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Dear Friends,
On Sunday, May 22, around two dozen local Jewish people gathered over bagels and lox at the Stevens Cooperative School in Jersey City for a meeting of the Hudson Jewish Community Forum, to discuss the state of Hudson County's Jewish community and how to participate in its revival. Approximately half of the attendees, most of them new to the area, had not been to a local Jewish community event before; some had been unaware that there even was an organized community in our area.
Led by facilitator and HudsonJewish Programming Chair Raylie Dunkel, the group broke out into 4 sub-groups, charged with coming up with ideas and programs on the following topics:
1) Parents with children;
2) Singles
3) Community programs
4) Special events
On Wednesday evening, June 22, at 7:30 PM, the sub-groups will report back to the Forum, to be held at Temple Beth-El of Jersey City. All are invited to attend -- the event is specifically designed to introduce people to each other and reinforce the bonds of community in our growing region. If you have been thinking of becoming more involved in Jewish communal life, or are interested to meet other Jewish people in the area, the Forum would be an excellent place to begin. More information is provided below, in the community calendar section of this newsletter.
HudsonJewish relies on word of mouth to let people know about our organization and the Jewish community we serve. Please feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone who might be interested, using the "Forward this issue to a friend" button at the bottom of the page. And of course, encourage them to sign up for the newsletter on the HudsonJewish.org website.
L'hitraot,
Adam S. Weiss
Chairman, HudsonJewish
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Solomon Schechter Day School of Bergen County Welcomes Students from Hudson County; School to Provide Subsidized Private Transportation and After-School Programming
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| Hudson County Jewish parents interested in educational alternatives for their children now have a new option: the Solomon Schechter Day School of Bergen County (SSDS). Beginning in the fall of 2011, SSDS will be subsidizing private, direct transportation (35 minutes) and offering special after-school programming for students from Hudson County. Parents with children entering pre-K through 8th grade are encouraged to inquire about the school's comprehensive General and Judaic Studies program, sports, arts and After-School Academy.
"Hudson County parents can finally offer their children Schechter's rich dual curriculum and innovative programming, and avail themselves of an incredibly convenient transportation option that makes the decision a no-brainer," said Erika Henik, Hoboken mother of two who will be sending her oldest child to kindergarten at Schechter. Erika is happy to speak with any parent interested in Schechter; email her at "ehenik@gmail.com."
Applications are now being accepted for most grades. Personal tours are offered daily at 275 McKinley Avenue, New Milford, NJ.
For further information contact Sarah Sokolic, Director of Admissions, at 201-262-9898 x 203, or "admissions@ssdsbergen.org."
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Synagogue Spotlight: Temple Beth-El, Jersey City's Storied Reform Congregation
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Temple Beth-El of Jersey City, the Reform Congregation of Jersey City, is located at 2419 Kennedy Boulevard, on the corner of Kennedy and Harrison Avenues, just north of Communipaw. The temple has long been known for the friendliness, enthusiasm, and community involvement, as well as its impressive 1920's-era synagogue building.
 | | Temple Beth-El of Jersey City |
Temple Beth-El is a liberal congregation, and diversity is one of its strengths. The temple and religious school serve families from a half-dozen cities along the western bank of the Hudson, including Jersey City, Hoboken, Bayonne and West New York. Interfaith, multi-ethnic, single parent, and gay and lesbian families are warmly welcomed. The temple and its religious school have grown rapidly in the past few years, under the leadership of Rabbi Kenneth Brickman, as more Jews of all ages have discovered the pleasures of Jersey City in general and Temple Beth-El in particular.
This month the synagogue welcomes a new spiritual leader, Rabbi Debra Hachen. Rabbi Hachen brings tremendous experience, empathy, and innovative perspective to the congregation. As a new resident of Jersey City, she will also be tapped in to the immediate needs of the membership and community.
Temple Beth-El offers a full spectrum of temple services, including Friday night and Saturday morning services, religious school on Sundays and holiday services and social events.
Note that Temple Beth-El will be sponsoring several events this month, including the ever-popular "All Points Borscht Electric Kugeloo" comedy night, to take place this year on Saturday, June 18th. See below for more details!
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Local Klezmer Group Forming
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| Local residents interested to make beautiful music together are asked to contact Rabbi Ilan Glazer, of Temple Beth El of North Bergen. Rabbi Glazer is an accomplished percussionist and founder of the Columbia University Klezmer Band. He is reachable at: rabbi@templebethelofnorthbergen.org.
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June 2011 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.
Friday, June 3, 7:00pm - 11:00pm: Young Jewish Professionals Friday Night Dinner. Join Chabad of Hoboken for a Friday night dinner featuring guest speaker Gavriel (Mark) Sanders. Sanders was once an evangelical Christian missionary and pastor. He ultimately converted to Judaism and has a fascinating and passionate story to share: "A Minister's Journey to Judaism: Why a Missionary to Jews became a Jew Himself." 7PM - Cocktail hour; 8PM - 11:00PM - Full catered dinner, dessert and guest speaker. There is no pay at the door option. Location: Chabad of Hoboken. Contact: Call 201-386-5222 or email rabbi@chabadhoboken.com.
