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Thursday, Dec. 3 JCC of Bridgewater. Festival of Books and Culture. Actors Michael Tucker and Jill Eikenberry. "Family Meals: Coming Together to Care For an Aging Parent." 775 Talamini Road, Bridgewater. 7 p.m. (co-sponsored by Jewish Family Service and Jewish LIFE). $10 in advance; $15 at the door; $36 includes reception at 6:30 p.m.; $50 includes reception and book. Information, (908) 725-6994, info@ssbjcc.org, or www.ssbjcc.org.

Jewish Family Service and Jewish LIFE. Michael Tucker and Jill Eikenberry on their new book "Family Meals." 775 Talamini Road, Bridgewater. 7 p.m. Reservations, (908) 725-6994 ext. 201.

Friday, Dec. 4

The Jewish State. Deadline for The Jewish State's Hanukkah Student Art Contest. Details, p. 13.

Saturday, Dec. 5

Temple Beth Or. Art auction. Fun, art, and elegant, sumptuous desserts served during the preview. Major credit cards accepted for art purchases. Featuring art in all media and price range. Great door prize. 200 Van Zile Road, Brick. Preview is at 7 p.m. and the auction is at 8 p.m. $10. For tickets or information, (732) 458-4700. You can also purchase art online at marlinart.com. Any purchase you make will be credited towards Temple Beth Or by entering code 03315 at checkout.

Orthodox Forum of Highland Park/Edison. Lecture by Gary Rosenblatt, editor of The Jewish Week. Rosenblatt, an engaging and provocative speaker, will discuss "Responsible Journalism and the Orthodox Community." A Q&A period will follow his presentation. The entire community is welcome including college students and high school seniors. Danny Wildman serves as chair for this event. 415 Raritan Ave., Highland Park. 8 p.m. Admission is free. Information about this event or The Orthodox Forum, email hpedisonorthodoxforum@gmail.com.

Sunday, Dec. 6

Temple Emanu-El. Sisterhood gift shop Hanukkah sale. Stock up on all your Hanukkah needs! 756 East Broad St., Westfield. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Information, contact Carolyn Shane, (908) 232-6770 or cshane@tewnj.org.

Temple Beth O'r/Beth Torah. "From Broadway to Klezmer," starring Naomi Miller and the Hester Street Troupe. 111 Valley Road, Clark. 4 p.m. General admission, $36, seniors and students, $18. Information, (732) 381-8403.

Jewish Family and Vocational Service of Middlesex County. Casino night benefiting the Women's Center and the Food Pantry. JFK Hospital Conference Center, 65 James St., Edison. 6 p.m. $36 per person in advance, $45 at door. Information and to order tickets, call (732) 777-1940.

The Monmouth Conservatory of Music (MCM) and the Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County. "Kovalsky and Friends." Internationally known pianist and executive/artistic director of the Monmouth Conservatory of Music, Vladislav Kovalsky, and clarinetist and music director of the Monmouth Symphony Orchestra, Roy Gussman, will perform works by Milhaud. Brahms, Saint-Saens, Collier and Weinberg. 310 Mounts Corner Drive, Freehold. 3 p.m. $15 for members, $18 for non-members. Information, (732) 252-6990 or www.jhmomc.org.

Raritan Valley Chapter of Hadassah. Chug Ivrit (Hebrew Club). Intermediate to advanced Hebrew speakers. Free and open to men and women. Hadassah membership not necessary to attend. Chat in Hebrew, read a short Hebrew story or article, do a Hebrew crossword puzzle. Home of Justin and Susan Hornstein, 701 S. 2nd Ave., Highland Park. 11 a.m. RSVP at (732) 214-9631 or jhornstein@att.com.

Adath Israel. "The Jews of India," presented by Romiel Daniel, president of the Indian Jewish Congregation of the USA. 1958 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville. 9:30 a.m., refreshments; 10-11 a.m., speaker. Information, Cynthia Molino at cmolino@adathisraelnj.org.

Temple Sha'arey Shalom. Hanukkah Brunch. Everyone is welcome to join temple members in celebrating the Festival of Lights. 78 South Springfield Ave., Springfield. 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Information, contact the Temple office at (973)379-5387 or visit our Web site at www.shaarey.org.

Monday, Dec. 7

The Rutgers Yiddish Club. Screening of "Our Children," a semi-documentary film made in a Jewish orphanage in Poland in 1947, before being banned by the Polish government and subsequently lost for 30 years. It features child Holocaust survivors telling their characters' stories of survival and in so doing dealing with their own trauma. The Student Activities Center, 613 George St., New Brunswick. 7-9 p.m. Information, ardnaxe23@optonline.net.

