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Thursday, Jan. 14

Temple Emanu-El. Java and Judaism: Jewish Biography discussion of figures from the four major movements in Judaism. The Jan. 14 session, led by Rabbi David Kalb, will deal with the Reconstructionist movement. Feb. 25, Rabbi Kroloff will lead the discussion on figures in the Reform movement. 756 East Broad St., Westfield. 7:30 p.m. Free. Contact: Carolyn Shane, (908) 232-6770 or cshane@tewnj.org.

Friday, Jan 15

Emanu-El Westfield. Zimrat Shabbat (song of Shabbat) and a special Martin Luther King, Jr. program. 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. 756 East Broad St., Westfield. 7:45 p.m. Contact: Carolyn Shane, (908) 232-6770 or cshane@tewnj.org.

Emanu-El Edison. Services and Shabbat dinner in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. including a sermon by Reverend Owens of New Hope Baptist Church. Our choir and theirs will provide heavenly music. 100 James St. Edison. Dinner at 7 p.m. and services at 8 p.m. Information, Lee Liss at (732) 369-3270.

Jewish Congregation of Concordia/Monroe Twp. Oneg Shabbat at the Synagogue with Cantor Eli Perlman. Come and enjoy our services at our haimish Conservative synagogue. Stop & Shop Shopping Plaza, 1600 Perrineville Road, Monroe. 7:30 p.m. Information, call (609) 395-1952.

Saturday, Jan. 16

Young Israel of East Brunswick. Auction and wine tasting. Featuring Judaic/Israel art and sports/music memorabilia; wines of Herzog and Royal Wines; and wine sale through Rite Aid Liquors in Highland Park. 193 Dunhams Corner Road, East Brunswick. 8 p.m. $10 in advance; $15 at door. Information, Jeffrey Dantowitz, (732) 254-5425.

Sunday, Jan. 17

YM-YWHA of Union County, NCJW, and Union County Section. Big Band Swing Dance and Concert. No partners necessary. 501 Green Lane, Union. 1-3 p.m. Free. Information, (908) 289-8112 or email ncjwunion@yahoo.com.

Tuesday, Jan. 19

BUNWC-Tri County Chapter of the Brandeis National Committee. Broadway with a Twist, starring Nina Deutsch, pianist, singer, writer, and speaker. Hamilton Township Library, 1 Justice Samuel A. Alito, Jr. Way. Hamilton. 2 p.m. Information, (609) 298-4515.

Temple Beth El of Somerset Sisterhood. Ladies Poker Night. Join us to learn the basics of poker and play a few hands of Texas Hold 'Em (no prior knowledge of poker needed) 1489 Hamilton St., Somerset. 8 p.m. $5 cover charge, with all the proceeds going to Sisterhood. Information, contact (732) 873-2325.

Wednesday, Jan. 20

Jewish Congregation of Concordia/Monroe Twp. Screening of "The Rape of Europa." A documentary that tells the epic story of the systematic theft and destruction of Europe's art treasures. Stop & Shop Shopping Plaza, 1600 Perrineville Road, Monroe. 2 p.m. Free. Information, call (609) 395-1952.

Thursday, Jan. 21

The Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County. Overview of the efforts of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) by Florence Broder of JAFI and Will Recant of JDC who will also give specific information pertaining to the fiscal crisis and emerging priorities. 230 Old Bridge Turnpike, South River. 7 p.m. Information, call (732)-432-7711.

Adult Education Committee of Freehold Jewish Center. "The Third Jihad: Radical Islam's Vision for America." Documentary film explores the existence of radical Islam in America and the emerging risk that this "homegrown Jihad" poses to national security, western liberties and the "American way of life." 59 Broad St., Freehold. 10:15 a.m. Donation: $5 per person. Information, Rabbi Kenneth Greene, (732) 462-0254 or RabGreene@gmail.com.

Friday, Jan. 22

I.L. Peretz Secular Jewish Community. "Speaking Truth to Power: Jewish Freethinkers from Abraham to Sherwin Wine," by Bennett Muraskin, author of books and articles on secular humanistic Judaism. Reformed Church of Highland Park, 19-21 2nd Ave., Highland Park. 8 p.m. $5 for non-members. Information, (732) 545-9691 or info@ilperetz.org.

Saturday, Jan 23

Temple Emanu-El. Community Shabbaton. Eat, pray, learn, and have fun at this intergenerational community celebration. Come for some, or stay for all. The morning includes with adult Torah study at 9:30 a.m., with a joyful intergeneration worship accompanied by guitar, pot-luck dairy lunch, and song session at noon, numerous electives to choose from at 1:00 p.m., and a special closing program at 2:00 p.m. 756 East Broad St., Westfield. 9:30 a.m. Contact: Carolyn Shane, (908) 232-6770 or cshane@tewnj.org.

