Recent TSE Emails

Hi  {{first_name}},
We have a commitment to keeping everyone informed about any threats or incidents that might affect Temple Shaari Emeth.  While there haven't been any incidents at TSE in the last few days, there were at least 400 false bomb threats agaist Jewish organizations between this past Friday and Saturday.  Considering that 83 of this type of threat occured in all of 2022; this is a dramatic increase, especially because all of the bomb threats occurred over a a very short period of time.  This most recent barage of threats were recieved by email, phone calls; and some by swatting (making calls to police that appear to be from the Jewish organization).

Although all of the bomb threats over the last few days were deemed to be hoaxes, they had the same effect: of causing fear and anxiety, disruption to how our religion is practiced, and for some, causing fear and anger between ourselves and groups outside our religion, threatening relationships that have been developed through hard work over many years.

The response to all threats is to treat them as if it is real until the appropriate authority tells us that there is no threat. This means that, if we were to receive a bomb threat, the building would be evacuated until the police check the building.  Depending on when a threat is received it could force evacuation during a service; or the building to be closed for a period of time.

Of course, nobody wants to give these domestic terrorists what they want: to disrupt our schools, programs, and religious services.  But our primary commitment is the safety of our children, congregants, and staff.  We will continue to work with the local and State police, FBI, Security Communities Network, the Federation Heart of NJ, and other Jewish institutions to coordinate responses and planning. We are commited to keeping everyone safe while continuing to operate a thriving Early Learning Center, Religious School, Lifelong Learning Program, and observing Judaism as Reform Jews.

la Shalom

Toby and Seth Hanover Youth Scholarship
For Camp and Summer Programs

ATTENTION:  PARENTS WITH CHILDREN IN
TEMPLE SHAARI EMETH’S RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
 
Would you like to give your child the gift of amazing Jewish memories?
Do you want to create a love of Judaism that will last a lifetime?

Jewish Camp, Jewish Teen Travel or Jewish Summer Experiences are the best way to do this and Temple Shaari Emeth is ready to help you give this gift to your children!! 

Temple Shaari Emeth believes that our youth are our future, and so, we offer our Temple’s youth both merit awards and need scholarships to send children to Jewish summer programs including  NFTY in Israel,  Camp Harlam, and Six Points Academies.  Studies have proven that children who have Jewish summer experiences have stronger Jewish identities as adults, and so we give out nearly $10,000 annually to make sure that no child is denied Jewish summer camp because of finances.

• Be enrolled and attend Temple Shaari Emeth’s Religious School.
• Be registered for summer camp BEFORE you submit your Youth Scholarship Application.

• Are members in good standing of Temple Shaari Emeth at the time the summer program begins.
• Volunteer to help in the preparation and distribution of the Shalach Manot Fundraiser.

The completed Youth Scholarship Application must be received by ***January 15, 2024***.

We will notify you by the end of January 2023 when the decision for your child’s scholarship is determined. We look forward to receiving your completed Youth Scholarship Application.

If you are in need of greater assistance you might also want to look into the following scholarship opportunities:

• Many Jewish camps have their own scholarship programs. Check with them directly.
• The New Jersey Federation in the Heart of New Jersey  has a variety of scholarships.
• One Happy Camper  offers first time campers a generous stipend.
  
  

If you have any questions or need more assistance, please reach out to  Melissa Pescatore  at 732-462-7744.

L’Shalom,
Youth Scholarship Chair,  Naomi Bressler

I hope that your 6th, 7th, or 8th grader will join me next Monday for a "shopping trip" at Wegman's to see what they could buy if they only had $35 to spend for a week of food.  We will meet for pizza upstairs at Wegman's and then will do some food shopping. All of the collected food will be donated to Open Door.  The link to register is below. Please contact me with any questions.

Hi  {{first_name}},
We want to keep you informed of any outcomes of the incident of vandalism at the the Temple last week when somebody slashed one of the "Our Hearts are with Israel" banners.

There is limited information that we have at this point. The Manalapan Police have apprehended and questioned the suspect, who admitted that he was responsible for the vandalism. Charges are pending after review by the County Prosecutor.  We will continue to update the congregation as we learn more.  

​​​​​​​Please join us for the Chanukah Family Service, tonight at 6:30PM. Remember to bring your menorah and candles.

Rachel Goldstein and Juani Urruela
Married on November 30, 2023

Rachel is the daughter of Jennifer and Eric Goldstein 
and granddaughter of Arlene and Arnie Parness

With great sadness we share that Jeffrey Zryb passed away yesterday.  He was Lori Shulman's brother, brother-in-law to Mark Shulman (z''l), and uncle to Melissa and Mark Pescatore and Jamie and Daniel Ericksen. 

The funeral will be tomorrow at 1:00 pm at Beth David Cemetery in Elmont, NY. 

Shiva will be at the home of Lori Shulman, 28 Percheron Road, Manalapan on the following days/times: Wednesday and Thursday from 1-8pm, Friday from 1-4pm and Sunday from 1-8pm. 

