Coming Attractions

August 15, 2008

Aug. 10-24

The New York International Fringe Festival (Aug. 8-24). "time, et. al.: a cautionary tale about love and time travel." A man. A mysterious journal. A steamer trunk. A wormhole. And the girl from 1925 he fell hopelessly in love with. Playwright Gil Varod was born and raised in Marlboro, graduating from Howell High School. He attended the Scholars Center for the Humanities and performed lead parts in many of the Howell High School plays and musicals. Varod's play can be seen several times during the festival week, including Sunday, Aug. 10, at 6:45 p.m.; Thursday, Aug. 14, at 4:15 p.m.; Tuesday, Aug. 19, at 9:45 p.m.; and Saturday, Aug. 23, at 9:45 p.m. Connelly Theater, NYC. Tickets: $15.  For tickets go to www.timeetal.com.

Sunday, Aug. 10

Temple B'nai Shalom. Environmental Film Festival. "Renewal" at 3 p.m.; "Everything's Cool" at 5 p.m.; and "Blue Vinyl" at 7 p.m. Old Stage Road and Fern Road, East Brunswick. $5 per person, per day. Information, office@bnaishalom.com or www.bnaishalom.com.

Monday, Aug. 11

Jewish Historical Society of Central Jersey. American Jewish Experience Lecture Series. "After Anatevka," with Philip Cantor, immediate past president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County. Monroe Township Jewish Center, 11 Cornell Dr., Monroe. 10 a.m. Information, call the JHSCJ office (732) 249-4894.

Tuesday, Aug. 12

YM-YWHA of Union County. Camp Show. Kinneret and Y-HO-CA "Rock." Written and performed by campers and camp staff. 501 Green Lane, Union. 7 p.m. Information, (908) 289-8112.

Wednesday, Aug. 13

Jewish Family & Children's Service of Greater Mercer County. Lunch and learn: "Healthy Nutrition Tips," with Kimberly Altman, registered dietitian at the Henry J. Austin Health Center. Twin Rivers Library, 276 Abbington Dr., East Windsor. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Free. RSVP by Aug. 8 to Linda Meyer, Coordinator of Aging in Place Programs, (609) 987-8100.

The JCC of Central NJ. Musical program featuring performer John Babish, who will display his mesmerizing voice and astounding keyboard skills. Kosher lunch follows. Congregation Beth Israel, 18 Shalom Way, Scotch Plains. 11 a.m Members: $12. Non-members: $18. For reservations (deadline Aug. 11) or information, Barbara Weisbart at bweisbart@jccnj.org or (908) 889-8800, Ext. 207, or www.jccnj.org.

YM-YWHA of Union County. Camp Show. "The Greatest Hits of Chaverim." Written and performed by campers and camp staff. 501 Green Lane, Union. 7:15 p.m. Information, (908) 289-8112.

Thursday, Aug. 14

Beth El Synagogue, East Windsor. Werner Film Series. "Shalom Y'All." Traveling in a vintage Cadillac, filmmaker Brian Bain, a third generation Jew from New Orleans, sets out on a 4,200 mile road trip through the American South. 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor. 7 p.m. Free. Information, (609) 443-4454.

Aug. 15-20

Lauren Rosenthal and Adina Schwartz. Charity event: One person's trash is another person's treasure. The end of the summer presents an amazing opportunity to give back. We are collecting: old cell phones, new and used books, any denim (including jeans, jean skirts, etc.) The cell phones will be used to benefit our soldiers in Iraq. AT&T recycles the phones and uses the money earned towards calling cards for the armed forces. The books will be used by kids less fortunate then us. The jeans will be used as insulation in Habitat for Humanity projects. Contact Lauren and Adina at (732) 801-7879.

Friday, Aug. 15

Chabad Jewish Center of Monroe. Shabbat under the Stars, featuring Tom Foley, "The path of the Chassidic Gentile." $25. 261 Gravel Hill Rd., Monroe. 6:30 p.m. Information, (732) 656-1616.

Temple Emanu-El. Shabbat Service. Sandy Wilson will speak on tzedakah and ways to improve the community. 100 James St., Edison. 7 p.m. Information, (732) 549-4442.

Temple Emanu-El. Tot Shabbat. 100 James St., Edison. 6 p.m. Information: (732) 549-4442.

