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Thursday, April 29

Werner Lecture Fund of Beth El Synagogue in East Windsor. A Week Night Meal Can be Special. Part of a series of cooking classes titled "Generations in the Kitchen". The classes will be taught by a parent and their child. Classes include all supplies and culinary treats. 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor. 7-8:30 p.m. Fee is $10 per class or $25 for all three classes. Information or to register, (609) 443-4454.

Jewish Family & Children's Service of Greater Mercer County. Beyond Time-Out: A Parenting Program. Dr. Beth Grosshans will present a 2-hour detailed teaching session for parents of children ages 3-11 years using her 5-step Ladder Program; a simple, yet highly effective five-step strategy that goes Beyond Time-Out all the way to effectiveness. New Jersey Hospital Association, 760 Alexander Road, Princeton. 7-9 p.m. $10 per person. Information or to RSVP, contact Debra Levenstein at (609) 987-8100 or debral@jfcsonline.org.

Friday, April 30

Oscar and Ella Wilf Campus for Senior Living at The Martin and Edith Stein Assisted Living Residence. Kosher Professional Networking Breakfast. We invite you to join us as we officially welcome our new Wilf Campus CEO, Susan Harris, LNHA and Bruce Birnberg, LCSW, our new Executive director of the Martin and Edith Stein Hospice. 350 DeMott Lane, Somerset. 8:30-10 a.m. Information or to RSVP, (732) 568-1155 or Steinreceptionist@wilfcampus.org.

April 30-May 2

Highland Park Conservative Temple-Congregation Anshe Emeth. Historic dedication weekend celebration. This special event, "a time to rejoice and a time to give thanks" will include Kabbalat Shabbat services followed by a festive Shabbat meal on Friday, April 30 as well as a congregational Oneg Shabbat following dinner. Shabbat services on May 1 will include a special symposium presentation under the leadership of Rabbi Eliot Isaac Malomet, congregational rabbi. Kiddush will follow services. The special dedication program will take place on Sunday, May 2 at 9:30 a.m. 201 South Third Ave., Highland Park. Information or reservations, (732) 545-6482.

Saturday, May 1

Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple. Achinoam Nini, known to her fans worldwide as "Noa" will present her exciting mix of Israeli, American pop, and world music in a concert. East Brunswick Performing Arts Center in the Hammarskjold Middle School, 200 Rues Lane, East Brunswick. 8 p.m. Tickets are $36 for adults and $18 for children in advance, or $45 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at www.aemt.net, or (732) 545-6484.

Ahavas Achim University. Cantor Eric Freeman Of Yeshiva University's Belz School of Jewish Music. Cantor Freeman will lead Kabbalat Shabbat, Maariv, Shacharit, and Mussaf in the Western European style and tradition. Before Mussaf on Shabbat morning, he will elucidate the origins of the synagogue tunes and customs of Western Europe. 216 South First Ave., Highland Park.

Sunday, May 2

Neve Shalom's Israel Awareness Committee, The JCC of Middlesex County, and Ma'a lot (a joint project of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and Nefesh B'Nefesh). Lag B'Omer Israeli style with a "kumsitz" at Neve Shalom. Bring your own lawn chairs or blanket as we create our own indoor "bonfire" atmosphere. We'll provide a light supper, drinks and dessert. Join in Israeli singing led by Alan Cooper and Israeli dancing led by Elyse Litt. 250 Grove Ave., Metuchen. Cost is $5 per person. Please send your name, phone number, email address, and number of guests, along with payment to Congregation Neve Shalom, 250 Grove Ave., Metuchen, N.J. 08840 by April 25, and put "kumsitz" in the memo line of check. Information, call Linda at (732) 906-0737 or Jennine at (732) 494-3232 ext. 621.

B'nai Sholom/Temple Beth El Foundation. Lag B'Omer concert with the New Jersey Cantors Concert Ensemble. Congregation Torat El/Jersey Shore Jewish Center, 301 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst. 4 p.m. $13, gen. admission; $10, seniors and students. Information or to RSVP, (732) 531-4410.

