Community Newsbriefs
Flatow Memorial Lecture at Keter Torah
On Sunday, March 29 at 8:00 pm, Keter Torah is hosting a memorial lecture to mark the 20th yartzeit of Alisa Flatow, h”yd. Flatow was studying in Israel when a suicide bomber plowed his car into a public bus, killing her and seven Israeli soldiers. She was just 20 years old. The memorial lecture is sponsored by the Flatow, Rieder, Mermelstein, and Berkowitz families. It’s entitled “Haggada Thoughts of Inner Happiness” and will be delivered by Rabbi Shalom Baum of Congregation Keter Torah.
Wine Tasting and Sale at Shaarei Orah
Shaarei Orah is having a pre-Pesach wine tasting and sale Saturday evening, March 28. The event runs from 8:30 pm–10:30 pm. The free event will feature a vast selection of kosher for Pesach wines from Israel, France, Spain, and Italy as well as Araks and Tequilas. The event will feature Shimon Oppenheim, a sommelier or wine steward, who is a trained and knowledgeable wine professional. 10% of proceeds will be donated to benefit Shaarei Orah.
Car Wash at Jewish Center of Teaneck
Need your car washed before Pesach? On Sunday, March 29, from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm, the parking lot at the Jewish Center of Teaneck will become a car wash. The car wash is being run by Shomer Shabbat Boy Scout Troop 226. The troop is made up of boys from 6th–12th grade, and it meets Monday nights at the Jewish Center of Teaneck. The car wash includes a hand wash exterior and a full interior vacuum. The cost is $20 per car and $35 per SUV or van.
Scavenger Hunt and Crafts at Keter Torah
As you finish up your preparations for Pesach, get your children out of the house to have fun. On Friday April 3, from 11:00 am to1:00 pm, Keter Torah is having a scavenger hunt and crafts for children in Pre-K through fourth grade. Crafts include painting pillow cases and afikomen bags. Permanent paint will be used, so dress your children accordingly. Space is limited, and reservations are required. For more details or to reserve a spot for your children, contact [email protected].
Don’t Forget the Big Bread Burn at the Jewish Center of Teaneck
The eighth annual Joy and Al Amsel z”l Memorial Biur Chametz Event or the Big Bread Burn will take place on Friday, April 3, from 9:30 am to 11:40 am in the parking lot of the Jewish Center of Teaneck. The Teaneck “Fire Safety Trailer” and Fire Department Truck will be there to provide a complimentary fire-safety learning experience. Children will receive lollypops and Junior Fire Chief Hats, a tradition of the Amsel’s backyard hospitality. Chametz should be brought in paper bags. The event is co-sponsored by Jewish Community Council, RCBC, Streits, Congregation Rinat Yisrael, Heichal Hatorah, Beth Aaron, Young Israel of Teaneck, Netivot Shalom, Ohr Saadya, and B’nai Yeshurun.
Jewish Learning Experience at Rinat Yisrael
Rabbi David Pietruszka, director of Bergen County’s Jewish Learning Experience, is giving a class entitled, “Why is the Seder of Today Different From the First Seder When the Jews Left Egypt?” The class will take place on March 29 at 8:30 pm at Rinat Yisrael. The Jewish Learning Experience is a Kiruv organization, and it runs classes and events throughout the year. Rabbi Pietruszka has been director of the organization since 2008.
Ohr Torah to Hold pre-Pesach Children’s Program
Congregation Ohr Torah in West Orange will hold a pre-Pesach event for children ages 2-5 on Sunday, March 29 from 10:30-11:30am. There will be Passover games, a make-your-own haggadah project, and an interactive Pesach storytime complete with music and movement. Parents may drop off their children, but rsvp is required. Please contact [email protected].
Childcare Available for YIOT Shabbos HaGadol Drasha
Rabbi Binyamin Krohn, rabbi of the Young Israel of Teaneck, will deliver his Shabbos HaGadol Drasha Shabbos afternoon, March 28, at 5:45pm. His topic will be, “Product vs. Process—The Four Cups as a Framework for Understanding the Seder Night.” Childcare will be available for children 3-years-old to 5th Grade. The Young Israel is located at 868 Perry Lane in Teaneck.