Highland Park Conservative Temple-Cong. Anshe Emeth. More Hanukkah for Adults, with Rabbi Stephanie Dickstein. Explore Hanukkah in intriguing and controversial ways. Rabbi Dickstein has served as a congregational rabbi, chaplain, and assistant dean of the JTS Rabbinical School. South Third Ave., Highland Park. 8 p.m. Information, (732) 545-6482.

Tuesday, Dec. 8

The Jewish Community Center of Middlesex County. Dr. Michael Rockland, professor and chair of the Department of American Studies at Rutgers University will present a talk on American Jewish Literature. 1775 Oak Tree Road, Edison. 1:30 p.m. Free. Information, contact Sue Horwitz, director of senior adult services at (732) 494-3232 ex. 603.

Thursday, Dec. 10

55 Plus Club. Senior group Hanukkah party. Join us for this joyous occasion. Congregation Neve Shalom, 250 Grove Ave., Metuchen. 7 p.m. Information, Lorraine Lapidus at (732) 283-0535.

Jewish Family Service and Jewish LIFE. Peter Yarrow on his new book, "Day is Done." 775 Talamini Road, Bridgewater. 7 p.m. For reservations, (908) 725-6994 ext. 201.

Friday, Dec. 11

Temple Emanu-El. Hanukkah lighting and sing-a-long followed by Erev Shabbat services. 756 East Broad St., Westfield. 7:45 p.m. Information, contact Carolyn Shane, (908) 232-6770 or cshane@tewnj.org.

Saturday, Dec. 12

Temple Beth Ahm. Holiday concert with Neshama Carlebach. Daughter of Shlomo Carlebach captivates all ages and backgrounds in cities all over the world. Featuring special guests The Green Pastures Baptist Choir, under the direction of Rev. Roger Hambrick. 550 Lloyd Road, Aberdeen. 8 p.m. General admission $25, sponsor $180 (two tickets and preferred seating), patron $360 (four tickets, preferred seating, and a CD). Information, (732) 583-1700.

Congregation Beth Shalom. Red Bank "Latke" festival, featuring a Texas-dreidle (spinning top) tournament, a latke-eating contest, singing, dinner, and games. Prizes will be awarded to the winners. Attendees are asked to bring their own menorahs and candles if they have them, to join in a community candle lighting ceremony. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to a local food bank. Donations of canned or packaged goods will also be accepted during the event. 186 Maple Ave., Red Bank. 6-8 p.m. $10 per adult and $5 per child. Information or to RSVP by Dec. 10, Rabbi Shapiro, (732) 741-1657 or redbankrabbi@yahoo.com.

Ahavas Achim. Family Hanukkah concert with Pey Dalid, a Jewish music group formed by three brothers. Mordechai (rhythm guitar/vocals), Shlomo (lead guitar/vocals), and Pesach Walker (drums/percussion/vocals), incorporate rock, reggae, and many other musical genres into inspirational songs in both Hebrew and English. 216 South First Ave., Highland Park. 7:30 p.m. $10/person.

Sunday Dec. 13

Chabad Jewish Center of Monroe. Celebrate Hanukkah. Donuts, hot drinks, live music, and more. 261 Gravel Hill Road, Monroe. 3:30 p.m. Free. Information, call (732) 656-1616 or email rabbi@chabadmonroe.org.

Temple Emanu-El. Annual coat drive. Clean out your closets and bring gently used or new winter coats to Temple Emanu-El, 756 East Broad St., Westfield. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Information, Carolyn Shane, (908) 232-6770 or cshane@tewnj.org.

Jewish Congregation of Concordia. Hanukkah party with "Tuvia" entertaining. Light refreshments. In the Concordia Stop N Shop Plaza, 1600 Perrineville Road, Monroe. 7:30 p.m. Free. Information, (609) 395-1952.

Chabad House-Lubavitch of Central N.J. "Chanukah On Ice." The program will consist of open skating where children and adults can ice skate to contemporary Jewish music and classic Hanukkah songs, and participate in creating a giant ice menorah to be lit during the festivities. Princeton Sports Center, 1000 Cornwall Road, Monmouth Junction. 4-6 p.m. $7. Information, www.southbrunswickchabad.com.com or (732) 820-0770.

