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Message from the Chairman
This month marks the third anniversary of HudsonJewish, the only community-wide Jewish body in Hudson County. From a few initial discussions among community leaders in 2007, HudsonJewish has grown to a mature organization that now sponsors regular programs such as the Jewish "Salon" in downtown Jersey City, holds major events like "Hanukkah on the Hudson" and keeps the community informed through this monthly newsletter. We hope that you will continue to take advantage of these initiatives.
HudsonJewish is run by volunteer Trustees elected from every corner of our region -- currently from Hoboken, Jersey City, Bayonne and North Bergen. (See below for information on 2009 elections, to take place December 7 at United Synagogue of Hoboken). The most important thing that our Trustees have in common is a commitment to HudsonJewish's mission: to nurture and support Jewish life in Hudson County. We always welcome additional volunteers to assist with HudsonJewish activities like "Hanukkah on the Hudson." Volunteering is the best way to get involved in local Jewish life -- and to meet other Jewish people who share your interests.
The big news for December is that "Hanukkah on the Hudson" will take place at a new venue this year: Temple Beth-El of Jersey City, 2419 Kennedy Boulevard. The event will be held on Thursday, December 17, from 7-10 PM. (More information below). We hope that you will join the whole community at this region-wide celebration, which in past years has drawn hundreds of guests of all ages and interests.
So, whether you are a long-time resident or a relative newcomer to the region, come out and meet your Jewish neighbors at "Hanukkah on the Hudson" this year. In addition to the traditional kindling of the Hanukkah lights, you'll enjoy latkes and other refreshments, live music and the opportunity to meet Jews from across our growing community.
Warmest wishes to you and yours for a Happy Hanukkah,
Adam
Adam S. Weiss, Chairman, HudsonJewish
Adam@HudsonJewish.org |
| "Hannukah on the Hudson!" |
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HudsonJewish, in conjunction with Temple Beth-El of Jersey City, invites the entire community to the annual Hudson County-wide Jewish holiday celebration. "Hanukkah on the Hudson-A Celebration of Lights, Latkes and Live Music" will take place Thursday evening, December 17, at Temple Beth-El, 2419 Kennedy Boulevard in Jersey City. The event begins at 7:00 PM with the traditional candle lighting ceremony at 7:30 PM. Rabbi Kenneth Brickman will officiate at the kindling of the Hanukkah menorah. A delicious hot dairy buffet and other refreshments will be served.
"Temple Beth-El is a wonderful venue for a county-wide event, and we are delighted to provide all of our neighboring communities a place to meet and celebrate," said Irwin Rosen, President of Temple Beth-El. "We are pleased that HudsonJewish has chosen our synagogue to host the event this year."
Entertainment will include Jewish and Israeli music provided by Eric Komar, a noted Jewish singer-songwriter-guitarist.
"Hanukkah on the Hudson has become a local tradition and we have every intention of making this year's festivities a highlight of the community's annual calendar," said Michelle Levine, Secretary of the HudsonJewish Board of Trustees. "As in prior years, the entire community, whether Jewish or not, is invited to participate," she continued.
Hanukkah on the Hudson represents the largest gathering of Jewish people in the area, and draws a crowd from every corner of Hudson County. According to HudsonJewish Treasurer Matt Meistrich, "Whether you are a long-time resident of the area, or a relative newcomer, Hanukkah Hanukkah on the Hudson is the place to gather with old friends and meet new people."
The festival of Hanukkah (Hebrew for "dedication") commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in 165 B.C.E. following the Maccabees' defeat of the Syrian-Greek Empire that had seized it for pagan worship. Putting the event in religious and historical context, Rabbi Brickman noted, "Just as our ancestors created Hanukkah to celebrate the revival of Jewish life in their times, we too celebrate the revival of our community." Clergy members from local synagogues will receive the honor of lighting the Hanukkah candles.
