On My Way to See a Wizard Building a World Record Sandcastle On Point Pleasant Beach by Calvin Schwartz.  October 6, 2013

On Thursday morning October 3^rd I got a call from the head of NJ Discover (my boss) inviting me to experience a new world of record breaking sandcastle construction and imagination launching points. I’ve never really seen sandcastles other than the ones I built myself on Belmar beach when President Eisenhower was playing golf on the news and the Everly Brothers started singing ‘Bye Bye Love a long time ago. The castles I built seemed to last less than ten minutes and vanished quickly in wind and ocean wave.

Thing is; I had no concept about the scope and enormity of the project being built on Point Pleasant Beach by Jenkinson’s in conjunction with Superstorm Sandy One Year Anniversary. So as I walked the steps from the boardwalk to a patch of sand then through a makeshift office,  public relations and souvenir booth to the site of a 30 foot partially existing sand structure, I stood in awe as a towering spire of sandcastle dwarfed my 6’5” height.

I was overwhelmed and walked around the circumference. Built into the side of the castle was a ‘sand’ car in the Holland Tunnel with a license plate, ‘Brzy Pt.’ Was I in the Metropolitan Museum of Art? The detail work on the sculptured castle was incredible. I looked around the beach. It was a warm day for October; a handful of people in beach chairs were still clinging to last vestiges of summer.

Then I spotted a figure way on top of the castle who waved and invited me to come on up the ladder but I’d wait for his descent. NJ Discover’s chief introduced me to the artist, sculptor, culinary artist and world record holder, Ed Jarrett. “Could that sand castle hold my weight if I climbed up?” “Sure.” Of course I was still in denial and retrieved my reporter’s microphone; it was time to interview Ed Jarrett.

“How did you evolve into all of this sand sculpting?” I powered-on the microphone. Ed’s mother advised him that if he went to art school, he would become a starving artist so he went to Culinary Arts School at Johnson and Wales in Rhode Island. In one class, he learned how to ice carve. He remembered when an instructor walked out with a chain saw. “Standing in a puddle of water, I learned ice sculpture.”

While a junior student, he got into a seafood cooking challenge and beat out the instructors and best chefs in the state. Later he did a New York food show and took first place in pastry. He had his own ice carving and catering business before he graduated. Along the academic way, Ed took management courses and ended up managing private golf courses but still practiced snow and ice carvings. “I got into wood carving eight years ago and sand sculpture 11 years ago. I just finished a 22 foot totem pole for an Iraqi War veteran who is blind. He wanted his kids to see it. We became best friends.”  He doesn’t do ice sculptures for weddings anymore. “I have to do bigger projects with a meaning behind it.” Just then a helicopter flew overhead. We both looked up smiling.

Ed was born in Maine. Somehow I thought he was a Jersey native. I wondered how he wound up in Jersey on Point Pleasant Beach. His best friend from college called him after Hurricane Sandy but couldn’t really explain or comprehend what happened like his neighbor’s house resting in the middle of the street. His friend, in the tile business, was out of business for a while. So Alan suggested to Ed about building a sandcastle on the NJ beach. He knew lots of people and they could bring in lake sand and make it happen.

“I came to Jersey to build one castle and now I’m building a second one to get the Guinness record for the 2500 school children that helped me on the first one. I’ve gotten world records every time I tried and been out here every day now to make this happen.” He pointed to the wood foundation; it’s the same technique how a bucket is used to build a small beach sandcastle. “This new  Sandy castle is already six feet in the air. It goes fast now. By this weekend it’ll be double size on its way to over 40 feet high which just beats my record.” Then Ed paused a few seconds and took a deep breath. “It’s not about beating a record but all the community that comes out and helps. I want to see these kids wear the tee shirts with pride that they had a chance to sign official Guinness log book. It becomes a family and sense of community.” People walking by on the boardwalk stop and ask, “Can I help?” And yes there is even a bucket brigade system used to move the 1.6 million pounds of sand.