Axelrod Performing Arts Center. Re-Vital Dance Troupe from Israel. Their thrilling stage show, "Jerusalem Forever" features sensational dancers, lighting, and music! The ensemble has reached unprecedented success in Israel and abroad. 100 Grant Ave., Deal Park. 3 p.m. Portion of the production's proceeds will go to benefit the Jersey Shore Jewish Academy Scholarships. Tickets are $30 adult, $25 seniors, $10 students, $72 family package for 5 seats, and $90 per person for Patrons and includes preferred seating and a special reception following the show. Information or tickets, (732) 531-9100 ext. 142.

Temple Sha'arey Shalom of Springfield. MAMA DONI for an afternoon of music and fun for all ages. MAMA DONI is Doni Zasloff Thomas and her songs are a breath of fresh air for hip young kids and their even hipper parents and grandparents. Her music encompasses every genre, including reggae, folk, classic rock, country, hip hop, klezmer, and theatrical. This wild mix of musical styles is woven together with Yiddish terms and Jewish themes. 78 South Springfield Ave., Springfield. 1 p.m. $20 per family. Information or tickets, contact Jodi at (908) 522-1442 or schick1027@aol.com.

Monmouth County Library System. The Other Jewish Songwriters. Pianist/singer/narrator Fred Miller will present his musical and anecdotal overview of four great Jewish personalities in American popular song. Monmouth County Library Headquarters at 125 Symmes Dr., Manalapan. 2 p.m. Information, www.monmouthcountylib.org or (732) 431-7220.

Lakewood Historical Society. Memories of Yesteryear and Entertainment. The program, another of a series of that in the past of featured sports, hotels, black history, and the poultry industry features the rich history of Lakewood as an entertainment center. Strand Theater, 400 Clifton Ave., Lakewood. 2 p.m. Free. R.S.V.P. at (732) 364-9586 and leave a message.

CWW On Stage. Not Just Surviving... But Thriving is a performance response to the question, "What is healthy aging?" Members of the CWW On Stage ensemble went into the community and collected stories from community members that focused on answers to that question. The script was developed from these stories. 65 Witherspoon St., Princeton. 3-4 p.m. Information, Ruth Randall, (609) 921-7338.

Congregation Ahavas Achim Sisterhood. Shopping Boutique. 216 South First Ave., Highland Park. 10 a.m.-noon. Information, call Robin at (732) 745-9655 or (732) 572-2826.

Union County Torah Center. Lag ba'Omer Family Celebration. The program will include inflatable rides, family games, barbecue, snow cones, bonfire and much more. Watchung Reservation in Mountainside. 4:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Information (908) 789-5252 or email info@torahcenter.org.

Chabad Jewish of South Brunswick. Lag ba'Omer cookout. A grand Jewish community bonfire, complete with a delicious BBQ, shawarma, great food and drinks, grand raffle, archery, marshmallow roasting, moonwalk, games, and activities. 1 Riva Ave., South Brunswick. 5 p.m. Information, Rabbi Levi Azimov at (732) 398-9492 or www.chabadsouthbrunswick.com.

Chabad Jewish Center of Basking Ridge. Lag ba'Omer Jewish Community Celebration. The outdoor event complete with a wild BMXstunt show. Jews from all walks of life including adults, students, and children will come together to enjoy and partake in a delicious glatt kosher BBQ with all the trimmings, and an assortment of other kosher dishes. The event will include archery, moon bounce, volley-ball, guaranteed fun for the whole family. 3048 Valley Road, Basking Ridge. 11:30 a.m. Information, (908) 604-8844, ext. 229 or www.ChabadCentral.org/RSVP.

Monday, May 3

Highland Park Conservative Temple-Cong. Anshe Emeth. Rabbi Eliot Malomet will present "Classic Texts That Open Your Heart." This series will explore texts that combine emotional and intellectual power that have the power to open our hearts. All are welcome. Refreshments. 201 South Third Ave., Highland Park. 8 p.m. No fee for members. $10 for series for non-members. Information, (732) 545-6482.

