What's Happening in West Orange Synagogues

As the winter weather is getting colder we are doing as much to keep busy here at Congregation AABJ&D. We have had both educational and social events that have been a major hit!

In response to Hurricane Sandy the members of our Shul joined together to do what they can to help the people who were affected the most.

We collected toiletries, clothing and warm coats just to name a few of the things people who were left with nothing needed.

We also took part in an OHEL Chanukah toy drive to collect toys for children and young adults who are less fortunate than we are. We are so proud of the response and outpour we received from our members.

Our youth directors, Daniella and Dovi are busy planning fun and exciting activates for our children to enjoy.

Mishmash started up again for the winter season and has been a hit since the beginning. The children also have enjoyed a movie night, Challah baking and much more. We look forward to all of the upcoming events you have in store.

The nursery school has been filling our halls with the joyous sounds of singing and laughing. The children are working hard to prepare for Chanukah and are excited to learn new songs and make projects that they will share with the families.

We had the privilege of welcoming artist and author, Stan Lebovic, who took us on an intellectual exploration through art.

Black is a Color, a masterful exhibit where art intersects the intellect and religion meets reality.

The son of a Holocaust survivor paints us a deeply personal picture of his quest to wrestle with the darkness that engulfed his father’s world.

Lebovic studied at the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, D.C. He has owned several illustrative service companies and before devoting himself exclusively to Black is a Color he published a children's book, which received a Toy of the Year Award and was featured in Disneyworld and on the QVC Television Network.

This program was in commemoration of Kristallnacht.

Scholar in Residence, Rabbi Jeremy Stern was also a fan favorite. Rabbi Stern serves as the Executive Director of the Organization for the Resolution of Agunot (ORA), a nonprofit organization which advocates against the abuse of the get (Jewish divorce) process.

Rabbi Stern lectures frequently on issues of domestic abuse, the interplay between the Jewish and American legal systems, and the role of the Jewish community in preventing and counteracting get-refusal.

Our Sisterhood, once again did an outstanding job with their Annual Café Night. There was a great turnout of people, who enjoyed a delicious dinner, Chinese auction with awesome prizes and great entertainment from Josh Beckerman, Magician & Entertainer Extraordinaire.

Beckerman has been entertaining the masses since the age of 4. His verbal dexterity is matched only by his astounding command of sleight-of-hand. He has amused audiences at corporate events, private parties, charity events and restaurants around the world. He can be seen regularly at parties, events and restaurants around New York City. A great time was had by all.

Together on Tuesday is off and running with great programs for our seniors. Debbie Druce is hard at work preparing each and every event to ensure our Together on Tuesday members have a great time.

The program meets every Tuesday. 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 about our program or schedule or any other information contact Seniors Coordinator, Debbie Druce at (973) 736-1407 x240 or email her at srstot@gmail.com.

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, http://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.

We are all looking forward to our upcoming 47th Shul Dinner, honoring Shari & David Cherna, and bestowing the Keter Shem Tov Award to Rose & Gary Scharlat and Young Leadership Award to Rachel & Joel Segal. The Lifetime Achievement Award will be given to Mickey Weiss.

Wishing everyone and their families a very Happy Chanukah!