60. Oct-Nov 2014MARTHA - Gesher · Mike Luipersbeck. The top-tapping program will include music...

NOVEMBER 2014 - CHESHVAN/KISLEV 5775

THE MESSENGER

“Offerings of the Heart”

The names of our Torah Members are inscribed on the sculpture in our lobby.

ETERNAL LIGHT MEMBERS

These members provide financial assistance and synagogue membership for families who are enduring financial hardship, as well as a full religious education for their children.

CHAI MEMBERS

These members provide financial assistance and membership for families who are enduring financial hardship.

Our Torah Members These generous individuals have voluntarily chosen to support our Synagogue at a higher level of dues

than is required, in order to help other Jews who are less fortunate and in need of assistance.

Irwin & Marilyn Brafman Martin & Rochelle Carus Murray Feit Harvey & Barbara Fishman David Korn Joseph & Tikva Ofeck Philip & Adrian Reisel

Seligman & Phyllis Rosenberg Steven Schwalbe &

Annemarie Krim Marcia Sherman

Paul & Arlene Starr Jaime & Susan Weiss

Myrna Weissman

Anonymous Joan Alter Ben & Esther Bell Lore Benario Michael & Jodi Bergman Alvin & Nili Cohen Mercy Cohen Milt & Doryne Davis Lior & Andrea Elrom Regina Finer

Steven Fruchtman Jerome Goldfischer & Lila Mordoh

Seymour & Nancy Green Arnold & Alice Grodman

Fred & Harriet Hirschenfang Yakov & Vera Kishinevsky

Bruce Lager Mark & Lucille Laufer

Joseph Lempel Harry & Rose Lenson

Lillian Leshinsky

Irwin & Karen Meyers Stephen & Merilee Obstbaum

Adam & Barri Plawker Terry Plawker

Abraham Ravid & Hanna Atlas Yetta Rosen

Fred & Ann Rosenberg Newton & Sheila Scherl

David & Donna Schweid Michael & Sally Seymour

From the Rabbi’s Study

Sisterhood

Notes from the Cantor

Hebrew School News

Member Engagement Comm

Dona ons

Birthdays & Anniversaries

Calendar

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THE MESSENGER November 2014 Published Monthly Jewish Community Center of Fort Lee Congrega on Gesher Shalom 1449 Anderson Avenue Fort Lee, NJ 07024 Volume 4 ‐ Issue #2

IDENTIFICATION STATEMENT TABLE OF CONTENTS

Our Congregation continues to evolve and change... As part of our latest restructuring, Alan Herschenfeld, who held a full-time position with our shul, and 3 years ago began to serve us on a reduced basis, will no longer be our shabbat and holiday ba’al koreh (Torah reader), although he will continue

to lein on some weekdays and other occasions. Alan is a unique and gentle soul. He has given more than his all to our synagogue community, especially to our kids. His dedication to them and to their success (and to any adults who sought his help) has always gone far above the call of duty. I have often described him, in his pursuit of our kids’ excellence, as being “relentless.” And I used that word with both affection and admiration. If you want to know what a mentsch is, you need look no further than Alan Herschenfeld. KAS Alan chanted the haftarah on Shabbat morning, July 18 and delivered this message to the Congregation. Shabbat Shalom! I wanted to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all of you - the regulars of this congregation- you who attend Shabbat services, the daily minyanim, the educational programs, the Sisterhood events and all of you who participate in the behind the scenes activities that make the life of this shul community possible. You are the backbone of this congregation. You are the finely woven fabric of which it is made. For the past fourteen years you have given me the privilege of being part of your communal and spiritual lives. It has been an honor to get to know so many of you. I am grateful for all the shared experiences that have enriched my life.

