Community Calendar
Bruce Ticker

Friday, Dec. 2 
Shabbat Services and Community Potluck Dinner at Beth Israel of Media
6:30PM services led by Rabbi Linda Potemken. Potluck dinner to follow. Call to RSVP
542 South New Middletown Road (Rt 352), Media, PA 19063 (610) 566-4645

Saturdays, December 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Shabbat Services at Beth Israel of Media
9:45AM, Dec. 3, 10, 17 led by Rabbi Linda Potemken, Dec. 24, 31 congregant led, all are welcome 
542 South New Middletown Road (Rt 352), Media, PA 19063 (610) 566-4645.

Saturdays, December 3 and 17
M&M?s: Munchkins & Mishpacha at SJCC-Bnai Aaron. 
At 11:15. The first and third shabbat of each month, parents and children are invited to participate in a Shabbat service that uses child-friendly siddurim and plush Torahs for the children to carry around during the hakafah. We also have our own M&M's Kiddush that features (you guessed it!) M&M?s, along with some healthy snacks. Led this year by Rebbitzman, Adi Wyner. SJCC-Bnai Aaron is located on Mill Rd. between Darby & Haverford Rd. Call 610-446-1967 for more information.

Saturdays, December 3, 17, January 7, 21, February 11, 25, March 11, 25, April 1
PACT: Parents and Children Together at Temple Beth Hillel Beth El. 
Shabbat afternoon program led by Michael Wolf wolfteach@earthlink.net. There are many aspects to PACT, come for part or come for the whole package. Contact: School office at 610-649-2277.

• The afternoon begins with learning. Parents and their children, ages 4-12, may bring their own reading and study materials, or consult with Michael Wolf for ideas. Teens and other adults are encouraged to come to study in Hevruta or small groups as well. Michael will always have a story or lesson to help engage all. There will also be special prizes! 
• Daven Minha, the traditional afternoon service with Torah reading.
• Enjoy a light snack (Seudah Shlisheet, the third Shabbat meal). 
• We will conclude the evening with Havdalah, the special moving service when we bid farewell to Shabbat until the following week, with wine, spices and a braided candle. 

Sunday, December 4
Sunday Brunch with US Representative Curt Weldon at Beth David Synagogue: Discussing His New Book Countdown to Terror

The Beth David Men's Club and Coffee Kallah Committee invite you to a Sunday brunch with U.S. Representative Curt Weldon as he discusses his new book Countdown to Terror on Sunday, December 4. Brunch will be served at 9:30am and the program will begin at 10am. Books will be available for purchase at a book signing following the event. Admission is $7 per person. 

Beth David Synagogue is located at 1130 Vaughans Lane in Gladwyne. Directions can be found at www.bdavid.org . For more information, please contact David Edman at 610-975-4415 or email david@rmpllc.biz. 

Sunday, December 4
An indoor yard sale billed as ?one of Delaware County's largest" will be held at Congregation Beth Israel on Route 352 in Media from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. to benefit synagogue programs such as children's activities and adult education. The sale, called the first ?200 Family Indoor Yard," will include a silent auction. Parking is free and food will be sold at a reasonable cost. Directions and information are available at 610 566-4645 or www.bethisraelmedia.org.

Sunday, December 4
Sholom Aleichem Club. The contributions of such Jewish playwrights as Clifford Odets and Tony Kushner will be discussed by Philadelphia author and playwright Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer at 2:30 p.m. at Gratz College, 7605 Old York Road at the monthly meeting of the Sholom Aleichem Club. Kaplan-Mayer will also perform short monologues and scenes excerpted from the plays being discussed. The presentation is a program of the Pennsylvania Humanities Council supported in part by a grant from the William Penn Foundation. For more information, call 215 233-2668. 

Sunday,  December 4
The Annual Fashion Show at SJCC B'nai Aaron
Featuring the latest styles from Marlene's Dress Shop of Collingswood. A Better-Than-Ever Shopping Extravaganza!
Show Time and Brunch: 10:00, 560 Mill Road in Havertown. RSVP before 11/20/2005 to Andrea DiCristo 610-446-8825 or synagogue office 610-446-1967. Cost: $30 with reservation.

