2/1/11
Volume 1,
Issue 1
Yom Tov at Ohav
this year was inspiring.
The inaugural Torah
Tours on Simchat To-
rah enhanced the spir-
itual beauty of our
Hakofot. During the
month of October, shul
members witnessed an
increase in adult edu-
cation classes on sub-
jects from Jewish eth-
ics to Torah and social
issues. The COSY
youth department is
jammed packed with
activities ranging from
―Murder Mystery
Night‖ to Challah-
cover decorating, while
the Sisterhood and
Men’s Club continue to
entertain and feed our
―grown-up‖ children.
Best of all, since Au-
gust our shul has
grown by eight new
families.
Spread the
word, Ohav is the place
to be!
OHAV SHOLOM HITS A TRIPLE CROWN…...A NEW RABBI, A NEW BABY, AND A NEW PERSPECTIVE
A Message from Rabbi Ebbin
R abbi Ira Ebbin
arrived in Merrick on
July 9th 2010 to assume
the pulpit of Congrega-
tion Ohav Sholom, re-
placing Rabbi Jeremiah
Wohlberg after his 47
year tenure.
Rabbi Ebbin,
grew up in Brooklyn,
and attended rabbinical
school at the Rabbi
Isaac Elchanan Theolog-
ical Seminary (RIETS)
of Yeshiva Universi-
ty. His career took him
to synagogues in
Westchester, Stamford,
Connecticut, and for the
last three years he's
been at Temple Beth
Zion in Montreal.
Inside This Issue
A Message from the Rabbi 1-3
A Message from the President 2
Turning Point 3 & 4
A Message from Sisterhood 5
Meet Some New Ohav Sholom
Families
6
A Message from Men's Club 7
Congregation Ohav Sholom
Youth (COSY)
8 & 9
A Brand New Tradition 10
News from the Religious
School
11
Dinner Dance Honorees and
Awardees
12
Dr. Mel Isaacs Speaks Out on
50 Years of Jewish Education
13-15
Parshat Ki Tisa: A Communal
Prayer - A Secret Weapon
16
Purim– A Beautiful Script
Called Life
17
PURIM—Facts & Folklore 18
Shrine of Our Patriarchs
Part I
19-20
YAHRZEITS 21-22
Upcoming Programs 23-24
Recipe Corner 25-26
Journal Dinner Chairpersons
Letter 7 Ad Blank
27
Ohav Sholom Donors 28
Letter from the Editor 29
Ohav Sholom Leadership 30
Ohav Sholom’s Program
Calendar
31
The Rabbi, his wife
Chevi, and their three girls,
Shlomit, Shira and Anat are
thrilled to be able to call Mer-
rick their new home. To add
to this excitement the Ebbin’s
welcomed a new baby boy on
Wednesday October 13 weigh-
ing 7lbs 13 ounces. Issac’s
bris was
held at
Ohav
Sholom.
The en-
tire Ohav community is over-
joyed with the Ebbin’s arrival
in Merrick. We wish a whole-
hearted Mazal Tov on baby
Issac’s arrival to the Ebbin
family.
With Rabbi Ebbin at
the helm, there has been re-
newed excitement at Ohav.
People are energized by the
prospect of rejuvenating the
shul. The Rabbi has been spot-
ted at everything from Junior
Congregation and Torah Tots,
to our annual golf outing and
the Sisterhood meetings.
Dear Friends,
I t is with much excite-
ment as I write to you
in this re-inaugural edi-
tion of Ohav Sholom’s
quarterly newsletter.
One of the goals I had
set out soon after I ar-
rived was to establish
Ohav’s first Marketing
Committee and bring
back a much needed
shul newsletter that had
been dormant for nearly
twenty five years. Now
with the incredible lead-
ership of Lonnie and Si-
mona Ostrow, along with
many others, we have
reason to celebrate.
I’m reminded of
an excerpt from the Tal-
mud (Gittin 57A) that
shares with us a beauti-
ful tradition from An-
cient Israel:
“It was the custom when
a boy was born, to plant a
cedar tree and when a
girl was born to plant a
cypress, and when they
married the tree was cut
down and a canopy made
of the branches.”
When a child is
newly born, the most nat-
ural emotion is to rejoice
and celebrate. But in an-
cient Israel, this new child
did not just represent the
emotion of simcha that
one felt at that moment,
but also a realization by
his and her parents that
this is, G-d
Continued on page 2
הביי
CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM’S QUARTERLY
INAUGURAL ISSUE
THE OHAVITE
ran out of Egypt, the
women made sure to
pack their musical in-
struments. It was the
women, with their Bi-
nah Yeteirah, their spe-
cial insight, that real-
ized that the miracles at
the Exodus was just the
beginning of the salva-
tion, and that they
would need to be appro-
priately prepared when
even greater miracles
would come their way,
and an even greater cel-
ebration and parade
would be in order.
In the six
plus
months
since we re
-crossed
the border, Chevi and I
have been able to plant
new seeds with the spe-
cial members of our con-
gregation and communi-
ty. We have cultivated
new relationships
through the parlor meet-
ings as well as used tech-
nology to increase and
improve communication
and marketing. Every-
one who has attended
our Torah classes has
witnessed the wide-
spread excitement for
study and growth. We
have seen new and re-
curring social programs,
fundraising initiatives,
long range strategic
planning, and new addi-
tions to our youth pro-
gram.
We have shared
Page
2
willing, just the first of
many celebrations. By
planting those trees at
their child’s birth, they
were also planning for
and showing their faith
in the many celebra-
tions ahead. As we re-
cite over every baby at
their bris, ―Just as this
child has entered his
Bris, so should he enter
into Torah, marriage,
and good deeds.”
This same mes-
sage is conveyed by
what the Midrash de-
scribes as the special
insight found in the
women of the genera-
tion of the Exodus.
While the men hastily
grabbed whatever treas-
ures they could as they
A Message from the President, Adam Greenberg
I am very
excited that
we have reinstituted the
Ohav Sholom quarterly
newsletter. It’s a great
way to communicate
with the congregation
and the community.
We are very for-
tunate to have Rabbi Ira
Ebbin as our new spir-
itual leader. In the 6
plus months since Rabbi
Ebbin has been here, he
has brought back our
weekday-series of lec-
tures formerly known as
the ―Culture Club‖ and
has started new tradi-
tions at Ohav like our
Chanukkah carnival for
children and our 1st
public menorah light-
ing. For Simchat Torah,
we have also instituted
an ―Aishes Chayil‖ hon-
or for our women in ad-
dition to honoring
two men as our Chat-
anim. To make an auf
ruf extra special, the
bridegroom recites the
brachot under a tallis
canopy when he is
called up to the Torah.
Lastly, we have
been publishing a week-
ly Shabbat newsletter
that is available at ser-
vices. The newsletter
contains minyan times,
upcoming programs,
and special announce-
ments.
If you have not
met Rabbi Ebbin, I en-
courage you to do so.
He can be reached by e-
mail, text, or by phone.
Or you can just stop by
the office.
Our next big
holiday is Purim. We are
planning a Purim
Seudah in addition to
our usual carnival and
Purim night Freilach.
Watch for future
announcements. And
don’t forget our upcom-
ing journal dinner
dance honoring Dr. Mel
Isaacs set for April 3,
2011 (new date).
Membership is
the life blood of our shul
and it is very important
that we connect and
communicate with our
members. We recently
mailed out a survey to
the congregation for
your opinion on various
topics. It would help us
tremendously if you
would complete the sur-
vey so the leadership
can get a better under-
standing of the congre-
gation.
We are also de-
veloping a plan to at-
tract new members
through financial incen-
tives and through crea-
tive marketing.
We could also use
your help in any way you
can, either volunteering
your time, through finan-
cial sponsorships, or both.
Please call on me anytime
or let the office know if you
are interested in helping.
Adam Greenberg
CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER THE OHAVITE A Message from Rabbi Ebbin continued
together, celebrated the
past, and now I hope, plan
for the upcoming revelry
in the future.
Nearly fifty years
ago, the founding mem-
bers of our synagogue and
a young charismatic Rab-
bi, planted seeds with a
mission of sincere commit-
ment to the values of our
tradition, and poured a
foundation of family and
community to build a Ke-
hillah that will be reaped
and harvested with both
senior and recent mem-
bers side by side.
As our congrega-
tion enters a new phase, I
hope that you join me in
Continued on page 3
NEW FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
FOR NEW MEMBERS WHO
JOIN OHAV
BETWEEN 2/2/11-6/30/11
For Year 1, the is a choice of
(a) Free Dues
or
(b) 50% Dues and Free Religious School
For Year 2, the choice is
(a) 50% Dues
or
(b) Full dues and 50% off Religious School
feeling energized from
everything we have cele-
brated and accomplished
since we’ve arrived. Yet
we need to have the faith
that through our efforts
and dedication, through
the total contributions of
every member of our con-
gregational family, we will
again have many reasons
to celebrate in the future.
It is now up to us to per-
sonally commit ourselves
to our synagogue with the
passion that will take us
to the next stages of cele-
bration. We need to show
our children, grandchild-
A Message from Rabbi Ebbin continued
CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER THE OHAVITE Page
3
ren and neighbors how to
live and love the ideals
that shape our lives and
our synagogues future.
We must continue to
strive to bring the legacy
of celebrations of Ohav
Sholom’s past, into the
forefront of the present.
I believe that the
next many months and
years will bring even
more reasons to celebrate
for the future of our con-
gregation. While we face
some obvious challenges
ahead of us, through a
recommitment to our mis-
sion, creative outreach
and inreach, and through
the special people that are
passionate about Ohav
Sholom and define who
we are as a congregation,
this could be our finest
hour. I look forward to
sharing in the planting
and the revelry with you.
Chevi, Shlomit,
Shira Nacha, Anat Shosha-
na, and Isaac Roi join me
in wishing you all the
blessings in the world.
Looking forward
to seeing you at shul!
Bshalom,
Rabbi Ira Ebbin
TURNING POINT
2010: A Remarkable
Renaissance At Ohav
By Lonnie Ostrow
T urning points.
Every community experi-
ences them. Sometimes
it's a simple event. The
move of a new family. The
election of new leader-
ship. The start of an inno-
vative project, or commit-
tee. The opening of a con-
venient local establish-
ment. In other instances, a
turning point can be more
monumental, as we're all
now experiencing here in
Merrick at Ohav Sholom.
Perhaps, a once-in-a-
lifetime moment... or at
least once in half a centu-
ry.
In June of 2010,
we witnessed the elegant
farewell of our founder
and builder, Rabbi Jere-
miah Wohlberg and his
wife, Mimi, after a 47 year
tenure. A few months ear-
lier, thanks to the diligent
work of our Execu-
Soon thereafter,
another unique communi-
ty first: A series of parlor
meetings throughout Mer-
rick. It was time for us to
meet-and-greet our new
leader and his lovely wife.
The parlor meetings were-
n't just a chance to get up-
close and personal with
the rabbi. They also pre-
sented a unique forum
whereby the families of
Ohav were given a plat-
form to declare their
wishes for what they
hoped our shul could as-
pire to be going forward.
Suffice to say, all the note-
taking of Rabbi Ebbin left
him with enough material
to pen an epic bestselling
novel... or at least a sub-
stantial Wikipedia entry.
Another byprod-
uct of the parlor meetings
was a remarkable air of
optimism for the future of
our community. Sure, we
all have our complaints
We welcome article
contributions and
announcements in
future editions of
THE OHAVITE Quarterly.
Please contact
or the shul office for
submissions.
Continued on page 4
Continued from page 2
tive Board and search
committee, our congre-
gants were exposed to a
pair of weekends never
before seen in these con-
fines. Two men from oppo-
site sides of North Ameri-
ca got to audition for the
part of Ohav's next spir-
itual leader. It was Mer-
rick's version of the Amer-
ican Idol finale -- minus
the Ford commercials, the
singing and the text mes-
saging for votes.
Flash for-
ward to
July 2010.
A new,
young family moves from
Montreal, Canada into a
house on Wynsum Avenue,
accompanied by a bit of
fanfare and countless ba-
gel deliveries. Rabbi Ira
Ebbin, his wife Chevi,
their daughters Shlomit,
Shira & Anat, plus a baby
boy on the way – a mar-
keting professional's
dream-come-true.
CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER THE OHAVITE Page
4
TURNING POINT Continued
and concerns. However,
beyond any trivial gripes
were the excited voices of
Merrokians, talking about
building upon our existing
foundation, and present-
ing our dynamic commu-
nity to the rest of the Jew-
ish world for future
growth.
The succeeding
months brought about
another highlight reel of
community events and
projects... literally. In ear-
ly September, our annual
Ohav Barbecue was cap-
tured digitally. It became
the subject of our first
music video on our
new Ohav
Sholom
YouTube
channel.
www.ohav.org/youtube
Now, both Ohav members,
and also prospective fami-
lies from outside commu-
nities can view the vibran-
cy of our Jewish commu-
nity in Merrick, just by
punching in a few key-
words on their computers.
The arrival of ba-
by Isaac Ebbin resulted in
another community wide
celebration... and another
YouTube video. We have
since added a third musi-
cal highlight clip spot-
lighting our joy-
ous Chanukah celebra-
tions. This included the
dedication of our brand
new 7-Foot tall Menorah
commissioned by the
Jurmann family, and the
rousing Chanukah
carnival -- a delicious
joint venture of our Reli-
gious school and our CO-
SY youth department.
If you've been in
shul since September, you
will almost certainly have
noticed the re-launch of
the weekly newsletter,
The Ohav Chronicle. Not
only has this highlight
handout proved a treas-
ure trove of the many go-
ings-on at Ohav, it has
also improved the deco-
rum during services,
while cutting down on
announcement time at the
end of Musaf! Recently,
our weekly chronicle
made like the Wizard of
Oz, transforming from
black and white to spec-
tacular color... courtesy of
our brand new laser color
printing press.
