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Thursday, Oct. 15

B'nai Tikvah Sisterhood and Hadassah L'Dor V'Dor Young Women of Raritan Valley. Beyond the Book. A Book and Media Club for discussing hot topics of the page and screen. October's book selection is "Awake in the Dark: Stories by Shira Nayman." B'nai Tikvah, 1001 Finnegans Lane, NORTH BRUNSWICK. 7:30 p.m. $3. RSVP to Jennifer at (732) 940-2442 or ywhadassahevents@yahoo.com.

The Allen and Joan Bildner Center for the Study of Jewish Life. "Greeting the Season: The December Dilemma in American Jewish Popular Culture." Lecture by Jeffrey Shandler, a professor of Jewish studies at Rutgers University. Trayes Hall, Douglass Campus Center, 100 George St., NEW BRUNSWICK. 7:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. Advance registration is requested. Information, visit jewishstudies.rutgers.edu. To RSVP, email csjlrsvp@rci.rutgers.edu or call (732) 932-2033.

JCC of Middlesex County. "Challenges of Caring for an Aging Family Member." Paula Span, journalist, will discus her book, "When The Time Comes," which offers a road map to the 72 million Baby Boomers who will be responsible for the care of their aging, frail family members in the not too distant future. Span's book includes personal stories as well as practical information on options for families facing the painful task of planning for loved ones who can no longer live alone. Light refreshments will be served. 1775 Oak Tree Road, EDISON. 7:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. Pre-registration requested. To register or for more information, contact Sue Horwitz, director of Senior Adult Services, (732) 494-3232 ext. 603.

Friday, Oct. 16

Alisa Chapter of Hadassah. Oneg Shabbat. Jewish Congregation of Concordia/Monroe Twp., 1600 Perrineville Road, MONROE. 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 17

Jewish Congregation of Concordia/Monroe Twp. Shabbat services with Kiddush sponsored by Doris and David Bagoff in honor of their 54th wedding anniversary and Doris's 8th birthday. 1600 Perrineville Road, MONROE. 9 a.m.

The Sisterhood of Congregation Beth Ohr. Cabaret Evening. Fun-filled evening with comedy, music, and magic. Comedian and emcee, The G Man (aka Allan Gitlin). Jilly Sentino and Bobby Ballack have combined her diva sounds with his crooning forming a perfectly smooth combo! Ryan Shapiro will amaze you with his magic! Snacks and soft drinks served; dessert follows show. 70 Route 516, OLD BRIDGE. 8 p.m. Tickets are $24, if purchased by Oct. 11, after $27. Tickets, information, Liz (732) 257-6010 or Ilene (732) 390-5017.

Temple Sholom of Fanwood/Scotch Plains. 4th annual wine tasting, focusing on value wines, priced under $25. Temple Sholom member Jay Brumfield as well as the top wine expert at ShopRite Liquors of Westfield will teach attendees why the best wines don't have to cost a fortune. Featuring a variety of reds and whites with matching small plates, dessert. Temple Sholom is located in the Fanwood Presbyterian Church, corner of Martine and LaGrande Avenues, FANWOOD. 7:30 p.m. $36 per person. Tickets available until Oct. 16. Contact Temple Sholom at (908) 889-4900 or sholom@sholomnj.org.

Sunday, Oct. 18

Hadassah L'Dor V'Dor Young Women of Raritan Valley. Fall Family Fun/Mom and Tots Open House. Come meet L'Dor V'Dor's mom and tots group at the petting farm with guided tours and hayrides. Price includes petting farm, hayride, and pumpkin. Bring your own picnic lunch. Green Meadows Farm, 1776 Union Ave., HAZLET. 10:30 a.m. $9 per person. Information or to RSVP please contact Jackie at ywhadassahevents@yahoo.com or call (732) 750-5067.

Jewish Congregation of Concordia/Monroe Twp. "Bye Bye Birdie Kosher Dinner and Klezmerfest." 1600 Perrineville Road, MONROE. 5:30 p.m. $21 per person. Reservations, call (609) 395-1952.

Congregation B'nai Israel HAZAK. "The Stirling Duo." Loads of beautiful music from their piano and violin followed by Elaine & David's apple pie a la mode. HAZAK, Congregation B'nai Israel. 1488 Old Freehold, TOMS RIVER. 1 p.m. HAZAK members free, $10 non-members.