Sundays, December 4, 11, 18
Adult Education at Beth Israel of Media
Basic Hebrew Grammar, 9:30-10AM
Conversational Hebrew, 9:45-11:00AM
542 South New Middletown Road (Rt 352), Media, PA 19063 (610) 566-4645

Sunday, December 4 to Monday, December 5
The annual Craft and Gift Boutique sponsored by the Sisterhood of Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El will be held at the synagogue from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. the following day. It will include more than 55 crafters and exhibitors, a silent auction, raffles and food. The synagogue is located at 1001 Remington Road, Wynnewood. For more information, call 610 649-5300. 

Monday, December 5
Philadelphia Area Guild of Jewish Healthcare Professionals Meeting
7:15 p.m. in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia. Hosted by regional chairperson, Princeton-based Family and Marital Counselor Ron Lewis, Barry Bub, M.D. and Rabbi Goldie Milgram, M.S.W., national Guild chairpersons and Philadelphia residents, will facilitate chevruta and learning on "When Trauma Strikes: The Deep Wisdom of Jewish Practice."

Participants will begin to gather at 7:15 p.m. at 6500 Wissahickon Ave. Apt 1R. Teaching and initial participant visioning of the regional Jewish Health Professionals Guild will begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission: Free. RSVP or address any questions to GuildJHealth@aol.com 

Monday, December 5
JSPAN presents "Center of the Storm"
From 4:30-6:30PM, JSPAN will be holding a members only event entitled "Center of the Storm: An insider's look at the Intelligent Design case", featuring the lawyers who litigated the "intelligent design" case Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District. The program will be hosted over wine and cheese at the home of Jerry Kaplan. Advance reservations are required. In order to RSVP for the event, please email jspan@jspan.org or call by phone (215) 635-2554.

Tuesdays, December 6, 20
Adult Education at Beth Israel of Media
Torah and Literature, led by Rabbi Linda Potemken, 4:30-5:45PM all are welcome
542 South New Middletown Road (Rt 352), Media, PA 19063 (610) 566-4645

Wednesday, December 7
The annual Bijoux Cinema Café will be presented by the L?Chaim Group of Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El, Wynnewood, at 6 p.m. at the synagogue. Film expert Dr. Moylan Mills will present a film and lead the discussion. Reservations are required. For information, call 610 649-5300.

Friday, December 9
Pop Shabbat will premiere at Congregation Shaarai Shomayim, the Reform synagogue in Lancaster County, at 7:30 p.m. at 75 E. James St., Lancaster. In much the same style as the congregation's popular Friday Night Live, this musical service will celebrate the Sabbath with spirited, uplifted and inspiring new prayer melodies composed by contemporary Jewish artists. Debbie Mudrick, cantorial soloist for the synagogue, has selected a blend of contemporary prayer settings and worked with the congregation's musicians to prepare them for this service. For more information,, call 717 397-5575 or visit the synagogue's Web site at www.Shaarai.org.

Fridays, December 9, 16, 23, 30
Shabbat Services at Beth Israel of Media
8:00PM, Dec. 9, 16 led by Carol Caine, Dec. 13 congregant led, Dec. 30 led by Rabbi Linda Potemken, all are welcome, 542 South New Middletown Road (Rt 352), Media, PA 19063 (610) 566-4645 

Saturday, December 10
Family Shabbat Service & Learning Day at The String of Pearls in Princeton
The Jewish Reconstructionist congregation of Princeton, the String of Pearls, will be holding Family Shabbat Service & Learning Day From 10am -- 1pm on Saturday, December 10th . Our Religious School Director, Reconstructionist Rabbinic Student, Alissa Wise, will be leading at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation (50 Cherry Hill Road, Princeton). For more information about String of Pearls, contact Jane Milrod Jemas at (609) 683-8787, Donna Rubin at (609) 921-1909 or visit our website- http://www.stringofpearlsweb.org  

Sunday, December 11
"Confrontation and Cooperation between Arabs and Jews"
Dr David Rabeeya, noted Mideast scholar, will speak at the Sisterhood of Beth Israel on Sunday, December 11th, at 2 pm. The title of his talk is "Confrontation and Cooperation between Arabs and Jews." The synagogue is located on Route 100, 1 1/4 miles north of the PA Turnpike, Downingtown Interchange. Contact Maxine Endy at mtendy@comcast.net  for information.

