Orbit January, 2013 - Plainview Jewish Center

PLAINVIEW JEWISH CENTER
5773/2013 JANUARY/TEVET/SHEVAT ISSUE #71
SISTERHOOD PROGRAM
“MENTAL HEALTH PLAYERS”
TUESDAY, JANUARY 8TH - 8:15PM
SISTERHOOD NEWS BEGINS ON PAGE 26

ORBIT Page 2
MAZEL TOV
Sheila and Harvey Hofstatter on the birth of their grandson Jonathan Seth Hofstatter.
Susan and Michael Levy on the engagement of their son, Daniel to Stephanie Goldstein,
daughter of Kathy Edwards and Robert Goldstein.
Rita and Richard Wein on the birth of their twin grandchildren, Samantha Kaye and
Alexander David Wein, children of Marisa and Jordan Wein.
HAMAKOM YINACHEM
Phyllis Mack on the passing of her husband, Ivan Mack
Rachel, Rabbi Mordechai and Dr. Harry Goldberg, on the passing of their mother,
Bette Goldberg, widow of our Rabbi Emeritus, Julius Goldberg of blessed memory
WE WISH TO THANK AND EXPRESS OUR DEEP APPRECIATION TO
THE FOLLOWING FAMILIES FOR THEIR DONATION TO PJC:
Sharon & Gerald Corlin – In memory of Alfred M. Baker
Sharon & Noah Kunoff
Sharon & Marvin Passkoff – Mahzor – In memory of Hy Epstein
KEEP US INFORMED!! Got good news? Engagements, marriages, births? Send your
information by mail, fax (516-938-2737) or email (pjcli@optonline.net) so that we may
share your simchas with the congregation.
PLEASE LET OUR CLERGY KNOW!
Current laws prevent hospitals from releasing names of patients. Please call the Temple
Office when you, a family member, or friend are in the hospital and would welcome a visit.
Contact the Temple office at 516-938-8610 ext.0.
Plainview Jewish Center - 516-938-8610
ORBIT (USPS 410440) is published monthly from September to June
for $2.00 per annum by the Plainview Jewish Center (a religious corporation
under the laws of the State of New York), 95 Floral Drive West,
Plainview, New York 11803. WE 8-8610. POSTMASTER: Send address
changes to ORBIT, Plainview Jewish Center, 95 Floral Drive
West, Plainview, New York 11803
RABBI...........................................................................Steven Conn
RABBI EMERITUS...................................................Julius Goldberg *
CANTOR......................................................................Morris Wolk
PRINCIPAL.................................................................Rachel Ginsburg
PRESIDENT......................................................................Allan Furman
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD............................Bruce Elowsky
SISTERHOOD PRESIDENT.....................................Blayne Peltzman
MEN’S CLUB PRESIDENT.......................................Sandy Strenger
FAMILYEDUCATION DIRECTOR......................................Judy Alper
YOUTH DIRECTOR.........................................................Lois Lange
ORBIT EDITORS.......................................................Margie Richter
Shari Roth
Elizabeth Kessler
ORBIT ADVERTISING............................................... Joyce Eckstein
* In Memorian
DEADLINE - FOR- ISSUE DATE
JAN. 1st
WEEKDAY SERVICES
Mon. thru Fri…………… 6:30AM
Mon. thru Thurs…….…...8:00PM
Sun. and Holidays………. 9:00AM
Sun. and Holidays………. 8:00PM
Friday Evening Services -
Check Calendar for Times
WE’RE ON THE WEB:
WWW.PLAINVIEWJEWISHCENTER.ORG

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JANUARY CALENDAR
Page 3
Rabbi Steven Conn & Cantor Morris Wolk will officiate at services
The Officers and Board of Trustees Extend a Hearty Mazal Tov to the Families of the Following Simchas
Wednesday, January 2 nd
Bible Class………………………………….……...8:30PM
Friday, January 4 th
Shabbat Service……………………………..….....4:15PM
Mishpacha Service……………………..………....7:00PM
Saturday, January 5 th
Shacharit Service………………………...…….....9:00AM
Daled Service and Shabbat B’Yachad.............10:30AM
Mincha/Ma’ariv………………………………….….4:15PM
Sunday, January 6 th
Services followed by T/T………………….……...9:00AM
Adult B’not Mitzvah Class…………………........9:15AM
Rosh Chodesh: It’s a Girl Thing………….…..….5:30PM
Tironim………………………………………..…….5:30PM
USY…………………………………………………7:00PM
Monday, January 7 th
J-Flex Hebrew High School………………………6:00PM
AARP Driver Safety Course……………………...6:30PM
Adult Institute of Jewish Studies…………………8:00PM
Religious School Committee Meeting…………..8:15PM
Tuesday, January 8 th
Sisterhood Program…………………….…………8:15PM
Men’s Club Program………………………………8:30PM
Wednesday, January 9 th
Lunch and Learn………………………………....11:00AM
Ritual Committee Meeting……………………….8:15PM
Thursday, January 10 th
AARP Driver Safety Course……………………...6:30PM
Board of Trustees Meeting……………………….8:30PM
Friday, January 11 th
Shabbat Service……………..……………..….....4:30PM
Family Friendly Friday Night Service .………....7:00PM
Saturday, January 12 th
Shacharit Service………………………...…….....9:00AM
Chulent and Learn.........................................12:00PM
Mincha/Ma’ariv…………………………….……….4:30PM
Sunday, January 13 th
Services followed by T/T…………………..……...9:00AM
Adult B’not Mitzvah Class…………………..…....9:15AM
th
Annual Picnic and Campfire…………….....….4:30PM
Kadima…………………………………………..….5:30PM
USY…………………………………………….……7:00PM
Monday, January 14 th
FJMC President’s Dinner………………………..…7:30PM
Adult Institute of Jewish Studies………………..…8:00PM
Tuesday, January 15 th
Sisterhood Board Meeting……………….………...8:30PM
Wednesday, January 16 th
Bible Class…………………………………...…......8:30PM
Thursday, January 17 th
Express Innovations Meeting………………….…..7:00PM
Youth Committee Meeting……………….…………7:30PM
Family Ed Committee Meeting………………...….8:30PM
Friday, January 18 th
Shabbat Service……….…………..…...…............4:30PM
Saturday, January 19 th
Shacharit Service …………………………….....….9:00AM
Mincha/Ma’ariv………………….………….....…….4:30PM
Sunday, January 20 th
Services followed by T/T……………………..….....9:00AM
Tuesday, January 22 nd
Men’s Club Board Meeting…………….…..……….8:30PM
Wednesday, January 23 rd
Sisterhood Winter Bingo….……………………..….8:30PM
Thursday, January 24th
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Orientation for Daled Parents......8:15PM
Friday, January 25 th
Early Shabbat Service…………….………..……....4:45PM
Pre-School Shabbat………….…….........…...…...6:00PM
Saturday, January 26 th
Shacharit Service ……………………………...…...9:00AM
Sisterhood/Men’s Club Shabbat.........................9:00AM
Mincha............………………….……………….….1:00PM
Ma’ariv.............................................................6:45PM
Intergenerational Havdalah Service and Party…....7:00PM
Sunday, January 27 th
Services followed by T/T…………………..……......9:00AM
Adult B’not Mitzvah Class……………….…..…......9:15AM
Gimmel Consecration Ceremony………………....10:00AM
Kadima………………………………..………..……..5:30PM
USY……………………………………………...…….7:00PM
Monday, January 28 th
J-Flex…………….…………………………..…….....6:00PM
DON’T MISS PJC’S
SISTERHOOD/MEN’S CLUB SHABBAT!
SATURDAY, JANUARY 26TH