I had to ask Ed, “Is there something special about us Jersey folks?”  He was quick to respond as if he’d been waiting for this question. “There’s an incredible energy. I’ve never wanted to do two sandcastles in any one year. It’s been the biggest high and energy level right here from all the people volunteering and coming back for more. We are Jersey Strong. Of all the builds I’ve done, this is the most fulfilling. Best karma with all the people here.”  Ed’s lived all over the world but has fallen in love with Jersey.

I asked about the sand used for his sandcastles and reminded him that all my sandcastles as a kid at the Jersey shore never lasted more than ten minutes or made it over 12 inches high. He laughed at my childhood ‘deconstruction.’  “In my three world records in Maine, I used lake sand which is powdery sifted sand. Every one of the grains is sharp because glaciers over time have roughed them up. Beach sand here is rounded by ocean currents and it becomes like marbles together. My sand is sharp and edges interlock like Velcro. Rain sucks the water in and pulls it tighter. I can walk on the castle. Of course I do design my castles with moats to drain the rain water.”

Then Ed’s voice got louder and prideful. “I’m the greenest sculptor out there. People sometimes think there is wood or binders or glue holding my castles together. But not; you see I don’t want to contaminate the sand so I can use it again.” The new castle which will be finished by October 29^th for a huge celebrity filled celebration at Jenkinson’s will have a gothic feel and be part haunted for Halloween and ready for Guinness’s new category, ‘World’s Tallest Sculpture.’

I felt invigorated and spiritual. I’d spent an hour with a very special artist and world record holder. The best way to finish this article right now is to remind EVERYONE that NJ Discover is LIVE STREAMING the entire sandcastle building process, day and night(24/7) for everyone to follow right up until October 29^th.  Check NJDiscover.com website for info on Oct 29th celebration!!  Here is the link to watch live streaming of the sandcastle:
Watch Ed Jarrett and his volunteers LIVE as they build a world record sand castle! Tune in everyday to see the progress.

Please support our sponsors! Eco Building Products, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Sandy Castle 2013 & NJ Discover !

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The Leader in Lumber Protection

Eco is the premier manufacturer of proprietary wood products coated with Eco Red Shield™, our exclusive eco-friendly chemistry that protects against mold, rot-decay, termites and now fire. We believe lumber is back as the best building material and invite you to learn more about our products, as well as what makes today’s framing lumber different and more susceptible to mold, termites and fire.

Jenkinson’s Boardwalk offers your family a wide range of activities. Whether you are visiting for the day or the entire summer, you will always find something to excite every member of your family. From free weekly events to yearly festivals, there is always something extraordinary to experience here at Jenkinson’s.

Sandy Castle 2013, Second Edition. The current structure will remain in place until Labor Day. After that, it will be dismantled and we will begin packing sand into forms for a second attempt at breaking the Guinness World Record for the Tallest Sandcastle.

NJ Discover, a New Jersey based production company that produces TV commercials, Web commercials, Local TV Show and Social Media Ad Delivery and Management Company that specializes in getting your video seen by your targeted audience. NJ Discover proudly serves the entire state and is dedicating to positive programming for New Jersey.

And on Facebook (The Sandy Castle Foundation): https://www.facebook.com/sandycastlefoundation

A PLACE TO DONATE AND VOLUNTEER:  http://jarrettscastle.com/

Jill Lance, also known as Mrs. Insurance Lady, Cape May County, New Jersey, is your personal insurance advocate.  “Like having a cousin in the business”

Mrs. Insurance Lady  – :30 TV Commercial

Visit the WEBSITE:

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PHONE: (877)-634-6932

Solutions, Not Excuses
“In today’s economic world, we need insurance solutions, not excuses.  I am here to help you solve your problems and educate you.  I offer a free, non-biased, insurance check up to every consumer for home, auto and life insurance.  I do not sell insurance.  I recommend, consult, and advise.  I can help shop it for you and do all the work to ensure that your needs are met, but, I do not sell insurance.  That’s what you have an agent for. 

