Friday, May 26, 2006

THINGS WE NEED TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY

YOU HOPE TO NEVER HAVE TO USE THEM. YOU BELIEVE THEY ARE IMPORTANT, YET YOU DO NOT LIKE TO SPEND MONEY ON THEM.

FOR DECADES THE AUTO MANUFACTURERS OPPOSED AIR BAGS SINCE THEY ADDED COST TO EACH CAR. NOW, YOU WOULD NOT WANT TO BUY/DRIVE A CAR WITHOUT THEM SINCE THEY SAVE MANY, MANY LIVES EACH YEAR.

WHAT ABOUT

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
SEATBELTS
AIR BAGS
SMOKE DETECTORS
BACK-UP GENERATORS
EMERBENCY EVACUATION PLAN
CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES


WE SHOULD NOT WANT TO BE WITHOUT:


FIRST RATE FIRST AID KIT
DEFIBRILLATOR

THINK OF IT AS AN INSURANCE; YOU PAY FOR IT AND HOPE YOU NEVER HAVE TO USE IT. AND G-D FORBID WE DON'T HAVE IT WHEN IT IS NEEDED......

SHALOM. JEREMY

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

defibrillator to Shock FHC

This is a sample of the system that we are looking to get for FHC. as explained by the CPR trainer, this is much better than manual CPR of the heart, and much simpler to use. Posted by Picasa

SAVE THE DATE AUGUST 6, 2006 6PM

SHOCK-FHC-COCKTAIL PARTY-PLUS

EVENT

I am pleased to announce that we have locked in August 6, 2006 for the
Shock-FHC-Cocktail Party-Plus to be held on Sunday, August 6, 2006
commencing at 6pm and continuing thereafter.

REASON

To raise money for a defibrillator for FHC and an upgraded first aid kit


WHAT DO WE NEED TO RAISE

The cost is about $1,100 for both items

WHAT YOU CAN DO

A. YOU CAN RESERVE THE DATE IN YOUR CALENDAR
B. YOU CAN WRITE A TAX DEDUCTIBLE CHECK ASAP MADE PAYABLE TO FIRST HEBREW CONGREGATION IN THE SUM OF $36.00 PER PERSON, WRITE ON THE MEMO PORTION OF THE CHECK SHOCK FHC PARTY AND SEND IT TO ME AT:

JEREMY KRANTZ
4 LYNCREST ROAD
CORTLANDT MANOR, NEW YORK 10567

You are not prohibited from writing a larger check if you feel so inclined. The check will act as your RSVP to the event. You can also call and RSVP but the check is preferred.

(I WILL HOLD THE CHECKS AND THEN TENDER THEM TO THE TREASURER OF FIRST HEBREW AFTER THE EVENT IS HELD. OBVIOUSLY, IF THE EVENT DOES NOT TAKE PLACE, THE CHECKS WILL BE RETURNED.)

C. IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND THE EVENT, YOU CAN STILL SEND IN A CHECK FOR ANY AMOUNT YOU FEEL LIKE (THE BIGGER THE CHECK THE BIGGER SHOCK I WILL GET) AND NOTE ON THE MEMO SECTION SHOCK-FHC PARTY

WHY ARE WE DOING THIS

We have been advised by a CPR trainer that institutions of our size should have a defibrillator on site. We also have a diverse group of individuals including older adults. If we can help just one person with this equipment, the cost will be worth it. Robin and I are underwriting the entire event (food, liquor etc.) so all proceeds raised will go to purchase the life-saving equipment, and your entire check will be tax deductible.

Everyone is invited. Couples, singles, etc.

WHAT ARE WE GOING TO SERVE

The tentative plan is to have a full open bar and possibly bbq kosher chicken/meat/vegetables. Suggestions are being solicited.


Any questions, please e-mail me at jkrantz@smithkrantz.com or call me at 914-736-6455


Shalom. Jeremy

Monday, May 22, 2006

Internecine fighting: No one wins.

Today it was reported that the Hamas Militiamen and the Palestinian Police Clashed. That got me to thinking about Internecine fighting.

In my opinion, Internecine fighting does not benefit anyone. No one wins.

Nothing positive is achieved since everyone is so pre-occupied with being right.

No one stops to think about the complete waste of time, energy and resources when pressing your position becomes bigger than the greater good.

