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Thursday, Nov. 12 The Beth El Synagogue Genealogy Club. "Hodgepodge" talk by Dr. Steve Morse. There are many highly useful but lesser known utilities on his one-step Web site, www.stevemorse.org. This talk describes those gems, including solutions to problems with genealogical searches, identity theft, and DNA analysis. 50 Maple Stream Road, EAST WINDSOR. 7:30 p.m. Call the Synagogue office with any questions or to RSVP, at (609) 443-4454.

State Theater. Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. Mussorgsky, Khovantchina: Introduction: "Dawn on the Moscow River"; Rachmaninoff, Piano Concerto No. 2 (with Yuja Wang); Chen Qigang, Iris Devoilee. 15 Livingston Ave., NEW BRUNSWICK. 8 p.m. Tickets are $32, $47, or $67, (732) 246-SHOW (7469) or www.StateTheatreNJ.org.

Friday, Nov. 13

Temple Emanu-El. Shabbat Alive! Temple Emanu- El invites people of all ages to our Shabbat Alive! Join in the song and celebration as we welcome the Sabbath — to music. 100 James St. EDISON. 7 p.m. Information, contact the Temple at (732) 549-4442.

The Princeton Jewish Center. The 22nd Annual Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Lecture. Moshe Halbertal, Professor of Jewish Thought and Philosophy at Hebrew University in Jerusalem will speak on "Morality, Strategy, and the War on Terror: Israel and the Goldstone Report." A question and answer period and reception will follow the lecture. 435 Nassau St., PRINCETON. 8 p.m. Information, contact Ruth Schulman at (609) 924-7235 or ruth-mel@att.net.

Sunday, Nov. 15

Congregation Sha'arey Ha-Yam. Holiday Boutique. Multiple vendors with holiday and gift items will be presenting. There will be raffle drawings and refreshments available for purchase. Barnegat Recreation Center, 900 West Bay Ave., BARNEGAT. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Information, contact Bari at (908) 216-7842.

Temple Emanu-El. Rummage sale. Temple Emanu-El's famous rummage sale where fine clothes and appliances can be discovered. 100 James St. EDISON. 9 a.m.-noon. Information, contact the Temple at (732) 549-4442.

Temple Emanu-El. Spaghetti dinner. Join our high school students in our annual dinner to raise money for their upcoming trip to Israel. 100 James St. EDISON. 5 p.m. RSVP to templeemanuel@edisontemple.org. Information, contact the Temple at (732) 549-4442.

The B'nai B'rith Ketubah Married Couples Unit (40+). Dinner. Prospective non-member couples are welcome to come. Ria-Mar, 25 Whitehead Ave., SOUTH RIVER. 5:30 p.m. The bill will be split evenly among all those attending, with a separate bar bill. Please RSVP to Elaine at (908) 232-0062 by Nov. 13.

Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County. Slide-talk highlighting the career of Sigmund Eisner, Red Bank industrialist and philanthropist, and the Jewish Newport on the Jersey Shore at the Museum. Created by Jean Klerman and Marc Diament, the program has been presented at various venues throughout Monmouth County. The Eisner factory was once the exclusive manufacturer of uniforms for the Boy Scouts of America and the largest manufacturer of military uniforms in the United States. 310 Mounts Corner Drive, FREEHOLD. 2 p.m. Information call (732) 252-6990 or visit www.jhmomc.org.

Torah Links of Middlesex County. Dinner honoring Daniel & Ellen Gresack and Dr. Ira & Elise Merkel. Douglass College Center, NEW BRUNSWICK. 6 p.m. Information, call (723) 613-1613 or email mdlsx@torahlinks.org or go to www.middlesextorahlinks.org.

JCC of Bridgewater. Festival of Books and Culture. Brunch and cooking presentation. Tracey Fine and Georgie Tarn, "Jewish Princess Feasts and Festivals." 775 Talamini Road, BRIDGEWATER. 10 a.m. (co-sponsored by Jewish LIFE and Somerset Hadassah). $18 per person; $36 with the book. RSVP by Nov. 11. Information, (908) 725-6994, info@ssbjcc.org, or www.ssbjcc.org.