Saturday, June 4, 9:30am - 1pm: 100th Anniversary Celebration of Temple Emanu-El, Bayonne, NJ. The Shabbat service will be a special day honoring the 100th anniversary of Temple Emanu-El. The special service will be followed by an elaborate Kiddush Luncheon with speaker and memorabilia. Anyone who has any information or memorabilia about Temple Emanu-El is asked to contact the Temple at 201-436-4499. Location: 735 Kennedy Boulevard, Bayonne, NJ 07002. Contact: Marcia Ripps 201-436-4499.
Saturday, June 4, 7:00pm - 11:00pm: Special celebration in Rabbi Brickman's honor. Temple Beth-El of Jersey City will be saying 'good-bye' to our Rabbi of 23 years who will be retiring. You can join in the celebration of his years of superb service to our community at a special celebration in Rabbi Brickman's honor. Temple Beth-El will host a gala dinner in honor of Rabbi Brickman's years of service to our synagogue and the community. Location: 2419 Kennedy Boulevard Jersey City, NJ 07304. Contact: info@betheljc.org.
Sunday, June 5, 1:00pm - 5:00pm: Congregation B'nai Jacob and Actors Shakespeare Company "In the Community" present "The Melting Pot."
 | | The Melting Pot |
Premiered in 1909 in Washington, DC and dedicated to Theodore Roosevelt, this stirring drama about Jewish immigrants who emigrated to New York's Lower East Side following the Kishinev pogrom of 1903 confronts the themes of assimilation and intermarriage in America society so predominant in today's cultural conversation. Performance is for free. Wine and cheese reception immediately following performance. Free parking in congregation lot. Location:176 Westside Avenue Jersey City, NJ 07305. Contact: (201) 435-5725.
Wednesday, June 8, 7:00pm - 9:00pm: Temple Emanu-El's "Torah & Blintzes." Join us for the "Elwyn James Blattner Shavuot Celebration!" -- An evening of learning & noshing. Rabbi Clifford Miller has planned a special program on the politics & current events involved in converting to Judaism. Also this evening, we will take the opportunity to formally welcome Lisa Elizabeth Bland into our Temple Emanu-El familly. We will enjoy our traditional torah & blintzes sponsored by Renee Bousso in loving memory of her father, Elwyn James Blattner. This is a free event, but your donations are welcome. Please RSVP by Thursday, June 2. Location: Temple Emanu-El - 735 Kennedy Blvd., Bayonne, NJ 07002. Contact: Temple office: 201-436-4499 or email: templeemanuelnj@aol.com.
Wednesday, June 15, 12:45pm - 1:40pm: Jersey City Kosher Lunch and Learn. Please join us for our next kosher lunch and learn at the CASE Museum. Kosher Chinese $5 and sushi $8. Location: The CASE Museum, 80 Grand Street, Jersey City. Contact: Saul Lazarus, 973-943-2306.
Wednesday, June 15, 7:30pm - 9:30pm: Hoboken Hadassah Closing Dinner. Join Hoboken Hadassah as we celebrate as our second year as a chapter draws to a close. Location: The CASE Museum, 80 Grand Street, Jersey City. Contact: hobokenhadassah@gmail.com.
Saturday, June 18, 8:00pm: "All Points Borscht Electric Kugeloo." Don't miss an evening of hilarious comedy to benefit Temple Beth-El of Jersey City, Saturday, June 18 at 8:00 PM, $20 in advance, $22 at the door. Location: Temple Beth-El, 2419 Kennedy Boulevard Jersey City, NJ 07304. Contact: (201) 333-4229.
Wednesday, June 22, 7:30pm - 9:00pm: "Emanu-El / Beth Am" Book Club! Join us and Joyce Nestle for our next book discussion: "Kalooka Nights" by Howard Jacobson. Available in paperback, online & audio books. Come join the discussion. Location: Temple Beth Am - 111 Avenue B, Bayonne, NJ 07002.
Wednesday, June 22, 7:30pm - 9pm: HUDSON JEWISH COMMUNITY FORUM -- FOLLOW-UP FROM 5/22 BAGELS & LOX BRUNCH. Break-out groups will report back to the community on plans for: (1) Parents/children programs; (2) Singles programs; (3) Community programs; and (4) Special events/trips. If you missed the Forum event on 5/22, this is another chance to come meet new people and get involved in community-wide planning and activities. Location: Temple Beth-El of Jersey City, 2419 Kennedy Blvd. For more information, and to RSVP, please contact: Info@HudsonJewish.org.
Friday, June 24, 6:00pm - 11:00pm: B'nai Jacob hosts Community Friday Night Live! Join B'nai Jacob congregants for a Community Friday Night Live! Musical Shabbat with Cantor Dubrow and Shabbat Dinner. Nosh and Shmooze from 6 - 7:15, followed by service at 7:15 and dinner at 8 PM. Bring your friends and enjoy a traditional Friday night Shabbat dinner with some great contemporary music! Cost for the evening is $24. For reservations and more information, please contact Jane Canter at unclejane1@aol.com. Location: 176 West Side Avenue, Jersey City, New Jersey 07305.
Sunday, June 26, 1:00pm - 5:00pm: B'nai Jacob and Actors Shakespeare Company "In the Community" present Tom Stoppard's "Arcadia." B'nai Jacob and Actors Shakespeare Company "In the Community" present Tom Stoppard's "Arcadia". Performance is for free. Wine and cheese reception immediately following performance. Free parking in congregation lot. Location: Congregation B'nai Jacob, 176 West Side Avenue Jersey City, New Jersey 07305. Contact: (201) 435-5725.
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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, 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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