Birth of a son, August 3, 2012

 

Big sister Jacqueline-Hannah, Mom Sara, and newborn son and brother

                                                                                                ב"ה                                        15 Av 5772                                                                                                                              August 3, 2012  

                 

                Following Shaharit, morning worship, on Fridays, Congregation Sons of Israel, Woodmere, I took Anna to South Nassau Communities Hospital, Oceanside, to be nearby as our daughter, Sara (with husband Lee in a hazmats suit hovering in the delivery room), gave birth to a baby boy: at 8:48 AM weighing 8 lbs. 3 oz, and 20 1/2" in length!

               

We praise the Almighty for granting us the zahut, merit, of a seventh grandchild, fourth grandson, and anticipate with joy the forthcoming brit mila, circumcision, and announcement of the babe's name, next Friday, 10 AM, at the Thayers' synagogue, The Sephardic Temple, Cedarhurst, NY. Meanwhile, this Shabbat Nachamu, consolation after Tisha B'Av, Parasha VeEthanan, is being ushered with an extra measure of joy for our family: Great-Grandma Nina Matathias; in Volos, Greece, Great-Grandparents Maurice & Toula Franses; Grandmother Elizabeth Thayer, Grandparents Michael & Sheila Thayer, Erika Thayer; Miriam & Bradley Herman (with Ava-Gwen, Jacob-Stanley, and Simon-Max); Joy & Peri Avitan (with Raquel and Daniel-Asher); along with proud big sister Jacqueline-Hannah!

                 

                With fraternal affection,

                    Asher

Excerpts from L.I. Lodge Bulletin, May --- June, 2012

A CONRIBUTION TO OUR SIMCHA FUND IS A MEANINGFUL WAY TO MARK YOUR SMACHOT, SIMILARLY, A DONATION TO OUR MEMORIAL FUND IS A THOUGHTFUL WAY TO COMMEMORATE THE PASSING OF A LOVED ONE. Make checks payable to: B'nai B'rith, and mail to: P.O. Box 51, Woodmere, NY 11598-0051 www.bnaibrith.org 516-374-2958 Mobile: 369-5799 AsherJmat@Aol.com  

GLAD TIDINGS TO SHARE: The Fourth Annual Holocaust Day commemoration was held at the Nassau County Legislative Chamber, Mineola, with Edith Pollack, and The Jewish Press, as organizing agents, featuring B'B's Margaret Goldberger on the Kindertransport, and our Lodge member Cantor Dr. Mordechai L. Muchnick presenting testimony of his father Cantor and US Army Captain Nathan Muchnick  … Temple Beth El was the site for twin celebrations in recent Sabbaths: our Lodge member, Dr. Horace Herbsman, commemorated his second Bar Mitzva, and Rabbi Sholom Stern the 60^th anniversary of this milestone in his life … The NY Yankees were honored with the Humanitarian Award by Rock and Wrap it Up, Inc., 877-691-food … Rabbi Nochem Tenenboim presented a special class on Holocaust: Where was G-d?; Rabbi Dr. Eliyahu Stern addressed a joint Temple Beth El-Congregations Sons of Israel-Temple Hillel Holocaust Memorial Service on After the Last Survivor: the Future Memory of the Holocaust; Congregation Beth Sholom, and with Sharona Thall as chair, speakers were Rabbi Mayer Moskowitz and Harry Kotowitz, with music by six13; Dr. Joe Halio showed video excerpts of interviews with survivors from Sephardic Jewish Center of Forest Hills; Park East Synagogue held a special program, performed by Muzsikas, a world-renowned Hungarian folk group, featuring The Lost Jewish Music of Transylvania, and marking the centennial of Raoul Wallenberg's birth, the Swedish diplomat, Righteous Among the Nations, Honorary Citizen of the United States, Hungary, and Israel, who helped save the lives of thousands in Budapest during the Shoa from July 1944 until his disappearance in January 1945 … MK Shaul Mofaz is the new leader of Israel's Kadima Party … Peter Feldman, 53, is the first elected Jewish mayor of Frankfurt, Germany, since the Holocaust … Shari & Steven Hymowitz and Cheryl & Warren Prosky were honored at Congregation Sons of Israel's 84^th journal-dinner-dance … Rev. Philip L. Sherman and Andrea Raab Sherman were honored for Congregation Shearith Israel; … Cheryl & Warren Prosky along with Shari & Steve Hymowitz were honored by Congregation Sons of Israel at a dinner-dance; also Willie Gurman and sister Silvia Levy were in Tropic/Cocktail Attire as they were feted by Oceanside Jewish Center; Lyle Bakst, Temple Beth El's entry, was among those honored by the NY Metro Region Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs; Dr. Charles & Judith Kandler were honored by the JCC of 5T; Kehillas Bais Yehudah Tzvi's 11^th dinner honored Ruchama & Yochanan Frisch, Devora & Ronen Borochov, and the Schwartzblatt family; Drs. Marcia Posner and Anthony J. Tamburri received the Lehman-LaGuardia Award for civic service at the 31^st Solidarity Breakfast sponsored by MetroNorth Region B'nai B'rith and Sons of Italy of America … At a recent trip to Israel, Rabbi Heshie Billet met with the children of Young Israel of Woodmere congregants spending a year of study in the Land … Phyllis Rao retired as Peninsula Public Library director after 29 years of exceptional service … American-Hellenic Institute president Nick Larigakis headed a delegation visiting to Israel which our BBI helped facilitate … Mike Oshinsky led the Gelatin Slide for the 26^th year on behalf of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation at the Huntington Hilton Hotel … Celebrated criminal defense attorney Benjamin Brafman appeared on CNN's Piers Morgan Tonight …

Crisis-hit Greek Jews fear for their future http://www.jpost.com/JewishWorld/JewishFeatures/Article.aspx?id=265278

Pope Benedict: Jews Not Guilty for Jesus Death

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12634176

Inspiring Cantor Shlomo Guber:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NURTdiBZ86I 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sr-nLK0C6Vg

http://whitehousemuseum.org/overview.htm

JOIN US ON FIFTH AVENUE, SUNDAY, JUNE 3, FOR THE ANNUAL

ISRAEL DAY PARADE CELEBRATING THE JEWISH STATE'S 64^th BIRTHDAY!!!

