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Message from the Chairman
Dear Friends,
The big news for March is that Passover is already upon us, with seders on Monday the 29th and Tuesday the 30th. This year HudsonJewish is starting a program designed especially for area newcomers: we will match people who don't have somewhere local to go, with families who have extra room at their seder tables. If you fit either category, let us know at: Info@HudsonJewish.org. Some synagogues may also be hosting communal seders, so check out the HudsonJewish synagogue directory to find a synagogue near you. (See, Synagogue Directory).
Other key happenings this month include the first ever Jewish Speed-Dating event in Hudson County, to take place this Thursday, March 4. Time is very short, so if you are thinking of making a reservation, please do so immediately. More information on this program is included below.
United Synagogue of Hoboken's ever-popular Casino Night takes place Saturday night, March 13 -- and if you have attended before you'll know that the event is fabulously well-run and tremendous fun. (Plus, it supports good causes in the community).
A few other events include a women's networking and haroset tasting event on March 16, and the regular monthly meeting of the HudsonJewish Social/Intellectual Salon -- this month's topic: "How meaningful is Jewish prayer to you today?"
Overall, March is full of events to enjoy, so come and do so. And of course, spread the word to other Jewish people who may not know about our vibrant community.
L'hitraot, Adam S. Weiss, Chairman, HudsonJewish
Adam@HudsonJewish.org
PS. One other important news item for families with children of the appropriate age for sleep-away camp: The UJA Federation of Northern New Jersey is making available stipends of $1,000 for first-time campers. More details below. |
Passover Seder Matching Program
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Don't have anywhere to go for Passover seders this year? (March 29 and March 30). HudsonJewish is pleased to announce a "Seder Guest Match-Up" whereby people with extra space welcome extra guests from the community. For the program to work, we need two groups of people to contact us: (1) those with extra space; and (2) those looking for a home for the holiday. If you fit either category, please contact HudsonJewish immediately at: Info@HudsonJewish.org and indicate how many spaces you have/need as well as your full contact information including telephone numbers. The deadline for requesting hospitality is March 16.
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Jewish Speed-Dating in Jersey City! March 4 (This Week)!
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HudsonJewish has partnered with HurryDate (an affiliate of JDate), for their first-ever Jewish speed dating party in Jersey City! Participants will go on approximately a dozen fast, fun mini-dates in one night out. The event takes place on Thursday, March 4 at 7:30 PM at LITM Restaurant Lounge & Gallery, 140 Newark Avenue in downtown Jersey City. The age range for this, the first of what we hope will become a series of speed-dating events, is approximately 25-35. According to event organizers, the age limits are "not set in stone." Check-in begins at 7PM, with HurryDating starting at 7:30 sharp. Price for HurryDate members is $26.25; $35 for non-members. Click Here for more information or contact HudsonJewish Vice Chairperson Michelle Levine at: Michelle@HudsonJewish.org. |
Jewish Social/Intellectual Salon: Wednesday, March 10, 7:30PM at the C.A.S.E. Museum downtown Jersey City
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Our February 10 Salon was canceled due to snow; the topic -- "What's so funny about the Jewish funny bone and why do so many non-Jews find it funny too" -- is postponed until Wednesday, April 14.
Our next Salon takes place Wednesday, March 10, and will be devoted to the topic of "Jewish prayer: what does (and doesn't) it mean to us today?"
The HudsonJewish Salon takes place on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 PM at the C.A.S.E. 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.
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| United Synagogue of Hoboken's Casino Night March 13 |
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| United Synagogue of Hoboken will be holding its fourth annual Casino Night on Saturday, March 13, 2010. This is one of the synagogueʼs best-attended events; last year over 250 people came for fun, food and fabulous prizes.
Proceeds are used to support the synagogueʼs programming throughout the year, including adult education and community service events. In addition, each year a portion of the money is donated to local charities. This yearʼs recipients will be the Jubilee Center, which provides after-school programs and hot meals to children from public housing, and the Hoboken homeless shelter.
