JFNA Network of Independent Communities will be sending a Mission to Israel, which is open to the entire community. This special mission will highlight Israel's major sites and attractions, and provide an immersive experience to gain a deeper connection to Israel and her people. Highlights will include; walking the streets of Jerusalem and seeing the restored Jewish Quarter, visit to the Western Wall and tour of the underground tunnel, experience a magical Shabbat in Jerusalem and explore Israel's holy sites, engage in briefings by US and Israeli government officials and go behind the headlines with American and Israeli journalists, visit the Herzl cemetery where Israel's leaders and bravest are buried and tour Yad Vashem, Israel's renowned Holocaust Museum, Explore the historical excavations in Caesaria, see famed mystical city of Safed, tour Masada and swim in the Dead Sea, tour the northern and southern borders of Israel to understand the nation's security and visit Sderot, a community protected by Operation Pillar of Defense, and much more. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a contingent from the local Hudson County Jewish community??

Don't miss this amazing opportunity - spaces are limited! Missions are as follows; 10 day Mission + 3 day General Assembly extension - October 31-November 13, 2013; 7 day Mission + 3 day General Assembly extension - November 3-13, 2013; 5 day Mission + 3 day General Assembly extension - November 5-13, 2013. General Assembly Extension: Join thousands of Jewish leaders from North America and Israel at the General Assembly. Engage in passionate dialogue about the critical issues facing the Jewish community with high ranking members of the government of Israel. If you would like to take part in this incredible mission, register today at www.event.com/d/dcqb70 or for further information contact Edward Finkel, JFNA Network Northeast Region Director at 212.284.6530 or Edward.Finkel@JewishFederations.org

DO YOU HAVE A PROGRAM YOU WOULD LIKE TO START?

We know that each of our readers have different interests. Whether you are seeking others interested in an organic community garden, trips to a winery, bike riding, families with young children informal get-togethers, singles events for 40's-50's or 50+, trips to Atlantic City or beyond, we are sure that there are others in our community who share your pastimes.

As HudsonJewish is an all-volunteer organization, we are happy to publicize such events, but want to get our community organized into various groups based on common interests. If you are interested in a particular activity, hobby, or pastime AND are willing to head up a meet-up group or yahoo group for other like minded individuals, please email us at info@hudsonjewish.org with your full name, contact information (phone & email), and what activity you are interested in starting.

We will work with you to help you get up & running, publicize your group or event, and maybe even come out and join you! We can't wait to hear from you, so please go ahead and get in touch with us soon. 

UNITED SYNAGOGUE OF HOBOKEN LEARNING CENTER SEEKS HEBREW TEACHERS

USH seeks creative Hebrew after-school program counselors/Hebrew teachers for our Children's Learning Center. This program prioritizes creative and experiential learning and differentiated instruction to our community of engaged and active learners. We are seeking creative counselors and teachers to join our team, and help to share the joy of Judaism and the Hebrew language with them and their families. Program hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4-6pm. We are also seeking Saturday/Shabbat teachers from 10:30am - 12pm weekly.

Prospective candidates will be asked to demonstrate a creative lesson (10-15 minutes) that will showcase your unique approach to teaching. Please send resume, cover letter and 2 references to Grace Gurman-Chan, Director, at gracegurmanchan@gmail.com to arrange for an interview. Competitive salary and travel compensation if applicable. Starting at $35/hr commensurate with experience.

The United Synagogue of Hoboken is an intimate, warm egalitarian Conservative congregation, approximately 15 minutes from New York City, with an informal and progressive spirit and a strong emphasis on education for all adults and children. Seewww.hobokensynagogue.org. Easy access from NYC and NJ suburbs by public transportation.

Openings for Kindergarten through 10th grades for the 2013-2014 school year starting in September through May.

