Fair Lawn Jewish Center
Congregation B’nai Israel
10-10 Norma Avenue, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
Phone (201) 796-5040 / Fax (201) 796-2415
www.fljc.com
The Insider
Shabbat Shalom
9 Tevet 5770
December 25-26, 2009
Shabbat Candle lighting: 4:14 p.m.
Torah Portion: Vayigash
Torah Reading: Genesis 46:28-47:27
Haftorah: Ezekiel 37:15-28
A Comment on this week’s Torah Portion From Rabbi Ronald S. Roth
Can People Change?
At the beginning of our Torah portion we read the longest speech in the book of Genesis, the plea of Judah before Joseph. It is a carefully constructed series of arguments. He measures every word and uses every gesture to plead for the life of his brother and father. Dr. Norman Cohen, in his book, Self, Struggle and Change comments on this speech. He asks, “Do we believe that we human beings have the capacity to grow in substantial ways over time, especially knowing ourselves as we do? Or is our attempt at change simply a matter of making small adjustments to personalities and patterns that are fairly well fixed? Do we know in our hearts that our essential makeup remains unaltered or can we become better?” He asks this question because he sees a great change in Judah. He did not intervene on behalf of Joseph as he languished in the pit before he was sold as a slave. Now Judah shows compassion for a brother. That is a great transformation. Think of change in your own life. As we begin the secular year and think of New Year resolutions, ask yourself - Did you actualize any changes you wanted to make in yourself when you were praying on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur? Are only small adjustments possible? How would you answer Dr. Cohen’s question about the capacity for change based on your life?
Saturday Kiddush
Kiddush is being co-sponsored by Anne & Bill BenLisa on the Yahrtzeit of Blanche Shatz. If you would like to sponsor a Kiddush to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or any occasion, please contact June Aranoff.
Sunday Breakfast
If you would like to sponsor a Sunday Breakfast, please contact Jerry Weiner.
Social Action is coordinating a Dinner for the Homeless
Sunday, December 27, 2009
HELP US COOK FOR AND FEED, 150 PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY. We need volunteers to cook and/or buy the food listed and then bring it (warmed in aluminum tins, if needed) to the shul between 3:30 pm and 4:00 pm on December 27th: roasted chickens cut in eighths, spaghetti with marinara sauce, bags of salad, rolls, cookies. We already have the 12 volunteers needed to transport the food, set up, serve and clean up on the 27th from 4pm to 7pm at the new Housing, Health and Human Service Center in Hackensack (must be at least 14 years old), but if you would like to be on a back-up list please contact us. For more information call the FLJC/CBI office (201) 796-5040 or email Mark Meisel at , or Barbara Seiden at .
Nosh and Knowledge
Wednesday, December 30, 2009 from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in the Youth Lounge
It is an open discussion of Biblical text. No previous knowledge is necessary. All the study and texts are in English. Feel free to attend as often as you can, since each class is independent of the others. We serve bagels and coffee or tea! Everyone is welcome.
Family Ice Skating Event
Sunday, January 3, 2010 at the Ice House in Hackensack, NJ
We have the entire rink … bring your family and friends!!!! Come join us for some fun! Cost is $15 per person plus $2.50 for skates. Any questions please call Michael Baer at 201-703-4386. Deadline is before January 1st.
Calling all Men’s Progress Club Members – Inaugural General Meeting and Big Breakfast
Sunday, January 10, 2010 at 9:45 a.m.
Learn about all the activities of the MPC, then join us for a Big Breakfast feast! This event is open only to members of the MPC. Membership dues will be accepted at the door.
Kid’s Club (Grades 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th)
Sunday, January 10, 2010 from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. in the Youth Lounge
Have fun braiding your own Challah and bring it home to share with your family. Cost is $3.00 per person. RSVP by January 3rd via e-mail: or call Lisa Gotlib at 201-796-3670 or Shari Toron at 201-796-4729.
Tot Shabbat
Saturday, January 16, 2010 From 11:00-11:45 am in the upstairs auditorium.
Tot Shabbat is a monthly service for families with children ages birth to six. The thirty minute service includes singing, prayers, stories and movement followed by snack and socializing. Upcoming dates are: February 20th, March 20th, April 17th, May 15th and June 19th. FREE! Non-members welcome. Bring friends and make friends! To receive more information, sign up for email reminders, or get more involved contact Wendy Grinberg at
Join us for Learners’ Minyan!
REMINDER NEXT LEARNERS MINYAN WILL BE AT 9:00 A.M. INSTEAD OF 10:00
Saturday, January 16, 2010 from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. in the Youth Lounge
Are you uncomfortable participating in services? Don’t know your way around the siddur? Can’t figure out when to sit or stand or what page we’re on? Are you afraid to ask for help? Would you like to learn? Join the Religious Affairs Committee on the third Shabbat of each month (during services) from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Learn about the order and various parts of the service. No previous level of service, knowledge or Hebrew necessary. Learners’ Minyans are scheduled for January 16th, February 20th, March 20th, April 17th, May 15th and June 19th.
