Savor some beautiful choral music with your cappuccino this holiday season. On Makhelat HaMercaz Jewish Choir of Central NJ will perform at 7:30 p.m. at P.J.’s Coffeehouse, 315 Raritan Ave., Highland Park as part of the borough’s sidewalk celebration "Holidays in the Park." The program will feature pieces from the choir’s repertoire celebrating Israel, including traditional and contemporary interpretations of HaTikvah, and compositions by Arik Einstein, Achinoam Nini, Noami Shemer, and Sol Zim. This is a free holiday concert which is open to the public.

Congregation Neve Shalom, 250 Grove Ave., Metuchen will have a guest speaker Professor Ken Moss of John Hopkins University speak on Language and Jewish Identity at 8 p.m. For information call Hazzan Sheldon Levin at (732) 548-2238, ext. 14 or e-mail can2r11@aol.com.

Temple Emanu-El. Shabbat Alive! 7 p.m. Temple Emanu-El is located at 100 James St., Edison. For information call Lee Liss at (732) 369-3270.

B’nai Tikvah JCC of North and South Brunswick. Family Shabbat Dinner and Service. Starts 6 p.m. Includes latkes, baked ziti, salad and challah as well as fresh vegetables. Cost $6 adults, $4 children 2-12. This is a peanut-free event. RSVP by Dec. 19. RSVP to Bobbi Binder by December 19, 2007 by calling 732-274-2797 or sending email to bobbi.binder@bnaitikvah.org. Make your check payable to Congregation B=nai Tikvah and mail to B’nai Tikvah, 1001 Finnegan’s Lane, North Brunswick , NJ 08902. Write AFamily Shabbat Dinner@ on the envelope.

Temple Emanu-El. Temple Emanu-El of WESTFIELD Simchat Shabbat worship service will be held 9-10:15 a.m. Led by a rabbi and a song leader, this twice-a-month service offers an informal, intimate worship experience conducive to adults and families, followed by bagels and coffee. Those who wish are invited to remain after services for Torah study. Contact: Carolyn Shane, (908) 232-6770 or cshane@tewnj.org

Shalom Torah/CTE in East Windsor. Father and Son learning, "Avos Ubonim" program. Open to fathers and sons of all ages, experience and background. Bring material with you to study together, or we will provide some. Raffles and prizes for participants every week. 6:30-7:30 pm. For more information, contact Rachel Moore at (609) 448 9478 or e-mail racheldmoore@gmail.com.

Emunah’ Night Out at the George Street Playhouse, 9 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick for the play Doubt. $50 a person, includes refreshments afterward at premises. Contact Sue Redlich at (732) 846-8990. RSVP seats by Dec. 14.

Sisterhood of Congregation Ahavas Achim will hold a Gourmet Chocolate Tasting at 8 p.m. at the house of Rose and Barry Katz, 132 N. Eighth Avenue, Highland Park. Includes the history and health benefits of chocolates and a sampling of dairy and pareve chocolate including: bon bons, fruits and nuts, chocolate-coated marshmallows and ring dings, and fresh fruit and champagne – all under Circle K and OU supervision. Cost $10 per person. Please mail checks to the above address.

The Highland Park Conservative Temple Congregation Anshe Emeth will hold the "Rabbi Hershel Matt-20th Yahrzeit Commemoration and Lecture" at 10 a.m. at the Highland Park Conservative Temple on South Third Avenue and Benner Street, Highland Pak. Presenters will be Dr. Daniel Matt and Jewish Theological Seminary Chancellor Arnold M. Eisen. Admission is free and a light breakfast will be served. For additional information call the Temple office at (732) 545.6482.

Circle of Single Jewish Friends (49+). Meet and Eat Lunch 12 p.m. Lox Stock & Deli Restaurant, Heritage Plaza, 228 Ryders Lane, Milltown. Cost of meal off menu plus tip of $3. Please RSVP Roberta at (908) 668-8450.

