, in honor of reading prayer on Shabbat.
Harriet Goodman, for High Holiday honor.
Susan Goldschmidt, in honor of reading prayer on
Shabbat.
Sandi Goodman, for High Holiday honor.
Harriet Goodman, in honor of opening the ark on
Shabbat.
David Haffner, for High Holiday honor.
Sandi Goodman, in honor of reading prayer on
Shabbat.
Joel Herbst, for High Holiday honor.
Beverly Haffner, for High Holiday honor.
Steven Haffner, for High Holiday honor.
Elaine Spodick, in honor of opening the ark on
Shabbat.
Abraham Herscu, for High Holiday honor.
Ruthe Unger, for Simchas Torah honor.
Ruth Loewenstein, in honor of reading prayer on Rosh
Hashanah.
Mel Weiss, in honor of aliyah on Sukkot.
YAHRZEIT FUND
Pnina Lanxner, for High Holiday honor.
Edit Nyiri, in honor of reading prayer on Rosh
Hashanah.
Claire & Daniel Begalman, in memory of son Douglas.
Mel Weiss, for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
honors.
Reina Goodman, in memory of husband Ira Goodman.
Sam Wolfson, for Yom Kippur honor.
Paul Holtzman
Joel Zakoff, for High Holiday honor.
Pnina Lanxner, in memory of husband Meir Lanxner.
Lynne Zakoff, for reading prayer on Rosh Hashanah.
Abe Miller, in memory of father Chaim Miller.
Lynne & Joel Zakoff, for Elizabeth Zakoff’s honor of
holding the Havdalah candle after Yom Kippur.
Edit Nyiri, in memory of son George Javori.
Peter Nyiri, in memory of mother Ibolya Nyiri.
Jack Rothwax, in memory of brother Manny Rothwax.
Donia Shwarzstein, in memory of mother Sarah
Raiselle.
Ava Wand, in memory of father Leon Rich.
Page 12
A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Donations received by the Center office
after November 13th will be listed in the January/
February Bulletin.
REGO PARK JEWISH CENTER BULLETIN
We are grateful to all our members and friends
who have given so generously during the High Holidays and Sukkot.
Elaine Abend
Jerrey Adler
Mollie & Jack Alkana
Zona & Max Amper
Barbara Arion
Avi Bernstein
Pearl Bonkowski
Julius Broner
Martin Cantor
Lorraine Carroll
Florence Cohen
Jacky Schoenfeld-Cohen
Jeffrey Cohen
Thomas Cunow
Maria Davis
Shirley Decker
Evelyn Donenfeld
Debby & Marc Elkin
Beverly & Carl Ellman
Eileen Erspamer
Gregg Erspamer
Sanford Ferber
Susan Fischer
Ronald Fishkin
Kathy & George Godfried
Susan Goldschmidt
Harriet Goodman
Reina Goodman
Sandi Goodman
Malka Gross
Eugene Grozinger
Beverly & Steven Haffner
Charlotte Halpern
Ruby Halpern
Irma Hauser
Joel Herbst
Leonor Herbst
Radu Herescu
Clara & Abraham Herscu
Stuart Hess
William Hilfer
Robin & Mark Hochberg
Paul Holtzman
Leon Horowitz
Sheldon Horowitz
Betty Hurwitz
Dan Isaacs
Hilda & Stanley Kalfus
Howard Kaplan
Rhoda Kaplan
Ruth Kaplan
Farshid Khoshnou
Michael Kirschenbaum
Blanche & Sol Kisloff
Bertha Klein
Shirley Klieger
Dorothy Kominsky
Pnina Lanxner
Marina & Jonathan Lederer
Florence Legler
Charles Lehat
Sol Leibowitz
Ari Leshans
Andrea Krantz Levine
Anne Levner
Marvin Lew
Louis Lipkowicz
Sonia Lishansky
Ruth Loewenstein
Michael Loewinger
Joyce Magnus
Bernice Mandell
REGO PARK JEWISH CENTER BULLETIN
Luba Marcus
Betty & Harry Martell
Bina Massey
Carl Mautner
Judith Mehlman
Natalie & Ted Meisel
Jill & Warren Meyers
Jeanette Mildner
Abe Miller
Ruth Levy Milstein
Frieda Mirzoeff
Laurence Mirzoeff
Barbara Molin
Allan Morrin
Rosalyn Moshman
Florence Most
Munia Muchnik
Henry Musat
Alan Naider
Edit & Peter Nyiri
