(Courtesy of Elmora Ave Shul) A myriad of programs were enjoyed recently by members of the Elmora Avenue Shul located in Elizabeth on Livingston Road.
Among the events was a Friday night Oneg Shabbos held at the Goldman home, featuring Jay Shuman who spoke about the rise of antisemitism on college campuses. The audience was apprised about the realities of campus life today, and asked to think carefully before exposing young adults to secular college life. A wide demographic of ages attended and participated in this excellent program.
On Rosh Chodesh Kislev, Rabbi Chaim Marcus of Congregation Israel in Springfield spoke to an interested group on the topic of “Beauty and the Power of Chanukah.” Starting off the holiday season, Rabbi Marcus explained that Chanukah is a holiday of mesirat nefesh (giving of one’s self) and the miracle of the oil is God’s way of saying that He is always with us. Attendee Lisa Wadler commented, “Rabbi Marcus gave us a new appreciation for the holiday of Chanukah. He never disappoints!”
Additional Chanukah programming included a well attended sisterhood gift exchange with refreshments of wine and cheese and festive doughnuts. The event, hosted at the YM-YWHA of Union County, is one to which the women of the community look forward each year, as they have the opportunity to hear words of Torah from Rebbitzen Rivky Herman and to socialize with friends while having lots of fun.
Finishing up Chanukah with a blast, the Elmora Avenue Shul hosted its inaugural Shabbos Chanukah luncheon. A festive opportunity to bring together young families and a cross section of membership, luncheons are always popular because they are a time of enjoying community togetherness. The shul looks forward to similar opportunities in the future.
New programs are constantly being introduced at the Elmora Avenue Shul. Elizabeth is a dynamic and friendly community with affordable housing and public transportation close to Manhattan. Offering all the amenities a Jewish family could want, it remains one of Central New Jersey’s best kept secrets. For more information on the community, email [email protected]