Speaking of color,
our new marketing com-
mittee has been busy with
an assortment of exciting
ventures. Included, have
been the design and dis-
tribution of color flyers
and posters to promote
our shul events. Perhaps
you’ve seen them hanging
at the Merrick LIRR
station, at Bagel Boss,
Waldbaums, Tavlin, or at
Moo-La-La. We've also re-
cently adopted a new logo
design, giving our shul
and community a unique
branding identification.
Our website, Ohav.org has
been updated with a new
color scheme and many
fresh interactive features.
Now, we have this first
edition of our new quar-
terly newsletter. And
soon, a spectacular Ohav
video commercial, a com-
munity welcome bro-
chure, and our participa-
tion in the OU Emerging
Community Fair in March.
In keeping with
the theme of improving
the overall Ohav experi-
ence, our leadership has
created a "Strategic Plan-
ning Committee," headed
by Dr. Michael Richhei-
mer. Strategic Planning is
devising innovative pro-
grams in an effort to at-
tract prospective mem-
bers to our shul, while
also enhancing everything
Ohav.
A glance at our
community events calen-
dar will open your eyes to
a wide array of enticing
activities. Rabbi Ebbin’s
daytime and evening clas-
ses have enlivened our
Midweek adult program-
ming. We’ve had movie
screenings, topical dis-
cussions and even a
cooking exhibition by
Susie Fishbein aka, "The
Jewish Rachel Ray." The
youth department
(COSY) is constantly
hopping with trips, in-
house happiness and
even the occasional Sha-
baton. Rarely does a
week pass by when the
halls of Ohav aren't bus-
tling with activity. 2010. What a re-
markable snapshot of a
cultural community re-
naissance. Many years
from now, when some of
us look back at this mo-
ment, we will no doubt
find ourselves amazed
at this turning point in
the history of Jewish
Life in Merrick, NY.
Ohav's Bikur Cholim
is looking for a few volunteers to partici-
pate in an Oneg Shabbat at the Mayfair
Care Center in Baldwin to bring friendship
and a taste of Shabbat to the residents. The
program takes less than one hour, each
Friday morning. To join in, or for more
information, contact Bruria Mermelstein
or Paula Cohen.
Ohav
is formulating an
Israel Action Committee.
If you are interested in
joining please contact the
shul office. First meeting
Tuesday February 15th
8pm.
Continued from page 3
After a winter break, The Women's Tefilah
Group will meet on Shabbat, March 26th. We
invite all women and girls to join us at 10:15
AM in The Hauptman Chapel for prayer and
study. Our service will end in time to hear the
Scholar -In-Residence speak in the main sanc-
tuary.
The Women’s Tefillah Group offers women
who would like to lead future davening or chant
the Torah/Haftarah portion the opportunity to
do so. Tutors are available for those who would
like to learn. Pre Bat Mitzvah age girls are also
invited to get involved. Please contact Rebecca
Moldwin at [email protected] with questions.
Did you know that The Hillard
Stern Gemalth Chesed Fund
Helps Ohav Families in need
with interest free loans? All
inquiries are handled sensitive-
ly and discreetly. Contact Rabbi
Ebbin for information.
SISTERHOOD
attended
CPR/AED
course, a
cornucopia
sale fundraiser and a
fantastic cooking demon-
stration and tasting by
Susie Fishbein.
We are
hard at
work
planning
for the
next half
of the
year. Upcoming events
include a Spa party, a
self defense class, a choc-
olate making party, a
chesed event for We
experiences to share.
Sisterhood is where
women can meet, bond
and work together for
the benefit of our Syna-
gogue, our community,
and one another. Our
Sisterhood gives its mem-
bers the much needed
spiritual and emotional
reprieve from our busy
day-to-day lives. Our Sis-
terhood supports the shul
in so many ways – not
only through program-
ming, but spiritually and
financially as well. Hey,
if it weren’t for us ladies,
there would be no Kid-
dush!
I think we’ve got-
ten off to a great start
this year. We have held a
gold party fundraiser,
two successful book club
discussions, a well
Page
5
Care Blankets,
Shalach Manot
and more. Stay
tuned and get
involved! Let us
know what types of events
you’d like to see in YOUR Sisterhood.
Fran Green
A Message from SISTERHOOD President, Fran Green
W hat is
Sisterhood? In the Merri-
am Webster dictionary,
Sisterhood is defined in
three ways. 1) the state
of being a sister, 2) a
community or society of
sisters; especially a socie-
ty of women in a reli-
gious order and 3) the
solidarity of women
based on shared condi-
tions, experiences or con-
cerns. I think definition
number three best de-
scribes what I feel that
Sisterhood is to me.
Sisterhood embod-
ies the women of our
shul. We all have special
talents, areas of exper-
tise and most of all….life
CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER THE OHAVITE
Sisterhood
President
Fran Green
Executive
V.P.
Rona
Birnbaum
Treasurer
Sheri Balsam
Assistant V.P.
Kiddush and
Shalach Manot
Hope
Greenberg
V.P.
Programming
Adi Baron
Roni Cohen
Financial
Secretary
Debby
Braunstein
V.P. Kiddush
Robin Hauser
Gold Cards
Jessica Lerner
Yizkor Book
Stella Peretz
Membership
Dinner
Sheri Balsam
Sarah
Rubensohn
Simchat
Shabbos
Roni Cohen
Meet Some New Ohav Sholom Families
Page
6
The Gibson Family… Brette, Daniel and their
children Leorah age 8, Taliah age 4, moved from Queens
to Merrick after hearing wonderful things about Ohav
and the Merrick Community. Brette works as a Reading
Teacher for Chatteron Elementary School. Daniel works
as a School Psychologist. Leorah is attending third
grade at Schechter Day School and Taliah is in Pre-K at
Twin Oaks.
The Gibsons love to spend time together as a
family playing Wii video games and traveling to Los An-
geles to visit Daniel’s family, where they enjoy the warm
weather.
The Gibson family are happy to report that they
feel so welcomed at Ohav in such a short period of time.
Brette shared that ―the people of Ohav are so special
and we look forward to sharing many more years and
simchot together.‖
The Petlakh Family… Jenya and Leonard Pet
lakh, and their children, Daniel, age 10, and
Jonathan, age 6 have been living in Merrick
for 5 years.
Jenya works as a Bank underwriter. Leonard
is the JCC Exective Director in Kings Bay Brooklyn.
The boys attend Levy Lakeside Elementary School. As
a family, they enjoy going on trips, social events and
being involved in events that support Israel.
The family credits Rabbi Ebbin with attracting
them to Ohav. The Petlakh family are allergic to cats,
so all you cat lovers out there beware.
The Rakhimov Family… Yelana and
Roman have three children, Jennifer
age 12, Lauren age 9 & Jacob age 3.
Yelan works as a Finance Manager.
Roman runs his own optical store in
the Massapequa Mall.
The family moved to Merrick from Briar-
wood Queens 2 years ago. Yelana and Roman selected
Merrick because of it’s proximity to Roman’s work, it’s
good schools and the Jewish community.
The Rakhimov family chose to become members
of Ohav while looking for a Hebrew school for their
girls. Because Jennifer was almost 12 it was hard to
find a Hebrew school that would accept her. Ohav wel-
comed her with open arms.
Roman enjoys going skiing with the girls. They
also enjoy warm weather activities as a family at the
beach. The Rakhimov family are adventurous and like
to try different foods.
The Ruben Family… Gabe and
Laura moved to Merrick after living in a
co-op in Riverdale and running out of room
when their twins, were born. Laura grew up
in Merrick and wanted to return to her roots.
Matthew and Abbey are now 5 years old. Re-
cently, the Rubens welcomed a new addition, Hannah
Lilly, to their family. Mazal Tov!
After a short maternity leave, Laura has re-
turned to work as an Occupational Therapist for the
NYC Board of Education. Gabe graduated the Universi-
ty of Rochester with a BA in Japanese. He went on to
study Interior Design and Drafting at FIT. Currently
he is self employed as a construction project manager
though he is looking for full time employment. Mat-
thew and Abbey attend school at the JCC and Hannah
has a babysitter during the day.
The Ruben family enjoy coming to Ohav as
they and their children have made friends in shul.
Under Rabbi Ebbin‘s, tutelage, 8 new families have joined Ohav since August 2010. Here are some of them....
CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER THE OHAVITE
Mr. Jerome Schwartz… Briana, Samantha and
Tikvah Freidman’s grandfather recently joined Ohav
Sholom. Although Mr. Schwartz resides in Baldwin he
spends a lot of time with his grandchildren in Merrick
at the Freidman residence. He has attended a number
of Ohav events in support of his grandkids. We are hap-
py to welcome Mr. Schwartz to the Ohav family.
The Stern Family… We first met the
Stern family at the 2010 Annual Ohav
BBQ. It was at the BBQ that Atara
and Saul announced that they were
moving to Merrick on September 19th, right in the
middle of the Yom Tovim. The Sterns were attracted
to Ohav’s “Liberal, Modern-Orthodox Lifestyle”.
Atara is a Speech Language pathologist in a
school district grades K-5, and an Adjunct professor at
Adelphi University teaching speech and language
courses. Saul is a High School Business and English
teacher and an Adjunct college instructor.
The Sterns have 3 boys, Zachary, age 12, at-
tends Merrick Avenue Middle School, Jacob, age 10
and Noah, age 6 both attend HANC, West Hempstead
campus. As a family, they enjoy visiting Manhattan,
museums and parks.
The Sterns report they are happy in Merrick
and look forward to making new friends.
At the time of going to press one other new family was
unavailable for an interview. Please join us in wel-
coming: Gloria and Edward Lebeaux, and their chil-
dren, Jeffery, age 13 and Elizabeth, age 17 .
The Spiegel Family… Carmi and Rachel got
married in 1995 in New Haven Connecticut where Car-
mi was raised. Rachel grew up in Ra’anana Israel.
Their oldest, Ariel is looking forward to having her Bat
Mitzvah in Ohav at the end of May. Ariel is attending
Merrick Avenue Middle School. Their second, Zohar, will
be turning 6 in June and currently attends Lakeside
Elementary. Rachel is a stay-at-home mom. Carmi is a
Chef Concierge at The Manhattan Club Hotel in the city.
The Spiegel Family moved to Merrick at the end of 2009
from Kew Gardens, Queens.
Page
7 CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER THE OHAVITE
A Message from the Men’s Club
The Ohav Sholom Men's Club
will be holding our 1st Annual
Spirit Fest 2011. Look for more
announcements late winter.
SpiritFest 2011 is a Whiskey,
Wine, and Spirits tasting evening,
with lectures, discussions, givea-
ways, and unlimited tastings of
rare whiskeys, & fine wines.
STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFO
The 17th Annual Super Bowl Fund Raiser Party
at Congregation Ohav Sholom
Join us for Super Bowl XLV (45)
Sunday, February 6, 2011
starting at 5:30 pm
Watch the game on a huge screen and surround system.
Watch it with family and friends.
Giant SuperBowl 50/50 pool.
Only $20 per box (half the proceeds will go to the synagogue).
Even if you can‘t make the party – don‘t miss getting in on the pool!
Plenty of food & drink -
heroes, wings, chips, nuggets, chili, dips, soda and beer.
$20 admission per person, $10 per child under 13,
maximum of $50 per family. $25 for non member.
Sports memorabilia raffle – tickets to sporting events,
autographed items and other special prizes.
Babysitting will be provided.
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO CONGRGATION OHAV SHOLOM
RSVP Dave Denenberg 403-3298
Gary Friedman 650-7288
Ron Bekore 729-6118
Or e-mail [email protected]
PURIM WORD SEARCH — SEE HOW MANY WORDS YOU CAN FIND
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The words in the puzzle are:
AHASHEURUS
BIBLE
ESTHER
GRAGGER
HAMAN
HAMANTASCHEN
HOLIDAY
JEWISH
KING
MEGILLAH
MORDECHAI
PERSIA
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QUEEN SHUSHAN
TZEDAKAH
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WRITINGS
Sisterhood is taking up a
―Souper Bowl‖ collection.
Please bring canned soup to the
Super Bowl Party. For questions
contact Roni Cohen.
Congregation Ohav Sholom Youth (COSY)
Page
8 CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER THE OHAVITE
CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER THE OHAVITE Page
9
Congregation Ohav Sholom Youth (COSY)
Page
10
A Brand New Tradition at Ohav Sholom
O n Monday De-
cember 6th at 5:45pm brav-
ing the freezing cold temper-
atures Rabbi Ebbin and the
members of Ohav Sholom be-
gan a new annual tradition
of lighting our BRAND NEW
7 foot tall Menorah.
Joining Rabbi Ebbin in
the Menorah Lighting were
Dr. Mel Isaac’s, the Director
of Education at the Religious
School, the Religious School
teachers and students, Adam
Greenberg, President of
Ohav Sholom, Fran Green,
Sisterhood President, and
our resident legislative rep-
resentative Dave Denenberg.
At this inaugural me-
norah lighting, Rabbi Ebin
recounted how the Menorah
is to serve as a symbol to the
rest of the world that we are
proud to be Jewish and that
― Am Yisroel Chai‖ - the na-
tion of Israel is alive.
The aluminum meno-
rah stands seven feet tall and
was lit the old fashioned
way–with candles. The Me-
norah was commissioned by
long time member, Dr. Ari
Jurmann and his family, and
donated to Ohav.
CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER THE OHAVITE
All of us at Ohav would like to thank the
Jurmann’s for their generosity.
A Message from Rabbi Ebbin...
I would like to unveil our "Community of Learners" Project.
