PLAZA PRESS The Newsletter for Jewish Federation Plaza

Celebrating July

Grilling Month

Family Reunion Month

Share a Sunset with

Someone You Love Month

Canada Day

July 1

Tom Sawyer Days

July 2–5

Independence Day

July 4

Collector Car

Appreciation Day

July 10

Cheer Up the Lonely Day

July 11

Everybody Deserves a

Massage Week

July 19–25

Tisha B’Av

July 26

Paperback Book Day July 30

Tisha B’Av

Although this holiday is primarily meant to commemorate the destruction of the Temple, it is appropriate to consider on this day the many other tragedies of the Jewish people. Many of which occurred on this day. Most notably the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492. Tisha B'Av is the culmination of a three week period of increasing mourning, beginning with the fast of the 17th of Tammuz, which commemorates the first breach in the walls of Jerusalem, before the First Temple was destroyed. During this three week period, weddings and other parties are not permitted, and people refrain from cutting their hair. From the first to the ninth of Av, it is customary to refrain from eating meat or drinking wine (except on the Shabbat) and wearing new clothing.

The restrictions on Tisha B'Av are similar to those on Yom Kippur: to refrain from eating and drinking (even water); washing, bathing, shaving or wearing cosmetics; wearing leather shoes; engaging in sexual relations; and studying Torah. Work in the ordinary sense of the word [rather than the Shabbat sense] is also restricted. People who are ill need not fast on this day. Many of the traditional mourning practices are observed: people refrain from smiles, laughter and idle conversation, and sit on low stools. In synagogues, the book of Lamentations is read and mourning prayers are recited. The ark (cabinet where the Torah is kept) is draped in black.

July 2015

THE PLAZA FARMERS MARKET

The Plaza Farmer’s Market took place on Thursday, June 28th. Fresh produce was offered, prizes were raffled off and everyone enjoyed the event. Thank you to all of our volunteers, and to Marcia Feldman of JCHC Corp., who volunteered to pick up all of the items for the event. Please check the newsletter for more Farmers Market sale days.

The Birth of Neighboring Nations July marks the birth of two North American nations: the Dominion of Canada and the United States of America.

On July 1, Canada Day, the red and white colors of the Unifolié (the Maple Leaf flag) will be flown proudly all over Canada. On this date in 1867, three separate colonies—Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada (comprising Ontario in the west and Quebec in the east)—united under the British North America Act. The holiday was first called Dominion Day, and the original festivities were literally “rung in” by ringing the bells at Toronto’s Cathedral Church of St. James.

Interestingly, Canada did not formally become its own nation until 1982, when Queen Elizabeth II of England traveled to Ottawa to royally proclaim its sovereignty. The transition was not entirely smooth, however; many opposed the changing of the name Dominion Day. The name Canada Day was formally adopted in late 1982. Today, patriots celebrate with picnics, fireworks, and parades. Even the Royal Canadian Mounted Police get in on the action. A select group of Mounties take time out of their world tour to perform their famous Musical Ride, a horseback drill review set to music.

South of the Canadian border, Americans will be waving the Stars and Stripes on July 4, Independence Day. Like their Canadian neighbors, Americans too split from England, but rather than patiently wait for independence, the United States declared it for themselves on July 4, 1776, with the help of Thomas Jefferson’s pen. Founding Father John Adams immediately understood the day’s importance, commenting, “It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.” And Americans have taken Adams’ advice to heart for nearly 240 years.

Paper or Plastic or Neither? For many, plastic bags from a grocery or convenience store are a common part of day-to-day living. But there is a movement dedicated to reducing, with the goal of altogether eliminating, the use of plastic bags. These believers will proclaim their intentions on July 3, International Plastic Bag Free Day.

The average plastic bag is used for only 25 minutes but takes more than 10 to 1,000 years to disintegrate. Even more shocking, according to Zero Waste Europe, every minute one million plastic bags are in use worldwide. Bags in use this minute will most likely end up in landfills, trees, the ocean—or recycled into other things like bottles, carpets, clothes…and more bags.

Plaza Upcoming Events:

Pier Village in Long Branch

Exercise with Tami

Tinton Falls Outlets

Floral Design Workshop

Women of the Bible-The Four Mothers by Hagit Sheer

How Do I Know Medications are Safe? By Mark Grebenau

Princeton Art Museum

Barnabas Health Balance Program

Poetry Workshop

Sands Casino

Walmart and Rt 22 Shopping

Senior TV Movie

Daughter’s of Israel visit

Short Story Discussion Group with Pearl Kaufman

Music on the Promenade

Plaza Men’s Club

Jewelry Making Workshop

JCC Israeli Scouts

Plaza Farmer’s Market

Essex Green

Livingston Mall

Check your calendar for dates and times of all programs and events.

Happy July Birthday

07/02 Kate Kehr 07/08 Carol Sziklay 07/09 David Miller 07/13 Marilyn Goldberg 07/17 Bennet Lorber 07/18 Mildred Goldberg 07/19 Judith Solomon

Photo: Moonlight Serenade Duo presented a wonderful classical music concert at Plaza.