BAYONNE JCC SEEKS MAH JONG INSTRUCTOR

Bayonne JCC seeks an experienced (but not necessarily professional) Mah Jong player to teach those interested in playing the game how to play. The JCC will provide the room, coffee service, and tiles, and play is free to members. If you are an experienced Mah Jong player who wants to share your love of the game with beginner and/or intermediate players, please contact Jewel Gregory at JoyaBG@gmail.com

JBN - BUSINESS NETWORKING

WITH "THE TRIBE"

Come out and attend  Hudson County's new Jewish Business Networking event for Jewish professionals at the CASE Russian Art Museum in Downtown Jersey City. Make meaningful contacts with high-impact networking and referrals to help grow your business.

Monthly meetings are held at 80 Grand Street Jersey City, two blocks from Exchange Place Light Rail, PATH and parking lots. Cost is $10/person in advance or at the door includes kosher breakfast. For date/time of the next meeting, please contact email address below.

For more information and for the next meeting date, contact Joshua Bernstein at Info@HudsonJewish.org 

Bayonne Jewish Community Center's Summer Lego Camp - summer Lego Camp for all ages, split into two groups for 3 hours each. Classes will be held July 15-19, and spots are still available. Cost is $195 for the week. Don't let your children miss out on this great program. For further information, contact (201) 436-6900

Since 1946, Camp Galil has been providing campers with a unique, fun, kibbutz-style overnight summer camp experience with an emphasis on community and Jewish values. Galil creates an environment that grows leaders, while fostering friendships, personal growth, and a strong connection to Israel that lasts a lifetime. The camp includes sports, swimming, arts and crafts, songs, campfires, and special days just like any other camp, but there is an indefinable element of FUN in everything that happens during the summer. Camp Galil is a kibbutz atmosphere focusing on cooperative living, and is a community of young people from all streams of Jewish life. A large majority of the counselors and staff were former campers, clearly demonstrating how campers return year after year, ultimately becoming staff-members. The camp is set in the beautiful fields and forest of Bucks County, Pennsylvania (a short distance from New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia) and serves campers from ages 8 to 16. They have 2, 3, 4, and 7 week options, plus a four day program for current 2nd grades called "Taste of Galil". 

Registration is currently ongoing for Summer 2013, and it's not too late to still reserve a spot for your child. . Camp Galil participates in the One Happy Camper scholarship program, an organization that promotes Jewish summer overnight camp for first time attendees by providing a significant scholarship to those that qualify. For further information and to inquire about this summer, please contact the Registrar, Ilana Goldfus at Registrar@campgalil.org , (609) 558-1395 or see their website at www.campgalil.org 

Camp Riverbend "Where the Fun Never Ends" - Aclassic day camp for boys and girls ages 3-14 in Warren Township NJ-about 30 minutes west of Hudson County. Daily bus service from stops in Hoboken & downtown Jersey City available. Swimming, sports, crafts, performing arts, nature, adventure, and more. Run by the Breene family for over 50 years. Mention HudsonJewish for for special money saving offers for new campers. Contact us at www.campriverbend.com or call 908-580-CAMP.

Chabad Hebrew School Program - Children's program for ages 4-9 years old, held on Sundays. Program includes the Aleph Champ program for older children to teach them to read fluently at the end of their Hebrew School experience and for younger children the EZ Alef program, a multi-sensory program to give them a foundation in Hebrew letters. Contact Hebrew School Director, Shaindel Schapiro at (201) 386-5222 for costs and registration. 

 

Lubavitch on the Palisades School (LPS) - LPS, a preschool through 3^rd grade Jewish elementary school is now offering door-to-door transportation in Hudson County (Hoboken and J. City). LPS is a place where young Jewish children receive an exciting, creative, and nurturing experience that will provide them with the foundation to grow educationally, socially, and spiritually. Classes have excellent student/teacher ratios, a professional staff of early childhood specialists, and a modern facility equipped with the most educationally sound equipment and manipulatives. Your child will receive a well rounded, enriching education, filled with Jewish traditions and customs intertwined with a wide array of academic subjects, personal development, values, socialization, and learning skills. They welcome every Jewish child, regardless of background or affiliation. Some spots still available for September 2013. Location: 11 Harold Street, Tenafly, NJ (transportation available). Contact Sonya Solomon, Asst. Director, 201-871-1152, Ext. 505 or Sonya@chabadlubavitch.org .