In our tradition we welcome people by saying B'ruchim Ha-nim-tsah-im - ברוכים הבאים

loosely translated- Blessed are those who have come to be with us! This is a very well known greeting. Even though it is somewhat literary, this greeting, B'ruchim Ha-bah-im is commonly used throughout the Jewish world. There is a response to this greeting which is not as well known. When a person is greeted with a B'ruchim Habah-im she/he may say in response ברוכים הנמצאים - B'ruchim Ha-nim-tsah-im! - Blessed are those who are here, whose abiding presence has given a destination to the person who is being greeted. Without the נמצאים - those who are here week-in and week-out, there would be no entity from which a welcome could emanate. Thank you for remaining put and giving this shul its physical and spiritual presence. It has been a partnership. You have allowed me to get to know you. That openness and willingness to share some of your shul-related goals has allowed me to see who I could be in terms of realizing these goals. Thank you for your willingness to allow me to be part of your efforts to add to your knowledge of Jewish ritual and practice. Over the years, I have received many compliments for the energy and enthusiasm, with which I challenge my students to always aspire to a higher level of performance. But, the compliments really should go to you. I was only able to succeed with our B'nai Mitzvah because of the appreciation you always expressed for what I do. It was your ability to discern and your generosity of spirit that is responsible for the quality of our B'nai Mitzvah. I want to pay tribute to my colleagues for their support and friendship and for providing me with good examples of what it is to serve a congregation faithfully and with humility. Thank you for your expressions of appreciation, for sharing your knowledge and time, but mostly for your sincerity and trust. Shalom uV'racha שלום וברכה

FROM THE RABBI’S STUDY RABBI KENNETH A. STERN

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More about the exciting evening we have planned for our upcoming Paid-Up Membership Dessert Party. The Trio includes piano prodigy Peter Grico and renowned bassist Ron Vaspo, together with Mike Luipersbeck. The top-tapping program will include music from The Great American Songbook, Jazz, & Broadway favorites and so much more! Need I say more? So circle the date on your calendar now. *****************************

Well we started this years activities with our annual Sukkot Supper. As always we enjoyed a delicious repast and celebrated another holiday with our members, their families and friends. The warmth of the evening was evident to all who attended. It takes many willing volunteers to put it all together (too many to mention), however, a few special thanks are most certainly in order for our Chairperson, Kathy Grazian and our catering guru, Shirley Kochansky and to Rabbi Stern for all his input.

**************************** The Torah Fund Campaign for the Jewish Theological Seminary supports the education of Rabbis, Cantors, Educators, Scholars and Lay Leaders. You can contribute by becoming a Benefactor through the purchase of the pin. The cost is $180. To order or for further information contact our Chairperson, Ella Effros 201-224-7908.

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Sisterhood Book Group Wednesdays at 8:15pm

December 10th

“An American Bride in Kabul” By Phyllis Chesler

Refreshments will be served.

Chairpersons Kathy Grazian & Naomi Altschul

SISTERHOOD ETHEL CHESEN, PRESIDENT

Sisterhood’s Paid-Up Dessert Party

Thursday, November 20th - 8:00pm

Join us for this special “Members Only” evening and enjoy a wonderful musical program featuring jazz drummer

Mike Luipersbeck & His All Star Trio .

Admission is your paid-up dues, which may be paid at the door. Program Coordinator Membership Coordinator Naomi Altschul Marilyn Saposh

5775 Torah Fund Pin Mishpachah - Family

The mishpachah theme encourages us, as Conservative/Masorti Jews, to recognize the diverse character of our families. It also encourages our communities to be pluralistic, welcoming, and open hearted.

In Memoriam

With deepest sympathies to her family,

we mourn the passing of our Executive Board Member, Leila Lee Kaplan.

Her presence and input will be sorely missed.

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MUSIC NOTES CANTOR PAUL ZIM

In the middle of the 5th Century BCE, Ezra stood on a platform in an open square in Jerusalem. With him stood the priests and other notables who had returned from Babylon to resettle in the land.

Amidst a deep and reverent silence, Ezra rose and began to read before the assembly, of the exiles who had recently returned from Babylonia. He told the people how vital it was to study the Torah. He wanted them to observe the commandments, but in addition, he wanted them to re-commit to the covenant of the Torah, and accept it as a rule in life.

We can see how truly vital the reading and teaching of the Torah was to our people, so that it became not only a source of inspiration, but of unity and tradition to this day. It has been my privilege to read and chant from the Torah before our congregation in recent months, recalling the experiences of my youth when I read Torah back in Maine as a young man. For that, I appreciate the support you’ve all given me. Many Thanks.