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FROM THE RABBI by Rabbi Steven Conn
Every morning, I put my son on the bus and send him off to his first grade
classroom. Putting him on the bus for the first time last year was not easy. How
did I know he would really get to school safely? How did I know that he was really
going to be getting off the bus in the same spot seven hours later? Like generations
of parents before me, I had learned to trust that the bus driver, the teachers,
the principal and the school aides would take care of my son while he was
at school and return him home safely at the end of the day. Developing this trust is an important
milestone for any parent because our children will only learn to be independent, self-regulating and
socially appropriate if we allow them to step out from under the shadow of our constant parental
supervision.
The parents of the twenty children who were brutally murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary
School in Newtown, Connecticut also trusted that the school staff would make sure that their children
returned home safely at the end of each school day. They had every reason to place their trust in
school staff. By all accounts, Sandy Hook was a well-run school with caring teachers and a dedicated
administration. Yet, on December 14 th , the basic trust bond between parents and school was shattered.
A school devoted to educating, nurturing and protecting small children became the scene of a
horrifying massacre; a massacre no one could have foreseen.
For all of us who have children in our lives, parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and
caring neighbors, this tragedy shook us to the core. Days later, we are still trying to come to grips with
what happened in Newtown. How could anyone walk into a classroom full of six and seven year olds
and methodically gun them down? How could twenty short lives end so suddenly and so tragically?
And, if such a horror can happen in a quiet little town like Newtown, Connecticut, in a school that had
all the usual security procedures in place, how can we ever trust that our children will be safe anywhere?
As we struggle to answer these questions for ourselves and for our country, it is worth remembering
that Jewish communities throughout our history have confronted similar questions. Too many
times, our ancestors witnessed the devastating loss of their young people; through persecution, war
and disease. In their attempts to cope with these losses, they turned to our tradition for guidance and
insight. Among the sources in our tradition that address the the pain of losing children, the most often
cited is the following story from the Midrash. The story centers on the great second century scholar
Rabbi Meir and his wife Bruriah, who was perhaps even more renown for her wisdom. While I have
always found this story very troubling, in the wake of the Newtown tragedy, I think it also contains a very
profound message that can help guide us in the days ahead.
Rabbi Meir was studying in the Beit Midrash [House of Study] on Shabbat afternoon,
when his two sons died. What did their mother do? She placed them both on the
bed and spread a sheet over them
When Shabbat ended, Rabbi Meir came home from the Beit Midrash. He said to
his wife, “Where are my two sons?” She said to him, “They went to the Beit Midrash. He
said to her, “I looked for them there, but I didn’t see them.” She gave him the cup of wine
for havdalah and he said the blessings. Again he asked her, “Where are my two sons?”
She said to him, “They went somewhere; they are coming anytime now.” She set his
food before him and he ate.
After he had said Grace, she said to him, “My Master, before Shabbat a man
came and gave me something in pledge, and now he has come to take it back. Shall we
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From The Rabbi ( continued from Page 4 )
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return it to him or not?” He said to her, “My Dear, doesn’t someone who holds something in
pledge have to give it back to its owner?!” She said to him, “My Master, if not for your ruling, I
would not have returned it to him.”
What did she do? She took him by the hand, and led him up to that room. She brought
him near the bed and took off the sheet from the boys, and he saw both of them dead and
lying on the bed. He began to weep, crying, “My sons, my sons; my Masters, my Masters! My
sons, as nature has it, and my Masters because they brightened my face with their Torah!” At
that moment, she said to him, “Rabbi Meir, my Master, did you not tell me that we must return
the pledge to its owner? As it says, The Lord gave and the Lord took, blessed be the name of
the Lord!” (Job 1:21). Rabbi Chanina said, “With these words, she comforted him, and he
regained his composure. Of her it is said, ‘A woman of valor, who can find?’” [Midrash Book
of Proverbs, 31, 10].
Let me begin by stipulating that Bruriah’s reaction to the death of her sons seems unnatural.
People who lose their children react like Rabbi Meir. They fall apart. Rather than seeing Bruriah as
cold and unfeeling, we she see her instead as the personification of the wisdom and perspective our
tradition hopes that we will eventually attain. And it is this wisdom and perspective that can help us as
we sort out our own feelings in the wake of the Newtown tragedy.
Bruriah’s wisdom offers us two insights that can help us place the events in Newtown in perspective.
First, we need to see our children as gifts from God. Our children are a sacred trust placed
in our hands. It is our duty to God and to our children to do everything we can to keep them safe and
secure while they are in our care. Therefore, it is a legitimate and appropriate question, in the wake
of the Newtwon murders, to ask, “what more could we have done?” “How could we have better kept
safe this sacred trust that God has placed in our hands?”
Clearly, we could have done more. The national discussion of the Newtown murders has correctly
focused on the proliferation of guns in our society. The magnitude of the tragedy has brought a
national problem back into focus. Each year, 30,000 people die from gun violence. Nearly 3,000 are
children. The questions we are asking need to be asked. “Why should anyone be exempt from a
background check when purchasing a gun?” “Why does any civilian need to own assault rifles, high
capacity magazines, armor piercing bullets or body armor?” “Why should weapons stored in private
homes be unlocked and unsecured?” If we want to truly live up to the sacred trust God has placed in
us in putting God’s creations, our children, in our care, we have to do a better job of shielding them
from gun violence. We have to have the courage to enact and enforce reasonable restrictions on the
sale of guns and ammunition.
Our national discussion has also touched on the problem of mental illness. Few details have
emerged about the perpetrator of the Newtown massacre. We know that he was diagnosed with
Asperger’s syndrome, which is not a mental illness and does not cause violent behavior. It has been
suggested that Adam Lanza also suffered from some form of mental illness—perhaps so severely
that his mother was in the process of trying to commit him to an institution. Whatever the true nature
of Lanza’s condition, the discussion about better supporting people who suffer from mental illness is
an important one. Although, we now know that mental illness is physiologically based—no different
really than a physical condition like diabetes—we still attach a stigma to mental illness. We are
reluctant to talk about mental illness, and slow to recognize when someone needs help. Treatment
options are often limited and health insurance coverage can sometimes be limited too, despite
recent changes in Federal law. We need to come together as a nation to find a way to give those who
suffer from mental illness, and the families supporting them, the help they need and remove the
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FROM THE RABBI ( continued from Page 5 )
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stigma of mental illness from our society.
Bruriah’s second lesson is that, even in the face of our best efforts to keep our chldren safe,
there is still much that is out of our hands. Stronger gun laws and better care for the mentally ill can
help. But no matter what we do, we do not have the ultimate power over life and death. We devote
ourselves to being the best, most responsible guardians of the pledge God has left in our hands, and
then hope and pray for the best. Fortunately, for many of us, our prayers are answered. God willing,
they will continue to be. In the meantime, we need to make sure we do not get caught up in too much
hand-wringing nor allow ourselves to get too weighed down by anxiety and guilt. Our children are our
precious treasure. We need to work even harder to make sure they are safe and secure. And at the
end of the day, when we have done what we can, we should also remember to hug our kids a little
tighter, and give thanks for the privilege of sharing their lives. Our children are truly our most precious
blessing; a blessing we should be grateful for at all times. One of the most important things we can do
to perpetuate the memory of the twenty children who lost their lives in this horrible tragedy is to love
and cherish our own children even more each and every day—no matter how old they are. Take an
extra moment to kiss them goodbye, make the extra phone call to check in and see how they are
doing, tell them how proud we are. There has never been a better time to remind our kids how much
they mean to us, and how blessed we are to share their lives.
Text Study with Rabbi Conn
Most Shabbat Afternoons between
Mincha (Afternoon) and Ma’ariv (evening) services.
Begin the new week with a few minutes of study. This fall, we will focus
on a question from the weekly Torah portion and the answer given by Rashi,
the most famous of all commentators.
Our discussions are always brief, and usually insightful. So join us
for prayer, study and camaraderie as we explore the Torah together.
THE BIBLE CLASS
KING DAVID: THE MYTH AND THE MAN
Looking for an hour of action, drama and excitement on Wednesday night? Take in a
classic series that has been delivering the thrills for more than 2000 years. Join Rabbi Conn,
for all the action on selected Wednesday evenings at 8:15 PM.
Rabbi Conn will continue to guide our class through one of the Bible’s most dramatic
stories in the Bible: David’s ascent to the kingship, his breathtaking successes and stunning
failures. Join us for a lively and stimulating discussion of this riveting story. The class meets
in the Kirschner Room, usually twice a month on the first and third Wednesday. See the
schedule of classes below. Refreshments will be served. Free and open to all. Bring your
own Bible or use the study sheets provided in class. No Hebrew necessary.
Next Sessions
January 2nd
January 16th