Bris Avrohom of Old Bridge. Hanukkah Carnival. Booths, food, raffle, and crafts. Come and help build a giant doughnut menorah! Old Bridge High School, 4209 Route 516, Matawan. 12-2:30 p.m. $10 per child, adults free. Information or to RSVP, call (732) 316-7600 or visit www.BrisAvrohom.org/OldBridge.

Jewish Community Center of Long Beach Island. Hanukkah Party. 4 p.m. 15 East 24th St., Spray Beach. Call for details, (609) 492-4090.

Chabad Jewish Center of Holmdel. Fire on Ice. Menorah kindling ceremony and watch as a menorah is sculpted out of ice, standing 7 feet tall and weighing more than 1,000 pounds. Attendees will have an opportunity to choose from a variety of Hanukkah activities and crafts, and enjoy traditional Hanukkah food and Jewish music. Exciting for all ages. Holmdel Fire House Hall, 35 West Main St. (Route 520), Holmdel. 4 p.m. Free. Information, (732) 772-1998, info@jewishHolmdel.org, or www.jewishHolmdel.org

Chabad of South Brunswick. Hanukkah Celebration will include a grand menorah lighting, full dinner buffet, a fantastic show by Master Illusionist Shimi Illuzini, Hanukkah treats and special children's activities. Pierre's Ballroom, 582 Georges Road, Monmouth Junction. 4 p.m. Information, directions or reservations, (732) 398-9492 or www.chabadsouthbrunswick.com.

Chabad of Hunterdon County. World's largest toy menorah. This year join the community of Hunterdon as we take the Hanukkah celebration to new heights at Chabad of Hunterdon County's 7th annual Hanukkah festival. HealthQuest, 310 Rte 31N, Flemington. 2-5 p.m. $7 children $10 adult or door admission is $10 children $12 adults. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.JewishHunterdon.com or by calling (908) 238-9002.

The Union County Torah Center. Menorah Lighting. Westfield at the train station on North Ave. 5 p.m. Information, call the Torah Center at (908) 789-5252 or email info@torahcenter.org.

Monday, Dec. 14

Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Monmouth County. Open house. 22 School Road East, Marlboro. 10-11:30 a.m. Information, Linda Glickstein at (732) 431-5525 or Linda@schechtergmc.com.

L'Dor V'Dor-Hadassah Young Women of Raritan Valley. Girls Nite Out-Hanukkah Party. Bring a friend, meet new people, learn more about Hadassah, L'Dor V'Dor, and our upcoming events. Don't forget to bring a grab bag gift of $5-$10. Refreshments kosher/dairy. Highland Park Senior/Youth Center, 220 South Sixth Ave., Highland Park. 7:30 p.m. Cover $5. Members and non-members are welcome to attend. RSVP to Celeste at ywhadassahevents@yahoo.com or (732) 236-8486.

Jewish Congregation of Concordia. Candle lighting service for Hanukkah. Concordia Clubhouse, Prospect Plains Road, Monroe. 5:30 p.m. Free. Information, (609) 395-1952.

Jewish Congregation of Concordia Sisterhood. Song and dance programs for Hanukkah presented by the children of Solomon Schechter School. In the Concordia Stop & Shop Plaza,1600 Perrineville Road, Monroe. 12:30 p.m. Information, (609) 395-1952.

JCC of Middlesex County. Edison Township Menorah Lighting and Hanukkah Celebration. Mayor Jun Choi and Art Shamsky of the 1969 "Miracle Mets." Family music by award-winning "Mama Doni" Band, light refreshments, and music by the Kurt Mann Trio. Accepting kosher non-perishable foods for donation to JFVS Food Pantry. 1775 Oak Tree Road, Edison. 7 p.m. Free. Information, Jennine Shpigel, (732) 494-3232 ext. 621.

Bris Avrohom of Old Bridge. Teen Club Bowling and pizza. AMP Strathmore Lanes in Aberdeen. 7-9 p.m. $10 per person, RSVP required. Information or to RSVP, (732) 316-7600 or www.BrisAvrohom.org/OldBridge.

Tuesday, Dec. 15

Chabad Jewish Center of Monroe. Women's Hanukkah luncheon. "A Light in the Darkness," featuring latkes, lunch, and stories of light! 261 Gravel Hill Road, Monroe. 1:30 p.m. $15/person. RSVP required. Call (732) 656-1616 or email rabbi@chabadmonroe.org.

