Friday, May 17 at 5:30pm - Tot Shabbat 
All are invited to join us for our last of the academic year, clergy-led tot service,
followed by a festive community potluck dinner.
TNT will generously provide the main courses, and we kindly request
that you bring a dairy side dish or dessert to share
(please refrain from including meat, shellfish, or nut products).
If preparing homemade food items, we encourage you to attach a note card
listing all the ingredients for the benefit of our guests.
Because the dinner is catered, we need to know how many are coming.
REGISTER NOW for our next Tot Shabbat on May 17
Saturday at 8:30am - Virtual Torah Study
Rick Abrams will lead our Torah Study this week.
Torah Portion
Join Here
Join us in wishing a Mazel Tov to the Westreich Family
as Rabbi Noah Westreich & his fiance Noah Zweben
are called to Torah for an Aufruf at our Shabbat Morning service on May 18, 2024.
We are looking for Shabbat greeters for Friday night services. The role of the greeter is simply to be a warm and welcoming presence for members and guests coming into the lobby. You will be the first person that people see, after the security guard, when entering. The greeter will be needed about twenty minutes before the service begins; and afterwards at the oneg the greeter will engage guests and prospective members. The role of the Greeter is separate from the role of the Usher.
It is a mitzvah to welcome people into our communal home, so please SIGN UP HERE.
Do you do a handicraft?
Get together with your fellow TNTers for 2 hours of crafting.
Bring your knitting, needlepoint, embroidery, crochet,
lace-making, cross-stitch, or whatever handicraft
you are working on and join us for schmoozing,
learning from each other and community.
We meet once a month on a Sunday afternoon
at a congregant’s home.
Our next meeting will be
Sunday, May 19th from 1 to 3 p.m.
Click here to Contact Beni Fishbein for further information
Temple Ner Tamid Annual Meeting
Tuesday, May 21st at 7:30pm -TNT Sanctuary & Virtual
Annually, Temple Ner Tamid gathers our membershipfor our formal congregational meeting.
Our agenda will include the approval of
the incoming slate for the Board of Trustees & and the Annual Budget.
More details regarding the meeting's agenda will be shared in the coming weeks.
In advance of our meeting, below is the proposed
2024-2025 Board of Trustees Slate and the proposed 2024-2025 Budget.
Join virtually at 7:30pm using this link: www.nertamid.org/AnnualMeeting
If you have any questions about these documents or the meeting,
reach out to Marty Baum, TNT President, at mbaum@edgewoodcg.com
2024-2025 Board of Trustees Slate
2024-2025 Proposed Budget
Join us for a retrospective on campus protests
with TNT college students
Wednesday, May 22nd at 12pm
Curious what is happening on college campuses?
Join us on May 22nd at 12pm for a ZOOM briefing
with some of our TNT college students who will talk
about the climate on campuses like Columbia and Rutgers.
This conversation will be moderated by our very own Budd Mishkin.
REGISTER FOR THE ZOOM SESSION HERE
Saturday, June 1st at 9:00am - Jewish Yoga with Elisa Spungen Bildner
Okay--we're doing this a few days early!
Let's celebrate the giving of the Torah and the end of the Counting of the Omer--coming up--with a little yoga for Shabbat. All levels welcome.
Please dress comfortably and bring your own mat.
Looking forward to practicing together!
City of Laughter (Virtual) Book Discussion
Sunday, June 2, 2024 • 9:00-10:00am
TNT is excited to kick off Pride Month with a captivating virtual Book Review!
Join Rabbinic Intern James Feder & Cantor Meredith Greenberg
for an engaging discussion of
Temin Fruchter’s debut novel, “City of Laughter.”
“City of Laughter” can be purchased anywhere books
are sold or checked out at your library!
Don't wait, grab your copy now and dive into this enriching read.
Register Here, and don't worry if you haven't finished the book yet—
everyone is welcome to join in for what promises to be a lively discussion.
Synopsis: City of Laughter is a captivating journey into ancestry and queer Jewish life.
Follow the story of a queer student of Jewish folklore, who travels to Poland to uncover her family's history and uncover her great-grandmother's mysterious legacy.
What she discovers will challenge her perceptions of the past, present, and future.
The Author, Temim Fruchter is a queer non binary writer
who was raised in a Modern Orthodox Jewish household.