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The Cantor’s Note:
Play It Again Sam
The line, “Play it again Sam” is so inextricably connected to the classic
movie, Casablanca, that it is hard to believe Humphrey Bogart never spoke
those exact words in the film. Whatever their origin, the words have acquired
such a magical ring that I would like to expropriate them for a different purpose
– as an invitation to bar and bat mitzvah alumni to, “play it again.” Let me
explain.
Our b’nai mitzvah students spend a year in preparation for their services. Each child receives
individual instruction virtually every week throughout that year in order to master the requirements of
becoming a bar or bat mitzvah. They are asked to be diligent and conscientious, and, if they are
not, they soon learn that they have to be. A lot of effort goes into preparing for their big days.
Everything they learn to chant and recite, though, is a valuable Jewish life skill which they can use on
every visit to the synagogue throughout their lives. It is a precious connection to Jewish people
everywhere in the world, and a link to past and future generations. More is the pity, then, that for so
many young people it becomes a one time performance.
In past years, when the synagogue calendar was filled with b’nai mitzvah, there was rarely an
opportunity for teens to come back on their anniversary to recite their haftarah. That situation no
longer applies. There are numerous shabbatot open and available for anyone who would like to
chant a haftarah. This presents a wonderful opportunity for celebrating a bar or bat mitzvah
anniversary.
I’ve taken the initiative by reviewing previous years’ rosters, matching them to this year’s
available dates, and personally inviting some of our recent alumni to again recite the haftarah they
first recited at their bar or bat mitzvah. I am happy to relate that six teens have accepted to date.
They are Jessica Sekler, Aron Lampert, Philip Danziger, David Gallub, Bari Dershowitz and Gaby
Picard.
I might add that this invitation is open to everyone of every age. It is a wonderful way to
commemorate the anniversary of a bar or bat mitzvah, or, indeed to celebrate any milestone. I am
eager and available to discuss the opportunities. So, play it again Sam!
Cantor Morris Wolk D. Mus.
LUNCH AND LEARN - WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9TH
Join us from 11:00 AM to 12:45 PM for stimulating study, good food and even
better company at our monthly Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Conn. This month, we will
explore the Jewish Internet. We will learn about some of the most useful sites for
enhancing our Jewish life through an interactive visual presentation. Come ready to
share your favorite sites as well.
Please RSVP to the PJC office. Suggested donation is $5 per person. Lunch and
Learn is usually held on the second Wednesday of each month. Open to all PJC members
and the community at large.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE by Allan Furman
ORBIT Page 8
At the end of the year, people traditionally make resolutions for the
coming year. Most common resolutions are to exercise more and eat less.
These are ones I definitely need to do but that is for another venue. What I
want to do is ask everyone to do is make some resolutions to help our Shul,
our Jewish community and our society.
Please resolve to come to Shul more often. Pledge to come at least
once a month to our morning or evening Minyans. You will help your fellow
congregants and feel better that you came. Also come to our Shabbos and
Holiday services. Attend our Family Friendly Friday night and Klezmer services
even if you don’t have young children. They are fun and you will enjoy yourself
seeing the children interact with the Rabbi and Cantor.
Pledge to support the Shul financially. Dues and tuition can’t pay all our expenses. We need
contributions to maintain reasonable dues and tuition. We have numerous ways including Shop Rite
Cards, the Brick Walk, sponsoring a Kiddush or Morning Minyan Breakfast, dedicating seats in the
sanctuary, purchasing a memorial plaque that you can help. Please contact me to discuss these or
other ways you can help.
We also need your time. Please volunteer to serve on a committee or run for a board seat.
We need new people to volunteer and serve. We need input from the congregation on how the Shul
should be run. We need new ideas. Pledge to speak to your friends and neighbors about joining
Plainview Jewish Center. Bring them to our functions and services. Let them see what we offer.
I am asking you to also resolve to support the State of Israel. All Jews and all Americans need
a strong Israel.
As I am writing this article. we are still affected by the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut.
Please make a resolution to let our elected official know that gun violence must end. There is no
reason that anyone other than police or the armed forces needs an assault rifle. These should be
banned and severe penalties given to anyone owning these types of weapons. They serve no purpose
other than killing innocent people.
Please have a Healthy, Happy and Peaceful 2013. Thanks, Allan
Plainview Jewish Center thanks all those who contributed towards
Shabbat Dinners during the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy:
Sharon and Noah Kunoff
Carol and Melvin Breshin
Fonda and Samuel Leibowitz

,
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ORBIT
Page 10
Please join us
at our next
Mishpacha Service
Friday, January 4 th , 2013 at 7:00PM
brought to you by The Express Innovation Team and
The Arthur Gutmanstein Religious School
We welcome parents and children to have the opportunity to participate in a Jewish
learning experience together. This will include an abbreviated service with “hands on”
activity, explanations and text study with transliterations. All ages invited.
January’s theme is: Shabbat Is A Day Of Peace
Future dates for the Mischpacha Programs are:
February 1st, 2013
March 1 st, 2013
April 15 th ,2013
Please RSVP by Wednesday, January 2 nd , 2013
so we can prepare refreshments accordingly.
Please reply to: pjcmishpacha@gmail.com.
Children who attend will receive Category A credit;
Mishpacha Service slips will be given out at the service.
Please fill it out and return it to the school office.

ORBIT
Fa mil y Educati on Cor ner by Judy Al per
Page 11
If you just received the Orbit, you are in the midst of celebrating our secular New Year. It’s a day
that brings with it, as all new year’s do, the promise of wonderful things to come. I hope that for all of
you and your families, this new year will bring you wonderful things.
The first of these “wonderful things”, will be the continuation of our Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl
Thing! Our next meeting will be on Sunday, January 6 th at 5:30 pm. We will be celebrating the arrival
of the Hebrew month of Shevat (remember the new year of the tree?) with crafts, stories, nosh, friendship,
pizza and of course, fun. All 6 th and 7 th grade Jewish girls are welcome to attend, whether or not they
are PJC members. The only requirement? That you RSVP your attendance to Judy Alper at
pjcfamilyed@gmail.com by Thursday, January 3rd.
Our Family Friendly Friday Night Service is being held this month on Friday, January 11 th at
7:00pm. It’s a great way to start off Shabbat and the New Year. A warm, welcoming and rejuvenating
service led by the Rabbi and Cantor, it is a PJC favorite. Afterwards, we have an oneg giving everyone
a chance to relax and enjoy the company of friends and family along with a bit of refreshment. Oneg
sponsors are always welcome.
Don’t miss out on all the fun! Get your reservations in now for our 4th ANNUAL PICNIC AND
CAMPFIRE! Put Sunday, January 13 th at 4:30pm down on your calendar for an early evening of fun,
food, relay races, games, prizes, indoor campfire and smores. The cost for this terrific event is $10
per person or $36 per family. Join us!
For more information, sponsorships or reservations, please email Judy Alper at
pjcfamilyed@gmail.com.
Picnic and Campfire
Sunday, January 13, 2013 - 4:30 pm
Relay races, games, a “hot dog”dinner with all the “fixings,
snacks, singing around the campfire & s’mores!
Adults and Children: $10.00/person, $36/family
Join us for all the fun!!! For info please contact Judy by phone or email,
pjcfamilyed@gmail.com.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Picnic and Campfire. Sunday, January 13, 2013, 4:30 pm.
Name _________________
Tel_______________
No. children______ No. Adults______
Total encl______
RSVP

ORBIT Page 12
Plainview Jewish Center
95 Floral Drive – Plainview NY 11803 – 516-938-5865
Express Innovation brings you an:
Intergenerational Family
Havdalah Service & Party
Saturday, January 26 th , 2013
7:00PM in the Ballroom
Enjoy elaborate dairy desserts and entertainment by:
Chagit Avnon
Payment: $5.00 per person
***Category B credit will be given***
Registration is required. Space is limited so please sign up early.
Please fill out the form below and return with your payment by January 16 th , 2013.
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Intergenerational Havdalah Program, January 26 th , 2013
Family Name___________________________________________________________________________________
Children’s____________________________________________________________ Grade: _______________________
Name(s)
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Phone: _________________________________________________
Total attending________________
Total Payment_________________

ORBIT
Babe Ruth and the Holocaust - JPost.com,
By RAFAEL MEDOFF/JNS.ORG - 12/20/2012 15:20
Page 13
Seventy years ago, the names of 50 German-Americans appeared in a fullpage
advertisement in ten daily newspapers ‘in denunciation of the Hitler
policy of cold-blooded extermination of the Jews of Europe.’ The most
prominent signatory was George Herman ‘Babe’ Ruth.
Photo: George Grantham Bain
Babe Ruth is remembered for his home runs on the field and his hot dog binges and other
peccadilloes off the field. But as the American public is about to discover, there was another Babe
Ruth – one who went to bat for women and minorities, including the Jews of Europe during the
Holocaust. Throughout the spring and summer of 1942, Allied leaders received a steady stream of
reports about the Germans massacring tens of thousands of Jewish civilians.
Information reaching the Roosevelt administration in August revealed that the killings were
not random atrocities, but part of a Nazi plan to systematically annihilate all of Europe’s Jews. In
late November the State Department publicly verified this news, and on December 17, the US and
British governments and their allies issued a declaration acknowledging and condemning the
mass murder.
But aside from that Allied statement, the Roosevelt administration had no intention of doing
anything in response to the killings. There was no serious consideration of opening America’s
doors – or the doors of British-ruled Palestine – to Jewish refugees. There was no discussion of
taking any steps to rescue the Jews. As quickly as the mass murder had been revealed, it began to
fade from the public eye.
Dorothy Thompson was determined to keep that from happening. And Babe Ruth would help
her. Thompson (1893-1961) was the first American journalist to be expelled from Nazi Germany.
She was once described by Time magazine as one of the two most influential women in the United
States, second only to Eleanor Roosevelt. In the autumn of 1942, Thompson contacted the World
Jewish Congress with a novel idea: mobilizing German-Americans to speak out against the Nazi
persecution of the Jews. As a journalist, Thompson understood the man-bites-dog news value of
German-Americans protesting against Germany – especially in view of the well-publicized pro-
Nazi sentiment in some segments of the German- American community. Just a few years earlier,
( continued on page14 )

