Coming Attractions
January 2, 2009
MAIN CALENDAR
Friday, Jan. 2
Temple Emanu-El. Shabbat Hallelu. All are welcome to worship, sing, and dance in the aisles with people of all ages. 756 East Broad St., WESTFIELD. 7:45 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat service at 6 p.m. Information, Carolyn Shane, (908) 232-6770 or cshane@tewnj.org.
Monday, Jan. 5
The JCC of Middlesex County. Israel information evening. Are you between 18 and 26 years old and interested in traveling to Israel for a summer, semester, or year? A shaliach and past participants of programs will present information about trips with Birthright, college programs, volunteer opportunities and more. 1775 Oak Tree Rd., EDISON. 7:30 p.m. RSVP by Jan. 2 to Linda, (732) 906-0737.
Tuesday, Jan.6
The Colonia Chapter of Hadassah. Elaine Durbach on “Voices from Zimbabwe.” Guests are welcome. Temple Neve Shalom, 250 Grove Ave., METUCHEN. 12 p.m. Information, Millie (732) 381-9054.
Wednesday, Jan. 7
Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Mercer County. Don’t Put Your Life on Hold: Strategies and Tips to Help You Live Your Life While Supporting Your Loved One with Dementia. Davida Nugiel, MSW conducts five sessions on the second Wednesday of each month beginning Jan. 7. Bear Creek Assisted Living, 291 Village Rd., East, WEST WINDSOR. 6:30-8 p.m. Free. RSVP by Jan. 5 to Dottie (609) 987-8100.
Thursday, Jan. 8
Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County. People, Participation & Prayer: How Do We Identify, Learn and Grow as Jews? 230 Old Bridge Tpk., SOUTH RIVER. 6-8 p.m. Information, (732) 432-7711.
Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County. Care, Community and Connection: Meeting Our Social Service Needs. 230 Old Bridge Tpk., SOUTH RIVER. 8-10 p.m. Information, (732) 432-7711.
Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Mercer County. “The Benefits of Laughter,” with Pam Jones, RN, an Integrative Therapy Nurse at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Hamilton. Bear Creek Assisted Living, 291 Village Road East, WEST WINDSOR. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free to seniors. RSVP by Jan. 5 to Linda Meyer, (609) 987-8100.
Friday, Jan. 9
The Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County. All members of the media are invited to attend a special briefing that will outline the results of the Greater Middlesex Jewish Community Study. Speaker demographer, Dr. Ira Sheskin. 230 Old Bridge Tpke., SOUTH RIVER. 11 a.m. RSVP Mindy Paris-Thurer, (732) 432-7711 or mparis-thurer@jf-gmc.org
Congregation Beth-El. Kosher Chinese Shabbat dinner. 91 Jefferson Blvd., EDISON. 6 p.m. Adults: $12. Children: $6. Shabbat Services begin at 7:30 p.m. Information, (732) 985-7272.
Beth Ohr in Old Bridge. Sabbath of Learning and Spiritual Joy, conducted by seniors from the Solomon Schecter Day School High School of West Orange. Friday services at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner. Saturday services at 9:30 a.m. followed by luncheon, zemirot and grace. Afternoon Talmud lesson at 3 p.m. followed by prayers at 4:30 p.m. and the Third Meal. Conclusion of Sabbath prayers at 5:30 p.m. 70 Route 516, OLD BRIDGE. Friday evening dinner $9 per person must be purchased in advance by calling (732) 257-1523.
Saturday, Jan. 10
Temple Emanu-El. Simchat Shabbat worship service, an informal, intimate worship experience conducive to adults and families, followed by bagels and coffee. 756 East Broad St., WESTFIELD. 9-10:15 a.m. Information, Carolyn Shane, (908) 232-6770 or cshane@tewnj.org.
Congregation Neve Shalom. “Great Cantors of the Golden Age” film. 250 Grove Ave., METUCHEN. 7:30 p.m.
Congregation Neve Shalom. Havdalah led by Hebrew school Bet students, with stories, songs, musical instruments, blessings, and treats. 250 Grove Ave., METUCHEN. 5:30 p.m. Free. Information, (732) 548-2238 x. 14
East Brunswick Hadassah. Progressive Dinner. Eat, talk and connect with Israel through Hadassah. At a private home. Couvert is $118 per couple/ $59 per person. For reservations or information, email mirahb@comcast.net or call Diane (732) 297-5964.
