By: Katrina Lewin
EAST WINDSOR The event at Beth El Synagogue on Saturday gave new meaning to the term "swinging singles."
The event, a meet-and-greet for singles, featured dinner, live music and swing dancing lessons.
Rachel Katz, who serves on the membership committee of the temple, came up with the idea.
She had gone to a concert and was "sitting there listening to (the band) play, and as my feet started moving," she said, she realized that she’d danced to that song before. "The idea grew from there," she said.
"We had been talking a lot about how to get singles (and) younger people" involved with Beth El, Ms. Katz said. "Our president has made outreach a big part of his mission."
The dancing lessons seemed to fit the bill. "Everybody loves swing and jazz," she said.
The singles, who learned basic swing dancing steps with the help of a local couple, were having a great time.
"It was amazingly fun," said a woman named Cheryl. "I’m not a dancer. I’m a klutz on two legs," she said, "but I learned how to dance tonight."
After the lesson there was live music by The Klez Dispensers, a local group that plays a mix of swing, jazz, and traditional Klezmer music.
"Think early 1900s, clarinet, brass, (and) bands that you might associate with ‘Jewish music,’" Ms. Katz explained. Klezmer is a form of music brought over from Eastern Europe. "We’re certainly excited to have the band here," she said.
Many people heard about the event through word of mouth. Irit, a woman from Kingston, heard about the event from a friend only three days before. She liked the idea because she looks for "activities where you can move."
"Most of the activities are food, food, food," she said. "It’s hard to meet people. … People don’t talk. People are very within themselves. They talk once they know you, but the first time" it’s difficult to strike up a conversation.
Michael also enjoyed the night. He was looking for "just a nice evening out, meeting new people."
Because there were more women than men, he joked, he could "at least have one" woman to dance with that night.
"I might get lucky and meet somebody," he said, though he was looking forward to the evening out as much as meeting people. But even if he didn’t, "at least you get out, you’re not stuck in the house," he said.
Between the music, the mingling and the buffet of Chinese food, it was a well-liked event, with over 30 people in attendance. Participants said they would attend another, and they were glad they’d come to this one.
"Besides, with the Mets losing on Thursday," Michael said, "I could use some enjoyment."