A TRADITION THAT IS 2 1/2 THOUSAND YEARS OLD

We must pay attention to the everyday things in our life that God does for us. We very often find ourselves taking for granted the good things that happened to us. One of the main principles in Judaism is gratitude, the necessity and ability to say Thank you. Every morning when we wake up we say Modeh Ani, which means, I am thankful. We are thanking God for giving us another day. The word Modeh, thanks comes before the word Ani, I. Teaching us that we have to put gratitude before our wants. Thanksgiving is often a busy time, but it's also a time we should stop and consider how much we have to be grateful for. Who is rich? Those who rejoice in their own Portion. - Pirke Avot 4:1

The Hebrew term for gratitude is hakarat hatov, which means, "recognizing the good." We must stop and recognize the good that is already ours. Some-times this is very hard to see, but the Torah demands that we be grateful and thankful, not only in attitude, but in our words and deeds as well. One of my most favorite times as a kid was Thanksgiving weekend spending time with family and friends. We spent Thanksgiving dinner sitting around the table all taking turns to say one thing that we are thankful for. Some people go through life noticing what they are missing and they never really notice the good things they do have. We must remember to see the many good things in life that we have and take advantage of them.

HEBREW SCHOOL NEWS MYRA LONDON & ZEEVA SKLAR CO-DIRECTORS

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A NOTE FROM THE MEMBER ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE

College Care Packages Do you have a child or grandchild attending college?

The Member Engagement Committee would love to send them a holiday care package.

If you are interested in your student receiving one, please contact us with their information.

Phone 201-947-1735 ext. 322 - Email [email protected] or fill out and return the form below.

Student’s Name ____________________________________________________________________ College Name ____________________________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ Email address ____________________________________________________________________ Mail to: Jewish Community Center of Fort Lee Member Engagement Committee 1449 Anderson Avenue Fort Lee, NJ 07024

Chanukkah will be a little brighter this year as Congregation Gesher Shalom will officially induct its new members at Shabbat services on

Friday, December 19th - 7:00pm

The Membership Engagement Committee hopes that everyone will join with us to make our newest members feel welcome, and let them see firsthand what a warm

and wonderful synagogue they have joined!

AND

Time is running out to enroll your college child or grandchild to receive a Chanukkah goodie basket from their synagogue. Please contact the synagogue office by November 15th.

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DONOR IN HONOR OF

The Davis Family

Carol & Michael Kopelman

Parvaneh Mahanian

Laurie & Ira Smilovitz

Gloria Singer

Mary & Leo Rettig

Lore Benario

Naomi Altschul

The Shatz Family

Janet Greenberg

Joan & Warren Kahn

Sy & Eileen Haber Zlotnick

Audrey & Mark Altschul


The Davis Family



The Davis Family


Norm & Florence

Silverberg

Sandra Jonas

Alice & Arnold Grodman

Rochelle & Martin Carus



Edith Kantrowitz

Marianne Wolff

The Schiffs’ Grandson

The Schiffs’ Grandson

Tzedakah

Men’s Club

Marvin Chertkoff

Carl Hess

Renee Gruenspecht

Zachary Boyd’s Bar Mitzvah

Zachary Shatz’s Aliyah

Harry Lenson’s Birthday

Harry Lenson’s Birthday

The Friedmans’ Anniversary

Andrea Elrom’s Birthday

Naomi Altschul’s Birthday

Susan Weiss’s Birthday

Arnold Grodman’s Birthday





Kathy Grazian’s Birthday







THANK YOU TO OUR SYNAGOGUE CONTRIBUTORS

RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND

DONORS IN HONOR OF Larry Lesh & Terry Gottleib Tzedakah

DONORS Alice & Arnold Grodman

IN HONOR OF

Zachary Boyd’s Bar Mitzvah

Miranda Stern’s Birthday

Stephanie Stern’s Birthday

Mark Altschul’s Birthday

Roberta Mathes’s Birthday

Sandra Ebinger’s Birthday

Susan Weiss’s Birthday

Phyllis Lowe’s Birthday

Zachary Shatz’s Birthday

Charlene & Alan Stern’s Anniversary

Sydney & Reggie Friedman’s Anniversary

IN MEMORY OF

Solomon Borodkin

The meaning of the word "Tzedakah

Tzedakah is the Hebrew word for

the acts that we call "charity" in English: giving aid, assistance and

money to the poor and needy or to other worthy causes.