All the time and energy wasted by the Palestinians going after and/or blaming the Israelis, and now going after/ or blaming each-other could be better spent growing crops, dispensing medicine, building an infrastructure.

Internecine Fighting is a powerful force. We've seen it throughout history and throughout the world. Such a powerful force must be re-channeled to do good deeds and positive things.

In the same way we want the Palestinians to change their collective mindset, so too we must change our collective mindset and channel our strength to advance all that is good in the world, find common ground and work for all that is good in our own house of worship to defeat self-destructive internecine fighting.

Join the solution.

Shalom. Jeremy

Friday, May 19, 2006

Summer Movies? & Fundraiser to Shock FHC

SUMMER MOVIES

Last summer we had a free movie series at FHC which received a positive response. As I recall, we showed Fiddler, Exodus and Schindler's List ( I admit not a good choice for a summer movie).

Frankly, I would have liked to have had more movies and more participants. I still would like to have an outdoor drive-in type showing in the back parking lot in the summer, if possible.

If the Youth Group would like to have a special showing, that would be great.

I think we can again show 2-3 movies this summer provided there are movies people are willing to come out and see. If anyone has some suggestions for worthy/enjoyable movies (Jewish related or not) to show this summer, please e-mail me with your ideas.


FUNDRAISER FOR A DEFIBRILLATOR (and improved first aid kit) FOR FHC

Two summers ago we held a fundraiser at my house to raise money for a video projection system and dvd player. The fundraiser raised about $1,500 (at no cost or expense to FHC) and FHC has used the video projection system on many occasions at no cost to FHC. It has even assisted FHC in raising some money from time to time.

This summer my wife and I would like to sponsor another fundraiser (SHOCK FHC) at our house or at FHC to raise money to purchase a defibrillator to be kept at FHC and used in the event of an emergency.

We have been advised by a CPR trainer who strongly recommends that we get this, (and I have checked), that the cost of a defibrillator has come down dramatically, to about $1,000. I propose to have a shocking cocktail party/BBQ or something to that effect and charge $36. per person or $72. per couple. Since my wife and I are going to underwrite the cost of the event, I am soliciting from the blog readers suggestions on dates/theme, decorations, etc. In order to raise this money we only need about twenty-eight people.

Also, since all the donations are made out to FHC and all the money goes to FHC, all donations are tax-deductible. Moreover, once the fundraiser is complete and the money raised, we will have the immediate gratification of getting the defibrillator (and upgraded first aid kit) for FHC.

In contrast to the video projection system, I truly hope we NEVER HAVE TO USE THE DEFIBRILLATOR. However, as I stated in an earlier blog entry, if it is used just once and it helps to save a life at FHC, as the Master Card commercial would say, the value would be PRICELESS.

This event should be a unifying event for everyone at FHC. This is something that everyone should be able to get behind without reservation. (Obviously if you have an issue with this idea, and do not support it, we can set up a list of those individuals that want to be excluded from access to the defibrillator in the event they need it) THAT WAS A JOKE

But truthfully, I would hope that everyone could support this event and help make FHC a safer place for all to enjoy.

SHALOM. JEREMY




Thursday, May 18, 2006

Thoughts on Young Judaea

Today, my wife delivers my youngest daughter to a bus in Rockland County for a week-end Young Judaea conference. She pleaded with us to send her!

When I asked my daughter if she planned on praying and studying at this conference, her response was no.

Rather, I expect this weekend will be an opportunity for her to bond with other Jewish Young adults her age. So, while it would have been nice for her to say she would be praying and studying Torah, I realize that may not be the biggest draw for her.

Smoozing with friends, making new friends, and in the process praying, studying and learning about Judaism may be the perfect combination for both young adults and for us older adults. Maybe we need to use the Young Judaea model for getting more participation at FHC.

Smooze first, pray later.

Below is the link for the Young Judaea website if you would like more information about Young Judaea.

http://www.youngjudaea.org

Shalom. Jeremy

Friday, May 12, 2006

If Russia can do it, why can't we?

Russia's President Putin has recently proposed that Russian women bear more children since the demographics of Russia indicate a massive loss of population. Putin has even proposed financial incentives for Russian women to have multiple children.