Sunday, December 11
Habitat for Humanity in North Philadelphia
Congregation Leyv Ha-ir and Congregation Beth Ahavah in conjunction with Center City Kehillah proudly co-sponsor a special opportunity to help work on two hours in North Philadelphia. 8:30am to 3:30pm. For registration, questions and meeting places contact Sibyl Cohen sibyl5@earthlink.net or 215 568 9827. 

Sunday, December11
The film ?From Toledo to Jerusalem? will be presented by the Israel Advocacy Committee of Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El, Wynnewood, at 10 a.m. at the synagogue. The film is a musical history of Sephardic Jews. For more information, call 610 649-5300. 

Sunday, December 11
Embodied Judaism: Hannukah: Lighting the Inner Menorah at 
Tzedek v'Shalom, Newtown, PA sponsors Workshop with Rabbi Sigal Brier, including movement, chanting, meditation, and more. 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Suggested donation: $50; Bring a bag meal and come in comfortable clothing.
Location: Newtown Friends Meeting House,  Court Street, Newtown, PA
for more information, contact 215-860-0119

Tuesday, December 13
Palestinian Health Care 
Dr. Jarrar, a Palestinian Health Care worker speaks at Mishkan Shalom at 8pm. Contact: szelitch@voicenet.com 

Friday, December 16
String of Pearls in Princeton presents: What does "One Nation Under God" Mean?
You are invited to join a Community Adult Education Event: What does ?one nation under God? mean? sponsored by the String of Pearls,Jewish Reconstructionist congregation of Princeton. This event will be held on Friday, December 16th at 7:30pm. The discussion will be moderated by our Rabbi, Daniel Brenner, Director of the Center for Multifaith Education at Auburn Theological Seminary. Our meeting will be held in Princeton, NJ. For more information about the event location contact Jane Milrod Jemas at (609) 683-8787 or visit our website- http://www.stringofpearlsweb.org 

Friday, December 16
Har Sinai Temple Celebrates Chanukah
Har Sinai Temple, located on Bellevue Avenue in Trenton across from the Mercer Campus of the Capital Health Systems, will celebrate Chanukah early this year with a special family dinner and service on Friday evening, December 16th.
The 24th Annual Chanukah Family Dinner, chaired by Jill Shaffer of Pennington and Jayne Davis of Yardley, will be held in the Temple Social Hall beginning at 6:15. The fee for the occasion will be $19.00 per adult and $10.00 for children and reservations are a must. All attendees are asked to bring their family's menorah for the festive candle-lighting which will begin the dinner. The Simchat Shabbat Service, which will follow the dinner at 7:30, will feature Cantor David Wisnia, along with the Har Sinai Temple choir leading the congregation in a Chanukah sing-along. An Oneg Shabbat reception will follow in the Social Hall. The Chanukah Judaica Shop, with offerings of fabulous Chanukkia, gelt, candles, dreidels, festive Chanukah paper goods, and much more, will be open to visit following the service. The Shop will also be open for parents, students, and guests during religious school hours, 8:30 am to 1:00 pm, on Sunday, December 18th.
For more information on either event or about Har Sinai Hebrew Congregation, please call the Temple office, weekdays from 8 AM to 6 PM, or most Sunday mornings, at 609-392-7143.

Saturday, December 17
Chanukah Klezmer Extravangza: benefit concert and Chanukah party for
the Jewish Dialogue Group and Congregation Kol Tzedek, West Philly's new synagogue
The Rotunda 4012 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA,  7:00pm to 9:30pm
The event features an amazing klezmer band called Shtreiml, which mixes traditional Eastern European Jewish music with jazz, blues, and gypsy music. (Visit www.shtreiml.com for soundclips and more information.) There will also be: Storytelling by Student Rabbi Lauren Grabelle Herrmann, Poetry, Art, Chanukah gift sale with crafts, books, and music, Thousands of calories of delicious deserts.
Suggested donation: $18 per person (more if you can, no one turned away for 
lack of funds). Proceeds will benefit two organizations:  Congregation Kol Tzedek and The Jewish Dialogue Group.

