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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.

Women's Philantrophy of the Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County. Inside the First Marriage: Washington, D.C. Style, From State Dinners to Sleepovers. Join us as New York Times correspondent Jodi Kantor discusses how the Obamas keep date night, maintain their balance, and use humor to stay sane while living under the microscope of public scrutiny. Highland Park Conservative Temple–Congregation Anshe Emeth, 201 South Third Ave., Highland Park. 5:45-7:15 p.m. Buffet supper and vendor fair; 7:30 p.m. Speaker; 8:30 p.m. Dessert and coffee bar. Register and indicate seating preferences online: www.jewishmiddlesex.org or call (732) 432-7711 ext. 10.

Saturday, May 15

Temple Sholom (Fanwood/Scotch Plains). Casino Night. Includes 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. 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., Highland Park. All are 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.

Ahavas Achim's Environmental Committee. Cleanup Day at Highland Park's Native Plant Reserve, located on River Road across from Harrison Avenue. Bring a snack and drinks and wear long pants, closed shoes, long sleeves and work gloves. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Information, Phil Reiss at reissphil@gmail.com or (732) 828-6317 or Jonathan Abrahams at hptabster@netzero.net or (732) 220-2946.

Temple Beth-El, Hillsborough. Junior Choir Zimriyah featuring youth choirs from six central N.J. Reform and Conservative temples: Temple Shalom, Succasunna; Temple Emanu-El, Westfield; Temple Emanu-El, Edison; Adath Israel, Lawrenceville; Temple Beth-Or, Washington; Temple Beth-El, the host temple. More than 80 students will be participating. 67 U.S. 206, Hillsborough. 3 p.m. Free. Information, (908) 722-0674.

The Axelrod Performing Arts Center. "Red, White and Blue," a musical celebration in honor of Armed Forces Day. The event features a 30-piece orchestra conducted by Carl Topilow, founder and conductor of the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, with Dr. Arthur ("Art") Topilow on piano and 15 vocalists from Pacific Encore Performances. 100 Grant Ave., Deal Park. 3 p.m. $27 adults, $23 seniors, $20 groups/veterans, and $15 children. Tickets and information call: (732) 531-9100 ext. 142.

Congregation Kol Am and Freehold Jewish Center. Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Registry Drive, sponsored by the Gift of Life Foundation. The goal is to save lives by recruiting donors for bone marrow, blood stem cell, and umbilical cord blood transplants by asking people between the ages of 18 and 60 years old and in relatively good health to come and provide a mouth swab to be entered into the world wide registry. Those unable to provide a mouth swab are encouraged to make a donation to the Gift of Life Foundation to offset the cost of the screening kits, which are $54. Donations can be mailed to the Freehold Jewish Center. 59 Broad St., Freehold. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Information, (732) 493-2853.

Raritan Valley Chapter of Hadassah. Chug Ivrit (Hebrew Club). Open to both men and women. You do not need to be a member of Hadassah to attend. We chat in Hebrew and read a short Hebrew story or article. We sometimes do a Hebrew crossword puzzle. We also sometimes watch Israeli sitcoms on the internet At the home of Frank Stechel, 329 Valentine St., Highland Park. 11 a.m. Information, contact Rachel Weintraub at (732) 819-9298 or rachel@weintraubworld.net.

YM-YWHA of Union County. Jewish Voices: A Day of Learning — The Role of Beit Din. Topics include divorce, arbitration and mediation, business, prenuptial and aguna, conversion, kashruth, and conflict resolution. Nine classes, three sessions to choose. 501 Green Lane, Union. 2-6 p.m. $10 fee at door or no fee for pre-registration at dayoflearning@gmail.com or call (908) 289-8812.

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.

Pioneer Women/NAAMAT USA. Meeting. Book review presented by Irma Komar. An exciting look at how Israeli society works — not the usual list of conflicts, dates, locations. You'll understand why it seems that everyone in Israel knows everyone else — through someone they met! Join the conversation or learn about "Start Up Nation" by Dan Senor and Saul Segal. 1145 Tiffany Lane, Lakewood. 12:30–2:30 p.m. Information, (732) 364-0744.

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.

Temple Emanu-El of Bayonne. First night of Shavuot. We will enjoy an evening of "Torah & Blintzes" — learning and noshing together. Our guest teacher, Cantor Marshall Wise will discuss "music of the Jews." Sponsored by Renee Bousso in memory of her beloved father, Elwyn James Blattner. 735 Kennedy Blvd., Bayonne. 7:30 p.m. Free event, but RSVP to the Temple office (201) 436-4499 by May 13 is necessary so that there will be enough food for everyone to enjoy.

Union County Torah Center, Westfield. Midnight Shavuot Lecture: ‘The Real Big Bang; When Heaven Touched Earth" following Shavuot Dinner. 509 Central Ave., Westfield. 11:30-12:30 a.m. Information and RSVP for the dinner, (908) 789-5252 or info@torahcenter.

