Jewish Community Voice

10/15/2024

JCRC and Islamic group meet with Eastern Regional High School

Jewish Community Relations Council of Southern New Jersey - JCRC and VOICE (Voorhees Organization of Islamic Culture and Engagement) leadership met with the new principal at Eastern Regional High School (ERHS), Steve Lee, to discuss the importance of creating a healthy culture among the students and parents.

The two groups met with Lee together to strengthen the message that we need to work in unison to ensure all of our children feel safe and welcomed in their school. Participating in the meeting were (from left), Raab/Goodwin Director Helen Kirschbaum, VOICE President Aya Salem, VOICE Secretary and ERHS parent Nabila Bakry, ERHS Principal Steve Lee, JCRC Board Vice President and ERHS parent Randi Stoopler, ERHS parent Aaron Aumiller, and JCRC Executive Director Sabrina Spector.

10/15/2024

Christopher Columbus was genetically Jewish, Spanish researchers say

Christopher Columbus was likely Jewish, Spanish researchers have announced in a splashy new documentary aired on Spain’s national broadcaster on Saturday.

According to the documentary, the researchers spent 22 years researching Columbus’ national origins before concluding that bones buried in a Seville cathedral are in fact the famed explorer’s — and that his DNA suggests that he likely came from a Jewish family.

New article just uploaded to our website. Article courtesy of JTA.

Christopher Columbus was likely Jewish, Spanish researchers have announced in a splashy new documentary aired on Spain’s national broadcaster on Saturday. According to the documentary, the researchers spent 22 years researching Columbus’ national origins before concluding that bones buried in a ...

10/15/2024

SJR kicks off an eventful first month of the year

The BBYO year is back in full swing with a wide range of events this month, such as Regional Kickoff, BTI, and Fall Intake, allowing members to reunite with their friends through fun programming after a long summer break.

Read more using the link below.

The BBYO year is back in full swing with a wide range of events this month, such as Regional Kickoff, BTI, and Fall Intake, allowing members to reunite with their friends through fun programming after a long summer break. Just a few short weeks ago, South Jersey Region BBYO started our year off stro...

10/14/2024

Chabad in Medford celebrates 20 years of success

On a bright, sunny Sunday, Chabad in Medford held a 20th anniversary celebration. The festive event featured a look at the growth and achievements of Chabad in Medford as well as serving to showcase Chabad in Medford’s new building.

“For me, coming to a place and not knowing the dynamics of the Jewish community…it’s beautiful to see what has evolved, how we have grown, and how we’ve become a Jewish establishment in the area,” said Rabbi Yitzchok Kahan, director of Chabad in Medford with his wife Baily. The Kahans, who came from Crown Heights in Brooklyn, have been the driving force behind the services and events that have built a place to be Jewish in Medford. “We wanted to give people from all walks of life, the beauty and richness of Judaism.”

Full story below.

On a bright, sunny Sunday, Chabad in Medford held a 20th anniversary celebration. The festive event featured a look at the growth and achievements of Chabad in Medford as well as serving to showcase Chabad in Medford’s new building. “For me, coming to a place and not knowing the dynamics of the ...

10/14/2024

The Aleph Home Care and Day Center of Southern New Jersey Adult Day Center program focuses on enhancing socialization, cognitive engagement, and creative expression for older adults - providing mental and social stimulation during the day - while giving their day-to-day caregivers the respite they need and deserve.

One area of focus is physical activity and movement. Carmela Silodor, Aleph Adult Day Center Activity Director, likes to come up with new and exciting ways to add movement into the day. Her newest addition was line dancing.

Check out the full video story here: https://bit.ly/4gYLSmo

10/14/2024

Jewish Federation’s Newest property at 1721 Springdale Road to celebrate beloved staff member

When you enter the lively lobby of the Katz Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Cherry Hill, members and guests alike are always greeted by a friendly, familiar face at the membership desk. In the mornings, in addition to and adjacent to a membership associate behind the desk, you will often find another friendly, smiling face: Jonathan Sinay.

Sinay is beloved by members and staff of the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey (JFSNJ) and its family of agencies. At the Weinberg Jewish Community Campus, which is home to the JCC, JFSNJ offices, and Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS), Jonathan’s warm presence is constant and always prompts a smile. For over nine years, he has held a variety of positions within the system, including with the Sari Isdaner Early Childhood Center, Katz JCC Membership and JFSNJ Administration.

Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/3NgnEX2

10/11/2024

Shabbat Shalom and G'mar Chatimah Tovah from the Jewish Community Voice.