( continued from Page 13 )
ORBIT
more than 20,000 supporters of the German American Bund had filled Madison Square Garden
for a pro-Hitler rally.
The World Jewish Congress agreed to foot the bill for publishing Thompson’s anti- Nazi
statement as a newspaper advertisement. She drafted the text and set about recruiting signatories.
Seventy years ago, on Dec. 22, the “Christmas Declaration by men and women of German
ancestry” appeared as a full-page ad in The New York Times and nine other major daily
newspapers: ”[W]e Americans of German descent raise our voices in denunciation of the
Hitler policy of cold-blooded extermination of the Jews of Europe and against the barbarities
committed by the Nazis against all other innocent peoples under their sway,” the declaration
begins. “These horrors... are, in particular, a challenge to those who, like ourselves are descendants
of the Germany that once stood in the foremost ranks of civilization.”
The ad goes on to “utterly repudiate every thought and deed of Hitler and his Nazis,” and
urge the people of Germany “to overthrow a regime which is the infamy of German history.”
The names of 50 prominent German-Americans appeared on the advertisement. There were
several notable academics, such as Princeton University dean Christian Gauss and University
of Maine president Arthur Mauck. Leading Protestant theologian Reinhold Niebuhr, news correspondent
William Shirer and orchestra conductor Walter Damrosch appeared in the ad. So did
Freda Kirchwey, editor of the political newsweekly The Nation, and Oswald Heck, speaker of
the New York State Assembly. But the signatory who was by far the best known to the American
public was George Herman “Babe” Ruth.
Widely regarded as the greatest baseball player in the history of the game, Ruth, known
as the Sultan of Swat, at that time held the records for the most home runs in a season (60) and
the most home runs in a career (714) as well as numerous other batting records. Having excelled
as a pitcher before switching to the outfield and gaining fame as a hitter, the amazingly
versatile Ruth even held the pitching record for the most shutouts in a season by a left-hander.
Not surprisingly, Ruth was one of the first players elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
By participating in this German-American protest against the Holocaust, Ruth used his
powerful name to help attract public attention to the Jews’ plight. Timing is everything, both on
the baseball field and beyond, and the timing of Ruth’s protest was crucial: precisely at the
moment when US officials were hoping to brush the Jewish refugee problem aside, Babe Ruth
helped keep it front and center.
In an era when professional athletes rarely lent their names to political causes, and when
most Americans – including the Roosevelt administration – took little interest in the mass murder
of Europe’s Jews, Babe Ruth raised his voice in protest. Ruth’s action is all the more memorable
when one contrasts it with the other kinds of behavior that all too often land athletes on the
front pages these days.
Filmmaker Byron Hunter and Ruth’s granddaughter, Linda Ruth Tosetti, have collaborated
on a soon-to-be-released documentary, Universal Babe. Those who are accustomed
to thinking of Ruth’s off-the-field activities in terms of binges and carousing will
be pleasantly surprised to learn from the film of the slugger’s noble efforts on behalf of
women’s baseball, the Negro Baseball Leagues and the Jews of Hitler’s Europe.
Dr. Rafael Medoff is founding director of The David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust
Studies in Washington, DC.
Page 14

A MESSAGE FROM THE WEBMASTER……
Olga Portnoy
ORBIT Page 15
Our new website is not so new anymore, it is four years old. However, the site is changing
on a regular basis: new information comes in, mainly from our publications, Orbit and Hakol,
pictures are regularly sent in by Carol Hauser and Kym Newborn. I also get the “Weekend
Updates”, which come from the PJC Office Secretary, Dorit. Then, I upload them on the website.
Additionally, on our website we have a link to Facebook and to the local Plainview news,
“The Patch” which is updated every second and edited by our friend, Joe Dowd (AKA
“Fiorello” and Pseudolos”). There is also a page that links to other useful Jewish historical
and informational websites, such as the Jerusalem Post, Jewish Theological Seminary, USCJ
and UJA amongst others.
I hope that by now, you have learned to navigate your way around the web and feel
comfortable looking up information and using it as a source of entertainment and backup
information to our different Facebook pages – which are also regularly updated by volunteers
like Kym Newborn, (the great Shofar Master) and Blayne Peltzman, our new and enthusiastic
PJC Sisterhood President.
So you see, I may be the one working the keyboard behind the scenes with the .docs,
.jpegs and .pdfs but it’s a joint effort all around, as is everything that goes on at our Shul.
Some people have asked to volunteer with the “website committee”. The help that I can use
is to just go on the site and send me new suggestions, new “blurbs” or simply a “hey, Olga
there’s something outdated that needs to come off the site”. I am happy to say that most of
the time the site is up-to-date or pretty close.
For those of you who don’t know me, I am a mother of 5 daughters and a grandmother.
I work part time with my husband M Portnoy, CPA, at our Jericho Office. I am also an active
PTA volunteer at Mattlin Middle School and JFK High School. I run pizza sales, Chair
committees, attend endless meetings at both schools and send out communications emails
on a daily basis to hundreds of parents. I am also the backup person at PJC when we send
out the blast emails. And I am on the PJC Sisterhood membership committee this year.
In the near future, I would like to host a workshop for the people that have not mastered
the art of going on the web. If you think you may have an interest in this topic, please email
me at oportnoy@aol.com or admin@plainviewjewishcenter.com or let’s use the old method
of leaving a message at 516-349-1790
In the meantime, it has been my wish for some time to find the following individual:
HELP WANTED AD
A volunteer with technology background, who can take over the Webmaster job at PJC.
Someone who has extra time to dedicate to the beautification and maintenance of the site.
Knowledge of pdfs, docs and jpegs conversion is necessary. Web hosting experience will
make the job easier. Thanks for looking…..approximate amount of hours spent on the upkeep
of the site is at least 4 hours a week, which includes uploading pictures of PJC events.

ORBIT Page 16
JANUARY 2013 SCHOOL CALENDAR
Jan. 2 (Wed) School resumes
4 (Fri) Mishpacha Shabbat Service – 7:00 – 8:00 PM
5 (Sat) Daled Service and Shabbat As One” – 10:30 AM – 12:00 noon
6 (Sun) Tallit & Tefillah – Group B – Session 5- 9:00–11:30 AM-Youth Building
7 (Mon) J-Flex (Teen Learning Program) – 6:00 – 8:00 PM
School Committee Meeting - 8:15 PM in Library
11 (Fri) Family Friendly Service – 7:00 – 8:00 PM
15 (Tues) Curriculum Committee Meeting – 8:00PM Library
17 (Thu) Express Innovation Meeting – 7:00PM - Library
19-21 (Sat-Mon) Martin Luther King Vacation – No School or Junior Congregation
22-23 (Tue-Wed) Parent-Teacher Conferences – 6:00 – 9:00 PM
24 (Thu) Bar/Bat Mitzvah Orientation for Bet Parents – 8:15 – 9:30 PM
26 (Sat) Havdalah Service & Melave Malka Program – 6:15 PM
***There Will be NO JR. CONGREGATION ON THIS DAY***
27 (Sun) Gimel (3 rd Grade) Consecration Ceremony – 10:00–11:00 AM
Tallit & Tefillah – Make Up Session
28 (Mon) J-Flex (Teen Learning Program) – 6:00 - 8:00PM
Holocaust Program-Woodbury Jewish Center – 6 th & 7 th Grade Required
REMEMBER TO PURCHASE CANDY BAGS
FOR YOUR BAR/BAT MITZVAH
THROUGH OUR YOUTH GROUP
CONTACT THE TEMPLE OFFICE: 938-8610
PRESCHOOL (AKA TOT) SHABBAT
Please join us for Pre-School (aka Tot) Shabbat: Friday, January 25th
at 6:00 PM. Pre-school Shabbat is a half hour of prayers, songs, stories
and fun, followed by a kid-friendly kiddush. Pre-school Shabbat is open to
the entire community—so bring your friends, grandparents, brothers and
sisters to join in on the fun.
M’yad L’yad (Helping Hands)
Please join Sisterhood, other members of PJC and many others on
Long Island as an anonymous sponsor of a LI family in need .
All you need do is send a package as few as four(4) times per year
through your local UPS store. M’yad L’yad will pay the shipping cost.
For more information, call: Marilyn or Marty Leibowitz at 822-6965.