Donations in Jeffrey's memory can be made to: New Hope Community ​​​​​​​

May God console those who mourn in Zion, Jerusalem and throughout the world

Dear  {{first_name}},
We want everyone to be aware of an incident at the Temple earlier this afternoon.  There was an act of vandalism - someone stopped their car on Craig Road and slashed one of the "Our Hearts Are With Israel" banners out front. A passerby stopped his car and the person got back in his car. The passerby, who works at a nearby business, chased the car and he was able to get the person's license plate and report it to the Manalapan Police Department.  

While we all wish that the incident did not happen; we are heartened that the system we have in place worked as it should.   Our security guard had just finished a patrol of the property five minutes before the incident. There was never a risk to anybody at the property.  Police responded immediately and the witness gave the police all necessary information. The witness also reported the incident to us and came back to the Temple to make sure we had all the necessary information.

The Police reported the incident to other local police departments and we let other synagogues know about what happened.  We also reported this to the Jewish Federation Heart NJ, so that other synagogues in Middlesex and Monmouth counties, as well as the Secure Communities Network, County Prosecuter, and FBI.  This will assure that law enforcement could look for patterns.

So you are aware - the man was driving a black car with the license plate M19 SKJ, and was wearing a hoodie. If you happen to see someone who may fit this description, please call the police: but, please do not confront the individual.

This is a reminder to be aware of your surrounding and practice the saying, "If you see something, say something."  In addition to our armed security on sight, the Manalapan Police Department is going to increase patrols in the area.

Shabbat Shalom!

P.S. We hope that you can join with us at the Camp Kabbalat Shabbat tonight, and the Chanukah Family Service next week.

Also, if you can, please attend our Pasta Dinner for Israel, anytime from 5PM to 7PM, next Wednesday.

With great sadness we share that Louis Elbert passed away.  He was the father of Donna Elbert and Scott Elbert. He was the father-in-law to Ivy and the grandfather of Michael and Lauren. 

The funeral will be Friday, December 1 at Bloomfield Cooper in Manalapan at 11:00am with interment at Floral Park Cemetery, Monmouth Junction. 

Shiva will be at Scott and Ivy's home, 120 Pension Road, Manalapan on the following days: Friday from 2pm until sundown; Saturday from 4:30-9pm with minyan at 5pm; Sunday from 1-9pm with minyan at 5pm; Monday and Tuesday from 6:30-9pm with minyan at 7pm; Wednesday from 7-9pm with minyan at 7:30pm.

The family requests that if you would like to make a donation in Louis' memory be made to  Englishtown Manalapan First Aid Squad.

May God console those who mourn in Zion, Jerusalem and throughout the world

Jared Kaplan to Alexandra Leon 
Married on November 12, 2023

Jared is the son of Geri and Mike Kaplan

With great sadness we share that Shirley Natalie Salkin passed away yesterday.  She was the mother of Karen Goldstein and Ruth Salkin mother-in-law to Larry Goldstein and gradmother to Jay and his fiance Robbin Regan.

The funeral will be Wednesday, November 22 at Mt Sinai Chapel, 454 Cranbury Rd, East Brunswick at 10:30am with interment at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery. Shiva will be at the home of Karen and Larry Goldstein, 3 Colonial Court, Howell on Wednesday after the funeral until 8:30pm and Saturday evening starting at 5:30pm with Minyan at 7:00pm. Shiva on Sunday will at Ruth's home, 2B Rolling Ridge Road, Montvale from 1-4pm.  

The family requests that if you would like to make a donation in Shirley's memory, please consider  Magen David Adom.

May God console those who mourn in Zion, Jerusalem and throughout the world

This Week

Learning

Weekly Torah Study 
In-Person or Zoom  

Click for the full TSE Calendar

What We Can Do

David Craig to Amber Dedrick
Married on October 28, 2023

David is the son of Sandy and Richard Craig

​​​​​​​
Americans March for Israel 
Tuesday, November 14 • 6:45AM-9PM
Rally in Washington, D.C.

There is a very limited amount of space on the busses that the Federation Heart NJ has organized for those who want to attend this rally in Washington, DC on Tuesday next week.

​​​​​​​Click here for more info and to reserve a seat.

This Week

Next Week

Help Someone this Holiday Season

Bread and Produce
Pick-Up Drivers Needed! 

Open Door urgently needs drivers to help pick up our retail store donations.  Stores such as: Wegman's, Battleview, Costco, Trader Joe's, Aldi, Whole Foods, Wawa, etc...
 
Approximately 2-hour shift or less.  
Monday- Thursday 
8 am - 10 am  Suitable vehicle needed. 

Contact Open Door or email Rich Cobin

Learning

Weekly Torah Study 
In-Person or Zoom  

Click for the full
TSE Calendar

What We Can Do

Congratulations to
Bracha Robinson and Ivan Richard
on their engagement 
October 20, 2023

Mazel Tov !!

We monitor threat levels daily through our security partners.  We adjust our practices accordingly. Please help us be safe by observing the following:

• Do not park anywhere except for a marked parking spot in the parking lot -- not along curbs, walkways, etc.
• ​​​​​​​There is absolutely no parking on the brick walkway.
• Please tell our security guard or any staff members if you see anything that "shouldn't be there", or any suspicious behavior.

This Week

Next Week's Service

Learning

Click for the full
TSE Calendar

Weekly Torah Study 
In-Person or Zoom  

No Torah Study this Saturday

What We Can Do

Coming up Soon