Mercer Bucks Jewish Singles & JCC of Western Monmouth will hold a Cocktail Party, 7:30-10:30 p.m. at Panico’s Restaurant, 103 Church St. New Brunswick. Private Party with full open bar, extensive hor d’oeuvres, dj and dancing. Cost is $39 per person in advance by Dec. 15. $50 per person after Dec. 15. Mail your check to: Mercer Bucks Jewish Singles, PO Box 82, Princeton Jct., NJ 08550. Include your phone number and write "Dec. 24th party" in the memo line. Checks must be received by Dec. 15 for $39 rate. After Dec. 15, cost is $50. RSVP to mbjs.rsvp@yahoo.com.

East Brunswick Jewish Center. The Men’s Clubs of the Highland Park Conservative Temple and Center; Congregation Anshe Emeth and the East Brunswick Jewish Center will cosponsor a concert, "The Great American Songbook" that will celebrate both the past and present of Jewish influence on popular American music. The concert will feature the Avi Maza Orchestra, a local ensemble based in Highland Park that is comprised of world-class musicians as well as experienced Broadway vocalists Wendy Kimball and Sean Mahoney The concert will feature a complete collection of great hits that are attributable to famous Jewish artists such as Irving Berlin, Molly Picon, the Gershwins, Barbara Streisand, and Barry Manilow. Tickets are $36 in advance and include a full kosher Chinese buffet dinner. They can be purchased at www.hpctc.net or by calling (732) 545-6482. For more information about this concert contact the Highland Park Conservative Temple and Center at (732) 545-6482 or go to www.hpctc.net.

Congregation Neve Shalom, 250 Grove Ave., Metuchen will hold a trip to Atlantic City. For information call Lou Eisenberg at (732) 548-1996.

Tifereth Israel, 180 Passaic Ave., Passaic. At 8:30a.m., to strengthen parents’ child-rearing skills and to help them to effectively communicate with their children, the Orthodox Union’s Department of Community Services , in conjunction with Tifereth Israel of Passaic, will present the Second Annual Somaich Achim/ JFS community-wide program Positive Jewish Parenting. Admission is free. It will start with registration and a light breakfast at 8:30 a.m. For information call (212) 613.8318 or e-mail steiners@ou.org.

Local children with special needs attending the social and educational events of the Ari Kraut Friendship Circle will now be able to participate in the program’s new Winter Camp. For the first time, a three-day program will be offered to youngsters ages 5 through 15 during the winter break. From 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 25-27, the participants will be engaged in a social experience that will include activities, games and trips in a relaxed and safe atmosphere. Professional therapists will assist the children in karate, yoga, cooking, and music and art therapy. In addition, there will be daily field trips in a wheelchair-accessible bus to the Jewish Children’s Museum in Crown Heights, Brooklyn; Pump It Up!, in Marlton; and a local rock-climbing outing at Garden State Rocks, Morganville. Volunteers will be on hand to assist the children during the three days of activities. For more information, contact chanale@friendsnj.com or call (732) 536-2319 or (732) 685-8650.

A holiday tradition for its 13th year, Plays-in-the-Park moves from its home in Edison to New Brunswick, for its annual production of JOSEPH at the State Theater Dec. 28-30. Michelle Massa will direct and choreograph the show, with musical direction by Anthony Di Dia. Billy Piscopo will once again take his place in the title role as "Joseph" and Katie Riley will reprise her role as "Narrator" and Dan Cook will take the stage "Potiphar." The remaining cast is filled with both alumni from past productions and new faces. Tickets are $6.Call (732) 246-7469 or e-mail http://statetheatrenj.org.