SCHOOL NEWS By Rachel Ginsburg, Principal
ORBIT Page 17
This year, more than in previous years, we see how weather patterns are changing. There
was a hurricane in the beginning of November, instead of September and October as in previous
years. The scope of the storm was much bigger and it is already the middle of winter and we still
have temperatures in the fifties. These are indications that the globe is getting warmer. We
always questioned how come Tu B’shevat (the New Year for the fruit trees) took place during the
coldest month of the year. This January, we can claim it is a perfect time to celebrate, if not only in
Israel, but perhaps also in America. With all we are experiencing, some say that spring will be
earlier, even in the States.
When the Rabbis instituted Tu B’shevat, they thought only about the land of Israel. At that
time, (in January) most of the heavy rain is over and the trees are starting to bloom. It will be
interesting to see what will happen to the tulips and daffodils that I planted in November. Will they
show sprouts around Tu B’shevat, which this year falls on Saturday, January 26 th ?
There are some customs that can be celebrated only in the land of Israel such as: planting
new trees on that day or picking flowering branches of the Almond Tree. On the other hand, in the
United States and elsewhere in the world, some of the special fruits that grow in the land of Israel
can be eaten like dates, figs, olives and grapes. We can also give tzedakah money to buy trees
from JNF and we can even plant some vegetable seeds like parsley to have it ready to be served
on Passover eve. I love Tu B’Shevat because it reminds me that Spring is right around the corner.
Because it is still winter here, we can’t plant trees but we did create and “plant” artificial
trees in our sculpture garden in the middle of the school. If you peek through the window between
the Principal’s office and Room 213, you will see a Blue Mogen David with Jewish symbols on it.
We will also put there a sculptured tree as a reminder of the damage done by the Hurricane Sandy
and the Menorah that was done for Chanukah. There will be other sculptures that will be added at
a later time. The sculptures that you will see so far are the creations of the “Craft Class” from our
J-Flex Program (High School) and were done by Cara Hayman, Brianna and Lindsay Mendelson
and Meredith Epstein. We are very proud of their creations and the guidance of their teacher,
Barbara Rosenberg. May you go from strength to strength.
Toward the end of January, we will have our Annual Parent Teacher Conferences. It will
take place on Tuesday, January 22 nd and Wednesday, January 23 rd from 6:00PM – 9:00PM and
will be held in the classrooms. There will be no regular classes on those days. A list of the
assignment time will be e-mailed to each class and you will be asked to respond if the time allocated
for you is convenient. The conference is on an individual basis and we will allocate around 8
minutes to each parent. The Alef class will have their conferences on Sunday, February 3 rd , 2013.
There will be no regular class for Alef on that day.
On Sunday, January 27 th , at 10:00AM, we will have a ceremony to give Siddurim (Jewish
Prayer Books) to our third grade students. The students will sign and present some Jewish melodies
and there will be different acknowledgments for this important milestone in the students’ life. There
will be a collation (refreshments) after the program. All families will get an invitation for this program.
The Holocaust Show will take place on Monday, January 28 th at the Woodbury Jewish
Center. This is required for 6 th and 7 th grades (Parents of these grades are encouraged to attend)
No regular classes are scheduled for this day. The show is open to all congregants.
I hope that we will all have a productive and good month.
Sincerely, Rachel

ORBIT
Page 18
Help Support PJC’s Hebrew School Fundraiser for
Extra-Curricular Activities and Programs
Throughout the school year, the Hebrew school offers extra-curricular programs
and events to its children to enhance their Jewish education and make learning fun.
Some events offered in the past or that the Hebrew School Committee would like to
pursue in the future include: an olive oil pressing workshop, a matzah baking
workshop, a trip to the Suffolk Y to see the Jewish exhibit and a session with an Israeli
dancing instructor. To help off-set the expense of these events, the Hebrew School
Committee is conducting a congregation-wide 50/50 raffle now through Purim. Half of
the total proceeds from the sale of raffle tickets will be allocated specifically to the
Hebrew school to support extra-curricular educational activities and programs for the
students and the other half will be divided into 2 equal parts offering participants 2
chances to win. The drawing will take place at the Megillah reading service on Purim
in the main sanctuary on the evening of February 23, 2013.
Ticket prices are $5 each or 5 tickets for $20. If you are interested in purchasing
raffle tickets, please complete the form below and send it with payment to:
PJC, 95 Floral Drive, Plainview, NY 11803; ATTN: Hebrew School 50/50.
Your raffle tickets will be mailed back to you. Participants need not be present the
evening of the drawing as long as contact information is provided below.
Thank you for your support with this fund raising initiative. If you have questions,
contact the Hebrew School office or e-mail Stacy Meyerson at:
stacy.meyerson@verizon.net.
Hebrew School 50/50 Raffle
o I would like to purchase 1 raffle ticket for $5.00 to support extra-curricular
programs at the Hebrew School.
o I would like to purchase 5 raffle tickets for $20.00 to support extra-curricular
programs at the Hebrew School.
o I would like to purchase ________ tickets for $__________ to support extracurricular
programs at the Hebrew School.
o I don’t want to purchase raffle tickets but would like to make a donation to the
Hebrew School for $__________
Please make check payable to Plainview Jewish Center
Name_____________________________ Phone Number _______________
Address______________________________________________________________________________

ORBIT Page 19
THANKSGIVING SHABBAT PROGRAM
AT WHITE OAKS NURSING HOME
Kudos to Plainview Jewish Center volunteers who brought cheer over the Thanksgiving
break. The Teper, Petrou-O’Rourke, and Stone familes came with friends to bring music, art,
and comedy, to residents of the White Oaks Nursing Home on the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Becky, Jack and Susan Petrou-O’Rourke; Sarah, Ethan and Beth Teper plus their friend Briana;
along with Taylor, Emily, and Jack Stone arrived with instruments (clarinet, violins, keyboard),
jokes (Yeah Emily!), their smiles, their artwork to hang up in room and squishy pillows to hug.
Emily told jokes, Becky played clarinet, Ethan, Jack and Jack played piano and keyboards,
Taylor and Emily played violin.
Lisa Hadar, currently on staff at PJC, has been a long-time volunteer at the nursing home
and has participated in celebrating Shabbat on Friday mornings ( with other women from Hadassah)
for more than a decade. She suggested to her Tallit and Tefillin classes that they take advantage
of the break and do a mitzvah on a day they are off from school.
They began the hour with lighting Shabbat Candles and welcoming the Sabbath with song.
Spirited renditions of L’cha Dodi , Shabbat Shalom, Tum Ba la Laika and Eretz Zavat Chalav
were enjoyed by the residents. Blessings over Grape Juice and Challah were chanted before the
refreshments were enjoyed by all.
Many of the children worked very diligently with their friends and siblings before the
event to make sure they had enough gifts for all the residents they might encounter. Sarah Teper
and Briana made wonderful pillows. Becky Petrou-O’Rourke designed gorgeous watercolors.
At the event, Taylor and Emily made pictures as well. Words cannot capture the sweet joyous
enthusiasm the children brought to every one they met. They engaged residents in the dining
room, in the hall way, and even outside on the grounds, spreading smiles wherever they went.
It was a day PJC should be very proud of. The children and their mothers did a beautiful
service of Bikkur Holim. Be proud of your young people who gave of their time and their love.
Be proud of your parents who taught their children to give with all their heart!

$ 6 . 0 0 e a - f o r e a c h P J C a f f i l i a t e d f a m i l y y o u w i s h t o s e n d t o
$ 6 . 0 0 e a - f o r e a c h s p e c i a l “ c h i l d r e n ’ s p a c k a g e ” y o u s e n d
$ 1 0 . 0 0 - f o r e a c h p a c k a g e t o s o m e o n e outside
ORBIT Page 20
SISTERHOOD
PLAINVIEW JEWISH CENTER
IT’S SHALACH MANOT TIME !!
Purim Begins Saturday Evening, February 23, 2013
The Book of Esther tells us that the Jews of Shushan celebrated their deliverance from
Haman by sending gifts of food, fruit and drink (Shalach Manot) to one another. The
Rabbis decreed that this mode of sharing the joy of the festival should become one of the
central mitzvot of the holiday. On Purim, sending Shalach Manot gives the entire
congregation an opportunity to share in the observance of this mitzvah. Sending Shalach
Manot allows us to share the joy of the festival with our family and friends.
IT IS TRADITIONAL THAT SHALACH MANOT BE SENT VIA A THIRD PARTY. LET
SISTERHOOD BE YOUR AGENT AGAIN THIS YEAR.
of the PJC membership. (You are
responsible to pick up and deliver these non-member packages)
On the order form, you may check YES in the reciprocity box to avoid omitting someone
that may be sending you a gift. This way they will automatically be sent one from
you.
Cost of $3.00 each– special price to send Shalach Manot to any of our clergy. See the
special check off box on the order form for this.
Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity- Fill out the Shalach Manot Order Form and
mail it out today! The deadline is Monday, Feb. 4 th , 2013

ORBIT
Page 21
Purim Kits for College Kids
Order Form
If you are interested in sending a kit(s), please provide Sisterhood with the following
information:
Name of College Student: ______________________________________
College Address: ______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
Who is sending the kit: ______________________________________
Name(s) to be signed on card: ______________________________________
Send: $15.00 per kit if you are a Sisterhood Member
$20.00 per kit if you are not a Sisterhood Member
TO: Sisterhood PJC, 95 Floral Drive, Plainview, NY 11803
Attention: Purim Kits
We plan to be sending out lots of kits this year so be sure to place your order early!
*Please remember that the cut-off date for ordering is Friday, February 8th, 2013
so that we can ensure delivery by Purim, February 23, 2013.

