By Steve Guggenheim
Services for the first night of Shavuot and Tikkun Leyl Shavuot are on Saturday, June 11, at 8 p.m. The formal study sessions will end by midnight but you can come and go. Classes will be taught by the Rabbi, Cantor and by Samantha Brandspiegel.
The 7th Annual American Barbecue Carlebach Shabbat kicks off the summer season of outdoor services on Friday, June 17, at 6 p.m. Enjoy the tunes of Shlomo Carlebach, followed by a barbecue dinner. Please RSVP and pay by June 6. While you are putting this on your calendar, Shabbat on the Lake is Friday, July 29, Blue Jean Shabbat is Saturday, July 30 and Tiki Bar Shabbat is Friday, Sept. 9.
It’s time to think about taking part in the Summer Shabbat Sermon Series, where congregants give the talks. The first one is July 2, with the final one on Sept. 3. Contact Andy Granett if you are interested.
When do Friday night services begin? Beginning July 1, all Friday services will start at 6 p.m. The Ritual Committee and the board has decided to end the 8 p.m. service that took place on the first Friday of the month.
Did you know that Trenton was once a haven for immigrating Jews? Area historian Art Finkle will talk about the immigrant periods in the city at the Beth El Genealogy Club meeting on Sunday, June 19, at 7:30 p.m. He also plans to talk about Beth El’s history, which dates back to 1906.
Beth El is looking for a few good members. Wanted: A Gabbaim who helps check Torah readers on Shabbat and holiday mornings. They also assist in giving out honors. Cantor Larry will hold a one-hour session to show you how easily it is to help move services along.
Will you adopt a Torah? The synagogue needs congregants who can help take care of the 10 scrolls. They need to be cleaned and rolled yearly to preserve the parchment and keep them kosher. It only takes a few hours once or twice a year.
Among other events:
Men’s Club Deli Night is Sunday, June 5, at 6 p.m. Watch a Star Wars movie as you munch on your corned beef, pastrami, roast beef and turkey.
What’s good about being good? That is the subject of Rabbi Kornsgold’s talk to the Beth El Seniors on Thursday, June 16, at 1 p.m.
The Book Club meets Sunday, June 26, at 9:45 a.m. Fedora Horowitz’s, Jaffa Beach, is up for discussion. Torah and Teas with the Rabbi are on Mondays’ June 20 and 27, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Beth El is a Conservative synagogue drawing members from the Windsors, Hightstown, Cranbury, Robbinsville and surrounding communities. The office number is 609 443-4454