Tuesday, May 4

The Colonia Chapter of Hadassah. Musical program by Cantor Jacqueline Shuchat-Marx of Temple Emanuel in Edison will be the featured entertainment. Guests are welcome to attend. Members are requested to bring their filled red tzedakah boxes to the meeting. Congregation Neve Shalom, 250 Grove Ave., Metuchen. Information, call Roxy at (732) 602-1240.

Wednesday, May 5

Monmouth County Library System. Adult Book Club will discuss Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness by Simon Wiesenthal. Simon Wiesenthal tackles the question of the possibilities and limits of forgiveness when, as a slave laborer, he is asked to give atonement to a dying Nazi soldier. Ocean Township Branch Library, 701 Deal Road, Ocean. 7 p.m. . Information, www.monmouthcountylib.org or (732) 431-7220.

Jewish Community Center of Greater Monmouth County. Ol' Blue Eyes Biography Lecture by Arline Lee with a Video Presentation and Lunch. Known as "The Movie Lady," Arline has presented her lectures at many venues, including the Taj Mahal Casino in Atlantic City. This is a great way to spend an afternoon with friends or to meet new people. 100 Grant Ave., Deal Park. Lunch at 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. for lecture. Lecture and Lunch, $8 or attend the lecture only, $3. Call Joanne for RSVP at (732) 531-9100, ext. 125 or jglassoff@jccmonmouth.org.

Jewish Congregation of Concordia/Monroe Township. Professor Ken Libo speaking on the topic of Jewish Humor: From Tummler to Top Banana. 1600 Perrineville Road, Monroe in the Concordia Shopping Center. 7:30 p.m. Information call (609) 395-1952.

Thursday, May 6

Temple Beth Or/Beth Torah of Clark. "Coffee & Q & A for Bar/Bat Mitzvah Parents." The session is intended to help parents and families who are unaffiliated with any synagogue navigate through the process of preparing for a celebration that will be meaningful and memorable. Topics covered will include: "How to involve the entire family in the celebration" and "How to get your child to shine." Reservations are required.1 11 Valley Road, Clark. 7:30 p.m. Information or to RSVP, (732) 381-8403 ext 12 or email tbethor@gmail.com.

Monmouth County Library System. Talk by Rabbi Shmuley Boteach. International television and radio personality and bestselling author Rabbi Shmuley will give a talk about his recent meeting with the Pope. Rabbi Shmuley hosts the award-winning national TV show, "Shalom in the Home" on TLC, is heard nationally on the Oprah and Friends radio network, and is the author of 22 books. Monmouth County Library Headquarters at 125 Symmes Dr., Manalapan. 7 p.m. Information, www.monmouthcountylib.org or (732) 431-7220.

Saturday, May 8

Temple Sha'arey Shalom Religious School. Open house. Families of prospective students entering grades K-3 in Sept., 2010 are welcome to come and learn about the temple's creative curriculum and registration options. 78 South Springfield Ave., Springfield. 9-10:30 a.m. RSVP to the temple office at (973) 379-5387.

Monday, May 10

Highland Park Conservative Temple-Cong. Anshe Emeth. Rabbi Eliot Malomet will present "Classic Texts That Open Your Heart." This series will explore texts that combine emotional and intellectual power that have the power to open our hearts. All are welcome. Refreshments. 201 South Third Ave., Highland Park. 8 p.m. No fee for members. $10 for series for non-members. Information, (732) 545-6482.

Tuesday, May 11

JCC of Central NJ. Active Adults trip to the Federal Reserve Bank. The tour, which does not require a lot of walking or stair-climbing, includes an introduction to the banking system of the U.S. and a look in the Gold Vault. Guests will have the opportunity to observe the beautiful architecture of the bank. The trip also includes an hour classroom experience during which participants will learn more about the Federal Reserve System and its role in the U.S. economy. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. $60 for JCC members; $70 for community. The cost includes an international buffet lunch at the U.N. Delegates Dining Room. For an additional fee, participants may choose to tour the U.N. after lunch. Information or to RSVP contact Barbara Weisbart, (908) 889-8800 ext. 207.