Saturday, December 17
Tzedek v'Shalom, Newtown PA Celebrates with a Hanukah Party 
Starting at 5:30 pm with Havdalah and Latke Feast
Location: Newtown Friends Meeting House, Court Street, Newtown, PA
for more information, contact 215-860-0119

Saturday, December 17
Soulfarm Live in Concert at Germantown Jewish Centre (8pm) 
How often does a rabbi use phrases like funk grooves, Latin rhythms and Hendrix guitar riffs when speaking from the bimah (and all in one sentence at that)? These days at Germantown Jewish Centre Rabbi Leonard Gordon is using them every Shabbat when he announces the Soulfarm concert GJC is hosting on December 17, 2005.
Soulfarm consists of 4 guys from New York forging an exciting new sound by combining the musical roots of their heritage with a shared passion for melodic song-writing and modern, progressive arrangements. Their unique sound offers the rare combination of a multi-generational and cross-cultural appeal. The band's riveting world-beat energy turns heads and makes every audience take notice.
Founded in NYC by guitarist and lead singer Noah Solomon Chase and lead guitarist-singer C. Lanzbom, Soulfarm plays New American music. C, Noah and drummer-singer Mark Ambrosino comprise the band's distinctive three-part harmony. Together with bass player Jeff Langston they create a potent sound that screams originality. Soulfarm has a unique sound that combines such musical influences as the Jewish style of Shlomo Carlebach, and as the Rabbi says, with funk grooves, Latin rhythms, and Hendrix guitar riffs.
Soulfarm has played everywhere! From venues such as Bill Graham festivals in San Francisco along with friends Steve Kimock and Merle Saunders, to the cultural stages of Berlin, Germany. They have played sold out performances in NYC clubs such as the Wetlands and BB King's Blues Club in Times Square. Soulfarm has toured throughout Israel and the band continues to play concerts in Jewish organizations such as the JCC of Greater Monmouth County in New Jersey (back on Nov. 19) and here in Philly at Germantown Jewish Centre on Saturday, December 17, 2005 at 8 pm, as part of our Synaplex Shabbat calendar.
Advanced ticket prices are $18 for adults and $10 for students/seniors. Tickets may also be purchased with a credit card online at www.eJewishTickets.com (convenience charges apply). Tickets may be purchased at the door for $25 (all categories). Additional discounts available for groups.
To purchase Soulfarm tickets contact the synagogue office: call 215-844-1507 or e-mail program@germantownjewishcentre.org.  Germantown Jewish Centre is located at 400 W. Ellet Street (corner of Lincoln Drive) in the Mt. Airy section of Northwest Philadelphia.

Sundays. December 18, January 15, February 19, March 12, April  9, May 7, June 11, July 9, August 6
Jewish Relief Agency food distributions. Congregation Leyv Ha-ir and Congregation Beth Ahavah in conjunction with Center City Kehillah proudly co-sponsor a special opportunity to help assemble and deliver food packages to needy people in Center City. Please email Rachel@jewishrelief.org or sibyl5@earthlink.net.  

Sunday, December 18
Rick Recht concert at Temple Beth Hillel Beth El
You will be seeing more promotions and getting more notices as the event gets closer, but today I wanted to send you the link below, which has 2 free songs that you can download to get you psyched for the concert! http://www.rickrecht.com/dnldfree.html

Sunday, December 18
Folkshul Chanukah Celebration/Holiday Gift Bazaar
10:00 am to 12:30 pm at Germantown Friends School, Sharpless Building, 31 W. Coulter Street, Philadelphia, PA 19144. For information visit www.folkshul.org or call 215 248 1550.

Monday, December 19
The Philadelphia chapter of Brit Tzedek V?Shalom-PZA presents "Gaza, The Settlements and Beyond"
7 pm -- 8:30 pm at Congregation Beth Am Israel, 1301 Hagys Ford Road, Narberth, PA. The event will include a presentation of Israeli journalist Chaim Yavin's controversial new documentary. Land of the Settlers documents a personal journey covering more than two years of excursions into the territories to meet with Arabs and Jews from all parts of the political spectrum. The first installment that will be screened includes original footage of settlements, interviews with longtime and recent settlers, interviews with Palestinians at checkpoints, in hospitals, in their fields, and at home, and interviews with Palestinians and Israelis who have lost loved ones in the conflict. For more information: Corey Shdaimah (cshdaima@brynmawr.edu) or Eli Albalancy (e.albalancy@verizon.net)

Saturday. December 24
Aish Philadelphia After-Shabbos family movie night and Chinese take-out at the JCC Kaiserman location in Wynnewood, PA. Contact: dgorlechen@aish.com