Orthodox Forum of Edison/Highland Park. “The State of Modern Orthodoxy” with speaker Rabbi Dr. Barry Freundel. 230 Denison St, HIGHLAND PARK. 8 p.m. Information, (732) 247-3839.
Sunday, Jan. 11
Congregation B’nai Tikvah. Blood donor drive for ages 17 and up, good general health and 120 lbs. or more. It’s advisable to have eaten before donating. ID with signature is necessary. FDA Regulations require a Donor’s or Social Security number on your application. Walk in. Ask about ALYX. Large screen TV will carry the NFL Playoffs and each donor will get a $15 Gas Card. 1001, Finnegans Ln., NORTH BRUNSWICK. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Information, (732) 297-3198, or (800) BLOODNJ.
Congregation Neve Shalom. Rabbi Zelizer will offer a free one-time workshop dealing with issues involving death, shiva, mourning practices, and other pertinent questions. 250 Grove Ave., METUCHEN. 10 a.m. Free. Information, (732) 548-2238 x18.
YM-YWHA of Union. Annual Raffle Party. The largest fund-raiser of the year, prizes include a trip for two to Israel, a computer package, a camera/video package or a Y service. Tickets are $100 each. Cocktail hour with assorted hot and cold hors d’ouevres, along with a sushi bar. Kosher Catering by Majestic Caterers. Dancing will follow, with musical entertainment by Tuvia Zimber and his Orchestra. 501 Green Ln., UNION. 6 p.m. Ticket holders can bring a guest to the party for an extra $36. Reservations by Dec. 29. Information or tickets, Susan Cohen or Jani Jonas at (908)-289-8112.
Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center. Membership, preschool and camp open house. Tour the JCC, swim in the indoor pool, shoot hoops in the gymnasium and participate in class demos. 775 Talamini Rd., BRIDGEWATER. 1-4 p.m. New members joining at this open house save up to $200. New camp registration save up to $100. Information, (908) 725-6994 x201.
Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County. Jewish trends that shape N. Middlesex County. Old Franklin School, 491 Rte., 27, METUCHEN. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Information, (732) 432-7711.
Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County. Jewish trends that shape Central Middlesex County. 230 Old Bridge Tpk., SOUTH RIVER. 3-5 p.m. Information, (732) 432-7711.
Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County. Jewish trends that shape Highland Park/S. Edison. Senior/Youth Center 220 6th Ave., Room 2, HIGHLAND PARK. 7-9 p.m. Information, (732) 432-7711.
Freehold Jewish Center Education Committee. “Dealing With Life’s Ups and Downs, A study of the Book of Kohelet (Ecclesiastes),” with Peter Stark, doctoral candidate in Judaic Studies at Brandeis University. 59 Broad St., FREEHOLD. 10 a.m. Suggested donation of $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students. Information, (732) 462-0254 or rabgreene@gmail.com.
Congregation B’nai Tikvah. Community Health Fair. Wide array of programs includes yoga, pilates, and strength training; kid, senior, and men’s fitness; classes for teens and pre-teens, healthy back, pain-free feet, massage; kosher-vegan cooking demonstration and tasting. 1001 Finnegans Ln., NORTH BRUNSWICK. 1-3 p.m. Information or pre-registration, joelfr@comcast.net.
Temple Beth O’r/Beth Torah. “Refuge Denied,” with co-author Scott Miller, lecture preceded by brunch. 111 Valley Rd., CLARK. 9:45 a.m. Free and open to the public. For reservations for the brunch and lecture, (732) 381-8403.
Monday, Jan. 12
Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County. Jewish trends that shape Monroe Twp. Jewish Congregation of Concordia, Concordia Shopping Center, MONROE. 2-4 p.m. Information, (732) 432-7711.
Temple Emanu-El. Java and Judaism “koffee klatch” with Rabbi David Kalb. Current events of Jewish interest discussion. Rockin’ Joe Café, 28 Prospect St., WESTFIELD. 7:30 p.m. Cost of coffee. Information Carolyn Shane, (908) 232-6770 or cshane@tewnj.org.
Wednesday, Jan. 14
Temple Emanu-El. Knit and crochet blankets or bring your works in progress or finished works to be donated to children with cancer and soldiers in Iraq through Blankets of Love (formerly known as Project Linus). Blankets may be any size from 3’ x 5’ and larger, and must be made from new, washable materials except wool. 756 East Broad St., WESTFIELD. 7:30 p.m. Contact: Carolyn Shane, (908) 232-6770 or cshane@tewnj.org.