**Astoria store to let, with reasonable rent and a long-term lease.   For Nina, contact: 516-374-2958 or 516-369-5799

***Woodmere: Sunny and spacious one bedroom Coop in East Chateau building. LIRR and shopping are very close by, and six shuls are within a 15 minute walking radius. Updated eat-in-kitchen and updated bathroom.  High ceilings, Great closet space. Pets allowed with board approval. Sale by owner. Asking $149,000. Contact 646-963-1753.   

Future session of AARP's Defensive Driving Class with Prof. Asher J. Matathias

*June 20 & 27, 2012, Peninsula Public Library, 280 Central Avenue, Lawrence, NY 11559-1526 516-239-3262

POEM OF THE MONTH: As Moses descended from Mt. Sinai and addressed the Jews, his very first words were PAY YOUR DUES.

CAMPUS NEWS

The Brandeis School presented Fiddler on the Roof, starring the class of 2012, with participants from each grade, including 2^nd graders Ava Herman, Madison Honig, Carolyn Neugarten, Sally Neugarten, and Samuel Silver; Tevye was Max Greenberg, Motel was Noam Barazani ... Hewlett High School graduate Lauren Feldman received this year's Lodge scholarship … The Brandeis School mounted a student art show at the Peninsula Public Library, including pieces by Ava-Gwen and her sibling Jacob-Stanley Herman, and cousin Jacqueline-Hannah Thayer … Ralph Isaacs retired after 36 years teaching at the Lawrence Middle School … 

BIRTHS

Batsheva (Jeremy & Lisa) Hershman … Ariella (Eli & Raquel) Goldstein … Atara (Rabbi Dov & Rina) Emerson … Joseph (Heather & Todd) Bernstein; Allen & Myra are the grandparents … Parker (Robert & Tamar) Scharf … Jordan & Paula Rosenfeld presented daughter Meira Rebecca at a special naming-Shabbat-luncheon at Sons of Israel …               

CONTRIBUTIONS

Advertisers: Welcome to Dr. Joel I. Heller, family and cosmetic dentist, 516-764-6339 … CCI Systems moved to: 718 Third Avenue, 2FL, Brooklyn, NY 11232 O:888-874-0505 C:516-924-8068 F:646:349-2809 www.cci-sys.com … Contact Lee-Lev W. Thayer, trading assistant on ebay, for Consignment Services, eBay Store: LWT67, 516-547-4802 LWT67@Aol.com …Matza Fund: Stella Bacolas, Ilana & Dr. Isaac Benmayor, Rev. Steven Blitz; "Pesach Sameach," Dr. Anna Kohen & Markus DeRowe; Rabbi Howard Diamond & Temple B'nai Sholom, Cheryl Y. and Jeffrey M. Fried, Gary & Phyllis Friedland, Rhoda & Stuart Friedland, Susan I. Grant & Brian A. King, KEY FOOD of Woodmere; "G-d bless you," Linda M. and Martin Levi, Eileen & Michael Levin; Ira and Jo Ann Lillien, Michael & Phoebe Lukin, David Marks, Nina Matathias, Stella Modiano,Aris & Doretta Negrin, NEW YORK COMMUNITY BANCORP, INC., Gail & Jeffrey Peltzer, Bryna & Norman Pernick, George Pittel, Barry & Marcia Ringelheim, Alan I. & Gloria B. Stern, Meyer Gold and Benj of SUPERSOL, Ltd., Donald L. Wein, Jesse & Judith Weissman, Elaine & Fred Zeilberger

BAR / BAT MITZVA

Mendy (Alan & Michele) Bankhalter … Nathan Weinhoff … Kaila (Gila & Josh) Jedwab … A.J. (Phil & Dr. Susan) Druck … Jeremy (Bruce & Carine) Schneider … Aaron Greenberg …

BIRTHDAYS / ANNIVERSARIES

Plainview Young Israel (40), Leonard Slavit (80), USA Girl Scouts (100), Edi Avitan (59), Yasmina Reza (53), Yube Levin, Raye Yomtov (91), Rabbi Moses Birnbaum (65), Jacqueline-Hannah Thayer (5), Sally Rudetsky, Rabbi Joseph Fishof (62), Alexander-Isaac Franses (2), Toula Franses (88), Yogi Berra (87), Cantor Eyal Sherf  (34), Noam Baron (6), Katie-Sara Fine (1), Ava-Gwen Herman (8), Emilie Hadjis-Moreillon (54),  Alex Cohen (93), Robert J. & Jill Wagner (12), Ian Brecher (51), Dr. Philip Levine, Marcia & Stanley Haber (45), Sam & Shirley Friedman, Chavala & Yakov Sirkis (6), Barbara Bush (87), Jacob & Daniella Feder (7),  Laura Deitch, Sam & Selita Rosker, David Rockefeller (97), Ethan-Fielder Ringelheim (2), Jordan Rosenfeld (44), Joshua & Lital Amini (6), Maxine Dovere, Paul McCartney (70), Melvin & Rita Winograd, Fred Hecker, Heinz Kounio, Binnie Stein, Ephraim Hadjis (69), Karen & Shai Avitan (6), Natasha & Sion Misrahi (4), Cantor Gadi & Beryl Elon , Jonathan & Rachelle Cohen (6), Rabbi Bruce & Rachel Ginsburg (37), Dr. Daniel J. Matathias (54), Marilyn & Myron Oshinsky (62), Zamira Neumann, Mickey G. Elting (58), Gary & Rae Kerzner (8), Nancy Biska, Rabbi Avraham Hecht (90) … Ava-Gwen's 8^th birthday was celebrated with a Shabbat Kiddush sponsored by Bradley E. & Miriam Herman at BACH Jewish Center services in Long Beach's Hotel Allegria … Rabbi Alvin Kass (50^th anniversary of ordination) …