OU Executive Vice President Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, the Orthodox Union’s Department of Community Services, in conjunction with Yavneh Academy of Paramus under the leadership of Principal Rabbi Jonathan Knapp, will present a Positive Jewish Parenting Program covering early childhood through high school, to strengthen parents’ child-rearing skills and to help them to effectively communicate with their children. It will be held 7-10:30 p.m. at the Academy, 155 N. Farview Ave., Paramus. Following registration, participants may select from several workshops conducted during the two-hour conference. The keynote address by Rabbi Weinreb, a noted clinical psychologist as well as a distinguished rabbi, Instilling Positive Jewish Values in Our Children, will follow at 9:50 p.m. Admission is $10 per-couple in advance, $15 per-couple at the door. For further information contact Dr. Aliza Frohlich, Director of Guidance, Middle School, at (201) 262-8494, ext. 322; or Mrs. Gayle Clachko, Director of Student Services, at (201) 262-8494, ext. 331. For advance registration information contact Chana Besterman, at (201) 262-8494, ext. 354 or e-mail yavnehparenting@aol.com.

Etz Chaim Sociable Singles. 1-4 p.m. Monroe Township Jewish Center, 11 Cornell Ave., Monroe Township. Entertainment, discussions, socializing, refreshments. Admission: $5. For information call: (609) 655-5137.

Congregation Neve Shalom, 250 Grove Ave., Metuchen will hold a New Year’s Eve Party starting 9 p.m. Music by Pulse Entertainment. Cost $85 per couple, $43 per person. To RSVP by Dec. 11 call Lou at (732) 381-0014 or Abe at (732) 494-6427.

Etz Chaim Sociable Singles, 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. New Year’s Eve party featuring Sounds by Glenn: Dance Music Through the Decades and hot Chinese buffet and a dessert table. Please note: BYOB (will provide mixers). RSVP by Dec. 21. Cost: $30 per person. Send check to: Etz Chaim MTJC, 11 Cornell Ave., Monroe. For information call Stephanie Belzer (732) 251-9499, Randi Fishman (732) 521- 2784 or Evelyn Levy (732) 416-0074 or (732) 251-1119 or visit www.etzchaimmtjc.org.

"Hats Off to Old Broadway" Westfield Symphony Orchestra program, 7 p.m. at Westfield High School Auditorium, 550 Dorian Road, Westfield, featuring Nat Chandler (Scarlet Pimpernel, Phantom), and other stars direct from the Broadway stage in a revue of American Musical Theater classics all presented in symphonic splendor. Tickets $32 and $64 in advance ($40 and $70 at door). Show will end at about 8:45 p.m. For tickets or information call WSO office at (908) 232 9400 or email wso@westfieldsymphony.org or visit WSO ticket outlets: Fast Frame, Westfield; Commerce Bank, 260 North Ave, Westfield; Martin Jewelers, Cranford; World of Music, Summit.

Temple B’Nai Shalom Fern and Old Stage Road, East Brunswick. New Year’s Eve Party. 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Dance music from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s. Kosher Chinese buffet, desserts, coffee, tea (BYOB) At 9 p.m. there will be a mind reading game show by Flavian. Tickets must be purchased by Dec. 12. Cost is $40 per person, including champagne reception. Call (732) 251-4300, ext. 0.

Experience the joy of Shabbat Hallelu, an erev Shabbat service in song at 7:45 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El, Westfield. All are welcome to worship, sing, and dance in the aisles with people of all ages. A Kabbalat Shabbat service at 6 p.m. is also offered. Contact: Carolyn Shane, (908) 232-6770 or cshane@tewnj.org.

Congregation B’nai Tikvah and JCC of North and South Brunswick of Monmouth Junction. USY evening service. See or send email to Cory Nagelberg sugg22@aol.com to participate in the service.