Our Sages taught: The giving of tzedakah is as great as all the other mitzvot together

DONORS IN MEMORY OF

Shirley & Marvin

Kochansky

Larry Lesh &

Terri Gottleib

Donna Neuhaus &

David Sultanik

Rose & Alex Jakoby

Judith & Philip

Gliksman

Rhoda Lieman

Debra Brown

Jonathan Mines

Sy & Eileen Haber

Zlotnick

Sy & Eileen Haber

Zlotnick

Mary & Leo Rettig

Ethel & David Chesen

Marilyn Saposh


Lila Breslow

Lore Benario

Sy & Eileen Haber

Zlotnick

Carol Sue Pally

Mary & Leo Rettig

Edith Kantrowitz

Cynthia Silverman

Ralph Zimelman

Ralph Zimelman

Ralph Zimelman

Jinny Skolnik

Jinny Skolnik

Jinny Skolnik

Jinny Skolnik

Henny Schachter

Jack Neustadt

Jack Neustadt

Jack Neustadt

Charlotte (Warshavsky)

Anne Garfinkel

Anne Garfinkel

Solomon Borodkin

Solomon Borodkin

Anne Garfinkel

Stanley Domb

Stanley Domb

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THANK YOU TO OUR SYNAGOGUE CONTRIBUTORS

Our Condolences to . . .

RHENA NEUSTADT On the loss of her beloved husband,

Our esteemed member,

JACK NEUSTADT

NORM SILVERBERG On the loss of his beloved brother,

HOWARD ZELIG SILVERBERG

THELMA BORODKIN On the loss of her beloved husband,

Our esteemed member,

SOLOMON BORODKIN

THE FAMILY OF ANNE GARFINKEL Our esteemed member

LEATRICE WEISS On the loss of her beloved sister,

CYNTHIA SILVERMAN

THE FAMILY OF LEILA “LEE” KAPLAN

Our esteemed member

A heartfelt thank you to all of those who

visited during shiva and made donations in memory of Herb’s sister, Henny Schachter.

Sincerely,

Reggie & Herb Feuerstein

Thank you to all who offered their

sympathies and shared kind words in memory of Norm’s brother Howard.

It was very much appreciated.

Sincerely, Florence & Norm Silverberg

1 Jerome Margolin 1 Julie Seidel 2 Francine Finger 3 Michael Hausman 4 Debbie Shatz 5 Harry Lenson 5 Alexa Danoff 6 Maxwell Greenberg 7 Mark Halpern 10 Myrna Weissman 11 Wendy Schwartz 12 Marc Kaplan 12 Robert Millner 12 Claire Esther Friedman 12 Marc Levi 13 Ilene Mcgrath

14 David Habler 14 Shayan Zamanian Rad 15 Judith Auerbacher 15 Helene Polinsky 16 Stephen Whitman 16 Nancy Green 16 Chloe Altschul 18 Scott Koszer 20 Benjamin Kless 20 Ruth Korn 20 Lia Pichkhadze 20 Donna Schweid 20 Marissa Schefflan 21 Ethel Chesen 21 Allegra Sousa 22 Marshall Hurwitz 22 Seymour Zlotnick

22 Harriet Hirschenfang 23 Otto Salmon 23 Carolyn A. Tauber 23 Elena Landau 26 Naomi Altschul 26 Heidi Skolnik 26 Ella Hattem 27 Francine Koszer 28 Shifra Ruda 28 Orren Ravid 29 Robert A. Feuerstein 29 Fred Rosenberg 29 Ariel Dasgupta 30 Ava Merker 31 David Feuerstein 31 Bianca Osian

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES

1 Jerry & Fran Koszer 2 Sam & Gloria Deutsch 7 Craig Barnett & Karen Reisner 12 Arie & Stephanie Levi

21 Henry Glazer & Rose Lederman 25 Richard Kaplan & Myriam Miguel-Kaplan 28 Earl & Rochelle Schneider 30 Bernie & Kim Wasserman

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All birthdays and anniversaries will be celebrated on Saturday, November 22nd at the 9:30am service.