ENGAGEMENTS / WEDDINGS 

Harris(Barry & Marcia) Ringelheim betrothed Jennifer (Ben & Sandy) Matalon … Yaacov (Dr. & Mrs. Dov) Bienstock betrothed Leah Rheinreich … Aliza (Mr. & Mrs. Arnold) Rosenberg wed Benjamin Myers … Boruch (Rabbi Gedaliah & Yehudis) Oppen  betrothed Chaya Feirman … Naftali (David & Nechama) Lewin wed Aviva Mouldovan … Chana (Deby & Dr. Sam) Weissman betrothed Arye (Chaya & Howie) Balter … Nathan (Iris & Shalom) Maidenbaum betrothed Julia Garden … Renee (Amy & Phil) Fruchter wed Yitzie Abed … Carolina (Stanley & Trudy) Stern wed David Klutt … Moshe Cohen betrothed Aleezah Katz … Meyer Steinberg wed Phyllis Simon … Jeffrey (Nikki & Robert) Douglas betrothed Atara Jeremias … Rabbi Yosef Mervin betrothed Cheryl Klein …

                                                LETTERS

Thank you for all this news, and it's good to read that the JEWISH GREEK COMMUNITY
WILL RECEIVE SOME FINANCIAL HELP IN TRYING TIMES IN GREECE.

Sincerely, Gary F., Teaneck, NJ

HAPPY TO REPORT THAT EVERYTHING TURNED OUT JUST RIGHT ON MY GREEK PRESENTATION. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!!! GARY F., Teaneck, NJ

Editor's Note: Gary Friedland briefed Temple Emeth, Teaneck, NJ, during Shabbat worship, on his participation in the commemoration of the Holocaust and its impact on Greek Jews under the auspices of the NY Greek Consulate and the FJMG …

Dear Asher, We'll be back soon. Sending you something for your Passover Appeal. To you, and your family, a Happy Holiday. Elaine & Fred Zeilberger, Bocal Raton, FL

Dear friend, Thank you for your generous contribution to Project H.O.P.E. It will be used to continue to deliver food parcels to the needy, so that they can observe Passover. At this time, when contributions are so difficult to come by, it is even more important. However, we, and our volunteers, will meet on April1 to pack and deliver the packages of food which your contribution help acquire. And, if you want to see us in action, please come and join us. I am sure you will be surprised to see Project H.O.P.E. in action! I hope that with the support of friends like you, we will able to once more do the same for Hanukkah! I hope that you, and your family have a Happy Passover, and health and happiness through the balance of the year. Shalom,

/s/ David Moonitz, Co—chair, B'nai B'rith Project H.O.P.E., P.O. Box 972, Syosset, NY

Dear Asher, During National Volunteer Week, we want to take this time to recognize our outstanding volunteers for all you do. Your time, expertise, and commitment to this organization are very much appreciated and vital to the work of the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County. … On behalf of all of us …, thank you for your energy and generosity of time and spirit. … With gratitude for all you do,

Most sincerely, /s/ Howard S. Maier, Chair, HM & TC of NC, Glen Cove, NY

Congratulations! I was happy to see something nice about you (Project H.O.P.E.) in the newspaper. … James Darcy, Councilman, Town of Hempstead, 3^rd District                           

SICKNESS & DISTRESS: Refua Shlema (Get well wishes) to: David Decter, Rose M. Freedman, Stuart Friedland, Seymour Gelfand, Linda Geller, Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis, Constance Kuttner, Miriam Parks.  