Temple Emanu-El ,100 James St., Edison. Scholar In Residence program starts at 7 p.m. preceded by Shabbat Dinner at 6:30 p.m. and followed by a performance by the adult choir at 8 p.m. and continuing on Saturday morning, Jan. 5 at 10:45 a.m., after the 9 a.m. service with Dr. Mark Washofsky, the Solomon B. Freehof Professor of Jewish Law and Practice at the HUC-JIR in Cincinnati, who will examine The Talmud, Halakhah and Reform Judaism. Learn how these ideas affect medical ethics and practices (e.g., infertility, stem cells, etc.) as well as the environment. Dinner is available on Friday evening. Lunch will be available on Saturday afternoon. Please RSVP in advance. Call the Temple office at (732) 549-4442 for information.

The Highland Park Conservative Temple-Congregation Anshe Emeth announces another film to be shown as part of the Jewish Film Series. The film "James’ Journey to Jerusalem" will be shown at 8 p.m. at the Highland Park Conservative Temple on South Third Avenue and Benner Street, Highland Park. This Israeli film follows the adventures of a devout Christian making a pilgrimage from his African village to the Holy Land. This film features English subtitles. Admission is free and a $5 donation is suggested. For more information call the Temple office at (732) 545.6482.

YM-YWHA of Union County 501 Green Lane, Union Annual Raffle Party 6 p.m. $100/ ticket. Winter Classes (10 weeks) will also begin including aquarics, exercise, art and yoga. For more information on any of these upcoming programs, please call the Y Office at (908) 289-8112.

All are welcome to Java and Judaism: Jewish Spirituality, taught by Rabbi David Kalb. This three-session course on Jewish Mysticism, sponsored by Temple Emanu-El of Westfield, will be presented on Mondays, Jan. 7, 14 and 28 at 7:30 p.m. at Rockin’ Joe CafÈ, 28 Prospect St., Westfield. No fee. Contact: Carolyn Shane, (908) 232-6770 or cshane@tewnj.org.

YM-YWHA of Union County 501 Green Lane, Union. Challah Baking Workshop at 7 p.m. with Goldy. Cost $5. For more information on any of these upcoming programs, please call the Y Office at (908) 289-8112.

Knit and crochet blankets at 7:30 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El, Westfield, or bring your works in progress or finished works to be donated to children with cancer and soldiers in Iraq through Project Linus. Blankets may be any size from 3’ x 5’ and larger, and must be made from new, washable materials except wool. Help warm bodies and souls. Contact: Carolyn Shane, (908) 232-6770 or cshane@tewnj.org.

Congregation B’nai Tikvah and JCC of North and South Brunswick. Sisterhood session congregant Brenda Sherman will teach the group how to make beaded earrings. You’ll be able to take your skill with you to make other pieces. This workshop is FREE, including refreshments, and you keep the earrings you make. RSVP by Jan. 4 to Bonnie at beedirect@aol.com or call (732) 422-7276.

Senior Services Program Assistant Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Greater Mercer County. from 10-11 a.m. at the Prestige Diner in East Windsor, geriatric social worker and licensed massage therapist Davida Nugiel will give an introduction to Better Health and Relaxation through Hand Massage. Learn to perform it on a friend or even on yourself. Light refreshments. RSVP by Jan. 7 to Linda Meyer, (609) 987-8100.

Temple Emanu-El ,100 James St., Edison. Jr. Youth Group Pizza Party 6 p.m. followed by a Martin Luther King Interfaith Youth Concert. Call the Temple office at (732) 549-4442 for information.

Senior Services Program Assistant Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Greater Mercer County. From 10:30 to 11:30 am at the Hopewell Valley Senior Center in Pennington, another installment of the Money Management Made Easy series, this time featuring Donna Hopkins, Branch Manager and Assistant Vice President of PNC Bank in Lawrenceville who will given an informative discussion of banking and financial issues. Refreshments served. Co-sponsored by the State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Division on Women. RSVP by January 8th to Linda Meyer, (609) 987-8100.

