Shul Spiel: What's Happening in Local West Orange Synagogues

The last month has really been a busy one here at Congregation AABJ&D. Our congregants all enjoyed the fun, exciting and intellectual programs that we offered.

PARENT-CHILD PROGRAM
MishMash (Mishmar on Motzei Shabbat) is our parent-child learning that takes place on three Saturday evenings a month throughout the winter. This program continues to be a huge hit and success among the children and their parents. The children enjoy the one on one learning time with their parent, snacks and raffles with their friends. As always this program has been a huge success. On Jan. 15, the youth department had an unbelievable community wide event, Building Jerusalem…..with 60,000 LEGOS. Architect, Stephen W. Schwartz AIA, led everyone in the construction of a 400-square-foot LEGO model of the entire old city of Jerusalem, including the walls, the gates, the Kotel, the Beit Hamikdash, David’s tower and 80 buildings within the walls. This was a great opportunity for children, parents and grandparents to come together and build together.

TOGETHER ON TUESDAY
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.

This weekend, Shabbat Beshalach, we are celebrating, Super Shabbat Shalem our Shabbat of Inclusion, sponsored by MetroWest ABLE. Shabbat Shalem is a special time for the Jewish community to come together to gain deeper awareness of “inclusion.” Everyone in the community is encouraged to participate in Leil Limud, Kiddush, and Seudah Shilishit. Sponsored by AABJ&D and Ohr Torah, this Leil Limud is dedicated to Shabbat Shalem, a MetroWest effort to create a community that is inclusive of people with special needs and their families.

In March, we will be celebrating Shabbat Across America, through the hard work and dedication of West Orange Encounters. Hundreds of synagogues across the continent will take part in an historic national Jewish event to celebrate what unifies all Jews — Shabbat! Everyone is invited… singles, couples, families — all ages.  Please help us make this event a success – we ask that you begin reaching out to your friends, relatives, neighbors and business colleagues now. 

DEAD SEA SCROLLS TRIP
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.

ANNUAL DINNER
We couldn’t be more excited about our upcoming 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.

WEB DVAR
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.