Saturday, Aug. 16

Congregation Beth-El. 60th Birthdays. Rabbi Dr. Bernhard Rosenberg, along with several members of the congregation -- and Israel -- are celebrating their 60th birthdays this year. Special Birthday Kiddish following Saturday morning services. 91 Jefferson Blvd., Edison. RSVP to Congregation Beth-El, (732) 985-7272 or ejccbethel@aol.com by Aug. 6.

Kehillat Ohel. Summer Shabbat afternoon series. "Women in Tanach: A Fresh Look," continues with Part 5: "Esther," led by Barbara Stechel. 5 p.m., followed by Seudah Sh'lishit. Sherman Residence, 218 Benner St., Highland Park. Information, info@kehillatohel.org

Sunday, Aug. 17

Monroe Township Holocaust Survivors. Annual Gala for Disabled Israeli War veterans. Entertainment provided by Marilyn Michaels, Stewie Stone, David Katz. Morasco performing Arts Center Monroe Township High School, 1629 Perineville Road, Monroe. 7 p.m. Auditorium seats $30. Front chairs $35. Checks to Monroe Twp. Holocaust Survivors. Greenbriar-Whittingham residents place checks in lockbox #16 in the Greenbriar Town Center or mail to P.O. Box 6015, Monroe Twp., NJ 08831. Information, Doris, (609) 655-0622 or Carl (609) 409-0808. Entire proceeds will be donated.

Congregation Kehilat Shalom. Summer café. Schmooze in our beautiful outdoor space over bagels, coffee, juice while your children do the same in our play area outside. 253 Griggstown Road, Belle Mead. 9:30-11 a.m. Nominal fee for breakfast items. Information, (908) 359-0420, www.kehilatshalomnj.org, or e-mail robin@ksnj.org.

Greenbriar at Wittingham Division of the Federation. Luncheon honoring Irene Linet and Arnold Zucker. Keynote speaker Caila Bitran. Marlboro Jewish Center, 103 School Road West, Marlboro. Cocktail hour begins at 12:30 p.m. $36. Information, Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County, INFO@JF-GMC.ORG OR (732) 432-7711.

Temple Neve Shalom Men's Club. Annual Family Day BBQ. Food, games, prizes, volleyball, softball, croquet, horseshoes, and various other games. 250 Grove Ave., Metuchen. 4-7 p.m. $9 in advance for adults and $12 at the door. $5 for children 10 and under. RSVP to Stu Mantel, (732) 855-1841 or Abe Adler, (732) 494-6427.

Tuesday, Aug. 19

Jewish Family and Vocational Service of Middlesex County. Senior Chai Coffee House program featuring "Eddy & Sunny" crooning the hits of the 1950s and 1960s. Includes delicious desserts, coffee, and tea. The Jewish Congregation of Concordia, Monroe. 1:30-3 p.m. $5 per senior, payable to JFVS by Aug. 15. Please mail: name, address, phone number, and check to: Senior Chai at JFVS, 52 Concordia Shopping Center, Monroe Twp., N.J. 08831. Information: call Jill (609) 395-7979 or (732) 777-1940.

Wednesday, Aug. 20

Jewish Historical Society of Central Jersey. "Masters of Merchandising," with Ruth Marcus Patt, founder of the historical society, a social historian and author of several books on local Jewish history. Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple, 222 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick. 10:30 a.m. Information, call the JHSCJ office (732) 249-4894.

Thursday, Aug. 21

Hadassah Young Women of Raritan Valley Book Club. "Snow in August," by Pete Hamill. Barnes and Noble, 869 Route 1 South, North Brunswick. 7:30 p.m. $3 members. $7 non-members. RSVP or information, Jennifer (732) 940-2442 or ywhadassahevents@yahoo.com.

Jewish Family & Children's Service of Greater Mercer County. "The Benefits of Laughter," with Pam Jones, RN, Certified Laughter Leader and Integrative Therapy Nurse at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton in Community Education. Meadow Lakes Community, 300 Meadow Lakes, East Windsor. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. RSVP by Aug. 18 to Linda Meyer,  (609) 987-8100.

Temple Beth O'r/Beth Torah. Country Line Dancing for all levels with professional instructors. 111 Valley Road, Clark. 7:30-9 p.m., $5 in advance or $6 at the door. Information, Arthur Gesten, (732) 381-8403.

Friday, Aug. 22

Temple Emanu-El. Shabbat Under the Stars. Ice cream oneg. 100 James St., Edison. 7 p.m. Information: (732) 549-4442.