Temple Emanu-El. Singer/songwriter Beth Schafer concert. 100 James St. Edison 7:30 p.m. Tickets available at the temple. Information at www.edisontemple.org.

Temple Beth Or. Family friendly film night and dinner. 200 Van Zile Road, Brick. Adults: $6. Children under 13: $3. Information, reservations, (732) 458-4700 or www.TempleBethOrBrick.org.

Temple Sholom Fanwood/Scotch Plains. A Night Of Comedy. Mary Dimino headlines trio of stand-up comics. 74 South Martine Ave., Fanwood. 7:30 p.m. $20. 74 South Martine Ave., Fanwood. Information or to purchase tickets, lytelaw@aol.com or (909) 889-4900.

Sunday, Jan. 24

Makhelat HaMercaz Jewish Choir of Central New Jersey. The musical repertoire spans centuries and continents. Their selections include religious, secular, classical, jazz, pop and folk tunes sung in Hebrew, Yiddish, English, Ladino, and Romance languages. Highland Park Public Library, 31 North Fifth Ave., Highland Park. 2 p.m. Information, www.hpplnj.org or call the library at (732) 572-2750.

Werner Lecture Fund of Beth El Synagogue in East Windsor. An evening of music, featuring the vocal talents of Christopher Michael Christiana. Christopher Michael Christiana has a captivating style with a repertoire that includes, Broadway, folk, popular and opera. A special inaugural performance of The Beth El Barbershop Quartet will also be presented. A wine and cheese reception is included along with coffee and cake. 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor. 7 p.m. $15 for advance reservations and $20 at the door. RSVP to Beth El, (609) 443-4454.

Shimon and Sara Birnbaum JCC Festival of Books and Culture. American Girl Tea and Brunch with Jacqueline D. Greene, author of the American Girl Rebecca Book Series. Bring your daughter, your grandchild or any little girl — and of course your favorite American Girl doll — to this very special Girls' Day Out. 775 Talamini Road, Bridgewater. 12:30 p.m. $18 per person ($24 includes the book) or $34 per couple ($40 includes the book). Register, (908) 725-6994 ext.201.

Temple Beth-El. Free community health fair. Basic health screenings, opportunity to talk to doctors and specialists about health concerns, presentations on health issues throughout the day, information about local health resources, and assistance in applying for New Jersey Family Care (NJFC). Temple Beth-El, 67 Route 206, Hillsborough. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Information, (908) 722-0674.

East Brunswick Jewish Center. Bar mitvah/bat mitvah/wedding expo. Meet more than 25 exciting vendors. There will be photographers, DJs, florists, and much more. Food sampling from caterers will be available. 511 Ryders Lane, East Brunswick. 12-3 p.m. Information, (732) 257-7070 or www.ebjc.org.

Flemington Jewish Community Center. Pianist Ilya Yakushev, who has performed in the United States, Russia, Italy, and Spain. 5 Sergeantsville Road, Flemington. 6:30 p.m. $18 donation; $12 donation for seniors and students. Reservations, (908) 782-6410.

Monday, Jan. 25

Temple Beth Or. Adult Education with Rabbi Fierstien. 200 Van Zile Road, Brick. 10 a.m. Information, reservations, (732) 458-4700 or www.TempleBethOrBrick.org.

Mameloshen meeting. Rabbi Klein will moderate an interesting subject. All are welcome and refreshments will be served. Civic Center, Manchester Town Hall, Route 38 and Colonial Drive, Manchester. 1 p.m. Information, julius0000@aol.com.

Tuesday, Jan. 26

Flemington Jewish Community Center. Bingo night. Individual cash prizes can be up to $1,000, depending on attendance, so bring your neighbors and friends. 5 Sergeantsville Road (Route 523 south, across from the police station), Raritan. 6:15 p.m. $10 per person. Information, call (908) 782-6410.

Friday, Jan. 29

Temple Beth Or. Youth group service and dinner. 200 Van Zile Road, Brick. Tot Shabbat: 6 p.m. Dinner: 6:30 p.m. Youth Service: 7:15 p.m. Dinner: Adults, $10; children under 13, $5. Information, reservations, (732) 458-4700 or www.TempleBethOrBrick.org.

Saturday, Jan. 30

Highland Park Conservative Temple-Congregation Anshe Emeth. Screening of "My Father, My Lord." The film will be followed with remarks by Dr. Allan Nadler, a Professor and Director of Jewish Studies at Drew University. An ordained rabbi, Dr. Nadler is the author of "The Faith of the Mithnagdim: Rabbinic Responses to Hasidic Rapture" (Johns Hopkins University Press) and has published numerous studies of ultra-Orthodox Judaism and Hasidism. 201 South Third Ave., Highland Park. 8 p.m. This film screening and discussion are open to the public at no charge, with a $6 donation suggested. Information, contact Udi Shorr at (732) 819-9850.