Roselle-Cranford Chapter of Hadassah. Annual Donor Dinner, a culmination of the chapter's activities for the year and a celebration of its fundraising efforts and accomplishments. During the evening, the chapter will hold its annual installation of officers for the 2010/2011 season. Installing officer will be Shelly Mark of Cranford. 6:30 p.m. Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael, 60 Temple Dr., Springfield. Information, (908) 709-8045.

Monmouth County Library System. Meet author Michelle Cameron at a brown bag author talk. Cameron is a historical novelist and author of "The Fruit of Her Hands: The Story of Shira Ashkenaz." Sponsored by the Hadassah Women's Group. Monmouth County Library Headquarters at 125 Symmes Dr., Manalapan. Noon. Information, www.monmouthcountylib.org or (732) 431-7220.

Monmouth County Library System. Book club discussion of Elie Wiesel's "Night." Elie Wiesel was a teenager in 1944 when he and his family were taken from their home to the Auschwitz concentration camp, and then to Buchenwald. "Night" is the terrifying record of his memories of that time. The Eastern Branch Library, 1001 Route 35, Shrewsbury. 10 a.m. and again at 7:30 p.m. Information, www.monmouthcountylib.org or (732) 431-7220.

Wednesday, May 12

Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County. Slide show on the roots of Monmouth County's Jewish population. The first permanent Jewish communities in Monmouth County were established by German-Jewish immigrants arriving in the mid-1880s. By the end of the Civil War, sizable numbers of these immigrant businessmen and their families were settled in and around Keyport, Red Bank, Long Branch, and Freehold. Eastern Branch Library, 1001 Route 35, Shrewsbury. 7 p.m. Information, www.monmouthcountylib.org or (732) 431-7220.

Monmouth County Library System and the National Council of Jewish Women, Central Jersey Section. Musician and educator Nancy Beller-Krieger presents "Shir Ruach/Song and Spirit." Monmouth County Library Headquarters at 125 Symmes Dr., Manalapan. 3 p.m. Information, www.monmouthcountylib.org or (732) 431-7220.

Monmouth County Library System. Come and Celebrate Food. Barbara Capeloto Sharon was born into a large community of Jews who can trace their heritage back to Turkey and Rhodes. Barbara will demonstrate Turkish variations of the traditional Shavuot Cheese and Potato Bourakas as handed down from her "Nonnies". Be prepared to taste your way back to Turkey. Ocean Township Branch Library, 701 Deal Road, Ocean. 12:30 p.m. Information, www.monmouthcountylib.org or (732) 431-7220.

Monmouth County Library System. Come learn about the Jewish Newport at the Jersey Shore. At the turn of the century, Long Branch was the destination of a group of wealthy German-Jewish vacationers who came to the area to escape the New York summer heat and the discrimination they faced in resorts like Saratoga and Newport. Presented by author Jean Klerman, Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County. Ocean Township Branch Library, 701 Deal Road, Ocean. 2 p.m . Information, www.monmouthcountylib.org or (732) 431-7220.

Thursday May 13

The 55 Plus Club. Lena Feld as guest speaker. Lena was born and raised in Shanghai, China, she will share with us interesting events of her life there as well as Sydney, Australia. Congregation Neve Shalom, 250 Grove Ave., Metuchen. 7 p.m. Information, call Lorraine Lapidus (732) 283-0535.

Saturday, May 15

Temple Sholom (Fanwood/Scotch Plains). Casino Night. Include roulette, poker and blackjack. All funds raised will be used for Temple Sholom's community, educational and religious programs. 74 South Martine Ave., Fanwood. 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 for $40 worth of casino chips or $36 for $100 worth. Tickets or for information, email office@sholomnj.org or call (908) 889-490.