Monday, Nov. 16

Moshe Aaron Yeshiva High School. Open house-boys' division. 34 Charles St., SOUTH RIVER. 7:30 p.m. RSVP appreciated at (732) 613-7460 ext. 16 or info@mayhs.org.

Tuesday, Nov. 17

BUNWC-Tri County Chapter of the Brandeis National Committee. History of jewelry lecture by Peter Stavrianidis, owner and "visionary" of Venice Establishment in Somerset, a graduate gemologist, and a member of the International Society of Appraisers and the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers. Stavrianidis will speak about period trends of jewelry. Robbinsville Branch Library, 42 Allentown-Robbinsville Road, ROBBINSVILLE. 2 p.m. Free and open to the public. Information call: (609) 298-4515.

Temple Beth Tikvah. Shirley Laiks on "Notable Jewish Nobel Laureates." Temple Beth Tikvah's own Shirley Laiks, retired principal of the TBT Religious School, will speak about such well-known Nobel Prize recipients as Albert Einstein plus those notables less known, such as 100-year-old Dr. Rita Levi-Montalcini of Italy. 950 Preakness Ave., WAYNE. 1-3 p.m. Free for members, $5 for non-members. Information, call Barbara Reiss at (973) 694-7478.

Congregation Etz Chaim Monroe Township Jewish Center. Interfaith Holiday Dialogue with Rabbi Ben Levy of Etz Chaim and Pastor Joe Tiedemann of Trinity United Methodist Church of Spotswood. 11 Cornell Ave., MONROE. 7:30 p.m. Information, call temple at (732) 251-1119.

Sisterhood of Temple Beth-El Mekor Chayim. Paid Up Membership Meeting. Entertainment for the evening will be provided by City Winds Trio, a flute, oboe, bassoon trio featuring classical, opera, and Joplin music. All paid up members of the chapter are invited. Win up to four prizes in the raffle, including gift cards to Barnes and Noble, Lord and Taylor, Bed, Bath and Beyond and the supermarket of one's choice. You can also come and pay your dues at the door, it's not too late! 338 Walnut Ave., CRANFORD. 8 p.m. Information, contact Donna at (908) 928-0110.

Wednesday, Nov. 18

The Middlesex Chapter of the Brandeis National Committee. Lecture by Terrie Polovsky about the remnants of a vibrant Jewish community of Cuba, that once numbered over 15,000 before the 1959 revolution. Suggested reading "An Island Called Home: Returning to Jewish Cuba," by Ruth Behar. East Brunswick Library, Ryders Lane, EAST BRUNSWICK. 1 p.m. Free. Information, contact Phyllis at (732) 254-6804 or Roz at (732) 545-9269.

Hadassah L'Dor V'Dor, Young Women of Raritan Valley. Women's Mitzvah Series: Bread, Fire, and Water. Celebrating the mitzvot of making challah, lighting candles, and the ritual of visiting the mikveh featuring Zippy Sevrinsky and Bethany Goldstein. Join this interactive discussion, challah making demonstration, and bring your favorite women's mitzvah book (cookbook, book on rituals, etc). We will also be having a Shabbat Recipe Swap email ywhadassahevents@yahoo.com) or bring your favorite challah and/or Shabbat recipes to share. Private home in HIGHLAND PARK. 7:30 p.m. Suggested donation $5. Members and non-members welcome to attend, Information or to RSVP contact Marnie at (732) 816-4712 or ywhadassahevents@yahoo.com.

Thursday, Nov. 19

Bat Shalom Hadassah of Jackson-Howell. Rabbi Daniel Grossman will discuss "Jews in Television ... where did they disappear to from 1959-1970." Will hear about their stories, lives, and adventures. Rabbi Grossman has worked in the field of Jewish Special Education. He co-wrote and participated in the video "Someone is Listening." The rabbi is a member of the Special Education Committee of the United Synagogue and is active in addiction counseling and exit counseling for former cult members. Community room of Westlake Mews, South Cooks Bridge Road off of Manhattan St., JACKSON. 7:30 p.m. Information, call Valerie Yuter at (732) 833-6983.