Attendees love the opportunity to enjoy traditional casino games such as poker, blackjack, roulette and craps in a fun, relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Rather than cash, winnings are allotted as raffle tickets which are used to win incredible prizes. Last yearʼs prizes included a diamond necklace, an Eli Manning autographed football, several vacation packages and many more!
Once again, the fabulous Swingadelic will keep the party rocking with their eclectic mix of jazz, swing and other favorites. A delicious kosher buffet and open bar are also included.
The party will take place at the Elkʼs Club in Hoboken. Doors open at 7:30pm and gaming begins at 8:00. Tickets can be purchased through the United Synagogue of Hoboken office or website and are $70 each. For more information, to become a sponsor or to donate prizes, please contact Cindy Altberger (caltberger@gmail.com) or Marni Kriegel (mrkriegel@gmail.com). |
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Women's Networking Program: Haroset Tasting on Tuesday, March 16, 7:30PM in Downtown Jersey City
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HudsonJewish Trustee Raylie Dunkel will host a haroset tasting and networking event on Tuesday, March 16, at 7:30 at her house in downtown Jersey City. The event is for women only.
Attendees are requested to bring:
- Their favorite haroset recipe for all to taste
- Copies of the recipe AND a copy of a recipe for another favorite Passover dish
- A bottle of wine or a soft drink. (Coffee and tea will be provided).
To RSVP and for location/directions contact Raylie@HudsonJewish.org or call: 201-413-1110.
This is an ideal event too meet/network with other Jewish women in the Hudson County area, and all are invited to pass along the word to additional guests.
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Teen Peer Pressure Program, March 16
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On Tuesday, March 16, Jewish Family
Service of MetroWest in partnership with the Millburn Municipal Alliance
Committee will present, "Helping Your Teens Face Today's Peer Pressures," at
the Millburn Board of Education, 424 Millburn Avenue. The program begins
at 7:30 p.m. and is free and open to the community.
Tamar Stern, LCSW, will facilitate
the workshop and parents can expect to learn the following tools to help their
teens deal with peer pressure:
- Strengthen values against substance abuse
- Improve peer relationships
- Explore ways to communicate with your teen
- Provide parental authority with respect
The JFS Children and Adolescent
Services Department provides comprehensive therapeutic and support services for
children, adolescents and their families. This program is cosponsored by
the Millburn Municipal Alliance Committee, M-SPEC Committee and is funded with
support from the United Way of Millburn-Short Hills.
With roots going back to 1861, Jewish Family Service of
MetroWest is today a comprehensive social service agency providing counseling
and support services, on a non-discriminatory basis, to help strengthen and
restore the family, in Essex, Morris, Sussex and parts of Hudson and Union counties.
JFS annually touches more than 3,500 families in the Metro West area.
Traditionally, half of our services help older adults and their families cope
with the changes of aging through extensive in-home services including
subsidized home care, case management services, counseling, caregiver
education, volunteer friendly visitors, and specialized programs for Holocaust
survivors. For children and families, JFS provides individual, couple, child
and family counseling, family play therapy, support groups, adoption services,
school social work services, debt counseling, domestic violence services,
family life education and other assistance needed to maintain healthy families.
JFS has offices located in Florham Park, Livingston, West Orange, and Jersey City.
This workshop is free and open to the public but requires
advance registration. Please contact Sylvia Heller, MPH, Coordinator of
Community Programming at 973-765-9050 x1708 or sheller@jfsmetrowest.org.
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Chai Cafe Model Passover Seder, March 17
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On Wednesday, March 17 at 10:30AM, United Synagogue of Hoboken's Rabbinic Intern Charlie Schwartz, in conjunction with Chai Cafe, will lead a model Passover Seder at the Bayonne JCC, 1050 Kennedy Boulevard in Bayonne. For information and reservations call 201-697-3355. Suggested donation $2.00.
