G-d, Torah & Israel are the three guiding principles of Conservative Judaism. The word "Israel" in these principles does not refer to the Land of Israel, but rather to the people Israel, you and I, the people of the covenant. The importance of community has been the mainstay of being Jewish. Providing for those less fortunate, honoring the aged and infirm, publicly sharing our joyous moments with the Community and obtaining strength from the Community during those trying moments of our lives. Men's Club has been very busy over the last two months enhancing the PJC Community and the Jewish Community. In conjunction with Sisterhood we are providing to all couples that celebrate an Auf Ruf at PJC, FJMC's publication "Your Home is Your Sanctuary". This pamphlet explains the significance of placing a Mezuzah on the doorpost of their home. It not only provides instructions as how to place a Mezuzah, but even provides a ceremony to enrich the experience, complete with a menu for a Jewish housewarming party. Our Club also provided ushers to assist at all of the many simultaneous High Holiday Services that took place at PJC. We spearheaded a food drive during the High Holidays that yielded over 250 bags of non-perishable goods for the Hatzilu Rescue Organization and the Five Town Food Bank, aiding our brethren in financial distress. We have donated $1,500 to Hatzilu Rescue Organization to help them further their efforts in assisting Jews in need in our community and made a $500 donation to our Rabbi's Discretionary fund, to help our congregants in need. We have erected and decorated our Temple's Karo Sukkah (which was donated a few years ago by the family of a former Men's Club President Al Karo in memory of his Mother). We shipped 30 of PJC's old Machzorim to a Conservative Shul in India for their use during the High Holidays. We held Meet the Candidates Night, which was well attended by virtually all the candidates running for Town of Oyster Bay Office and the Nassau County Legislature with respect to the Plainview Old Bethpage Community. Our annual Scotch and Steak Event was a sellout success with nearly 60 men enjoying the ruach of the Men's Club. Not a bad start wouldn't you say and we're just getting started.
On Tuesday November 8th at 7:30 pm we are holding our Member Appreciation Dinner. It's free for all Men's Club Members. Not a Member? It is not too late to join. Just bring your check to the dinner and join in the fun. On Sunday November 13 at 10 am we present our first Hearing Men's Voices program "Body & Spirit Taking Care of Oneself." Beginning November 1 through the month, Men’s Club will be sponsoring a used Coat drive.
None of the above could be possible without the help of so many devoted members. To name them all here would cause Morty much stress to moving around the rest of Hakol to make room for my hugely expanded column. Please look at the Thank You page that follows. I do want to take a moment to thank the chairs of each of our events, Michael Brooks, our head usher, Jeffrey Miller, who printed our High Holiday bookmarks and the exit passes, Mitchell Kessler, who chaired the food drive, Steve Glasser, the chair of our Hatzilu charitable contribution committee, Fred Skolnik for chairing his 20th successful Meet the Candidates Night at PJC, Al Karo, Rob Cohen and Stu Haimes who chaired the erection of the Karo Sukkah, Alan Hodes who chaired our Scotch and Steak event and Rob Cohen for orchestrating the shipment of the Machzorim to India. Special thanks to Arlyne Skolnik, and Shea Lerner who interfaced with the food banks and to my wife Nanette, and friends Myron, Susan and Jared for their help in decorating the Karo Sukkah. Of course thanks to our magnificent PJC staff for all they did to help our programs and events be successful.
There’s a lot more to come. Join us and be a part of Men’s Club as we continue to contribute to PJC, and Kol Israel.
Sandy Strenger
President, PJC Men's Club
