Jewish Community Center of LBI’s

50^th Anniversary Celebration & Dedication

of the New Building

Friday, June 22, 2012     Saturday, June 23, 2012     Sunday, June 24, 2012

Friday Evening – Shabbat Dinner and Services with a Guest Speaker

Saturday Morning – Shabbat Services and Oneg with a Guest Scholar

Sunday Evening – Beautiful Dinner/Dance and Celebration

Click here to view and/or print Gala Weekend Invitation as a PDF file

If you have any questions, call Eileen Levin (856)-465-3596

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE WEEKEND PLEASE CLICK ON THIS LINK

FOR THE DEDICATION NEWSFLASH Newsflash

Updated 5/13/12 kps

Click here to view and/or print the Silent Auction flyer as a PDF file. Adobe Reader required to view

Click here to view and /or print the Silent Auction response card as a PDF file. Adobe Reader required to view.

Updated 4/17/12 kps

YOM KIPPUR – 2011

The job of being President seems to always be about asking for money, or asking for volunteers. And that is so.  Because to keep our congregation going in a way that we like, it takes money, and it takes volunteers.  And this morning I will ask for both. The fastest growing congregations among our Christian friends seem to be Fundamentalists, and most require tithing of money, time, and talent.  I am just asking you for a LITTLE of each.

On Rosh Hashona I asked for your High Holiday Appeal contributions which are more important than ever. If you haven’t mailed in your blue card and pledge or check yet, PLEASE do so.  I received a lovely e-mail yesterday from one of our members who attended her congregation in Elkins Park. When she read my Rosh Hashona speech in our High Holiday Appeal mailing, she wrote that she was so moved by it that she changed the amount of her contribution. I hope some of you will do the same. I also spoke about the need to continue raising money for our New Building Capital Campaign.  In order to build our much needed new facility NOW, rather than wait a few years, we had to borrow money from some of our members and friends. These funds must be paid back, and while we are using these funds we are paying interest on them. I mentioned that we have had some sizable contributions from non- members who wanted to be a part of our project. This morning we have many guests and adult children of members worshipping with us.  We welcome you and hope you will continue joining us. Next year we will have even more seating capacity.  I hope some of you will also consider being a part of our effort to have a meaningful Jewish presence on the Island of which all Jews can be proud.  This can be done by becoming a member of the JCC, or by contributing to our Capital Campaign.  We need your help.

While many people who only visit the area for a week or two each year have participated, we have a significant number of our members who are here for the summer or the whole year, but have not been a part of this effort.  I ask you to re-consider. IT IS TIME FOR YOU TO STEP UP.  Remember, a cup of coffee a day for three years adds up to well over $1,000.  Our new building will have a permanent ROLL OF HONOR plaque recognizing contributors of $1,500 or more. This will be prepared over the winter, and I urge everyone to make a contribution or increase the one you have made, so that your names can be included on this plaque.  Here is an opportunity to make sure that your children or grandchildren will be able to point to it and proudly say  “MY family was a significant part of this project”.  Please contact Rose Valentine, our Campaign Chairman to MAKE or to INCREASE your pledge.   Pledge and give an amount of which YOU can be proud.

And by the way, in my Rosh Hashona message I mentioned that a non-member made a $10,000 pledge as a result of seeing our new building information at our Arts Festival. This week he increased that to $20,000.  So, in addition to other smaller amounts, we have now received a 30 and a 20 thousand dollar contribution from non members. Please join in this effort.

In our new building we will still need volunteers for such projects as mailings, Kitchen help, Bazaars, and other events. This morning I would like to talk about some other areas of volunteering which involves your working on a committee with others. We need a EVENTS committee to investigate and set rental prices for the use of all or part of our Social hall, or a room for group meetings, or our kosher kitchen. We will need a HOUSE Committee to supervise the maintenance and upkeep of our facility.  This doesn’t mean doing the fixing or cleaning, but working with people or companies that do the work.   In our larger building we have to do a total review of our insurance needs. We need a committee of people to evaluate what insurance coverage we have, look at what we need, and then get proposals and bids to cover this.   We need lots of help on identifying and planning future FUNDRAISING activities for next year and future ones. These can include raffles, auctions, dances, entertainers, cultural events, bingo, and other possible things we haven’t even thought of yet.   On Rosh Hashona, Rabbi Jack challenged us to have a CARING committee to check on older, single members, to visit shut-ins, and do some shopping or other errands when necessary. Step up and help perform this mitzvah.   And we need more committee people to plan and work on our gala DEDICATION WEEKEND. It will finish with a dinner event which is already scheduled for Sunday eve, June 24, 2012.  Mark your calendars now so that you will be able to participate, whether it is in working on this exciting event or just attending. So there will lots to do next year, and I hope all will be a part of it.

