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Message from the Chairman
Dear Friends,
December was a busy month for HudsonJewish, as our annual Hanukkah on the Hudson event drew a crowd of well over 100 people to Temple Beth-El on a very cold night! A full article on the event follows below.
One item on the January calendar that deserves special note is the presentation of "Los Judios de Cuba/The Jews of Cuba," a documentary on the history and present condition of Cuba's small Jewish community. The film will be shown on Tuesday, January 26 at 7PM at Temple Beth Abraham in North Bergen. See below for more information.
If you or your organization have items of interest to the community, please contact HudsonJewish at info@HudsonJewish.org.
L'hitraot,
Adam S. Weiss, Chairman, HudsonJewish
Adam@HudsonJewish.org |
"Thank You" to Everyone Who Made Hanukkah on the Hudson a Success
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Many thanks to everyone who participated in Hanukkah on the Hudson on December 17th. The event gave the entire community a wonderful chance to meet and get to know each other. Virtually every age group, demographic, local institution and branch of Judaism was represented and involved in the evening.  It was particularly heartwarming to see all of the honorees -- clergy and synagogue leaders from across the local spectrum -- jointly honored for their contributions to Jewish communal life in Hudson County. Honored were:
- Jeff Bernstein (Temple Beth Abraham)
- Rabbi Kenneth Brickman (Temple Beth-El)
- Cantor Marsha Dubrow (Congregation B'nai Jacob)
- Larry Gutterman (Temple Beth Am)
- Rabbi Shlomo Marks (Congregation Mount Sinai)
- Rabbi Clifford Miller (Temple Emanu-el)
- Rabbi Robert Scheinberg (United Synagogue of Hoboken)
Entertainment was supplied by noted singer/songwriter Eric Komar, accompanied by the inimitable percussionist "Akiva the Believer." Refreshments were provided by the Jerusalem Restaurant of Livingston, NJ.
Special thanks are due to Rabbi Brickman and President Irwin Rosen of Temple Beth-El, and to Michelle Levine and other members of the Hanukkah on the Hudson committee.
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Election Results
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Annual elections for the HudsonJewish Board of Trustees were held on December 7th at United Synagogue of Hoboken. The following individuals were elected to two-year terms:
- Jeffrey Bernstein (North Bergen)
- Raylie Dunkel (Jersey City)
- Burt Gitlin (North Bergen)
- Alan Lemmon (Jersey City)
- Adam Weiss (Jersey City)
Working committees are now being formed, with special attention to communications and events planning. If you are interested to join the HudsonJewish team, please contact Secretary Michelle Levine: Secretary@HudsonJewish.org.
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| Jewish Social/Intellectual Salon: January 13 at 7:30 PM | |
Our December 2nd Salon included a very lively discussion of how the Jewish immigrant experience continues to shape Jewish identity today. Our next Salon will address the topic: "Is Israel Always Right?"
The Salon takes place Wednesday, January 13, 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. Salons generally take place on the second Wednesday of each month.
PS. Volunteers to serve on the HudsonJewish Program Committee should also contact Raylie. |
Synagogue Spotlight -- Congregation Mount Sinai of Jersey City Heights
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| Sometimes described as a "left-leaning Traditional synagogue," Congregation Mount Sinai has served the Jersey City Heights neighborhood for over 100 years.
Led by the energetic Rabbi Shlomo Marks -- whose British roots and accent impart a unique flavor to Shabbat services -- Mount Sinai draws a diverse crowd primarily from the Heights and downtown Jersey City. Congregants range from people who grew up in Orthodox households, to those who are new to Judaism, to everything in between. While the congregation is expanding as Jewish population increases in the area, its compact size adds to the intimacy of Mount Sinai's services and events.
Shabbat is always a festive occasion, with services followed by a communal lunch that usually features Rabbi Marks's famous cholent (traditional stew of meat and barley). For more information visit the Congregation Mount Sinai website at www.mtsinai.net or call Rabbi Marks at 201-222-3445.  (photo: Rabbi and Mrs. Marks with two of their four boys). |
Los Judios de Cuba/The Jews of Cuba
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Cuba is known for its revolutionary leaders,
communism, cigars and 1950's cars. Since the 1961 Cuban Revolution, the island state has also been known for its antipathy toward religion. Cuba's small Jewish community has struggled to
sustain itself for almost 5 decades, a story that is now told by film maker Milos Silber in his new documentary, " Los Judios de Cuba/The Jews of Cuba." Through exclusive interviews with members of the scattered Jewish community on the island, this
documentary explores how a new generation is relearning what was forgotten during past decades. The journey to rediscovering and reviving Jewish life raises questions about
faith, sustenance, strength and the future that the Cuban Jews face.  HudsonJewish is pleased to present the New Jersey premier of " Los Judios de Cuba/the Jews of Cuba" on Tuesday, January 26. Details: Date/Time: Tuesday, January 26, 7PM Place: Temple Beth Abraham, 8410 4th Avenue in North Bergen Suggested Donation: $5.00 For more information contact HudsonJewish Trustee Raylie Dunkel, Raylie@HudsonJewish.org.