The program works very simply; You form together a group of
learners to meet in someone's home (aka chaburah), and I will help guide
you with sources and study materials on any Judaic Subject that you
choose. If you would like to join a group, please email me, or call the office
and we will help pair you up. This is not only a great way to study, but a
wonderful opportunity to connect new families with our congregation. It
is my hope to start a number of these programs throughout our congrega-
tional family, and create a "Community of Learners" in Merrick and Ohav.
News from Ohav Sholom’s Religious School
Page
11
CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER THE OHAVITE
The Chanukah Carnival and public Menorah lighting were a huge
success this year. Thank you to everyone who participated.
The following is a list of special programs were are working
on for the remainder of this school year. Please join us.
March 5 Shabbat. Aleph Induction.
March 6 Rosh Chodesh Assembly and Breakfast.
March 13 Gadna Program for Grades Gimmil to Vov.
March 8 Dr. Mel Isaac’s Megillah Class.
March 15 Dr. Mel Isaac’s Megillah Class.
March 20 Megillah reading and Purim Carnival.
March 27 Trip to Jewish Hall of Fame Daled –Vov.
March 27 PACE program. (Parent And Children
Education).
April 3 Rosh Chodesh Assembly and Breakfast.
April 10 Sunday. Charoses Bowl. (Passover
Game/Quiz show)
April 11 Model Seder.
May 2 Rosh Chodesh Assembly.
May 8 Yom Hazikaron Program.
May 9 Yom Ha'atz'maut Program.
May 14 Religious School Shabbat.
May 23 Lag B'Omer Field Day.
June 5 Salute to Israel Parade.
June 6 Last Day of School.
Vov Graduation Ceremony.
I love Ohav Hebrew School
because we have really cool
activities. My favorite ac-
tivity is when we make art
projects because they are
very creative. The art pro-
jects I like are crafting,
painting a menorah and
painting signs for the Israel
Day Parade…..
Jocelyn Cohn, age 9.
I love to learn the Hebrew Letters
and how to draw them. I love to read
stories and play games at Ohav’s Hebrew
School…...Maya Cohen, age 4.
Jewish Ethics and Values
Wednesdays at 8pm With Rabbi Ira Ebbin
Note changes!
Feb 9th - No class
Feb 16h -Organ Donation
Feb 23rd End of Life Issues –
Advance Directives
March 1 Ransoming Captives -
The Gilad Shalit Debate
2011 OHAV SHOLOM DINNER DANCE HONOREE AND AWARDEES
CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER THE OHAVITE Page
12
OHAV SHOLOM’S ANNUAL JOURNAL DINNER DANCE
APRIL 3, 2011
HONOREE DR. MEL ISAACS
FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO OHAV AND THE JEWISH COMMUNITY
Dr. Isaacs has much to be proud of when it comes to the accomplishments of his Religious School alumni, staff and lay leader-
ship. In his honor, the synagogue will present awards recognizing seven of these individuals for outstanding contributions to the
Jewish community. We hope to make this an Ohav tradition in years to come.
Alumni awards are being presented to five individuals who live up to and now spread the ideals found in our Religious School's
mission statement namely to: participate in and become part of the wider Jewish community, inspire a love of
Judaism, commitment to the land and people of Israel and to their local Jewish community.
These awards will be presented as follows:
Mr. Michael Alexander - Class of 1972 -
Award in recognition of contributing to the growth of a Jewish Community, Stamford, CT
Dr. Deborah Yanofsky Cohn - Class of 1975 -
Award in recognition of contributing to the Merrick Community
Dr. Marlene Galinkin Ruskin - Class of 1985 -
Award in recognition of contributing to Jewish Education in America
Rabbi Moshe Gordon - Class of 1984 -
Award in Recognition of contributing to Jewish Education in Israel
Prof. Adam Schonbrun - Class of 1975 -
Award in Recognition of his contribution to the Jewish Arts
A school is as good as its faculty, and most often teachers are not recognized
for their contributions and heart connections to their students. They are the ones who must car-
ry out the Mission Statement. So, we are recognizing the contributions of
Mrs. Bernice Carus Lite,
a veteran of 24 years and an outstanding music teacher.
Finally, lay leadership, as volunteers, are the stakeholders to insure continuity and also serve as the
liaison between the school and the congregational membership. We all know the contributions of
Les Grussgott, and this award is well deserved.
YASHER KOACH AND MAZAL TOV TO ALL RECIPIENTS
If you are an alumnus of the Religious School and would like to attend the dinner or
send congratulatory greetings to Dr. Isaacs and the awardees, please contact our Religious School Secretary,
Bonnie Errico at [email protected] for further information.
DR. MEL ISAACS SPEAKS OUT ON 50 YEARS IN JEWISH EDCUATION
I f there were a
hall of fame for
Jewish educa-
tors, Dr. Mel
Isaacs would be
enshrined among
the immortals.
The beloved prin-
cipal of our Reli-
gious School
holds the distinction of having educated
Jewish children throughout the NY area for
more than 50 consecutive years. Now that’s
a streak even baseball iron man Cal Ripken
Jr. would be envious of!
Dr. Isaacs is a graduate of Brooklyn
College (BA, MS) and received his Ed.D in
Jewish School Administration from Yeshiva
University. His professional career began
as a teacher at RJJ, The Rabbi Jacob Jo-
seph High School on the Lower East Side --
the same school he attended for both ele-
mentary and High School. Economic condi-
tions forced him to enter the public sector.
However, he remained connected to Jewish
education through his participation at vari-
ous day camps and at the Glenwood Jewish
Center. When he moved to West Hempstead
in 1967, Dr. Isaacs dreaded the long drive to
work in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. He trans-
ferred from teaching at PS 169 to the Mer-
rick School District. He also sought a se-
cond position at a Jewish supplementary
school. Two years later, Dr, Isaacs began
his long and storied affiliation with Ohav
Sholom.
On April 3, 2011, Dr. Mel Isaacs will
be the guest of honor at Ohav’s annual jour-
nal dinner. We recently caught up with our
legendary educator to reflect on a half cen-
tury in Jewish education and his fondest
memories at Ohav.
Q) For over 50 years, you have been a lead-
ing Jewish educator. What do you consider
to be the most crucial aspects of giving a
child a Jewish education?
A) The most crucial aspect is to have our
children truly love and identify with our
beautiful heritage. Many believe that cogni-
tive learning is more important than learn-
ing which encompasses an affective compo-
nent. If a child can gain the knowledge,
then he or she should become an active
member in the Jewish community. I firmly
believe that the affective domain plays a
more dominant role in the equation. If the
child does things that touch
him emotionally and spiritual-
ly, then his own curiosity and
love of his religious beliefs will
motivate him to learn more. On
the other hand, if a child does
not enjoy coming to Religious
School, he will be drawn to sec-
ular interests that might dis-
tance him from a vital connec-
tion to his people.
The second
important
ingredient
is the facul-
ty. A school
must have
teachers
who can connect with his/her
own inner child and truly un-
derstand what it is like to be
the student; to arouse curiosity
and interest in the learner that
will encourage class interac-
tion and participation. Chil-
dren are like flowers: If nur-
tured and loved, they will blos-
som.
Q) What do you see as the
greatest challenge of Jewish
education today?
A) The major challenge is to
have the parents partner in the
educational process of their
children's Jewish education.
Unfortunately, Religious
School is not given a high priority in most homes today.
It is looked upon as a "rite of
passage" to becoming a Bar
and Bat Mitzvah, and not as
the foundation of Jewish con-
nectedness. Nor is it viewed as
the beginning of a life-long
process of Jewish identity and
participation in Judaism, re-
gardless of one's degree of reli-
gious affiliation. Parents often
fail to realize that they are the
primary teachers for their chil-
dren. They must model the life-
style and religious beliefs for
their off-spring. A parent can-
not expect the school to fill the
void left empty by parents not
caring, or who are uninterest-
ed.
Q) You helped to run Ohav's
Religious School for some twen-
ty years, then moved on to work
at HANC. What brought you
back to Ohav?
A) I began working at Congre-
gation Ohav Sholom in Septem-
ber of 1969 in the capacity of a
teacher for five years, and the
principal for the next 20. In
1994 I returned to the Yeshiva
world to work at HANC as an
administrator. After 13 years, I
decided it was time to slow
down and made the decision to
retire. I happened to meet Ad-
am Marchuck at a simcha
around that juncture. He asked
me what I was doing with my
time besides traveling to visit
grandchildren in Israel and
London. I informed him that I
was interested in keeping a
hand in Jewish education, and
he asked me if I’d be interested
in returning. The rest is histo-
ry. I am so appreciative to re-
turn to the school, the syna-
gogue and congregational fam-
ily that I truly love.
Q) You've had the opportunity
to educate the children of
young men and women who
were once students at Ohav
long ago. What is that experi-
ence like?
A) Considering that I am still a
young man, it is hard to believe
that I have students in our Re-
ligious School whose grandfa-
thers were my students at RJJ.
Please remember I was just 4
years older then my students
Continued on page 13
Page
13 CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER THE OHAVITE
DR. MEL ISAACS SPEAKS OUT ON 50 YEARS IN JEWISH EDCUATION Continued
when I began my educational career. I
also marvel that so many of our former
students are now parents of students
that we have here at Ohav, and similar-
ly when I was with HANC. That feeling
cannot be put into words. The fact that
the goals we set for ourselves, which
are still part of our school's mission
statement, proves to us that we have
succeeded as an institution.
As an educator, I appreciate
that our school has made a difference in
the lives of so many of our graduates.
We see a continuity of our beautiful re-
ligious civilization into the next genera-
tion. We have former students who are
rabbinic leaders both here and in Isra-
el. Still others chose to become Jewish
educators. Some of our alumni reside in
Israel and are contributing to that
country's growth. Finally, so many are
actively involved with synagogues as
lay leaders and congregants, both here
in Merrick, and wherever else they may
reside. They are bringing up their chil-
dren as Jews and are making sure that
they are getting a similar or better edu-
cation than they were the recipients of.
That is the joy and nachas I continuous-
ly get. I am so fortunate to have made
this choice professionally. The reward
is immense.
Q) What are the greatest differences
between the Ohav school today VS the
way it was in your first tenure?
A) The difference, as I see it, is the
change in societal norms and values
and the pressures of every day life both
in and out of the home. Today's econom-
ic times demand that both parents
work, thus less time is given, both quan-
titatively and qualitatively, to the chil-
dren. Our students today are bombard-
ed with a multitude of choices; so many
activities that their heads must spin
from trying to keep up with all of the
demands and pressures. The Merrick-
Bellmore communities are also in tran-
sition. Our school was much larger
years ago. We had 2 sections on each
grade level with a student population
well over 300, and a high school of 90.
NCSY was housed in our building and
we were the beneficiaries of their pro-
grams. That impacted immensely on the
extra-curricular activities we offered
our students.
Q) What have been your most suc-
cessful programs that you've in-
stituted at the Ohav school?
A) I am most pleased about the
positive attitude toward a Jewish
education that our students took
with them upon graduating. The
fact that so many of our students
chose to continue in our High
School, then in the Community He-
brew High School after it was
founded 22 years ago. And still so
many others opted to continue
their studies in the Day School
movement. This attests to the suc-
cess of the many programs we in-
stituted over the course of these
many years. Programs are only as
good as our teachers who carry out
the philosophy of the school, so the
credit must go to them; the unsung
heroes and heroines who chose
teaching as a career.
Q) You've mentioned to me that
Jewish day school should be "fun"
for students in addition to it being
educational? How do you imple-
ment fun into a Hebrew curricu-
lum?
A) Students
should have fun
in school re-
gardless of
what is being
taught. I always
felt that teach-
ers, as facilita-
tors of learning, must be imagina-
tive in how they present material
and use the same guidelines when
having their students research and
present material. The teacher need
not be the only person presenting
factual information. Students can
work together in small groups,
then share with their classmates.
Experimentation and out of class-
room experiences enhance the pro-
cess. That "makes it fun."
Q) How important is the
study of Israel in the reli-
gious curriculum (both
historical and modern
day Israel)?
Both Rabbi Wohlberg
and I felt strongly about this
and, therefore, made this area
a cornerstone of the curricu-
lum. The State of Israel is the
homeland of and for the Jew-
ish people. It is extremely im-
portant to know where you
came from in order to know
where you are going. Blending
both the history of the past and
life in Israel today makes
sense. Our participation in the
Salute to Israel parade over
the years, our involvement
with the Jewish National
Fund, our participation in an
NCSY trip that included our
students as campers for a sum-
mer in Israel, as well as our
contributions to so many chari-
ties there, give our students a
level of comfort toward and
with our brothers and sisters
who make their home there.
We are proud of the fact that
several of our alumni live there
and are still in contact with us.
So many have gone to Israel to
visit as adults. Again, if we are
successful in effecting an emo-
tional connection to the curric-
ulum, it lasts forever.
Q) It's been said that having a
community Hebrew school for
the Merrick-Bellmore commu-
nities was a dream of yours
from the outset. Has this
dream been fully realized?
A) Absolutely! Ohav had the
largest high school at the time
some 22 years ago. So many of
both our own students and
those of the three other local
synagogue schools were drop-
ping out after their final year.
The feeling was that these stu-
dents, who were spending their
days together in public school,
could be the recipients of a
Jewish education and have a
place to socialize in the same
building that was the impetus
to this idea. We worked togeth-
er as a community to make this
a reality. Besides hiring
Continued on page 14
CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER THE OHAVITE 14
DR. MEL ISAACS SPEAKS OUT ON 50 YEARS IN JEWISH EDCUATION Continued
professional staff, all four rabbis and prin-
cipals were instructors. The students were
afforded the opportunity of a diverse Jew-
ish curriculum.