CONDOLENCES TO : Lorraine Newman on the loss of brother Rabbi Morton Insel … Norman on the loss of wife Mrs. Forst … Roberta Greene on the loss of mother Evelyn Unger, 92 … Elliot on the loss of mother Melanie Blumenthal … Morton on the loss of wife Doris Cohen … Dale Pianko on the loss of father Irving Eichenbaum … Susan Porter on the loss of father Jeremy Lifsey … Naomi Berman … Linda Canter on the loss of father Willie Grun … Sondra Rose on the loss of mother Myrna Barg … Harris and Michelle Locke on the loss of wife and mother Susan Polansky, 67 … Shoshana and David on the loss of husband and father Rabbi Shlomo Aidelson … Myrna on the loss of husband Dr. Sydney Breitman … Ann Finkel on the loss of brother Samuel Feldman … Leon on the loss of mother Celia Mehl … Betty, Morris, and Shoshana on the loss of husband and father Samuel Sharaby … Jack and Sol on the loss of brother Morris Hettena, 63 … Dr. Daniel, Rabbi Ken on the loss of wife and sister-in-law Lea Hain … John on the loss of brother James Butterfield … Benjamin on the loss of mother Hanna Stein, 101 … Rita Distenfeld, and Dr. Richard on the loss of mother Esther Born … Shari Nemiroff, and Wendy Smith on the loss of father Joseph Klein … Howard on the loss of father and mother Arthur and Esther Meyer, both 73 … Evelyn, and Jay of the loss of husband and father Peter Stone, 81 … Mary and Chris on the loss of husband and father Mike Wallace, 93 … Rabbi Raphael on the loss of father Aaron Benchimol … Leroy on the loss of brother Irwin A. Lowenfeld … Rav Chaim Pinchos Scheinberg, 101 … Rabbi Moshe Yehoshua Hager, 95 … Steven on the loss of father Louis Donenfeld … Avi on the loss of father Gerswin Oster … Al on the loss of brother Rabbi Herb Scheinfeld … Kaila Moss … Silvia, Linda, Shalev, Sandra Daya, Evelyn Dayan, and Edgard on the loss of husband, father, and brother Cesar Khafif … Venia on the loss of husband Dimitris Mitropanos, 64 … Maria on the loss of husband John Deleo, 84 … Dick Clark, 82 … Howard and Steven on the loss of father Isidore Kessler … Sonia Lipton … Bibi on the loss of father Dr. Bentzion Netanyahu, 102 … Dr. Miryam Wahrman, Prof. Reuvain, Dr. Tzvee on the loss of father Rabbi Dr. Zev Zahary … Bobbi Schlussel on the loss of father Milton A. Kurz … Allen Dorkin on the loss of sister Patricia Wellman … Bruce on the loss of father Paul Glickman … Evelyn on the loss of husband Arthur Estrine … Hedy Lebovits on the loss of brother Binyamin Ostbaum.

Thee Nishmato B'Tzror HaChayim. May the souls be bounds up in everlasting bond of life; and may all who mourn be comforted in Zion. Amen.

For S. Greenbaum Memorials contact Prof. Asher J. Matathias

516-374-2958 Mobile: 369-5799 AsherJmat@Aol.com

Violence at a Jewish Day School
Today, early this morning, A.M. in France
It happened again, again, never again, we’ve  sworn
But, it’s happening all over again, Black shirts,
Brown shirts, Shirts with no collar or color
People claiming they’re not anti-Semitic, only anti-Apartheid
They’re readying to march on Jerusalem, claiming it as Palestine
“There’s not supposed to be an Israel” they say
“There ought not be a nation designed specially for Jews”
Or allowing Jews to live in peace in any other nation.Today, in the quiet of the early morning
Shots rang out, and innocent blood was spilled
A father, a rabbi, and his two children
One other child, the child of the school president
The killer, they say, escaped on a motor scooter
They’re mistaken, badly mistaken, the killers,
yes, there’s more than one of them, did not scoot
They do not need to hide, or shy away, from the consequences
They inhabit the halls of the United Nations. Pontificating
“Israel this, Israel that, Israel does not deserve to exist.”
Israel did not exist when the Nazis roamed the Earth
“Jewish blood” was not valued enough, then, to be saved
Always the children, the children and the weakest, fall first
In some nations, there will be friends, while others will shed
crocodile tears
In Venezuela, Chavez will rant, Iran will continue to build its bomb
The price of oil and gasoline will bump up a few more pennies
We promised then, we promise once again, never, never again
No Jewish children to be sacrificed for naught, we’ll exact a price
Not one measured in shekels or in any commodity, we’ll strike back
The opposite of peace, which we humbly request, is a state of war
No one has our back, not for this attack, not for any other ... 

DDC, 3/19/2012

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5th Annual 5K AIDS Cancer Run Walk

Cedar Creek Park

Sunday, June 10, 2012 @ 8:00 AM

http://www.5kaidscancer.com/

It's time to renew your subscription. We appreciate your association with us. Please remit $25, payable to L.I. Lodge, B'B', and mail to P.O. Box 51, Woodmere, NY 11598 

Excerpts from B'B' Lodge Bulletin, March - April 2012

A CONRIBUTION TO OUR SIMCHA FUND IS A MEANINGFUL WAY TO MARK YOUR SMACHOT. SIMILARLY, A DONATION TO OUR MEMORIAL FUND IS A THOUGHTFUL WAY TO COMMEMORATE THE PASSING OF A LOVED ONE. Make checks payable to: B'nai B'rith, and mail to:

P.O. Box 51, Woodmere, NY 11598-0051

 www.bnaibrith.org AsherJmat@Aol.com 516-374-2958 Mobile: 369-5799 

GLAD TIDINGS TO SHARE: Moshe Franses was guest cantor at the famed Magen David Synagogue in Deal, NJ … Dr. Howard Ruderman and Robert Samson are co-presidents, with Steven Moss treasurer, of North Hills/Park Hills Lodge #1875, B'nai B'rith … Sam Matathias is sales executive for the Jos. A. Bank clothier at Olney, MD … Sandra Rose completed the NYC Marathon, running for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundations … Five Towns Legislator Howard Kopel has been elevated to Majority Whip and the Alternate Presiding Officer of the Nassau County Legislature … Congregation Beth Sholom honored Drs. Lisa & Sheldon Feit, Helen Friedman, Barry Gurvitch, and Neil Osrof at the 60^th annual testimonial dinner … Tzipora Long Beach of Hadassah held a successful Stories to Share, Recipes to Savor program with presenters Terri Frankenberg (Paraguay), Rachel Gatenio (Mandate Palestine), Lea Kaplan (Germany), Jolanda Kinzer (Czechoslovakia), Grace Levie (Cuba), Anna Matathias (Greece), and Loulou A. Zonenshine (Egypt) … Anna & Philip Cohenalong with Matt & Zora Franses enjoyed a winter vacation in Hawaii; Elliot H. & Sandy Goldberg,  Irving & Sylvia Kaminetsky, Rabbi Arnold B. & Zipporah Marans cruised the Caribbean isles; Alvin "Eppy" & Laura Epstein, Ellie & Jack Klein, and Rabbi Sholom & Batya Stern spent time in Florida; Esther Gaines visited children and grandchildren in California … An Orthodox Minyan is ensconced at the Shalhevet HS in Temple Hillel … Michelle & Scott Sulzberger, Avi & Miriam Kestenbaum, and Rabbi Dr. Gilbert Klaperman were honored at HAFTR's 34^th annual dinner … Rabbi Shlomo Aidelson has published his memoir … And Then There Was One …Dr. Ruth Westheimer was an Oneg Shabbat speaker on Sexuality in the Jewish Tradition the Park East Synagogue … Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano was a Shabbat speaker at Temple Hillel … Marc & Natalie Sellouk and Heidi Goldmintz were honored by The Brandeis School, celebrating its 82^nd anniversary … Kostas Hatzistefanidis and Demitrios Chatzis serve as the Supreme President and national secretary of the Pan-Macedonian Association … Park East Synagogue and Rabbi Arthur Schneier Park East Day School celebrated their 122^nd  anniversary dinner-dance, honoring Martin & Ronnie Foont, Yocheved Mitchell, and Debbie Rochlin; Rabbi Schneier celebrated 50 years as the synagogue's spiritual leader ... Yom Iyun at Woodmere Young Israel featured Rabbi Yona Reiss, Tolerance in Halacha & American Law, while Rabbi Yehuda Turetsky addressed Tzeniut & Tolerance Today: The Current State of Religious Zionist Halacha; WYI is active in T.G.I. Thursdays, featuring Torah learning a la carte: Halacha from the Parasha with Rabbi Shalom Axelrod (eat and learn at Traditions Restaurant); Hashkafa with Rabbi Noam Weinberg; Contemporary Halacha with Meir Kotowitz; Chavrusa Learning supervised by Rabbi Eliyahu Wolf, and after 9PM Arvit, chulent and kugel at 10 PM … Harvard University's Prof. Jorge I. Dominguez discussed the potentially transformative changes in Cuba at a New School for Social Research forum … Films of note: Jewish Soldiers in Blue & Grey at Woodmere Young Israel, with Rabbi Evan Hoffman's commentary; at Beth El, with Helen Pollack facilitating and Rabbi Stern commenting, The Debt, For My Father, Walk on Water, Left Luggage, and Steal a Pencil for Me …  British composer Michael Omer had a successful debut at The Metropolitan Room piano-jazz-cabaret with "Unwritten, Unplugged & Unsigned" … Hadassah Carlebach, along with Rabbi Zalman Schneerson & family were honored by ADL of BB's Hidden Child Foundation at the Eighth International Rescuers' Day … Twin celebrations at Temple Hillel: Sherman Rothblum's 90^th birthday, and an Oneg Shabbat Across America … Rabbi Raphael Benchimol received the Medal of Knight of the Order of the Throne from His Majesty Mohammed VI, King of Morocco … Jeffrey S. Weisenfeld hosted a luncheon at Alliance Bernstein, LP, where former Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Arens and Israel's former Ambassador to Japan Eli Cohen spoke engagingly about the crisis with Iran and related matters … Prof. Asher J. Matathias was interviewed by Tampa-based http://www.greekvoice.us/ 

Part 1 : http://www.justin.tv/greekvoice/b/310288901   

Part 2:  http://www.justin.tv/greekvoice/b/310299699

Centrally-located, in Astoria, store to let, with reasonable rent and a long lease.                             For Nina, contact: 516-374-2958 or 516-369-5799

                                                CONTRIBUTIONS

"I am sending you a check in honor of you for your great work and also for my brother Richard's continued good health in his recovery," Marty Levi of O.S.I. Oil Services … David Marks … Arlene & Dr. Howard Ruderman (see letter) … Binnie Stein (see letter) …

Matza Fund: Marlene & Memos Baharlias, Joan & John DeRiso, "The very best to all," Alvin & Laura Epstein, Benjamin & Elnaz Ghodsi, Edward R. & Stefanie D. Gottlieb, Nathan & Pearl Halegua of Jonis Realty Management, "Best wishes!" Rebecca & Dr. Zevi W. Isseroff, Cynthia & Seymour D. Reich, Renee & Sherman Rothblum, Linda & Sheldon Swirsky, Rae Yamali

The Haggadic injunction invites "Whoever is hungry let him come and eat …" Join in fulfilling this mitzvah, the need is greater, by sending a donation to our Matza Fund. Mail to: L.I. Lodge #1353, B'nai B'rith, Post Office Box 51, Woodmere, NY 11598.

