“The Little Minyan That Could” is celebrating its tenth anniversary this November. It started when my father, Mike Leventer, passed away and I wanted to say kaddish in the comfort of my own home with the support of the Shomrei community. Never did I imagine that ten years later, we would still be meeting in our living-room, davening Maariv through the seasons and sharing life’s experiences with each other on the first Wednesday of each month.
Tag Archives: Merrill Silver
Turning Strangers into Friends
The biggest reason my family joined Shomrei back in 2015 is because of the community here. So as the crisis in Syria grew, my husband and I kept asking each other: Should we do something? Adopt a Syrian orphan? Donate some clothes? It seemed obvious that I should email the rabbi. Was Shomrei “doing” anything? Continue reading
Mesh Cafe Mar 13, 2018
From Captain Stuart Green
It was another successful night at the MESH cafe. Twenty guests were grateful to be in from the cold to enjoy a warm and nourishing meal cooked up by Master Chef Sarita Eisenberg and her crack team of sous chefs, Sarah and Charles Steindel and Susan Rosenblatt. Continue reading
Mesh Cafe Mar 6, 2018
From Captain Linda Ariel
On March 6, 2018, the MESH Cafe at Shomrei welcomed 23 guests to join us at a sumptuous four course meal. We started with Pasta with Crudites, followed with an Asian Salad. The main course was delicious Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Vegetables, and Bread and Spread on the side. Dessert was plentiful with Fresh Fruit Salad, Home Baked Brownies, and Clementines. Our guests loved the food, especially the meatloaf, and asked for seconds and thirds. As they left, they thanked us all again for the warm welcoming environment and the good food.
Purim Simcha Band Lives Up to its Name
Seven years ago we needed a name for our newly formed band. “The Shomrei Emunah Multi-Generational Band” was too long. The Chanuka or Purim Band? Too dry! THE SIMCHA BAND! Yes, the Chanuka Simcha Band; the Purim Simcha Band. We have lived up to this name ever since. Continue reading
Mesh Cafe Feb 20, 2018
From Captain Lynne Kurzweil
We welcomed 19 guests to Shomrei’s MESH Cafe held at Union Baptist Church. This time, two rounds of applause…. first when our guests were told that we will be back in our own building next week and second when they learned about the delicious menu. Continue reading
Mesh Cafe Feb 6, 2018
From Captain Lynne Kurzweil
Meanwhile back at Union Baptist Church we welcomed 22 guests to Shomrei’s MESH Cafe. Coming inside to a warm and welcoming environment our guests were treated first to Merrill Silver’s delicious Carrot, Parsnip and Potato Soup. Main course was a very hearty Beef Stew prepared by Arden Epstein. Fresh French baguette provided by Shirley Grill accompanied the stew. Chocolate dipped chocolate chip cookies and clementines, also provided by Shirley, ended the meal on a sweet note.
Musicians ages 10-110 wanted!
It is difficult to believe that Purim is just around the corner. The Megillah reading will be WEDNESDAY EVENING FEBRUARY 28 which means the Chanuka Simcha Band morphs into the PURIM SIMCHA BAND that evening.
We are scheduling one rehearsal on SUNDAY FEB. 11 beginning at 10:00 and ending at approximately 11:00. If we need a second rehearsal (due to snow, building problems, sickness, or just because we really need more practice), we will meet again on SUNDAY FEB. 25 at 10-11:00. (We are keeping the holiday weekend free – NO rehearsal Presidents’ weekend).
Continue reading
The Joy of the Chanukah Simcha Band
Eighteen hours after the Simcha Band played at Shomrei’s annual Chanuka party I was sitting poolside in St. Petersburg, Florida. Did I hear Christmas music everywhere? Not me! I continued to hear the eleven Chanuka songs and Israeli folk songs we played the night before. The joy of the band, the SIZE of the band and our professionalism continues to sustain me through the last day and night of the holiday. Continue reading
Grape Leaves and Gratitude
Adults L-R (Tamam, Bara’a and neighbor Abdulrasul). Smiles all around just before lunch prepared by Bara’a.
Judith Antelman, a new member of Shomrei, recently attended her first meeting of Shomrei’s Refugee Assistance Group. The group assists refugees who recently resettled in our area. The following is her response after meeting one of the refugee families.
Grape Leaves and Gratitude
These days, I greet every morning with gratitude. I am grateful for my health and well-being. I am grateful for compassionate family and friends. I am grateful for an abundance of organic, locally grown food. I am grateful for gardens, parks, and running paths in and around Montclair. I am grateful for my new community of friends at Shomrei. And on a crisp Autumn Sunday in November, I found gratitude in the humble home of Bara’a, Tamam, and their three children.