Middlesex Chapter of the Brandeis University National Women’s Committee. Gender and the 2008 presidential election, with Susan J. Caroll, professor of political science and women’s gender studies at Rutgers University. East Brunswick Library, Ryders Ln., EAST BRUNSWICK. 1 p.m. No fee and all are welcome. For reservations and information, Helene, (732) 254-7691 or Judy, (609) 448-7177.
East Brunswick Hadassah. How to make sushi like an expert, with Ricki Dayan. Attendance is limited. Private home in EAST BRUNSWICK. 7:45 p.m. Free and open to the public. For information and to RSVP, (732) 238-0877 or
shalomlinda@aol.com .
Thursday, Jan. 15
Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Mercer County. Handy devices for easier living – Make life simpler through assistive technology, with Curtis Edmonds of NJ Protection and Advocacy, Inc. Includes voice-activated light controls, “Touch Tronic” lamp converters, “Shake Awake” alarm clock, and adapted knob handles for stove dials. Meadow Lakes Community, 300 Meadow Lakes, EAST WINDSOR. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free to seniors. RSVP by Jan. 12 to Linda Meyer, (609) 987-8100.
Friday, Jan. 16
Temple Emanu-El. Zimrat Shabbat (song of Shabbat), an uplifting, joyful, and meaningful family service. 756 East Broad St., WESTFIELD. 7:45 p.m. Information, Carolyn Shane, (908) 232-6770 or cshane@tewnj.org.
Saturday, Jan. 17
Highland Park Conservative Temple–Congregation Anshe Emeth. Screening of “Sisai,” an award-winning documentary on Ethiopian Jews in Israel. Includes speaker. 201 South Third Ave., HIGHLAND PARK. 8 p.m. $5 donation suggested but not required. Information, Udi Shorr (732) 819-9850.
Temple Emanu-El. Tiny Tot Shabbat. 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. 756 East Broad St., WESTFIELD. 9:30 a.m. Information, Carolyn Shane, (908) 232-6770 or cshane@tewnj.org.
Congregation Neve Shalom. Sisterhood Shabbat followed by Kiddush luncheon. 250 Grove Ave., METUCHEN. 9:30 a.m. If you would like to participate in the service in either English or Hebrew contact Susan Goldman, (732) 549-0195.
Congregation Neve Shalom. Showing the movie, “A Cantor’s Tale.” 250 Grove Ave., METUCHEN. 7:30 p.m. Information, (732) 548-2238 x14.
Sunday, Jan. 18
Raritan Valley Chapter of Hadassah. Chug Ivrit (Hebrew speaking club) for intermediate to advanced speakers. Free and open to both men and women. At the home of Cheryl Amdur, 89 Lexington Ave., EDISON. 11 a.m. Information, Rachel Weintraub, rachel@weintraubworld.net or (732) 819-9298.
Monday, Jan. 19
Highland Park Conservative Temple-Cong. Anshe Emeth. “Spirit and Conscience: What Abraham Joshua Heschel Has to Teach Us Today,” with Rabbi Gordon Tucker, senior rabbi at Temple Israel Center in White Plains and assistantprofessor at the Jewish Theological Seminary. South Third Ave., HIGHLAND PARK. 8 p.m. Members: $5. Non-members: $7. Information, (732) 545-6482.
CAMERA, EBJC and Middlesex County Jewish Organizations. “Can Israel Unite to Face its Enemies?” with Jerusalem Post Editor David Horovitz. The danger Israel faces today from Hamas, Hizbullah, and Iran; the potential danger from internal divisions over negotiations with Palestinians; impact of new administrations in the U.S. and Israel on developments in the Middle East. 511 Ryders Ln., EAST BRUNSWICK. 7:30 p.m. Suggested donation of $10 payable to CAMERA. Early registration recommended; RSVP with name, address, and email to Isabel Smith, Isabel@camera.org or (732) 613-1185.
Tuesday, Jan. 20
Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Mercer County. Antiques Road show with Tom Petrino, appraiser for the N.J. state treasury. Bring your antiques, collectibles, jewelry, watches, pottery, porcelain and artwork (only one item per person please). Monroe Village, One Brainerd Drive, MONROE. 2-3 p.m. Free to seniors. RSVP by Jan. 16 to Linda Meyer, (609) 987-8100.