I T ’ S S H A L A C H M A N O T T I M E ! !
ORBIT
Page 22
SISTERHOOD PLAINVIEW JEWISH CENTER
Purim Begins Saturday evening, February 23, 2013
Would you like to send Purim Greetings to friends and family far away??
Let Sisterhood send a “Happy Purim” card on your behalf!
COST IS ONLY $3.00 PER CARD, OR 10 CARDS FOR $25.00
Your Name__________________________________
Your Address________________________________
Phone # ___________________________________
Total # of Cards __________
Total $ Enclosed _________
Please print all information- list additional names on another sheet or do the
entire listing on your computer and attach here.
Name Address (Incl. Zip Code) “Sent By” Wording
_
_
_
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_
_
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_
_
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_
_
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MAIL THIS ORDER FORM WITH A CHECK PAYABLE TO:
SISTERHOOD PJC
95 FLORAL DRIVE, PLAINVIEW, NY 11803
ATTN: SHALACH MANOT COMMITTEE
DEADLINE: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013

ORBIT
Page 23

ORBIT
Page 24
WE WISH TO THANK AND EXPRESS OUR DEEP APPRECIATION TO THE FOLLOWING
FAMILIES FOR THEIR GENEROUS CONTRIBUTION TO THE MORNING MINYAN:
Karin & Steven Factor and Janet Strauss in honor of the yahrzeits of our mothers,
Osna Strauss and Charlotte Factor.
Lesley & Ted Bank
Ruth & Michael Tuller
PJC YOUTH CORNER
January Schedule for PJC Youth Groups
January 6- Tironim: Scavenger Hunt at PJC 5:30-7pm
USY: PJs and Movie Night 7-8:30pm
January 13- Kadima: Movie Night 5:30-7pm
USY: Dance at PJC 7-8:30pm
January 27- Kadima: Scavenger Hunt at PJC 5:30-7pm
USY: Scavenger Hunt at Roosevelt Field Mall 3-5pm meet at mall
Please contact Lois Lange @ 516-426-6283 or lois_lange@yahoo.com if you
have any questions. Tironim and Kadima have dinner at all meetings.
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ORBIT Page 25
ShopRite Food Certificates
are always available
at the Temple office
Remember, by supporting the
Food Certificate Program,
you support PJC!
** Food Certificates may be purchased by credit card in the temple office **
EXPERIENCED CERTIFIED MATH TUTOR
ELEMENTARY / MIDDLE SCHOOL / NINTH GRADE
REMEDIAL AND NYS TEST PREP
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INDIVIDUAL PERSONALIZED ATTENTION
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MASTERS DEGREE - NYU
MR. WOLF
516-935-9740
FREE MONEY
Please help our Religious School earn free money
Save Box Tops from General Mills brand items
Either mail or deposit them in the Main or Education Office
Ziploc – Kleenex – Hefty – Cheerios – Scott Paper
Gogurt – Kix – Betty Crocker
and many more !!

ORBIT Page 26
SISTERHOOD NEWS
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE - Blayne Peltzman
In this modern world of technology, where hotel room keys are electronic
cards and slot machines no longer accept or give back coins, I sit here in the
midst of the clouds with an old fashioned pencil and paper in hand. I look two
seats over to the left and see Pam Lerner (V.P. of Membership) with her
headphones on watching television on the back of the headrest of the person in
front of her. In between us is a pharmacy student flying back to New York from her
pharmacy conference in Las Vegas. Three women, three leaders, all sitting in a row. The strength
and courage of modern women amazes me. I thought I would return from the Women’s League for
Conservative Judaism’s International Convention 2012 and write all about it. Yes, it was filled with
dynamic speakers like Chancellor Eisen and inspiring shlushim. But more importantly, it was filled
with amazing women; leaders. Leaders not speaking at the podiums, but leaders like me and Pam.
Those who want to see a vibrant future for Conservative Jewry. Those who make hundreds of sacrifices
in their own lives to attend a convention. People have no idea the amount of stress and guilt that goes
into the decision to leave your family for a few days. The pressure of preparing for every and any
incident that might occur while mommy is gone. So, do we not go? NO! We Must! Female leaders
of this generation are needed for the future of the Conservative movement. But while the decision for
a man is usually instantaneous to go away, it differs for us.
While Sisterhood is a training ground for emerging leaders, we must have more women around
us supporting us, helping us and pitching in at home during our absences. Words like expense
reports and travel fees must be used with conviction. We must raise leaders who are willing to go to
conventions and leadership conferences. But, we must care for them and their families. Sisterhoods
must stop being afraid of being aggressive. We must stop being only the “Kiddush ladies in the
kitchen.” The future of this movement needs us. I want to see our movement grow. Last month I went
to my friend’s son’s Bar Mitzvah and watched him chant from the Torah behind the Mehitza. While
there, I thought about my previous Hebrew school students whose B’nai Mitzvahs I had attended. I
recalled hearing the organ playing during the service. While we are all Jews, I would never feel
comfortable davening in either of those shuls or settings. I am a Conservative Jewish woman. I want
to perpetuate the Masorti movement. PJC Sisterhood is a firm believer in this and a staunch supporter
of Torah Fund. Through the Torah Fund campaign we help support the Jewish Theological Seminary,
the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies and the Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies and their students.
We do so much for others, now let’s do for our own sisters.
As a synagogue, we are a family. Let’s nurture our leaders together and send them off so
they can stand for us!
Sending a very special Refuah Shelaymah
to our very own 2012 Woman of Achievement,
Marilyn Cohen.
We love and miss you. Get Well Soon!

PROGRAM Doris Cooper - Program Vice President
ORBIT Page 27
Our January program on Tuesday, January 8 th , 2013, will be the Mental Health Players. They
are an improvisational theatre troupe of volunteers who perform vignettes addressing real life issues,
and engage the audience for their feedback and interpretation of the different situations. We welcome
you once again, and plan to have a wonderful meeting and program.
MEMBERSHIP Pam Lerner - Membership Vice President
Imagine….what would it be like if all the women of our Sisterhood felt close enough with and
around each other to spend 3-4 days sharing a hotel room? Most of us only do that with our spouses
and/or immediate family. At the recent Women’s League for Conservative Judaism Convention in
Las Vegas something unexpected happened from something I was a little nervous about. I shared a
room with our President, Blayne Peltzman. While we were friends before we left, we became so
much closer during the Convention. We bonded and had an amazing time. We spent our days going
to separate sessions and we went back to our room and shared what we had learned and thought
with each other. We shared what we agreed with and liked and what we didn’t. We talked about how
we could take what was discussed and make it better at our own Sisterhood. We talked about how
we could make our Sisterhood, our PJC, our children and grandchildren’s future and the future of
Conservative Judaism better. While we discussed our views, we realized we felt very differently on
many topics and similarly on some others. But, we both want the same things for ourselves, our
families, our Sisterhood, PJC and Judaism. We didn’t argue, we discussed. We listened. We planned.
We bonded. While disagreeing and agreeing we spoke respectfully to each other and really listened.
Wouldn’t it be great if we could all do that? If we could all listen as well as hear others and their
thoughts and ideas…even if different from our own? What would it be like to feel the joy and pleasure
of being with other women who share your passion for Conservative Judaism?
For all of you out there who already joined our Sisterhood, thank you. Come down, share your
ideas, get inspired and inspire the rest of us! If you haven’t joined yet, please do. Let’s build the
bonds, make them stronger. Let’s get rid of whatever pushes us apart and keeps us that way. Join
us. Let’s make PJC Sisterhood, your Sisterhood. Whether you have been a member of PJC for 50
years or 1 month, join us. We look forward to welcoming you at the next event. Please contact me if
you have any questions or concerns at plerner1@optonline.net
As always, if you are new to Sisterhood we will be happy to meet you at the door at any
upcoming meeting—just let us know when it will be. We look forward to getting to know you.
In Sisterhood, Pamela Lerner
The Sisterhood Judaica Shop
has gifts for all your holiday needs. We have a large selection of
seder plates, menorahs, mezuzahs, jewelry and head coverings for
both men and women. Our great holiday serving pieces, including
platters and utensils, are wonderful for celebrating and entertaining
with family and friends.
WHEN YOU THINK GIFTS, THINK SISTERHOOD JUDAICA!
FOR INFORMATION, CALL MICHELE HAIMES @ 516-822-0704.

