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

chronicle@ohav.org

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 rhmoldwin@aol.com 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 Superbowl@ohav.org

PURIM WORD SEARCH — SEE HOW MANY WORDS YOU CAN FIND

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The words in the puzzle are:

AHASHEURUS

BIBLE

ESTHER

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HAMAN

HAMANTASCHEN

HOLIDAY

JEWISH

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MEGILLAH

MORDECHAI

PERSIA

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QUEEN SHUSHAN

TZEDAKAH

VASHTI

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 Bonnieohav@yahoo.com 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 sisterhoodprez@gmail.com

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 Dan@ohav.org 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

sisterhoodprez@gmail.com 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 shalochmanot@ohav.org

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 chronicle@ohav.org 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 chronicle@ohav.org

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

rabbiebbin@ohav.org 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 president@ohav.org

Executive V.P. Barry Birnbaum execvp@ohav.org

V.P. Ritual & Education Kenneth Duftler ritual@ohav.org

V.P. House & Properties Steven Gochman building@ohav.org

V.P. Fund Raising David Hauser fundraising@ohav.org

V.P. Social Activities Gary Friedman calendar@ohav.org

Treasurer Daron Rubensohn treasurer@ohav.org

Financial Secretary Ira Balsam finance@ohav.org

Recording Secretary Matthew Lerner record@ohav.org

Corresponding Secretary Ron Bekore mail@ohav.org

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

rabbiebbin@ohav.org

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