That first year we thought that if
we had 120 students, we would be success-
ful. We enrolled over 150 and have not
dipped below that number since. We gradu-
ate our students at age 16. We then offer a
post graduation course to those who are
juniors and seniors and who wish to contin-
ue in a more intense course of study. They
are able to gain college credits for those
two years. We still have as many as 30 stu-
dents each year who take advantage of this
opportunity. Besides getting an education
and learning about the different paths
within Judaism, it affords our teenagers a
place to socialize within the walls of a Jew-
ish institution.
Q) Ohav Sholom promotes itself as a warm,
welcoming Orthodox congregation with ac-
ceptance of people from a wide array of
backgrounds. Does the Ohav Religious
School mirror this open-arms philosophy?
A) Why would it be any different? We are
the only school I am aware of that accepts
non-member children to attend. Besides, we
concentrate on the affective, the emotional
component of our religious beliefs that
make it inherent to be open, warm, compas-
sionate and understanding.
Q) What does it mean to you
to be honored by Ohav at
the annual journal dinner
this year?
A) I am deeply honored to
be the recipient of this
award since it sheds light
on the wonderful accom-
plishments of our school. We
have always been at the forefront of the
cutting edge as a school, and we’ve been
recognized for our contributions to the
field by the Board of Jewish Education, the
Educator's Council of America, The Jewish
Agency and Yeshiva University. We have
been noted as a model school that has been
replicated across this country. This honor
gives recognition to all of us as an educa-
tional institution, which includes; the ad-
ministration, the faculty, the alumni and
the lay leadership. I am privileged to be
part of this communal honor.
OHAV ALUMNI
We are organizing an alumni association and hope to have a reunion this
Spring. Over the past 40 years we have graduated well over 900 students.
If you know the whereabouts of a former graduate of either the Religious
School or High School, please go to http://www.ohav.org/hebrew-school-
alumni-association and fill in the form, and bring it to the Ohav office.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER THE OHAVITE Page
15
When asked to name a few of his most treasured memories at Ohav, Dr. Mel
Isaacs responded: ―There are so many highlights over these many years that
come to mind. My recalling them all would fill volumes. However the short
list includes, in no particular order:‖
Creating the New Opportunities Program (NOP) at HANC to accom-
modate graduates of our Religious School that wanted to continue their
studies in a day school setting.
Participating in the Salute to Israel Day parade for almost two decades,
then winning an award last June after a hiatus of 15 years.
Our school's involvement in the March for Soviet Jewry, and all of the
students wearing bracelets for Russian Refuse-nicks.
The success of our Community Hebrew High School.
Participating in the many Shabbatonim, both in Merrick and places like
Silver-Spring, MD, Brookline, Mass. & Boro Park.
Enabling beginning success with JEP & NCSY. Use of our school prem-
ise as their first partners in extra-curricular activities. Enhancement our
children's learning through informal education.
Our school‘s involvement in the International Bible Contest, and hav-
ing several of our students reach the final round
here in America. Pauline Fein, presently in Vov,
placed third last year. The most significant was
having one of our students, Dawn Friedman, win and represent all
of the Day and Supplementary Schools from the United States in
Israel. She placed 16th worldwide.
The award winning school choir that was led by Bernice Lite.
Being the first Hebrew School to implement classes for educationally
challenged students, and for the physically disabled.
Ohav Sholom being the first Hebrew School to have its own computer
room long before it was fashionable or standardized.
The many events surrounding the life cycle and holidays.
The memorable graduation ceremonies & Aleph Inductions.
The Charoses Bowl –continuous without interruption for 37 years.
The Parent and Child Education Programs (PACE).
Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach visiting and entertaining our students.
Our receiving the first ―School of the Year Award‖ by the Board of
Jewish Education of Greater New York.
PARSHAT KI TISA: A COMMUNAL PRAYER - A SECRET WEAPON
CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER THE OHAVITE
I n the scene of the
Golden Calf, Moshe finds him-
self at a crossroads. On the
one hand he has to defend the
honor of His G-d, who’s de-
filement by the Jewish people
is compared to a bride being
unfaithful at the wedding alter
(Midrash). On the other hand
he has to defend his flock, of
which G-d wants to destroy in
vengeance for their infidelity.
Moshe chooses to
defend his people, using the
thirteen attributes of G-d to
evoke His mercy. He pleads
with G-d using any argument
he can find, beseeching Him to
grant another chance to the
nation.
In the midst of this
chaotic scene, the text seems
to take a short break from the
commotion, and we are con-
fronted with a fascinating dia-
logue between Moshe and
G-d. ―And now, If I may find
favor in Your eyes, please let
me know your ways‖ (Shemot
33:12), asks Moshe to G-d. To
which G-d replies that ―No
one can see my ways and live
(33:20)‖. However, G-d then
proposes a compromise, of-
fering Moshe the opportunity
to see His ―back‖ The com-
mentaries spend much ink
attempting to explain this very
enigmatic scene, with the Tal-
mud (Brachot 7A) even ex-
plaining Moshe’s inquiries in
the context of the timeless
paradox of theodicy. Regard-
less of the true meaning of the
discussion, the dialogue itself
seems out of place. Why is
this deep theological discus-
sion placed smack in the mid-
dle of one of the most signifi-
cant events in our history?
Why does the Torah seeming-
ly take a break from the story
to discuss Moshe’s grappling
with G-d’s mysteries other
theological challenges?
Perhaps we can un-
derstand our question if we
return back to the context.
Moshe is placed in a situation
that he has never found him-
self in. The Jews have rebelled,
and they have painted them-
selves in a corner in the eyes
of G-d. For the very first time,
Moshe finds himself needing
to protect his herd. Until
now, Moshe is strictly as-
signed to either to perform a
miracle against the Egyptians,
or act as a messenger for G-d
as the provider for His peo-
ple. Even at the scene just
prior to the splitting of the
Red Sea, when Moshe breaks
into prayer for Divine inter-
vention, he is immediately
rebuked as G-d explains,
―Why are you crying to
me‖ (Shemot 14:15). Now, at
the scene of the Golden Calf,
Moshe finds himself as the
only advocate that the Jewish
people have, and for the very
first time, he prays on their
behalf.
It is at this point that
not only are Moshe’s prayers
heard, but his petitioning G-d
to forgive the people has a
dramatic affect. Moshe sees
the door in his relationship
with G-d open wider than it
has ever before. The Midrash
describes debates and discus-
sions that Moshe has with the
Angels on top of Mount Sinai,
when his physical presence
was taken up to heaven. Now
however, after crying on behalf of the Jewish people, Moshe
discovers an even closer relationship with his Creator. As the
verse describes; following his initial Prayes for the nation
―And G-d spoke to Moshe face to face, like a man speaks to
his friend‖ (Shemot 33:11). Almost immediately, Moshe seiz-
es this new opportunity to form an even closer bond to the
Creator and asks G-d to reveal the innermost secrets of His
plan for the universe, and how He governs the world.
In the third chapter of Tractate Rosh Hashana
(29A), the Mishnah recapitulates the scene of the Battle with
Amalek from Parshat Beshalach. ―And it was when Moshe’s
hands were raised the nation was strengthened, and when his
hands fell down then Amelek was strengthened‖ (Shemot
17:11) Asks the Mishnah, is it possible that the hands of
Moshe will make or break the victories of the Jewish people?
Rather as long as the Jewish people direct their eyes on their
father in heaven they will be successful, and as long as they
do not they will not be successful.
Perhaps we can understand this Mishnah from a dif-
ferent perspective. Why are the Jewish people encouraged by
Moshe’s hands to look heavenward? Because when one focus
his eyes in an upward direction, it becomes impossible to
look at oneself. How often are we encompassed with our
own concerns and problems? The Mishnah tells us to stop
worrying about our own troubles, and start worrying about
other people’s issues. And by doing this, explains the Mish-
nah, it will dictate success for our people’s regardless of the
adversary and adversity.
As the scene within the sin of Golden Calf teaches
us, the path to G-d leads through selflessness. Our Prayers in
the Amidah are all impersonal. Rather they are stated Bela-
shon Rabim, in plural tense, on behalf of the entire people.
When we pray and act on behalf of the kahal, the congrega-
tion, with sincerity, ignoring our own personal concerns that
all of us have, then we can attain a spiritual level that could
not be attained otherwise. As Moshe teaches us, the power
of prayer on behalf of others is beyond explanation, and it
can take use to the greatest heights in our relationship with
G-d.
―These are destined for everlasting life...the one who
bring merit to the masses, like the stars that give light forever and
ever.‖ (Daniel 12:2-3).
By Rabbi Ebbin
16
The congregation would like to thank those individuals
who have helped with Kiddush in the month of January :
Fran Green for organizing, shopping and prepping,
Shoppers: Bella Baruch, Sheri Balsam,
Chevi Ebbin, Phyllis Hauser, Jordan Smith
Preppers: Alana Green, Phyllis Hauser,
Rona Birnbaum, Nelly Cohen, Edie Laby
& Linda Marshal
PURIM - A BEAUTIFUL SCRIPT CALLED LIFE
CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER THE OHAVITE
W hen reading a
novel, I always find myself
tempted to skip till the end of
the book. It takes all of my
will power to prevent myself
from just skimming through
it till the last chapter. I al-
ways feel the need to know
how things will work out, and
be assured of the fate of my
favorite characters.
It’s a natural tenden-
cy to want to know how
things will turn out. As edu-
cated and empowered people,
we are so accustomed to try-
ing to foresee the end
through projections and bot-
tom lines. Life, on the other
hand, more often than not,
humbles us all in our predic-
tions. Life is the greatest nov-
el of all. It’s filled with twists
and turns that keep us all at
the edge of our seats. But
there are no prophets to tell
us the future, and no last
chapter to tell us how every-
thing will ultimately fall into
place. We are forced to anx-
iously wait till the scenes
play through, unable to cheat
neither ourselves, nor the
Author, by finding out the
conclusion prematurely.
In the story of Purim
we are reminded that there is
truly a script in the beautiful
play we call life. During the
period between the first and
the second Temples, the Jew-
ish people find themselves at
the brink of annihilation due
to the plans of the evil villain
Haman. A series of events led
by our heroes Mordechai and
Esther turn the story upside
down, and the destruction is
turned into a salvation.
Esther’s name in
Hebrew means hidden, and
our tradition points to the
irony that G-d hid his face
throughout the story of Pu-
rim never showing His hand
via a miracle like the other
holidays. In fact, you will not
find even once the name of G-
d mentioned in the Megillah,
(Go check. I dare you.) a rep-
resentation that He never
openly revealed Himself
throughout the entire story.
It is a reminder of the Bibli-
cal term, Hester Panim,
where G-d pledges to hide his
face from the world in re-
sponse to the population and
specifically the Jewish people
turning their faces away from
Him.
Yet, it is this fact
that centers around the true
meaning of the Holiday of
Purim. The Holiday does not
provide us with the type of
Hollywood and drama as
Passover, nor the lights, cam-
eras and miracles of Hanu-
kah. It is just a script; a
beautiful play that comes
together without any fanfare
or miracles. It’s just a script
and a play with G-d remind-
ing us that despite what the
forecasters predict, and de-
spite what everyone and eve-
rything is pointing to, the sun
will come out tomorrow. One
does not need miracles to
know there is an ultimate
divine plan.
Mordechai reminds
Esther of the idea of this ulti-
mate plan, one that will occur
whether she accepts her de-
signed role or someone else is
cast into it in her stead. “For
if you remain silent now, then
relief and deliverance will
come to the Jews from anoth-
er place” A salvation will
come to the Jewish people
one way or another he tells
Esther. We think we are in
control of the conclusion but
in fact we are just part of
the script. The only choic-
es we have, Mordechai
tells Esther, is
which role we are willing to take.
In the end, the holiday of Purim is celebrated
through frivolity, and drinking. It is a celebration that de-
spite our arrogance and our brilliance and our need to
know, it doesn’t really matter how smart we are, the script
will ultimately play out. Our free choice allows us and
should encourage us to take on important roles in that plan,
but our control over the outcome of the novel is minimal. As
the wise King Solomon wrote, “Many thoughts are in the
heart of man, but the plans of G-d are what is everlast-
ing” (Proverbs 19:21).
And even if we are unable to see G-d the way our
ancestors did before us, with open miracles, it doesn’t in
anyway mean that He is not there. To be hidden just means
to be unable to be seen, but nonetheless very present. On
Purim we celebrate by throwing out all of our convictions
and senses, thus admitting to G-d that our fancy forecasts
and predictions are irrelevant, and He is the only one who
will bring His script to fruition.
Don’t try to skip ahead. Try celebrating Purim the
prescribed way and just enjoy life knowing that the good
guys will ultimately win.
Purim Somayach,
Rabbi Ira Ebbin
By Rabbi Ebbin
17
Did You Know? Facts and Folklore about Purim
CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER THE OHAVITE 18
Did you know that the word Purim is Hebrew for "lots"? The name of the holiday refers to the plot of the king's advisor, Haman, to draw lots for
which Jews to kill first. He planned to massacre all the Jews. Esther, one of the king's wives and a Jewess herself, saved the Jewish people from Haman's "lots" plot by reveal-ing it to the king.
Did you know that the expression "the whole megillah" comes from the
holiday of Purim? On Purim, the story of Esther is read from a scroll known as a megillah. The whole megillah must be read
twice on Purim, once at night and once the following morning. Purim, like all Jewish holidays, runs for approxi-
mately 25 hours, beginning at sunset.
Did you know that Purim is one of the most joyous holidays in the Jewish religion?
So joyous, in fact, that the rabbis have actually commanded adults to get drunk on the holiday of Purim to the point that you can’t tell the difference between the names of the hero of the Purim story, Mordechai, and its villain, Haman.
