(Courtesy of the JEC Elmora Avenue Shul) On February 2-3, the JEC Elmora Avenue Shul welcomed seven families to its “Experience Elizabeth” shabbaton, which was sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest as part of its Centennial Shabbos Program. Having heard that Elizabeth was “the secret jewel in the crown” of New Jersey, participants were eager to explore the community and see for themselves what Elizabeth offers. Families traveled in from Teaneck and Passaic, New Jersey; Allentown, Pennsylvania; Connecticut, and New York City to see if Elizabeth could be their new home.
The shabbaton was replete with activities from start to finish. A Friday night oneg featured prominent speaker, Rabbi Yechezkel Ezra, who presented an insightful and halachic perspective on black magic and demons. The oneg was very well attended by a large local crowd who came to welcome the families and share their positive experiences. Additionally, participants were hosted by two different shul families for Friday night and Shabbos afternoon lunch, and in some instances a third family for sleeping arrangements. This enabled the families to meet several members of the shul community.
Shabbos day at the JEC Elmora Avenue Shul featured a beautiful davening, a warm welcome and divrei Torah by Rabbi Avrohom Herman, followed by a delicious kiddush and an opportunity to socialize and meet even more members of the shul community. Later that day, a lineup of shiurim was offered for the men and a Tehillim get-together for women.
After Shabbos, new families were invited to join the Elizabeth/Hillside community’s weekly parent-child learning at the YM-YWHA of Union County. Later, there was a meet-and-greet opportunity for guests to become acquainted with the principal of the Jewish Educational Center’s (JEC) lower school, Rabbi Uzi Beer, as well as real estate and mortgage professionals.
If you missed this exciting shabbaton and are interested in hearing about Elizabeth and/or volunteering to hold a parlor meeting in your area, please reach out via email to [email protected] or WhatsApp (347) 733-6813.
