From the Lampert Library
Thank you to everyone who supported Shomrei by attending Saturday’s gala, placed an ad in my honor, or made a contribution. I was truly touched and overwhelmed by the thought and effort of so many people and the gracious tributes from family, friends and congregants. Instead of a column this week, I’ve posted my remarks followed by a list of books (on display in the Gallery) related to the topic of community, mitzvot ,and tzedakah. Continue reading
For many people, Thanksgiving wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without the turkey. But there are people who either dislike turkey or don’t eat it because they are vegetarians or vegans. For them, the side dishes at the Thanksgiving feast become very important.
Typical Thanksgiving side dishes include mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole with marshmallows, and the ubiquitous green bean casserole topped with packaged fried onions. However, if you are ready for a bit of a change from your favorite common veggies, read on. Continue reading
Photograph taken by Jewish photographer-friend, Samuel Alschuler, April 1958
Several years ago I read an article in an obscure publication that described Abraham Lincoln’s childhood in isolated locations in Kentucky and Indiana, his family history, and the tendency for his people to marry within. The author postulated that the marry within practice suggested that his people were descended from an historical line that either faced undocumented obstacles with assimilation, or actually preferred marrying people who they knew would carry on the practices of their forbears. Continue reading
Open ROAD is a program providing free transport to and from your home to area houses of worship. The service is operated by Essex County Special Transportation and the Open ROAD program. To be eligible you must be either a senior adult over the age of 60 or an individual over 18 who has a physical, mental or temporary disability. Individuals wishing to register for Essex County Special Transportation will have to complete a one-time registration process by phone before becoming eligible for transportation. Call 973.618.1280 between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday – Friday to register.
Shomrei Emunah is proud to be the first congregation in the Montclair area to offer a special service to its senior and disabled population by starting an “Open ROAD” program for its members and friends. “Open ROAD” was started by Rabbi Evan Jafee of Flemington, NJ in an effort to help disabled and senior citizens attend the house of worship of their choice. It works in cooperation with the local county senior transportation services agency. The vans, used by the agency during the week, are made available on the weekends to allow worshippers to attend synagogues or churches on Saturdays and Sundays.
Report from Captain Lynne Kurzweil:
We served 20 guests on Tuesday night at the MESH Cafe at Shomrei. The bit more mild weather was a welcome relief for all.
It’s the Jazz Age of Shushan, when a king throws an endless party, a queen refuses a royal summons, an evil vizier hatches a nefarious plot, our hero and heroine struggle to save their people — and everyone wants to make the front page news! “The Windy Gragger” has all this and more (well, not much more). Set to the music of the Broadway show “Chicago,” this is the Purim story like you’ve never heard it before (unless you’ve seen the rehearsals, in which case you’ve sort of heard it before). Come see the one and only performance of “The Windy Gragger” on Purim evening, March 4, 2015. The Windy Gragger will star (in alphabetical order): Craig Eichner, Yechiel Felder, Talia Fellus, Martin Hochbaum, Ann Lippel, Carney Mimms, Jennifer Moss, Lisa Pendola, Andy Silikovitz.
Here’s a complete Purim Schedule of Events and Services
Congregation Shomrei Emunah is investigating the feasibility of cooperating with the Open Road project which provides free weekend transportation to eligible congregants who want to attend Saturday morning services. The project would be a three-way collaboration between the synagogue, the Essex County Division of Senior Services and Open Road’s Rabbi Evan Jaffe of Flemington N.J.
Continue reading
The harvest is in. The weather has turned cooler. It’s time for hearty, stick-to-the ribs fare. But who has time to wait hours for that pot roast or savory stew as our mothers and grandmothers did?
Here’s an attractive, tasty, relatively fast recipe that’s both vegetarian and vegan. For authenticity, cook or serve in a pottery tagine pan. Those looking for a meaty taste might add some vegetarian sausage (Trader Joe’s makes a good one that’s kosher, too). This recipe is courtesy of Ann Lippel and tested in my home kitchen.