We wish you all a meaningful Yom Kippur.

10/11/2024

On Monday, October 7, the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey (JFSNJ) held a Community Solidarity G*thering at Congregation Beth El Voorhees. Attendees were welcome by Rabbi Englander of Congregation Beth El and Sabrina Spector, Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Southern New Jersey - JCRC.

Clergy of local synagogues including cantors and rabbis led the evening in various prayers and messages of unity.

Israeli community member Meir Rozalis said some words about the hostages lost and the ones still being held captive in Gaza. The JCRC Shinshiniot shared a message of gratitude to the community for their endless support of Israel.

JFSNJ CEO Jennifer Dubrow Weiss and JFSNJ President Ed Rivkin delivered a message of hope and resilience in these trying times. Adi Rotches, community member and Kellman Brown Academy teacher, gave her thank you on behalf of Kibbutz Be'eri, where her family resides.

10/11/2024

Jewish Federation of SNJ to honor outstanding staff

The Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey (JFSNJ) team is excited to host its 102nd Annual Meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. at the Katz JCC. A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the prestigious Susan Love Staff Achievement Award to two exemplary staff members: Adam Roth, director of Special Needs; and Iris Snyder, Engagement & Donor specialist.

Named in honor and memory of Susan Love, who was a beloved colleague and friend to all at JFSNJ, the award recognizes employees who demonstrate exceptional dedication to the organization and the community. It celebrates those who embody the values of commitment, service, and leadership.

Read more about this year's honorees below.

The Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey (JFSNJ) team is excited to host its 102nd Annual Meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. at the Katz JCC. A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the prestigious Susan Love Staff Achievement Award to two exemplary staff members: Adam Roth,....

10/10/2024

Pickleball players celebrate with party at the Katz JCC, Cherry Hill

Avi Yehuda (left) pickleball pro for the Katz Jewish Community Center in Cherry Hill, and Diane Romaniello recently organized the second annual Pickleball Falafel Party at the JCC pool. About 75 people attended the event, and Yehuda said about 260 people play pickleball at the JCC.

Oded Kraus, executive director for the Katz JCC, greeted the group at the party and said he was very proud of the pickleball JCC community that has developed, noting “you’ve created something very, very special.” Party attendees brought various food items to the event for donation to the Jewish Family and Children's Service - JFCS of Southern New Jersey Betsy and Peter Fischer Food Pantry.

10/10/2024

Nancy Pearl introduced as Katz JCC president-elect at celebration

The Katz JCC recently held its annual celebration, during which Nancy Pearl was officially introduced as the new Katz JCC president-elect, succeeding outgoing President Andy Levin. The event, held at the Katz JCC on Monday, Sept. 30, brought together the community to celebrate the achievements of the past year and honor Levin for his dedicated service and leadership.

Nancy Pearl has been an integral part of the Katz JCC for many years, having joined the board in 2008 and serving as vice president since 2020. Throughout her tenure, she has been a driving force behind many of the JCC’s essential programs. Pearl has served as chair of both the ACHaD/Community Inclusion Department and the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Department from 2017 to 2022. Currently, she chairs the Adult Department and is an active member of both the Finance and Governance committees. In 2019, she was recognized with the prestigious Sidney Levy Volunteer of the Year Award for her outstanding dedication to the JCC.

Full article linked below.

The Katz JCC recently held its annual celebration, during which Nancy Pearl was officially introduced as the new Katz JCC president, succeeding outgoing President Andy Levin. The event, held at the Katz JCC on Monday, Sept. 30, brought together the community to celebrate the achievements of the past...

10/09/2024

Marsha & Marvin Raab and Meir Rozalis to be honored at JFSNJ Annual Meeting

On Wednesday, Oct. 30, the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey (JFSNJ) and its family of agencies’ Annual Meeting will recognize honorees of some of the most coveted awards in the Federation community.

The H. Richard Dollinger Community Service Award is bestowed upon an individual who has provided outstanding service to the Jewish community, along with exemplary leadership and dedication to Jewish communal life. This year’s honorees are Marsha and Marvin Raab.

The Shellie Greenspun Young Leadership Award honors an individual who is recognized as an emerging leader, has demonstrated commitment to Jewish life, and is dedicated to the purposes of the Jewish Federation. This year’s honoree is Meir Rozalis.

Read the full article below.

On Wednesday, Oct. 30, the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey (JFSNJ) and its family of agencies’ Annual Meeting will recognize honorees of some of the most coveted awards in the Federation community. The H. Richard Dollinger Community Service Award is bestowed upon an individual who has pro...