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January 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.
Thursday, Jan 7, 6:00pm: JYAH Bowling Night! Join JYAH for cocktails, fun and bowling! Meet at Mikie Squared from 6-8pm for drink specials, then head over to the local bowling alley at 8pm for bowling fun! $10 in advance, $15 at the door includes bowling, shoe rental, soft drinks and pizza at the alley. For more information, and to purchase tickets, please see: http://jyahbowlingnight.eventbrite.com. Mikie Squared: 616 Washing Street, Hoboken.
Thursday, Jan 7, 7:30pm: Rabbi Scheinberg and Rabbinic Intern Charlie Schwartz begin teaching a seven week course "A Taste of Judaism" for Jews and non-Jews who seek a deeper understanding of Jewish traditions, values and spirituality. USH members: $50 for individual, $100/couple. Nonmembers: $100/individual, $150/couples. Free for parents of current Preschool and Learning Center students. RSVP 201-659-4000 or office@hobokensynagogue.org. United Synagogue of Hoboken, 115 Park Avenue, Hoboken.
Sunday, Jan 10, 10am: Kaplan Cooperative Preschool will hold an Open House to discuss enrollment for the 2010/2011 school year. Applications will be available at the Open House. The event is best appreciated without children, however children may attend if necessary. United Synagogue of Hoboken, 115 Park Avenue, Hoboken.
Sunday, Jan 10, 10:30am: USH Culture Series Brunch. Journalist Erin Einhorn will discuss her book "The Pages in Between," an account of her encounter with the family that hid her mother from the Nazis during World War II. Cost: $18 USH/HJ members, $25 nonmembers. To make a reservations and purchase a ticket online, please see:
www.hobokensynagogue.org/cultureseries_2010.php or call 201-659-4000. United Synagogue of Hoboken, 115 Park Avenue, Hoboken.
Sunday, Jan 10, 7pm: "Shalom Baby" is a 3 part series for expectant parents. Learn about values, customs and community resources available to help as the family grows. Additional classes on Jan. 17 & 24. Cost $60. RSVP 201-659-4000 or office@hobokensynagogue.org. United Synagogue of Hoboken, 115 Park Avenue, Hoboken.
Wednesday, Jan 13, 7:30pm: The HudsonJewish Salon meets in Downtown Jersey City the second Wednesday of every month. This month's topic: "Is Israel Always Right?" Some people believe no matter the issue any decision the Israeli government makes should be embraced and supported. Some people don't. What do you think? Please bring something to share with the group. RSVP to Raylie@hudsonjewish.org. CASE Museum, 80 Grand Street (between Washington & Green Streets) Jersey City.
Friday, Jan 22, 7:50pm (after Shabbat services): Nigel Savage, founder of Hazon- the largest environmental organization in the American Jewish community will be a Special Guest Speaker at United Synagogue of Hoboken. Learn what Judaism says about sustainability and ethical decision-making is an age of ecological challenge. This event is free and open to the public. Following his talk, there will be a Shabbat dinner for young adults ($5/person for dinner). RSVP to Becky at bdeitsch@gmail.com prior to Jan 18. United Synagogue of Hoboken, 115 Park Avenue, Hoboken.
Tuesday, Jan 26, 7pm: Film maker Milos Silber invites everyone to a special screening of his new documentary - Los Judios de Cuba/The Jews of Cuba. The film tells the story of the 1500 Jews who remained in Cuba after the 1961 Revolution have struggled to sustain their community for almost 5 decades. With exclusive interviews of members of this scattered Jewish community, the documentary explores how this new generation re-learned what so many forgot. Suggested donation: $5. Temple Beth-Abraham 8410 4th Avenue, North Bergen.
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Upcoming Events -- USH Casino Night!
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United Synagogue of Hoboken's annual Casino Night takes place on Saturday night, March 13 at the Hoboken Elks Club, 1005 Washington Street. $70 admission includes food, drink, live music and great prizes. Steep discounts for advance registration. For more information visit www.USHCasinoNight.info.
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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.
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