Similarly, Jews throughout the world should recognize the serious loss of Jewish population and consider ways to address the dwindling/stagnant growth of the Jewish population. Except for the Orthodox, in my opinion, world Jewry has placed a tremendous stress on itself for survival with low birth rates than from anything since the Holocaust.

Why are we ignoring this issue? Why have we not placed greater emphasis on increasing world Jewry through incentives, grants, college tuition credits for families that have more than two children?

If we can help Jewish families with the financial expense of raising and educating larger families, why don't we? If we can convince healthy Jewish couples to bear more children, what is the harm? I personally would contribute to such a charitable venture. If there is such a charity out there, let me know. If there is not, what are we waiting for? If not now when?

Shalom. Jeremy

Monday, May 08, 2006

The grass is not always greener on the other lawn

Having just returned from Buffalo NY from a Bar Mitzvah weekend I was pleased to hear from individuals who had recently been to FHC for a Bar Mitzvah the very weekend before. Certain guests of the Buffalo Bar Mitzvah who were also guests of the FHC Bar Mitzvah advised me, without being asked, how much they enjoyed the FHC service, the Rabbi's words and conduct and how "hamish" the service was.

Somewhat in contrast, I sat through the service of the temporary Rabbi in the Conservative shul in Buffalo and was a bit surprised when he made an analogy that praying to G-d was similar to the Red phone between Soviet Union and USA. I am sure the kids did not understand it and I personally felt that the analogy was somewhat disturbing since he went on to discuss the idea that one side did not mean to shoot off its nuclear missiles and the other side should try not to retaliate. There were other comments that I found somewhat disturbing, but, that may be how I perceived them. Maybe, I am not used to his style and methods of keeping the service interesting and the congregants awake. Maybe I would come to appreciate his style and his methodology. Nevertheless, I was advised that the Buffalo shul only has this rabbi on a short term contract.

I have found that because of our current society and its lack of values, we tend to look at people as commodities instead of people. We tend to place economic values on people based upon their strata in their culture. We tend to use people as commodities as selling points or as a reason not to be happy with an institution. We tend to have a chronic discontent with everything and must seek to have the newest things, try the newest fads, drive the newest cars, and so forth.

No longer is hamish, honesty, decency, truthfulness the traits we hold dear. Instead we look at people in a superficial way, only looking at the outward value and not the inward value.

I do not suggest that we are all guilty of this. I merely posit that merely because one lawn is greener, lusher and without weeds does not make it a better lawn. The lawn with weeds and weak areas of grass may be herbicide and pesticide free and a place where the children can play without fear of Cancer or other chemical related illness. Maybe, just maybe, the grass that is not so green, not so perfect in its outward appearance, is simply a better lawn, safer and more user friendly.

Shalom. Jeremy

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

Two upcoming important meetings

Two upcoming meetings @ FHC

Tonight @ 8pm at FHC Congregational meeting to vote on sale of Cemetary house and to vote whether to approve monies to do renovations. Be there.....

Youth Committee Meeting Sunday, May 7 at 12:00 noon in the Library
The Youth Committee will meet on Sunday May 7 in the library at 12:00 noon. Anyone who is interested in getting this Committee up and running on all cylinders should come.

This is your FHC . Come and participate in the process.

Shalom. Jeremy

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

IRAN THREATEN ISRAEL IF US ATTACKS

Wow! Verbal terrorism of an innocent country. Guilt by association. It does not matter whether Israel stays completely out of this, Iran, the bully, says it will attack Israel, without following the laws, flouting international authority.

Why is it that a country, and/or its leaders simply do not believe they should abide by the rule of law. Why is it OK that verbal terrorism becomes accepted practice. Where has the moral outrage to this bull-sh-t gone?

Iran is a rogue country. It does not believe in following the rule of law. That is, by definition a rogue.

Have we become so accepting and complacent of verbal terrorism and verbal abuse that the rule of law no longer applies and simply does not matter?

Are we to stand idly by while verbal terrorism threatens the State of Israel, or any of our other values that we hold dear to our hearts. Bullies, and some people like being called bullies, in any forum, should not be entitled to run over people and the rule of law.

It is my hope that the rule of law will prevail and verbal terrorism, verbal abuse, wherever it may be, shall be put in its place.

Shalom. Jeremy