Rabbi Eliyahu Tal - Rabbi
Ray Morris — President Emeritus
Shelomo Beck - President
Visit our website for the latest news and copies of the bulletin.
Important Messages
- Qiddush is in the upstairs social hall. Sponsored by sponsored by Yechiel and Zita Weinstein in Honor of the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Amatz Weinstein. Everyone is invited.
- Se’udah Sh’lshit is sponsored by sponsored by Yechiel and Zita Weinstein in Honor of the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Amatz Weinstein. Everyone is invited.
- Selichot is starting this Sunday at 7:15am and will continue through the High Holidays. Sunday at 7:15am and Weekdays at 6:00am.
- Thank You for Supporting the Eruv We have raised almost $2,000 for the Eruv. We are less than a $36 donation away from $2,000, so if anyone who'd like to put us over the top, go to <https: data-preserve-html-node="true"//etzahaim.org/eruv>.
- Get Your High Holiday Seats Elul already? We are literally less than a month from the High Holidays. High Holiday seats can be purchased at <https: data-preserve-html-node="true"//etzahaim.org/seats>. You can download the paper form, or sign up online.
- We Need You Congregation Etz Ahaim isn't the building. It's the people who are our members. They make our congregation a lively place. They help us make our community. Please volunteer for the various committees we are currently setting up to help us make Congregation Etz Ahaim a home for Judaism and Learning https://etzahaim.org/volunteer
- New Families are moving to Highland Park. If you hear of any new families moving to Highland Park, please inform the Hospitality Committee.
- The Ḥesed Committee Contact the at Ḥesed Committee at hesed@etzahaim.groups.io if you know of a member or family of a member who is in a local hospital or nursing home. They are also looking for volunteers who can cook of shop for births or other needs.
If you have any announcements you'd like to see in the weekly bulletin, email it to news@etzahaim.org
Shabbat Schedule
Friday — Rosh Ḥodesh Elul/Rosh Hashana L'Behemot
- Shaḥarit: 6:30am
- Minḥa and Kabbalat Shabbat: 7:00pm
- Candle Lighting: 7:39pm
Saturday — Parashat Shoftim
- Youth Groups (ages 3-8): 9:30am - End of Shaḥarit
- Recite Shema: by 8:49am
- Shaḥarit: 8:45am Followed by
- Qiddush — Sponsored by sponsored by Yechiel and Zita Weinstein in Honor of the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Amatz Weinstein. Everyone is invited.
- Navi Class: No Class This Week
- Minḥa: 7:30pm Followed by
- Se’udah Sh’lshit — Sponsored by sponsored by Yechiel and Zita Weinstein in Honor of the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Amatz Weinstein. Everyone is invited.
- Arvit: 8:25pm
- Shabbat Ends: 8:25pm
- Shabbat Ends According to Rabbenu Tam: 9:08pm
Schedule for the Rest of the Week
Sunday
- First Day of Selichot: 7:15am
- Shaḥarit: 8:00am
- Minḥa: 7:00pm
Monday through Thursday
- Selichot: 6:00am
- Shaḥarit: 6:30am
- Minḥa & Arvit: 7:00pm
Next Friday:
- Selichot: 6:00am
- Shaḥarit: 6:30am
- Minḥa and Kabbalat Shabbat: 7:00pm
- Candle Lighting: 7:29pm
Classes for the Week
- Thursday: Ḥamin and Ḥumash: No Ḥamin and Ḥumash this Week
- Monday - Thursday: 10 Minutes of Parasha: After Shaḥarit
- Monday - Thursday: Halaḥah and Mussar: No Class this Week
Nightly Ḥaverta Learning: 7:00pm - 8:00pm (light refreshment included)
Bikur Ḥolim of Congregation Etz Ahaim
The congregation extends refua shelema wishes to:
- Asher ben Mazel
- Baruch ben Rivkah (Baruch Sachs)
- Shaul ben Salman (Shaul Baruch)
- Cochavit bat Victoria (Cochavit Baruch)
- Dvorah Shahala bat Sarah Parvin
- Gershon ben Sara
- Haim Baruh
- Jacob Krief (Yacov Gideon ben Miriam)
- Key Silverman
- Leah Chava bat Shayna
- Lita Greenberg (Tzvia Sarah bat Golda)
- Linda Balavram (Emmunah bat Sara)
- Sharona Bella bat Malka
- Sara Shifra bat Yehudit
- Yehoshua Baruch Ben Chava Sachs
- Yosef Daniel ben Feige
- (Zita bat Golda) Zita Weinstein
If you like to add someone to this list, or merely want the Rabbi to say a Mi Shaberaḥ on someone after Torah reading on Shabbat, please go to our webpage and fill out the form.
Community News
Kittel Gemach If you — or someone you know — needs to borrow a kittel, please call Lee Ann Schein at 732-208-1862. Four sizes are available. Kittel gemach is in memory of Lazar Lipman ben Chaim Yitzhak.
