Rabbi Eliyahu Tal - Rabbi
Ray Morris - President
Visit our website for the latest news and copies of the bulletin.
Important Messages
- Qiddush is Sponsored by Stuart Balavram In memory of Shushim of his father, Robert Balavram
- Se'udah Sh'lshit is sponsored by the Reichmann Family in honor of the engagement of Shira Cohen
- Mazal Tov to Shalom and Yardena Cohen on the engagement of their daughter Shira with Daniel Hakakian from Monsey.
- The Medical Writings of the Rambam is a new class that is taking place on Sunday Mornings at 7:00am.
- Ḥumash & Ḥamin is December 12 and December 19 at 6:30pm.
- Ḥalaḥot of Meḥitza is December 16. There will be two sessions with one after Minḥa and Arvit and one at 8:00pm
- The Relationship between the Yosef Story and the Ḥanukah Story will be on December 25 from 10:00am to 11:00pm
- What is the Jewish Meaning of Peace/Shalom? will be on January 1 from 10:00am to 11:00pm
- Etz Ahaim's Hanukah Party/Carnival will be heal on December 29.
- New families are moving to Highland Park If you hear of any new families moving to Highland Park, please inform the Hospitality Committee.
- Contact our 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.
- Ḥesed Committee is looking for Volunteers Can you cook? Can you purchase a bottle of grape juice or a bag of rolls at the bakery? The Ḥesed committee is looking for people who can cook or shop for births or sad occasions. Email hesed@etzahaim.groups.io with your name and the contact information of your choice.
Friday
- Shaḥarit: 6:30am
- After Services: Coffee and Halacha
- Def Yomi: 3:15pm
- Minḥa and Kabbalat Shabbat: 4:15pm
- Candle Lighting: 4:13pm
Saturday — Parashat Vayetzei
- Youth Groups for ages 3 to 8 in the Upper Classrooms: 9:30am to End of Shacharit
- Recite Shema: by 8:52am
- Shaḥarit: 8:45am
- Qiddush After Services (Sponsored by Stuart Balavram In memory of Shushim of his father, Robert Balavram)
- Navi Class: 3:00pm
- Minḥa: 3:45pm
- Se'udah Sh'lshit (Sponsored by the Reichmann Family in honor of the engagement of Shira Cohen)
- Arvit and End of Shabbat: 5:01pm
- End of Shabbat (Rabbeinu Tam) 5:43pm
- Daf Yomi: 5:45pm
Sunday
- Class: The Medical Writings of the Rambam: 7:00am
- Shaḥarit: 8:00am
- Followed by Breakfast and Torah
- Minḥa and Arvit: 4:15pm
- Talmud — Daf HaYomi: After Minḥa/Arvit
Monday
- Early Shaḥarit: 6:30am
- After Services: Coffee and Halacha
- Shaḥarit: 8:00am
- Class: Halacha in Depth: 2:30pm
- Pre-Minḥa Class 3:55pm
- Minḥa and Arvit: 4:15pm
- Talmud — Daf HaYomi: After Minḥa/Arvit
- Winter Chavruta Program: 6:30pm
Tuesday
- Shaḥarit: 6:30am
- After Services: Coffee and Halacha
- Class: Halacha in Depth: 2:30pm
- Pre-Minḥa Class 3:55pm
- Minḥa/Arvit: 4:15pm
- Talmud — Daf HaYomi: After Minḥa/Arvit
- Winter Chavruta Program: 6:30pm
Wednesday
- Shaḥarit: 6:30am
- After Services: Coffee and Halacha
- Class: Halacha in Depth: 2:30pm
- Pre-Minḥa Class 3:55pm
- Minḥa/Arvit: 4:15pm
- Talmud — Daf HaYomi: After Minḥa/Arvit
- Winter Chavruta Program: 6:30pm
Thursday
- Shaḥarit: 6:30am
- After Services: Coffee and Halacha
- Class: Halacha in Depth: 2:30pm
- Insights on the Parasha: 3:55pm
- Minḥa/Arvit: 4:15pm
- Talmud — Daf HaYomi: After Minḥa/Arvit
- Winter Chavruta Program: 6:30pm
Next Friday
- Shaḥarit: 6:30am
- After Services: Coffee and Halacha
- Daf Yomi: 3:15pm
- Minḥa: 4:15pm
- Candle Lighting: 4:13pm
Bikur Ḥolim of Congregation Etz Ahaim
Drivers and coordinators needed. Call (732) 572-7181 for more information.