Hadassah Young Women of Raritan Valley will have a Ladies Nite Out at the new Park Place Restaurant on Raritan Ave in Highland Park at 7 p.m. Pay your own way. We will meet at the restaurant. There will be a short Icebreaker Discussion from Hadassah Magazine from the August/September 2007 issue pp 16-19. Call Jackie to RSVP so we can reserve space (732) 750-5067 or e-mail YWHadassahEvents@yahoo.com. For more information contact Marnie at (732) 816-4712.

Temple Emanu-El, 100 James St. Edison. At 7 p.m. Shabbat Alive! service greeting Shabbat with song and celebration. It’s a wonderful family event. Please RSVP in advance. Call the Temple office at (732) 549-4442 for information.

JCC of North and South Brunswick. Passover Poker Party. At 7:30 p.m. Includes raffle and silent auction. Cost in advance by Jan. 2 is $18 per person, $36 per couple; $25 and $50 respectively at the door. Checks made payable to B’nai Tikvah may be sent to Serena Blackin, 3 Pilgrim Run, East Brunswick, NJ 08816. Please note Passover Poker Party in memo.

Congregation Neve Shalom, 250 Grove Ave., Metuchen. Will hold a Havdalah 25th Hour children’s program starting 5:30 p.m. For information call (732) 548-2238, ext. 14 or e-mail can2r11@aol.com.

Join us 9–10:15 a.m. for Temple Emanu-El, Westfield’s Simchat Shabbat worship service. Led by a rabbi and a song leader, this twice-a-month service offers an informal, intimate worship experience conducive to adults and families, followed by bagels and coffee. Those who wish are invited to remain after services for Torah study. Contact: Carolyn Shane, (908) 232-6770 or cshane@tewnj.org.

Congregation Beth Chaim, 329 Village Road East, Princeton Junction will hold an Art Auction. 7 p.m.-8 p.m. Preview. 8 p.m. Auction. Including signed works by Picasso and Chagall as well as elegant estate jewelry, art glass, authenticated signed sports memorabilia and even some rock ‘n roll memorabilia. Light dinner catered by The Ultimate Caterer. Tickets $15 advance; $20 at the door. Contact: Brian Chartock (609) 799-9401

Congregation Knesseth Israel 229 Mountain Ave., Bound Brook, will hold a Mitzvah Day 9:30-11:30 a.m. "Bagging for Charity" at Shoprite in Bound Brook. It will be bagging groceries, selling magnets and bracelets and raising money for ELI, the Israel Association for Child Protection.

Mercer Bucks Jewish Singles at Curtis Lanes in Ewing. 2-5 p.m. Members $18. Non Members $23. Includes bowling, shoes, pizza and soda. Kids welcome. RSVP to mbjs.rsvp@yahoo.com by Jan. 11 www.mercerjewishsingles.org.

Temple Emanu-El, 100 James St. Edison. Family Educational Program, at 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. The topic will be Tu B’Shevat: The New Year for Trees and Caring for the Earth. Join the discussion about what can be done with regard to global warming and the Jewish perspective of protecting the earth. Children will make nature crafts and join in storytelling. For additional information call the Temple office (732) 549-4442 or e-mail: alderja@umdnj.edu

Congregation B’nai Tikvah, on Finnegans Lane near U.S. 1 in North Brunswick, will sponsor a winter Blood Donor Drive for the Blood Center of NJ 11 a.m.-3 p.m. You can watch the NFL Playoffs while you donate. Donors 17 and up are eligible. You must be in good general health and weigh at least 120 pounds. It’s also advisable to have eaten before donating. An ID with your signature is necessary. FDA Regulations require a Donor’s, or Social Security, number on your application. Just walk right in, and the entire donation process takes less than an hour. Should you have questions, please call Marty Engel at (732) 297-3198, or The Blood Center of NJ @ 1 800—BLOODNJ.

YM-YWHA of Union County 501 Green Lane, Union. Ta’am Israeli, recipes from Jerusalem at 7:15 p.m. with Goldy. Cost $5. For more information on any of these upcoming programs, please call the Y Office at (908) 289-8112.