JCC of Bridgewater. Festival of Books and Culture. Martin Fletcher, NBC News' Tel-Aviv Bureau Chief and author of "Breaking News" will speak. 775 Talamini Road, BRIDGEWATER. 7 p.m. (co-sponsored by 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.

Friday, Nov. 20

Temple Emanu-El. Healing Service. Join us for a Friday evening Shabbat service and a special service for those in need of healing prayers or offering healing prayers for others. 100 James St. EDISON. 8 p.m. Information, contact the Temple at (732) 549-4442.

Saturday, Nov. 21

Beth Am Shalom. Debbie Friedman in Concert. Toms River East Intermediate School, 1519 Hooper Ave., TOMS RIVER. Group rates are available for a party of 25 or more. Handicap accessible seating available. For tickets and information contact Fran Gimpel, (732) 657-7120, or visit Web site www.bethsamshalom.org. Tickets can also be purchased at door.

Beth El Synagogue. Comedy Club Night. The evening will feature two of the New York area's most hilarious comedians: Vinnie Brand and Marion Grodin. Both of these performers are fixtures at all of the major New York area comedy clubs and each has had frequent TV, radio, and movie appearances. The evening will include a delicious pub style menu, catered by Exquisite Caterers, and an open bar. Before the show, guests will be entertained by a jazz guitarist. Come eat, laugh, and enjoy yourself! 50 Maple Stream Road, EAST WINDSOR. 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Advance tickets may be purchased for $54 per person, or $59 at the door. Call the Synagogue office with any questions or to purchase tickets, at (609) 443-4454.

The Shimon and Sara Birnbaum JCC. 10th anniversary gala. The gala will celebrate the JCC's 10 years serving the tri-county community and will honor the JCC's five past presidents: Doron Steger, Alvin Levine, Harriet Blank, Barry Ages, and Addie Kluger. The Martinsville Inn Caterers, 1801 Washington Valley Road, BRIDGEWATER. $125/person. Information, contact JCC Executive Director Susan Greenbaum at (908) 725-6994 ext. 212 or SGreenbaum@ssbjcc.org.

Congregation Neve Shalom. Goods and services auction. We have many fabulous items up for bid including vacation homes, designer bags, theater tickets, sporting event tickets, flat screen TV's, Weber gas grills, original fine art, restaurant gift certificates, retail store gift cards and much, much more! In addition to the open auction we feature a silent auction, a 50/50, raffles, giveaways, and complimentary coffee and dessert at the end of the evening. 250 Grove Ave., METUCHEN. 7:30 p.m. $5. Information, contact Martha Mack at (732) 548-2238 ext. 17.

Congregation Etz Chaim Monroe Township Jewish Center. Havdalah service and game night. Attendees may bring favorite board games to play following the service. There will be food, desserts, and prizes. Hebrew School students, who arrive on time, will receive service credit for attending the service. 11 Cornell Ave., MONROE. $10 per family. To attend, call temple office at (732) 251-1119.

Sunday, Nov. 22

Committee of the 8th annual Jewish Fair and Expo, B'nai Brith, and the YM-YWHA of Union. Jewish Fair and Expo focusing on the entertainment industry, with guest speakers Dr. Dennis Klein (Department of Jewish Studies, Kean University) and Moshe Schreiber. Music by Hester Street Klezmer Troupe, along with the choirs of the Jewish Educational Center and Solomon Schechter. A Health Fair will be sponsored by Trinitas Health Care Center. The Fair has space for about 15 more vendors. 501 Green Lane in UNION. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free of charge to the community and everyone is welcome to attend. Information, or how to become a vendor, call the Y at (908) 289-8112.

Temple Sholom. Hanukkah Boutique and Book Fair. In the book section, shoppers will find hundreds of new and favorite Jewish titles available to take home that day, including many for children and teens as well as adults. Other items for sale will include Discovery toys, jewelry, candles, baskets, soaps, knitted scarves, stationery, paintings, and pottery. Stop by the coffee bar and bake sale to relax and enjoy a treat. Proceeds will benefit Temple Sholom's religious school. Union Catholic High School, 1600 Martine Ave., SCOTCH PLAINS. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Information, call (908) 889-4900, email sholom@sholomnj.org or visit www.sholomnj.org.