An architectural landmark, Temple Beth-El is located at 2419 Kennedy Boulevard in Jersey City and accessible by the number 10 bus from Journal Square. Limited on-street parking is available as are parking spaces at the Bank of America across the street from the synagogue. Carpools are being formed at other local synagogues; a directory is available at www.HudsonJewish.org. Advance registration is requested (but not required) for this event.
For reservations email Reservations@HudsonJewish.org or call HudsonJewish Community Concierge Annette Hassell at 201-868-4755.
Admission is adults $13; children 3-12 $9; under 3 free. Advance payment may be made by PayPal on the HudsonJewish website or by check to HudsonJewish, PO Box 225, Jersey City, NJ 07303.
(Photo credits: Emily Anne Epstein/The Jersey Journal) |
2009 Board of Trustees Elections
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Annual elections for the HudsonJewish Board of Trustees will take place at the December 7th Board meeting, to be held at United Synagogue of Hoboken, 115 Park Avenue. The meeting will start promptly at 7:30 PM. All community-minded individuals are invited to nominate themselves to serve; email nominations, along with a brief bio, to: Secretary@HudsonJewish.org. A copy of the HudsonJewish by-laws is available at the bottom of the "About" page of the HudsonJewish website at www.HudsonJewish.org.
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Jewish Social/Intellectual Salons Gaining Popularity. Next Salon Set for Wednesday, December 2
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The HudsonJewish Salons are turning out to be a great success, and a means of connecting with other people in an environment that is both social and intellectual.
Our next Salon will address the topic: "The Jewish Immigrant Experience: How Does It Affect Jewish Identity Today?" Whether you are a first, second, third, fourth, or other-generation American, the discussion is sure to be lively as we explore what it means to be a "hyphenated-American."
The Salon takes place Wednesday, December 2, 7:30 PM at the CASE Museum, 80 Grand Street (corner of Washington) in downtown Jersey City. For more information contact HudsonJewish Trustee Raylie Dunkel: Raylie@HudsonJewish.org. A small donation of refreshments is always appreciated but not required.
PS. Volunteers to serve on the HudsonJewish Program Committee should also contact Raylie. |
| Synagogue Spotlight -- Temple Beth-El of Jersey City |
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Temple Beth-El has served the Jersey City-area Jewish community since 1864. A Reform congregation since 1914, Temple Beth-El was originally located in downtown Jersey City, and moved to its current landmark building on Kennedy Boulevard in 1926.
Jersey City's premier Reform congregation, Temple Beth-El is known for its inclusiveness: the synagogue serves a diverse community that includes interfaith, multi-ethnic, single-parent, and gay and lesbian households. Led by Rabbi Kenneth Brickman and Student Cantor Jamie Marx, the congregation is an integral part of local religious life, and operates a Hebrew school in conjunction with Temple Beth Am of Bayonne. Temple Beth-El also provides monthly family services and holiday programs for preschool children, as well as a full schedule of Shabbat and holiday services. In light of changing demographics in downtown Jersey City, Temple Beth-El extends a special welcome to new Jewish individuals and families in that part of town.
This year, Temple Beth-El plays host to "Hanukkah on the Hudson" -- a perfect opportunity to visit the synagogue.
For more information, please consult Temple Beth-El's website at: www.betheljc.org. |
Jewish WPA Muralist Michael Lenson - Retrospective and Panel Discussion at Jewish Museum of New Jersey
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Realist painter Michael Lenson (1903-1971) gained widespread recognition as a muralist commissioned by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in the 1930's to produce art in and around New Jersey. Examples of his work can still be seen in such locations as Newark's Weequhaic High School and City Hall. An exhibition of Lenson's work will be on display at the Jewish Museum of New Jersey through December 20.
A panel discussion entitled "Public Art in Newark from the WPA to the Present" will be held at the Museum on Sunday, December 20, 2-4 PM. The discussion will be followed by a reception in recognition of Newark's City Murals Project.