The Colonia Chapter of Hadassah will meet at 7:30 p.m. at Temple Neve Shalom, 250 Grove Ave., Metuchen. The evening’s program will feature guest speaker Sarah Levine of the Jewish Family Service of Concordia Plaza in Monroe Township who will discuss "Interactive Grandparenting in Today’s World." Guests are welcome to attend. For further information, call Millie at (732) 381-9054.

Senior Services Program Assistant Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Greater Mercer County. 12-1:30 pm at St. Anthony of Padua in Hightstown, we invite you to enjoy a nutritious, delicious free lunch as we explore the topic of Cardiovascular and Hypertensive Heart Disease with Linda Buckley, RN, Senior Programs Coordinator at the Henry J. Austin Health Center in Trenton. Ms. Buckley will explain the importance of diet and exercise to heart health, and provide useful tips for keeping yourself free of cardiovascular and hypertensive heart disease. RSVP by Jan. 14 to Linda Meyer, (609) 987-8100, or Sheila Conway, (609) 448-0141, ext. 25.

JCC of Middlesex County, 1775 Oak Tree Road, Edison. Free Level I Hebrew Reading Crash Course 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesday mornings starting Jan. 16. Sponsored by the Jewish Outreach Program. Read Hebrew after only six lessons. No prior knowledge necessary. Pre-registration required. Call (732) 494-3232 and read Hebrew in time for the Passover Haggadah.

B’nai Tikvah JCC of North and South Brunswick. Free screening of Obsession at 8 p.m., a film about the threat of radical Islam to western civilization. Using unique footage from Arab television, it reveals an "insider’s view" of the hatred the radicals are teaching, their incitement of global jihad, and their goal of world domination. The film also traces the parallels between the Nazi movement, the radicals of today, and the western world’s response to both threats. The film has won numerous awards including: Best Feature Film, 2005 Liberty Film Festival; Special Jury Award, Houston Worldfest 2006 International Film Festival; 2006 Newport Beach Film Festival, and more and has also received extensive coverage on TV and radio news programs and in print from all major newspapers and magazines. All are invited to join B’nai Tikvah Adult Education Committee’s presentation of the film after which the rabbi will provide commentary on "radical Islam and jihad."

Congregation B’nai Israel, Academy For Learning and Journeying, 1488 Old Freehold Road, Toms River. Extreme Makeover! Mussar: The Jewish Self-Improvement Project. The core teaching of Mussar is that our deepest essence is inherently pure and holy but, over time, becomes obscured by extremes of emotion, desire and bad habits. Learning this 1,000-year-old Jewish tradition of spirituality can lead to greater awareness of tendencies and habits that obstruct one from reaching their full potential. Guest of honor Alan Morinis, a Rhodes Scholar and an award-winning television and film producer, and the author of Climbing Jacobs Ladder and Everyday Holiness: The Jewish Spiritual Path of Mussar, and the founder and director of the Mussar Institute will discuss in the 4-6 p.m. Session 1: Life is a Soap Opera. What does Judaism have to say about it? and in the 7-9 p.m. Session 2: The Jewish Self-Improvement Project. Cost is $10 per person per Congregation members, non-members $25 per person and includes a deli dinner and the two sessions. Reservations (pre paid) required though the synagogue office by Jan. 3. Call (732) 349-1244. Alan Morinis’ books, Jacob’s Ladder, cost $12, and Everyday Holiness: The Jewish Spiritual Path of Mussar, cost $20, will be available for purchase in the synagogue office. Both books are available at the discounted price of $30 until Jan. 31.