Wed., Dec. 16

Bat Shalom Hadassah of Jackson-Howell. Hanukkah party. Circa Restaurant, 415 Bridge Ave., Lakewood. $21 for a buffet lunch and entertainment. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. RSVP: Charna Phillips (732) 833-7970 or Gayle Lucks (732) 987-6448.

Thursday, Dec. 17

Bris Avrohom of Old Bridge. Women's Circle. Learn how to make traditional Hanukkah doughnuts and light the menorah together! At home of Mrs. Dina Kanelsky, Old Bridge. 7:30 p.m. Free, RSVP required. Information or to RSVP, call (732) 316-7600 or visit www.BrisAvrohom.org/OldBridge.

YM-YWHA of Union. Hanukkah party and luncheon. The luncheon will feature musical entertainment by Tuvia Zimber. The dinner will include delicious roast chicken, latkas, and all the trimmings as well as salad, fruit cup, and holiday donuts for dessert. 501 Green Lane, Union.11:30 a.m. $5 for members, $7 for non-members.

Spc Marc Seiden Post 444 of the Jewish War Veterans. Annual Installation meeting. The new officers will be Commander Larry Rosenthal and Jr. Vice Commander Charles Lavine. Twin Rivers Library, 276 Abbington Drive, East Windsor. 7:30 p.m. For further information of meetings and membership call Larry at (609) 888-0646.

Friday, Dec. 18

Congregation Kehilat Shalom. "Night of Blazing Candles" Hanukkah party, beginnng with a pot luck dinner and community candle-lighting followed by a short Shabbat service and Hanukkah songs led by Rabbi Susan Falk and the Kol Ahavah choir. Dessert Oneg Shabbat, dreidel, and other Hanukkah party games after services. Bring your kids, your favorite parve or dairy dish, and your own menorah for group candlelighting! Belle Mead-Griggstown Road, Belle Mead. 6 p.m. Information and to RSVP, (908) 359-0420 or robin@ksnj.org.

Monday, Dec. 21

Etz Ahaim Sisterhood Sisterhood and Hadassah L'Dor V'Dor Young Women of Raritan Valley. Beyond the Book-A Book & Media Club for Discussing Hot Topics of the Page and Screen. We will be discussing "The House of Secrets: The Hidden World of the Mikveh," by Varda Polak-Sahm, which gives voice to women from all branches of Judaism as they open up about what the mikveh means to them; how it fits in with their attitudes toward religion; its effect on their marriages and families as well as on their sexual, physical, and spiritual self-perception and on their relationship with God. All are welcome! 230 Denison St., Highland Park. $3. RSVP to Jennifer at (732) 940-2442 or ywhadassahevents@yahoo.com.

Thursday, Dec. 24

Highland Park Conservative Temple-Cong. Anshe Emeth Men's Club. Night of Music and Comedy. The Avi Maza Orchestra will once again be entertaining us - this year's theme is "Jewish Pop" as he will play the hits from a wide range of Jewish Pop artists including Billy Joel, Paul Simon, Neil Diamond, Carole King, Amy Winehouse and KISS. 201 South Third Ave., Highland Park. Admission is only $36 with a PAID RSVP before December 22. After that date, admission is $40. Students will get in for $25. Reserve now by contacting the Temple office at (732) 545-6482. Information, email natek917@msn.com

Friday, Dec. 25

Ahavas Achim University and the Ahavas Achim Sisterhood. Women's Yom Iyun with Yitta Halberstam, author of "Small Miracles of the Holocaust" and the "Small Miracles" series of books. Breakfast, lecture, presentation, and book sale and signing. 216 S. 1st Ave., Highland Park. Registration and breakfast will begin at 8:45 a.m., with Halberstam presenting at 9:30 a.m., followed by the book sale and signing at 10:30 a.m. $10/person. Information, (732) 247-0532.

Monday, Dec. 28

Jewish discussion group "Mamaloshen." Last meeting of the year, moderated by Rabbi Michael Klein of Congregation Ahavat Olam in Howell. Refreshments will follow. Manchester Civic Center, Rt. 70 and Colonial Drive, Manchester, 1 p.m. Information, Julius, (732) 323-8220.

Saturday, Jan 9

Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County. "Facing up to Abuse in the Orthodox Community: A Victim and a Rabbinic Leader Speak Out". Speakers include Mutty Weiss, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, and Rabbi Yosef Blau, Mashgiach Ruchani at Yeshiva University and current president of the Religious Zionists of America. Congregation Ohr Torah, 48 Edgemount Road, Edison. 8-9:30 p.m.