Category Archives: News & Events

Local Clergy Meet with James Harris

by Shomrei Emunah

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clergy meeting 1-9-20

Pictured from left to right:
Cantor Meredith Greenberg – Temple Ner Tamid
Rabbi Ariann Weitzman – Bnai Keshet
Rabbi Elliott Tepperman – Bnai Keshet
Rabbi Laurence Groffman – Temple Sholom of West Essex
Rabbi David Greenstein – Congregation Shomrei Emunah
Reverend Elizabeth Campbell – Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church
Cantor Kenneth Feibush – Temple Sholom of West Essex
Mr. James Harris – NJABE & NAACP
Rabbi Marc Katz – Temple Ner Tamid
Reverend Campbell Singleton – Union Baptist Church
Rabbi Yaacov Leaf – Chabad of Montclair)

Today, January 9th, 2020 local Jewish and Christian clergy met with James Harris to address his comments at the Montclair 4th Ward meeting December 3oth. The rabbis and cantors who attended the meeting have issued a statement:

To Whom It May Concern,

Today at the request of James Harris, a meeting was convened including him and the Jewish clergy serving the Montclair community. This meeting was called and attended so that we could address directly the antisemitic statements and sentiments expressed by Mr. Harris at the Fourth Ward meeting on December 30th. As representatives of Montclair’s Jewish community we feel an obligation to report on the outcome and content of this meeting.

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Honoring Shomrei Stars!

by Sara Ann Erichson

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Each year Shomrei honors one or more members for their commitment and volunteerism in support of our community. I am excited to announce that this year we are honoring a quintet of talented and dedicated individuals (as pictured L-R): Carol Katzman, Allison Task, Margot Laksin, John Lasiter and Adrienne Shulman Lasiter

Here’s what you need to know: 

  • First, SAVE-THE-DATE and come to a Shomrei bash in their honor on Saturday night, February 29th. (Invitation to follow.)

  • Second, HONOR OUR HONOREES by expressing your gratitude in this year’s community directory (Ad Journal).  (More information on how to do so below.)

Now let me share a little about our honorees’ impact on Shomrei…

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Resilience

by Judith Antelman

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editor’s note: on the evening of Dec 29, 2019, the wider Jewish community including area synagogues and Chabad of Montclair, as well as interfaith allies gathered for the lighting of the communal Hanukkiah as an act of solidarity in light of recent attacks on Jews.

RESILIENCE
By Judith Antelman

on a corner in December
in the cold in the rain

we light one candle
we remember

with community & family
with strangers & friends Continue reading →

Rainy Night of Solidarity

by Aileen Grossberg

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editor’s note: on the evening of Dec 29, 2019, the wider Jewish community including area synagogues and Chabad of Montclair, as well as interfaith allies gathered for the lighting of the communal Hanukkiah as an act of solidarity in light of recent attacks on Jews.

Report and Opinion from a Rainy Night of Solidarity
By Aileen Grossberg

The night was cool and rainy but the hearts were warm and the voices strong. Scores of people from Montclair area synagogues were joined by others of all faiths to stand in solidarity against the recent spate of anti-semitic acts in the tri-state area.

The concern was palpable as small groups talked in hushed voices about the incidents of the last weeks. But there was also determination to not give in to fear and to do something to fight this growing wave of anti-semitism and violence. Continue reading →

Hanukkah Simcha Band

by Merrill Silver

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Shomrei Emunah was bursting with happiness and fun as we welcomed Hanukkah a little early this year. The Hanukkah Band, performing for the 9th year in a row, outdid itself. So many musicians ages 7-75+ and such good music! Not only are we multi-generational, but we had two families of musicians that were multi-generational. French horn player (and
shofar blower extraorinaire) Elana was joined by her son, Natan on violin. Merrill’s son, Dan, came from NYC to play tenor sax with his mother at the piano.

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Program: Challenges Facing Israel Today as a Jewish State and a Democratic, Open Society, Wed, Dec 11, 2019, 7:30pm

by Shomrei Emunah

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Wed, Dec 11, 7:30pm
Free, Light Refreshments Served
Shomrei Emunah, 67 Park St. Montclair

Rabbi Nathalie Lastreger, one of the leading voices in Masorti (Traditionial) Judaism, is an activist for religious pluralism and human rights in Israel today. She will speak at Congregation Shomrei Emunah and looks forward to an honest and provocative adult discussion about “The Challenges Facing Israel Today as a Jewish State and a Democratic, Open Society.”
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The Miracle on Church Street

by Shomrei Emunah

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Simchat Torah Church Street

photo courtesy Temple Ner Tamid, Bloomfield, NJ

Aileen Grossberg sends us this poem written by her friend Norman S. Pollack. On Monday, October 21, 2019, Four synagogues joined up on Montclair’s Church Street to celebrate Simhat Torah, B’nai Keshet, Congregation Shomrei Emunah, Temple Ner Tamid and Temple Sholom of West Essex.

The Miracle on Church Street

It happened beneath commercial lights,
On the corner was “Anthropologie:”
Twelve musicians in the diasporax
‘neath a Fullerton sign, “Pure Energy.”

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Deborah Sacks Mintz – Singing as a Spiritual Practice, Musical Scholar in Residence, Fri/Sat, Nov 1 & 2, 2019

by Shomrei Emunah

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A transformative prayer leader and musician, Deborah Sacks Mintz has served innovative institutions around the country as a teacher of Torah and communal Jewish music. As a member of the Hadar Ensemble and the Community Singing Consultant of Hadar’s Rising Song Institute, Deborah serves as a resource to those seeking to cultivate the grassroots musical and spiritual creativity of the Jewish people.

In addition to composing new Jewish music, Deborah can be found regularly performing and recording with a myriad of musicians and ensembles. A Wexner Graduate Fellow, Deborah is pursuing rabbinical ordination at the Jewish Theological Seminary.

As an experienced ba’al tefilah and leader of communal prayer, Deborah seeks to support communities in unlocking their own abilities to lead and empower their spiritual selves. Through composing and sharing new liturgical music, Deborah offers a fresh take on a deeply traditional sound.

All events Free and open to the public
(see schedule below)

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In Concert: Guitarist Laurence Juber, Sun, Nov 3, 2019, 4pm

by Shomrei Emunah

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tickets on sale now: Shomrei.org/concert

Laurence Juber is a solo performer, recording artist, composer and arranger. His playing fuses folk, jazz, blues, pop and classical styles, creating a multi-faceted performance that belies the use of only one instrument.

First internationally recognized as lead guitarist in Paul McCartney’s Wings, with whom he won a Grammy. Juber has since established himself as world-renowned guitar virtuoso and entertainer.

Sunday, November 3, 2019, 4pm
Adults $15 in advance ($18 at the door)
Kids (when accompanied by an adult) – FREE
Tickets: Shomrei.org/concert

Sponsored by the Eric Singer Charitable Fund and Shomrei Emunah. Continue reading →