Did you know Jewish people have a custom of Tzedakah on Purim? The specific proscription is to give three half-dollar coins, symbolizing that the giver is part of the larger whole. Everyone, rich and poor alike, is required to give the same amount on Purim, since everyone has an equal role in the destiny of the Jewish people.
Did you know that Purim is celebrated during a Jewish leap month? The holiday falls on the 14th of the month of Adar. When there is a leap year, there are two Adars (Adar Aleph and Adar Bet). Purim is celebrated in Adar Bet during a leap year.
Did you know that in walled cities, like the Persian city in which the story of Purim first took place, Purim is celebrated a day later, on the 15th of Adar? Today, the only recognized walled cities celebrating the later Purim date are Jerusalem, Hebron and the Old City of Tzfat in northern Israel.
Did you know that the holiday of Purim begins on the 13th of Adar (regardless of whether or not you
live in a walled city) with the Fast of Esther? In Hebrew, this fast is known as Ta'anit Esther. The day-long fast commemorates Esther's three-day fast before
she revealed her true identity to the king and pleaded for her people's safety.
Did you know that Purim is one of the only Jewish holidays not commanded in the Torah? The holiday can trace its roots to the Talmudic period. The earliest known cele-
bration of Purim was in the 2nd century CE.
Did you know that there is a town in Missouri called Esther?
There is also one in Louisiana.
SHRINES OF OUR PATRIACHS - MYSTERIES IN HISTORY
PART 1—MORDECHAI AND ESTHER
CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER THE OHAVITE
Recently, Ohav's
own Samantha Friedman
took on a special "chesed"
project as part of her becom-
ing a Bat Mitzvah. Many chil-
dren of this age often choose
to raise money for worthy
causes. Others donate their
time visiting the sick, the
needy and the aged. Saman-
tha's project was particularly
unique, as it involved no in-
teraction with people in need.
Instead, she elected to visit a
number of local Jewish ceme-
teries. Her mission: to help
clean up the burial sites of
our predecessors; to clear
away overgrown shrubbery
and to beautify the final rest-
ing place of generations gone
by. It is Samantha's wonder-
ful tribute to our Jewish her-
itage that has provided the
inspiration for this first fea-
ture in a series of stories and
legends about the final rest-
ing places of our patriarchs.
The Tomb Of Mordechai
And Esther - Hamadan,
Iran (Persia)
I first learned of the
tomb of Mordechai and Es-
ther from an Iranian immi-
grant with whom I worked
back in 1996. "Robbie" would
tell me many stories about
his family's brave escape
from Iran to America in the
early 1980s. He occasionally
would shed a tear when
speaking about his relatives
and friends who were left
behind in a country so hateful
to the few remaining Jews.
But when the holiday of Pu-
rim came around, Robbie
would liven up with tales
from his youth. He'd tell us
what it was like to celebrate
Purim in Persia -- the place
where it all took place.
At the centerpiece of
Robbie's Purim stories was a
tradition I'd never heard of,
at a place I never knew exist-
ed -- a gathering at the tomb
of Mordechai and Esther to
hear the reading of the Megil-
lah. Robbie would describe in
vivid detail the festive nature
in which hundreds of Iranian
Jews would flock - many in
costume - to hear the story of
Queen Esther beneath the
dome of her final resting
place. And next to Esther, her
Uncle Mordechai, the man
who guided her in a valiant
attempt to save the Jews of
Persia from
extinction
more than
two thous-
and years
ago.
"But we
never
learned
about this
place in yeshiva," I protested.
"And it's not mentioned in
the Megillah. We heard of the
Tomb of Rachel, the Tomb of
King David. But the tomb of
Esther..."
"That's probably
because
none of
your
teachers
ever vis-
ited Iran,"
Robbie shot back. "Since the
1979 revolution, and even
before that, Iran hasn't exact-
ly been a hotbed for Jewish
tourism. Israel? Everyone's
been there. But Iran? Jews
have had a horrible time get-
ting out for so long. Getting
in really isn't an option. Still,
Iran is Persia... or
Shushan from ancient times.
The tomb of Esther is proba-
bly the most
important of
these places.”
Indeed, for
centuries, the
Jews of Iran
have been flocking to the
Tomb of Esther, and not just
for Purim. Bris's, Bar Mitz-
vahs, weddings and other
religious rituals have taken
place at this historic shrine. From the outside, this stone
structure appears as though
it dates back many centuries.
Historians say it was built
above the underground
graves of our Purim protago-
nists some five to seven hun-
dred years ago. The dome
that crowns the mausoleum
was said to have once been
covered in blue tiles. Howev-
er, most have fallen away
through the years. The inside
houses a sitting room, a small
sanctuary, and the main
chamber featuring two above-
ground
wooden
coffins
covered
in bri-
ghtly
colored cloths. The ornate
coffins are said to be symbol-
ic, resting several feet above
the actual graves of Mor-
dechai and Esther. Hebrew
lettering is inscribed on the
walls above, along with a
wooden cabinet that houses a
300 year old torah scroll.
Oral tradition of Ira-
nian Jews has been passed
down through the centuries
about this sacred landmark.
The story most commonly
told is that Esther and Mor-
dechai -- after living out their
years at the royal palace --
were buried in the city of
Shushan (now Hamadan),
next to one another. The
shrine above their graves
was built many years later
by the Persian Jewish com-
munity. It was destroyed in
the 14th century by Mongo-
lian invaders, but rebuilt in
1602 according to archeolo-
gists. In the early 1970s,
the Iranian Jewish Society
commissioned architect
Yassi (Elias) Gabby to ren-
ovate the historic site.
Houses around the tomb
were demolished, making
the shrine more accessible
from the nearby street. An
underground synagogue
chapel was also built for
worshipers featuring a sky-
light in the shape of a Star
of David. Some say that
this unique Jewish Star is
the only one visible from
space. The plaza outside
the old structure is clut-
tered with dozens of an-
cient Jewish grave stones.
Through the centuries,
some prominent local Jews
apparently managed to
secure burial plots outside
the shrine -- a place they
considered holier than the
main Jewish cemetery in
Hamadan.
Sadly, there is no
documentation to verify
that this ancient tomb is
indeed the authentic burial
site of Queen Esther and
her uncle, Mordechai. In
Israel, a competing legend
identifies the final resting
place of Queen Esther and
Mordechai as being on the
outskirts of the village of
Baram, in the upper Gali-
lee, near Safed. In the year
1215, Rabbi Menachem
A brief introduction…
Continued on page 17
By Lonnie Ostrow
19
Page
20
MAZAL TOV TO THE B’NEI MITZVOT OF 2010
CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER THE OHAVITE
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Kauderer 1/23/2010 Daniel
Mr. & Mrs. Jay (Ilana) Greenblatt SAT - 4/10/2010 Ayelet
Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Beris SUN - 5/16/2010 Jessica
Mr. & Mrs. Adam Marchuck (Debra) SAT - 5/22/2010 Jeremy
Mr. & Mrs. Irwin Marc Fessler SAT - 6/5/2010 Jordan
Mrs. Iris Zucker Sun – 6/6/2010 Amanda
Mr. & Mrs. David (Lyssa) Eshel Sun – 9/26/2010 Daniel
Mr. Vadim Lampert (as of 2/4/10) SAT - 10/9/2010 Lior
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel & Gabrielle Pauly SAT - 10/16/2010 Eric
Mr. & Mrs. Gary (Arlene) Friedman
SAT/SUN - 10/23 &
10/24/2010 Samantha
We Look Forward to Celebrating the following Simchot in 2011:
SHRINES OF OUR PATRIACHS - MYSTERIES IN HISTORY
PART 1—MORDECHAI AND ESTHER Continued
Ha-Hevroni wrote that
while visiting the Galilee,
he came across the tomb
of Queen Esther, "who,
during her lifetime, had
instructed her son Cyrus
to bring her there for buri-
al." Israeli settlers in
years that followed have
written about holding spe-
cial celebrations at that
location on Shushan Pu-
rim (the day after Purim).
This alternate tomb of
Queen Esther is believed
to be located in the ruins
of a building found in the
Baram National Park.
For historical
purposes, it would be com-
forting to know if either of
these two sites is indeed
the true burial location of
our Purim patriarchs.
However, to the handful of
remaining Jews in Iran,
the tomb of Mordechai
and Esther represents so
much more than simply
an ancient burial ground.
For centuries, it has been
a place of prayer, gather-
ing and observance -- a
centerpiece of Jewish life
in a nation where Juda-
ism teeters on the brink of
extinction some 2,500
years after Haman hung
from the gallows.
WISHING
EVERYONE
A
HAPPY
PURIM.
MARCH
19th & 20th
2011
Continued from page 16
Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey & Miriam Smith 1/17/2011 Daniel
Mr. & Mrs. Adam & Suzanne Egert 5/7/2011 Sam
Mr. & Mrs. Carmi & Rachel Spiegel (Sunday) 5/29/2011 [Bat] Ariel
Mr. & Mrs. Joel (Tina) Block
party @Ohav Bar Mitzvah in Israel 6/4/2011 Michael
Mr. & Mrs. George (Ruth) Klein (Saturday) 6/11/2011 Jade
Mr. & Mrs. Mark & Audrey Weitz (Thurs) 9/1/2011 Joshua
Mr. & Mrs. Ira & Sheri Balsam 9/17/2011 Sara
Mr. & Mrs Jacques & Jacqueline Me-
hani 10/29/2011 David
Mr. & Mrs. David & Rachel Kazan 10/30/2011 Alyssia
Mr. & Mrs. Steve & Roberta Gochman 11/5 & 11/6/2011 Lauren
Mr. & Mrs. Ariel & Dalia Jurmann 11/26/2011 Noa
“ DON’T
PASSOVER
THIS
HOLIDAY
WITHOUT
GOING TO
A SEDER”
If you or
anyone you
know is available
to host or be
hosted for either
the first or se-
cond Seder,
please contact
the
synagogue
office
or
YAHRZEITS
CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER THE OHAVITE
Deceased Relationship Observer English Date
Yahrzeits for: Saturday 2/5/2011
Dora Engelstein Mother of Mrs Miriam Wohlberg 2/5/1992
Anna Friedman Mother of Mr. Herbert Friedman 2/24/1982
Rabbi Harry Wohlberg Father of Rabbi Jeremiah Wohlberg
2/4/1984
Yahrzeits for: Monday 2/7/2011
Jeremiah Rosenfeld Father of Mrs. Beverly Barkan 2/10/1997
Yahrzeits for: Wednesday 2/9/2011
Julius Solomon Father of Mr. Mark Solomon 2/27/2001
Yahrzeits for: Thursday 2/10/2011
Alice Margolin Mother of Mrs. Laurie Fensterstock 2/15/2005
also Mother of Dr. Jeffrey Margolin 2/15/2005
Yahrzeits for: Monday 2/14/2011
Anna Shapiro Grandmother of Ms. Renee Sandler 2/18/1959
Yahrzeits for: Tuesday 2/15/2011
Rhoda Deane Mother-in-Law of Mrs. Edith Deane 2/16/1970
Yahrzeits for: Thursday 2/17/2011
Pauline Jurmann Mother-in-Law of Dr. Judith Jurmann
3/5/1985
Isadore Weiss Father-in-Law of Mr. David Zwerin 2/27/1991
Diana Clement Mother of Mrs. Cindee Cohen 3/13/2006
Yahrzeits for: Friday 2/18/2011
Eugene Berger Father of Mr. Lawrence Berger 3/6/1985 Ben
Dervin Father of Mrs. Ellyn Dorfman 2/18/1981
Sophie Kuhl Mother-in-Law of Mrs. Honey Kuhl 2/14/1995
Claire Liebowitz Wife of Mr. Irving Liebowitz 3/13/2006
Yahrzeits for: Sunday 2/20/2011
Mary Van Dyke Mother of Mrs. Betty Gordon 3/17/1949
Yahrzeits for: Monday 2/21/2011
Helen Belkin Mother of Mrs. Marilyn Abramowitz 3/3/2010
Hinda Yahrzeits for: Tuesday 2/22/2011
Abraham Sturm Father of Mr. Wallace Sturm 3/7/1950
Yahrzeits for: Wednesday 2/23/2011
Jacob Goldman Husband of Mrs. Lucille Goldman 3/17/1998
Yacov Moshe Ben Yisrael Shimeon also Father of Mrs. Janice Cepler 3/17/1998
Yacov Moshe Ben Yisrael Shimeon Yahrzeits for: Sunday 2/27/2011
Ruth Eneman Cousin of Mr. Wallace Sturm 2/29/2000
Deceased Relationship Observer English Date
Yahrzeits for: Wednesday 3/2/2011
Murray Beck Father of Mrs. Alma Greenberg 2/27/1976
Yahrzeits for: Thursday 3/3/2011
David Ehrlich Father of Mrs. Cindy Knoll 3/27/2006
Yahrzeits for: Friday 3/4/2011
Abraham Sam Graber Father of Mr. Jack Graber 3/15/1999
Avraham Ben Mordechai Yahrzeits for: Saturday 3/5/2011
Beatrice Salzman Mother of Mr. Philip Salzman 3/6/2000
also Mother of Mrs. Doreen Gold 3/6/2000
Frances Sheer Mother of Mr. Arthur Sheer 3/3/1984
Hillel Weinstein Brother of Mr. Haim Weinstein 3/30/1987
Yahrzeits for: Wednesday 3/9/2011
Jerry Rosenfeld Father of Mr. Harold Rosenfeld 3/12/1997
Yermiyahu Ben Avigdor Israel
Yahrzeits for: Wednesday 3/16/2011
Kenneth Danow Father of Mrs. Jessica Lerner 3/13/2003
Yekutiel Shmuel Hakohain Kohen
Yahrzeits for: Tuesday 3/22/2011
Philip J. Cohen Father-in-Law of Mrs. Paula Cohen
3/20/1973
Yahrzeits for: Saturday 3/26/2011
Jacob Haden
Greenberg
Son of Hope and Adam Greenberg 3/31/2005
Yahrzeits for: Friday 4/1/2011
Abraham Whitcup Father of Mrs. Evelyn Joseph 4/5/1959
Yahrzeits for: Sunday 4/3/2011
Simon Greenberg Father of Mr. William Greenberg
4/9/1967
Yahrzeits for: Wednesday 4/6/2011
Maurice Matalon Brother of Mrs. Gloria Cohen 3/24/1936
Moshe Yahrzeits for: Thursday 4/7/2011
Beckie Feldberg Mother of Mrs. Belle Hecht 3/30/1933
Yahrzeits for: Friday 4/15/2011
Harold Arbiter Father of Mrs. Penny Amouyal 4/1/1985
Max Blau Father of Mrs. Fran Alexander 3/29/1977
David Jacobowitz Father of Mrs. Frieda Stein 3/28/1980
*----Yahrzeit is being observed on the Gregorian Date
Continued on page 20
Are you looking for a great way to honor
someone or to commemorate a Yahrtzeit?