Harold Farin, our transition chairman, will need lots of help in getting everything back to our new facility.  These items will come from the 8 to 10 places the stuff is now being used or stored.  And ‘THANK YOU’ to those who have let us use their homes or garages to store these items for almost a year. When Harold calls, please say “YES” to help on this project. Once that is completed, we won’t need our ‘schleppers’ as often as we have these past 4 or 5 years.  But I promise, we will have other volunteer opportunities for you.

You have HEARD me speak.  Hopefully you LISTENED to me.  If you did, that means you will get your High Holiday Appeal gift in, and you will make or increase your Capital Campaign pledge. And that you will be generous in these.  That means you will continue, or begin, volunteering for the many things at the JCC that must be done.  That means you will attend services on occasion. That means you will say YES when asked to be part of one of our many activities.  In this Holy Day season of Repentance, Reflection, and Generosity, step up and do your part.  It means that you will pledge to be a significant part of our—  NO,  YOUR—  JCC of LBI.

Continue to check our web site to get your questions answered or learn what is happening. Please call the office to tell us what committees or events you can volunteer for.  I will ask our staff to have lists available on which you can sign up.  Don’t TELL me, because I will forget, but you can e-mail me,  or call the Office.   And 2 reminders — on your way out today, please check out the display of the Torah Cover  and Wimples in case you want to bid on one of them next spring,  and pick up your copy of our Membership Directory.

Thank you for listening,  and the best of everything good in the coming year for YOU and YOUR family from ME and MINE.    L’Shona Tova.

10/10/2011 kps

SEE RECENT PHOTOS OF PROGRESS OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW JCC  OF LBI.

Siding nearly completed. Front view 9/17/11

Putting in the windows 7/25/11

View from 24th St. of siding. 9/15/11

The Bimah in the new building

It is a very exciting time for the JCC of LBI and the entire community as we rebuild our synagogue.  Folks driving along the boulevard turn to see what we are doing on 24^thStreet and are reminded that – yes, there is a thriving Jewish community here.

http://jccoflbi.shutterfly.com/pictures

Foundation is laid 6/6/11

A BRIEF MESSAGE FROM OUR REBUILD CHAIRMAN, JEFF SHAPIRO

JCC RISING !

Take a ride ( by car or boat) past the JCC and you can see a great deal is happening. The framing is almost complete. Take a closer look and you can see a large metal beam about  three quarters of the way into the building.  This metal structure separates the social hall from the sanctuary. In about two months there will be a sliding partition attached to this metal.

In the next four weeks there will be an enormous amount of activity. The siding, roof and windows are to be installed.

WE ARE MAKING GREAT PROGRESS AND ARE KEEPING  WITHIN THE BUDGET.  

Read the Message from JCC President Don Pripstein at the Ground Breaking Ceremony:  Ground Breaking Message from JCC President

DONATE TO THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN!!!! TO FIND OUT HOW TO MAKE YOUR CONTRIBUTION CLICK GO TO  http://jccoflbi.org/category/capital-campaign/

Updated 7/15/11 rgv

The Bannett Group is experienced when it comes to constructing synagogues, and has already worked on projects near shore areas. As well, they are familiar with building amid challenging elements, including multiple snowstorms. Mr. Craig W. Brearley, Architect has and shall support our project through completion.

This is an exciting project, and without question, all JCC members will feel pride upon its completion. To make this project a reality, we had to borrow $500,000 from members; the balance was achieved through intensive fundraising efforts. After many years of work on this project, it is finally underway.

My utmost thanks and appreciation are owed to the following individuals for their contributions:

Ed Dreyfus, who was the originator of this current project. Personal matters have prevented Ed from focusing all his efforts on this pursuit, so he handed over the day-to-day responsibilities to me. Regardless, Ed is still active in the project, and makes certain that I stay the course.