Saturday, Aug. 23

Kehillat Ohel. Summer Shabbat afternoon series. "Women in Tanach: A Fresh Look," continues with Part 6: "Chava," led by Craig Hanoch. 5 p.m., followed by Seudah Sh'lishit. Hanoch Residence, 227 Montgomery St., Highland Park. Information, info@kehillatohel.org.

Sunday, Aug. 24

Village West ORT. Camp Kislak for five days of fun and education. Food, entertainment terrific and speakers. Cost fluctuates according to accommodations. Information, Tilda (732) 323-0089.

Raritan Valley Chapter of Hadassah. Chug Ivrit (Hebrew speaking club meeting for intermediate to advanced speakers). Speak in Hebrew and read a short Hebrew article or story. Highland Park area home. For location and more information, contact: Rachel Weintraub at rachel@weintraubworld.net or (732) 819-9298.

Congregation Beth Ohr. Open House Membership Tea. Congregation Beth Ohr, Old Bridge. 10 a.m.-noon. Information: Lillian Leifer (732) 651-0653.

Temple Beth O'r/Beth Torah. New and Prospective Member Ice Cream Social. Make your own sundaes. 111 Valley Road, Clark. 4 p.m. RSVP: (732) 381-8403 or email: tbethor@gmail.com.

Monday, Sept. 1

East Brunswick Tri-Synagogue and Committee and the Y Country Swim Club. Bring your chairs, blankets, towels and mits, and have a fun day in the pool and sun at the Country Swim Club Dutch Road, East Brunswick. Admission is free, but please RSVP to
tri.synagogue@yahoo.com.

Tuesday, Sept. 2

The Colonia Chapter of Hadassah. Holding first meeting of season. Entertainment will feature Hazzan Sheldon Levin, noted interpreter of Jewish music. Temple Neve Shalom, 250 Grove Ave., Metuchen. 7:30 p.m. Information:
Yetta Gelber (732) 388-7392.

Wednesday, Sept. 3

Jewish Congregation of Concordia. "Understanding Islam," with Dr. Christopher Taylor, director of Middle East studies at Drew University. Stop and Shop Center at Perrineville and Prospect Plains Rds., Monroe. 7:30 p.m. Information, (609) 395-1952.

Thursday, Sept. 4

IM Gallery. Beginner West Coast Swing lessons with Brian Thompson. Steps to be covered include: basic movement, sugar push, left side pass, underarm pass, tuck turn, sugar push w/ tuck turn, right side pass, whip, wrap (cuddle) whip, whip with extra turns, and variations. Meets Thursdays, for 4 sessions, Sept. 4, 11, 18 and 25. 233 Raritan Ave., Highland Park. $50. Pre-registration required by Aug. 29. Send check made payable to: Marc Liebeskind, PO Box 1463, Highland Park, NJ 08904. PayPal is also accepted. Information, Marc Liebeskind (201) 320-9176 or
mplieb@yahoo.com.

Sunday, Sept. 7

Chabad of Monroe. Register for Hebrew School. Information, (732) 656-1616.

Monroe Chapter of Hadassah. Progressive Dinner. Concordia Congregation, Shopping Center, Monroe. 4 p.m. $25. Information: Maxine (609) 395-8757 or Anita P. (609) 860-1609.

Monday, Sept. 8

Monroe Chapter of Hadassah. Meeting and guest speaker Dr. Donald R. Polakoff, an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hip and knee replacements. Concordia Congregation, Shopping Center, Monroe. 7:30 p.m. Information: Thelma Miller (609) 655-8466.

Jewish Historical Society of Central New Jersey. The American Jewish Experience Lecture Series. Ann Gold entitled "Cuban Jews Olé." Ms. Gold is on the board of the Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County. Monroe Township Jewish Center, 11 Cornell Drive, Monroe. 10 a.m. Information, (732) 249-4894.

Temple Beth O'r/Beth Torah of Clark. Blood drive. Donors must be between the ages of 15 and 75, in good health and should not have donated blood in the last 56 days. 111 Valley Road, Clark.
3-8:30 p.m. Information:
Joyce Scher (732) 388-6933.

Thursday, Sept. 11

Avalon Assisted Living at Hillsborough. Understanding Veteran Benefits, presented by Tom Murphy, Elder Law Attorney from The Murphy Law Firm LLC. Please join us for a presentation on navigating through the veteran benefits process. Tom will be available to answer any questions you might have on collection of benefits and what these benefits include. Light dinner will also be provided so please join us for this informational session. The Avalon Assisted Living at Hillsborough is located at 393 Amwell Road. 6:30-8 p.m. Information: (908) 874-7200.