The Werner Lecture Fund of Beth El Synagogue. Special Events in the Kitchen. Frittatas and Sangria. Learn the chef's secrets while sampling the food! $10 fee includes all supplies and culinary treats. 50 Maple Stream Road, EAST WINDSOR. 10-11:30 a.m. Reservations required. For detail, (609) 443-4454.

Achva Chapter of Emunah of America. Emunah is joining HIGHLAND PARK for their annual township-wide garage sale at the Orani home. Please donate anything and everything (except clothes), such as bikes, picture frames, Judaica. 292 North 5th Ave. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Drop off begins Oct. 14, call Sue Redlich (732) 558-4917. Volunteers needed for two-hour time slots. Chesed hours given to student volunteers. To volunteer, Pauline Mykoff (732) 572-0457 or Sharon Hirt (732) 777-0462.

Congregation Kehilat Shalom in Belle Mead. Annual apple picking day. Enjoy a beautiful day at Terhune Orchards. 330 Cold Soil Road, PRINCETON.1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Apples will be donated to the Montgomery Food Bank. Information, call (908) 359-0420.

East Brunswick Jewish Center. The first class of a weekly Hebrew Ulpan for teens /adults. Learn conversational Hebrew. Letter recognition required. Full year program. 511 Ryders Lane, EAST BRUNSWICK. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Information, call (732) 257-7070.

YM-YWHA of Union. Lecture by David Aaron on the growth and development of Klezmer music. Aaron, a well known orchestra leader and active band leader in N.J. since the 1970s will include some music he will perform. 501 Green Lane, UNION. 10:30 a.m. $5 for members and $6 for non-members. Information, call Susan at (908) 289-8112.

East Brunswick Jewish Center. The first class of a weekly Hebrew Ulpan for teens/adults. Learn conversational Hebrew. Letter recognition required. Full year program. 511 Ryders Lane, EAST BRUNSWICK. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Information, (732) 257-7070.

Monday, Oct. 19

Jewish Family and Children's Service. Bereavement group, meets every Monday. Members converse openly and support one another through the grief process. Open to any Jewish adult, regardless of affiliation, who has lost a loved one within the past 18 months. LOCATION: TBD. Mondays, 7-8:30 p.m. Pre-registration required by Oct. 9. Information and registration, Debra Levenstein, (609) 987-8100 or debral@jfcsonline.org.

Wedgwood Gardens, Freehold. "Relief for Back and Neck Pain," talk by Dr. Grigory Goldberg. Goldberg is a fellow-trained spine surgeon at Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute, Freehold and Monroe. Dr. Goldberg, who is fluent in Russian, will answer questions in both English and Russian. 551 Cranbury Road, EAST BRUNSWICK. In the Senior Community Room. Free. To register for "Relief for Back and Neck Pain," call Fay at (732) 257-1988.

The Mercer Community Women's Chevre Kadisha-Sacred Burial Society. An evening of learning and demonstrations illuminating the beautiful traditions and rituals Judaism offers our loved ones at the time of their passing. Come, learn, and become familiar with the rich and spiritually uplifting rituals we bestow upon our loved ones. Beth El Synagogue, 50 Maple Stream Road, EAST WINDSOR. 7 p.m. Information call (609) 443-1844.

Highland Park Conservative Temple-Cong. Anshe Emeth. Rabbi Kerry Olitzky will present a lecture and book signing on "From the Mind and Heart of Rabbi Kerry Olitzky." Rabbi Olitzky has authored more than 70 books and is the executive director of the Jewish Outreach Institute. 201 South Third Ave., HIGHLAND PARK. 8 p.m. Information, call (732) 545.6482.

East Brunswick Jewish Center. Exploration Series: "The Partnership Minyan Model" Sally Mendelsohn; leader of Minyan Shachar in Riverdale. She will speak on Partnership Minyan/Orthodox Egalitarian model of services. 511 Ryders Lane, EAST BRUNSWICK. 8:15 p.m. Free of charge. Information, (732) 257-7070.

Tuesday, Oct. 20

BUNWC-Tri County Chapter of the Brandeis National Committee. League of Women Voters Overview: N.J. Election 2009. Sandra Matsen of the League of Women Voters New Jersey will discuss issues concerning the November election including any ballot questions. She will not attribute positions on the issues to the candidates. Corner Branch Library, 138 Hickory Corner Road, EAST WINDSOR. 2 p.m. Free and open to the public. Information call, (609) 298-4515.

