Home

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.

United Synagogue of Hoboken. Talk by Nigel Savage, founder of Hazon (www.hazon.org), the largest environmental organization in the American Jewish community. 115 Park Ave.,Hoboken. Free and open to the public with light refreshments at 6:45 p.m, Friday evening services at 7 p.m., and Savage's talk beginning at 8 p.m. Following Savage's talk, the conversation will continue at a Shabbat dinner for young adults. Dinner is $5/person (thanks to the support of our Sepinwall Young Adult Outreach Fund). RSVP to Becky Deitsch for dinner at bdeitsch@gmail.com before Jan. 18.

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 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 p.m., and a special closing program at 2 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.

JCC of Central New Jersey. Community Special Needs Symposium. The day, put together by the Special Needs Parent Advisory Committee at the JCC, is intended to shed light on a variety of special needs topics and bring together families with special needs children. 1391 Martine Ave., Scotch Plains. 1-3:45 p.m. The event is free to the public and free childcare will be available for children ages 2-10. Pre-registration required; register online at www.jccnj.org. Information, Mike Goldstein at (908) 889-8800 ext. 218 or mgoldstein@jccnj.org.

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.

HudsonJewish. New Jersey premier of "Los Judios de Cuba/the Jews of Cuba." Director Milos Silber will join us for a question and answer session following the film. Temple Beth Abraham, 8410 Fourth Ave., North Bergen. 7 p.m. Suggested Donation: $5. Information Raylie Dunkel at Raylie@HudsonJewish.org.

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.

Temple Har Shalom. Shabbat Shira. The Friday night before we read the story of the Israelites singing as they crossed through the Red Sea, is typically a time when congregations offer musical programs. Temple Har Shalom welcomes gospel groups The Exciting Enchanters and the Newark Adult chorus into our sanctuary to help sing us into Black History Month. Mount Horeb Road, Warren. 7:30 p.m. Information, call Temple Har Shalom at (732) 356-8777 or visit www.templeharshalom.org.

Young Couples Group of the Highland Park Conservative Temple-Congregation Anshe Emeth. Tu b'Shevat Seder. This event is open to the community. Immediately following Kabbalat Shabbat services. 201 South Third Ave., Highland Park. Information, reservations, please call (732) 545-6482.

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.

JCC of Central N.J. and N.J. ‘Y' Camps. The Court Jesters. A group of highly talented former college and professional basketball players, show off their great showmanship skills and antics that amuse and entertain! 1391 Martine Ave., Scotch Plains. 7 p.m. $20 per family in advance, and $30 per family at the door. Online registration is available at www.jccnj.org. Information, contact Randi Zucker at (908) 889-8800 ext. 253 or rzucker@jccnj.org.

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.

Zimmer Preschool and Kindergarten in Basking Ridge. Open House. Program options include half-day and full-day, two to five days per week, depending on child's age. Inspired by the schools of Reggio Emilia, the Zimmer Preschool and Kindergarten has a unique philosophy that truly honors the individuality and spirit of every child. 3048 Valley Road, Basking Ridge. Anytime from 1-4 p.m. Information, Linda Engel at (908) 604-8844, ext. 115 or linda@zimmerpreschool.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.

The Raritan Valley Chapter of Hadassah and Raritan Valley Young Women Hadassah, L'Dor V'Dorr. Tu b'Shevat Seder. Debbie Gerber will lead a very festive and educational Tu B'Shevat Seder celebrating the fruits and nuts of Israel. Members, non-members, and families are welcome to attend! South Sixth Ave., Highland Park. 7:30-8 p.m. Information or to RSVP, contact Celeste at YWHadassahEvents@yahoo.com or (732) 236-8486 or http://raritanvalley.hadassah.org/ldorvdor.

Friday, Feb. 5

The Highland Park Conservative Temple-Cong. Anshe Emeth. First Annual Sandor and Suzanne Gross Memorial Cantor-In-Residence Shabbaton The event, chaired by Fred and Lisa Morgan, will explore song, history and aspects of synagogue music and cantorial connections. Guest cantor will be Hazzan Henry Rosenblum, Dean of the H.L. Cantorial School and College of Jewish Music of the Jewish Theological Seminary. There is a charge for Shabbat dinner; other events are no cost and include Shabbat morning, Shabbat after Kiddush and Shabbat afternoon. 201 South Third Ave., Highland Park. Information, (732) 545.6482.

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.

Temple Emanu-El. Bubbe Dinner. Come join us for those delicacies we remember from the kitchens of our mothers, grandmothers and other great cooks we enjoyed while growing up. Show off by bringing the specialty you've captured, enough for 6 to 8 people. Musical entertainment will be provided by Harry Bernstein and his group, Aliyah (always a hit). And see and hear the Bubbe Players! 100 James St., Edison. 7 p.m. $10 per person for Temple members, $15 for guests. Call Susan Steinfeld at (732) 549-8143, to tell what miechal you'll be bringing.