Jewish Family and Children's Service of Greater Mercer County. Fact or Fiction? The truth about sleep as we get older. About half of all seniors have difficulty falling or staying asleep. Join us for a fascinating presentation on good sleep hygiene and various sleep disorders. Our speaker is Rochelle Zozula, Ph.D, DABSM, Behavioral Sleep Medicine Specialist Capital Health System. Stonebridge at Montgomery, 100 Hollinshead Spring Road, Skillman. 2-3 p.m. RSVP by Sept. 8, 2008 to Linda Meyer, Coordinator of Aging in Place Programs at (609) 987-8100.

Friday, Sept. 12

Temple Neve Shalom. Friday night alive service. Kabbalat Shabbat service with instruments and singing, BBQ catered by Marc's gourmet Cafe. 250 Grove Ave., Metuchen. 6:30 p.m. Adults $16 and children $8. RSVP to Rita by Sept. 4 at (732) 548-2238 ext. 18 or call Hazzan Levin, (732) 548-2238 ext. 14 or can2r11@aol.com.

Temple Emanu-El. Shabbat Alive. Birthday and anniversary blessings. 100 James St., Edison. 7 p.m. Information, (732) 549-4442.

Saturday, Sept. 13

Jewish Congregation of Concordia. Celebrating the 90s. Those in the community who have attained the age of 90 or more will be honored during Sabbath morning services by being called to the Torah for special blessings and readings from the Bible portion of the week. Each one will be recognized for their longevity and the productive lives they lead and their valued place in the community. The Congregation will sponsor a Kiddush, a special light Sabbath meal, for all those present after the conclusion of the services. Jewish Congregation of Concordia/Monroe in the Concordia Shopping Center, Monroe. 9 a.m. Information, Judith Schneider, event chairperson, (609) 395-7679; Joan Kornblum, synagogue president, (609) 409-0585;or Sanford Raiss, publicity chair, (732) 625-6882.

Sunday, Sept. 14

Congregation B'nai Tikvah and JCC of North and South Brunswick. Rejoice 2008. Live entertainment, refreshments, vendors, raffle prizes, activities for the kids and much more. Woodlot Park, New Road, South Brunswick. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Information, (732) 297-0696.

Temple Emanu-El . Mr. Ray and religious school open house. 100 James St., Edison. Information, (732) 549-4442.

Monday, Sept. 15

Temple Emanu-El. Opening week of religious school. 100 James St., Edison. Information, (732) 549-4442.

Tuesday, Sept. 16

Jewish Federation of Central New Jersey Community Relations Council. U.S. Congressional Candidates Forum with State Senator Leonard Lance (R) and Assemblywoman Linda Stender (D). 1391 Martine Ave., Wilf Jewish Community Campus, Scotch Plains. 7:15 p.m. Information: (908) 889-5335.

Wednesday, Sept. 17

Monroe Chapter Hadassah. Membership tea for new members only. Home of Anita Hyman. Information, Thelma Miller (609) 655-8466.

Jewish Congregation of Concordia and Monroe. 25th Silver Anniversary celebration. Grand Marquis, Rte. 9, Old Bridge. Information, (609) 395-1952.

Jewish Historical Society of Central New Jersey. The American Jewish Experience Lecture Series. Dr. Nathan Reiss will speak on the topic "Jews of the Bronx." Dr. Reiss, president of the Jewish Historical Society of Central Jersey, is a retired Rutgers professor and an acclaimed genealogist. He recently publishe "Some Jewish Families of Hesse and Galicia," a book which represents his life's work on the research of his own family roots. Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple, 222 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick. 10:30 a.m. Information: (732) 249-4894.

Temple Emanu-El. Israel trip meeting. 100 James St., Edison. 7 p.m. Information: (732) 549-4442.

Friday, Sept. 19

Temple Emanu-El. Selichot. 100 James St., Edison. Information, (732) 549-4442.

Temple Emanu-El. Tot Shabbat. 100 James St., Edison. Information: (732) 549-4442.

Saturday, Sept. 20

Temple Beth Ahm Shalom. Selichot. "Jews and American Politics," with Dr. Fred A. Lazin, the Lyn and Lloyd Hurst Family Professor of local government and chair, department of politics and government, Ben Gurion University of the Negev. 400 Carey St., Lakewood. 8 p.m. Information, (732) 363-2800.

Temple Emanu-El. Selichot. 100 James St., Edison. Information: (732) 549-4442.