TORAH FUND - Rose Weiner, Torah Fund Coordinator
ORBIT Page 28
SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, January 10 th
Great News! We have rescheduled the Double Chai Kick-Off event. It will be
held on Thursday, January 10th at 8:15 at the home of Joyce Rimer who resides at
14 Warren Place in Plainview.
Our speaker will be singer/songwriter Lois Morton. She will present a program
entitled, Raisins and Almonds - Jewish Songs from the Heart. It is a journey of
Jewish music from Eastern Europe via Second Avenue and two World Wars into the
American mainstream. It promises to be a very entertaining and informative evening.
And of course, as usual, you will be treated to Joyce’s delicious desserts.
There is a $36 donation which entitles you to nine cards. If you have already
given $36 this year you just pay the couvert of $3.00. So please mark your calendar
and be sure to join us that evening. Please tell your friends to join us as well.
The Torah Fund supports our future rabbis, cantors, teachers and Jewish
community leaders at the Jewish Theological Seminary. The money raised through
our Torah Fund contributions is an important part of fostering and maintaining
the continuity of the Jewish conservative movement. You can help in this effort by
making donations to Sisterhood’s Torah Fund or simply purchasing Torah Fund
greeting cards. Occasions such as Mazel Tov, Get Well, Rejoicing with You, New
Baby, and of course Condolences are all available for $4.00 each. The cards can be
purchased at any Sisterhood meeting or event, or they can be mailed to the recipient
for you by contacting:
Rose - 935-0454, Joyce - 433-4826, Barbara - 631-923-0000 or Judi - 433-4099
Welcome a new arrival!
Send one of these beautiful Torah Fund cards today!

EDUCATION Sharon Kunoff - Education Vice President
ORBIT Page 29
Our November article promised more about Chanukah in December and also spoke about PJC
being a community. Since that time, I was not able to get my article in the December 1 st issue of Orbit
due mainly to the interruptions and havoc caused by “Sandy.” During this trying time, many of you
experienced “first hand” the real warmth of the PJC community as the synagogue doors were open to
provide light and heat to those who needed it in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Shabbat dinners and
even a meal or two during the week were available as much of the Plainview-Old Bethpage community
remained in the dark for up to two weeks. Now that we are back to normal we hope you will continue to
engage in the many activities we have at PJC. I am sure you all enjoyed Chanukah early in December
and learned much about it from your children and by attending the many Chanukah activities at PJCincluding
the Toy Drive and Chanukah Party sponsored by Men’s Club.
Many of you filled out the forms distributed at the Sisterhood Paid-Up Membership Brunch in
October and volunteered to participate in the Sisterhood/Men’s Club Shabbat. It will take place on
Saturday, January 26th. By now you have already received your assigned parts or will be getting them
soon. If for some reason you failed to volunteer, it is not too late! Please contact me at
skunoff@optonline.net or call me at 694-1896. We are looking for as much participation as possible.
Your attendance, especially with your children, is also important and we would love to see you all!! That
Saturday, we will have a very special Kiddush. We hope you are planning to attend!! Come down to
support your fellow “sisters”.
We can also use more help on the Education committee. Everyone is welcome and we are
open to any new ideas you may have. Please contact us if you are interested. We can always find a job
you will enjoy doing. Education continues in everything we do, not only on this special Shabbat.
SISTERHOOD WINTER
BINGO & SANGRIA
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23RD AT 8PM
$18 PER PERSON INCLUDES:
ONE BINGO CARD, REFRESHMENTS AND PRIZES!
FOR RESERVATIONS AND INFORMATION, CALL MICHELE TURK: 938-3299

ORBIT Page 30
Sisterhood Special Project - M’yad L’yad by Sharon Kunoff
Fortunately our family came through Sandy with no more than the loss of power that affected
most of us. We were able to send them a small Chanukah package, although a little late. We hope to
make up for it by sending a nice Purim package with gift certificates to enable them to shop for Passover.
By that time, you or your children may know which spring clothes no longer fit your sons or grandsons
and which winter clothes you feel will not fit next year. If you have anything that may fit our family, please
try to get it to me (call at 515-694-1896 or email skunoff@optonline.net) and we will arrange to get it
from you. Cash for gift certificates is always welcome. If you want to purchase the cards yourself, she
shops at Stop and Shop and at Target.
Following is a recap of sizes, but remember, young boys grow, so if you have a size larger you
can send it on. If it doesn’t fit now, it will soon. The mom wears 18, 20, XL or 2X pants and XL dresses.
Her shoe size is 8 ½ or 9 and she enjoys reading romance novels and walking. The dad wears size
small shorts/pants, size 8 shoes and enjoys the computer. Ernesto wears size 6 pants, 8, 10 or medium
shirts and size 12 shoes. He enjoys Thomas trains, Angry birds, Spiderman and Lego. If you have a
child who has outgrown any of these items that are still in good condition, Ernesto would like them. If you
are thinking of winter items, coats, sweaters or hoodies would be nice along with the spring items that
we hope will be needed soon.
Thanks to all of you who keep our family in mind!! It is a wonderful mitzvah and is appreciated!
Mah Jongg Cards for 2013
Orders are now being taken
for delivery to your home in early April.
Please send your name, address and checks to:
Judy Forman, 56 Glenwood Road, Plainview, N.Y. 11803
For info or questions, call Judy @ 822-9536
Standard size cards are $7.00 each
Large Print cards are $8.00 each
Deadline for orders: January 21, 2013

ORBIT
Page 31
BUY JNF TREES FROM SISTERHOOD
THEY CAN BE IN MEMORY OF A LOVED ONE
OR IN HONOR OF A LOVED ONE
OR JUST BECAUSE YOU WANT TO PLANT A TREE IN ISRAEL
JNF TREES ARE $18.00 EACH
PLEASE CONTACT ELYSE SCHRAGE @ 822-7062
HOLOCAUST
SURVIVOR COOKBOOK
Our Sisterhood has added a new item to our list of fund
raising which has already proven to be a great success
for our temple. It is called the “Holocaust Survivor
Cookbook”. It is a beautifully published book containing
129 amazing and miraculous stories of courage & survival
and includes over 250 delicious recipes which were
favorites of these great people and their families. You will
enjoy their recipes, but their stories will never be forgotten.
They are selling for $36.00 and the profits on every book
will be donated strictly to the Plainview Jewish Center.
They will be displayed at every Sisterhood meeting. Or,
you can call Marilyn Cohen at 822-4553 to order. This is
a great book to have for your home or for a gift for your
family and friends. This book makes a meaningful gift.
And, as a bonus, you will also be supporting our temple.
MAY WE SERVE YOU
Prayer Book Fund Torah Fund Book of Life JNF Certificates
Diane Miller 935-7732 Rose Weiner 935-0454 Rhoda Meshover 938-8818 Elyse Schrage 822-7062
Judaica Shop Joyce Rimer 433-4826 Cookbook
Michele Haimes 822-0704 Judi Dorosin Barbara Alhadeff 631-923-0000
Mitzvah Committee: Call Temple Office: 938-8610 (Shiva Set-up & Shiva Chairs Available)

ORBIT
Page 32
ThIS glorious classic
of Broadway is
coming to PJC!
Mark your Calendar for
the second and third
weekends of March:
MARCH 16TH & 17TH, 23RD & 24TH
- PJC Mens Club

M e n ’ s C l u b P a t i o P l a y e r s w i l l b e p e r f o r m i n g , The
ORBIT
Page 33
MEN’S CLUB by Stephen Taub
Happy New Year! January is going to be a very busy month for Men’s Club. It all kicks off
Sunday morning, January 6th with the annual Pancake breakfast. This is the day that Men’s Club
cooks flapjacks for our Hebrew School children. And we never just add water. It’s the real thing.
Then, two days later, January 8th, is our annual Texas Hold’em tournament. This is always a fun,
raucous evening. On January 26th, is the annual Men’s Club/Sisterhood Shabbat. All Men’s Club
members are invited to participate in the service. If you want a reading—English or Hebrew—or
non-reading role, leave a message at the office for Sandy Strenger or Shea Lerner. Looking ahead,
on February 12th is our Movie Night. We plan to show a movie with a Jewish theme. It’s a good
opportunity to get out of the igloo on a cold February evening. And February 23rd is Purim. This
means Men’s Club will be hosting its annual ice-cream sundae bash immediately following the
reading of the Megillah.
It is not too late to participate in our Super Bowl pool. If you want to shell out $20 for a box,
call the office and leave a message for David Dender or Sandy Strenger. And, once again, the
Music Man. It will take place on consecutive
weekends in March. Look at your e-mails, Hakol and Orbit for dates and times.
We want to thank everyone who came down to the annual Men’s Club Chanukah Party and
bought raffles. We raised a record amount, which enabled us to not only provide a fun day of
entertainment and eating, but to fund future events, like the Purim ice cream social, the Yom Hashoah
candles that mysteriously wind up in your mailbox every year and the Men’s Club Talit and Tefillin
bagel breakfast every Sunday morning.
And finally, if you have not yet joined Men’s Club, it is still not too late. You can send a check
for $54 to the Temple office made out to PJC Men’s Club, or leave a message for Sandy Strenger
or Fred Skolnick.
PJC Men’s Club Poker · Football & Food
9 Big Prizes
Texas Holdem’ Tournament
Sunday January 13 th , 2013 8:00PM
$40.00 entry fee to be paid at the door
Please enter in advance by sending email to:
Lever11@aol.com.
Just say you want to enter the poker tournament.
Snacks and beverages provided!