Saturday, December 24
The Night Before Hannukah Pajama Par-ty! at Suburban JCC Bnai Aaron
'Twas the night before Hannukah and into the shul,
Came children in PJ's holding blankets of wool.
With excitement on their faces and slippers on their feet,
They were ready to sing and dance and eat.
"Come join us," they shouted brimming with glee.
Cost: $10 per person (includes pizza, latkes, salad, sundaes, snacks and drinks). $50 family maximum. RSVP by December 16 to Ilene Guzik-Farber 610-353-6072 justduckyigf@aol.com 

Sunday, December 25
Congregation Leyv Ha-ir: Latkes and Laughs
Hanukah Party 3:00pm. Ethical Society Building, 1906 S. Rittenhouse Square. 
Bring latkes, desserts, drinks, hannukiah & candles, Jokes, Family and Friends, and so let's party. 

Sunday, December 25
Leyv Ha-Ir Hanukah Party
3pm. Leyv Ha-ir - Heart of the City Hanukah Party filled with Latkes and Laughs.
Ethical Society Building, 1906 S. Rittenhouse Square. Jokes, Family, Friends are all welcome
Contact Myrna Schlanger, 1-856-795-6956

Sunday, December 25
Chabad invites you to Chanukah on Ice
4:00-6:00pm at Haverford Skatium, 1010 Darby Road, Havertown (Darby and Manoa Road). 
Grand Ice Menorah Lighting, Make Your Own Candles, Skate to Jewish Music, Dreidels, Chanukah Gelt, Raffle, Prizes... Admission $8 by Dec. 19, $10 at the door (includes skate rental). Kosher pizza and Chanukah food sold separately. For more information or to make a reservation 610 660 6192 office@chabadmainline.org 

Sunday, December 25
Temple Beth Hillel Beth El Havurah Hanukah Party
Jane Eisner and Mark Berger are hosting the Havurah's annual Hanukah celebration from 4 to 7 pm at their home in Merion. We'll light the first candle together, share food, songs and stories, play games and enjoy the holiday. Please RSVP to let us know what you will bring to this dairy pot-luck feast. Friends and neighbors interested in learning more about the Havurah community are welcome. Contact: Jane Eisner and Mark Berger at 610 667 9402.

Sunday, December 25 to Thursday, December 29
USY Convention: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Judaism
More than 1,200 members of United Synagogue Youth throughout North America will converge on center city Philadelphia on Dec. 25 for their annual USY International Convention for what is billed as ?five nonstop days of programs and fun." The Philadelphia Marriott Hotel, in walking distance of the city's many historic sites, will become the official International headquarters of USY through Dec. 29. USY members will explore the educational theme of disabilities at the convention through guest speakers, multi-media events and interactive workshops. They can give back to the community through Social Action projects and cheer at USY's first wheelchair basketball game. Members of the Heschel Honor Society, 613 Mitzvot Club and HeChalutzim, will hear talks geared specifically to them, and there will be workshops for all focusing on leadership skills and key issues for Jewish teens. 

Monday, December 26
Chanukah on Ice at Iceworks in Aston
4-6pm. Celebrate Chanukah in an exciting way! Fun for the entire family! Skate to Jewish music - Make your own Chanukah candles - Giant Menorah Lighting - Refreshments - Chanukah Gelt - Raffle - Children under 2 free. A project of Chabad Jewish Center of Delaware County and Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia - Delaware County Region. For more information visit www.JewishDelco.org, email info@JewishDelco.org or call 610-543-5095.

Monday, December 26
Chabad of Lawrenceville 4th Annual Public Menorah Lighting
Quaker Bridge Mall, Lawerenceville (In front of the indoor entrance to JC Penny)
5:00 PM, Free Admission, Doughnuts, Refreshments, Music, Menorah lighting by Lawrenceville dignitaries, Special presentation featuring Chanukah Harry, Storytelling by Susan Sternberg of the Alphabet Soup Bookstore. For information, contact chabadlawrence@mailwork.org or 609-882-4330.