NJ Discover Live Radio Show NOT TO BE MISSED; with Special Guest JANE DOHERTY, one of AMERICA’S Leading PSYCHICS:    

We are thrilled ‘beyond’ to be able to sit down with Jane Doherty and talk about her amazing life and contributions to the knowledge of the universe. For Tara-Jean Vitale and Calvin Schwartz and our many listeners, this becomes a portal to personal discovery and revelation.

Jane Doherty, named “One of the Top Twenty Psychics”, by Dr. Hans Holzer, is the author of Awakening the Mystic Gift. She starred in the international TV show, “Dead Tenants”, and has been featured on Fox Network News, CNN, The Today Show, MSNBC Investigates, My Ghost Story, Dead Famous and more than 350 radio shows, including Coast to Coast, the X-Zone, Ghost Chronicles International. Jane has been featured in the New York Times, Mystery Magazine, Women’s World Weekly, Bridal Guide, New York Post and in three paranormal books.  Jane plays the character of ‘Clara’ in an upcoming Supernatural Movie being released in October 2013 ‘Amy-She Can See the Possessed.’ She is also the guardian of two sacred crystal skull artifacts.  From Jane’s Facebook wall “ Psychic Medium, healer, author, workshops, séances, hypnotist-and loving it!”

Visit: www.janedoherty.com     for more information.

Coming attractions for the live show with Jane Doherty:  Jane’s most satisfying predictions, ghost versus spirits, UFO’s.  Tara-Jean and Calvin predict  more surprises on their hour live show.

TUNE IN LIVE HERE!!!!!!!!!!! From 8 to 9 pm Monday September 23rd (BEFORE Monday night football )

To Contact DURING!!! AND AFTER SHOW:  Calvin Schwartz:  earthood@gmail.com

Tara-Jean Vitale:  tarajean@njdiscover.com

ALL PREVIOUS SHOWS/PODCASTS AVAILABLE HERE AS WELL:

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The Leader in Lumber Protection

Eco is the premier manufacturer of proprietary wood products coated with Eco Red Shield™, our exclusive eco-friendly chemistry that protects against mold, rot-decay, termites and now fire. We believe lumber is back as the best building material and invite you to learn more about our products, as well as what makes today’s framing lumber different and more susceptible to mold, termites and fire.

SO MUCH MORE THAN A SPECIAL FIRST ANNUAL 5K RACE ON OCTOBER 20^TH: ‘THE BUTTERFLY CIRCLE OF FRIENDS. ’ REGISTRATION FOR RACE STILL OPEN  By Calvin Schwartz

Life is mystery, synchronicity, purpose and journey. Two years ago in a random act of connectivity and social media networking, I was in a far away place and met a new friend, Eddie F. on line. In a matter of minutes, we bonded digitally (he lived in Arizona) and soon after, Eddie told me about an amazing New Jersey woman, a Gold-Star military mother who lost her son in Iraq when he was only 20 years old. Energies of the universe move quickly and decisively. I became friends with Ida Gonzalez and nearly two years ago at Christmas time, we met on Route 18 in a real Jersey diner and sealed a beautiful friendship.

I learned about her son Spc. Michael L. Gonzalez and all that she does to give back to so many in her son’s memory. Out of the memory of Michael, Ida started the ‘Butterfly Circle of Friends’ which is a non-profit organization to assist those in need both locally and worldwide. “Michael was in Iraq to make a difference in other’s lives and we want to continue his legacy.”

In my journalistic world, I was so moved by Ida, her husband Pedro and son Troy that I went to hooplaha.com (an upbeat national website) and helped produce an amazing short video about Ida and her son Michael. The video was acclaimed by many who’ve seen it; a very special poignant emotional few minutes about love, caring and devotion. Here is that link to the video:

http://www.hooplaha.com/a-mothers-journey-to-light/

Now I’m thrilled to cover and announce another special event in honor of Spc. Michael L. Gonzalez as part of the ‘Butterfly Circle of Friends’ continuing commitment to give back and make aware. All the information is contained below in the flyers. Hoping to see you at the ‘First Annual 5K Race/One Mile Walk/Kids Race on Sunday October 20^th.’

