Shul Spiel: What's Happening at Local West Orange Synagogues?

The past month has been an extremely busy one for all of our congregants, here at Congregation AABJ&D. We have had many exciting and educational programs for each and every age group, ensuring that everyone had a fun filled February.

This was a jam-packed month for our Youth Department. MishMash (Mishmar on Motzei Shabbat) is our parent-child learning that takes place on three Saturday evenings a month throughout the winter. In February we held our last MishMash event for the season, where the children all enjoyed learning, raffles and make your own ice cream sundaes. As always this program has been a huge success. Our children also enjoyed baking Hamantaschen in preparation for Purim. This past Sunday, both the adults and the children enjoyed the Purim carnival. The moon bounce, Velcro wall, cotton candy and magic show were all a huge hit.

Together on Tuesday, our seniors program continues to meet on a weekly basis. The programs are social, intellectual and educational.  Knowledgeable speakers on Judaism, current events, politics and the arts are invited.  One needn't be a member of the congregation in order to participate.  For more information contact Seniors Coordinator, Debbie Druce at (973) 736-1407 x240 or email her at, srstot@gmail.com.

On Motzei Shabbat, Feb. 25, our shul held yet another successful Zayin Adar Melava Malka, where we commemorated the yarhzeit of Moshe Rabeinu, remembered our loved ones, whom we may have lost over the last year and pay tribute to our volunteers, who serve on the West Orange Chevra Kadisha. Chesed that one does for a niftar (deceased) is a Chesed Shel Emes. That's because one cannot expect reciprocation from the dead. The chesed is done with a whole heart and a pure mind without any expectations. On the night of Zayin Adar, we paid tribute to those among us who dutifully and lovingly prepare our loved ones for burial, an act of true loving kindness. The tireless involvement of the Chevra Kadisha throughout the shiva process, from providing the mourners a simple meal upon their return from the cemetery, to organizing minyanim and seeing that their needs are met is a source of comfort and support to the mourners. We must thank all these special people and support their very important work.

This past Shabbat, Parsha TETZAVEH, we celebrated Shabbat Across America, through the hard work and dedication of West Orange Encounters. Hundreds of synagogues across the continent took part in an historic national Jewish event to celebrate what unifies all Jews — Shabbat! This was a successful event and enjoyed immensely by all who attended.

Our Men’s Club hosted a wine tasting event. Our congregants were able to enjoy different wines from all over the world and sushi. The Men’s Club is now running a pre-Pesach wine sale.

More than 20 members of our community joined the rabbi in Washington D.C., on Monday, March 5, at an AIPAC (American Israel Political Action Committee) Conference. More than 13,000 people joined in on the conference because this is where pro-Israel activists influence policy, strengthen the bond between the United States and Israel and ensure that Israel remains strong, vibrant and free. 

As we prepare for our last Leil Limud of the season, we look back at how successful this program was over the course of the winter season. This event is sponsored by AABJ&D and Ohr Torah. Leil Limud is a great opportunity for our community members to join together on a Friday night, while Torah learning is welcomed into many homes spread throughout the community.

We are looking forward to our exciting and educational shul trip to the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibition at Discovery Times Square. The exhibition has received rave reviews and contains many important artifacts on loan from the Israel Antiquities Authority. The synagogue will obtain group tickets and provide transportation into the city. Only one bus will be chartered and seats will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Hurry up and register now on our shul website, aabjd.org.

We couldn’t be more thrilled as we gear up for our Annual 46^th Shul Dinner….We are so excited to honor the following people who all dedicate themselves and their time to bettering our shul and community, Debbie & Bruce Buechler- Guests of honor; Debbie & Jack Becker- Rabbi & Marylin Marcus Keter Shem Tov Award; Shoshanna & Brad Shulman- Young Leadership Award.

 If you ever find yourself with some free time and want to learn a little Torah, please feel free to listen to Rabbi Zwickler’s Web Dvar, which can be found on the homepage of our website, aabjd.org, just click on the Web Dvar banner to access. Please feel free to browse our website for any upcoming events that may spark your interest.