Chai Cafe is a kosher nutrition site for those over 60 years old. The program is sponsored by Jewish Family & Counseling Service of Jersey City, Bayonne and Hoboken and is made possible through the generous funding of the Hudson County Division on Aging.
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Financial Wellness Workshop Targets Long-Term Unemployed
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Jewish Family Service of MetroWest presents another program
its series of free Financial Wellness Workshops to provide all members of the
community with tools for living well in tough times. "Keeping Hope
Alive: How to Stay Motivated through Long Term Unemployment," takes place
on Tuesday, March 23 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Schofel Conference Room of the JCC
MetroWest, 760 Northfield Road in West Orange.
While past workshops have focused on family relations during
economic challenges, this program will focus on people who have experienced job
loss and will provide constructive resources. Attendees will learn to maintain
realistic goals and to celebrate small successes; to market their job skills
and strengths in order to fit the current economy; and to cope with strategies
to stay positive and motivated. Dr. Meryl Kanner, supervisor of career
counseling and placement services at Jewish Vocational Service, and Beth Berns,
LCSW, synagogue social worker at Jewish Family Service will facilitate the
workshop.
This Financial Wellness Workshop has been funded with
generous support from MetroWest HELPS of United Jewish Communities of MetroWest
and is cosponsored with Jewish Vocational Service.
Pre-registration is required for this free workshop. Contact
Sylvia Heller at 973-765-9050 x1708 or sheller@jfsmetrowest.org.
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Jewish Summer Camp Stipends Available
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UJA Federation of Northern New Jersey, in
partnership with the Foundation for Jewish Camp, is offering $1,000 incentive camperships to
first-time campers at Jewish overnight camps.
Attending
an overnight Jewish camp is one of the most powerful ways to build Jewish
identity and commitment in young people. At camp, Jewish values,
connection to Israel, and the culture of Judaism are incorporated into every
aspect of daily activity in a warm, fun, and nurturing environment.
Eligibility: students who will be enrolled in a
minimum three-week overnight camp run by a not-for-profit Jewish organization are eligible. Only students who attend public or secular private schools are eligible.
If a camper was previously enrolled in a Jewish overnight camp of less than
three weeks or went to a non-Jewish camp, s/he is still eligible.
For
more information contact Frieda Hershman
Huberman at UJA Federation of Northern New Jersey. (201-820-3913 or 3914) Additional information and online application
are available at www.onehappycamper.org.
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Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs Launches Online Publication; Solicits Your Thoughts
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Many of
you are familiar with the Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs (FJMC). The FJMC has asked HudsonJewish to spread the
news about their new online publication, Mentschen, described as the place for
YOUR voice, the voice of the Jewish layman to be heard in an online forum of ideas.
Each
monthly issue of Mentschen will contain thought-provoking essays and
provide an opportunity for you to add your point to view. The inaugural issue
is now online. It is edited by Art Spar and Bob Braitman (Past International
President of FJMC). FJMC has
two requests:
- First,
read the first issue of Mentschen and add your own voice to the conversation
by clicking on the "add comments" link.
- Second,
spread the word. If you have an email directory for your Men's Club, please
forward this message along to them. Tell your friends, mention "Mentschen" on your facebook page and get the word out.
Anyone interested to establish a Jewish Men's Club in the Hudson County area is invited to contact Peter M. Gotlieb at pgotlieb@spc.edu.
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Jersey Tribe and Moishe House Host Jewish Young Adults
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Hoboken, February 5. A group of 25 young adults
gathered Friday evening, February 5, in Hoboken
at Moishe House, an organization which provides programs for Jewish young
adults. The residents of each Moishe House are a group of twenty-somethings from
Jewish backgrounds ranging from liberal to traditional. Each Moishe House hosts between 50 and 300
young Jews per month, and there are Moishe House homes across the United States as well as
internationally.