INFORMATION BELOW TO REGISTER FOR RACE!!!!

Calvin Schwartz

 A Major FREEHOLD LIVE Music Event to Celebrate BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN’S Birthday: THUNDER ROAD THURSDAY.  Acoustic Lounge @American Legion Post-54           62 W.Main St. Freehold, NJ.  Thursday September 26^th 7 PM.  Many Performers.    By Calvin Schwartz

I live two traffic lights from downtown Freehold and for a quarter of a century I’ve been pondering the relationship between music, Bruce Springsteen’s hometown, Freehold (the county seat of Monmouth County) and the plethora of cool hip restaurants and the fact there just isn’t that overwhelming essence of live music that bespeaks the ambiance of this historic (Revolutionary War) quaint town. (I think this was a run on sentence but I needed to make a point) Point being; live music is finally setting up shop the way it was pre-destined and now the evolution, revolution(almost)by the visionaries and pioneers( Jimmy Arcoleo & Gene Walk) that have brought the Acoustic Lounge to Freehold. Indeed. I am excited by the prospects and energies of acoustic live music in a town two traffic lights from where I have a bowl of oatmeal every morning.

As far as Thursday September 26^th and The Acoustic Lounge and Bruce Springsteen’s Birthday Celebration and THUNDER ROAD THURSDAY; I am so excited about the night that I cancelled a doubles tennis match of significant consequence which is personally evident of my intention to be at the American Legion and Acoustic Lounge early and I never cancel tennis.  Here’s to that first time and looking at you kids, about to join us for a special night.

As of this writing (Friday 9-20-13  1022 AM) here is a retrieved collection of notes about the performers in chronological performance order:

Gene Walk, Jimmy Arcoleo, Albert Cestero, Joe Heumiller, Virago, Alliance Singers, Tommy Byrne, Eddie Testa, Lee and Sheri, Lori Gilmore, Acoustic Step Aside, Chris Daniels, Eddie Mac, Michael Heumiller, Willie and John, Nikki Briar, Pat Roddy, Strumberry Pie, Taz, Joe Cartwright, Neal DeSimone, Jo Bonnano.

Once again the address: the Acoustic Lounge@ the American Legion Post 54, 62 W.Main st. Freehold, NJ

CALVIN SCHWARTZ

SPECIAL BENEFIT: FOR DAVE BARKALOW, DRUMMER, EDDIE TESTA BAND. The Cabin, Howell NJ September 27th 2013

A very emotional night is planned as the central Jersey music community again comes together to support one of their own, Dave Barkalow,  a longtime drummer for the Eddie Testa Band, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. From 4 PM on, the Cabin (Route 33, Howell)  will donate a percentage of food sales to aid in Barkalow’s fight against cancer. At  9 PM The Eddie Testa Band with special guests including Gary US Bonds will rock the night away. For more information you can go to www.eddietestaband.com or on Facebook to: www.facebook.com/EddieTestaBand. There will be a continuing call for donations as well as  now being able to donate things for the auction; all to help a poignant cause and very special man, Dave Barkalow.

Calvin Schwartz, for NJ Discover.

HOWEVER AS OF THIS WRITING on Thursday September 19th the music event has SOLD-OUT at the Cabin. BUT, BUT pending good weather next Friday they will open up the ‘beer garden’ at the Cabin which can accommodate 300 hundred more people. So YOU can BE THERE and be part of this emotional night.