Temple Beth-El Mekor Chayim. Zumba. An exercise and dance activity to music, presented by Melissa Marcketta, certified Zumba instructor and nutritional counselor, who has received training at all levels of Zumba instruction, from kids to seniors. Wear loose-fitting clothing and sneakers and be prepared for some fun! 338 Walnut Ave., CRANFORD. 8 p.m. Further information, call the synagogue at (908) 276-9231. Highland Park Conservative Temple-Cong. Anshe Emeth. Legacy Endowment-Hebrew Language Institute with Ilana Rozett. Beginner Hebrew will be offered Tuesday evenings, Oct. 20-April 27 at 8 p.m. Intermediate Hebrew will be offered Thursday evenings, Oct. 22-April 29 at 8 p.m. $58 for members and non-members. 201 South Third Ave., HIGHLAND PARK. Information, call (732) 545-6482.

Jewish Federation of Central N.J. Book group discussion for women. "Rashi's Daughter Book III: Rachel," by Maggie Anton. Sylvan Lane, SCOTCH PLAINS. 7:30 p.m. Refreshments. No fee to attend. RSVP for location by Oct. 19 to Kim Farrell, (908) 889-5335 or kfarrell@jfedcnj.org.

Wednesday, Oct. 21

Congregation Etz Ahaim. "Manners," the 7th of eight free lectures you'll never forget by Rabbi David Bassous in a series titled "The Secrets of Success." Registration required. 230 Denison St., HIGHLAND PARK. 8 p.m. To register or for more information, call Etz Ahaim at (732) 247-3839 or email info@etzahaim.org.

Jewish Historical Society of Central Jersey. "Anarchists Among Us: The Modern School of Stelton," lecture by Dr. Nathan Reiss. Reiss, president of the Jewish Historical Society of Central Jersey, is a retired Rutgers professor and an acclaimed genealogist. He recently published "Some Jewish Families of Hesse and Galicia," a book which represents his life's work on the research of his own family roots. The lecture series will continue in both locations on a monthly basis through November. Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple, 222 Livingston Ave., NEW BRUNSWICK. 10:30 a.m. Free and open to the public. Information, call the JHSCJ office at (732) 249-4894.

Jewish Congregation of Concordia/Monroe Twp. Shabbat services especially honoring our 90-year-old members. Kiddush following services. 1600 Perrineville Road, MONROE. 9 a.m.

The Barron Arts Center. Jeffrey Wechsler will discuss the National Association of Women Artists and the contributions of women in the visual arts, their past difficulties, and increasing acceptance within the field of visual art. 582 Rahway Ave., WOODBRIDGE. 7:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. Information, (732) 634-0413.

East Brunswick Jewish Center. The second class of a weekly Hebrew Ulpan for teens/adults. Learn conversational Hebrew. Letter recognition required. Full year program. 511 Ryders Lane, EAST BRUNSWICK. 6:30-8:20 p.m. Information, (732) 257-7070.

East Brunswick Jewish Center. The second class of a weekly Hebrew Ulpan for teens /adults. Learn conversational Hebrew. Letter recognition required. Full year program. 511 Ryders Lane, EAST BRUNSWICK. 6:30-8:20 p.m. Information, (732) 257-7070.

Oct. 23-24

Congregation B'nai Israel. Synaplex Shabbat. Friday night signed service with a special guest appearance by Noah; blessing of the pets; the secret lives of teens; Judaism for dummies; family luau; and more. Scott Fried will be speaking with students in grades 8-12 about their "Scrapbook of Secrets," how to talk to parents and tell them what is really on one's mind. Also a session for parents: "Hear Our Children: How to learn about the secret lives of your son and daughter without reading their diaries." 1488 Old Freehold Road, TOMS RIVER. $18 for all meals. For reservations and information, (732) 349-1244.

Friday, Oct. 23

Malboro Jewish Center. Shabbat services. It will include keyboard, guitars and percussion. Cantor Wayne Krieger and his wife Nancy will lead the dynamic engaging service with Rabbi Toni Shy and the synagogue's choir. The evening promises to be a spirited and joyful experience.The public is welcome and encouraged to join us! 103 School Road West, MARLBORO. 8 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 24

East Brunswick Jewish Center. Joel Gensler Memorial Scholar in Residence Series: "The Legacy of Russian Jewry." Prof. Olga Litvak.the "The Stories of Sholem-Aleichem" and 5:30 p.m. for "Jews in Soviet Russia." 511 Ryders Lane, EAST BRUNSWICK. 9:30 a.m.