Future session of AARP's Defensive Driving Class with Prof. Asher J. Matathias

Wednesday, May 2 & 9, 2012, Peninsula Public Library, 280 Central Avenue, Lawrence, NY 11559-1526 516-239-3262

Wednesday, June 13 & 20, 2012, Peninsula Public Library, 280 Central Avenue, Lawrence, NY 11559-1526 516-239-3262

The third annual 5 Towns 5K Run/Walk in support of Friends of Israel Disabled Veterans-Beit Halochem will take place Sunday April 29, 2012 in North Woodmere Park. The goal for this year is 1000 run/walkers for disabled Israeli veterans. For info: http://www.5towns5k.org/

CAMPUS NEWS

Gabriel Polinsky, Laura & Eppie Epstein's grandson … The Brandeis School Eighth Grade spent a fortnight in Israel … Educator Demosthenes Triantafillou was celebrated for his efforts on behalf of Greek-American education by the bilingual newspaper National Herald …

BIRTHS

A son, for David & Jasmine Brafman; Ben & Lynda, along with Evelyn & Stanley Bienefeld are the grandparents … Meira Rebecca (Jordan & Paula) Rosenfeld … Hadar Ori (Ari & Rabbi Aviva) Fellman … Harry (Alex & Amy) Kontorovich … Devorah (Chana & Dovid) Perl; Rabbi Anchelle & Bluma, along with Rabbi Mendel & Rivka Eidelman are the grandparents … Samantha (Dr. Bryon & Jennifer) Butts … Marlo, a granddaughter, for Barbara & David Schoenfarber … Brian (Deborah & Steven) Spiro, Elliot & Madeline's grandson …  Emily (Abby & Zachary) Smith … Chaya (Estee & Jeremy) Lavitt … Lola (Eric & Tamar) Lifshitz … A son. for Binyomin & Meira Tepfer; Rav & Rebbetzin Moshe Weinberger are the grandparents … A granddaughter for Stella Bacolas …

BAR / BAT MITZVA

Dr. Horace Herbsman's 2^nd … Efrat (Shari & Rabbi Shmuel) Klammer … Shmuel (Ilana & Nachum) Dinowitz … Alex (Jacqueline & Mitchel) May … Noah and Rose (David & Elana) Schwartz … Adiv (Amy & Moshe) Cederbaum … Michal (Ari & Ruthy) Jungreis … Craig (Steven & Tammy) Sippin … Isaac M. (Mitchell & Nancy) Greebel … Maya (Doreen & Jarret) Tipiere … Yoni (Deborah & Uri) Samuni …

BIRTHDAYS / ANNIVERSARIES

Barbara & Philip Altheim (50), Bernei & Ellen Schreiber (40), Diane Linett, Sherman Rothblum (90), Technion (100), Thessaloniki reunited with Greece (100),  Dimitri Shinas (53), Dr. John Siolas (63), Rabbi Dr. Sholom Stern (73), Alana Antin (47), Alan David (66), Doris Weiss, Shirley Lieberstein, Rosa Misrahi (88), Neal Neumann, Anna Jaffe, Rabbi Arthur Schneier (82), Aaron Avdelas (57), Misty Chamberlain, Nancy Pelosi (72), Joyce Ehrlich (84), Gary Katz, Jack Hettena (65), Michael Thayer, Ronni David, Benjamin Lerner (29), Maya Angelou (84), Dean Sirigos, Cantor Gadi Elon (67), Sheila Thayer, Tel Aviv (103), Peri & Joy Avitan (7), Baruch "Bari" & Anat Cohen (7, Karen & Merik Aaron (28, Renee Nir (72), Louiza Kones-Shinas, Alfred D'Auria (73, Lee-Lev Thayer (35), Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center of Nassau County (20)

                                                ENGAGEMENTS / WEDDINGS

Dahlia (Andy & Irene) Goldberg wed Steven Kramer … Chani (Rav Moshe & Rebbetzin) Weinberger betrothed Yissi (Sara & Shlomo) Yavne … Meredith (Steven & Susan) Schlaff, Connie & Norman's granddaughter, wed Jason Menkes … Rogério and Bernardete de Mendonça Mendes, in Cascais, Portugal ... Adina Engel wed Joshua Frumer ... Rebecca (Karen & Dr. Steven) Yager betrothed Mike (Leah & Yehuda) Madar ... Aviva Goldhaber betrothed Yehuda Stepen ... Ethan (Sandra & Scott) Mandelup wed Elana Mayerfield ... Eitan (Mosh & Paula) Weinstein betrothed Elizabeth Goldstein ... Eric (Dr. Marvin & Symma) Fiedler wed Courtney Baer ... Dr. Aliza (Dr. Ira & Susan) Weg wed Daniel Gluck ... Flash! Harris (Barry & Marcia) Ringelheim is betrothed!

                                                LETTERS

Dear Asher, I have enclosed a check for $25 a subscription to your Lodge Bulletin which I've always felt was (and is) a reservoir of information about people and B'nai B'rith. You are a masterful contributor to our Order! I wish you, Anna and your loving family every happiness and good health for 2012! Congratulations to Joy on her award from JEP. Our North Hills Lodge is still a vital entity; we'll meet again in March. I wish you a healthy and most happy New Year! Howard (and Arlene) Ruderman, Bayside, NY

Dear Asher, Thank you for the Bulletin, and your work for our People everywhere, which is the talk of the community. May you be blessed with success, always! Added wishes for the B'nai B'rith Lodge No. 1353. I hope you fulfill your goals, given the current "climate"! Best regards, a-l-w-a-y-s! Binnie Stein, Woodmere, NY

P.S. Special wishes to Anna on her trip to Volos. B.S.

