President – Marh 2018

 

Yes, we’re not in ‘Frisco, or to be more precise, San Francisco, but the words of Harry Chapin still ring true when you’re deciding whether to attend services or another event being held at MJC and the weather outside is downright miserable and the forecast only signals more to come. Well, we have a solution, albeit not guaranteed to keep you totally dry but enough to keep your fellow MJCers from exclaiming: It’s a shame you ruined your gown in the rain (“Taxi”, by Harry Chapin, 1972.)

Yes, as previously announced, we’ve arranged for a taxi service for members in good standing to use in order to attend services and other MJC-sponsored events, at absolutely no cost to the member. So, if it’s raining, have no regrets (remember Al Jolson?), the taxi service will wiz you right to our door to join with your MJC friends for services or to take in one our many upcoming entertaining and thought-provoking events. If you have questions regarding the use of the taxi service, please do not hesitate to contact the office.

Before I discuss the wonderful array of upcoming events we have planned, let me first bring to your attention a critical problem we’ve been experiencing; getting a Minyan for Shabbat and Yom Tov services. This not only prevents us from having a complete service, it also prevents our friends who have a yahrzeit or mourning a loved one from saying Kaddish. If for no other reason, we owe it to our friends and to ourselves to make every effort to attend services so that we may exercise our Jewishness and support those dear to us. So please help us out and help your fellow MJCers by coming to services.

And now for the fun stuff, where we have a number of programs coming up over the next two months that will suit every taste. With Purim on the horizon, we’ve planned a really fun evening with the Valley Stream Jewish Center (yes, taxi service to VSJC for members is included) where we will come together for Erev Purim on February 28, with a Megillah Reading, munchies and songs, all followed by a terrifically funny movie, “Keeping Up with the Steins.” Then the following day, March 1, we have our Joint Synagogue Council-sponsored Third Annual Purim celebration at Wing Wan Restaurant, with a Megillah Reading, Purim Seudah, plenty of Purim “craziness” and great food to enjoy.

On March 9, we join with Valley Stream once more to celebrate Shabbat Across America, with a special Kabbalat Shabbat Service and Shabbat Dinner, as we join shuls from all over the world to recognize this wonderful show of Jewish unity. And the food ain’t bad either. The event will take place at MJC.

On the following evening, March 10, we have a particular treat in store for all. We’ve dubbed this “Broadway Comes to MJC,” as we present a live, original musical comedy entitled: JFK in Crisis: From the Bedroom to the War Room. The play is the work of Phillip B. Becker and his son, Abraham, and will be performed by a really great cast, a number of whom have or are presently starring in Broadway and off- Broadway productions. So, I encourage you to join us for a memorable and fun evening.

Finally, to top off the Purim-Passover season, the Malverne Jewish Center will be holding its first community Passover Seder in many a year (at least as long as I can remember). Plans are still being developed, but you can count on a “traditional” Seder, minus the midnight duration, lots of song, stories, participation by all and I promise you, some really fabulous food. We expect to sell out once the event is formally announced, so I encourage you to make your reservations as early as you are able. Don’t get stuck asking yourself “why is this night different” in terms of not being able to attend an MJC event. Call the office to reserve your spot as soon as word is out.

This is just a sampling of the wonderful programs your shul has in store for you over the next couple of months. We’ve done our part by arranging to accommodate members who have difficulty attending our events because of lack of adequate transportation. Now it’s up you. Join your friends for enriching, thought -provoking and just plain fun times at the Malverne Jewish Center. And please, we need you for services as well. So, who cares if it was raining hard in ‘Frisco? We’ve got you covered in Malverne, Valley Stream and Rockville Centre.