The Museum is located in the historic Ahavas Sholom synagogue, 145 Broadway in Newark. Hours are Sundays, 12-5 PM. For information contact Info@JewishMuseumNJ.org or Max Herman at 973-698-8489. Suggested donation $10. |
| Shabbat Hanukkah Celebration at Congregation B'nai Jacob |
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| On Friday evening and Saturday morning, December 11-12, Congregation B'nai Jacob will host a special Shabbat Hanukkah celebration beginning with the congregation's monthly "Friday Night Live!" musical Shabbat and dinner. Dinner, including hors d'ouvres, wine, brisket, latkes, etc. is $30. No "membership hustle" -- just an opportunity to enjoy Shabbat and Hanukkah with other people in the community. Nosh and schmooze at 6:30; services at 7; dinner at 8.
On Shabbat morning, Drew Morcheles, a twenty-something resident of downtown Jersey City and Solomon Schechter graduate, will chant the Haftara. Following kiddush, Cantor Marsha Dubrow will lead a discussion on the often overlooked Book of Maccabees.
Kindly make dinner reservations by December 4.
Congregation B'nai Jacob is located at 176 West Side Avenue in Jersey City. Ample parking is available. For more information visit the B'nai Jacob website at www.bnaijacobjc.org. |
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December Events
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To post your own organization's events to the HudsonJewish community calendar, email Trustee Jessica Lemmon (Jessica@HudsonJewish.org) for a username and password. Posting events is the best way to avoid scheduling conflicts and broadcast your events (and existence) to the community. Dates/times/locations may change, so check the online calendar for updates. More information is often available on the HudosnJewish website.
Tuesday, Dec 1, 12pm - Sunday, Dec 6: The Kaplan Preschool/Learning Center Book Fair at United Synagogue of Hoboken. There will be numerous events during the week, culminating in Family Day on Sunday, Dec 6 with a full day of events starting at 11am. For a full list of Book Fair times and events, please see: http://hobokensynagogue.org/docs/BookFairFlyer_2009.pdf
Tuesday, Dec 1, 7-8:30pm: USH Parents with Special Needs Children Networking and Support Group at United Synagogue of Hoboken. Rabbi Scheinberg will discuss Jewish spiritual resources for parents of children with special needs. The group is open to the public and parents, family, and friends are all welcome. For more information please contact, preschool@hobokensynagogue.org.
Wednesday, Dec 2, 7:30pm: The topic of the next Downtown Jersey City Salon is "The Jewish Immigrant Experience: How does it Affect Jewish Memory Today." Come and share your experiences with a lively group of people! RSVP to Raylie@hudsonjewish.org. CASE Museum, 80 Grand Street, Jersey City.
Wednesday, Dec 2, 10:30am: Chai Cafe- Intergenerational Chanukah Party at the Bayonne JCC. Come celebrate Chanukah with Rabbi Scheinberg and children from the Bayonne JCC Early Enrichment Center as we sing songs, light the Menorah, and share Chanukah treats! RSVP: 201-697-3355.
Saturday, Dec 5, 4-6pm: Youngsters 4-7 are invited to "Havdalah and some Dramah," a PJ Library event where children can hear stories and celebrate Havdalah, at the United Synagogue of Hoboken. RSVP: 201-653-8666 or USHpreschool@gmail.com
Sunday, Dec. 6, 9:30am: Join Temple Emanu-El of Bayonne for their Sunday Movie Matinee. This week's film will be "Making Trouble" which tells the story of six of the greatest female comic entertainers of the last century. This is a free event, but please RSVP to templeemanuelnj@aol.com.
Sunday, Dec 6, 12pm: Following the Sunday Movie Matinee, join Temple Emanu-El's Gourmand Club as we dine out at Lin's Kosher Chinese Kitchen in Manville ( lin-kosher.com). We will meet at Temple Emanu-El. For more information and to RSVP please contact templeemanuelnj@aol.com.
Sunday, Dec 6, 11am: Join the National Council of Jewish Women for a Hanukah Pot Luck Brunch and Gift Wrap. Please bring a dairy or vegetarian item, and your own scotch tape and wrapping paper to wrap holiday gifts for the children at Nuestros Ninos in Hudson County. For more information and to RSVP, please contact events@ncjwhoboken.org.
