Shul Spiel: What's Going On at Local West Orange Synagogues

There is always something going on here at Congregation Ahawas Achim Bnei Jacob and David (AABJ&D).

Purim is almost here!

The festival of Purim is celebrated every year on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar. It commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in Ancient Persia from Haman's plot "to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews, young and old, infants and women, in a single day." We observe the holiday in several ways: a) by reading the  Megillah, or Book of Esther, which recounts the story of the Purim miracle b) giving money gifts to the poor c) sending gifts of food to friends d) a festive Purim feast. It is also customary for children to dress up in costumes.

To learn more about the holiday, visit the West Orange Encounters Purim Information Table at Livingston ShopRite this Sunday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.

At AABJ&D there will be much celebration surrounding the holiday including hamentaschen baking, a Purim carnival, an after-Megillah party, and festive Seuda (feast). Please visit our website, www.aabjd.org for all details.

 Wine Sale

This past Saturday night we held our annual Men’s Club Wine Sale. At this successful event, everyone enjoyed dining on sushi while tasting from over 100 varieties of wines from around the world. Orders were placed to arrive in time for Passover.

 Annual Dinner

The 45^th Annual Dinner of our Synagogue will take place on Sunday, March 27th. We will be honoring three special couples, each of whom has dedicated themselves selflessly for many years to our shul. Our guests of honor will be Susan and Shuli Moskowitz. The Rabbi Alvin and Marylin Marcus Keter Shem Tov Award will be presented to Debra and Chaim SIlverman. Shira and  Barry Hammerman will receive the Young Leadership Award.

 We look forward to a wonderful evening where we will pay tribute to our deserving honorees, and also recognize the important role our shul plays in our community and in our lives. 

 For information on all of our events and programs, including youth, seniors, Bat Mitzvah club, adult education, Men’s Club, Sisterhood and more, please visit our website at www.aabjd.org.

 For insights to the weekly Torah portion, check out Rabbi Zwickler's YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/ezwickler?feature=mhum

 Candle Lighting/Service Times

This Shabbat, the Torah reading is Parshat Vayikra.

Service times are as follows:

Friday, March 11:

Light Shabbat Candles: 5:41 p.m.

Evening Services: 5:45 p.m.

Shabbat, March 12:

Morning Services: 8, 9, and 9:15 a.m.

Afternoon Services: 5:20 p.m.

Shabbat Ends: 6:41 p.m.

Weekday Services:

Sunday Mornings: 7, 7:30, 8 and 9 a.m.

Monday and Thursday Mornings: 6:35 and 7:25 a.m.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday Mornings: 6:50 and 7:30 a.m.

Afternoons: 6:50 p.m.

Evenings: 9:45 p.m.