10/09/2024

Israel Solidarity Day in recognition of October 7

On Sunday, October 6, the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey (JFSNJ) held Israel Solidarity Day at the Katz JCC in Cherry Hill.

Community members partook in various mitzvot such as doing a community art project, making cards for IDF soldiers, wrapping tefillin, participating in a yoga class in memory of Carmel G*t, and more.

Carmel G*t was one of the six hostages murdered by Hamas at the beginning of September. While held captive, she did yoga with those held in captivity with her. This class was led by Batsheva Leshed, a certified yoga instructor.

Governor Phil Murphy learned about and participated in the various mitzvah projects. He also said a few words and shared his unwavering support for the Jewish people and the State of Israel.

10/09/2024

Make a smoked fish board for the ultimate Yom Kippur break-fast

My family break our Yom Kippur fast on bagels and lox. It’s classic, delicious, and simple. But by turning it into a fish board — complete with colorful vegetables, crackers, and cheeses — this simple concept becomes an enticing meal. I love it for its visual appeal and for how easy it is to put together.

Follow my step-by-step guide to building a smoked fish board to take your break fast up a notch.

Full article linked below. Article courtesy of JTA.

My family break our Yom Kippur fast on bagels and lox. It’s classic, delicious, and simple. But by turning it into a fish board — complete with colorful vegetables, crackers, and cheeses — this simple concept becomes an enticing meal. I love it for its visual appeal and for how easy it is to p...

10/08/2024

Chabad Lubavitch of Camden and Burlington Counties, NJ hosts Mega Challah Bake

The Mega Challah Bake was a gathering to honor all the lives lost on and since October 7th and to unite in solidarity and prayer for Israel.

The event was led by Dinie Mangel, Fraidy Loschak, Baily Kahan, and Mina Richler. There were over 800 women in attendance.

Fallen IDF commander Arnon Zamora’s family was invited to say the blessing on the challah.

Event organizers asked all the women to hold up a candle to symbolize one positive commandment they will each do to remember the lives that have been taken from us. It was an incredibly powerful and uplifting event for all who attended.

10/08/2024

Jewish Family & Children’s Service names associate executive directors

Melanie Stoopler, CPA and Jill Hammel, MSEd, have been promoted to Associate Executive Directors of Jewish Family and Children's Service - JFCS of Southern New Jersey. The announcement was made by Stacy Asbell Levin, JFCS president; Margo Orlin, JFCS president-elect; and Jennifer Dubrow Weiss, Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey (JFSNJ) CEO.

Read more below.

Melanie Stoopler, CPA and Jill Hammel, MSEd, have been promoted to Associate Executive Directors of Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) of Southern NJ. The announcement was made by Stacy Asbell Levin, JFCS president; Margo Orlin, JFCS president-elect; and Jennifer Dubrow Weiss, Jewish Federa...

10/07/2024

Times of Israel analyst discusses aftermath of October 7

The one-year anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel is today, and both American and Israeli Jews are still grappling with what happened, according to Haviv Rettig Gur, a Times of Israel senior political analyst, who spoke on the issue at Temple Beth Sholom, Cherry Hill on September 22.

“On October 7, a lot of people, amongst all the trauma and pain, discovered confusion. We became very confused about history and where we are going,” noted Rettig Gur, speaking on the topic “Zionism and Jewish Identity: After October 7.” About 385 people attended the event at TBS, which was one of a series of speaking events about what’s happening in Israel sponsored by Gigi and Brad Schwartz. Also contributing to the event was the Jewish Community Relations Council of Southern New Jersey - JCRC.

Read the full story below.

As the one-year anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel approaches, both American and Israeli Jews are still grappling with what happened, according to Haviv Rettig Gur, a Times of Israel senior political analyst, who spoke on the issue at Temple Beth Sholom in Cherry Hill on September 2...

10/07/2024

Today marks one year since Hamas’ horrific attack on Israel and the Israeli people.

May we remember all the lives lost and continue demanding for the release of the hostages being held captive in Gaza.

10/06/2024

Israeli flags placed around Katz JCC, Cherry Hill to remember victims of Oct. 7

On September 29, members of the South Jersey Men’s Club and the Jewish War Veterans Post 126 posted hundreds of Israeli flags around the perimeter of the Katz JCC in Cherry Hill to remember the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel nearly a year ago on October 7, 2023.