Bergenfield Community Joins Together for Terrorism Security Briefing
Approximately 100 members and leaders of the Bergenfield Jewish community joined together last week for a security briefing from the New Jersey Department of Homeland Security’s office of faith-based initiatives. Two briefings given by the department’s Harry Kleinkauf and Lt. John Paige were high-level and informative, providing the community an accurate picture of past New Jersey terrorist acts and what types of terrorism to be alert to and prepared for. Paige encouraged the community to partner with other faith-based organizations in the community to be alert to risks and shared threats. Bergenfield Police Chief Michael Carr was present to introduce the two speakers and invited the community to see him as a resource. Bergenfield Mayor Norman Schmelz, who also attended, shared privately to participants that he sees community security as a major priority. Police Commissioner and Councilwoman Ora Kornbluth and Zoning Board Chair Shimmy Stein were organizers of the well attended event.
JEC Holds Second ALUMNIght Out in Teaneck
On Tuesday, April 21, the JEC will hold its second Alumni Network gathering at the Teaneck Doghouse, 1415 Palisade Ave, from 7–10 pm. It is open to all alumni 21-plus of the JEC, Bruriah, and RTMA. Spouses are welcome. There is a $10 cover charge per person. It will be a great opportunity to socialize, connect, and engage with fellow alumni, and enjoy delicious food and great drinks. RSVP is required—please email [email protected] or call 908-355-4850 ext. 6248.
YM-YWHA in Union Offers Teen/Tween Summer Options
Looking for a great Jewish summer experience for your child entering 7th–9th grade? Consider two of the very unique and exciting program at the YM-YWHA of Union County. Located at 501 Green Lane in Union, the Y has been a leader in Teen/Tween Camps for over 30 years. The first program is “Teen Travel & Train.” For boys & girls ages 12–15, the camp offers great trips three days per week and one full day “on campus.” Fridays is half a day of Chesed (volunteer work), and half assigned to a group, training to become a future counselor. While “on campus,” boys & girls will swim, participate in sports (including the new Gaga court, indoor and outdoor fields, and a full-size indoor gymnasium). Other electives include cooking, art, music, nature, and one period discussing Israel-related topics with our Shlichim. There will also be time to discuss and evaluate their experiences as trainees. Trips include ball games, amusement parks, water parks, beaches, and Morey’s Pier in Wildwood. All trips will be on air-conditioned buses, and lunches are included in the camp fees.
The second option is geared more towards the Yeshiva student, Tiyulim. Under the supervision of the Chaverim division, this program will emphasize Jewish learning and davening. Although many trips are coed, on-campus activities will be separate for boys and girls. Trips include Great Adventure, Ellis Island Cruise, Medieval Times, ropes course, indoor amusement parks, and a separate boys and girls swim trip. As with the other division, Fridays will be spent in Chesed in the morning, and training in a group in the afternoon.
For information on either of these programs, please call the Y at 908-289-8112 or visit the website a www.uniony.org. Registration is limited to 30 campers for each program. Camp dates are June 25 through August 18. You can sign up for 8-week or 4-week sessions.
Maccabeats to Perform at Union Y for Yom Ha’atzmaut
The YM-YWHA of Union County and the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest invite the community to a very special event on Thursday, April 23. Doors open at 5:30 for food and light Israeli-vendor shopping, with the Yom Hazikaron ceremony beginning promptly at 6:30 pm. There will be a simultaneous children’s craft program during that 45-minute period. After the shofar, at approx 7:45 pm, the Maccabeats will give a special performance. This will bring in the official birthday celebration! Due to the generosity of the Halpern & Kramer families, along with the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest, this event is free and open to our entire community. Food will be available for purchase. For more information, call the Y at 908-289-8112. The Y is located at 501 Green Lane in Union.
Anshei Lubavitch to Host Open Chasidic Seders
On Friday, April 3, and Saturday, April 4, all are welcome to join Anshei Lubavitch in Fair Lawn, NJ for communal seders. Enjoy Chasidic explanations of the Haggadah and savory food, and sing along to familiar melodies. Seder will be led by Rabbi Avrohom and Rivky Bergstein. Reservations are required. Cost is $50 per person, and $30 per child. Evening begins at 8 at 10-10 Plaza Rd. Fair Lawn, NJ. For further information, call 201-794-3770 ext 101, or visit www.flchabad.com.