Solomon Schechter Day School of Bergen County - SSDS is a premier Jewish day school that educates children from Pre-K (classes for 3 and 4 year olds) through 8^th grade. They now serve more than 30 communities in the greater Bergen, Hudson, and Rockland County areas, as well as parts of New York City, and now offer transportation from Hudson County. Full nursery and day care facilities are also available on-site. The school is centrally located in New Milford, NJ, just 9 miles from the George Washington Bridge. If you would like more information about the possibility of giving your child a wonderful Jewish and secular education, contact them as some spots are still available for September 2013. Location: 275 McKinley Avenue, New Jersey. Contact 201-262-9898 or online at www.ssdsbergen.org .   

Temple Beth-El's NEW Children's Play Group Havurah. A new weekly program for children ages birth to 3 years, and their mamas, papas, zaydes, bubbys, and caregivers. Weekly on Friday mornings, from 10am to 11:30am. This will be an informal, no-cost unstructured play group facilitated by Barbara Metz, a new resident in Jersey City. Starting this upcoming Friday, the program will be held at the home of Barbara Metz in Jersey City. Bring some pennies as we will have a small tzedakah (charity) box for your child to donate to in order to participate in and learn about giving and sharing. RSVP's are requested, and when you do so, you will receive the address. 

Location: Home of Barbara Metz, Jersey City

Contact: Office@betheljc.org for more information.  

Temple Beth-El of Jersey City Tot Shabbat Program - Monthly Shabbat program for preschool children, includes Shabbat prayers, songs, a story, and snack. For children age 5 and under with their grown-ups.  Meet and make new friends, great way to meet other young families. All are welcome. Contact the Temple for dates/times of the next program. Location: Temple Beth-El, 2419 Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City. Contact: office@betheljc.org for next program date.    

Temple Beth-El of Jersey City and Temple Beth Am of Bayonne Sunday School and Hebrew School - This joint program between the Reform synagogues of Jersey City and Bayonne provides an enriching Hebrew School experience for children in grades K-7, and runs from September through May. Small classes and special family events throughout the year make this a very special Hebrew School program. Classes are led by Rabbinic and teaching staff, with a curriculum that complements the Jewish calendar. The Religious School classes meet on Sunday mornings from 9:30am-12 noon at Temple Beth-El in Jersey City. Teachers include Rabbi Debby Hachen, Kay Magilavy, Mazi Ferreira-da Silva, Hara Benjamin-Garritano, Jeniffer Schaeffer, and Eric Schkrutz. The whole family is part of the learning experience in the Hebrew School, and Family Education programs are also offered throughout the year. The students learn Jewish history, holidays, ethics and Jewish values, Torah, as well as Hebrew reading skills and prayer, and Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation. This program is open to any child whose family belongs to either Temple Beth-El or Temple Beth Am. Learn more about our personalized Hebrew program where fifty children from diverse backgrounds learn to see the world through Jewish eyes at www.betheljc.org/study/school/ or contact either Rabbi Hachen of Temple Beth-El at (201) 333-4229 or Rabbi Gladstone of Temple Beth Am at (201) 858-2020. September will be here before you know it!  

Temple Emanu-El of Bayonne "Torah for Tots"- Children's program for ages 3-6 years old, to be held a couple of times each month, and may become weekly in the future. Classes are held on various Sundays from 9:30-11am at Temple Emanu-El in Bayonne.  Program includes holiday projects, crafts, songs, stories, etc. Please contact Charlene Platitzky at (201) 437.7926 for schedule and registration. Cost is $5/class.