Don Pripstein, for his wisdom and tenacity, and for keeping things together when tensions mounted.

Harold Farin, who worked diligently on the relocation of our precious artifacts, as well as the relocation of our personnel, services, and all other JCC items.

Rose Valentine, for her outstanding accomplishment of raising enough money to place this project within our reach.

Stu Snyder, who worked on the legal aspects of this undertaking. Stu’s broad background and expertise in Real Estate resulted in an ironclad contract, along with impressively detailed  architectural plans and drawings.

Eileen Levin, for her marshaling of resources and her noble battle on behalf of the Sisterhood, for the sake of avoiding compromise on the size and style of the kitchen.

Tiger Wolpert, for his insight into the “energy/green” designs and his religiously significant suggestions, as well as for providing valued historical resonance related to previous plans for a new structure.

Sherry Fruchterman, for her boundless design talents, which stand to deliver a beautiful building within our monetary guidelines.

Henry Medvin and Judith Pripstein for their work and contributions to the combined library/boardroom and classrooms.

The Board of Trustees, for acting swiftly and diligently while representing the interests of the entire congregation.

As we celebrate, remember: The breaking of the ground for this new building is just the beginning of a long-term process. Our fundraising endeavors will persist, as we are obliged to pay our lenders back within a reasonable period of time.

At the present juncture, we can all proudly say that we were part of an historical event that will have a lasting impact on the Jewish community of Long Beach Island and the nearby mainland for generations to come.

The contract has been signed and demolition began on February 28,2011

Jeffrey Shapiro, 1.13.11

A ratio of 80/20 has been proven over and over again to be a factor in most activities.  It says that about 80% of the funds will come from about 20% of the participants.  Or that 20% of its members provide 80% of the volunteer hours of an organization.

Here is what this means for the JCC of LBI’s building fund capital campaign.  To get these results, I have used a membership base of 260 family units and a fundraising goal of $1.5 million.  For us it means that six to ten families will hopefully commit amounts between $50,000 and $250,000.  It means that 100 or so families must contribute between $500 and $5,000.  But, ESSENTIAL FOR OUR CAMPAIGN’S SUCCESS, it means that 35 to 50 families must contribute $15,000 to $25,000

Obviously these grouping estimates are not rigid.  Some families that might be considering a gift in the neighborhood of $5,000 will hopefully step up and pledge 8 or 10 thousand dollars.  And some monies will be raised by people who can only donate a few hundred dollars. Also, we still hope that some of the money for this project will come from grants and other sources outside our membership, but we can’t count on this.

The JCC membership consists of many retired or still working accountants, doctors, educators, engineers, lawyers, other professionals, and successful business persons.  I am sure that most of us, male and female, have been successful financially.  Many of us have homes valued at $ I million or more, and an even larger number live in homes valued between $300,000 and $500,000.   And how many of us over the age of 70 have really needed the mandatory distributions from our IRAs or 401Ks to live on?  If we reach down, extend ourselves a little, and give generously, I believe the goal of $1.5 million can be attained.  But it has to be new money.  It can’t be donations, High Holiday Appeal pledges, tributes, or other monies that you normally give to the JCC.  Those dollars are needed as they are– to operate our congregation.

Construction of our new facility which began with the demolition of our former building is now underway. In order to advance to this stage, we were able to secure commitments from about 10 members and friends who have agreed to lend us monies to complete our financing package. But we will be paying interest on these loans and they must eventually be paid back. We need additional pledges and gifts to do so .Please do your part, AND DO IT NOW.

Most of us have taken a financial hit in the last part of 2008, and for many this hit was huge.  But in times of adversity we Americans and we Jews pick ourselves up and move forward. And so we must for our Rebuild Project.  We must look at the big picture, the long range picture.  Our project, a new JCC home, is for us and for future generations.  It is for something that is necessary and that will make us all proud.  Your commitment is a gift to you and to future generations.

We have seen the financial market improve. Please review your current financial situation and , if possible, reconsider your contribution to our Rebuild Project.