Women of the Bible The 4 Mothers

Presented by Hagit Sheer

Tuesday, July 7, 2015 1:00 p.m.

Plaza Recreation Room

All are invited to attend!

How Do I Know Medications are Safe?

Presented by Mark Grebenau

Thursday, July 2, 2015

2:00 p.m. Plaza Recreation Room

Plaza Apartments Men’s Club

Hosted by:

Paul Rabinowitz

Thursday,

July 2, 2015 3:00 p.m.

Recreation Room

Short Story Discussion Group With

Pearl Kaufman

Thursday, July 30th

2:00 p.m.

On the Promenade

For participation, sign up at the Concierge Desk.

The short story will be given to

you prior to the discussion group meeting.

A Letter from Evelyn Lerner

Because we are known as the Jewish Federation Plaza, an inclusive Jewish sponsored senior housing complex, those of the Jewish faith are provided services by the several members of the Rabbinical Council who visit our building. For example, we have a weekly Saturday morning Orthodox Service conducted by Rabbi Yaakov Altman, as Israeli born citizen, who guides the congregation through the service, offers an explanation of the scripture of the week, reading and signing the psalms of that week; the Torah is removed from the Ark and presented to our congregation for adoration and reverence. The service is held in our Recreation Room, followed by a friendly and tasty Kiddush in the Dining Room. Rabbi Altman walks to and from his home through heavy winter storms and hot summer days to be with us. All are welcome to join us. As well, for over a decade, Rabbi Ronald Kaplan has conducted a Reform Oneg Shabbat Friday afternoons at our residence. He presents an informal hour of blessings over the candles, the challah and wine, we sing together, offer a prayer for those of our residents and loved ones who are not well; enjoy an understanding of the scripture of the week, as well as an interesting discussion of the latest view of Israel and what is transpiring there. He told us of the experience attending the AIPAC meeting in Washington when the Prime Minister of Israel spoke of the Iran treaty and crisis. Rabbi Kaplan returns one Friday night a month to lead us in prayer over the dinner hour, followed by a Sabbath service. Most of our residents recite the Friday night blessings and all are enriched by the experience. Rabbi Henry Polanski, whom we refer to as the “Jewish” Rabbi, joins us weekly with an extremely interesting of the holidays celebrated at the times of his visits, their historical origin and religious significance. His wisdom and philosophy add to our understanding and elevates our thinking to a new level. Surely our spiritual needs are recognized and satisfied and we thank those who established these service and programs for our observance and enrichment.

Retiree’s Last Trip to Costco

Submitted by: Alyce Atkins Yesterday I was at Costco buying a large bag of Purina dog chow for my loyal pet, Necco, the Wonder Dog, which weights 191 lbs. I was in the check-out line when a woman behind me asked if I had a dog. What did she think I had an elephant? So because I’m retired and have little to do, on impulse I told her that no, I didn’t have a dog. I was starting the Purina Diet again. I added that I probably shouldn’t because I ended up in the hospital last time, but that I’d lost 50 pounds before I awakened in an intensive care ward with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IVs in both arms. I told her that it was essentially a Perfect Diet and that the way that it works is to load your jacket pockets with Purina Nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry. The food is nutritionally complete so it works well and I was going to try it again. (I have to mention here that practically everyone is line was enthralled with my story.) Horrified, she asked if I ended up in intensive care because the dog food poisoned me. I told her no, I stopped to Pee on a Fire Hydrant and a car hit me. I thought the guy behind her was going to have a heart attack he was laughing so hard. Costco won’t let me shop there anymore. Better watch what you ask retired people. They have all the time in the world to think of crazy things to say.

Forward this (especially) to your retired friends…it will be their laugh for the day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES

To: Marlene Hyatt

From:

Doris Markowitz

To: Dorothy Kleinert

From:

Rhoda Morris

To: Bea Gerwitz

From:

Rhoda Morris

To: Ilse Frank

From:

Elaine Botterman Marion Brod

Rachelle Chriss Marlene Hyatt

Dolores Lederman Helen Mandel

Marlene Mankoff

GET WELL WISHES

To: Pearl Berkowitz

From:

Elaine Botterman Wanda Robinson

Rhoda Morris Thelma Gottlieb

Millie & Joe Podnos

To: Thelma Gottlieb

From:

Rhoda Morris

To: Shirley Linker

From:

Dolores Lederman Helen Mandel Sophie Lubka

Florence Widelitz

To: May Schwitzer

From:

Dottlie Kleinert

MAZEL TOV

To: Sarah Levitt

on the birth of her great grandson

From:

Sophie Lubka

To: Mrs. Harriet Rosenstein

on grandson Marty's marriage to Rachel

From:

Marlene Mankoff

Library Donations

From:

George Aptecker

Alyce Atkins Helen Boll Ilse Frank

Bea Gewirtz Marcia Goldberg Evelyne Lerner

Sarah Moskowitz Norma Tooter

Florence Widelitz

CONDOLENCE

To:

The Barry Family on the loss of Torchy beloved wife, mother,

grandmother and sister

From: Gertie Freeman & Family

To:

Ruth Kraut on the loss of her

beloved husband William

From: Maria Pecello

To:

Herbert Oppenheimer on the loss of his

beloved mother Jutta

From: Thelma Gottlieb

Carol Sziklay Miriam Lateiner Marlene Hyatt Rhoda Morris

Wanda Robinson

A Letter to Judy Solomon

Judy, On Thursday evening, June 25th, you became the outgoing president of the Jewish Federation Plaza Tenant's Association. To your many friends, you are so much more. You wear many hats....good friend. You are chair of the Kabala Shabbat. You are known as "Mother Judy" to your dining companions at table 5. You are the sole caller at Bingo and you do it well! Your patience and acceptance are memorable. You carry yourself with dignity and are present at farmer's markets and programs of all types. There's always a delightful smile, and for that and more… Thank you, Judy!

From: Your Many Appreciative

Co-Residents

Written by: Evelyn Lerner

For So Many of Your Friends.

Hauptman-Elder care attorney spoke about POA’s and Wills.

JULY 2015 PLAZA Calendar is subject to change

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 10:15 Pier Village,

Long Branch, NJ 11:00 Move Today & Walking Club 3:00 Floral Design Workshop 7:15 BINGO

2 10:45 Trader

Joe’s Florham Park

11:00 Exercise 2:00 “How Do I Know Medications are Safe” by Mark Grebenau 3:00 Plaza Men’s Club

3 9:00

SHOPRITE

10:00

SHOPRITE

1:00 ONEG

SHABBAT

4 Independence Day 9:00 SHABBAT

SERVICE

11:00 KIDDUSH

7:00 MOVIE

5 11:00

BRUNCH

2:00 MOVIE

6 10:15

TOWN BUS 10:30 Tinton

Falls Outlets

11:30 TAI CHI

7:15 BINGO

7 11:00

EXERCISE 1:00 Women of

the Bible: The 4

mothers by

Hagit Sheer

2:00 CURRENT

EVENTS

6:00 LIBRARY

6:45 Meditation & Relaxation

8 10:00 Princeton Art

Museum 11:00 Move Today & Walking Club 7:15 BINGO

9 10:45

Livingston Mall 11:00 Exercise 12:00 Plaza Farmer’s Market 2:00 “Life in Balance” Barnabas Health 3:00 Music on the Promenade

10 9:00

SHOPRITE

10:00

SHOPRITE

1:00 ONEG

SHABBAT

11 9:00 SHABBAT

SERVICE

11:00 KIDDUSH

7:00 MOVIE

12 11:00

BRUNCH

2:00 MOVIE

1310:15

TOWN BUS 10:45 Rt 10 &

Irvings &

Farmers

Market

11:30 TAI CHI

7:15 BINGO 1:00 Social

Worker

Program

14 11:00 EXERCISE

with Tami Class

Brunch

2:00 CURRENT

EVENTS

6:00 LIBRARY 1:00 Balance &

You

8:00 Senior TV

Movie

15 8:45 Sands Casino 11:00 Move Today & Walking Club 7:15 BINGO

16 10:15

Walmart, Rt 22 11:00 Exercise 2:00 Poetry Workshop 3:00 Music on the Promenade 7:30 Tenant’s Birthday Party

17 9:00

SHOPRITE

10:00

SHOPRITE

1:00 ONEG

SHABBAT

18 9:00 SHABBAT

SERVICE

11:00 KIDDUSH

7:00 MOVIE

19 11:00

BRUNCH

2:00 MOVIE

20 1:45

Daughters of Israel Visit 10:15 TOWN

BUS

11:30 TAI CHI

7:15 BINGO

21 11:00 EXERCISE

1:15 Rabbi

Study Group

2:00 CURRENT

EVENTS

6:00 LIBRARY

22 10:15 SHRIMP BOX POINT PLEASANT 11:00 Move Today & Walking Club 7:15 BINGO

23 11:00 Exercise 12:30 JCC Israeli Scouts Caravan 3:00 Music on the Promenade

24 9:00

SHOPRITE

10:00

SHOPRITE

1:00 ONEG

SHABBAT

25 Erev Tisha B’Av 9:00 SHABBAT

SERVICE

11:00 KIDDUSH

7:00 MOVIE

26 Tisha B’Av 11:00

BRUNCH

2:00 MOVIE

Gamefest

after Movie

279:45

Greenwood Gardens 10:15 TOWN

BUS

11:30 TAI CHI

7:15 BINGO

28 11:00

EXERCISE 1:15 Leo Pet

Therapy Dog

2:00 CURRENT

EVENTS

6:00 LIBRARY

8:00 Senior TV Movie

29 10:45 Essex Green 11:00 Move Today & Walking Club 6:45 Jewelry Making Workshop 7:15 BINGO

30 10:45

Livingston Mall 11:00 Exercise 2:00 Short Story Discussion Group with Pearl Kaufman 3:00 Music on the Promenade

31 9:00

SHOPRITE

10:00

SHOPRITE

1:00 ONEG

SHABBAT