Monday, December 26
Uncle Moishy and the Mitzvah Men: A Channukah Concert
6:30-8:30 pm at George Washington High School, 10175 Bustleton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19116. All tickets are free. Presented by CBS Community Center. First come, first serve. For tickets in advance call Chanah 215 671 1981 or email philyrabbi@hotmail.com 

Friday, December 30
Carlebach Kabbalat Shabbat and Dinner at SJCC-Bnai Aaron
Join us at  4:15 pm we will light Chanukah candles. Then at 4:27 pm we will welcome Shabbat with the joyous and uplifting melodies composed by Rabbi Shlomo Carlbach.
Hebrew a little rusty? Not to worry, our user friendly siddurim feature colinear transliterations and translations. Service is open to all. Reservations and payment are required to attend dinner catered by Yitzi Peking (kosher fleishig food). SJCC-Bnai Aaron is located on Mill Rd. between Darby & Haverford Rd. Call 610-446-1967 for more information.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays starting January 4
Jazzercise Classes to Meet at B'nai Tikva, New Brunswick
A Jazzercise program will begin at Congregation B?nai Tikvah on January 6, 2006. Classes will be held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:30am to 10:30am. No classes held on April 14, April 21, and June 6. The classes will be taught by Certified Jazzercise Instructor Christine Bastedo. This class is open to all. For information about registration and fees, contact Chris Bastedo at 609-275-8000 or visit the website: www.southnorthbrunswickjazz.com. Try a FREE class on January 4, 2006 at 9:30am.

Thursdays starting January 5 through February 22
Yoga Classes to be held at B'nai Tikva, New Brunswick
Congregation B?nai Tikvah will offer two Yoga Classes of 8 sessions each on Thursday mornings beginning January 5, 2006. The Mommy and Baby Yoga Classes run from 10am to 11am and are designed for moms and infants from 3 weeks to 11 months of age. This class promotes flexibility, strength, coordination, encourages healthy sleeping patterns, improves digestion, and more. The Adult Yoga Classes, held on Thursday morning from 11am to noon, help release tension and induces a feeling of relaxation and much more. Bring a mat if you have one. Each class costs $65 for B?nai Tikvah members and $75 for non-members. Make checks payable to Congregation B?nai Tikvah (write name of the Yoga Class on subject line) and send to Programming Director, Congregation B?nai Tikvah, 1001 Finnegan's Lane, North Brunswick, NJ 08902. For additional information about this program, call Lisa Mason, Programming Director, at 732-297-0696 or visit our website at www.BnaiTikvah.org 

Sunday, January 8
Carnival and Camp Reunion at the JCC Klein Branch
The JCCs Klein Branch's Carnival and Camp Reunion will be held from 1-3 p.m. at the Klein Branch in Northeast Philadelphia. Campers can see their friends from the 2005 camp season and enjoy the indoor carnival. The event is free and open to the public. Participants can register for Camp 2006 and receive an early registration discount. For more information, call 215 698-7300. 

Sunday, January 8
Community Fun and Fitness Day at Kaiserman JCC
1:30am -- 3pm is our first Community Fun and Fitness Day! We have lots of activities planned from Mad Science, to fitness programs, to arts and crafts and dance. It's all FREE, open to the community and there will be membership specials, camp specials, current-member rewards, raffles and snacks. Bring your friends. A great time will be had by all. 

Wednesdays, January 11 through February 22
"Bible People" Lecture Series Begins
Congregation B?nai Tikvah is bringing back its widely successful adult education lecture series about Biblical figures presented by New Jersey Rabbis. Each program begins at 7:30pm with a short minyan prayer service and is followed by coffee and cake. Class begins at 8pm. The programs will be held at Congregation B?nai Tikvah, 1001 Finnegan's Lane, North Brunswick. No membership nor registration is required, and all are welcome to attend these FREE programs. For directions or additional information, call the synagogue office at 732-297-0696 or www.bnaitikvah.org .  "Bible People" Lecture Series includes the following programs:

• January 11 -- Korach -- Rabbi Eli Garfinkel, Temple Beth El
• January 18 -- TBA -- Rabbi Daniel Fellman, Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple
• January 25 -- David HaMelech -- Rabbi Eugene Wernick, Beth Ohr
• February 1, 8 -- TBA
• February 15 -- TBA, Rabbi Stephanie Dickstein, Jewish Health, Healing, and Recovery Network.
• February 22 -- Esther -- Rabbi Robert Alpert, East Brunswick Jewish Center

Saturday, January 14
Leyv Ha-Ir Annual Tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr.& Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel
The Annual Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. and Rabbi Abraham Heschel will be held as part of services for Congregation Leyv Ha-ir at 10 a.m. at the Ethical Society building, 1906 S. Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia. Rabbi Julie Greenberg will lead the services. For more information, call 215 629-1995.