Jan. 17

Senior Services Program Assistant Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Greater Mercer County. from 10:30-11:30 am at Meadow Lakes Community in East Windsor, award-winning third-generation floral designer Norman H. Holt (whose family owned Martha Ray Florist in Trenton for 85 years) and Patty Kraws, owner of Country Florist and Gifts in East Windsor, will present Keeping Your Home Green During the Winter Months. See a demonstration of how to care for and maintain your houseplants and learn how to keep a touch of spring during the cold, gray months of winter. Co-sponsored by the Senior Living Institute of New Jersey. RSVP by Jan. 15 to Linda Meyer, (609) 987-8100.

Jan. 18

Congregation Neve Shalom, 250 Grove Ave., Metuchen. President Bucks County Region Geri Shatz will speak on Should JNF Land Be Used Only By Jews? At 8 p.m. For information call (732) 548-2238, ext. 14 or e-mail can2r11@aol.com.

Feel the spirit of Zimrat Shabbat (song of Shabbat) at 8:15 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El, Westfield. This erev Shabbat service, held the third Friday of each month, is uplifting, joyful, and meaningful and above all, one that you and your family will look forward to attending. Contact: Carolyn Shane, (908) 232-6770 or cshane@tewnj.org.

Jan. 19

At 9:30 a.m. Temple Emanu-El, Westfield hosts its monthly Tiny Tot Shabbat – a wonderful Shabbat experience for kids 5 and under who like to dance, sing and make craft projects. Learn about Shabbat and different Jewish themes through story and art. Parents and grandparents are welcome, too! Contact: Carolyn Shane, (908) 232-6770 or cshane@tewnj.org.

Temple Emanu-El of EDISON. Senior Youth Group Midnight Run. Emanu-El is located at 100 James St., Edison. For information call Lee Liss at (732) 369-3270.

Jan. 20

YM-YWHA of Union County 501 Green Lane, Union. Swing Band Party with the National Council of Jewish Women 1-3 p.m. Free and open to all. For more information on any of these upcoming programs, please call the Y Office at (908) 289-8112.

Temple Beth El of Somerset’s Men’s Club Men’s Club at 9:30 a.m. Dani Klein, North American Campus Director for Stand With Us will be presenting at the Men’s Club Breakfast meeting. He will be discussing the activities of Stand With Us. All are invited. Stand With Us was founded in 2001 in response to the second Intifada and the misinformation that surrounds the conflict. It is an advocacy organization that promotes education and understanding that will bring a secure future for Israel and her neighbors. It educates through fact-based materials, weekly alerts, speakers, programs and conferences.

Jan. 22

Congregation Neve Shalom, 250 Grove Ave., Metuchen. Tu B’Shvat seder and dinner starting 6 p.m. Includes songs, blessings, light dairy dinner. Cost $12 adults, $6 children and teens. RSVP by Jan. 15. For information call (732) 548-2238, ext. 14 or e-mail can2r11@aol.com.

Senior Services Program Assistant Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Greater Mercer County. From 2-3 p.m. at the Robert Wood Johnson Health & Wellness Center in Hamilton, floral designer Karen Vernon-Stewart, owner of Petal Pushers in Hamilton Square, will present Keeping Your Home Green During the Winter Months. Vernon-Stewart will share her 20 years of experience by demonstrating how to care for and maintain your houseplants. Learn how to keep a touch of spring during the cold, gray months of winter. RSVP by Jan. 18 to Linda Meyer, (609) 987-8100.

Jan. 23

Congregation Adath Israel, 1958 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville, 7-9 p.m. will present a program on Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome led by Dr. Ami Klin, Director of Austism Program at Yale Child Study Center. Dr. Klin will provide a brief overview of autism/asperger’s syndrome concentrating on what parents should know about these including updates on treatment, early identification and early intervention. There will be plenty of time for questions and answers. RSVP requested by Jan. 18. Call Debra H. Levenstein at (609) 243-0390 or e-mail debral@jfcsonline.org