Members of the Israeli community in Southern New Jersey also participated. Placing flags were (from left), Lee Yasgur, a member of both the SJMC and JWV; Oded Kraus, executive director of the Katz JCC; and Marvin Ginsburg, also a member of both the SJMC and JWV.

10/02/2024

The Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey allowed the publication of a personal advertisement in the last edition of the Voice which expressed a personal opinion advocating for a particular presidential candidate. We have already acknowledged and reaffirm here our regret for the inappropriate language in the advertisement. Notwithstanding the Federation’s belief in the principle of free speech, the Federation rejects the language in the personal advertisement which inferred that support for a political candidate somehow makes a fellow Jew a Holocaust enabler. There is no scenario in which support for any political candidate can be linked to the atrocities of the Holocaust, or portend the occurrence of another Shoah. This kind of speech has no place in the politically charged debate about what is best for Israel or our Jewish community and more specifically that of the Holocaust to attack supporters of a political opponent.

Unfortunately, however, some of the criticism evolved into personal attacks and threats. To be clear, the Federation believes in the principle of free speech and believes that the best antidote to free speech is more free speech. Historically, Jews have always suffered when speech is censored or repressed. The open exchange of ideas and public discourse is a core Jewish principle and one that is rooted in Jewish history. There is no place for personal attacks or threats in our Jewish community, and threats of withholding charitable contributions to our terrific Jewish community in response to any particular position, affects the Jewish Federation’s ability to serve those in need in our community, in Israel and overseas at a time when that aid is needed most.

Read the full statement here: https://bit.ly/3N8nQrm

10/01/2024

Iran launches missile attack against Israel; US warns of ‘severe consequences for Iran’

Sirens blared across much of Israel late Tuesday after Iran fired a barrage of missiles toward the country.

More than 100 ballistic missiles were incoming, Israeli officials said, as sirens blared across most of the country and Israelis raced for their bomb shelters. Explosions could be heard widely, including in Tel Aviv, as Israel’s missile defense system intercepted the incoming ballistics or they landed inside Israeli territory.

No major injuries were reported. Iran confirmed the missile barrage after its launch and said it would send more if Israel retaliated.

Full article below.

Sirens blared across much of Israel late Tuesday after Iran fired a barrage of missiles toward the country. More than 100 ballistic missiles were incoming, Israeli officials said, as sirens blared across most of the country and Israelis raced for their bomb shelters. Explosions could be heard widely...

10/01/2024

Jewish Federations of North America condemn Iran’s massive bombardment attacking Israel in the strongest possible terms.

From Hamas to Hezbollah to the Houthis, Iran has been the power supporting Israel's terrorist enemies and providing them with the weapons and know-how to attack Israel's civilians.

Our communities are in complete solidarity with the people of Israel and the IDF as they work to defend themselves from these attacks, and we pray for their safety.

We are thankful for the support promised by the United States to actively defend Israel from the Iranian threat.

https://ow.ly/yjLu50TAnCo

10/01/2024

10/01/2024

A year of combatting antisemitism and supporting Israel

It’s hard to believe that we are on the cusp of the anniversary of October 7. It’s been an extremely difficult year, as we mourn the loss of hostages and soldiers and continue to pray for the safe return of the remaining hostages. In addition to coping with the physical fighting in the land of , around the world, we are struggling with the insane surge of . It is frightening and disconcerting to see how fast the media distorts facts and how eager the world is to believe the lies. To say it has been a challenging year is a grand understatement.

Read more from Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Southern New Jersey - JCRC Sabrina Spector below.

It’s hard to believe that we are on the cusp of the anniversary of October 7. It’s been an extremely difficult year, as we mourn the loss of hostages and soldiers and continue to pray for the safe return of the remaining hostages. In addition to coping with the physical fighting in the land of I...

09/30/2024

Tishpishti is Sephardi honey cake, but better

Honey cake is a hallmark of Rosh Hashanah and the fall holidays–Ashkenazi honey cake, that is. But did you know there’s a Sephardi traditionally served for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur break fast and during Sukkot? Like its Eastern European counterpart, tishpishti symbolizes wishes for a sweet new year and the fullness of life. The cake is also popular for Purim and adapted for Passover.

Check out the full article provided by the Nosher via JTA below.

Honey cake is a hallmark of Rosh Hashanah and the fall Jewish holidays–Ashkenazi honey cake, that is. But did you know there’s a Sephardi cake traditionally served for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur break fast and during Sukkot? Like its Eastern European counterpart, tishpishti symbolizes wishes for ...