The congregation extends refua shelema wishes to:
- Asher ben Mazel
- Liba Shaindel bat Chava Sachs
- Gershon ben Sara
- Dvorah Shahala bat Sarah Parvin
- Chava bat Esther
- Jacob Krief (Yacov Gideon ben Miriam)
- Lita Greenberg (Tzvia Sarah bat Golda)
- Linda Balavram (Emmunah bat Sara)
- Sara Shifra bat Yehudit
- Sharona Bella bat Malka
- Yosef Daniel ben Feige
- Leah Chava bat Shayna
- Baruch ben Rivkah (Baruch Sachs)
- Esther Gittel bat Baila (Esther Nashman)
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
Life lessons through the Chumash A unique learning series for women given by Mrs. Chedva Sarna. Motzei Shabbos 12/7, 12/21, 1/4, at the home of Sarah Leifer 131 N. 5th Ave Highland Park
Wednesday night 1/15 at the home of Sara Scott 22 Celler Rd. Edison Time- 8:30 PM
The Jewish Community Forum of Raritan Valley will sponsor on Sunday, December 8 at 10:00am an online forum with Rabbi Binyamin Zimmerman on rh Halakhic Challenges and Questions that Highlight Aspects of the Current War.
Online Link: <https: data-preserve-html-node="true"//tinyurl.com/4nsvpj8y>. Rabbi Zimmerman is the Director, Mizrachi Musmachim and Educational Director, Zomet Institute.
Raritan Valley Chapter of Hadassah invites you to join them for their annual fundraiser: Mitzvah of Love & Board Installation, on Sunday, December 8 at 12:00pm in Ahavas Achim's Downstairs Social Hall.
Registration fee: $70; Hadassah of the Heart Sponsorship: $100. Advance registration is preferred. Please send all fees and contributions to: Sara Goodman Hand, 311 Montgomery Street, Highland Park, NJ 08904.
Behind the Behavior: A Roadmap to Decoding Your Child's Unmet Needs will take place on Sunday, December 8 at Congregation Ahavas Achim at 8:00pm by Suzie Foger. RSVP to programming@mynetivot.com.
Walkins Welcome.
RPRY's Annual Toby Mayer Memorial Scholarship Breakfast to benefit the RPRY Scholarship Campaign. The breakfast will take place on Sunday, December 15 at 9:15am at RPRY. A minimum contribution of $295 or more entitles up to two people to attend the Breakfast. Babysitting available at no additional fee for children ages 2+.
Please register at: <https: data-preserve-html-node="true"//tinyurl.com/tzippyr>. For more information, please contact Benjamin Klein at bklein@rpry.org.
The 2nd Annual Shuk to the Core, Israeli Vendor Fair will be held on Motzei Shabbat, December 21 from 7:00pm to 11:00pm at Congregation Ohr Torah.
Come to show your support for artists and vendors from all over Israel. Discover an array of products, including jewelry, clothing, Judaica, handcrafted goods, artisanal woodwork, sculptures, toys and games and artwork in various mediums. You'll also find kippot, designer clothing, and fragrance items.
Suggested entrance fee: $10 per person. Your contribution goes directly to the vendors.
For more information, call 516-636-1618 or visit: <https: data-preserve-html-node="true"//shuktothecore.com>.
Israeli Folk Dance is open to all women of the community in Ohr Torah's social hall on alternating Wednesdays from 8:00pm to 9:00pm. This is a free session for all dance enthusiasts where anyone can teach and request dances they know. Upcoming sessions will be 12/4, 12/18.
Please email: naomi.caplan@gmail.com for more information.
The Edison/HP Gown Gmach is officially closed. The closest Gmachs are in Lakewood, Teaneck, Clifton and Fair Lawn.
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.
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://tinyurl.com/3457wkwz for more information.
Dr. Presby Shiurim
- Tuesdays 8:00pm, Women only: Pele Yoetz (a combination of halacha and mussar shiur) at the Presby home, 467 Lincoln Ave
- Wednesdays 12:00pm, Men/Women: Eicha via conference call, Dial in 605-475-6333 Code: 9017189
- Thursdays 9:00pm, Men only: Megillah via conference call, Dial in 607-475-6333 Code 9017189
- Shabbat 3:00pm, Men/Women: Nach shiur at the Presby home, 467 Lincoln Ave
For more information, please contact Dr. Presby at 732-925-4823
Grow With ACTT Achieving Change Through Torah (ACTT) has resources for 17 different topics on its website, <https: data-preserve-html-node="true"//www.actt613.org>, including Hashgachah Pratis - Divine Providence, which could help with effectively handling and growing from some of the challenges that we face in our lives.
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.
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.
Jewish Family Services is seeking volunteers to deliver meals to homebound seniors in Middlesex County for their Kosher Meals-on-Wheels program. Routes are available in East Brunswick and in Edison/Metuchen. You must be over age 21 , have a reliable vehicle, and available to commit to weekly deliveries once per week.
To volunteer, email office@jfsmiddlesex.org or call 732-777-1940.
Bikur Cholim 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.
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 Mincha/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.
The Ladino Lounge takes place every Thursday at 3:30pm. Sponsored by the American Ladino League.
For more information, go to <https: data-preserve-html-node="true"//tinyurl.com/ladinolounge>.
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!