She holds an MFA in fiction from the University of Maryland
and has received first prize in short fiction from both American Literary Review and New South.
Advocating for Human Rights in Israel Post October 7th
Tuesday, June 4, 2024 @ 7PM
A Conversation with Rabbi Noa Sattath of ACRI
Congregation Shomrei Emunah • 67 Park Street • Montclair, NJ
The recent developments in Israel, especially post-October 7,
have brought significant challenges surrounding democracy and human rights.
With a surge of human rights violations and attacks on freedom of expression, Israeli citizens (Palestinian-Israelis in particular) are at risk now more than ever.
To shed light on these critical issues and showcase the efforts of The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI), a New Israel Fund flagship grantee, we are thrilled to invite you to a special event featuring Rabbi Noa Sattath, ACRI's executive director. Rabbi Sattath's insights into the ongoing struggle for democracy in Israel and the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are invaluable for understanding the current landscape.
REGISTER HERE
NIF is pleased to partner with Congregation Shomrei Emunah, Temple Ner Tamid, and B'nai Keshet
An Evening with Newark Mayor, Ras Baraka on June 5th at 7:30pm
Join us for a fascinating discussion with Jim Axelrod on a host of issues
facing New Jersey and the Jewish community.
In addition to talking about Israel and Antisemitism, Mayor Baraka will talk about the work
he has done in Newark as well as will lay out his vision for New Jersey.
The Temple Talks Series is generously sponsored by Shirley Cobert
in loving memory of her husband, Maxwell "Mac" Cobert (z"l).
The event will be streamed live on YouTube.
Join Us for Pride Shabbat - Friday, June 7th with Potluck Dinner
All are invited to join the Ner Tamid community
in celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride on Friday June 7th.
The Shabbat evening worship service, beginning at 6:30pm,
will include special guest artist, Julian Hornik,
a contemporary musical theater composer and performer.
The celebration will continue following the service with a potluck dairy dinner.
Join with us as our clergy and Julian Hornik rock the bimah,
combining the themes of Shabbat with the music of Broadway!
Let us know what you will bring for the potluck dinner by REGISTERING HERE
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All potluck items should be stored in a disposable tray and be nut/meat/shellfish free.
Please include an index card with what you've prepared and ingredient list taped to your offering.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Generously supported by Tamima Friedman and Daniel Rosenblum of The Tamima Team at Keller Williams Realty
Celebrate Unity & Community at the Montclair Pride 2024
Saturday, June 8, 2024 - - 12:00 noon – 6:00 pm
Pride event - intersection of Bloomfield Ave and Fullerton Ave, Montclair, NJ
TNT Meet up 5:00PM at the intersection of Park Street and Church Street • Montclair
Last year, the Montclair Pride Festival was a vibrant success,
attracting over 26,500 participants and featuring over 150 vendors
along with a packed schedule of entertainment.
Building on the excitement, we’re thrilled to announce
another exhilarating celebration for this year.
While TNT will not have a booth this time,
we invite you to join us in wearing TNT Love/Pride/Peace t-shirts,
as we come together to make a visible statement
of solidarity and support within our community.
We can't wait to celebrate with you all over again!
Click Here to Order Shirts ($10 each) no Later Than Friday May 17th
Payment instructions are included in the link (Venmo, Zelle, Cash).
Shirts Sponsored by Moses Oliva & Associates with Keller Williams Realty
Announcing TNT's Ambassador Program
The Ambassador Program is designed to strengthen our community connections by offering to every TNT family and member, a volunteer contact, either a Board of Trustee or TNT member for basic TNT inquiries and meaningful connections, enhancing everyone's experience within our vibrant community.
Your Ambassador will reach out to you at key times throughout the year
to check in and offer guidance if needed.
Whether you're eager to explore TNT activities, provide feedback on a program,
or propose a new initiative, this essential touch-point promises to enrich your membership experience.
Don't feel as if you need an Ambassador? Why not BE ONE?
Becoming an Ambassador is a great way to meet people and you will be guided through the process.
If you're interested in joining the Ambassador Team, or seeking more details,
please reach out to Cantor Meri: Cantor@nertamid.org.
Join us in continuing to make TNT a sacred community that is warm and welcoming!
“Beginner” Tai Chi class... 6-7pm
Continuing Tai Chi Classes... 7-8pm
Thursdays @ Ner Tamid
Tai Chi is an ancient art…movement…exercise…meditation and fun way
to enhance health and improve balance and mobility.