Our Bible asks us to tithe. Jews don’t, but many Christians do.  There are many churches, mostly but not all fundamentalist, that require members to tithe.  Tithe not only 10% of their income, but also 10% of their time and talent.    And this seems to be a growing percentage of the population.   Think of all the Mega-churches you have seen or read about

Have you done all you can in making your Rebuild Campaign pledge? Or as our Rabbi said on Rosh Hashona   “All you can and a little bit more”    Estimate your total income over the next 3 years.  This is from wages, pensions, dividends, interest, withdrawals from IRAs, and disbursements from annuities, etc.   And don’t calculate 10% of that 3 year total; just do 5%, or even 3%.   For most of you, I’ll bet that number is a lot more than what you have pledged or plan to pledge to the Rebuild Campaign.  Even one dollar a day over 3 years is a pledge of $1100.

I am not asking you to make a pledge that you think I might want you to make.  I am asking you to make your initial pledge or increase your previous one to an amount that you and your family will be proud of.  Please don’t wait until later to do so.  DO IT NOW. Call Rose Valentine and take care of it right away.  Our building needed to be replaced, and we are making this happen.  NOW IS THE TIME TO HELP US COMPLETE THE FINANCIAL PACKAGE.

Rose Valentine has taken on the tremendous responsibility of chairing our Capital Campaign.   Please call her at (609) 361-0892 to discuss your pledge.          SHALOM,  Don Pripstein

Updated 3/6/11 kps

In response to Board member questions about future expansion of the building, it was pointed out that this new design enables, in some future project, the easy addition of two rooms (one perhaps a chapel) north of the sanctuary and two additional rooms west of the kitchen. This new design preserves the social hall size capable of seating 200 for dinner and dancing, catered receptions, banquets, concerts, and other forms of activities and functions, while the sanctuary, when closed, can still seat over 100 persons, and, when open to the social hall, can seat 400-500 for the High Holidays.

Jeff Shapiro, the new Rebuild Project chairman reported that demolition of the old facility began on Feb. 28, 2011. This was a delay of about 1 month due to mandated asbestos inspection in the old facility and the removal of gas lines. Because of these delays it is now doubtful that we will receive a Certificate of Occupancy in time for this year’s High Holidays. When completed, the JCC membership can enjoy the new building and plan for Bar/Bat mitzvahs, weddings, High Holidays, and other events in our own building.

Now that construction has begun, it is hoped that those JCC members who have not yet participated in the financing will make a pledge or gift so that we can report that all members are participating in this exciting project. This is also a good time for those members who are financially able to do so, to increase their support in order to help reduce the amount of money that must be borrowed to complete the project.

Update 3/6/11 kps

Rebuild Project

The Board of Trustees of the JCC of LBI voted to initiate a campaign to raise funds to build a new physical structure here on Long Beach Island on the same site where we have been located since 1961. Our motivations driving this enormous project are strong and numerous.

1. Our physical space is too small for holiday services, for social events, for classroom space.
2. Our kitchen facilities are inadequate as are the restrooms.
3. The Holy Ark is suffering from mold.
4. There is no handicapped access to the Bimah.
5. Our outward appearance does not reflect the wonderful things which happen inside our building.

We want and need a building which is a reflection of who we are as Jews. We want a Jewish House of Worship that is welcoming and reflective of a thoughtful, dynamic and creative group of people for whom the JCC of LBI is an anchor in their lives on both a social and religious level. Whether we are raising a family here, are full-time retirees or summer residents, we look to our synagogue as a place to be grounded, an always safe and welcome haven, a place where ”everybody knows your name.”

Upon completion of our new facility, the JCC of LBI will become an attractive gathering place for our young families who ar raising families or buying vacation homes here, as well as for the many retirees who are spending more and more of the year on the Island and the surrounding mainland communities. The strength of our tradition and the joy of our celebrations will shine even brighter each tomorrow in our new building as families come together.

Because Judaism teaches us that we must take responsibility for our actions, for each other and for our world, Ed Dreyfus and Rose Valentine have taken on two of the most difficult and important jobs to get the JCC rebuilt. Jeff Shapiro now chairs the Rebuild Committee with Ed in an advisory capacity, and Rose chairs the Capital Campaign Committee. Please contact Rose at (609) 361-0892 or (973) 632-0913 with your pledge, your questions, or your offer to help—NOW!