Sunday, May 16

Beth El Synagogue of East Windsor. Lag ba'Omer Picnic. Enjoy a BBQ, boating, zip line, arts and crafts, softball game, and more. Eagle River Day Camp, 1470 Perrineville Road, Monroe. 12-4 p.m. $11 per person. RSVP no later than May 10 at (609) 443-4454.

Raritan Valley Chapter of Hadassah. Progressive Dinner. The exciting finale and dessert course will be held at the lovely Historic home of Diane and Eric Weinberg on Harrison Ave. Everyone is welcome. Members, friends, singles, and couples. 5 p.m. Guests $20 per person or $36 per couple plus a dairy/pareve dessert (kosher food available). For those who host a course in their homes there is no charge. Information, call Debbie at (732) 688-4146 after 7 p.m. or email debbieadg@gmail.com.

Monmouth County Library System. The Avi Maza Orchestra. Enjoy traditional Jewish classics, Israeli horas, and Klezmer music featuring world-class musicians who have performed on Broadway. Monmouth County Library Headquarters at 125 Symmes Dr., Manalapan. 2 p.m. Information, www.monmouthcountylib.org or (732) 431-7220.

Monmouth County Library System. A discussion of The History of Anti-Semitism, by Irving Roth. This current issue of intolerance and bigotry knows no age or time limit. This talk is relevant to students of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Irving Roth is the Director of the Holocaust Remembrance Center-Temple Judea of Manhasset, N.Y., and co-author with his son, Edward Roth, of "Bondi's Brother; A Story of Loss, Betrayal, and Liberation." Ocean Township Branch Library, 701 Deal Road, Ocean. 2 p.m. Information, www.monmouthcountylib.org or (732) 431-7220.

Congregation Ahavas Achim. Wine tasting and sale. Sample dozens of wines in a broad spectrum of tastes and costs. Learn about different wines and which foods they go with best from kosher wine experts at Queen Anne Wine and Spirits of Teaneck. 216 South First Ave., Highland Park. 8 p.m. $18/person or $36/couple. Information, email Harry Glazer at donlegofzechut@yahoo.com.

Monday, May 17

Sisterhood of Congregation Beth-El. CPR Instruction and Demonstration by members from the Edison First Aid Squad. 91 Jefferson Blvd., Edison. 7:30 p.m. Information call (732) 985-7272.

Jewish Congregation of Concordia/Monroe Township. Israeli Celebration Nite. An Israeli dinner catered by The Orchard Restaurant and entertainment by Avi Maza. 1600 Perrineville Road, Monroe in the Concordia Shopping Center. 6 p.m. $23 per person. Information call (609) 395-1952.

Tuesday, May 18

Congregation Beth Mordecai. Tikkun Leil Shavuot. Study about sleep and dreams and then partake in homemade cheesecake, other desserts, and coffee. 224 High St., Perth Amboy. 7:30 p.m. Information, call (732) 442-1373.

Thursday, May 20

Red Bank Chapter of Hadassah. Membership and installation program. The event, "A Ladies Night Out" will include a cocktail reception, a chance auction of an assortment of baskets donated by participating vendors, whose products, such as children's clothing and accessories, jewelry, skin care products, fitness, and more, will be available for sale. The program will close with a dessert table. Congregation B'nai Israel, 171 Ridge Road, Rumson. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Admission is free. Tickets for the Chance Auction will be sold at three for $5 or 10 for $10. Information or to participate as a vendor, contact Tracy Kaplan at tkaplan04@aol.com.

Sunday, May 23

Congregation Etz Chaim, Monroe Township Jewish Center. A Day of "Defiance." Robert Bielsky, son of the central character of the movie "Defiance," will be the guest speaker. 11 Cornell Ave., Monroe.10:30-11 a.m., Registration coffee and tea available); 11 a.m.Showing of film "Defiance – The Bielski Partisans. 1:30-2:15 p.m. dairy lunch; 2:30 A conversation with Robert Bielsky. Contribution $10 (members) and $15 (non-members) For reservations or information, (609) 655-9056 or email harriet9243@gmail.com.