Clothing Sale at RPRY on Sunday, August 16 from 9:00am to 2:pm. All funds raised will go to bringing the next IDF Peace of Mind unit this fall. Donations of children's and women's clothing in almost new condition accepted from July 30 to August 9. Drop off at RPRY. No stained, torn, or heavily used clothing.
For more information, please contact Leslie.ostrin@gmail.com.
Lunch & Learn will be held on Wednesday, August 26 from noon to 2:00pm at Ohr Torah. The video Palestinian or Israeli will be shown.
- Go behind the scenes with history nerd Noam Weissman
- A candid conversation about identity, belonging, and what it means to be Israeli, Palestinian, Arab and human all at once
- Explore nuance, history, religion, and the cost of refusing simple labels
- For anyone wanting to know more about what Israel is about
- from different multiple angles
Enjoy a delicious lunch buffet catered by Jerusalem Pizza. Program followed by group questions and comments. Registration and pre-payment $20 per person (aides and children eat free) must be received by Sunday, August 23.
Credit card at registration checkout online <https: data-preserve-html-node="true"//www.ohrtorah.net/lunch-learn>, Zelle: payortorah@gmail.com, or checks made out to Cong. Ohr Torah and mailed to 48 Edgemount Road, Edison 08817
For questions, please contact: LandL@ohrtorah.netaha.
Local Shomer Shabbat Scouting Groups If you or anyone you know has children who areinterested in joining Scouting, there will be an Open House on Sunday September 3 at 7:30pm at the Highland Park Community Center at 220 South Sixth Avenue. There will also be tables at the Highland Park Arts in the Park on Sunday 9/20 from 11-4.
If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to Steve Springer s.springer@outlook.com | 908.227.3750
The Ohav Emeth Nshei Sisterhood invites the community to a special exhibit featuring artisan Rochel Weiss of Shalva Art on Tuesday September 8th from 6:30-8:30 PM at Ohav Emeth. View a beautiful selection of Shalva artwork and enjoy the opportunity to meet Rochel as she shares the inspiration behind her work.
Bakers Needed Looking for bakers for a Rosh Hashanah Bake Sale for Israel! The Bake Sale will take place on Tuesday, September 8 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Ohav Emeth. They are unable to accept refrigerated/freezer items. All proceeds will go to Friends of Lowenstein Rehabilitation Medical Center. For questions, please contact Cindy Baruch at cindy.baruch@verizon.net or 908-309-8818.
The Hidden Side of the War: Inside Agent Recruitment & Terrorist Interrogation will offer an inside look at how Israeli intelligence operations have saved countless lives and helped shape key battles in the Gaza Strip. This is a unique opportunity to hear firsthand insights into the ongoing war on terror from someone who has lived it on the front lines.
Canceled until the fall due to the war with Iran
Support the Highland Park First Aid Squad by purchasing its discount cards. The cards provide discounts to many local businesses including Grill House, Bridge, Dunkin Donuts, Dairy Deluxe, China Lee, Orchid and Giddy's Pizzeria. There are 2 cards this year: one for $30 or both for $50. The cards may be purchased at the Ahavas Achim office, or by contacting any Squad member including: Ari and Deborah Lewitter, Yossi Benedek.
Kosher Meals on Wheels need volunteers! Help Jewish Family Services cover vacations and last-minute cancellations during this season. Volunteers will fill in on an as-needed basis on routes in northern Middlesex County.
Deliveries are Monday/Wednesday/Friday, with pick-up of meals at Rutgers Hillel in New Brunswick at 10:00am. Please plan on devoting approximately two hours for deliveries. Email office@jfsmiddleses.org or call 732-777-1940 for more information or to volunteer.
Shatnez Testing by Rabbi Yosef Sayagh will no longer be testing shatnez every week. Please contact Rabbi Yosef Sayagh by texting 732-330-4103 to find out when he'll be in Highland Park.
Israeli Dancing is open to all women of the community in Ohr Torah's social hall on alternating Wednesday nights from 8-9PM. This is a free session for all dance enthusiasts where multiple participants teach and anyone can request dances they know.
The next class dates are: August 12, August 26, and September 9
Please email naomi.caplan@gmail.com for more information.
Caregiver Support Group is sponsored by Bikur Cholim of Raritan Valley. This groups meets twice each month and is facilitated by a licensed social worker. For more information, contact Sharon Glaser at 732-887-3653 or email sharonnglaser@gmail.com.
Bereavement Support Group facilitated by Marnie Kean, LCSW. Advanced registration is required to attend. If you plan to attend a session please contact Esther Fendrick, Director of Adult Enrichment & Engagement, at 732-593-5969 or email efendrick@jccmc.org, by 6:00pm on the Monday before the session.
For more information, please contact Esther Fendrick. This program is co-sponsored by The Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey.
JFS Annual School Supply Drive This month, the Women's Center at Jewish Family Services is kicking off their Annual School Supply Drive. Help a child start the school year strong! Please donate new (unused & unopened) backpacks, notebooks, pens, pencils & more-essential tools that will be gifted to children in JFS programs.