Wednesday, Jan. 21
Alisa Chapter of Hadassah. Annette Flisser will take us back in time to the days of Rashi in France. We will discuss the attitudes in France during Rashi’s lifetime as well as his importance to the world of Jewish scholars and why his is still a most renowned Talmudic scholar. Private home. 1 p.m. To register, Gail at (609) 409-5441 or Judy at (609) 655-7775.
Friday, Jan. 23
The Sisterhood of Congregation Beth-El. Women’s League Anniversary Shabbat service conducted by Sisterhood members. Oneg follows. 91 Jefferson, Blvd., EDISON. 7:30 p.m. Information, (732) 985-7272.
Saturday, Jan. 24
Temple Emanu-El. Simchat Shabbat worship service, an informal, intimate worship experience conducive to adults and families, followed by bagels and coffee. 756 East Broad St., WESTFIELD. 9-10:15 a.m. Information, Carolyn Shane, (908) 232-6770 or cshane@tewnj.org.
Congregation Neve Shalom. Screening of “A Journey of Spirit,” which explores the life of songwriter Debbie Friedman. 250 Grove Ave., METUCHEN. 7:30 p.m. Information, (732) 548-2238 x14.
Sunday, Jan. 25
Makhelat Hamercaz Jewish Choir of Central N.J. “Music of the Psalms: Human Responses to the Gifts and Challenges of Life.” 5 Paterson St., NEW BRUNSWICK. 6:30 p.m. Information, call (732) 548-2238, x14 or http://mercazchoir.org.
Temple Har Shalom. Multi generational family concert featuring Peter and Ellen Allard. 104 Mt. Horeb Rd., WARREN. 4 p.m. $36 per family or $12 per ticket by Jan. 16. $18 per pizza pie with drink. After Jan. 16, $15 per ticket. Information, (732) 356-8777.
Congregation Beth Chaim Men’s Club. Speaker Dick Druckman, award-winning photographer from Gold Medal Impressions Inc. Sports Photography. Dick and his wife Joan are founding members of the synagogue and long time residents in the area. 329 Village Rd., East, PRINCETON JUNCTION. 9 a.m. Information, (609) 799-9401.
Wednesday, Jan. 28
Teen Connection of Temple Har Shalom. Household Highs: What’s the Buzz? With Dr. Bruce Ruck, the director of Drug Information and Professional Education for the N.J. Posion Information and Education System. An important program about our youth and the use of prescription drugs and other everyday household supplies. 104 Mt. Horeb Rd., WARREN. 6:30-8 p.m. No charge and open to the public. Information, (732) 356-8777.
Sunday, Feb. 1
Congregation Beth Ohr Men’s Club. Financial program with Ed Mendlowitz, covers what to do with investments 401k, 403b, IRA, and other retirement accounts. Congregation Beth Ohr, Rte., 516, OLD BRIDGE. 10 a.m. Information, (732) 257-1523.
Saturday, Feb. 7
Beth El Synagogue Sisterhood. A Night at the Races. Join in the excitement as you feel like you are at the track while enjoying actual races shot on video. Collect on your winning tickets and root for your favorites. 50 Maple Stream Rd., EAST WINDSOR. Must be 18 or older. 8 p.m. $35. Information, (609) 443-4454.
Men’s Club of Congregation Neve Shalom. Comedy Night with the Stress Factory featuring Tom McTiernan. Dessert, coffee, soda, and tea. BYOB. Must be 18 or older. 250 Grove Ave., Metuchen. 8:30 p.m. Before Jan. 16: $16. At door: $20. $2 off for each non-member guest you bring. Information, Abe (732) 494-6427 or Lou (732) 381-0014.
Wednesday, Feb. 11
Alisa Chapter of Hadassah. Warm Winter Card Party and Lucheon. Bring card games, mah jongg, other games. $22 per person includes dairy luncheon. Proceeds to Hadassah’s Medical Organizaiton and other humanitarian projects. Greenbriar-Whittingham Clubhouse, MONROE. 12-4 p.m. Information, Audrey, (609) 409-67750.
Tuesday, Feb. 17
Toms River Hadassah. Joint Meeting with Sisterhood. Sarri SInger discusses her experience with terrorism in Israel. Congregation B’nai Israel, 1488 Old Freehold Rd., TOMS RIVER. 1 p.m. Information, Yvette (732) 255-7386.