The instructors Irene Sherman, Ray Wolfson and assistant instructor, Linda Gross
have had extensive training and practice in these arts.
After learning the set, the opportunity to refine the practice and reap the benefits this art
provides continues on Thursday evenings from 6-8pm. Classes are fun and nonjudgmental.
As with other practices, Tai Chi does take time and effort to learn
and the benefits are worth the investment.
Interested in more information?
Click here to contact the instructors.
Wellness Offerings
Karen Frank, TNT’s Congregational Nurse, has a variety of offerings to the community, all of them having to do with enhancing wellness. Her practice integrates physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
She works with individuals, families, and groups.
Karen leads two groups at TNT:
- Grandparents’ Group, which meets on the third Tuesday of the month on Zoom at 5:00pm. Topics have been grand-parenting at a distance, when values clash,
the blended family, and grandchildren with special needs.
You can join the meeting here. - Caregiving Aging Parents, which focuses on providing care whether local or long-distance.
They meet monthly, the first Tuesday of the month on Zoom at 7:30pm.
Topics include dealing with parent’s physical or mental health,
when to consider a move and what are the options, how to find help,
and assisting the parent with dementia.
You can join the meeting here.
No registration necessary for either group.
Karen is also available for individual consults on health, caregiving, and coping. Call her at 862-485-9062 or email to nursekarenfrank@gmail.com to make arrangements for a home or synagogue visit or a call.
Temple Ner Tamid's Older Adult Group is Back in Full Swing!
Our very active 70 plus community meets twice monthly on Tuesdays from 11:15am-1:15pm
for stimulating conversations, guest speakers, cultural programming,
holiday celebrations and much more.
Congregational Nurse Karen Frank attends monthly
for office hours and blood pressure screening.
From 10:45-11:15 each meeting, TNT member Stan Keyles will be leading a session on Qi Gong,
an Eastern form of meditation, integrated with the movements of our body.
You can participate standing or sitting.
The group is open to Temple Ner Tamid members and parents and friends of members.
If you or anyone you know is interested in meeting new people, come try us out!
For further information,
please contact Dianna Chipkin at diannachipkin@gmail.com or call 973-202-2497.
The NJ Chapter of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC-NJ)'s new action is in support of the John R Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of NJ.
In the aftermath of Supreme Court rulings which invalidated parts of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, many states have tested the extent to which they can legally limit citizens' access to the ballot box through restrictive voting laws. In order to protect the voting rights of NJ, the above Act was introduced in March 2024, in order to improve the voting process by preventing changes to voting practices without pre-clearance from the state or a NJ court, in order to assure lack of harm to voters of color, expand language access, prohibit voter discrimination and intimidation, and more.
RAC-NJ is working with other organizations statewide to urge our State Senators and Assembly members to pass this legislation.
The initial action will be to send a message (via email) based on a template provided by RAC-NJ which you are free to annotate, to each of your state representatives.
If you are interested in engaging with this issue, please reach out to Sherri Neuwirth (sherri1953@yahoo.com).
The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC) has kicked off it’s
2024 Every Voice/Every Vote (non-partisan Get Out the Vote/GOTV) campaign.
At this point the activity available to us is postcarding to states with upcoming primaries
(the first 2 being Georgia and Virginia). The campaign will also involve phone calls and texting.
The GOTV efforts for 2024 will be for GA, TX, NC, PA, and VA.
There will also be a reproductive freedom effort directed at FL, AZ, NV and CO.
RAC is partnering on all these efforts with the
Center for Common Ground’s Reclaim Our Vote (ROV) campaign.
This is the same organization we’ve worked with in the past,
and the focus is on outreach to marginalized communities.
If you’re interested in engaging in any of these activities,
Reach out to Sherri Neuwirth to get involved
and specify what you’d like to participate in – postcards, phone calls, and/or texting.
You’ll then receive alerts for your preferred activities along with links explaining how to participate.
Temple Ner Tamid hosts a monthly food drive to benefit the Human Needs Food Pantry, collecting donations from shoppers at
the Brookdale ShopRite (1409 Broad Street in Bloomfield).
Our food drives have always been a major charitable resource for the pantry,
which is serving many more food-insecure families since the start of the pandemic.