Visit https://www.jfsmiddlesex.org/donate to donate online. For more information on how you can help, contact JFS at womenscenter@jfsmiddlesex.org or 732-777-1940.
Amit's Holiday Celebrations at Amit Kfar Blatt Donate to the Legacy Fund in memory of Bernice & Mel Chefitz, z"l. Your generous support of holiday programming helps cover essential costs that allow AMIT's residential programs to recreate meaningful family holiday experiences that many of these children would otherwise miss. This includes holiday programming that provides festive meals, traditional holiday foods, creative activities, decorations, entertainment, and safe, structured celebrations that allow students to experience joy, belonging and community.
To donate please visit: https://amitchildren.org/Chefitz
RPRY Lunch Volunteers Needed RPRY is seeking parents, grandparents and friends to volunteer to assist with their hot lunch program. Each time you volunteer you will earn credits towards hot lunches for the RPRY family of your choice. Volunteer Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10:45 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
If you are interested or would like more information, please call 732-233-2339 or email lunches.rpry@gmail.com.
Discover the Joy of Being a Hospice Volunteer The simplest gifts are often the most profound. If you've got time, empathy, and compassion, you have the ability to support those nearing end of life, you are invited to explore the role of hospice volunteer with VNA Health Group.
Companionship visits in patient's homes or facilities in Middlesex, Union or Somerset Counties, administrative projects, or comforting phone calls, are just some of the ways in which volunteers support patients and their families. A Specialized 16-hour Training will be provided by members of the VNA Hospice Team, over the course of 3 weeks.
For more information please contact: Pauline De Palma, BSW Director Volunteer Services Pauline.DePalma@vnahg.org or 732-224-6933.
Highland Park's Lunch with Friends program urgently needs volunteers to assist with serving meals and engaging with senior attendees. Your presence on Mondays & Wednesdays can brighten their day and foster a sense of community. Visit: <https: data-preserve-html-node="true"//tinyurl.com/3457wkwz> for more information.
The ROC of New Jersey's Jersey Employment Assistance Initiative can assist you by offering resumé coaching, interview coaching, LinkedIn networking coaching, and finding a mentor in your field. Over 100 of your neighbors have already received assistance with their job search from The ROC of NJ absolutely free.
For more information, please visit: <https: data-preserve-html-node="true"//www.therocnj.org/employment>.
Chaverim of Middlesex County is a volunteer nonprofit organization committed to helping community members in their time of need. Members respond to all non-medical emergencies including automotive help (flat tire, dead battery, locked car) and house emergencies. Their phone number is 732-844-3577.
They are currently looking for volunteers. Go to https://www.chaverimmc.org/volunteer to volunteer today!
The JFS Women's Support Group provides a safe and welcoming space for displaced homemakers seeking community and balance during major life changes. Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month from 11:00am to 12:00pm at the Jewish Family Service's North Brunswick office, 2C Blackhorse Lane.
For more information or to join the group, call: 732-777-1940 or email womenscenter@jfsmiddlesex.org.
Bikur Cholim of Raritan Valley is looking for volunteer drivers to help people get to and from their medical appointments. They also need volunteers to stock the St. Peter's locker on Thursday nights. If you can help with either of these mitzvot, please call Cindy Baruch at 908- 309-8818 for more information.
Bikur Cholim of Raritan Valley is looking for volunteers to visit local seniors who are homebound. If you can help out with this mitzvah, please contact Cindy Baruch at cindy.baruch@verizon.net or 908- 309-8818.
The NJ Chesed and Parnossa Network (formerly The ROC of NJ) is coordinating a community-wide effort to help provide minyanim at shiva homes. We have seen a few instances where there have not been minyanim at shiva homes for Shaḥarit and Minḥa/Maariv. Therefore, we have created the Shiva Minyannaire Initiative WhatsApp Group. Please email: jp@therocnj.org and they will send you a link to join the WhatsApp group.
Shnainu Shidduch Group of Edison & Highland Park is a volunteer shidduch group that works to assist Orthodox Jewish singles, of all ages and hashkafot. They would like to get to now you. Please reach out to them via email so they can set up an appointment. or more information or to submit your profile, email: shidduchedisonhp@gmail.com.
It Takes a Village of Edison/Highland Park is looking for volunteers to join our dedicated network of over 70 local members! We provide support and assistance to single moms and dads with everyday tasks such as babysitting, financial guidance, errands and more. Join us and offer your skills in support of a single parent in our community! We are particularly interested in adding handymen, plumbers, and other home maintenance professionals to our volunteer roster. Please contact Rikki Samel 732 742 4559 - no commitment needed, volunteer when and how works best for you!
Jewish Family Services is excited to announce their newest initiative, The Pet Food Pantry! JFS believes pets are members of the family, too. They strive to promote the joy and dignity of the families who visit them for help, so this is one more service that improves the quality of life for neighbors in need-and their fur babies! To make a donation, please email office@jfsmiddlesex.org to schedule a drop off. Thank you!