EAST BRUNSWICK — In response to a popular Memorial Day celebration, the township’s three synagogues are gearing up for their second event.
The Tri-Synagogue Committee will host a picnic on Labor Day, Sept. 1, from 2-6 p.m. at the Y Country Swim Club, Dutch Road.
Food will be served, the pool will be open and there will be sporting equipment available.
The Tri-Synagogue Committee has representation from the three East Brunswick congregations: Young Israel of East Brunswick (Orthodox), East Brunswick Jewish Center (Conservative) and Temple B’nai Shalom (Reform).
“This is really more of a ‘thank you’ to the community,” said Robert Lipson, vice president of the East Brunswick Jewish Center, Ryders Lane, and a previous chairman of the tri-synagogue panel.
In May, the committee held an inaugural picnic and family day in recognition of Lag B’Omer that was overwhelmingly successful, with an estimated 500 attendees. The committee originally expected 200 people.
“We stopped counting at 400 … People kept coming,” Lipson said.
The main idea for the event was to create a social gathering for members of the different synagogues, and also to open the swim club to the public, as it is usually reserved for its members and their guests.
According to Lipson, the Labor Day picnic will be a little different than the Memorial Day event.
“It will be a lot more laid back,” he said.
Attendees are advised to bring chairs, blankets, towels and mitts. Admission is free. People are encouraged to RSVP by e-mail to [email protected] so the committee can estimate the number of prospective attendees.
Lipson said he hopes that all 500 people who showed up on Memorial Day will return.
As for next year, Lipson said that the committee will plan a bigger and better picnic for Memorial Day weekend.
“It’ll be more fun, more activities for the kids and everybody,” he said.