Kids & Teens Calendar
Friday, Jan. 2
JCC of Western Monmouth. Bowling and pizza for kids. Howell Lanes, 1002 Rte., 9 South, HOWELL. 12-2 p.m. Paid by Dec. 23: $12 per child. At door: $15 pre child. Information, Ian, (732) 683-9300 or Ian@jccwm.com.
Friday, Jan. 9
Beth Ohr in Old Bridge. Sabbath of Learning and Spiritual Joy, conducted by seniors from the Solomon Schecter Day School High School of West Orange. Friday services at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner. Saturday services at 9:30 a.m. followed by luncheon, zemirot and grace. Afternoon Talmud lesson at 3 p.m. followed by prayers at 4:30 p.m. and the Third Meal. Conclusion of Sabbath prayers at 5:30 p.m. 70 Route 516, OLD BRIDGE. Friday evening dinner $9 per person must be purchased in advance by calling (732) 257-1523.
Saturday, Jan. 10
Congregation Neve Shalom. Havdalah led by Hebrew school Bet students, with stories, songs, musical instruments, blessings, and treats. 250 Grove Ave., METUCHEN. 5:30 p.m. Free. Information, (732) 548-2238 x. 14.
Sunday, Jan. 11
Temple Beth-El Mekor Chayim Nursery School. Marcia the Musical Moose. A children’s entertainer with an interactive variety act that is filled with audience participation is coming to the Watch Me Grow Early Childhood Education program. The program includes: music, sing-a-long with guitar, simple silly magic; and a puppet show with furry animal hand-puppets and a beautiful puppet stage backdrop. 338 Walnut Ave., CRANFORD. 12 p.m. Information, (908) 276-9231.
Friday, Jan. 16
Temple Emanu-El. Zimrat Shabbat (song of Shabbat), an uplifting, joyful, and meaningful family service. 756 East Broad St., WESTFIELD. 7:45 p.m. Information, Carolyn Shane, (908) 232-6770 or cshane@tewnj.org.
Saturday, Jan. 17
Temple Emanu-El. Tiny Tot Shabbat. 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. 756 East Broad St., WESTFIELD. 9:30 a.m. Information, Carolyn Shane, (908) 232-6770 or cshane@tewnj.org.
Sunday, Jan. 25
Temple Har Shalom. Multi generational family concert featuring Peter and Ellen Allard. 104 Mt. Horeb Rd., WARREN. 4 p.m. $36 per family or $12 per ticket by Jan. 16. $18 per pizza pie with drink. After Jan. 16, $15 per ticket. Information, (732) 356-8777.
Wednesday, Jan. 28
Teen Connection of Temple Har Shalom. Household Highs: What’s the Buzz? With Dr. Bruce Ruck, the director of Drug Information and Professional Education for the N.J. Posion Information and Education System. An important program about our youth and the use of prescription drugs and other everyday household supplies. 104 Mt. Horeb Rd., WARREN. 6:30-8 p.m. No charge and open to the public. Information, (732) 356-8777.
Singular Events
Wednesday, Dec. 31
Professional and Business Singles Network (40-69). New Year’s Eve Buffet and Dance Party Social. Cash bar. Dressy Attire, jacket and tie please. Ramblewood Country Club, 200 Country Club Parkway, MT. LAUREL. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. $50. Information, (610) 348-5544.
Wednesday, Jan. 7
Professional and Business Singles Network (40-69). After Work Social. Casual business dress. Cash bar. Just drop in. Membership not required. The Cranbury Inn, 21 South Main St., CRANBURY. 5:30-9 p.m. $15 admission with all $12 before 6 p.m. Information, (610) 348-5544.
Monday, Jan. 12
Professional and Business Singles Network (40-65). Grand Opening After Work Social. All area singles will gather at the custom built, piano-shaped bar, around the piano featuring entertainment by Andy Prescott. Casual business dress. Cash bar. Just drop in. Membership is not required. Lime Light, Restaurant and Piano Bar, 2812 North Easton Rd., DOYLESTOWN, PA. 5:30-9 p.m. $12 admission with all $10 before 6 p.m.. Information, (610) 348-5544.
Sunday, Jan. 25
Etz Chaim Sociable Singles. Socializing, discussions and refreshments. Congregation Etz Chaim Monroe Township Jewish Center, 11 Cornell Ave., MONROE. $5. All are welcome. For information call, (609) 655-5137.