Here is information in Eddie Testa’s own words:

“SORRY TO SAY WE R SOLD OUT FOR DAVID BARKALOW BENEFIT !!! BUT IF WEATHER PERMITTING THE CABIN IS GOING TO OPEN UP ITS BEER GARDEN THAT NIGHT OUTSIDE AND WE COULD FIT ANOTHER 300 PEOPLE OUT THEIR SO DON’T GIVE UP ON COMING IF ITS A NICE NITE U COULD STILL COME AND MAKE A DONATION FOR DAVID AND HIS FAMILY. ALSO GARY BONDS IS GOING TO BE SELLING HIS NEW BOOK AND SIGNING IT AND THE PROCEEDS ARE GOING TO DAVID ALSO PLUS A TON OF RAFFLES AND GIFT AUCTIONS SO ITS NOT ABOUT THE MUSIC ITS ABOUT DAVID WE LOVE HIM AND HIS FAMILY AND WE WANT TO RAISE AS MUCH AS WE CAN FOR THEM THANKS FOR ALL WHO HAVE DONATED AND WHO ARE GOING TO DONATE AND COME OUT AND SUPPORT HIM”

COMING ATTRACTIONS: “Party on the Patio…. the Retirement Edition”!!  Long Branch NJ  September 28 6 to 10 PM

As I continue to look for poignant, interesting events over NJ Discover’s territorial claim here in central Jersey, this retirement (they are always bittersweet) party caught my eye and especially since ice cream and music are involved, I thought mentioning it would be appropriate; any reason to visit the Jersey shore is appropriate.  Have fun.

Calvin Schwartz

After 14 years of making the BEST ice cream you’ve ever enjoyed, Muriel & Dan Wilson are hanging up their ice cream scoopers!
In honor of their 14 years of operating Wilson’s Home-Made Ice Cream, a retirement party to end all retirement parties is happening on Saturday, September 28th from 6 – 10:00 p. m. at Wilson’s Home-Made Ice Cream at the Ursula Plaza {444 Ocean Blvd. North} in Long Branch, NJ!

Join us for our LAST “Party on the Patio… the Retirement Edition” as Muriel & Dan spin some more of your favorite flavors! Jimmy Givens, your “OLDIES MAVEN” will be spinning the “OLDIES”… taking your requests & dedications, games, trivia with lots of souvenirs and surprises!

So come on out and wish Muriel & Dan all the best on the beginning of the next chapter of their lives as we PARTY… ALL NIGHT LONG {at least ’til 10}!

As a thank you to their loyal customers, Wilson’s will be selling their ice cream at 50% off from September 19th to the finale… September 28th!

  Film Documentary ‘Destiny’s Bridge.’  Due to Overwhelming Demand: A Second Screening Thursday September 19^th 2013 Middlebrook Cinema 7PM Ocean Township, NJ

By Calvin Schwartz

On August 7^th the premiere of ‘Destiny’s Bridge’ was held at Two River Theatre in Red Bank NJ. It was a complete sell out. I worked on the committee to put this premiere together. The overwhelming demand for tickets was beyond expectations. Hundreds of people were turned away. Because of the important message of the film and on-going real life story of the people still living in Tent City in Lakewood, film maker Jack Ballo will be bringing a second screening of ‘Destiny’s Bridge’ to Middlebrook Cinema 1502 Route 35 South, Ocean Township, N.J. on Thursday September 19th 2013 at 7PM

Calvin Schwartz

Tickets are only $10 and can only be purchased ONLINE (Print your own ticket) at www.DestinysBridge.com 

As with the premiere, after the film, there will be a Q&A, with filmmaker Jack Ballo; Tent City Founder, Minster Steve Brigham; and Tent City residents featured in the documentary film. This segment is as emotional as the film is.

In case you missed my article on NJ Discover website in August heralding the premiere of ‘Desinty’s Bridge’ and my personal involvement/feelings, I’ll re-print here:

Tent City in Lakewood. The Movie Documentary ‘Destiny’s Bridge.’  A Movie Review and Personal Journey to Involvement. Premiere August 7th at Two River Theatre in Red Bank   By Calvin Schwartz  August 1st 2013