Dear Asher, I wanted to thank you for sending me the latest Bulletin of your Lodge
and to express my special gratitude for the insert on our forthcoming Cavafy tour. Pantelis, my incomparable collaborator in this project, and I look forward to seeing you in one of our concerts, if of course your busy schedule permits. I also wanted to congratulate your entire family for an impressive series of successes and recognitions over the last several weeks. I am ashamed to admit that I have never been to Volos but, judging from your writings and Pantelis' piano playing, I look forward to visiting soon such an eminent cultural center! Best, Vassilis (Dr. Lambropoulos, C. P. Cavafy Professor of Modern Greek, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor)

UN International Holocaust Commemoration Day Marked in NY
Constantine S. Sirigos, The National Herald
NEW YORK – Thirty three countries were represented by 63 diplomats at the Park East Synagogue in Manhattan on January 21, and although they were only a fraction of the UN’s membership of nearly 200 countries, the congregation and its honored guests were deeply moved as they marked what the world body established in 2005 as “an annual International Day of Commemoration of the victims of the Holocaust.”
The solemn and special ceremony that followed the morning Sabbath services was presided by the Upper East Side congregation’s leader of fifty years, Rabbi Arthur Schneier, himself a Holocaust survivor. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon was present and addressed the gathering, as did Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, President of the UN General Assembly. Greece’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Anastasios Mitsialis, also participated as an honored guest, and spoke during the luncheon that followed.                                                                          

                     BBI Co-Sponsors Program on Situation in Beit Shemesh

New aid going to Greek Jewish community                                              Jewish  Telegraphic Agency                                  February 28, 2012

JERUSALEM (JTA) -- The Jewish Agency will provide emergency aid to the Jewish community of Greece facing a serious financial crisis. The Board of Governors of the Jewish Agency for Israel voted to grant about $1 million over two years to help Greece's Jewish communal institutions continue operating, as well as to strengthen the community’s ties with Israel and to develop aliyah  programs forthose who wish to immigrate to Israel.  Other Jewish organizations have been offering assistance to the community. The Jewish Agency aid package will be funded by the agency and its partners, Keren Hayesod-United Israel Appeal and the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. There will also be a fundraising campaign for the Jews of Greece, and Hebrew teachers will be sent to local schools and summer camps in Greece to preserve Hebrew instruction in the community. For several months the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee has been assisting the Greek Jewish community, according to JDC CEO Steven Schwager, who visited Athens last month. The JDC has donated $330,000 for welfare and school scholarships to the Athens Jewish community, while other groups such as the Lauder Foundation and Leichtag Family Foundation, as well as the American Jewish Committee, also have provided funds, according to The Jerusalem Post. Some 5,000 Jews live in Greece, including 3,500 in Athens and 1,000 in Thessaloniki, according to the Jewish Agency. The Jewish community operates synagogues, a Jewish school, a museum and a soup kitchen. Community leaders told the Jewish Agency, as well as other Jewish groups, that the majority of Jewish communal institutions in the country are on the verge of closure due to the financial crisis gripping the country. Many members of the Greek Jewish community are now unemployed and falling below the poverty line, and some 70 elderly members of the community require financial support to pay for basic necessities such as food and shelter.

         

SICKNESS & DISTRESS: Refua Shlema (Get well wishes) to: Karen Bakst, Melvin Blau, Jamie Green, Susan Polansky, David Schoenfarber, Bob Seide, Binnie Stein, Sammy Stein, Madeleine Welner.  

CONDOLENCES TO,  Miriam Steinberg on the loss of father Rabbi Alvin Poplack … Chaoul Dabbah on the loss of sister Denise Abadie … Frances on the loss of husband Howard Schwartz, 89 … Vicki Bensdorf on the loss of sister Dafira Durros … Mark and Corey Steinbock on the loss of mother Bernice Kaufman … Shirley on the loss of husband Neal Boyarsky … Evelyn Schusscheim on the loss of father Wolf Peck … Rabbi Jacob on the loss of wife Ann Hack … Ivor on the loss of father David Braka … Mike, Saul, Mark, Ronnie, and Danny on the loss of wife and mother Lucy Safdieh … Chaim on the loss of grandmother Baila Puderbeutel … Frances on the loss of husband Ephraim Charles … Joseph Hess … Tony Blankley, 63 … Philip on the loss of father Barnard Kalban … Mitchell on the loss of father David Gelnick … Sharon Moskovic on the loss of father Abraham Muller … Rabbi Burton, Ayala, and Yehuda on the loss of wife and mother Roberta Cohen … Don on the loss of father Raymond Simon … Michelle Levi and Laurie Lieberman on the loss of mother Harriet Zorn, 81 … Daine Katz on the loss of sister Linda Nitti … Kevin White, 82 … Daniel Schrag on the loss of sister Gina Gottschalk … Claire Cohen on the loss of mother Helen Reich … Esther on the loss of husband David Woltman … Betsy Lopata on the loss of mother Esther Sicherman … Whitney Houston, 48 … Michelle Benesowitz and Nathan Grama on the loss of mother and sister Lillian Afromowitz … Molly on the loss of son Albert Lefkowitz … Shalom on the loss of father Bernard Miller … Andrew on the loss of father Arnold Levey … Shani Gelman on the loss of father Isaac Schachter … Vladimir on the loss of brother Aleksandr Gorbach … Elliot on the loss of mother Melanie Blumenthal … Lawrence on the loss of brother Jan Brenner … Remi Ochlik, 28 … Marie Colvin, 56 … Rabbi Herchel on the loss of mother Pearl Billet … Thomas Jefferson HS graduates: Michael Berkowitz, Dr. Leonard Davis, Lawrence Garden, Selma Greenberg, 86, Florence F. Indyke, Shelley Neiderbach, 71, and Larry Pollock.

Thee Nishmato B'Tzror HaChayim. May the souls be bounds up in everlasting bond of life; and may all who mourn be comforted in Zion. Amen.