Sunday, Oct. 25

Monroe Twp. Chapter of Hadassah. Progressive Dinner. Cocktails will start at 5:30 p.m. and continue to differenct homes for dinner. All participants will meet at the Concordia Congregation for an all-inclusive dessert. $25 per person. Reservations, information, Maxine at (609) 395-8757.

Jewish Congregation of Concordia/Monroe Twp. Men's Club breakfast. 1600 Perrineville Road, MONROE. 9:30 a.m.

Temple Beth Or. Classical music program at Greenbriar, Toms River, by Saralee Miller. 1 Kensington Circle, TOMS RIVER. 3 p.m. $20. For reservations, call the Temple, at (732) 458-4700.

The Barron Arts Center. Lecture and workshop by artist Kenneth Hari. World-renowned Hari, artist, portraitist, sculptor, and educator, will share his knowledge and talent by giving a lecture on Oct. 25 and a four-day workshop Oct. 26-29. 582 Rahway Ave., WOODBRIDGE. Information about workshop and lecture including fees and registration, go to www.theworldofkennethhari.com, or call (215) 501-7122.

The Werner Lecture Fund of Beth El Synagogue. Kosher tailgating with Chef Marshall Alter. Come and learn the chef's secrets while sampling the food! 50 Maple Stream Road, EAST WINDSOR. 10-11:30 a.m. $10 fee includes all supplies and culinary treats. Reservations are required. Contact the synagogue office for details at (609) 443-4454.

The I.L. Peretz Secular Jewish Community. An Evening with International Peace Activist Medea Benjamin. Called one of the "high profile leaders of the peace movement" by the Los Angeles Times, Madea Benjamin has distinguished herself as an eloquent and energetic figure in the progressive movement and will speak about her recent trip to the Gaza Strip and her organizing for a nonviolent march on Jan. 1, 2010 to pressure the Israeli, Egyptian, and U.S. governments to end the blockade of Gaza. Reformed Church of Highland Park on 19-21 Second Ave., HIGHLAND PARK. 7 p.m. Admission is $5 for non-members. Information, (732) 545-9691 or info@ilperetz.org.

Sisterhood of Temple Beth El Mekor Chayim. Rummage sale. Men's, women's, and children's clothing will be for sale as well as household items, bric-a-brac, toys, and miscellaneous items. 338 Walnut Ave., CRANFORD. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Information, call temple at (908) 276-9231.

Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple. Junior Choir concert. As part of the celebration of Anshe Emeth's 150th anniversary year, their Junior Choir, comprised of youngsters in grades 3-6 and stars of the monthly Family Service, will entertain with songs from their vast Shabbat repertoire. Directed by Cantor Anna West Ott, they will be accompanied by the brilliant "Piano Dave" Schlossberg. 222 Livingston Ave., NEW BRUNSWICK. 4 p.m. Information, contact Cantor Anna West Ott at (732) 406-1371.

Monday, Oct 26

Jewish Congregation of Concordia/Monroe Twp. Sisterhood meeting with speaker Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein. 1600 Perrineville Road, MONROE. 1 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 27

Hadassah L'Dor V'Dor Young Women of Raritan Valley. Hadassah Sh'arim Study Group L'Dor V'Dor young women's study group now forming for fall. Curriculum Torah study: And you think your family has problems! Space is limited to 20 participants on a first come, first served basis. A firm commitment to attending all study sessions (fourth Tuesday of the month October-May) is required. 7:30 p.m. in HIGHLAND PARK. $18 members, $36 non-members. Information contact Jackie at (732) 750-5067 or email ywhadassahevents@yahoo.com.

Congregation Kol Am. "Adam and Eve, Let's Talk About Sex." The first of 14 discussions to be led by Rabbi Brooks Susman, Starting off with a discussion of "Adam & Eve, Lets Talk About Sex," the rabbi hopes to present a deep analysis of the biblical characters as well as the behavioral trends they represent because these stories reflect issues relevant to our lives today, such as, sibling rivalries, concerns of the unknown, problems of power, and fears of the "wrath of the gods". Court Street School in FREEHOLD Borough. 7:30-9 p.m. Free. Information, see www.congregationkolam.org.

Wednesday, Oct. 28

Congregation Etz Ahaim. "Psychology in the Torah," the last of eight free lectures you'll never forget by Rabbi David Bassous in a series titled "The Secrets of Success." Registration required. 230 Denison St., HIGHLAND PARK. 8 p.m. To register or for more information, call Etz Ahaim at (732) 247-3839 or email info@etzahaim.org.