Friday, Dec 11, 6:30pm: Join B'nai Jacob of Jersey City for a two-part Hanukah Celebration! The celebration starts Friday night with some nosh and wine, followed by a special musical Shabbat service. Dinner is at 8pm and includes special Hanukah Music Entertainment! Only $30/person! Please RSVP to Min Natovitz, 201-435--0575. The celebration continues on Saturday morning with a Shabbat Hanukah Service at 9am, followed by a Kiddush Luncheon, and special Hanukah Study Session.
Saturday evening, December 12, 5-9 PM: JYAH's
"Hanukah Bar Crawl" in Hoboken. There will be custom t-shirts, vodka,
latkes, dreidel drinking games and more! $10 in advance, $15 at the
door. For more details please see
http://jyahhannukahbarcrawl.eventbrite.com
Saturday, Dec. 12, 4:30pm: My Jewish Neighborhood of Hoboken will have a Chavdalah and Chanukah Candle Lighting. This will include a dairy pot luck dinner and each guest is asked to bring a menu item. For more information and locations, please contact neighborhood@hobokensynagogue.org.
Sunday, Dec 13 9:30am: Join Temple Emanu-El of Bayonne for the last Sunday Movie Matinee of the year. "My Mexican Shivah" start Sergio Kleiner, Enrique Cimet, and Max Kerlow. This is a free event but RSVP is necessary: templeemanuelnj@aol.com.
Sunday, Dec 20, 12pm: Jews, Carbs, and Thoughtful Eating- delicious low-carb cooking demo with Chef Mark Bloomberg, followed by "High Tea" at Temple Emanu-El in Bayonne. $10/person, please RSVP to templeemanuelnj@aol.com.
Sunday, Dec 20, 2-4pm: Jewish WPA Muralist Michael Lenson: Retrospective and Panel Discussion at the Jewish Museum of New Jersey in Newark. Museum is located in the historic Ahavas Sholom synagogue, 145 Broadway. Suggested donation $10, for more information, Info@jewishmuseumnj.org.
Thursday, Dec 31, 8pm: Temple Emanu-El's "New Year's Eve Champagne Celebration." Welcome 2010 at Temple Emanu-El in Bayonne! $20/person includes dancing, great food, raffles and prizes! BYOB. Reservations required: templeemanuelnj@aol.com or 201-436-4499.
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Future Events
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| Tuesday, January 26, 7PM: "Los Judios de Cuba/The Jews of Cuba," special screening of a new documentary on the Jewish community of Cuba. Location: Temple Beth Abraham, 8410 4th Avenue in North Bergen. Watch for more details in the January newsletter and on the HudsonJewish website. |
Free Talaism
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A generous donor has provided HudsonJewish with a number of brand new talaisim, available to anyone who wants one. To obtain a talis, contact HudsonJewish Trustee Matt Meistrich: Matt@HudsonJewish.org. |
Volunteers Sought; Donations Appreciated
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HudsonJewish is a 100% volunteer effort and relies on the community for support. While donations are always appreciated (see, Our Donors), the most important thing we need is people to help with specific tasks. In particular, if you have skills in publicity or website development, contact us at info@HudsonJewish.org. You will be joining a dedicated and capable group of volunteers to serve a growing community that depends on HudsonJewish for information and connection to other Jews in the vicinity.
If you agree that HudsonJewish is doing good work for the community, you are also invited to make a donation either by PayPal on our website, or by check to: HudsonJewish, PO Box 225, Jersey City, NJ 07303.
HudsonJewish is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.
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"HudsonJewish" and the HudsonJewish logo are trademarks of the Hudson Jewish Community Forum, A New Jersey Nonprofit Corporation having 501(c)(3) status. Our mission is to nurture and support Jewish life in Hudson County, New Jersey.
HudsonJewish: Connecting Our Community |
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