Wednesday, May 19

Chabad Jewish Center of South Brunswick. Services and special children's Shavuot ice-cream party. 1 Riva Ave., North Brunswick. Services begin at 10 a.m., reading of the 10 commandments at 11 a.m. followed by a traditional dairy kiddush. Information, call Rabbi Levi or Goldie Azimov at (732) 398-9492.

Congregation Ohav Emeth & Chabad House. Shavuot celebration. Fun for all ages, special programs for children and for teens. Jewish Children's Torah Rally. Hear the 10 Commandments, enjoy ice cream and cheesecake, Yom Tov stories, songs, and jugglers. 415 Raritan Ave. (across from Stop ‘n Shop), Highland Park. 4 p.m. Free. Information, (732) 296-1800.

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.

Saturday, May 22

Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple. Simchat Zimrah (Spring Concert). Featured performers will be the Makhelat Anshe Emet (adult choir), Shirei Emet/HaZamir New Brunswick (teen choir), the Junior Choir, and the Awesome Family Service Band. Guest star will be Cantor Jacqueline Shuchat-Marx of Temple Emanu-el, Edison. All will be under the direction of Cantor Anna West Ott, brilliantly accompanied by the incomparable pianist Dave Schlossberg. 222 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick. 7:30 p.m. Free. Information, (732) 545-6484.

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-Day 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.

Temple Micah and The Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville. Interfaith sponsored blood drive. Donors may sign up in advance but walk-ins will be accommodated. Advance sign-up can be done at www.bloodnj.org using the sponsor code 32948. 2688 Main St/Rt 206, Lawrenceville. 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Information, call Mary Kuller at (609) 275-4843.

Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County. The Colts Neck "Small" Swing Band. As a prelude to its much anticipated exhibit, "Living Voices: Jewish Veterans of WWII," the concert will feature music from the WWII era which was composed and/or performed by Jewish artists. 310 Mounts Corner Drive, at the intersection of Route 537 and Wemrock Road in Freehold. 2 p.m. $12 for Museum members, $14 for non-members, and $5 for students. Information, call (732) 252-6990.

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.

Jewish discussion group Mamaloshen. Meeting. The program will consist of an interesting topic and will be moderated by Rabbi Michael Klein of Congregation Ahavat Olam in Howell. All are welcome. Refreshments wiill follow. Manchester Civic Center located at Route 70 and Colonial Dr., Manchester. 1 p.m. Information call Julie at (732) 323-8225 or Joe at (732) 323-0090.

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.

Jess Epstein Lunch and Learn Series. Prehistoric Art and Human Cognition, with Alan Mann, professor of anthropology at Princeton University, a most engaging lecturer. He also holds a research appointment in the Anthropology Laboratory of the University of Bordeaux. His primary interest is the fossil evidence for human evolution and he has done field work in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Australia and now works primarily in the southwest of France. The Jewish Center of Princeton, 435 Nassau St., Princeton. Noon. Information, (609) 683-1037.

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 Drive, 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, June 3

Axelrod Performing Arts Center. Asbury Shorts NY, will present "Short Film Concert," A program of international award winning short films from the past and present, Asbury Shorts NY is now celebrating its 30th anniversary with a 22-city tour of the country. 100 Grant Ave., Deal. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12. Information, visit www.axelrodartscenter.com or call (732) 531-9100 ext. 142.

Sunday, June 6

Temple Sha'arey Shalom of Springfield. 29th annual "Sustaining Fund Event", a special performance by the New Jersey Cantors' Concert Ensemble. This very special event is being produced to honor two of its devoted staff members—Cantor Amy Daniels and Family Educator Mindy Schreff. 78 South Springfield Ave., Springfield. 4-6 p.m. with a gala reception prior to the concert from 3-4 p.m. The cost is $18 per adult, in advance, $20 at the door and $10 for Students up to age 18. Information, contact the temple office at (973) 379-5387 or at office@shaarey.org.

N.J. Chapter of Parents of North American Israelis. Brunch meeting with your fellow PNAI-NIKS accompanied by Israeli musical entertainment. Reservations are needed and the small fee can be paid at the door. Congregation Neve Shalom, 250 Grove Ave., Metuchen. 11 a.m. Information, call Len at (908) 352-3371.

Wednesday, June 9

Regency Jewish Heritage Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Free glatt kosher BBQ. 380 DeMott Lane, Somerset. 12 p.m. RSVP: Call Marlene at (732) 873-2000.

Sunday, June 13

Congregation Beth-El. Yankees vs. Mets Minor League baseball game. Trenton Thunder Stadium, One Thunder Road, Trenton. Tickets are $10.Information, Mark Wang (732) 572-5684.

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.