United Synagogue of Hoboken's Kaplan Toddler Time 

Shabbat Program - Children's program for 6 months - 2 years old with a caregiver. Sing-a-long with Rabbi Scheinberg, story time, art, movement and play - meet new friends. Toddler I - Ages 6-15 months 10:45 - 11:45am, Toddler II - Ages 16-24 months 9:30 - 11am. Classes are held on Friday mornings weekly. Sign up for the sessions or drop in. Location 115 Park Avenue, Hoboken. Contact ushpreschool@gmail.com for more information.

United Synagogue of Hoboken's Kaplan Twos Program - Children's program for 2 year olds. Caregiveer & me program includes circle time, music, art, story time, movement activities, outside play, and snack. Early learning literacy, math and science. Thursday includes a Shabbat sing-a-long. Held Tuesday and/or Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 11am. A great introduction to preschool. Sign up for the sessions or drop in. Location 115 Park Avenue, Hoboken. Contact ushpreschool@gmail.com for more information.

United Synagogue of Hoboken's Kaplan Cooperative Preschool Summer Day Camp - June 17-August 2, 2013. Summers at Kaplan are joyful, energetic and creative. Themes, sprinklers, outside play. For children 2 1/2 - 5 years old. Some openings still remain. Contact Rachelle Grossman at 201 653-8666 or ushpreschool@gmail.com for more information. 

United Synagogue of Hoboken, Kaplan Cooperative Preschool - Kaplan Preschool is still accepting applications for September 2013 enrollment. Some spaces are available for 2.5 to 5 year olds. Part time and full time flexible scheduling; morning and afternoon classes. This nurturing and enriched program combines the joy of Judaism and the love of learning. Contact Rachelle Grossman, Director at 201-653-8666 or ushpreschool@gmail.com for more information and to schedule a tour.     

United Synagogue USY Program - USH hosts a monthly USY program for middle school and high school students. Monthly events include games, ice breakers, food, music, and other activities and are open to boys and girls in grades 5^th grade and on. For further information, contact the USH office at 201-659-4000. 

Family Foundations and Donations Sought for PJ Library Program

HudsonJewish in partnership with United Synagogue of Hoboken, and Temple Beth-El of Jersey City is seeking information/introductions to Family Foundations and/or individuals who have a special interest in supporting Jewish education, literacy, and children's programs in Hudson County, to help fund the PJ Library program. Currently this program provides free books to over 210 children in our area, with a waiting list pending. We now distribute a PJ Library monthly e-newsletter for participating and interested families. While we have made significant progress in growing this program in our area, the program does not charge the participating families and relies on outside donations and funding to pay the nominal cost per child for the books to be distributed. Partial funding is also sponsoredc by the UJA of Hoboken, but more funds are needed. For further information on this worthwhile program, please visit their website at www.PJLibrary.org . If you or anyone you know is interested in making a contribution and sponsoring this wonderful and important project, please contact Raylie@HudsonJewish.org .

Hudson County Kosher Update

The number of kosher restaurants and food resources in Hudson County is increasing. The following establishments are kosher under rabbinic supervision:

Do you or someone you know have Yiddish books, sheet music, newspapers or other non-religious printed materials but don't know what to do with them? In conjunction with the Yiddish Book Center, there will be a collection point in Jersey City for these materials to be donated to the Yiddish Book Center, a renowned museum of Yiddish literature, books, and documents. Your books will be shipped to the Yiddish Book Center, where they will be catalogued and evaluated for the permanent collection. Information about the center and the wonderful work that they are doing to preserve our very rich tradition of literature and music may be found at www.yiddishbookcenter.org . To arrange for someone to pick up your Yiddish materials for donation to the center, please contact Raylie Dunkel at Raylie@HudsonJewish.org . What a Mehaye!

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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, website development, or events organizing, 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.