1 Henry Glazer 1 Yuriy Kandinov 2 Ann Oster 3 Tina Kamin 4 Murray Polinsky 4 Sara Merker 5 Gertrud Buchler 5 Lior Elrom 5 Carla Gottlich 6 Stanley Axelrod 6 Abraham Nemet-Nejat 8 Lior Gensler 9 Anne Johnson

9 Andrea Garncarz 10 Sidney Cohen 13 Abraham Ravid 14 Randy Ketive 14 Hilda Reisner 15 Philip Gliksman 15 Samuel Pichkhadze 16 Seymour Gluckow 17 Joan Alter 17 Esther Eisdorfer 18 Iris Coleman 18 Kristin Schulman 18 Michael Davis 19 David Grossbard

19 Alexander Levy 20 Franco Aguilar 20 Marvin Chertkoff 21 Jonathan Fox 23 Sharon Berman 23 Marilyn Cohen 24 Beth Kaplan 24 Brandon Osian 27 Tikva Ofeck 29 Larry Lesh 29 Iris Fox 29 Rona Topiel 30 Faye Salmon

3 Jack & Judith Rosenthal 3 Charles & Debbie Shatz 4 Neil & Rachel Taylor 5 Erwin & Marlin Dickman 7 Stephen & Shari Whitman 11 Steven & Rachel Schulman 12 Joseph & Tikva Ofeck 15 Solomon & Kathy Grazian 17 Barry & Debra Seidel

19 Jaime & Susan Weiss 21 David & Barbara Grossbard 23 Harold & Anne Bendell 24 Adrian & Michelle Osian 25 Alan & Leslie Fromkin 26 Harvey & Barbara Fishman 27 William & Helen Tobenkin 30 Michael & Carol Kopelman

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

Congregation Gesher Shalom

Jewish Community Center of Fort Lee

GIFT SHOP Beautiful gifts to show your love and usher in important times of the year.

Phone 201-947-1735

PLACE YOUR

AD HERE

CONTACT KATHY GRAZIAN

201-592-0463

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Deborah Marcus, MS, CCC-A NJ Audiology Lic. #435NJ Hearing Aid Dispensing Lic #778

Diagnostic audiological testing. Hearing aid evaluations & consultations

Medical referrals Cutting edge digital hearing aid technology

Follow-up care and counseling Hearing aid repairs

Custom ear molds, swim plugs & musician plugs Quarterly cleanings & maintenance

Up to 3-year warranty & loss insurance 30-day trial period Financing available

LOCATIONS

185 Cedar Lane U5 1530 Palisade Avenue Teaneck, NJ 07666 Fort Lee, NJ 07024

Call to schedule your appointment today!

201-928-0808

These Adver sers are contribu ng to our Center. Please tell them you saw their ad in The Messenger.

BRIDGE OPTICIANS 301 Bridge Plaza North

Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201-944-6440

Danny Lim David Mandel Lila Mordoh Nancy L. Tenny

Harrison L. Rosenberg

AMERICARE PHARMACY ONE PLACE FOR ALL YOUR

PRESCRIPTIONS, SURGICAL SUPPLIES & COMPOUNDED MEDICATIONS

COMPETITIVE PRICES & PERSONALIZED SERVICE

K. DAVE PHARMACIST IN CHARGE

511 Main Street Fort Lee, NJ 07024 Phone: 201-461-2472

Fax: 201-461-0097

Joseph or Tal Mizrahi Phone 201-384-7100 Fax 201-384-0303

Home Made Kosher Delicacies Appetizers, Delicatessen & Party Catering

469 S. Washington Ave. Bergenfield, NJ 07621 Specializing in Washington Ave & New Bridge Rd Kiddush Luncheons

PLAWKER REAL ESTATE, INC.