Attendees included Moishe House residents, first-timers, and regulars, as well
as many members of Jersey Tribe, an organization providing meaningful
volunteer, social, and philanthropic activities for young Jewish adults in New Jersey. Israeli emissaries Natasha Gluzman and
Yotam Zach spoke about their families, their experiences in the Israel Defense Forces, and how they found their
way to Israel. A traditional Shabbat meal was
provided, and attendees participated in a lively discussion with the
emissaries.
"The Shabbat Dinner was a great opportunity for both Jersey Tribe and
Moishe House to partner and share their strengths. We thank Moishe House for
their hospitality and hope their participants will join us at a future Jersey
Tribe event," said Rebecca Missel, founder and President of Jersey Tribe.
Jersey Tribe members range in age from 22 to 40 (give or take a year or two), have
diverse Jewish backgrounds, come from towns across northern and central New Jersey and are a mix of singles, couples
and marrieds. Jersey Tribe typically hosts
two events per month and we welcome suggestions and help with activities and nonprofit partners.
For more information contact Sara Levenstein at: saralev226@gmail.com.
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March 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 at www.HudsonJewish.org.
Wednesday, March 3rd, 10:30AM-Noon: Chai Cafe Presents: Seven Steps to Being More Active. Join us as an educator from Montclair State University teaches us the importance of nutrition and activity in achieving a healthy lifestyle! The program is sponsored by Jewish Family & Counseling Service of Jersey City, Bayonne and Hoboken and is made possible through the generous funding of the Hudson County Division on Aging. Location: Bayonne JCC, 1050 Kennedy Blvd, Bayonne. Contact: Chai Café Reservations: 201-697-3355. Cost: $2/person
Thursday, March 4th, 7-10PM: HudsonJewish, in partnership with HurryDate (an affiliate of JDate), is hosting a Speed Dating event for Jewish Singles in the area, ages 25-35! Enjoy10-15 five-minute dates in one night! Check-in is at 7:00, and Speed Dating begins promptly at 7:30. Please come as close to check-in time as you can so you have time to enjoy the drink specials! Cost: Members: $26.25;Non-Members: $35.00. Location: LITM, 140 Newark Ave, Jersey City
Friday, March 5th, 6:30 PM: Shabbat Across America! Yes, it's that time of year again! Join Temple Beth Am of Bayonne and Jews from coast-to-coast in celebrating this annual event. Make your reservations now! Location: Temple Beth Am, 111 Avenue A, Bayonne
Contact: 201-858-202. Cost: $32/adult, $16 for children ages 4-13, kids 3 and under free.
Wednesday, March 10th, 7:30-9PM: Be a part of the Downtown Jersey City Jewish Salon, which meets the second Wednesday of each month. This month's discussion topic is "Jewish Prayer: What Does it (or Doesn't It) Do For You?". Location: CASE Museum, 80 Grand Street, Jersey City
Saturday, March 13th, 7:30-10PM: USH Casino Night!
United Synagogue of Hoboken is proud to host its fourth annual Casino Night fundraiser! Fabulous prizes! Free food and drink! Live music! In honor of this event, USH is making a generous donation to The Jubilee Center of Hoboken and the Hoboken Homeless Shelter. Remember how much fun you had last year? And the year before? You can have that much fun again, and MORE! Admission: $70, including free food and drinks, live music, and great prizes. Pay at the door and get $40 worth of chips. Tickets can be purchased through the synagogue office (201-659-4000) or website ( www.hobokensynagogue.org); for more information or to donate prizes please email mrkriegel@gmail.com or caltberger@gmail.com. Location: Hoboken Elks Club - 1005 Washington Street, Hoboken. Sorry, no one under the age of 21 admitted. Sunday, March 14th, 2:45-5PM: Self-Defense, with Hoboken Hadassah, in partnership with CKO Kickboxing. Learn how to protect yourself and have a fun workout too! No experience or special skills needed. All skill levels are welcome! Please wear sneakers along with comfortable, loose-fitting street clothes or workout wear. (Don't forget to bring your water bottle so you can stay hydrated during class! (If you need, water is available for purchase at the club.) EXTRA TREAT: CKO will allow our group to stay after our event and take the 5PM Class at no additional charge that evening. Bring your own gloves or purchase them (for a small fee) at the club. Fee: $18 (a portion of which will be donated to Hadassah). RSVP/Registration is available online at http://tinyurl.com/hadassahcko. Online payment is available. If you'd like to pay by check please send your payment by March 8th to: Hoboken Chapter of Hadassah PO Box 3423 Hoboken, NJ 07030 Contact: AndreaJoiLevy@gmail.com or AllisonHalpern@hotmail.com. Location: Club KO, 900 Madison Street, Hoboken. Sunday, March 14th, 3-5PM: Hoboken/Hudson Book Club of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW). All women are welcome.