Journeys to sensitivity and understanding sometimes begin innocently with little fanfare and symphonies. On Easter Sunday 2012, I attended a concert of awareness for the people of Tent City in Lakewood passionately put together by Rosemary Conte. With my son, we filmed the event for NJ Discover. I had no concept of what Tent City was and the fact that around 100 humans were living in tents for years without electricity, heat or basic amenities because Ocean County has no shelters for the homeless. Tent City was 24 minutes from where I’ve lived for 24 years but that didn’t register in my frontal lobe. While listening to the music close to the staging area, a bus of Tent City residents arrived at the far end of the plaza for food and clothing donations. Minister Stephen Brigham brought the tent residents in his yellow school bus; that scene was still far away from me in several ways. I stayed with my son but saw people holding empty plates waiting on a food line. An image of President Herbert Hoover’s Great Depression flashed across my unsympathetic retina. Close to the musicians I remained.  It seemed the thing to do. When I got home that night, I forgot about the hungry homeless and talked to my family about the special Jersey musicians I heard for the first time.

Cut to January. Hurricane Sandy relief concerts were happening all over the Garden State. My past written words of support and admiration for Rosemary Conte and her wondrous musical and life contributions caught up to her; we became friends. She invited me to cover a Sandy benefit concert at McCloone’s in Asbury Park for NJ Discover. I interviewed her and then came an introduction to Sherry Rubel, concert organizer, photographer extraordinaire and Tent City activist.

Now it’s February. I’m at a place for coffee and conversation on a busy highway in East Brunswick, N.J with Sherry Rubel. Two weeks later on a very cold sunny day, Tara-Jean Vitale (NJ Discover producer) and I met Sherry across the street from the entrance to Tent City in Lakewood. We were packing TV cameras and microphones for our day in a new world. Patches of pure white snow from the night before looked like special effects. The dirt road was frozen; so was I emotionally. A thin veil of disbelief at my surroundings settled subtly around me. It was numbing; humans in the second richest state in America existing like this. Then I met Angelo, an endearing eloquent resident who invited me into his tent, briefly excusing himself, while I stood immobile and incredulous on how cold it was in the tent.  He went outside to chop wood for the wood burning stove which was not warming the tent well.  His bed was made perfectly. At that moment, in such brutal cold, where humans sleep and exist in the Lakewood winter, I thought about never being quite the same again. And I’m not. Something inside me aches (a soul?) from being overwhelmed. An hour later we interviewed Minister Stephen Brigham, a twelfth generation American. Illuminating and inspiring to us, he’s been devoting much of an adult lifetime to the cause of ‘Destiny’s Bridge;’ a journey to finding suitable and dignified housing in a self-sustainable community of homeless humans. I like using the term ‘humans.’

It’s not within the scope of this article to do self-intestinal excavation and journalizing my time at Tent City.  But a few months later, I was back there with filmmaker Jack Ballo and had a chance to meet residents and talk and listen. Uncovering his wealth of character and poignancy, I met Michael, a long time Tent City resident with his wife Marilyn. He was able to bring a piano from his home before it was lost and kept it under a tarp like on a baseball field in a rainstorm. He played Beethoven and Procul Harum, ‘A Whiter Shade of Pale’ for me. Enamored and drawn to his depth and warmth, I drifted far away standing close to Michael; I was still numb from months earlier at Tent City. It was cloudy and mild this day; easier for Michael and all the residents to sleep at night. But it is all hard; a very hard rain. I need to yell; maybe it will help me understand how and why in 2013 here in New Jersey this exists. Everything I saw that day after listening to Michael play the piano was visually a whiter shade of pale; hard to explain; perhaps a perfect segue to review the documentary, ‘Destiny’s Bridge.’

REVIEW:  DESTINY’S BRIDGE

I’m not a Siskel or Ebert. On the other hand, I have evolved over my tech noir years of ‘Casablanca,’ ‘From Here to Eternity,’ ‘On the Waterfront;’ where perhaps I’m now a contender to talk about movies. Part of the evolution side effect is a bit of snobbish attitude to viewing movies; can’t waste time watching ineptitude in film making and storytelling. Movie making is an art form and a great gift. The works of quintessential movie makers fascinate me. I’ll notice eye-brows moving and the wispy windy sounds of a tree next to a window as two characters are staring at the moon. I take it all in; pure cinematic absorption. I need to learn, emote and feel. Looking back, motion pictures have helped congeal my views of the world and changed my life. Watching ‘Casablanca’ for the 44th time some years ago formed the basis of my first novel.