OVERVIEW

The Jewish Community Center of Long Beach Island was established in the early 1950’s as a summer resort congregation. A handful of families opened their homes to the needs of the congregation, holding services in their living rooms and dedicating themselves to building a Jewish presence in the Southern Ocean County community.

The synagogue as we know it today was completed and dedicated in 1961. The building’s stained glass windows remain one of its most remarkable characteristics, featuring the twelve tribes of Israel along with emblems of the Priests and the Levites.  A second set of windows, facing the south, depicts the various Jewish holidays.

In 1979, the JCC opened its doors year round and was no longer considered to be just a summer congregation.  A search for a permanent rabbi was initiated; plans for celebrating all of the holidays were made as well as for social activities throughout the year.

Today the synagogue continues to thrive and grow. Our membership includes more than 270 member units. Since 2002, Rabbi Jacob Friedman has been the spiritual leader of our congregation. With more than 50 years of experience as a pulpit rabbi, he and his wife Ali have become an integral part of the JCC community. His knowledge and insight bring the Torah to life as each service under his leadership is both inspirational and educational.

Shabbat services are held weekly and all holidays are observed.  In 2007 the rabbi’s residence was completely rebuilt into a two-unit condo providing a very suitable home and a unit for sale.  The Religious School offers a comprehensive Jewish education for the young people of our community.  Adult Education classes are led by ‘Rabbi Jack’. Our members come to the JCC not only to celebrate simchas, but also to seek comfort, social interaction and new friendships.

The Ritual Committee organizes yahrzeit and shiva minyans for all those in need, both members and non-members alike. Our Sisterhood holds many social and fundraising activities and serves as the welcoming committee at the Center.

The JCC is involved in interfaith activities throughout the community.  A Torah scroll, rescued from the Holocaust, and the Holocaust section of our library are the centerpieces for Holocaust awareness programs and education.

DESCRIPTION

Our new JCC of LBI will be situated on the same property as the existing synagogue, with its welcoming entrance facing the main boulevard and closer to it. The one story building of almost 9,000 sq.ft.  will have seating for about 100 in the sanctuary and expanded seating for High Holidays, community events, and special occasions for 500 people.  Our stained glass windows will be installed in the new sanctuary.

The social hall will provide the perfect setting for receptions, lectures and other functions. Convenient to it is a brand new, large kosher kitchen for use by Sisterhood, caterers and congregants.  In the front of the building are the office, library/board room, classrooms and restrooms.  There will be handicap ramps to provide access to the building and to the Bimah.

Click below to view the revised drawings as PDF files

2011 Feb JCC floor plan

Interior Views of Sanctuary

JCC Rebuild Committee

March 6, 2011

Jeff Shapiro, Chairperson

Edward Dreyfus, Advisor to the Chairperson

Sub-committee Assignments

Capital Campaign Support

• Jeff Shapiro, Chair
• Lionel Wolpert

Finance/Investments

• Jeff Shapiro, Chair

Legal, Constitution, By Laws,

Surveys, Permits, Contracts

• Stuart Snyder
• Basil Karp

Architect Building Design & Layout

• Ed Dreyfus, Chair
• Don Pripstein
• Lionel Wolpert
• Rabbi Jack Friedman
• Harold Farin

Green Building, Lighting/ Security Systems

• Lionel Wolpert, Chair
• Ronald Marr
• Ken Abend

Office & Gallery Design

• Sherry Fructerman, Chair
• Howard Fructerman
• Harold Farin

Library / Class Room Design

• Henry Medvin, Chair
• Judith Pripstein
• Karen Schwing
• Michelle Goldman, School Principal

Kosher Kitchen & Pantry Design

• Eileen Levin, Chair
• Vivian Fitts

Demolition/Fence + Trailer Sale , Site Prep

• Lionel Wolpert, Chair
• Ken Abend

Contractor Evaluation/Selection/Negotiation

• Ed Dreyfus, Chair
• Stuart Snyder, Esq.
• Don Pripstein
• Jeff Shapiro
• Lionel Wolpert

Artifact Removal/Storage/Re-install:

• Harold Farin

OTHER SUBCOMMITTEES TO BE FORMED

• Construction Management/Inspection
• Parking Lot/Grounds/Landscaping

Updated 3/6/2011 kps