  

BBI co-sponsored a program organized by the American Zionist Movement on the situation in Beit Shemesh. The speaker at the event was Miri Shalem, who organized a flash mob in Beit Shemesh to protest the mistreatment of women and girls in Beit Shemesh. Shalem is part of the “faces of Israel” delegation sent by the Ministry of Public Diplomacy to locations throughout the world to discuss life in Israel. BBI Honorary President Joel Kaplan represented B’nai B’rith.

Sister Congregation Debuts

                                                                                        ב"ה              

                                                 LONG ISLAND LODGE No. 1353, B'NAI B'RITH                                                  

   P.O. BOX 51, WOODMERE, NY 11598-0051
516-374-2958                          Mobile: 369-5799       

                                               http://www.bnaibrith.org/         AsherJmat@Aol.com

18 Shevat 5772                                                                                                                                         February 11, 2011

                                         New Orthodox Minyan Adds to Seasonal Optimism

               

Mitosis is a well-known scientific process during which a cell divides to produce two others, identical but differing in size. Similarly, the Jewish community of the Five Towns has witnessed a mushrooming of smaller learning and prayer groups that were once part of gargantuan units. Moreover, it is a special zahut, merit, in one's life to have added the mitzvah of having played a role in establishing a new congregation. Thus, it was not a total surprise to learn that several friends in North Woodmere, aged 40-something, and older, organized an Orthodox quorum, meeting at the Shalhevet High School premises located within the Conservative Temple Hillel (1000 Rosedale Road); a wonderful collaboration of, by, and for Jews that begs emulation in editorial offices.

Thus, this Shabbat Parasha Yitro, amid snow flurries and the expectation of spring, days after celebrating Tu B'Shvat, the New Year of Trees, a new sap in the religious firmament took effect with worship commencing precisely at 9:00 AM. Entering the makeshift sanctuary, soon filled to capacity, as was the women's section, I was quickly enveloped in the warmth of well-known dynamic leaders: Scott Goldberg (former District 14 school board candidate, of Metropolitan Refunds, 516-889-6664 x 111); the highly-respected Harold Feldman (aliyah Shlishi); Rabbi Nahum Marcus (Trustee of District 15 school board, who intoned the Torah portion with accuracy, rapidity, and verve); Eliot Jacobowitz (chanting the prophetic piece in the Haftara); Ira Lillien, of AAPCO Paper & Plastic Corporation, 516-608-9200); Dr. Shaya Speiser (leading the morning chants), among several more volunteers, all public-spirited. My evident pleasure to be with them was further enhanced when I was called Revee, fourth, to the Torah, and, later to recite the communal Kiddush!

If the aim of this inaugural exercise was to demonstrate a "minyan which hopes to be a respectful, warm, inspirational, and spiritually uplifting option for individuals and families, and a valuable asset to all those in the community," success in all these dimensions have been achieved! Divisive forces in our community, particularly the increasingly sectarian and partisan local press, would do well to reflect on the multi-messages contained in a post-liturgical D'var Torah, word of the Law, competently explicated by the aforementioned Eliot Jacobowitz, a lay leader extraordinaire, who encouraged other congregants to take turns presenting future comments.

It is very instructive, for example, that Yitro, born a non-Hebrew, indeed, he was a High Priest of Median, who has the rare honor of a Torah-section named for him. Famously, he is the father of Zipporah, who marries Moshe the Law-giver, a man who eventually converts, following a penetrating period of inquisitiveness, and even advises his son-in-law on administrative matters --- how to efficiently, and effectively dispense justice to his contentious tribes whom Moses leads. Foremost, it is important to value not whence one has come, but what a person has become; Yitro, already was a man of honor, possessed of derech eretz, way of the land, road, proper conduct while  a pagan; he is the more highly-regarded for stepping into his new role without shedding his basic humanity, compassion, tolerance, and diversity.

Eliot concluded with the optimistic note that today's proceedings can be viewed from the prism of football's analogy, for, this is the kickoff that will eventually culminate in the Festival of Shavuot, the giving of the 10 Commandments on the dwarf Mt. Sinai: in two weeks there is the New Moon for the Hebrew Month of Adar; fourteen days later, Purim is in the offing, followed by the Month of Nissan, during which middle comes Pesach, then, Lag B'Omer. Let us rejoice of the totality of our existence, accept each other's differences lovingly; be affirmatively inclusive in print, and actively reaching out to those outside our orbit of operation. We congratulate the newest kehilla, congregation, in our midst, happy to recommend that we join the available email list by sending our individual kudos for their collective growth and prosperity as follows: OrthodoxMinyanAtHillel@gmail.com. Shavua tov, semana buena, καλη εβδομαδα, a good week!

Sincerely, and with fraternal affection,                                                                                                    

Asher                                                                                   

Prof. Asher J. Matathias, President

*Nice! S.S., Woodmere, NY

**Thank you. Gary F., Teaneck, NJ

*I couldn't agree with the analysis of Yitro. Do you think that by advising Moses on the delegation of responsibility Yotro was thinking about how Moses would be able to give more time to his daughter and grandchildren? J.N., Cedarhurst, NY             

**Asher, I am so glad we spoke this past week and that you joined us for, what will hopefully be, the beginning of a Minyan that will benefit many people and Temple Hillel. I am going to do my best to see you for the Observance of Holocaust of Greek Jewry by the Greek Consul-General. I will speak with you during the week prior to Wednesday. Thank you again for joining us. Scott Goldberg, North Woodmere, NY

*So the fact that the intent of the founders of this Minyan's is to destroy Congregation Ohr Torah doesn't bother you? C.M., North Woodmere

**How wonderful that Temple Hillel made it possible. Alu V'hatzlichu. Dr. M.D., Woodmere, NY