East Brunswick Jewish Center. Shabbat Shirah gathering. The annual Kumsitz, Yiddish for "come, sit," features selected Jewish, Israeli, and Yiddish songs to celebrate the Torah Parsha and Haftorah, Tu b'Shevat, and songs related to other themes. 511 Ryders Lane, East Brunswick. 8:30 p.m. Iinformation, www.kolhaneshamaeb.org, kolhaneshama@yahoo.com, Jack at (732) 390-9764, or Maris at (732) 254-4392.

Metuchen-Edison Gesher Hadassah. Annual Progressive Dinner. Gather for appetizers at the home of Krauzes, separate for dinner at individual homes, and join again for dessert at the home of the Baliffs. Be part of this wonderful event and support Hadassah Medical Center at Ein Kerem and Mount Scopus in Jerusalem. 7 p.m. $34 for Hadassah members, $38 for non-members; Dessert or appetizers only, $18 per person. Send checks by Jan. 18 made out to Hadassah to Susan Kahan, 21 Jonathon Drive, Edison, N.J. 08820. Information, (732) 603-0801 or susnotes@optonline.net.

Sunday, January 31

Congregation B'nai Israel. Cantors concert. Cantors Seth Adelson, Jenna Greenberg, Wendi Portman, and Steven Walvick will come together in song and fun; the group came together at The Jewish Theological Seminary and formed Revi'a, a dynamic and entertaining group of Hazzanim. Proceeds go towards the Ramah Youth Scholarship Fund. 1488 Old Freehold Road, TOMS RIVER. 4 p.m. Tickets are $18 in advance and $25 at the door. Students $5. Please call the synagogue office for further information and to purchase tickets by Jan. 27, 732-349-1244.

Brotherhood of Temple Sha'arey Shalom of Springfield. "Texas Hold 'Em" poker tournament. Come out for a chance to win one of three prizes in form of Visa Gift Cards worth $1,000, $500, or $250. The value of prizes may be increased and additional prizes awarded depending on the number of entries. 78 South Springfield Ave., Springfield. 1-6 p.m. $50 buy-in. Information, Scott Silverstein, (908) 522-1442 or scottsilverstein@aol.com.

Tuesday, Feb. 2

Highland Park Conservative Temple-Cong. Anshe Emeth & the Temple Sisterhood. Nina Redl on "Conversion Through the Ages." Redl holds degrees from Munich University and is a rabbinical student and PhD candidate at the JTS. She will explore the convert from the Mishnah and will pose questions that deal with a convert's former life as well as study the images of converts in rabbinic literature and other sources. South Third Ave., Highland Park. 8 p.m. Information, call (732) 545.6482.

YM-YWHA of Union County. Watercolor class. Fundamental and intermediate drawing skills as well as watercolor techniques are learned or reviewed. The class is open to all levels. Eight-week course, meets every Tuesday. 501 Green Lane, Union. 7:30 p.m. 8 week course is $55 for members and $75 for non-members. Registration and information, (908) 289-8112.

Wednesday, Feb. 3

Raritan Valley Chapter of Hadassah and Raritan Valley Young Women Hadassah, L'Dor V'Dor. Festive and educational Tu b'Shevat Seder led by Debbie Gerber. Light refreshments. All are welcome to attend. Highland Park Senior Center, 220 South Sixth Ave., Highland Park. 7:30-8:30 p.m. Information or to RSVP, Celeste at YWHadassahEvents@yahoo.com or (732) 236-8486.

Jewish Family Service. Job seekers support group. "The Pen is Mightier than the Sword: The Power of the Written Word," presented by Peter Yurowitz, certified life coach. 150-A West High St., Somerville. 7-9 p.m. Free and open to the public. To register, Elise Prezant, (908) 725-7799 or eprezant@jewishfamilysvc.org.

Saturday, Feb. 6

East Brunswick Jewish Center. Casino Night fundraiser offering Las Vegas style table games including a poker tournament with professional dealers. Food, drinks and music provided. Thousands of dollars of prizes! 511 Ryders Lane, East Brunswick. 8 p.m. Admission $59/singles and $118/couple includes dinner, two drinks, and money to play. Information, garymoss2@comcast.net or (732) 257-7070.