Adult Education Committee of Temple Neve Shalom. Award winning documentary "Praying with Lior." Discussion, refreshments, and selichot services will follow. The film explores the way Lior, a child with Down's syndrome meets the challenge of becoming a bar mitzvah. Grove Ave., Metuchen. 8:30 p.m. Information, Hazzan Levin (732) 548-2238 ext. 14.

Sunday, Sept. 21

Chabad Jewish Center in Basking Ridge. A new Torah scroll will be welcomed at the Chabad. Live band, a parade down Valley Road and a festive meal, the entire Chabad community together with their children will gather to celebrate this occasion. 3048 Valley Road, Basking Ridge. 5 p.m. Information, call Rabbi Yitzchok at (908) 448-1417.

Monday, Sept. 22

Jewish Congregation of Concordia. Sisterhood book/author luncheon. "Red Leather Diary," by NY Times reporter Lily Koppel. 1600 Perineville Road, Monroe. 12:30 p.m. (609) 495-1952.

Mamaloshen. The Jewish discussion group will hold its first meeting since summer vacation and new moderator will be Rabbi David Klein of congregation Ahavat Olam in Lakewood. Manchester Civic Center, Colonial Drive and Rt. 37. 1 p.m. Information, Loochlvw@aol.com.

Jewish Family and Children's Service of Greater Mercer County. Antiques Roadshow. Our speaker is Tom Petrino, Appraiser for the Treasury, State of New Jersey. Bring your antiques, collectibles, jewelry, watches, pottery, porcelain, and artwork (only one item per person please!). Learn about the hidden treasures among your family heirlooms and yard sale bargains! Hopewell Valley Senior Center, 395 Reading Ave., Pennington. 1-2 p.m. RSVP by Sept. 8, 2008 to Linda Meyer, Coordinator of Aging in Place Programs at (609) 987-8100.

Tuesday, Sept. 23

Monroe Chapter Hadassah. Afternoon Fashion Show and Dessert. The Wynwood at Forsgate. Information, Thelma Miller (609) 655-8466.

Thursday, Sept. 25

Toms River branch of the Ocean County Library. Screening of "Freeheld." The movie, which won an Oscar as the 2008 "Best Documentary Short Subject," tells the story of Laurel Hester's efforts to change the way governments allocated survivor benefits for same-sex domestic partners in New Jersey. Mancini Hall, 101 Washington St., Toms River. 7 p.m. Free. Registration is required and begins August 25. Go to www.theoceancountylibrary.org or call (732) 349-6200.

Sunday, Sept. 29

Temple Emanu-El. Erev Rosh Hashanah service. 100 James St., Edison. Information, (732) 549-4442.

Monday, Sept. 30

Temple Emanu-El. First day of Rosh Hashanah. 100 James St., Edison. Information, (732) 549-4442.

Monday, Oct. 13

Temple Sha'arey Shalom. Ice cream social followed by Sukkot services at 7 p.m., ending in with kiddush in their sukkah. 78 So.Springfield Ave., Springfield. 6:15 p.m. Contact the temple office (973) 379-5387.

Monroe Chapter Hadassah. Membership appreciation day. C.J. Garden Buffet at Town Center Plaza on Rte. 130, East Windsor. 12:30 p.m. $8 tax and tip include. Information: Anita H. (609) 409-6775.

Sunday, October 19

Jewish Family Services. New Jersey Symphony Duo Musical Evening. Naomi Youngstein, violinist and Michael Stewart, violist will entertain with the music of Bach, Mozart and other composers. Flemington Jewish Community Center, 5 Sergeantville Road, Raritan. 5:30 p.m. Suggested donation $60 per person; $100 per person for a benefactor listing. Call JFS at (908) 725-7799 to reserve tickets.

Monday, October 20

Temple Sha'arey Shalom. Simchat Torah -- A lively, interactive service for all. 78 So.Springfield Ave., Springfield. 7 p.m. Information, contact the temple office (973) 379-5387.

Sunday, Nov. 3

YM-YWHA of Union County. Jewish Fair and Expo. A full day of activities and events are planned all relating to the theme of "Jews around the World." Trinitas Comprehensive Health Center will offer screenings. There will be videos, special presentations, entertainment, food, and children's programs. More than 50 vendors are expected; several openings still available. 501 Green Lane, Union. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Information, (908) 289-8112.

Thursday, Nov. 13

Lakewood Historical Society. Honoring Sheldon Wolpin. The View at Eagle Ridge, Lakewood. Information, (732) 276-7944 or (732) 364- 3263.