Sponsor a Shalosh Seudot meal.
Page
21
Have you thought about leaving a bequest to the shul?
Our future may depend on it. Please call Rabbi Ebbin
at 516-378-1988
CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER THE OHAVITE
YAHRZEITS
CONDOLENCES January 2010-January 2011
FEBRUARY
Annabelle Friedlander, mother of Fred & Russell Friedlander
MARCH
Helen Belkin, mother-in-law of Marilyn Abramowitz
APRIL
Israel Rubinstein, father of Helene Pitzer
MAY
Molly Egert, mother of Bill Egert
Miriam Jacobs, mother of David Jacobs
Alice Janover–Kahn, mother of Barbara Goodman
David Henry, father of Ilissa Schoenberg
JULY
Hinda Abramowitz, wife of Herb Abramowitz
AUGUST
Edgar Cohn, father of Barry Cohn
SEPTEMBER
Leah Matthews, grandmother of Cara Denenberg
OCTOBER
Joel Hoffman, Husband of Bea Hoffman
Paul Friedman, Husband of Ruth Friedman
Jerome Zwerin, brother of David Zwerin
Stanley Moldwin, father-in-law of Rebecca Moldwin
NOVEMBER
Fred Margulies, husband of Miriam Margulies
Jean Friedman, mother of Gary Friedman
Miriam Glass, wife to Morris Glass, mother to Sam, Victor and Allen
Matthew Lerner on the passing of his grandfather
Jay Joseph, husband to Evelyn Joseph
Susan Cohen, sister to Harry & Sam Adwar
DECEMBER
Dr. Paul "Doc" Friedman
David Cohen, brother to Allen Cohen
Inbal Amouyal, niece of Jacob and Penny Amouyal
Gussie Spear, mother of Larry Spear
Milton Povil, stepfather to Carol Goldschein
Lillian Walfish, wife to David Walfish
Patrick Ilanes, on the passing of his mother
JANUARY
Francine Citron, wife of Charles Citron
Freda Braunstein, mother of Michael Braunstein
Deceased Relationship Observer English Date
Yahrzeits for: Sunday 4/17/2011
Sabina Pechter Mother of Mr. Bernard Pechter 4/5/1982
Yahrzeits for: Monday 4/18/2011
Carolyn Naomi
Schwartz
Mother of Mrs. Arlene Friedman 4/15/2003
Yahrzeits for: Tuesday 4/19/2011
Philip Stein Husband of Mrs. Frieda Stein 4/14/1995
Yahrzeits for: Wednesday 4/20/2011
Emanuel Hecht Husband of Mrs. Belle Hecht 4/11/1971
Yahrzeits for: Monday 4/25/2011
Benjamin Harbus Father of Mrs. Goldie Steinberg
4/13/1974
David Rosenbloom Father of Mr. Michael Rosenbloom
4/17/1998
Yahrzeits for: Tuesday 4/26/2011
Mildred Meyer Mother of Mrs. Sandra Otterman 4/8/1980
Claire Sheinbaum Mother of Mrs. Miriam Baruch
4/26/1981
Yahrzeits for: Saturday 4/30/2011
Sylvia Edelman Mother of Mrs. Deanna Levine 4/19/1982
Yahrzeits for: Sunday 5/1/2011
Anna Lashinsky Mother of Mrs. Bernice Greene 4/9/2002
Chana Bat Berel Florence B. Cohen Mother of Mr. Allen Cohen 4/21/2009
Frahdel Bluma Yahrzeits for: Monday 5/2/2011
Jack Auerbach Uncle of Mr. Herman Alexander 4/24/1998
Helene Blau Mother of Mrs. Fran Alexander 5/7/2005
Yahrzeits for: Wednesday 5/4/2011
Abe Krieger Father of Dr. Allan Krieger 4/19/1996
Hattie Udelsman Mother of Mrs. Marion Metviner
4/12/1983
Yahrtzeit Memorial
New plaques on electronic memorial board: Lower 20 Rows: $500 All other rows $350
To move existing plaques to the new memorial board: Lower 20 rows: $150 per plague All other rows $36 per plaque
Purchases/transfers can be made at the shul office or at http://www.ohav.org/memorial/
*----Yahrzeit is being observed on the Gregorian Date
Page
22
CONDOLENCES
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
SISTERHOOD
Any ladies who have not been getting the
Sisterhood e-mails and would like to be added
to the email list, please email
Fran Green at [email protected]
SiSterhood’S
next Book Club selection:
The Man in the White Sharkskin Suit: A
Jewish Family's Exodus from Old Cairo to the
New World by Lucette Lagnado.
http://www.amazon.com/Man-White-
Sharkskin-Suit-Familys/dp/0060822120
Date and Time of Meeting TBA.
Upcoming Sisterhood Programs
March 9th - Chocolate Making Party 7:30pm
March 13th -Shalach Manot Packing
April 6th - Help knit/crochet/ Wrap blankets for
We Care Blankets. More details to follow
CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER THE OHAVITE
Rabbi Ebbin will be hosting Friday Night Oneg Shabbat's at his house for kids.
This is a great opportunity to hang out, play games, and chill with Rabbi Ebbin.
Kids in grades 8-12 will be invited on Friday Night February 11 from 7:30-9pm.
On Saturday Night February 12th to Sunday Morning Feb 13
COSY will have an all Night Movie Night Hangout for Grades 8-12. The program
will start at 9pm and go until 9am Sunday Morning. Dinner, Snacks, and Break-
fast will be provided. There will be a fun activity followed by a all night movie
night, where kids can chill out, watch movies and plays games.
On Monday February 7th from 6:15-7:15
COSY A chocolate making event in the
downstairs lobby at Ohav. Children PreK-
On Saturday Night February 19
COSY Movie Night will be from 7:30-
9:30pm in the social hall. Pizza Ice Cream
and Soda will be included. Grades Pre-k to
6th are invited. Cost is $5 per person.
COSY PLEASE RSVP TO [email protected] Boys must wear head coverings at all COSY events
Sisterhood is compiling a list of interested and eligible
girls, aged 13 and older, to be babysitters.
Please e-mail me your name and number to
[email protected] or call Fran Green at 781-
0020. For those members looking for a babysitter can con-
tact Fran Green at one the above contact info to find one
of our very own Ohav teens who have expressed an
interest in babysitting.
Monday Feb 14th. Ohav Road Trip to Yeshiva University Book Sale Featuring a Book Tour with Rabbi Ebbin
We will leave as a group from Merrick at 7pm. Please RSVP at the office and let us know if you are willing to drive.
CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM’S SISTERHOOD PRESENTS MISHLOACH
MANOT BASKETS
Let Sisterhood help you fulfill the mitzvah of “sending portions” to relatives, friends and neighbors!
We have planned an all new gift package filled with an assortment of goodies and delicious hamantaschen.
Look for more information in your mailboxes
SUNDAY MARCH 13, 2011 SISTERHOOD needs
volunteers to assist with packing
MISHLOACH MANOT BASKETS for PURIM.
If you are available and interested in helping please contact
HOPE GREENBERG at 379-2954 or at [email protected]
Page
23
On Friday Night March 11 to Saturday Night March 12 COSY will be having a Family Shabbaton for Families with children
Pre-K to 3rd grade, and their siblings. Program will include, Shabbat Family Led Services, Dinner and Luncehon, Fun Activity
for the kids, with a learning program for the adults. There will also be a Saturday Night Family outing. Details to follow.
OHAV TO BE FEATURED IN OU EMERGING COMMUNITIES FAIR
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER THE OHAVITE
Join us for the
Inauguration of
An Interview with Three Jews
in History
Shabbat March 19th
Following Services
Featuring:
Queen Esther
Moshe Dayan
Maimonides
Join Us March 26th
for the
A Series Lectures Featuring
Rabbi Lawrence Hajioff
under the auspices of Rabbi Jeremiah Wohlberg
Institute for Adult Jewish Studies
Rabbi Lawrence Hajioff serves on the Judaic studies faculty of Stern
College for Women. Originally from London, England, Rabbi Hajioff
graduated with honors in political science from Manchester University.
After working for two years for MTV in news production, and winning
the national competition ‗Jewish Stand-Up Comedian‘ of the Year, Rabbi
Hajioff traveled to study in Israel and then Monsey to receive his rabbin-
ical smicha ordination from Yeshiva Ohr Somayach. Rabbi Hajioff has
worked extensively with young Jewish drug addicts, and in 2004 re-
ceived an award from the Town of Ramapo for his work on their behalf.
Rabbi Hajioff also works for Birthright Israel in New York as their offi-
cial Rabbi and educational director. He has been instrumental in imple-
menting programs for Birthright Israel in Manhattan such as the very
successful adult bar/bat mitzvah program which some four hundred
people have completed so far. He also leads trips to Israel and Poland
three times annually for some three hundred participants. In addition to
a variety of Judaic courses that he teaches at Stern College, he has devel-
oped a new course introducing kabbalistic ideas in Jewish thought.
Shabbat Morning Sermon
Making it Real Keeping it
Real - How to Keep
Inspiration Alive.
Seudah Shlishit 7pm
Four Misconceptions
Jews have about Judaism.
Afternoon class 5:30pm
Shabbat—Plugging into
the Goal of Life.
Melava Malka –9pm
Finding Inspiration
in a Hectic World.
Exciting News… Congregation Ohav Sholom was accepted to
participate in the Emerging Communities Fair
Sunday March 27th 2011 from 12:00-6:00pm.
Individuals and families will have an opportunity to meet with Congregation Ohav Sholom community
representatives who will share information about community resources available in a warm and friendly Torah at-
mosphere. This will be a tremendous opportunity to showcase Ohav Sholom and the remarkable renaissance that is
happening right here in Merrick. It is a great place to begin to put Merrick on the map in terms of up and coming
Modern Orthodox Jewish communities. We look forward to this being the beginning steps in helping our community
grow.
The Emerging Communities Fair is a being marketed by the OU in local newspapers, synagogues, Yahoo,
Google and MSN groups, Shabbat Shalom newsletter of the Orthodox Union, as well as the OU Job Board web site at
www.ou/jobs.org, and on our websites, www.ou.org and www.oucommunity.org as a major event in the tri-state area.
Page
24
Sponsored by Adam and Hope Greenberg in
Loving Memory of their son Jacob
RECIPE CORNER
CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER THE OHAVITE
As most of you already know, the holiday of Purim commemorates the heroism of Esther, the Jewish wife of the king of Persia. She
courageously saved the Jewish community from extermination plotted by the king’s wicked advisor, Haman, who makes Jaffar in Disney’s
movie “Aladdin” look like a good guy.
According to tradition, Esther became a vegetarian when she moved into the king’s palace in order to avoid eating food that was not
kosher. To sustain herself, she ate seeds, nuts and legumes, which are rich in nutrients. Therefore many Jewish communities observe a cus-
tom of including beans, chickpeas, poppyseeds, nuts and dried fruits in Purim menus and sweets.
North African Jews begin the holiday with a dish of couscous embellished with raisins and enriched with butter. Tunisians serve a
first course of fava beans with hard boiled eggs. Moroccan Jews serve a variety of colorful cooked salads as hors d’oeuvres in their Purim ban-
quet. Polish Jews prepare a noodle kugel layered with raisins and apples and spiced with cinnamon. Another central European Purim favor-
ite is noodles sprinkled with poppy seeds. In Queen Esther’s honor, here are some vegetarian recipes and of course a Hamentashen recipe for
Purim.
CUMIN-SCENTED CHICKPEAS
Plainly boiled chickpeas appear on many Purim menus but you
can shake things up a bit with this zesty North African dish, in
which cumin and garlic give the beans an enticing aroma. If you
like, serve a few cucumber slices on the side for a refreshing
accent. This is a very simple recipe if you have already cooked
chickpeas or if you use canned ones.
3 1/2 to 4 cups cooked chickpeas or two 14-ounce cans
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 large garlic cloves, chopped
a 28-ounce can tomatoes, drained and diced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons paprika
salt to taste
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon bottled hot sauce, or to taste
Cucumber slices (optional, for accompaniment)
If using canned chickpeas, discard liquid, rinse chickpeas and
drain; but do not discard the cooking liquid from cooked dried
chickpeas.
Heat oil in a saute pan or wide saucepan, add garlic and saute
1/2 minute over medium heat. Add tomatoes, cumin, paprika
and salt and simmer 10 minutes. Add tomato paste and 3/4 cup
chickpea cooking liquid or water and bring to a boil. Add chick-
peas and hot sauce. Simmer uncovered over medium-low heat
about 10 minutes or until sauce is of desired thickness. Taste
and adjust seasoning. Serve hot. Accompany by cucumber slices.