SAVE THE DATE! - Menschen of the Year
Saturday, January 16, 2010 - Honoring Ellie & Jerry Weiner and all our Center Volunteers
Blood Drive
Sunday, January 17, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. @ the FLJC/CBI
The Fair Lawn community is in dire need of blood. If you are able to donate blood please come to the Fair Lawn Jewish Center. The next life you save may be your own or someone very dear to you! If you are able to donate blood, please call the Community Blood Service (201) 251-3703. We’re counting on you.
Books and Bagels
Sunday, January 17, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.
Awake in the Dark: Stories by Shira Nayman. “Nayman’s debut collection sees the children of the Holocaust victims and participants coming to terms with family secrets”. The breakfast and book discussion is open to all Center members. Non-center members can attend for $5. Questions, please call Ellen Wertheim at 201-797-1920.
Annual Sisterhood Shabbat
Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 9:00 a.m.
Celebrating Women’s League for Conservative Judaism Across America. Our Sisterhood members will participate in the Service. A festive Kiddush will follow. All are Welcome.
Northern NJ Region – FJMC 3rd Annual Hockey Outing
Sunday, January 31, 2010
NJ Devils vs. Los Angeles Kings – Jewish Family Day – Game Time is 5:00 p.m. at the Prudential Center 165 Mulberry Street, Newark, NJ The coolest game on earth at “The Rock” in Newark. Club ticket prices: $36 mezzanine-balcony, $66 lower level corners. For individual ticket orders, please contact: Neil Garfinkle at 201-475-9053 or or contact the center office. No orders accepted after Friday, January 15th.
The Israel Committee of the FLCJ/CBI inviteS You to an AIPAC Synagogue Briefing and Israel Update - Sunday, January 31, 2010 from 2:00-4:00 p.m
Why does Israel matter? The Importance of Pro-Israel Advocacy in the 21st Century.
An Interactive Discussion with Akiva Roth, AIPAC Northeast Regional Synagogue Initiative Director. Light refreshments will be served, No Admission Charge, Almost every day we hear news concerning Israel. From Hezballah in the North to Hamas in Gaza to the threat of a nuclear Iran, Israel today faces critical threats to its security and safety. AIPAC’s mission to ensure continued U.S. support for Israel has never been more vital. We can never take Israel for granted nor can the U.S.-Israel Alliance be taken as a given. It is not enough to be educated. We must translate education into advocacy and action. Come join in our discussion of the pro-Israel community’s agenda, learn more about AIPAC’s Policy Conference and its work in the synagogues, hear an analysis of the most pressing issues affecting the US and Israel today, and understand how YOU can have an impact today and for the future. To RSVP and for more information contact the FLJC/CBI at 201-796-5040.
Save the Date! - Purim Carnival 2010
Sunday, February 28, 2010 Time:TBD @ the FLJC/CBI
Come and join the best Carnival in Fair Lawn. Fun for the whole family! New Games, Esther and Mordechai’s Fallafal Stand, Goldfish, Sand Art, Story Time, Basketball, Spin Art, Hook the Hamentaschen, Popcorn, Cotton Candy and Much More! Co-sponsored by Sisterhood and the Men’s Progress Club.
FLJC/CBI Fundraising Committee Presents . . . Comedy Night 2010
Saturday, March 20th - Doors Open @ 8:15 PM
*Top Talent booked through major Comedy Club, *Cash Bar, *Deluxe Dessert. Ticket Prices:Sponsor:$50 – premium seating & name listed in program. Advance Purchase:$25 – $10 discount from night of show. Night of Show: $35. Additional sponsorships available: call 201-791-3337 (evenings) Checks made payable to the “Fair Lawn Jewish Center”. Mark your envelope: attn: Fundraising Committee and either drop off in the Center office or mail to: FLJC/CBI, 10-10 Norma Ave., Fair Lawn, NJ 07410.
We are giving you $1000 to send your child to camp!
Yes, a $1000 incentive award for first time campers for the summer of 2010. This campership is not needs-based. Do you qualify for this gift? Contact Camp Ramah in the Berkshires (201-871-7262 or ) to find out how to apply. Enroll your child in Camp Ramah and more information about each community’s incentive awards will follow. Or you can visit www.onehappycamper.org Funding for this program has been provided jointly by local Jewish communal organizations and the Foundation for Jewish Camp.
Library Hours
Sundays - 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Monday – Thursday - 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Friday - 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Services - Mornings
Sunday, December 27th ...... 9:00 a.m.
Monday, December 28th - Friday, January 1st ...... 9:00 a.m.
Services - Evenings
Monday, December 28th - Thursday, December 31st .7:30 p.m.
Friday, January 1st ...... 6:30 p.m.
Jr. Congregation will not meet this week December 26th 2009
BABYSITTING FOR THE YOUNGER SET
Saturday Mornings 10:00 - 12:00 Noon – Upstairs in the School Auditorium Children Ages 2-5 Years Old.
Mazel Tov
Laurie & Dr. Michael Flax on the engagement of their daughter
Cara to Justin Travers
Barbara & Martin Spector on the engagement of their son
Mitchell to Alyssa Ochab