Home

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 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 Concordia Congregation for 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 artist, portraitist, sculptor, and educator will share his knowledge and talent by giving a lecture on Oct. 25 and a workshop Oct. 26-29. 582 Rahway Ave., WOODBRIDGE. Information about workshop, lecture, fees, and registration, www.theworldofkennethhari.com or (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, 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 to pressure the Israeli, Egyptian, and U.S. governments to end the blockade of Gaza. Reformed Church of Highland Park, 19-21 Second Ave., HIGHLAND PARK. 7 p.m. $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, Cantor Anna West Ott at (732) 406-1371.

Congregating Neve Shalom. Used clothing drive to benefit our nursery and Hebrew school programs. We ask you to bring men’s, women’s, and children’s wearable clothes; shoes, belts, handbags, linens, stuffed animals, and hard toys (no larger than 24 inches) into the synagogue in tied plastic bags. 250 Grove Ave., METUCHEN. 9-11 a.m. Information, contact Shelley Telson at mrst820@aol.com.

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.

The Highland Park Conservative Temple-Congregation Anshe Emeth. “The Golem and Singularity,” lecture by Rabbi Mordecai Schwartz. Come and hear about the spiritual dimension of technology. Rabbi Schwartz is Director of Admissions of the JTS Rabbinical School as well as a faculty member. 201 South Third Ave., HIGHLAND PARK. 9 a.m. $6 members, $8 non-members, with breakfast included. Information, (732) 545-6482.

Raritan Valley Chapter of Hadassah.The next meeting of Chug Ivrit (Hebrew Club) for intermediate to advanced Hebrew speakers. We chat in Hebrew and read a short Hebrew story. Home of Cheryl Amdur, 89 Lexington Ave., EDISON. 4 p.m. Free and open to both men and women. Information, Rachel Weintraub at (732) 819-9298 or rachel@weintraubworld.net.

Monday, Oct 26

Jewish Congregation of Concordia/Monroe Twp. Sisterhood meeting with speaker Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein. 1600 Perrineville Road, MONROE. 1 p.m. Highland Park Conservative Temple-Congregation Anshe Emeth. Monday classes with Rabbi Eliot Malomet entitled “Genesis From Cover to Cover.” First class Monday, Oct. 26. 201 South Third Ave., HIGHLAND PARK. 12:15-1:15 p.m. No fee for members. $10 per semester for non-members. Optional lunch is $3. Information, (732) 545-6482.

Tuesday, Oct. 27

Hadassah L’Dor V’Dor Young Women of Raritan Valley. 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. Beginning with “Adam & Eve, Lets Talk About Sex,” the rabbi will present a deep analysis of the biblical characters as well as the behavioral trends they represent. 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. Registration, information, contact Etz Ahaim, (732) 247-3839 or info@etzahaim.org.

Thursday, Oct. 29

Jewish Family Service of Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties. “Addiction: It IS a Jewish Issue” will feature an addict in recovery, the parent of a substance abuser, and two rabbis. Joinging Rabbi Robin Nafshi, community rabbi for JFS Ohr Tikvah Light of Hope Healing, 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, wishing to be in recovery, or touched by issues of substance abuse in their families. Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center, 775 Talamini Road, BRIDGEWATER. 7 p.m. Information, (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. Information, (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. Reservations, call the temple, (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. 201 South Third Ave., HIGHLAND PARK. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. There is no charge and includes lunch. Information, (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 Bielski 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.

Congregation Beth Ohr, Old Bridge. Speaker Richard Dvorin, 30 years of service to New Brunswick and Old Bridge Police departments, father of Lt. Seth Dvorin, U.S. Army, killed in action Feb. 3, 2004, while serving his country in Iraq. 70 Route 516, OLD BRIDGE. Information, David Honig (973) 344-0600 ext. 106 or dhonig@jarchem.com.

Westfield Hadassah. Godparents Fabulous Fall Festivities with speaker Ruth Gerber Cole, national chair of Hadassah Magazine. Elegant luncheon; musical entertainment by Don Anthony. Proceeds benefit the Hadassah Medical Organization. Hadassah is the largest women’s organization in the United States. It supports medical care and research, women’s health education, community volunteerism, and social action. Ferraro’s South, 425 South Elmer St., WESTFIELD. Information, contact Carole Thau at (908) 771-9251.

Monday, Nov. 2

Congregation Kol Am and Salkin’s Jewel Case. “Cash in the Bling” party. According to David Salkin, the owner of the Jewel Case, with gold prices at an all time high, now is a great opportunity to sell your unwanted gold, platinum and silver and put cash in your hands for the holidays or pay some nagging bills. Those in attendance will also be treated to a wine and cheese party and be eligible for a door prize of fresh water pearls. 3585 Highway 9 North in the Shop Rite shopping center, FREEHOLD. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Information, (732) 792-8000 or www.congregationkolam.org.

Tuesday, Nov. 3

The Highland Park Conservative Temple-Congregation Anshe Emeth Sisterhood. 60th Annual Fashion Show and Gourmet Dinner. Join us as we honor Patsy Davidson, Sima Schall, and Brenda Tanzman for their innovative programs, projects, and inspirational leadership. Dinner by Exquisite Caterers and Fashions by Lord & Taylor. Raffle, auction and prizes. 201 South Third Ave., HIGHLAND PARK. 6:30 p.m. Information, Elaine Fromkin (732) 257-1525.

Wednesday, Nov. 4

Jewish Family Service. Job seekers Support Group. The topic for this session is “Credit Issues: What you need to know about obtaining and maintaining good credit,” presented by Judy Braverman, Community Relations Specialist and Joanne Fabiana, branch manager of Magyar Bank. 150 A West High St., SOMERVILLE. 7-9 p.m. Free. To register, contact Elise Prezant at (908) 725-7799 or elise.prezant@verizon.net.

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.

Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School for Girls. Open house. 1650 Palisade Ave., TEANECK. 1:30 p.m. Information, Rivka Kahan (201) 833-4307 ext. 202.

Monday, Nov. 9

The Highland Park Conservative Temple-Congregation Anshe Emeth. Rabbi Yakov Hilsenrath, Rabbi Emeritus of the HPCT-CAE will present the Louis Rockoff Lecture. 201 South Third Ave., HIGHLAND PARK. 8 p.m. Free admission Information, (732) 545-6482.

Tuesday, Nov. 10

Temple B’nai Shalom and Friends’ Health Connection. Susie Essman, comedienne and author, brings a night of hilarity and insight. She has played the sassy Susie Greene for all seven seasons of the critically acclaimed HBO comedy series “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Fern and Old Stage Roads, EAST BRUNSWICK. 7 p.m. $35 For tickets, (800) 483-7436 or friendshealthconnection.org.

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.

Sisterhood Temple Beth Or. Annual Gift Auction. Big prizes include our $300 Money Tree and a large flatscreen HDTV. 200 Van Zile Road, BRICK. 6 p.m. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at door for $7. For tickets call (732) 458-4700 during the day or Eileen after 6 p.m. at (732) 540-7573.

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.

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.

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.