Rabbi's Musings - Chabad of Toms River

Save the Environment

Friday, April 12, 2013 - 11:28 AM

My heart breaks every time I tell this story...

A 4 year old and a 6 year old are playing together... The story usually continues about a fight over a ball, or a break for ice cream and a dip in the pool.

Sadly, this story has a very different ending, the 4 year old fatally shoots the 6 year old with a 22 caliber rifle.

Not knowing the details of the story, I am not here to play 'Monday morning quarterback,' to preach about what should have been done and who should be held responsible. I certainly will not jump into a gun rights discussion. But I do want to reflect on the fact that I live in a world, actually in a town, where this story is in the realm of possibility. That an innocent 4 year old child can shoot someone in the head.

Studies have shown us the effect of television, movies, and video games on our minds, and, in a way more importantly, on the minds of our children.

As time goes on the images that are being seared into our minds, and the experiences we have as being the "first person shooter" in the video games, are becoming more realistic and therefore all the more frightening.

Even before these studies became popular, The Rebbe was already speaking about this. He suggested that from the moment the child is born, and even beforehand, he or she should be surrounded with Torah passages, pictures of holy and positive things, and as much as possible keep out the negative energy.

As our body is affected by our natural environment, our mind and emotions are affected by the occurrences, sights and experiences in that environment.

I'm not saying that this is the explanation for what happened. What I am saying is that we desperately need to save the environment in which we are raising the next generation.

As much as we have done, we have clearly not done enough.

Let's change the world. Speak nicely and positively around your children, hang pictures of kindness and good deeds in your home, bring in a charity box, prayerbooks, Torah books, and children's books with positive and upbeat messages.

While our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the Holt family on this horrific loss, let us honor young Brandon by doing something good in his memory.

Zeidy Popack, OBM

Friday, June 1, 2012 - 12:29 PM

"Why are there no Jews in Jail?" I asked him, "Nu," he said curiously. I responded, "Cause they eat Lox"! A smile lit up his face. This was the last joke we shared just a few days before his passing.

As Chanie's maternal grandfather we weren't biologically related, nevertheless in more ways than one, he was my Zeidy.

Ever since Chanie and I married in 2001, he treated me like one of his own many grandchildren KA"H.

He was the patriarch of a great and large family, the head of a very large business, spent countless hours a day learning Torah, and yet always found time for each and every one of his children and grandchildren. Always inquiring, advising, caring and helping.

He would tell us that he was once asked, what does he attribute his success? He would answer, 95 percent good luck (G-d’s blessings), and 5 percent his personal expertise. He would then add, “If I had the choice, I would trade in the 5 percent of expertise, for 5 more percent of good luck.”

He had a great sense of humor, always telling jokes and enjoying a new one which he hadn't heard. (He once shared the secret to a good marriage, "she [my wife] always laughs at my jokes, even the ones she heard ten times,"). He always infused every situation, as grim as they sometimes seemed, with his good and happy spirit.

Before we established Chabad in Toms River, he was the one we could go to for advice and support. (He counseled me as he looked over my employment contract, "A contract is not worth any more than the person who signs it"). Over the last seven years, he continued his unending support for our activities.

In honor of his ninetieth birthday, his children gave him the very special gift of commissioning the writing of a Torah in his, and Bubby's, honor. Of all places, he chose to have the Torah installed in the Chabad House of Toms River.

The Torah was completed with great pomp and fanfare here in Toms River, giving many their first opportunity to partake in such a unique celebration. It united the community with this wonderful and momentous occasion. (See photo gallery).

We held the event at the former Jewish Center of Toms River (at the time Temple Beth Shalom), which we had hoped to purchase as the Chabad Center. When he saw the "For sale" sign, he asked me to write down the number so he can call the realtor and give an offer.

He remained very involved in the negotiations for the next few months, using all of his experience to try and pull a deal together. When we found the current location, he and his family contributed very generously and significantly. We would not have been able to purchase this property without their help. He did this because he was a firm believer in our mission of bringing Jews closer to G-d and to Judaism.

Shortly after we moved, he made the trip from Brooklyn. He wanted to see the property personally and up close and he was very pleased.

At a Bris ceremony, we say, “may this small one [grow up and] become big…” He said of our Chabad House, “May this big one become [too] small…”

Whenever we would meet, he would ask about the Minyan, activities and the community members. Some members he had met would lovingly refer to him as "reb Zeidy."

In our last conversation, I had told him about certain individuals who had recently begun to observe Shabbos, and he beamed with pride.

This was his Nachas. This was my Zeidy.

The new bookcase in our Shul has been dedicated in his memory, as "Reb Zeidy's Library." We will be expanding this library of Jewish learning and reading books. You can join in by clicking here. An inscription will be placed in the book and the family will be notified of each addition.