Aida & Menashe Ovadia
Rachel & Jay Parker
Fani Paun
Mildred Pelton
Agnes Posner
Lucy Preisler
Sofia Roimisher
Ella Rom
Rhoda Rothkopf
Jack Rothwax
Frances & Maurice Rotkopf
Sheila & Ken Sasmor
Ira Schnitzler
Magdalena Schoenfeld
Sheila Schreiber
Ida & Arthur Schwartz
Melvin Schwartz
Ted Scott
Abraham Segal
Lillian Seligson
Ira Shimshi
Donia Shwarzstein
Linda & David Sidlow
Cynthia & Jay Siegel
Sonia & Jack Siegel
Diane Singer
Michal Sonnenthal
Anne Spiegel
Elaine Spodick
Carol Stoller
Larry Stoller
Leslie & Veronica Szikla
Clara & Morton Tabak
Ruthe Unger
Jennifer Velcoff
Ava Wand
Miriam Warmbrand
Rochelle Wasserman
Seymour Weber
Leah Weinstock
Marla Weiss
Mel Weiss
Lillian Werner
Ruth Wolfson
Sam Wolfson
Corinne & Melvyn Wyllins
Luba Yakubov
Zivan Zabar
Lynne & Joel Zakoff
Page 13
In Memoriam
The members listed below
will observe Yahrzeit as indicated.
Yahrzeit candles should be lit the night before.
Schedule of service elsewhere in this Bulletin.
Please help ensure a Minyan by attending services.
Monday, December 1st
Claire & Daniel Begalman - Son
Edit Nyiri - Son
Wednesday, December 3rd
Ruth Kaplan - Brother
Thursday, December 4th
Sidney Rubin - Wife
Friday, December 5th
Jack Rothwax - Brother
Sunday, December 7th
Aileen Goldstein - Grandfather
Elaine Spodick - Mother
Edward Starer - Grandfather
Jacqueline Weiss - Grandfather
Monday, December 8th
Florence Cohen - Husband
Seymour Weber - Sister
Stanley Sternin - Brother
Wednesday, December 10th
Shirley Decker - Sister
Miriam Warmbrand - Sister
Charles Lehat - Mother
Friday, December 12th
Lee Lobel-Zwang - Sister
Sunday, December 14th
Johanna Katz - Father
Johanna Katz - Mother
Lilliam Werner - Father
Tuesday, December 16th
Marion Art - Sister
Jacqueline Weiss - Father
Thursday, December 18th
Eugene Grozinger - Wife
Ken Sasmor - Father
Wednesday, December 24th
Paul Holtzman - Mother
Thursday, December 25th
Sidney Rubin - Father
Saturday, December 27th
Shirley Decker - Brother
Miriam Warmbrand - Brother
Sunday, December 28th
Alex Byron - Mother
Monday, December 29th
Hedy Rothschild - Mother
Wednesday, December 31st
Claire Begalman - Mother
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT MORNING SERVICES
There are no morning services on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, unless it is Rosh Chodesh, a
special holiday or - if there is a yahrzeit.
If you have a yahrzeit which falls on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday morning, you should inform
Rabbi Waidenbaum and Rabbi Daniel if you would like to have services.
Page 14
REGO PARK JEWISH CENTER BULLETIN
PLAY BINGO
AT REGO PARK JEWISH CENTER
Tuesday, December 2nd, Tuesday, December 9th
Tuesday, December 16th, Tuesday, December 23rd, Tuesday, December 30th
Doors Open at 6:00 P.M.
Early Bird Game Starts - 7:00 P.M.
Regular Games Start - 7:15 P.M.
All Paper Games! $4.00 Admission Includes 12 Games.
Plus - Two Share the Wealth Games, Tri-Color Game,
Jackpot, Progressive Jackpot Bonus, Bonus Ball Games
Over $1,000 in Cash Prizes
REGO PARK JEWISH CENTER BULLETIN
Page 15
Rego Park Jewish Center
97-30 Queens Blvd
Rego Park, NY 11374
Change Service Requested
Non.Profit Org
U.S. Postage
PAID
Flushing NY
Permit No. 686
GOURMET DELICATESSEN RESTAURANT
& CATERERS
Page 16
96-40 QUEENS BOULEVARD, REGO PARK, NY 11374
718-897-1700
REGO PARK JEWISH CENTER BULLETIN