BETH EL NEWS 12/18/15

By Steve Guggenheim
What are you doing Christmas Eve? The Werner Lecture Fund and the Beth El Men’s Club are sponsoring a kosher Chinese dinner and movie, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.” It all starts at 6 p.m. After the movie there will be a discussion of Jewish and Greek weddings and lifestyles. Admission is open to all and can be paid at the door. Oops, parts of the movie may not be appropriate for those under age 13.
Howard and Nancy Alter are being honored on Sunday, Dec. 20, at the Beth El State of Israel Bonds Breakfast. Howard is a former synagogue president. The morning begins at 9:45 a.m.
What are the warning signs of mental health issues? Lara Wellerstein and Andrew LoPresti of Jewish Family and Children Services will talk about the red flags on Monday, Dec. 21, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The Syrian civil war is entering its sixth year. Dr. Ghaidaa Hetou will lead a discussion, “Three Syrian Scenarios and What Each Means for Israel,” after the Oneg on Jan. 16. Dr Hetou is head of a consulting firm that deals with the political and security dynamics of the Mideast and North Africa.
Are you trying to find out about your family history in Germany or Prussia? That will be the focus of the Genealogy Club meeting on Sunday, Dec. 20, at 7:30 p.m. Guest speaker Roger Lustig has been doing research in this area since 2002, with a specialty in German Jewry.
What does Mitzvah mean to you? The word actually has multiple meanings and you can discuss them at the monthly Walking with Mitzvot. The next class is Jan. 24, from 9:45 to 11:15 a.m. 
Among other events:
The January meeting of the Book Club will talk about The Mathematician’s Shiva is on Jan. 10. As always the discussion from 9:45 to 11:15 a.m.
Torah and Teas with the Rabbi will be held Jan. 4, 11, and 25, from 1:30 to 2:45 p.m.
How do you order pizza in Hebrew? Find out at the seniors’ meeting Jan. 21 at 1 p.m. Guest speaker is Dr Leo Weinstock, a scholar in semitic languages.
The Men’s Club Shabbat is on Jan. 29 and 30.
The Windsor-HIghtstown Area Ministerium will hold its annual Dr Martin Luther King, Jr, service on Sunday, Jan. 17, at 7 p.m. at the Peddie School.
Beth El is a Conservative synagogue drawing members from the Windsors, Hightstown, Cranbury, Robbinsville and surrounding communities. The office number is 609 443-4454