Friday, January 20 
Family Shabbat Dinner at Congregation B'nai Tikvah, New Brunswick
Shabbat Dinner begins at 6pm followed by our Family Shabbat Service. The service is geared towards families with children between the ages of 2 and 7. Cost is $6 for adults and $4 for children ages 2 years to 12. A baked ziti dinner will be served with challah, salad, and cooked vegetables (plain pasta also available) in a peanut-free environment. You can attend the services without attending the dinner. To attend the dinner, RSVP (mandatory) by sending e-mail to Bobbi.Binder@bnaitikvah.org or calling 732-274-2797 before January 18. Sponsor the Kiddush for a donation of $18. 

Sunday, January 22 
B'nai Tikvah Sisterhood to Hold Creative Craft Session
The Sisterhood of Congregation B?nai Tikvah will meet at 10am for a bagel and lox breakfast, which will be followed by a creative craft session to make women's wire and bead head coverings. All are invited to attend; however, RSVP is required. Call Phyllis at 732-432-9622 to respond. For those planning to attend, please help Sisterhood continue to fulfill its mitzvah promise by collecting new or "like new" hats, scarves, and gloves for Elijah's Promise.

Sunday, January 22 
Delaware Gratz Hebrew High School Open House
Delaware Gratz Hebrew High School will hold a Grand Open House for its newly renovated space from 1-3 p.m. at 101 Garden of Eden Road, Wilmington. For more information, call 302 478-8100 or access its Web site at www.deawaregratz.org .

Sunday, January 29
Teen Basketball Leagues at the JCC's Kaiserman Branch: 7th-12th Grade 
Are you a teen who enjoys playing competitive basketball? The JCCs Kaiserman Branch Fall Teen Basketball League is the place for you. Sign up now for our 7th & 8th grade, 9th & 10th grade or 11th & 12th grade league. Player draft begins Sunday, January 29 and Leagues begin Sunday, February 12. The JCCs Kaiserman Branch is located at 45 Haverford Road in Wynnewood. Call at 610-896-7770 ext. 111 for more information.

Sunday, February 5
Party Expo 2006 at Temple Beth Hillel Beth El
Planning a party? Plan to join us at Temple Beth Hillel Beth El. Dozens of party service providers, including caterers, entertainers, photographers, videographers, party planners, stationers, specialty vendors... you name it, they'll be there! From 11am to 3pm. Free admission! Bring the whole family! Remington Road & Lancaster Avenue, Wynnewood, PA. For more information call Sue Ruderman 610 581 7341. 

Saturday, February 11
Celebrate Shabbat Shira at B'nai Tikvah, New Brunswick with Lunch & Sing
PThe day commemorates the reading of the Torah portion that recounts when the Jews crossed the Red Sea. The portion tells of the "Pharaoh's chariots and horsemen" being flung into the raging sea and ends with the words, "The Lord will reign forever and ever."
The service is followed by lunch and singing. All are invited to attend; however, RSVP is required. Although there is no charge for lunch, sponsors would be greatly appreciated. Donations of $18 or greater will help offset the cost of lunch. To RSVP, indicate the number of adults and children attending, your name and a phone number of email address and mail to Congregation B?nai Tikvah, 1001 Finnegan's Lane, North Brunswick, NJ 08902. If you plan to be a sponsor, please enclose a check for at least $18. For directions or additional information about B?nai Tikvah, call the synagogue office at 732-297-0696 or visit our website at www.BnaiTikvah.org 

Sunday, February 12
Tu Bishvat Seder at B'nai Tikvah, New Brunswick
Congregation B?nai Tikvah will hold its annual Tu B?Shevat Seder at 4:30pm. Tu B?Shevat, the 15th day of the Jewish month of Shevat, is a holiday also known as the New Year for Trees. There are a few customs or observances related to this holiday. One custom is to eat a new fruit on this day, especially fruit that is indigenous to the Land of Israel. Some people plant trees on this day. All are welcome to attend. Cost to attend the Tu B?Shevat Seder is $8 for adults and $5 for children. Sponsoring a seder plate requires a donation of $10. Send your check payable to Congregation B?nai Tikvah, 1001 Finnegan's Lane, North Brunswick, NJ 08902 and mark your envelope "Tu B?Shevat Seder" or leave the form in the Ritual mailbox in the synagogue office by February 6, 2006.