ORBIT Page 34
REFUAH SHELAYMAH
Our Plainview Jewish Center Family wishes a refuah shelaymah to:
Hank Marcus
Martin Bertisch Zelda King
Sheldon Chassen Marilyn Cohen
To our PJC members, if you would like to have a family member
included in this section, please notify the temple office at:
516 938-8610 x101

ORBIT Page 35
WE WISH TO THANK AND EXPRESS OUR APPRECIATION TO THE FOLLOWING FAMILIES
FOR THEIR GENEROUS CONTRIBUTION TO THE YAHRZEIT & YIZKOR FUND:
Eileen & Bert Moskowitz
Zahava & Shalom Waldman
Sarah & Abraham Gutman
Wendy & Barry Shapiro
Ronda & Ira Fischer
Jerilyn & Kenneth Kronen
Michael N. Rosenberg
Shirley & Ross Landesman
Beatrice Leffert
Rosalie Miller
Doreen & Seymour Katchen
Philip Wolkis
Elysa & Melvyn Ockner
Carol & Glenn Grossman
Fern Ruhalter
Stuart H. Eisbruck
Sylvia Landau
Nancy Behar
Jeffrey Gleicher
Susan & Charles Deutsch
Minna Rothman
Janice & Howard Gellman
Esther Adler
Carol & Leon Tepler
Carol & Melvin Breshin
Martin R. Sands
Beatrice Block
Loretta & Israel Fleiss
Gloria Gewirtz
Claire & Burton Mass
Theodore Leight
Helen R. Rudowsky
Bruce Schachter
Ellen & George Rosenbaum
Lillian & Stanley Bernstein
Janine & Sheldon Jackman
Alice & Edward Langholz
Anita & Sheldon Chassen
Arlene & Benjamin Noritz
Marilyn & Jerry Kreditor
Rita & Marvin Rosen
Rosalie Miller
Beatrice Leffert
Richard A. Lyons
Sheryl & Philip Smolowitz
Jeffrey Hochdorf
Judith & Lawrence Cohen
Anne & John Bedell
Harold Sigmund
Natalia Nevidomsky
Beverly Kepke
Susan Shebairo
Philip Wolkis
Cecilia Brodie
Larry A. Lachter
Harriet Cohen
Institute for Adult Jewish Studies
Our 50 th fall session of the Institute concluded with a most enjoyable Gala celebration. Mainly
we were celebrating all of you, our members, as well as the founding congregations and Rabbis who
realized the potential of this multi-synagogue community organization. The over 300 people who joined
us this past year came not only from all our member congregations, but from non-member congregations
in Brooklyn, Queens and Suffolk counties, as well as those who are not affiliated with congregations but
are open to Jewish Education. We are truly an asset to the community. If any of you are interested in
participating in our planning and preparation we are always open to new ideas.
This January, as usual, we present a series of 4 related lectures delivered by one lecturer, in this
case, Dr. Ira Epstein a professor of the CUNY system. Dr. Epstein served as Chair of the Communication
Studies Department at La Guardia Community College where he is Professor Emeritus as well as an
Asst. Professor in the Education Department at Brooklyn College. His current interests are comedy
and music and he is a popular lecturer in many venues on these topics. His topic for our series is The
Music of Israel. Members of the Fall 2012 series attend these lectures as part of their previous
registration. If you did not attend the fall series, the cost is $15 for all 4 lectures or $5 for individual
lectures. Our schedule is as follows:
January 7
January 14
January 21
January 28
A Musical Trip through the Land of Israel
Yerushayayim shel Zahav - The Story behind the Song
Shoshana Damari - Queen of Israeli Music
Yehoram Gaon - A Life in Music
Please join us on Monday, January 7th at 8pm at Manetto Hill Jewish Center, 244 Manetto Hill
Road, Plainview. We are confident you will have a wonderful experience! Registration for non members
will start at 7:15pm. We hope to see you there!

H a t z i l u , p l e a s e g o t o : www.hatzilurescue.org
ORBIT
Page 36
Hatzilu Means Rescue
Hatzilu is reaching out to our community for help. This worthy organization
has been assisting impoverished and needy Jews throughout Nassau County for
many years. Volunteer social workers help elderly Jews obtain the government benefits
to which they are entitled and food is provided to the hungry. Hatzilu maintains the
largest kosher food warehouse in Nassau County and volunteers deliver food to
people who need it desperately. The warehouse is in dire need of canned goods and
nonperishable foods. Donations of these products would help restock the shelves
that are almost bare.
Hatzilu appreciates all money donations as well. A food collection box will be
placed by the main entrance of the synagogue.
Thanks for helping those in need. For further information about
or call 931-2884.
Arlyne Skolnik
HATZILU
IN ORDER TO HELP OUR JEWISH POOR AND ELDERLY,
PLEASE MAKE A DONATION TO HATZILU.
MEN’S CLUB WILL SEND A CERTIFICATE
TO HONOR THE NAME OF MEMORY OF WHO YOU CHOOSE.
THIS IS AN IDEAL WAY TO EXPRESS A “SIMCHA” OR “SYMPATHY”
AND TO HELP OUR FELLOW JEWS.
PLEASE EMAIL STEVE GLASSER AT: STEVETG@AOL.COM
OR CALL HIM AT: 516 938-3069 TO ORDER A CERTIFICATE

ORBIT Page 37
ATTENTION ALL CONGREGANTS:
OUR WEEKDAY EVENING MINYANS
ARE IN NEED OF A FEW GOOD PEOPLE!
WEEKDAY MINYAN IS AT 8PM AND LASTS 15 MINUTES.
ANY DAY YOU CAN COME DOWN
WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.
THANK YOU
PJC BUY A BRICK PROGRAM
Please help us in raising money to upgrade, beautify and maintain
our building and grounds. Our Walkway of Memories will provide a
permanent way to honor or memorialize a family member or friend,
a business or special occasion.
For further information or additional order forms, please call:
Larry Speiller at (516) 938-8610.

ORBIT Page 38
PSSST! IT’S OKAY TO TALK ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE
.
Respecting others’ privacy is an important Jewish value. Lashon
HaRa—gossip—is uniformly condemned by our tradition. But there is at
least one exception. When someone is ill or in need of care and support,
it is a mitzvah to tell people who can help.
In our community, the Rabbi and Cantor provide pastoral support to
individuals and families who are suffering illness and those who need
emotional support. The Rabbi also serves as the liaison to our newly
formed Bikur Cholim Committee; which provides additional visits and
support to those who request it.
Please let the Rabbi and Cantor know when someone in our
congregation is ill; or when a family is dealing with a crisis. Only when
they know can they reach out to individuals and families in need. Only
when they know can they mobilize our Bikur Cholim committee to provide
additional support. Don’t worry that they might already have the
information. Don’t worry that you are “bothering” these busy people.
The information you provide will be vital to helping our congregation to
serve the needs of those who need us the most.
Rabbi Conn and Cantor Wolk can be reached at PJC at (516) 938-8610.
Rabbi Conn can be reached by cell at (516) 524-7447
or by email at rabbiconn@plainviewjewishcenter.com.
PLAINVIEW JEWISH CENTER
CEMETERY GROUND
Location: Wellwood Cemetery at Pinelawn, New York
Cost: Single Graves available at $550 each grave.
Family Graves $500 each (minimum of 4 graves).
Terms: 25% down with interest free monthly payments
for a period of up to two (2) years.
Eligibility: Available to PJC Members ONLY.
For information call: JOEL FASS 938-7351
** PLEASE NOTE: The price of graves will be going up
$50 as of January 1, 2013