Makes 4 to 6 main-course servings.
Note: To cook dried chickpeas, use 1 1/2 cups for this recipe.
Sort beans and soak overnight in cold water to generously cov-
er. Drain and put in a saucepan. Add 6 cups cold water and
bring to a boil. Cover and simmer about 1 1/2 hours, adding hot
water occasionally to keep them covered with water. Add a
pinch of salt and continue simmering 30 to 45 minutes or until
tender. Reserve cooking liquid.
SNOWPEA-CITRUS SALAD WITH POPPYSEED DRESSING
4 cups fresh snow-peas
1 cup whole red seedless grapes
1 cup fresh orange sections (2 large oranges)
1 cup fresh grapefruit sections (2 large grapefruits)
1 green bell pepper, cut in julienne slices
1 small red onion, sliced into thin slivers
1/2 cup dry-roasted sunflower seeds
Poppyseed dressing (see recipe)
Snip ends of snowpeas and discard. In large bowl, combine snowpeas,
grapes, orange sections, grapefruit sections, green pepper slices,
onion slivers and sunflower seeds.
Toss salad with 1/2 to 3/4 cup poppyseed dressing, or to taste.
Yield: 8 to 10 (1-cup) servings.
Poppyseed Dressing
2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups white vinegar
3 1/3 cups vegetable oil
8 teaspoons poppy-seeds
1/4 cup dried onion flakes
2 teaspoons dry mustard
3 1/2 teaspoons salt
Stir sugar into vinegar; mix with wire whisk until blended.
Whisk in oil. Add poppyseeds, onion flakes, dry mustard and
salt. Mix well. Store in refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
HAMENTASCHEN
3 eggs
1 cup oil
1 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup orange juice
1/8 tsp salt
4 cups flour (approximately)
PRUNE FILLING:
1 lb prunes, stewed 10
minutes, pitted & chopped
1 cup raisins, chopped
1/2 lemon, juice & rind
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup sugar
1 tbsp honey
PRUNE FILLING: Combine all
the ingredients & mix well.
POPPY SEED FILLING:
1/2 lb poppy seeds
4 tbsp honey
2 tbsp sugar
juice of 1/2 a lemon
Soak the poppy seeds in
boiling water overnight.
Drain, dry & grind
APRICOT FILLING:
1 lb. (450 g) dried apricots
1 cup (250 ml) honey
1 tbsp. (15 ml) orange rind, grated
3 tbsp. (45 ml) orange juice
Soak apricots overnight in water to
cover. Drain, then puree. Combine
with honey, orange rind and juice.
HAMANTASCHEN DIRECTIONS:
Combine the ingredients in the order given, using enough flour to
make a soft dough which is not sticky Let stand 15 minutes. Di-
vide dough into 4 parts. Roll to 1/4" thickness on a floured board.
Cut in 4" circles. Place a tsp of desired filling in the center of each
circle. Form triangles by folding the sides in towards the middle.
Brush with beaten egg. Bake on a lightly greased baking sheet at
350 degrees F for 30 minutes, until golden brown.
Yield about 5 dozen
HAMENTASHEN COOKIE DOUGH AND FILLINGS
Page
25
RECIPE CORNER
CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER THE OHAVITE Page
26
. ARTICHOKE SOUP (CREMA DE CARCIOFI ESTER)
The artichoke flavor of this soup intensifies as it sits,
so it's best to prepare it a few hours or even a day
ahead of time and reheat to serve.
Juice of 1 lemon
12 artichokes
3 tablespoons butter or olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 pound boiling potatoes, peeled and diced,
OR 1/2 cup white rice
3 cups vegetable broth plus
additional vegetable broth or milk or heavy
whipping cream
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Chopped, peeled, toasted hazelnuts or pine
nuts, optional
Chopped flat-leaf parsley or mint, optional
Fill large bowl with water and add lemon juice. Work-
ing with 1 artichoke at a time, cut off stem flush with
bottom. Trim away all leaves until you reach pale
green heart. Pare away dark green area from
base. Cut artichoke in half lengthwise and scoop out
and discard choke from each half. Then cut each half
lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices and drop into
lemon water.
Melt butter (or oil) in large saucepan over medium
heat. Drain artichokes and add to pan. Saute until
shiny, then add garlic, potatoes and enough broth to
just cover artichokes, about 1 1/2 cups. Cover pan
and simmer over medium heat until artichokes are
very tender and almost falling apart, 25 to 30 minutes.
Remove from heat. Transfer to food processor and puree
until smooth. Return puree to saucepan and add remain-
ing 1 1/2 cups broth. Reheat over low heat, adding more
broth (or milk or cream) to achieve consistency you pre-
fer. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Serve in shallow soup bowls. Garnish with chopped
hazelnuts, pine nuts, parsley or mint. 6 to 8 servings.
MAPLE SYRUP BRUSSEL SPROUTS
5-6 cups of Brussel sprouts (cut in halves)
Dash of salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup of oil
1/2 cup of water
Dried Cranberries
Maple syrup to taste ( make sure to use parve unless you are serving
a dairy meal).
Toasted Almonds (if desired)
In a wok or deep frying pan on medium heat, fry up brussel sprouts
until tender with oil. You can add in the water after the first minute
of frying. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add in maple syrup to taste
after the brussel sprouts are tender. Remove fry burner. Add in dried
cranberries and toasted almonds if desired.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH CASSEROLE
1 medium butternut squash, peeled and deseeded
2 apples
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
Using a food processor, slice the butternut squash and apples into
thin pieces. Or, if you don't have a food processor, you can chop into
small dices. Place the squash and apples into a baking dish or casse-
role dish.
Mash together the remaining ingredients with a fork until crumbly,
and sprinkle over the apples and squash.
Bake for 45 to 55 minutes.
SESAME DIJON ASPARAGUS This is a quick and easy asparagus recipe that uses just a few simple ingredients, including soy sauce, sesame oil and dijon mustard,
and topped with crunchy sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture. This quick asparagus recipe is both vegetarian and vegan.
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp dijon mustard
2 tsp sesame oil
2 tsp white wine vinegar
12-14 stalks of asparagus
2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Whisk together the soy sauce, mustard, sesame oil and vinegar in a small bowl. Steam the asparagus just until tender, about 5 minutes.
Drain the excess water. Toss with the soy sauce mixture. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
OHAV SHOLOM’S JOURNAL DINNER
Dear Congregants:
As you have learned from this publication and previous shul mailings this year’s Journal Dinner
Dance on Sunday April 3, 2011, honouree is Dr. Mel Isaacs. This date is earlier than in the past, so please
mark your calendars accordingly. As you know, this is the annual social highlight for our Synagogue. We en-
courage everyone to come and pay special tribute to a tremendously wonderful, important, and deserving
person.
Although the Journal Dinner Dance is a social event, we rely on it as one of our most important annu-
al fundraiser. It is therefore extremely important to solicit neighborhood businesses, business associates,
and vendors for their support. Below is a journal advertisement blanks for this purpose. Additional ad
blanks are available in the shul office or online at www.ohav.org. Please do your best to make this our most
successful journal fundraiser yet!
In the near future, we will be mailing out formal invitations. Your acceptance to attend and submis-
sion of advertisements will help alleviate undue pressure on our volunteers, truly showing gratitude for the
hard work they do to make the journal and dinner a success.
Sincerely,
Adam Greenberg David Hauser
President Vice President Fundraising ——————————————————————————————————–—————————————-
CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM THE MERRICK-BELLMORE SYNAGOGUE
145 SOUTH MERRICK AVENUE, MERRICK, NEW YORK 11566 Office: (516) 378-1988 Fax: (516) 867-6027 48TH ANNUAL JOURNAL DINNER-DANCE in Honor of
Dr. Mel Isaacs on Sunday, April 3, 2011 You are hereby authorized to insert an advertisement in the Forty-Eighth Journal, to occupy the space of ___________________________________page at
$__________________________________. Name__________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________________________________ City _________________________________________State_____________
Zip ___________________ RATES PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM Platinum Page (Three Dinner Tickets) $1,100
Gold Page (Two Dinner Tickets) $ 800 Silver Page (Two Dinner Tickets) $ 675 Bronze Page (Two Dinner Tickets) $ 550
Full Page (Two Dinner Tickets) $ 425 Half Page $ 225 Quarter Page $ 125
Eighth Page $ 65 Family Listing (for Ohav member families only) $ 25 Ad submission deadline – Monday, March 14, 2011
Solicited by: Please make checks payable to: CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM ATTACH COPY OF AD [***please do not use staples]
CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER THE OHAVITE Page
27
THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS OHAV SHOLOM DONORS
Page
28
CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER THE OHAVITE
Mr. & Mrs. Stanley & Beverly Barkan in memory of your mother, Gertrude Rosenfeld
Mr. Herman Bell in memory of your friend, Ruth Papkin
Mr. Herman Bell in memory of your wife, Edith Bell
Mr. Leon Beltzer in memory of Fay Gelber
Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Berger in memory of Theresa Berger
Mrs. Ruth Berman in honor of Paul & Lil Hirsch
Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Brumberg in memory of Harry Brumberg
Mr. & Mrs. Jack Butchin in memory of Max Butchin
Mrs. Janice Cepler in memory of Joel Hoffman
Mr. & Mrs. Muriel Cohen in memory of your father, David Katz
Mr. & Mrs. Muriel Cohen in memory of Sophie Katz
Mr. & Mrs. Barry, Deborah, Betty & Jocelyn Cohn Thank you
Mrs. Judith Corell in memory of your father, Jack Lewis Beskin
Mrs. Judith Corell in memory of your husband, Ira Leonard Corell
Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Dacher
Mrs. Rise Egert in memory of your father, David Schonzeit
Dr. & Mrs. Sheldon & Myrna Elfenbein
Mr. Lawrence Farber in memory of Max Farber
Mr. Lawrence Farber in memory of Lois Farber
Mr. Lawrence Farber in memory of Andrew Farber
Mr. Lawrence Farber in memory of David Peiser
Mr. Lawrence Farber in memory of Ethel Farber
Mr. Lawrence Galinkin
Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence & Carolyn Galinkin
Mr. Howard Ghelber in memory of your wife, Marylyn I. Ghelber
Mr. Howard Ghelber in memory of your father, Morris Ghelber
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel & Brette Gibson in honor of Rabbi Ebbin's baby, Isaac
Mr. Philip Glickman in memory of Joyce Glickman
Mr. Philip Glickman in memory of your mother, Sylvia Glickman
Mr. & Mrs. Gerald & Doreen Gold in memory of Charles Salzman
Mr. & Mrs. Gerald & Doreen Gold
Mrs. Lucille Goldman in memory of Joel Hoffman
Mr. & Mrs. Steven & Carol Goldschein in memory of Solomon Goldschein
Mrs. Phyllis Halpern in memory of Jack Betwenik
Mr. & Mrs. Liza Herzberg in memory of your Uncle, Morris Greenwald
Mr. & Mrs. Liza Herzberg in memory of your Uncle, Norbert Schulberg
Mr. & Mrs. Lillian Hirsh in memory of your mother, Florence Singer
Mr. & Mrs. Lillian Hirsh in memory of your father, Abraham Singer
Mr. & Mrs. Beatrice Hoffman in memory of Rose Isaacs
Mr. & Mrs. Beatrice Hoffman in memory of Ethel Hoffman
Mr. & Mrs. Carol Hyman in memory of your mother, Esther Weissner
Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Hyman in memory of your mother, Gussie Hyman
Mr. &Mrs. Susan Joffe
Mr. & Mrs. Susan & Sam ( on behalf of mother, Anna Feinberg) Joffe in memory of Nathan Feinberg
Mrs. Judith Jurmann in memory of Joshua Jurmann
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Leventhal in memory of your mother, Rose Leventhal
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Leventhal in memory of Dr. Lewis Leventhal
Mrs. Sylvia Levy in memory of your mother Ray Weiss "Chia Rifka"
Mr. & Mrs. Florence Lichy in memory of your father
Mr. & Mrs. Florence Lichy in memory of your mother, Pauline Feldman
Mr. Irving Liebowitz in memory of Hyman Liebowitz
Mr. Irving Liebowitz in memory of Charles Mausner
Mr. & Mrs. Morton Luchs in memory of Morris Luchs
Mr. & Mrs. Morton Luchs in memory of Dora Luchs
Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Nivasch in memory of Sam Nivasch
Mrs. Arlene Nivasch in memory of Adrian Sterman
Mr. Harvey Ost in memory of Aaron & Tessie Ost
Mr. & Mrs. Florence Pollack in memory of your father, Samuel Vogel