Thursday, Oct. 29

Jewish Family Service of Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties. "Addiction: It IS a Jewish Issue." It will feature an addict in recovery, the parent of a substance abuser, and two rabbis. Rabbi Robin Nafshi community rabbi for JFS Ohr Tikvah Light of Hope Healing Center states "In examining what is painful, we move toward healing." Joining Rabbi Nafshi, will be Rabbi Eric Lankin, Director of Religious and Educational Activities, United Jewish Communities, and addiction treatment specialist. The program is open to those in recovery, those wishing to be in recovery and all who are touched by issues of substance abuse in their families. Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center, 775 Talamini Road, BRIDGEWATER. 7 p.m. Information, call (908) 725-7799.

Saturday, Oct. 31

Jewish Congregation of Concordia/Monroe Twp. Shabbat services with Kiddush sponsored by Donna and Lester Steif in honor of their 55th anniversary. 1600 Perrineville Road, MONROE. 9 a.m.

Highland Park Conservative Temple-Cong. Anshe Emeth. "Grit: A Pediatrician's Odyssey From a Russian Labor Camp to Harvard," with author Dr. Michael Kesler speaking at seudah shlishit after Mincha. This story of a young woman escaping Poland during the Nazi invasion is not to be missed. Kesler, a Holocaust survivor, was educated at MIT and NYU. South Third Ave., HIGHLAND PARK. 5 p.m. Free admission. Information, call (732) 545.6482.

Sunday, Nov. 1 Temple Beth Or. "The Queen of Bingo", an audience participation play, featuring Harold Augenbraum and the South Street Players. Temple Beth Or, 200 Van Zile Road, BRICK. 2:30 p.m. $15. For reservations, call the Temple, at (732) 458-4700. Highland Park Conservative Temple-Cong. Anshe Emeth. The Loretta Flam Memorial Lecture, The Spiritual Struggles of Daily Life, presented by Rabbi Shai Held, scholar-in-residence at Kehilat Hadar, a teacher at JTS, and a Fellow in Religion at Harvard University. This lecture is sponsored by the families of Loretta and her husband, Dr. Eric Flam and by Carol and Henry Teitelbaum. South Third Ave., HIGHLAND PARK. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is no charge and includes lunch. Information, call (732) 545.6482. YM-YWHA of Union. Screening of "Defiance." The Mini-Jewish film series at the YM-YWHA of Union will present the first in the 5-part series, "Defiance", the 2008 story of the Bielsky Brothers during World War II. The R-rated film stars Daniel Craig and Live Schreiber. 501 Green Lane, UNION. 1 p.m. $5 ($3 for Y members) Reservations are necessary. Call (908) 289-8112 to reserve. Saturday, Nov. 7 Ahavas Achim. Israeli art show. Ahavas Achim will be hosting artists from Israel on Motzei Shabbat, Nov. 7 and all day Sunday, Nov. 8. They will be bringing unique and one-of-a-kind creations in several different media. 216 South First Ave., HIGHLAND PARK. Information, call 732-247-0532. Sunday, Nov. 8 YM-YWHA of Union. "Mikado." Tickets are now on sale for the Ridgewood Gilbert & Sullivan Opera presentation of "Mikado". 501 Green Lane, UNION. 1 p.m. $10 ($8 for Y members). To reserve, call (908) 289-8112. East Brunswick Jewish Center. Kristallnacht "Mended Promises" Commemoration. Mr. Robert Gangi, teacher at EBHS is presented our Mended Promises Award, personal testimonies, musical performance, and dedication of new stained glass windows. 511 Ryders Lane, EAST BRUNSWICK. 4 p.m,. Free of charge. Information, call (732) 257-7070. 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 Dr. Stephen Morse's popular one-step Web site, www.stevemorse.org. This talk describes those gems, ranging from solutions to problems with genealogical searches, identity theft, DNA analysis and other features with which many of us may not otherwise be aware. This is a "Don't Miss" event. 50 Maple Stream Road, EAST WINDSOR. 7:30 p.m. Call the Synagogue office with any questions or to RSVP, at (609) 443-4454. 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. 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. 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. Sunday, Nov. 22 The 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. 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. Monday, Dec. 7 The Rutgers Yiddish Club. ‘Our Children' film screening. The Student Activities Center, 613 George St. 7-9 p.m.