601 Palisade Avenue, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632

Terry Plawker

Licensed Broker/Owner

Business: 201-567-5335

Cellular: 201-788-8451

[email protected]

Residential - Commercial - Condos - Coops -

Land - Rentals Property Management - Appraisals

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SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

NOVEMBER 2014 Cheshvan - Kislev 5775

Daily Service Times Mon ‐Thur 7:00am & 7:45pm Friday 7:00am & 7:00pm Saturday 9:30am & Minchah Sunday 9:00am & 7:45pm

2 9 Cheshvan

3 10 Cheshvan

4 11 Cheshvan

5 12 Cheshvan

6 13 Cheshvan Sisterhood Board Meeting 8pm

7 14 Cheshvan Bible Study 11:30am Shabbat Together 7pm

8 15 Cheshvan

9 16 Cheshvan

HEBREW SCHOOL CLOSED

10 17 Cheshvan

11 18 Cheshvan

12 19 Cheshvan

Sisterhood Book Club 8:15pm

13 20 Cheshvan

14 21 Cheshvan Bible Study 11:30am

15 22 Cheshvan

SHOWTIME TONIGHT

16 23 Cheshvan

17 24 Cheshvan 18 25 Cheshvan 19 26 Cheshvan 20 27 Cheshvan Sisterhood General Membership Meeting 8pm

21 28 Cheshvan Bible Study 11:30am

22 29 Cheshvan GPS & Birthday/Anniversary Service 9:30am Club Shabbat & Torah Tots 11am

23 1 Kislev 24 2 Kislev 25 3 Kislev 26 4 Kislev HEBREW SCHOOL

CLOSED

27 5 Kislev

OFFICE CLOSED

28 6 Kislev

OFFICE CLOSED

29 7 Kislev

30 8 Kislev

HEBREW SCHOOL CLOSED

MINCHAH 4:00PM

TOLDOT

MINCHAH 4:15PM

CHAYE SARAH

VAYERA

MINCHAH 4:15PM

VAYETZE

MINCHAH 4:00PM Thanksgiving

Veterans Day

Rabbi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kenneth A. Stern

Cantor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Zim

Execu ve Director . . . . . . . . . . Martha Dawson

Rabbi Emeritus . . . . . . . . . . . . . Irving Spielman

Messenger Editor . . . . . . . . . Debbie Mulholland

2014 - 15 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Sisterhood

President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ethel Chesen

Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Edith Kantrowitz

Financial Secretaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ann Bloch

Shifra Ruda

Corresponding Secretary . . . . . . . . . Evelyn Davis

Recording Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . Rochelle Carus

Men’s Club

President/Treasurer . . . . . . . . . William Tobenkin

Recording Secretary. . . . . . . . Marvin Kochansky

Corresponding Secretary. . . . Marvin Kochansky

AUXILIARY

CLERGY & DIRECTORS

NON‐PROFIT ORGANIZATION

PAID PERMIT NO. 3225

SO. HACKENSACK, NJ 1449 ANDERSON AVENUE

FORT LEE, NJ 07024

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF FORT LEE / CONG GESHER SHALOM

1449 ANDERSON AVENUE FORT LEE, NJ 07024

PHONE: (201) 947-1735 FAX: (201) 947-1530 HEBREW SCHOOL: (201) 947-1654

EMAIL: [email protected] VISIT US: www.geshershalom.org

CONTACT US

Co ‐ Presidents . . . . . . . . . . . Arnold Grodman

Marvin Josif

Vice Presidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrea Elrom

David Korn

Mark Laufer

Richard Schiff

Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alvin Cohen

Secretaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wayne Koby

Hennie Ostrower

Mark Altschul Shmuel Bar‐or

Ethel Chesen Mark Klein

Marvin Kochansky Carol Kopelman

Lisa Maier Avri Ravid

David Sarnoff Ivan Shore

Ira Smilovitz Alan Stern

William Tobenkin

@CGSJCC /JCCFortLee

60. Oct-Nov 2014MARTHA - Gesher · Mike Luipersbeck. The top-tapping program will include music...

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