Book to be discussed: "The World to Come," by Dara Horn
Location: Arlene's house (allergy alert: she has a dog)
Tuesday, March 16th, 7:30-10PM: Women's Networking Program - Haroset Tasting! HudsonJewish Trustee Raylie Dunkel will host a haroset tasting at her house in downtown Jersey City. The event is for women only. Attendees are requested to bring their favorite haroset recipe for all to taste, copies of the recipe AND a copy of a recipe for another favorite Passover dish, and a bottle of wine or a soft drink. (Coffee and tea will be provided.) This is a great way to meet/network with other Jewish women in the Hudson County area, and all are invited to pass the word along to additional guests. Contact: To RSVP and for location/directions contact Raylie@HudsonJewish.org or call: 201-413-1110.
Wednesday, March 17th, 10:30AM-Noon: Chai Cafe presents the annual model Passover Seder, hosted by Jewish Family and Counseling Services. Charlie Schwartz, rabbinical intern at the United Synagogue of Hoboken, will lead the program. Location: Bayonne JCC, 1050 Kennedy Blvd, Bayonne. Those interested in attending should call 201-697-3355.
Sunday, March 21st, 12:30-2PM: National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) - Hoboken/Hudson Annual Women's Seder. We hope you can join us for this annual tradition of honoring the women at this special time of year. Please bring a needed food item (email for a list of what's needed). If you don't bring an item, please come anyway - cost is $10. Contact: events@ncjwhoboken.org
Tuesday, March 23rd, 7-9 PM: Jewish Family Services of MetroWest presents a financial wellness workshop with a focus on the long-term unemployed, entitled "Keeping Hope Alive: How to Stay Motivated Through Long-Term Unemployment". The workshop is free, but pre-registration is required. Location: Schofel Conference Room of the JCC MetroWest, 760 Northfield Road, West Orange.
Evenings of Monday, March 29th and Tuesday, March 30th: Passover Seders! Some of our HudsonJewish-affliliated local synagogues may be hosting Seders, (A list of synagogues and their contact information is available at www.hudsonjewish.org). Also, HudsonJewish is pleased to offer its Passover Seder Matching Program, where we'll match any person or group without anywhere to go with a local family who would be honored to have you as their guest(s). Likewise, if you or someone you know has extra space and would like to host, please let us know! Contact: Info@hudsonjewish.org. (Deadline for requesting hospitality: March 16). |
| Upcoming Events -- April | |
Wednesday, April 14, 7:30PM: HudsonJewish Salon. Topic (postponed from snow day on February 10): "What's so funny about the Jewish funny bone, and why do so many non-Jews find it amusing too?" Location: C.A.S.E. Museum, 80 Grand Street (corner of Washington) in downtown Jersey City.
April: Date and Time TBD: Yom HaShoah/Holocaust Remembrance Project with Jersey City Public School students who are participating in a tour of sites in Eastern Europe.
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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.
HudsonJewish: Connecting Our Community |
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