Monmouth County Library System. An Afternoon with Golda Meir. Broadway and Hollywood actress Renee Taylor will present her one-woman show. Meir was Israel's Labor Party Secretary during the Six Days War of 1967 and later became the county's prime minister. Taylor, an accomplished Broadway actress, is perhaps best known for her television role as Fran Drescher's mom in "The Nanny." Monmouth County Library Headquarters at 125 Symmes Dr., Manalapan. 2 p.m. Information, www.monmouthcountylib.org or (732) 431-7220.

Monday, May 24

Jewish Congregation of Concordia/Monroe Township. Book and Author Luncheon. Book is "The Fruit of Her Hands" by Michelle Cameron. 1600 Perrineville Road, Monroe in the Concordia Shopping Center. 12:30 p.m. $18 for dairy lunch. Information call (609) 395-1952 or Shirley at (609) 409-1951 or Lillian at (609) 409-1171.

Tuesday, May 25

Toms River Hadassah at Congregation B'nai Israel. A chocolate fantasy evening. Decadent dairy desserts and entertainment by the raconteurs. 1488 Old Freehold Road, Toms River. 7:30 p.m. $25. RSVP or Information, Susan Jacobs (732) 279-0443, or Sandy Ottenberg (732) 505-5953.

Wednesday, May 26

Monmouth County Library System and the Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County. A two-part slide show, Coming to America: History of the Jews of Monmouth County, 17th and 18th Centuries. Part one, "Coming to America," begins at 10 a.m. and explores the first wave of Jewish immigration to America. Part two, "Coming to Monmouth," begins at 1 p.m. Tells the story of the first Jews who came to Monmouth County as peddlers, merchants, and tavern keepers from New York. Monmouth County Library Headquarters, 125 Symmes Dr., Manalapan. 10 a.m. Information, www.monmouthcountylib.org or (732) 431-7220.

Thursday, May 27

Monmouth County Library System. The Minyonettes. A singing group of 24 singers and musicians who have been performing together for 13 years, will present a program on Yiddish and Hebrew songs from six different countries. The Marlboro Township Branch Library, 1 Library Court and Wyncrest Dr., Marlboro. 2 p.m. Information, www.monmouthcountylib.org or (732) 431-7220.

Sunday, May 30

JCC's Rising Stars Youth Performing Arts. Once Upon A Mattress. If you thought you knew the story of "The Princess and the Pea," you may be in for a walloping surprise. Chances are you'll never look at the fairy tale quite the same way again. JCC's Axelrod Performing Arts Center, 100 Grant Ave., Deal. 6 p.m. Tickets before May 3, $12. Tickets after May 3, $15. Purchase tickets in person at the JCC or call the box office at (732) 531-9100 ext. 142.

Monday, May 31

JCC's Rising Stars Youth Performing Arts. Once Upon A Mattress. If you thought you knew the story of "The Princess and the Pea," you may be in for a walloping surprise. Chances are you'll never look at the fairy tale quite the same way again. JCC's Axelrod Performing Arts Center, 100 Grant Ave., Deal. 4 p.m. Tickets before May 3, $12. Tickets after May 3, $15. Purchase tickets in person at the JCC or call the box office at (732) 531-9100, ext. 142.

Thursday, July 1

Jewish Community Center of Greater Monmouth County. Rising Star Productions, the Youth Performing Arts Academy of JCC Monmouth, is holding auditions for the summer production of Willie Wonka. Auditions are open to boys and girls, ages 7-17; children must be at least 7 years old to audition. Each performer must prepare a song and be prepared to read a monologue. 100 Grant Ave., Deal Park. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Information, contact Tova Halpern, at (732) 531-9100, ext. 171 or thalpern@jccmonmouth.org.