STEVE PERSKIE DID MUCH IN JEWISH COMMUNITY: RABBI AARON GABER

Steve Perskie’s accomplishments are legendary – in politics, on the bench (he retired Feb. 1) and as the Father of Casino Gambling in Atlantic City. However, this Mensch of a man also is known for his enthusiastic and ongoing commitment to the Jewish community. And the accolades have just begun to come in to HM. We start with Perskie’s spiritual leader, Congregation Beth Judah Rabbi

Aaron Gaber with his reflections on Perskie, a long-time member and supporter of the Ventnor synagogue: “Judge Perskie is a unique individual and while I never saw him in the courtroom, I have watched him work with large and small groups in the Jewish community. He has a keen intellect, which he uses to create structure and organization with a profound understanding of history and what it teaches us about our lives today, and most importantly he has a strong Jewish soul.” And adds Gaber, “So much so it permeates everything he does. And he has a profound love for the Jewish people and he brings all these elements together to better our community. He symbolizes chazak v’nitchazek, from strength to strength.” Next week more praises, including one from Bob Seltzer, head of the Federation and Beth El Rabbi Aaron Krauss.

WHEN IT COMES TO CHARITY JEWISH COMMUNITY SPARKLES IN AIDING HAITI

When it comes to raising funds for such worthy causes as helping Israel strengthen its economy and defense system, no organization can hold a candle to the response of the Jewish community and its Federation of Jewish Agencies. Currently the FJA has been playing a key role in raising relief funds for Haiti. “As of this past week, we are off to a great start with nearly $8,000 donated by nearly 70 contributors, and this is just the beginning,” declared local Federation Executive Director Bob Seltzer, adding that “North America’s 155 Jewish community Federations are close to raising almost three million dollars for Haiti. “We (Federations all over) are fully mobilized.” Seltzer said. “This form of charity is the highest form of Tzedakah in our community and we appeal to our entire Jewish and non-Jewish community to keep the donations coming.” The Federation phone number is 822- 4404 and their offices are located in the Milton and Betty Katz Jewish Community Center on North Jerome avenue in Margate.

AFTER 35 YEARS TEACHING AEROBICS TO SENIORS ESTHER PINSKY STILL ENJOYS DOING IT

She’s strictly a volunteer for Margate’s Recreation program, but after 35 years as a certified and licensed aerobic instructor, Esther Pinsky tells HM, “I still enjoy doing it and so do my students, most of them senior citizens.” They gather with Esther four days a week in the morning from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m. – three days in the Tighe School gym and one session at the Ventnor library. “I teach them such exercises as stretching, mat work, and fast paced walking, enabling my students to use all parts of the body, along with correct posture and breathing.” When it comes to correct breathing, adds Esther, “It is very vital to the quality of a healthy life.” To enroll in this free program, call 822-6658, Ext. 351. “Take my word for it, you’ll feel better after these sessions,” said Esther ,who lives in Margate with her husband, Charles.

SHORE MEMORIAL BOARD HONORS DR. JACK HYMAN, MORT SHIEKMAN AND OTHERS

It’s a little belated but not too late for HM to recognize Pleasantville area physician Dr. Jack Hyman, area businessman Mort Shiekman, CPA Bernard Capaldi and civic leader and funeral director H. Paxton Keates for their services to the Shore Memorial Hospital Board. Dr. Hyman is a veteran physician in the Mainland area and served on the SMH board from 1980-2009. He took care of the health care needs for thousands of patients and has been praised by many of them for improving their quality of life. Shiekman served on the SMH board, from 1973-2002 and was its board chairman from 1990-1991. He also has served on the hospital’s Health System board since 1988. Capaldi’s board service was from 1974-1990 and he was board chair from 1986- 1987. He also served on the Health System Board from 1988- 2009 and has been a member of the Foundation Board since 1988. Keates served on the SMH board 1973-2000. Each of them was cited for their exceptional leadership towards the expansion of SMH. Hyman and his wife, Carol, reside in Ventnor.

2009 MEN ‘R COOKIN’ WINNER DANIEL GLASS APPEALS FOR $1K TO COMPETE AGAIN

For the third consecutive year of competing,

Daniel Glass wants to repeat his “Men ‘R Cookin’,” victory of last year, but to enter the event again, he is appealing to friends and the corporate sector to contribute $1,000 so he can enter the event this year. The funds raised benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City. Daniel is the youngest chef in the event’s nine-year history and “I’m excited to be asked back,” said the Atlantic City High School sophomore who is also a student at the High School of Jewish Studies. The rules say all competing chefs need a sponsorship of $1,000. Last year, Daniel won the Press of Atlantic City Readers Choice Award. “And I’m hoping to repeat this year so I can raise as much money as possible,” he said. The event will be held Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club, 317 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Atlantic City. To help Daniel, email his mother, Carla Glass, at qutpy@comcast.net or call 335-3512. HM wishes Daniel good luck and hopes he can hang another