Mr. Norbert Robbins in memory of Elaine Farkas
Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Rachel Rosenbloom in memory of Jean Friedman, Gary Friedman's mother
Mr. & Mrs. Irene & Harold Rosenfeld in memory of Murray Rosenberg
Mr. & Mrs. Jack & Norma Rubinstein in memory of Bertha Rubinstein and Mitchell Rubinstein
Mr. & Mrs. Jack & Norma Rubinstein in memory of Sarah Allweiss
Mr. Philip Salzman in memory of Jean Friedman, Gary Friedman's mother
Mr. Philip & Rita Salzman in memory of Alan Cohen's brother, David Cohen
Mrs. Rhona Samsonovitch
Mr. & Mrs. Steven & Judith Simon in memory of David Henry
Mrs. Leatrice Solon in memory of Hinda Abramowitz
Mrs. Goldie Steinberg in memory of your mother, Mildred Harbus
Mrs. Frieda Steinberg in memory of your daughter Carole Pearson
Mr. & Mrs. Goldie Steinberg in memory of your mother-in-law Minnie Steinberg
Mr. & Mrs. Goldie Steinberg in memory of your father-in-law Frank Steinberg
Mr. Arnold Treff in memory of Joseph & Sara Treff
Mr. & Mrs. Henry & Gloria Utrecht in memory of your father, David Utrecht
Mr. & Mrs. Gloria Utrecht in memory of your father, Max Smolar
Mr. & Mrs. Henry Utrecht in memory of your mother, Jean Utrecht
Mr. Michael Wajnrajch in memory of your father, Abraham Wajnrajch
Mr. & Mrs. Alan & Hilda Yanofsky in memory of your Dad, Samuel Yanofsky
Mr. & Mrs. Alan & Hilda Yanofsky in memory of Pearl Yanofsky
Mr. & Mrs. Alan & Hilda Yanofsky in memory of Celia Wildfeuer
Mrs. Bernice Zoback in memory of your brother, William Rothman
Mrs. Bernice Zoback in memory of Mary Jane Rothman
Mrs. Iris Zucker in memory of Alan Zucker
Mr. & Mrs. Earl and Helen Rosen in honor of Rabbi Ira Ebbin’s Birthday
THE RABBI’S CHARITY FUND ISRAEL FIRE FUNDRAISER
PRAYER BOOK/BIBLES
Mr. & Mrs. David Schlachter Mr. & Mrs. Allen Cohen
Jerome, Arlene & Bruce Schwartz Mrs. Leatrice Solon
Mr. & Mrs. Alan Jasper Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Lask
Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Gold Mr. David Ehrlich
Mr. Irving Liebowitz Mr. & Mrs. Nathan Litman
Mr. & Mrs. David Cepler Mr. & Mrs. David Stempel
Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Werbel Mr. & Mrs. Mark Strauss
Mr. Arnold Fleischer Mr. & Mrs. Carl Saks
Mr. & Mrs. Ira Cohen
Mr. and Mrs. Carmi Spiegel in memory of Myrna Zaret
Mr. & Mrs. Peter & Marsha Brody in memory of Leo Brody and Helen Guzil
Mr. & Mrs. David Cepler in loving memory of your father, Frank Cepler
Mr. David Churba in memory of Jerome Zwerin
Mrs. Paula Cohen in loving memory of your beloved Husband, Mitchell Cohen
Mrs. Paula Cohen in loving memory of your beloved father, Meyer Jeshion
Mrs. Paula Cohen in loving memory of your mother, Sylvia Jeshion
Mrs. Egert Rise in memory of Goldye Schonzeit
Mrs. Estelle Farber in memory of Max Cohen
Mrs. Sarita Fish in memory of Mildred Grossman
Mrs. Sarita Fish in memory of Benjamin Fish
Mr. & Mrs. Herman & Francine Fleischman in memory of Boris Fleischman
Mr. & Mrs. Herman & Francine Fleischman in memory of Bella Fleischman
Mrs. Jacqueline Friedman in memory of Morris Friedman
Norman & Martin Friedman in memory of Morris Friedman
Mr. & Mrs. Larry & Carolyn Galinkin in memory of your father, Julius Slater
Mr. & Mrs. Larry & Carolyn Galinkin in memory of your father, George
Galinkin
Mr. & Mrs. Larry & Carolyn Galinkin in memory of Ruth Galinkin, Beloved
Mother and Grandmother
Mr. & Mrs. Larry & Carolyn Galinkin in memory of Ruth Galinkin, beloved
Great Grandmother
Mr. & Mrs. Adam & Hope Greenberg in memory of Helen Greenberg
Mr. & Mrs. Isreal & Liza Herzberg in memory of your mother, Celia Einhorn
Mr. & Mrs. Gerald & Carol Hyman in memory of Charles Hyman
Mr. & Mrs. Samuel & Susan Joffe in memory of Joel Hoffman and Hinda
Abramowitz
Mr. & Mrs. Samuel & Susan Joffe in loving memory of Shirley Goldstein
Mr. & Mrs. Samuel & Susan Joffe in memory of Fred Margulies
Mr. & Mrs. Herb & Fredda Lask in memory of Jerome Zwerin
Mr. & Mrs. Hirschell & Deanna Levine in loving memory of Julius Levine
Mrs. Ruth Price in memory of Earle Price
Mrs. Ruth Price in memory of Edith Price
Mr. Norbert Robbins in memory of Isaac Rubin
Mr. Norbert Robbins in memory of Norman Rubin
Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Rachel Rosenbloom in memory of Gertrude Rosenbloom
Mr. & Mrs. Carl & Barbara Saks in memory of your mother, Shirley Saks
Mr. & Mrs. Carl & Barbara Saks in memory of Joseph Aaron Morse
Mr. & Mrs. Philip & Rita Salzman in memory of Ron Feldman
Mr. & Mrs. Philip & Rita Salzman in memory of your Step-Father, Charles
Salzman
Mr. & Mrs. Philip & Rita Salzman in memory of Jerome Zwerin
Mr. & Mrs. Steven & Judith Simon in memory of David Henry
Mrs. Leatrice Solon in memory of your daughter, Anna Massover Berman
Mr. & Mrs. Mark & Molly Strauss in memory of your beloved father, Herbert
Solon
Mr. & Mrs. Mark & Molly Strauss in memory of your beloved father, Joseph
Strauss
Mr. Paul Zuckerberg in memory of Jerome Zwerin
Mr. & Mrs. Herbert & Raye Newman in memory of Marci Wynn Newman
Mr. Paul Zuckerberg in memory of Jerome Zwerin
Mr. & Mrs. Charles & Marilyn Stillman in memory of Irving Radezky
Mr. & Mrs. Charles & Marilyn Stillman in memory of Anne Radezky
Mrs. Roberta Wilkoff in honor of the 50th wedding anniversary of Carol &
Jerry Hyman
Dr. & Mrs. Bruce & Andrea Kanner in memory of your father, Joseph Stanger
LIBRARY FUND
TORAH FUND
Mrs. Caroline Shohet in memory of Ezra Shohet
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER THE OHAVITE
Any errors made in this
Quarterly edition of
THE OHAVITE that are
brought our attention will be
corrected in the next edition.
We apologize in advance for any errors.
W elcome to our first edition of the new Ohav Quarterly news magazine "The OhavITE." An editor's letter should usually be written by the person who is truly in charge of
the publication. However, given how busy my wife, Simona has been with the layout and gathering of articles and pho-
tos, she has left this responsibility with me. It is she, and not I that truly deserves the lion's share of credit for putting
this magazine together.
The concept for the revival of our newsletter comes from Rabbi Ira Ebbin. When I first met with the Rabbi
back in August, we both assembled a list of marketing initiatives for the shul that we hoped to see accomplished. Rabbi
Ebbin came armed with newsletters (both the weekly and quarterly versions) from congregations across North Ameri-
ca. It is the Rabbi's strong belief that any marketing campaign must begin by keeping the locals happy and well-
informed. Flash forward six months and Ohav is as busy as ever with such a wide array of activities. It's easy to see
why the newsletter is so essential for our community.
I'd like to thank our President, Adam Greenberg and our Ritual leader, Kenny Duftler for recruiting me to
take on the challenge of Ohav's marketing responsibilities -- which now includes this newsletter. It is due to their ener-
gy and enthusiasm that we have been able to accomplish so much in such a short period of time. Special thanks also go
to Gary Friedman for encouraging Simona and I with both this quarterly publication and the weekly Ohav Chronicle.
I am so grateful to Dr. Mel Isaacs for taking the time to so eloquently answer the interview questions that
make up the centerpiece of this magazine. No doubt you all will enjoy sharing in his years of memories at Ohav. Also,
our special thanks and YASHER KOACH to all of those who have contributed to this inaugural edition including: Rab-
bi Ira Ebbin, Chevi Ebbin, Rosemary Hart, Bonnie Errico, Kim Burke, Adam Greenberg, Fran Green, Deb-
orah Cohn, Dan Seid, Roni Cohen (for multiple picture contributions) Herb Alexander for layout and publication
guidance, for everyone who helped with the mailing and to countless others for their generous contributions. We could
not have done it with out you. Thank you.
Now a little request: I am confident that our community is blessed with many talented and articulate individ-
uals. It would be greatly appreciated to have many more written contributions in the form of articles, editorials, lists of
memories, recipes etc. that we can insert into our next edition of this magazine. Also, if you have any photos of Ohav
events that you would like to share, I strongly encourage you to send them in via e-mail at [email protected] or you
can submit them directly to the shul office.
Keep warm and all good wishes,
Lonnie Ostrow
Editor, The OhavITE.
Happy midwinter to all,
Our hearts and prayers go out to all those who
were injured in the Arizona Safeway Massacre
and to those families who lost loved ones.
May we be blessed to see the day when such
occurrences no longer happen.
Page
29
If you would like sponsor future
editions of Ohav Sholom’s
THE OHAVITE Quarterly newsletter
please contact [email protected]
or the shul office.
Page
30
OHAV SHOLOM
CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER THE OHAVITE
Rabbi Ira Ebbin Dr. Mel Isaacs Rabbi Jeremiah Wohlberg
[email protected] Principal Rabbi Emeritus
ELECTED SLATE OF OFFICERS
EXECUTIVE BOARD
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Term to 2011 Term to 2012 Term to 2013
Adam Cohen Adam Marchuck Jordan Smith
Kenneth Gartner Debra Braunstein Rebecca Moldwin
Susan Joffe David Cepler Ira Kolko
Nathan Litman Mario Wilkowski Ari Jurmann
Seth Miller Jeffrey Hauser Aaron Needle
David Schlachter Irving Leibowitz Michael Richheimer
Gabrielle Pauly Morton Rothstein Michael Rosenbloom
Stewart Sternbach Steven Simon Martin Spar
Michael Wajnrajch Steven Goldschein Carol Zimmern
Judy Barsky Illisa Schoenberg Brian Green
PAST PRESIDENTS
Herb Kronish Z"L Henry Cohen David Hirsch Mark Yeldin
Earl Price Z"L Stanely Fish Nathan Fagan Z”L David Safon Z”L
Ronald Berkley Mark Strauss Abraham Greenberg Robert Stein
Irwin Duftler David Denenberg Herman Kroshinsky Brian Bertan
Irwin Stricker Peter Tannenbaum Joanne Brumberg
David Zwerin Murray Schneider Z”L Gerald Gold
President Adam Greenberg [email protected]
Executive V.P. Barry Birnbaum [email protected]
V.P. Ritual & Education Kenneth Duftler [email protected]
V.P. House & Properties Steven Gochman [email protected]
V.P. Fund Raising David Hauser [email protected]
V.P. Social Activities Gary Friedman [email protected]
Treasurer Daron Rubensohn [email protected]
Financial Secretary Ira Balsam [email protected]
Recording Secretary Matthew Lerner [email protected]
Corresponding Secretary Ron Bekore [email protected]
February 2011
SHABBOS
CANDLELIGHTING
Feb 4 4:57pm
Feb 11 5:05pm
Feb 18 5:14pm
Feb 25 5:22pm
Calendar Schedule subject to changes.
OHAV SHOLOM’S PROGRAM CALENDAR AT A GLANCE
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
31 1
2 Rabbi Ebbin's Class on Jewish Ethics &
Values 8 pm
3 Sisterhood Book Club
Discussion
4 Rosh Chodesh Adar I Rabbi Ebbin’s House Oneg Grades 4-7
7-8:30ppm
5 Daniel Mehani
Bar Mitvzah
6 Sharon Lovy's Daughter Bat
Mitzvah
7 6:15pm COSY Chocolate
Making PreK-6th Grade 8
9 Rabbi Ebbin's Class on Jewish Ethics &
Values 8 pm
10 Sisterhood Event—Self Defense
7:30pm
11
Rabbi Ebbin’s House Oneg Grades 8-12
7:30-9pm
12 Tentative Amit Women of West Hemp-stead Dinner COSY ALL NIGHT MOVIE HANGOUT
GRADES 8-12
13
12pm Bingo
14 OHAV ROAD TRIP TO YU BOOK SALE WITH RABBI EBBIN. LEAVE FROM OHAV
AT 7pm
15
Ohav’s Israel Action
Committee meeting 8pm
16 Rabbi Ebbin's Class on Jewish Ethics &
Values 8 pm
17
18
PURIM KATAN COSY FRIDAY NIGH T
DINNER 5:20pm
Grades 6-12
19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
12pm Bingo
28 1 2 3
4 4pm JEP Shabbaton
Tentative
5 12pm JEP Shabbaton
Tentative
6
A message from V.P. Social Activites, Gary Friedman and Sisterhood Treaurer,
Sheri Balsam…...When scheduling an event, program or simcha at Ohav Shol-
om, please give ample notice to us so that we may accommodate you
adequately. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER THE OHAVITE
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 28
1 Rabbi Ebbin's Jewish
Ethics and Values 8pm 2 3 4 5 6
7 8
9 Sisterhood Chocolate
Making Party 7:30pm 10
11 COSY Family
Shabbaton
12
13 COSY Family
Shabba-
13 Shalach Manot
Packing
14 15 16
17
Ta’anit Esther
18
19 Purim/Shaking
Up Shabbat
20
Purim
21 22 23 24 25
26 Scholar in Resi-dence Rabbi Lawrence
Hajioff.
Women’s
Tefillah Group
27 OU Emerging
Community Fair
28 29 30 31
March 2011
SHABBOS
CANDLELIGHTING
March 4 5:30pm
March 11 5:38pm
March 18 6:45pm
March 25 6:53pm
Page
31
Congregation Ohav Sholom
145 S. Merrick Avenue
Merrick NY 11566
516-378-1988
Rabbi Ira Ebbin
OHAV.ORG
http://www.ohav.org/youtube
CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
INAUGURAL ISSUE
THE OHAVITE
Congregation Ohav Sholom
145 S. Merrick Avenue
Merrick NY 11566