Pre-Passover Food Drive a Success!

This spring, for my Bat Mitzvah project, I had the opportunity to organize a Pre-Passover Food Drive to benefit seven families in the Family Promise Essex (formerly Interfaith Hospitality Network) program, collecting grocery items and cash donations that were put into ShopRite gift cards for each family. I am so happy to report that it was a success! Continue reading

MESH Report Nov 16, 2021

 

This week, Aileen Grossberg prepared the quintessential comfort food meal: Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, homemade Cole slaw, Italian Bread with Spread, Fresh Fruit Cup with Pineapple and Blueberries, not one but two cookies: one chocolate chunk and the other cranberry oatmeal, and PB crackers for a snack. As always, a water bottle and condiments were included. John Lasiter ably assisted with packing and cleanup. Next week, another partner will cover the meal and we will resume on November 30th.

Happy Thanksgiving to All!

Continue reading

MESH Report Oct. 26, 2021


John Lasiter and Adrienne Shulman prepared 22 MESH meals at their home this last Tuesday.  On the menu were Roasted Turkey Sandwiches (2 each) on Ciabatta bread with sweet pickles, slow roasted tomatoes, frizzled onions and mayo. (Vegetarian Sandwiches were also prepared). Sides included, hummus, pretzel chips, an orange, bottle of water and Oreo cookies.

Continue reading

Welcome to the Board of Trustees, 2021

Yasher koach to the 2020-21 Board of Trustees.  Special thanks to outgoing board members Dawn Berman, Marc Chalom, Shana Rubin and Allison Task.

Welcome to new board members Adam Dembrow, Lynne Rubin, Sarita Eisenberg and Michael Sag:

Adam DembrowAdam Dembrow, Trustee (term expiring 2022)

My wife Sarah and I, and our kids Lily (11) and Eitan (8), just passed our fourth anniversary of living in Montclair, and we’ve been part of the Shomrei community since we moved here.  I have particularly been enjoying the group study sessions led by Rabbi Greenstein of Pirkei Avot and the Zohar.  I’m excited to join the Board of Trustees and am looking forward to working with the community that I’ve found so welcoming. Continue reading

MESH Report Feb 4, 2020

81e830fb-9904-42a6-8fca-3cce6b70450b

From Captain Linda Ariel:

It was an overcast evening, yet this did not interfere with the Carol Starr MESH Cafe at Shomrei having a full house of guests. John Lasiter, chef par excellence, was assisted by Elliot Fischer in preparing a scrumptious dinner of appetizers of popovers and latkes, followed by the main course of barbecued chicken, cole slaw, roasted potatoes, bread and margarine.

Continue reading

Honoring Shomrei Stars!

faces3

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…

Continue reading

MESH Report Nov 12, 2019

MESH nov 12

From Captain Alex Kent:

On a chilly Tuesday night, the Carol Starr MESH Cafe at Shomrei warmed a smaller than usual group of guests with a nourishing dinner.

John Lasiter prepared a meal for 18 people, with 1 meal to go. The diners were treated to pita chips with hummus, barbecued chicken, roasted potatoes, cole slaw, challah and spread, topped off by a dessert of homemade brownies and vanilla ice cream.

Continue reading

MESH Report Oct 29, 2019

image1 (6)

From Captain Lynne Kurzweil:

On a drizzly Tuesday evening we welcomed 24 grateful guests to the Carol Starr MESH Cafe at Shomrei.  Six takeaway meals were also provided.  Chef Lynne Kurzweil whipped up a healthy and filling meal beginning with Tuna/Egg Salad with Crudités and Chips, followed by Tuscan Tilapia with Cannelini Beans, Tomatoes and Spinach served with Brown Basmati Rice and Garlic Bread.  Dessert was Honeydew, Strawberries, Blueberries and Raspberries and Pecan Melt-away Cookies.

Continue reading