I know we have not fasted yet, nor have we built our Sukkot. But we can definitely use some extra joy these days so why not fast forward to Simchat Torah?
This year Shomrei will be celebrating the holiday virtually on Sunday, October 11 at 7:30 PM. As we mark the completion AND the beginning of reading the Torah, we would like to fill the occasion with live music.
Sounding the shofar is a beloved feature of celebrating the Jewish New Year. Each year we enjoy gathering together in our building to hear the shofar’s piercing, mysterious sounds.
This year we need to be creative. While we will livestream the shofar service from Shomrei, we also want to “think out of the building.” So we are hoping to gather a group of volunteers who will be able to blow shofar at various designated spots in Montclair, so as to make it possible for as many people as possible to hear the real thing. Imagine – you, along with so many of your friends and neighbors – taking a few moments to walk to a spot close by, or to just open your window, and hear the traditional shofar blasts heralding the New Year!
The 2020 Annual Meeting of Congregation Shomrei Emunah occurred on Monday, June 22, 2020. Members voted on a number of items including the budget and election of new members of the Board of Trustees.
Results of the meeting:
2020 Shomrei Annual Meeting Package which includes reports from outgoing President Sara Ann Erichson and Director of Education, Heather Brown.
It is always a pleasure to thank the Purim Band for its contribution to our community celebration. So a huge heartfelt “Yasher Koach” to:
Dr. Josh Kulp – A Seder History
A pre-Passover discussion led by Dr. Josh Kulp:
Aside from the Bible, there might be more different editions of the Passover Haggadah than any other book in history. The Haggadah and Passover seder originated in the land of Israel after the destruction of the Second Temple, and continue to be one of the most observed Jewish rituals throughout the world. This unique visual presentation will show how the Haggadah’s texts and the seder’s customs developed over the centuries and how Jews shaped their traditions in reaction to the places throughout the world in which they lived. Come and learn of the Seder’s fascinating history and pick up some fascinating information to share at your own seders. Continue reading
Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg will be Shomrei’s guest on May 8th and 9th, 2002. Programs and services are free and open to the public. Continue reading
On the 15 of Shevat, corresponding to the 10th of February, we will be celebrating Tu B’Shevat, the New Year of the Trees.
Customarily, certain grains and fruits mentioned in the following quote from the Torah are eaten:
“For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land with streams and springs and fountains issuing from plain and hill, a land of wheat and barley, of vines, figs, and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and [date] honey (Deuteronomy 8:7-8).”
These items are collectively known as the seven species and each has been given a characteristic.
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.
In the Shomrei Gallery, “My Israel” the photography of Shomrei member, Donna Dotan (Podnos).
Reception date/time will be announced soon!
Continue reading
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…