Standing up to Antisemitism
Dear Shomrei Community,
This past Sunday night, I attended the holiday celebration in Nutley and instead of speaking about light and joy, I spoke about antisemitism. There were 1,000 people gathered to light the Christmas tree, with a DJ and roasted chestnuts. I was supposed to say a blessing for the Hanukkah menorah and keep it light, but my eyes were tearing up. It felt urgent to explain how vulnerable Jews are feeling right now, right here in New Jersey, and to ask everyone there to BE THE LIGHT WE NEED TO SEE IN THE WORLD. Continue reading
MESH Report Dec 6, 2022
Chef Sarita Eisenberg prepared 25 to-go meals assisted by Lou Hammerman, Linda Ariel and teen helper Jaden (taking time out from b’nai mitzvah preparation).
Toldot: D’var Torah – 11/26/22
Increasing Access to Reading
In addition to recommending books and calling your attention to informative websites, I like to share information from the greater library world.
The following information is from the latest issue of Bookmark, the publication of the New Jersey Association of School Librarians: If you or someone you know has a problem accessing print for educational or pleasure reading, you are eligible to use the resources of the New Jersey State Library Talking Book and Braille Center (TBBC). Formerly called the Library for the Blind and Handicapped, the library recognizes that there are many reasons for readers having difficulty with print: a visual disability, an intellectual disability, a processing problem, a physical problem holding a print book, or simply needing larger print. Continue reading
MESH Report Nov 29, 2022
First time MESH Chef Joan Zief took the reins in the Shomrei kitchen to produce a hearty and healthy meal for our MESH guests. Â Main course was fresh baked Panko Coated Tilapia with Roasted Broccoli and Seasoned Brown Rice. Â Fruit course was a banana and a clementine (courtesy of Gail Stocks). Â Also included was Potato Bread and a Pain Au Chocolat (Chocolate Croissant). Oreo pack, breakfast biscuit and a bottle of water. Â The bag was heavy! Â Sous Chefs/Packers were Alex Kent and Yours Truly.
A Time to Count Blessings, A Time to Give Back
A video message from Rabbi Julie for Thanksgiving. Continue reading
MESH Report Nov 22, 2022
On a pre-Thanksgiving Tuesday, the Carol Starr Mesh Cafe delivered a hearty multi course meal with the promise of the holiday to come. Unfortunately, technical difficulties prevented many pictures of the meal. Continue reading
Welcoming our Newest Member
What’s sweeter than a new baby? Shomrei welcomed 4 day old Esther Hirsch to the congregation with an in-house catered kiddush on Shabbat, November 19.
Babies come when they are ready so the kiddush volunteers didn’t find out about Esther’s birth until late Wednesday afternoon. We did a quick pivot, abandoning the planned kiddush menu, and substituting a custom menu requested by Esther’s parents, Josh Hirsch and Jenny Leon. Continue reading
It Takes a Minyan
In life, there are certain things that cannot be done alone. In Judaism, there are certain prayers that cannot be said alone. Kaddish is one of them – it takes a minyan. At Shomrei there are currently three regularly scheduled opportunities to say Kaddish: the services we have Friday night, Saturday morning, and Sunday morning.
To ensure that we always have ten people for the Sunday Morning Minyan, Linda Ariel will begin collecting names of those who would like to be called upon, or scheduled, to attend the Sunday morning minyan. Continue reading