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

The past month has been a busy one here at Congregation Ahawas Achim B'nai Jacob & David.

Our Youth Department has been very busy with all of their events and programs! In the past month we had our youth raffle drawing, which we were so anxiously awaiting. Congratulations to all of our big winners and a big thank you to our local businesses for their ongoing support.

The children also enjoyed a fun and educational Shavuot program that was tailored to their interests and needs.

Our Shabbat morning groups are winding down now, but we will continue to have a modified schedule over the summer. We sadly said our goodbyes to Chanie, our youth director of three amazing years, of dedicated work to our children, who will be leaving us this summer and moving with her family. We are looking forward to our new youth directors and know that they will do an amazing job.

The Lauren Elise Early Childhood has had another successful school year. Our 4’s put on a beautiful graduation and are all moving on to kindergarten come the Fall. We wish them much success in their journey.

The children are now enjoying Mini-Camp, which is only preparing them for the awesome summer that they will have here at Camp Shemesh.

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.

If you missed out on our last blood drive, which had an overwhelming amount of people who came out, make sure to give the gift of life - donate blood at our next blood drive, here on Sunday, July 1, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Each donor will receive two AMC movie tickets.

We recently had the privilege of welcoming Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Riskin, as our Scholar in Residence. Rabbi Riskin, the Chief Rabbi of Efrat and the founding rabbi of the Lincoln Park Synagogue, is a prolific speaker and writer who everyone enjoyed listening to.

Rabbi Riskin spoke on "From the Scouts in the Desert to the Politicians in the Knesset: Prayer vs. Action -Which Takes Precedence?" and "From the Westside to the West Bank: Jewish Arab Relationships and Hope for the Future."

This past Shabbat we all enjoyed our annual graduation Kiddush, which honors all of our graduates, their hard work and accomplishments. We had more than 60 graduates ranging from Lower School to Graduate School. Congratulations to all of our graduates and their families!!!

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, www.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.