Passover Pleasers
There are still a few days left for Passover meal preparation. And there must be stray matzah sitting on the counter waiting for a way to be used.
Matzah pizza is a favorite of families. The key is to lightly brush the matzah with oil, then put a layer of cheese, followed by the sauce and more cheese if you wish. You can add herbs, tomatoes, olives or other items. This technique should prevent the matzah from getting soggy before it crisps up. Continue reading
Sermon for Parashat Vayikra
Defending Pharaoh: An English Major Interprets the Exodus Story
We often think of the Exodus story in terms of good and evil. God is good. Pharaoh is evil. God heard the moaning of the Israelite slaves and remembered His covenant. He liberated them from their bondage telling Moses “Say, therefore, to the Israelite people: I am יהוה. I will free you from the labors of the Egyptians and deliver you from their bondage. I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and through extraordinary chastisements. And I will take you to be My people, and I will be your God. And you shall know that I, יהוה, am your God who freed you from the labors of the Egyptians.” (Exodus, Chapter 6 v 6-7) bringing them out of Egypt. Continue reading
Pre-Passover Pasta Drive a Huge Success!
On Tuesday (April 8), Congregation Shomrei Emunah delivered the results of their spring Pasta Drive on behalf of the Human Needs Food Pantry. Members gave generously and filled an SUV with all they gathered. Continue reading
MESH Report: April 8, 2025
This week the fabulous team of Sara Steindel, Alex Kent & Susan Rosenblatt prepared 46 delicious meat meals of breaded chicken breast, mixed vegetables & roasted potatoes. Impossible meatballs with spaghetti sauce were prepared for 4 vegan meals along with the veggies & potatoes. Andy & Carol Blau were the co-captains/ head chefs. They shopped and were greeted by MESH recipients and staff who expressed their gratitude for the meals upon delivery!
Chag Pesach Sameach to all! Continue reading
JLC Shabbaton
This past Shabbat, students in grades 5-7 had the unique opportunity to spend the weekend at the Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center in Falls Village, CT. Thanks to a generous grant from the Greater MetroWest Federation, JLC students departed Montclair on Friday afternoon and enjoyed a Shabbat retreat amidst the serene beauty of the Berkshire Mountains, fully immersed in nature. Accompanied by JLC staff members Sarah Kamenetsky and Orli Pinsberg, as well as Madrichim Eva Halbfinger and Gabe Delaney, the group embarked on a memorable and enriching experience.
Passover Resources For Families
Dear Shomrei Families,
I can hardly believe that Passover is a little more than a week away. As we prepare for Passover, we are reminded of the power of storytelling, tradition, and togetherness. The Seder is more than just a meal—it is an opportunity to pass down our history, values, and dreams from generation to generation. Each year, we gather around the table to retell the story of our ancestors’ journey from slavery to freedom, connecting our past to our present in meaningful ways. Passover is also a time to reflect on the traditions that make our families unique. Whether it’s a beloved family recipe, a creative way to search for the Afikomen, or a favorite song during the Seder, these customs help shape our Jewish identity and bring us closer together. Continue reading
Affordable Housing in Montclair
Janice Talley, Montclair’s Town Planner is preparing a Housing Element and Fair Share plan for the township to submit to the State. It will contain elements needed to fulfill our affordable housing obligations set by the State. We are at a critical juncture in our town—either we include elements in the plan such as zoning variances which allow for more affordable housing throughout our town, or we go the route of becoming a less diverse, more expensive community. The Town Council is sponsoring a survey created by the Economic Development Council (EDC) to survey the larger community about affordable housing. Continue reading
Haggadah Ideas
Are you looking for ideas for your seder? Are you bored with your haggadah because of the dated language? Is the text too long for your family? Do you need something more family oriented? Are you seeking seder energy?
Come to the Lampert Library and take a look at our selection of Passover haggadot. There are long ones- and short ones; beautifully illustrated ones and very plain ones; thematic texts and traditional texts with no off topic references. Continue reading