Upcoming Events

Friday, April 27, 2012 - 10:11 AM

Walk 4 Friends:
This Sunday, April 29 The Friendship Circle (a project of Chabad of Western Monmouth County) hosts their annual Walk 4 Friends for volunteers, families and friends of Friendship Circle to show their appreciation and support through an exciting fundraising opportunity. This fun-filled event is attended by a broad cross-section of people who come together to demonstrate their solidarity and support.
Sunday April 29, 1:00-4:00pm at Brookdale College, Vonage Campus, 23 Main Street, Holmdel, NJ. For more info www.walk4friends.com.

First Fridays:
Friday, May 4, 6:30pm: Next week Friday is the First Friday of May, and that means its time for a beautiful inspirational Friday evening Shabbat service.

The Art of Marriage:
“The Art of Marriage” is a six session course that will show participants how to attain that for themselves and their spouses, with timeless lessons from both modern and ancient Jewish texts such as the Talmud and Zohar. This course will benefit everyone from newlyweds to couples happily married for fifty years, to those contemplating tying the knot. Topics include: Becoming a better half; Jewish bedroom secrets; Make up or break up; The case for marriage; and more...
Course begins Tuesday, May 8, at 7:00pm and will go on for 6 weeks. Video Promo | More info | Register

Jewish Kids Club:
Program resumes Monday, May 7th at 4:00pm. With special surprise...

Lag B'omer Annual Family Barbecue:
Our Annual Lag B'omer outing will take place Thursday, May 10, at 5:00pm. Program will include delicious All -American BBQ with all the trimmings, Bounce House and Crafts for the children, entertainment for the adults.

Young Jewish Professionals Shabbaton in New York:
Mingle & Network in the Big Apple. Shabbat May 18-20. See here for all the info: www.nationalyjp.com.

Condolences...

Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - 10:10 AM

With extreme sadness I share with you news of the sudden and unexpected passing of my uncle, Rabbi Shaya Schtroks.

Rabbi Schtroks was a 6th grade teacher in the Yeshiva in Morristown for the past 27 years. For the last 6 years, he was married to my mother's twin-sister, Suri, may she live and be well.

This past Saturday night he suddenly passed away in his sleep. He was 55.

To read more about this very special individual, click here to read an account by a former student of his.

May G-d Almighty wipe aweay our tears, by abolishing death and reuniting us with our loved ones.

The Passover Report

Friday, April 20, 2012 - 10:06 AM

I am pleased to share with you an overview of our Passover programs and achievements, as we continue our goal and mission to bring the beauty and richness of our heritage to each and every Jew in the county.

Model Matza Bakery:
2 Model Matza bakery programs were held. One at Chabad Jewish Center, and one at Beth Am Shalom. Giving approximately 75 children the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and experience the holiday in a hands-on manner.

Model Seders:
3 Model Seders were conducted (in Brandywine assisted living in Brick, AristaCare in Whiting, and Crystal Lake in Bayville). These Seders offered close to 150 adults the opportunity to experience the joy, camaraderie, and timeless messages of Passover.

Matza Packs:
50 packages of 3 hand-made Shmura Matzos were delivered to families in our area, to enhance their family Seder tables with this traditional food.

Pre-Passover Class:
A Passover How-to and Seder crash course was held ay Chabad to prepare us to observe the holiday in the appropriate manner.

Seders:
Close to 100 adults and children participated in our Seders, held at our beautiful Chabad Center. Some first timers, and some seasoned Seder-goers, all enjoyed the wit and wisdom, the traditions and the humor, the food and the drink, as we relived the exodus, and learned its powerful message for us today.

Minyanim:
The first 2 days of Yomtov we had Minyanim both mornings (with special blessings by the Kohanim). The final 2 days of Yomtov we had a minyan both in the mornings (and a full house in honor of the Yizkor service), and in the evenings (with counting of the Omer).

Tefillin Club:
Immediately following Pesach, on the next morning, Teffilin club took place. Beautiful prayers, followed by fresh Chametz bagels, lox, and all the trimmings... a cherry on the top for the most beautiful Pesach we've ever had.

Thank you:
A few days before Pesach, we were blessed with a special gift, the birth of our daughter Menucha (making the challenge of Pesach even more exciting). A special thank you is extended to the Feldman family for all their help before and throughout Pesach, a thank you is extended to all those who participated in one or more programs, for enhancing Pesach with your presence and involvment.

Finally, a Thank you to our Seder sponsors, and to all those who contributed towards Pesach at Chabad. As you can see your kindness went directly to helping our community and furthering our mission to reach every single Jew in this area.

Contributing:
As mentioned by Yizkor, you can still support our efforts (some ideas: sponsor a Siddur or Chumash, sponsor a Kiddush, dedicate a Memorial plaque, leaf on the tree of life, or join our Chai Club).