What's Happening in West Orange Synagogues

Back to “Shul”

Synagogues that prioritize learning at all ages are often called “shul” from the Yiddish for “school.” Here at B’nai Shalom, it’s “back to shul time” after a long and active summer.

Now that we’ve completed our summer learning series on Creation, Revelation and Providence in the Jewish Tradition, we are moving full speed ahead with more programs.

On Thursday, Aug. 2, we took a bus trip to “Colonial New York.” Beginning with a trip to the Holocaust Museum, in Battery Park, we focused on the earliest Jews to land on these shores. We then enjoyed the Emma Lazarus exhibit on the top floor, understanding her inspirational poem The New Colossus on new and profound levels: Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to be free. From there we went to the Fraunces Tavern Museum on the old shores of the river, now four blocks inland from the water. There we saw the room where George Washington said goodbye to his officers after the American Revolution. Jewish life has always been a part of the story of America, from earliest times, and our people embrace the spirit of American freedom so very strongly.

Back in West Orange, B’nai Shalom continues to offer compelling and important activities for you and our community through the summer months. 

Back to School (Sunday): The National Council of Jewish Women once again will be at B’nai Shalom for the annual Back to School event.  Children who need are brought in to shop for free in our building.  Trucks have been unloading all week: Paper, pencils, backpacks, clothing, shoes, toiletries, markers, glue, scissors, calculators and more… each child is paired to a personal “shopper” who walks them through the makeshift market and helps them select what they want for the school year ahead.  The program reflects tremendous generosity, but also is done is a spirit of great dignity and respect. 

Family Olympics! (Aug 12):  Fun in the sun, or inside based on weather. A family fun day for all the kids and prospective members here at B’nai Shalom. All are welcome to enjoy Olympic style games and races. Everyone is a winner, as we enjoy flag ceremonies, medals, and games for all abilities. Meet the young families that are the future of our synagogue, and find your new home before the Holy Days.

As the summer comes to a close, it is not to early to wish you L’shanah Tovah tikateivu – may you be inscribed for a sweet new year.

Today

Service times are as follows:
Friday candlelighting time: 7:52p.m.
Evening Services: 7 p.m.
Saturday morning – 9 a.m.

Torah Reading –Parashat Va’etchanan 7:50 p.m. - Afternoon service, study with Rabbi Tobin, Evening and Havdallah service 

Daily Minyanim:
Sunday 9 a.m.
Monday-Friday: 7 a.m.
Sunday – Thursday: 8 p.m. 

This Shabbat
Friday, Aug. 3 – 7 p.m. – Shabbat Service under the Stars in the Liben Atrium and Garden (weather-permitting) 

Saturday, Aug. 4 -11 a.m. -Shabbat Fun – A parent-led Shabbat service for children under 5 and their parents. 

Upcoming Events
Sunday, Aug. 12- 10:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. B’nai Shalom will host a Breakfast of Champions and Olympic Games Day for those looking to be part of a warm, caring and fun community. Families of all ages are welcome. Have a bite, schmooze, and then take part with the kids as we mark the closing day of the Olympics and welcome new and old friends. RSVP to programs@bnaishalom.net or call (973) 731-0160 ext. 207.