What’s Happening at Local West Orange Synagogues

We have an exciting new year for our religious school, adult education and congregation here at B’nai Shalom.

As the newest rabbi in town, I hope that you will come out and see why we are attracting so many young families and Empty Nesters these days.

I am thrilled to join B’nai Shalom, because it is a traditional Conservative synagogue, with full opportunities for women and men to participate in all of our activities.

Small, so every simchah is personal (no double bar mitzvahs!), yet large enough at 330 families to have a full kiddush lunch every week, and a full slate of holiday and educational programs. We are haimische and alive.

This year, I will be teaching, singing, telling stories and participating in tefillot with our religious school students when our Solomon Schechter Award-Winning Framework School of Excellence opens on Sept. 10th and 11. Enrollments have nearly doubled since last year and we have an exciting future. Here we have a religious school where the children know their rabbi.

Our social worker, Lisa Sturm and I will also be leading a session “The Meaning of Yizkor in the Machzor and our Lives” following 9 a.m. Sunday minyan on Sept. 11th. Have you ever felt the Yizkor prayer did not express your heart? Together, we’ll prepare to remember.

We had a stirring evening reading of Eikhah this past month, on Tish’a B’Av, and Selichot is certain to be equally moving and stimulating on Sept. 24th. Beginning at 9:30 p.m., we’ll view and then discuss Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson, Rabbi Naomi Levy and Rabbi David Wolpe’s presentations in “Choosing Life in Light of Death: A High Holy Day Conversation.”  Dessert and Selichot services will follow the discussion.

Now is the time to come by and visit, pray, laugh sing and learn at B’nai Shalom.  I look forward to meeting you soon.

This Shabbat is Shabbat Chazon. The Torah Portion is Re'eh

Service Times at B'nai Shalom are as follows:
Friday Night Candle lighting is 7:18 p.m.
Evening Services: 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 27 - Shabbat Morning services 9 a.m.
Mincha/Maariv  - 7:20 p.m.

Daily Minyan:
Sunday 9 a.m.
Monday through Friday 7 a.m.
Sunday through Thursday: 8 p.m.