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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.

East Brunswick Hadassah. 2010-2011 Appreciation/Installation Dinner. Presenting the National Leadership Award to one of our members. B'nai Tikvah (Classical Caterers). 1001 Finnegan's Lane, North Brunswick. 6:30 p.m. Couvert: $45 per person or dessert only $12. Information call Marsha (732) 390-2197 or Sharlene (732) 651-5956.

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. 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. 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 & $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.

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.

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." This event is sponsored by Renee Bousso in memory of her beloved father, Elwyn James Blattner. 735 Kennedy Blvd., Bayonne. 7:30 p.m. This is a free event, but your RSVP to the Temple office (201) 436-4499 by May 13 is necessary so that there will be enough food for everyone to enjoy.

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.

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.

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 Micheal 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.

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, 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 x 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.

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.