Jan. 24

Congregation Adath Israel is sponsoring a professional conference on Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome: Clinical Features, Assessment, Treatment and Interventions 9 a.m.-4 p.m. registration begins at 8:30 a.m.) at the Conference Center at NJHA, 760 Alexander Road, Princeton. Early Bird special until Jan. 2 with fee of $50/person including continental breakfast but NO LUNCH. Pre-registration required by Jan.14. Five Social Work CEUs requested, JFCS is a registered NJ Education Provider. Call Debra H. Levenstein at (609) 243-0390 or e-mail debral@jfcsonline.org

Jan. 25

Temple Emanu-El, 100 James St. Edison. Prior to the Family Shabbat Services there will be a Tu B’shevat dinner beginning at 6 p.m. For additional information call the Temple office (732) 549-4442 or e-mail: alderja@umdnj.edu

Jan. 26

From 9–10:15 a.m. for Temple Emanu-El, Westfield’s Simchat Shabbat worship service. Led by a rabbi and a song leader, this twice-a-month service offers an informal, intimate worship experience conducive to adults and families, followed by bagels and coffee. Those who wish are invited to remain after services for Torah study. Contact: Carolyn Shane, (908) 232-6770 or cshane@tewnj.org.

Temple Emanu-El ,100 James St., Edison. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Annual Regional Shabbaton at Temple Har Shalom in Warren. For more information, visit www.urj.org/njwhvc or call the Temple office at (732) 549-4442 for information.

Jan. 27

Congregation Neve Shalom, 250 Grove Ave., Metuchen. 14th Annual Book & Author Event. Free and open to the public. Features a variety of accomplished Jewish authors whose books have largely center on Jewish themes and content. The panel of featured authors who will be speaking at this event will include: Lucette Lagnado, author of The Man in the White Sharkskin Suit: My Family’s Exodus from Old Cairo to the New World, favorably reviewed by The New York Times; Victoria Redel, author of The Border of Truth: A Novel. The Border of Truth is a novel based on the real-life experience of Victoria Redel’s father who escaped from Europe alone as a teenager, in 1940; Dalia Sofer, author of the Septembers of Shiraz; Mort Zachter, author of Dough, A Memoir. Zachter lives in Princeton and Dough is not only a family memoir, but also the story of how the Jewish Lower East Side shaped his family. For information call (732) 548-2238, ext. 14 or e-mail can2r11@aol.com.

Temple Emanu-El, 100 James St., Edison. annual (and famous) Sunday Spaghetti Dinner which is served from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. All tickets are $10 when purchased at the door. Pre-purchased tickets cost $8 per person, $6 per senior and $5 for youngsters under 12. For additional information call the Temple office (732) 549-4442 or e-mail: alderja@umdnj.edu

Jan. 31

Shimon and Sara Birnbaum JCC in Bridgewater. Jewish LIFE program. Amy-Jill Levine, author of The Misunderstood Jew: The Church and the Scandal of the Jewish Jesus, will speak at 7 p.m. Ms. Levine is the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Professor of New Testament Studies at Vanderbilt University Divinity School, Department of Religious Studies, and Graduate Department of Religion. The fee for Ms. Levine’s talk is $10/Jewish LIFE Member and $15/Guest.

Feb. 3

Congregation Sons of Israel, 33 Gordons Corner Road, Manalapan. 10:30 a.m. Storyteller, Educator and Puppeteer Marilyn Price, a nationally known puppeteer and storyteller who will present a collection of stories centered on Jewish heritage and values entitled "Punch and Judaism." Cost: $10 per family. For questions, please call the Synagogue Office at (732) 446-3000

Feb. 10

Mercer Bucks Jewish Singles. Tips and techniques for more success with online dating with Dating Coach and Matchmaker Gayle Crist from 4-6 p.m. at the Princeton Jewish Center. Gayle is a highly dynamic speaker and a professional life coach who met her second husband online at age 50 after 14 months on eight different dating sites and 50 dates. RSVP by Feb. 8 at mbjs.rsvp@yahoo.com. Covers ages 38-60. For more information visit www.mercerjewishsingles.org.