Sunday, Feb. 7

Highland Park Temple-Cong. Anshe Emeth. Rabbi Mordechai Schwartz will present a fascinating program entitled "Do-It-Yourself Torah: Shabbat." This class will study the inner workings of Shabbat including its origins and positive mitzvot. It will empower you to make your own Shabbat choices. South Third Ave., Highland Park. 9 a.m. embers $6/day, non-members $8/day and includes breakfast. Information, call (732) 545.6482.

Monday, Feb. 8

East Brunswick Hadassah. An evening dedicated to chocolate! Chef Marc Sessler of Meals by Marc will take you on a chocolate journey where you will learn about the history of chocolate and how it originated. Compare and taste the different types of chocolate then roll up your sleeves and create scrumptious desserts of chocolate. The night ends with everyone tasting all of the wonderful treats that were made, including chocolate lava cakes from scratch and a Pareve chocolate mousse cake that is kosher for Passover. At a private East Brunswick home. 8 p.m. $18 to cover materials. Information, Shelly (732) 613-4456.

Wednesday, Feb. 10

The Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County (JHMOMC). "A Few of My Favorite Things: The Historical Memorabilia of Rabbi Sally J. Priesand, America's First Female Rabbi" In conjunction with the exhibit, Rabbi Priesand will offer an hour-long presentation entitled "Reflections on My Life as a Rabbi." 310 Mounts Corner Drive, Freehold. 6-9 p.m. Giving levels start at $54 and include two tickets to the reception. The exhibit will remain on display through March 16 during regular museum hours. Information, (732) 252-6990 or www.jhmomc.org.

Tuesday, Feb. 16

Toms River Hadassah. Joint meeting with Sisterhood. Congregation-B'nai Israel, 1488 Old Freehold Road, Toms River. 1 p.m. All welcome. Information, call Yvette at (732) 255-7386.

Wednesday, Feb. 17

The Raritan Valley Chapter of Hadassah and Raritan Valley Young Women Hadassah, L'Dor V'Dor. Girls Nite Out:Israel Themed Yoga with Nadine. Explore breathing techniques, practice basic yoga postures, and finish with a short relaxation period. Bring your own yoga/exercise mat and yoga strap/belt/tie. Eat lightly or abstain from eating one to two hours before class. Please consult your physician if physical ailments exist. Highland Park Senior Center, 220 South Sixth Ave., Highland Park. $5. Contact Nadine at ywhadassahevents@yahoo.com.

Shabbaton, Feb. 19-20

Congregation Sons of Israel. Shabbat Across America family Shabbaton featuring scholar-in-residence Rabbi Gershon Bacon, associate professor in the Jewish history department of Bar-Ilan University, where he holds the Klein Chair for the History of the Rabbinate in Europe in Modern Times. He is an expert in the history of East European Jewry, specializing in the social, political and religious history of Polish Jewry in the 19th and 20th centuries. He is a board member of the Union for Traditional Judaism and is also a member of its Panel of Halakhic Inquiry. Gordons Corner Road, Manalapan. (732) 446-3000.

Sunday, March 7

Highland Park Temple-Cong. Anshe Emeth. Rabbi Mordechai Schwartz will present a fascinating program entitled "Do-It-Yourself Torah: Shabbat." This class will study the inner workings of Shabbat including its origins and positive mitzvot. It will empower you to make your own Shabbat choices. South Third Ave., Highland Park. 9 a.m. embers $6/day, non-members $8/day and includes breakfast. Information, call (732) 545.6482.

Thursday, March 11

HaDor Haba, a young women's chapter of Hadassah. The Matzah Ball couples' dinner dance with DJ entertainment and will include a large gift auction. Palms Plaza Catering, 343 State Route 34, Matawan. Tickets to attend are $96 per couple, and sponsorship levels range from $180 - $1,000. Information on attending and giving opportunities, call (732) 617-9517 or email mpetto@optonline.net.

Sunday, March 14

Highland Park Temple-Cong. Anshe Emeth. Rabbi Mordechai Schwartz will present a fascinating program entitled "Do-It-Yourself Torah: Shabbat." This class will study the inner workings of Shabbat including its origins and positive mitzvot. It will empower you to make your own Shabbat choices. South Third Ave., Highland Park. 9 a.m. Members $6/day, non-members $8/day and includes breakfast. Information, call (732) 545-6482.

Thursday, March 18

JCC of Western Monmouth. "Arabian Nights" Join Nanette Cohen of "The Shana Rose" in the JCCWM for a multi-sensory, educational Aromatherapy Workshop. You will be working with dried herbs and liquid essences, mixing and blending to create your own aromatherapy items. You will leave with two unique aromatherapy items. 100 US Highway 9, Manalapan. JCCWM members: $12 per person; non-members:$15 per person. Information, contact, shelley@jccwm.org or (732) 683-9300.