Religious School of Temple Beth-El Mekor Chayim. Book Fair. Books are the perfect holiday gift. Money raised from the sale will support the religious school of Temple Beth-El Mekor Chayim. 338 Walnut Ave., CRANFORD. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Information, call temple office at (908) 276-9231.

Chabad of Hunterdon County Jewish Women's Circle. "Painting your Soul's Canvas." Join artist Neria Cohen for an evening of Jewish meditation and painting. Enjoy a unique blend of relaxation and creativity in this one of a kind workshop. Absolutely no painting experience necessary. Chabad Jewish Center 90 Beaver Ave., CLINTON. 7 p.m. Couvert: $20 Information and to R.S.V.P., (908) 238-9002 or Rachel@Jewishhunterdon.com.

Monday, Nov. 23

Temple Emanu-El. Book Club meeting. Come for stimulating, often challenging discussion at the meeting of the Book Club. The next reading is "Tevye the Dairyman" and "The Railroad Stories" by Sholem Aleichem. The group meets in the Temple library. 100 James St. EDISON. 7:30 p.m. Information, contact the Temple at (732) 549-4442.

The Jewish discussion group "mamaloshen." the moderator will be Rabbi Michael Klein of Congregation Ahavat Olam. A current topic of interest to the Jewish community will be discussed. Refreshments will follow. Manchester Civic Center, 1 Colonial Drive and Rt. 70, MANACHESTER. 1 p.m. Additional information call Julie at (732) 323-8225 or Joe at (732) 323-0090.

Tuesday, Nov. 24

Edison Area Interfaith Clergy Association. Interfaith Thanksgiving service. Join us for this community wide celebration. Temple Emanu-El, 100 James St. EDISON. 7:30 p.m. Information, contact the Temple at (732) 549-4442.

East Brunswick Clergy Council. Interdenominational Thanksgiving Service. All are welcome. East Brunswick Jewish Center, 511 Ryders Lane, EAST BRUNSWICK. 8 p.m. Information, Diane, (732) 251-4300 ext. 225.

Wednesday, Nov 25

Temple Beth Am. Interfaith Thanksgiving service. As it has for two decades, the service will follow the Bayonne Interfaith Clergy Association liturgy. All of Bayonne's faith communities are welcome to share in this interfaith service. 111 Avenue B, BAYONNE. 7 p.m. Information, call temple office, (201) 858-2020, Rabbi Gladstone at (201) 858-2104, or visit web Site at www/bethambayonne.org.

Sunday, Nov. 29

YM-YWHA of Union. Olive Press Workshop. A Hanukkah program for children of all ages. 501 Green Lane, UNION. 1:30 p.m. $8 ($5 Y members). Reserve in advance at (908) 289-8112, Sandi Newman, youth director.

Raritan Valley Chapter of Hadassah. Chug Ivrit (Hebrew Club) for intermediate to advanced Hebrew speakers, open to men and women, members and non-members. We chat in Hebrew, read a short Hebrew story or article, and do a Hebrew crossword puzzle. HIGHLAND PARK area home. 11 a.m. Free. For location and information, contact Rachel Weintraub at (732) 819-9298 or rachel@weintraubworld.net.

Monday, Nov. 30

YM-YWHA of Union. "How Money Works." 501 Green Lane, UNION. 7:30 p.m. Free. Register by calling the Y at (908) 289-8112.

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.

Saturday, Dec. 5

Temple Beth Or. Sisterhood Gift Auction. Temple Beth Or, 200 Van Zile Road, BRICK. 7 p.m. preview; auction begins at 8 p.m., $10. For reservations, call the Temple, at (732) 458-4700.

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. 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, call (732) 545-6482.

Saturday, Dec. 12

Temple Beth Ahm. Holiday concert with Neshama Carlebach. Daughter of Shlomo Carlebach captivates people of all ages and backgrounds as she performs in cities all over the world. Also 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.