So when I previewed the movie ‘Destiny’s Bridge’ a few weeks ago, I found myself instantly riveted into the world of Tent City. My emotional ties developed quickly with the residents; sensitive caring humans looking for dignity and respect in a cold world. Jack Ballo seamlessly weaves their stories and interconnectivity of existence; how they depend on one another. I can say it was beautiful film making; vivid photography heightened the stark reality. You will learn about the harsh human condition of homelessness from this documentary.

Yes, it is an exquisite film which means sensitive, emotional, real and poignant.  Back to my being a snob about movies; I’ve since watched it again. You may need to do the same; the film delivers a powerful message about homelessness and Minister Stephen Brigham’s vision for a future. Then Jack Ballo’s treatise on the lives of some of the people; you grow fond and bond with them, maybe wanting to reach out and help. You care about their lives. The film is beautiful because it makes you feel something inside. It evokes. I love when I’m evoked to emote by a film.

It was a painstaking meticulous project for Ballo; a year of his life for the desire to make a difference. I look at myself right now at this point in time somewhere in a universe. ‘Destiny’s Bridge’ has innervated and moved me; therefore a brilliant work. There’s sadness in the final scene looking down from high above; in some ways leaving that homeless world below but also heralding an awareness that much needs to be done.  All my above criteria for good movie making have been met; I call it a contender. Here’s thanking and looking at you Jack Ballo.

Important Links:  http://www.destinysbridge.com/

http://www.ultravisionfilms.com

https://www.facebook.com/DestinysBridge

Benediction:
written by Rabbi John L. Rosove, Temple Israel of Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA

Eternal God, Source and Creator of Life: From the depths we have called to you and we call to you again for courage, strength and wisdom on this 12-year anniversary of our nation’s tragedy.

Grant us courage to confront our enemies. Comfort those who stand alone without spouse, parent, brother, sister, child or friend. Open our hearts to them and to the children orphaned 12 years ago today. Enable us to love more deeply all children who suffer. Accept with mercy our prayers of healing on behalf of the families of the victims and on behalf of the responders who became ill at Ground Zero.

Despite the horror and tragedy of 9/11, our country remains a shelter of peace, a symbol of freedom a beacon light of compassion and justice to the downtrodden and oppressed of the world.

Strengthen the hands of our people to defend this country and our common values of freedom and justice. Inspire our leaders and diplomats to act wisely and to pursue peace everywhere in the world.

May we teach our children to learn and to think, to consider and to reason, to be courageous in thought and in deed, and to nurture hearts of wisdom that they may do battle against fear, hatred and bigotry using weapons of the spirit and loving hearts.

We offer our prayers on behalf of our country and government, our President and judiciary, our officials and institutions, our soldiers and citizens, upon all who faithfully toil for the good of our country, to preserve democracy in our land, to advocate for civility between adversaries, and to treat every human being as infinitely worthy and dignified by virtue of being created in the Divine image.

Bestow upon us all the blessings of peace, and may we live to see the day when swords will be converted into plowshares and nations will not learn war anymore.

Amen.

 NJ DISCOVER LIVE RADIO SHOW: MONDAY SEPTEMBER 9TH from 8 TO 9 PM FEATURING Hosts TARA-JEAN VITALE AND CALVIN SCHWARTZ with Special Guest DANNY COLEMAN (Rock on Radio)

Welcome to our third live show on NJ Discover Radio.
Danny Coleman continues an illustrious career as host of his own radio show ‘Rock On Radio’ having had a myriad of musical guests (a Who’s Who of Jersey and National musicians) as well as feature writing for the ‘Trentonian’ newspaper. We are thrilled to have him for our hour show. Of course with a few surprises for all. even Danny.
TUNE IN LIVE HERE!!!!!!!!!!! From 8 to 9 pm Monday September 9th (before Monday night football )