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.

Temple Beth Or. Bingo. Games include 3 50/50s, $1500 in prizes. 200 Van Zile Road, Brick. Doors open at 10:30 a.m., games begin at noon. Admission is $2.00 and food is available for purchase (premises adhere to dietary laws). Information, check the Web site, www.templebethorbrick.org or contact the office at (732) 458-4700.

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.

Thursday, Feb. 11

55 Plus Club. Frank Mathews will speak about nine strategies to improve memory. Refreshments will be served. Congregation Neve Shalom, 250 Grove Ave, Metuchen. 7 p.m. Information, call Lorraine Lapidus at (732) 283-0535.

Saturday, Feb. 13

Highland Park Conservative Temple-Congregation Anshe Emeth. Screening of "Dear Mr. Waldman." The film will be followed with remarks by Ariella Lang, a visiting scholar in the Department of Jewish Studies at Rutgers University. Her areas of expertise include Jewish-Christian relations, the Holocaust, and Jewish film. 201 South Third Ave., Highland Park. 8 p.m. Information, reservations, please call (732) 545-6482.

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.

CAMERA (Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America), The East Brunswick Jewish Center, the Campus for Jewish Life, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County. Lecture and discussion with Yaakov Katz, military correspondent and defense analyst for the Jerusalem Post. 511 Ryders Lane, East Brunswick. 7:30 p.m. suggested donation of $10 payable to CAMERA to help offset the costs of the evening. RSVP with name, address, and email to Isabel Smith at Isabel@camera.org or (732) 613-1185.

Wednesday, Feb. 17

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.

Jess Epstein Lunch and Learn with Princeton Scholars Lecture Series. Afran's African Adventure. Bruce Afran, investigating the case for reparations for slavery, tells of his experience in West African politics and his encounter with Yahya Jammeh, head of state of this tiny Moslem nation. "Spicy grove, cinnamon tree," poet Countee Cullen asked, "what is Africa to me?" Learn what lessons Africa holds for Bruce and the rest of us at our next Lunch and Learn. The Jewish Center of Princeton, 435 Nassau St., Princeton. Noon.

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.

Friday, Feb. 19

Temple Emanu-El. Book fair. Runs through Saturday, Feb. 27. Your chance to buy some wonderful books for all ages and interests, and support our programs. 100 James St., Edison.

Sunday, Feb. 21

Jewish Family & Children's Service of Greater Mercer County and the Mercer County Commission on the Status of Women. "I Am Domestic Violence," performed by motivational speaker Wambui Bahati. Even if you aren't involved with or don't know someone who is touched by domestic abuse, come to this program so that those individuals who need to learn about domestic abuse and gain support can do so under your cover. Princeton University's McCosh Hall, Room 50. 3:30 p.m. This free event is open to the entire community and suitable for ages 12 to adult. Information, Debra H. Levenstein at (609) 987-8100 or debral@jfcsonline.org.

Monday, Feb. 22

Temple Emanu-El. Book club. The reading for February is "The Bread Givers" by Anzia Yezierska. Come get your "little gray cells" working and enjoy the discussion. 100 James St., Edison. Starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Temple library.

Friday, Feb. 26

Temple Micah. Shabbat Service and Purim Celebration. Our interactive and relaxed services are especially geared toward families and children. This month we will be celebrating Purim and everyone is invited to come in costume. All are welcome and encouraged to participate. Located in the Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville, 2688 Main St.(Route 206), Lawrenceville. 7:30 p.m. Information, visit Web site at www.Temple-Micah.org, or call (609) 921-1128.

Thursday, Feb. 27

Temple Har Shalom. Purim Party. There will be a wine tasting, desserts and the band "Big Ray" will rock the house. Mark your calendar, get a babysitter and get ready for a good time! Mount Horeb Road, Warren. 8 p.m. Information, call Temple Har Shalom at (732) 356-8777 or visit www.templeharshalom.org.

Sunday, Feb. 28

Temple Emanu-El. Purim service and carnival. There will be prizes for those who come in costume – so join the revelry. Please bring a canned or non-perishable food for our food pantry. 100 James St., Edison. The service and Megillah reading, as well as schpieln (games) start at 10 a.m. and the carnival begins at 10:45.

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.

Temple Har Shalom. Multi-generational Seder for Women. Miriam's seder comes to Temple Har Shalom. Created for multi-generations of women: mothers, daughters, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, cousins and friends, all are invited to join Rabbi Randi Musnitsky and Cantor Anna Berman for an evening of dining, singing, fun and laughter as we make our way through a special Haggadah filled with new rituals, songs and stories. No experience or prior knowledge is necessary! Mount Horeb Road, Warren. 6 p.m. Information, call Temple Har Shalom at (732) 356-8777 or visit www.templeharshalom.org.