We’re looking for volunteers to request donations at the entrance or receive donated items at the exit. The final shift includes driving to the food pantry in Montclair to help unload the truck.
The next food collection will be on Sunday, May 19th.
Follow this link to sign up for a shift today!
Questions? Please contact Amy Strickler and Mark Dodd at mdodd107@yahoo.com.
News from the Human Needs Food Pantry
The Human Needs Food Pantry, located at 9 Label Street in Montclair, provides food and services to people and families in need from Bloomfield, Montclair and surrounding neighboring Essex County communities. Currently, the Food Pantry provides over 2,500 bags of groceries each month, along with hundres of deliveries for homebound clients. The Pantry is great and it continues to grow. The Food Pantry is very appreciative of the partnership with Temple Ner Tamid.
As you shop for your family each week, please pick up a few extra items for those in need. Drop off canned or boxed food (no glass or outdated items) to the Mazon Box, which is located at TNT in the hallway near the main office entrance. The Food Pantry requests cereal, peanut butter, jelly, crackers and other breakfast food, as well as tuna fish, pasta and beans. As soon as the Mazon box is full it will be delivered to the Food Pantry. Temple Ner Tamid continues to be a strong supporter of the Human Needs Food Pantry.
The Chesed Committee is Here for You!
Do you need a ride to the doctor or a medical appointment?
If so, the Chesed committee may be able to help you!
Reach out to
Susan Goldstein at sgolds4727@aol.com,
with as much notice as possible, and we will see if we can be of help to you!
For Information on 7th Grade Community Mitzvah Projects contact Wendy Starr, Assistant Director at wstarr@nertamid.org
Religious School Resources Can Be Found Here: www.nertamid.org/rsresources
Registration Can Be Done Here: www.nertamid.org/school_enrollment
Celebrate Israel Parade 2024
Sunday, June 2, 2024
Join your Greater MetroWest community
on Fifth Avenue in New York City
at the annual Celebrate Israel Parade.
This year’s parade theme is
Am Echad, Lev Echad: One People, One Heart.
The Celebrate Israel Parade is the world’s largest expression of solidarity with the Jewish state,
and this year, expressing that solidarity is more important than ever!
Each year, our Federation hosts a Greater MetroWest delegation from day school families,
synagogue congregations, rishonim, and community leaders
to join the tens of thousands of marchers, floats, marching bands, and Israeli musical performers.
It’s an exciting, inspiring day for all!
All Greater MetroWest participants who register by May 1 will receive
a free Federation T-shirt and are invited to join us on Federation supplied buses to and from the city.
REGISTER HERE
Bring Them Home FAST - Fasting for Hostages
A group in Montclair is organizing stagger fasts for the hostages in Gaza in the hope of drawing attention
and continued prayers for the approximately 220 hostages in Gaza
whose conditions and whereabouts are unknown.
They are looking for one person per day, and you can sign up here.
Want To Learn More About Israel and J Street?
Following up on the visit of J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami to Temple Ner Tamid last April 23rd, the organization is offering to update us on the political situation in Israel now, as well as their continued support for justice and a two-state solution. J Street is a pro-Israel, pro-peace, pro-democracy American Jewish organization. If you’d like to learn more let us know: contact Larry Westreich (Larrywestreich@gmail.com) or Sherri Neuwirth (sherri1953@yahoo.com) and we’ll send information your way!
Josh Greenwald and Aaron Glasser, longtime friends and soon-to-be B'nai Mitzvah,
are teaming up to maximize the impact for their mitzvah projects.
Inspired by the love they have for their own rescue pups,
Cookie and Snoopy, 
the boys will be raising funds through an online pop-up store
selling premium popcorn to help pets in need.
All proceeds from this initiative will directly benefit the Montclair Township Animal Shelter.
Join us in making a difference in the lives of local animals!
It’s simple: just purchase delicious, artisanal popcorn
and all money raised goes right to the homeless animals of Montclair.
Your popcorn will be delivered directly to you fresh and at its peak flavor!
Our fundraising window is May 15, 2024, at 8:30PM goes until Mary 19, 2024, at 8:30 PM.
CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR ORDER
All you have to do is enjoy! It couldn’t be easier.
Hello – my name is Gabi Shepen and I am a 7th grader at West Essex Middle School.
I am a member of Temple Ner Tamid and my Bat Mitzvah is May 18, 2024.
For my mitzvah project, I am collecting items for Fountain House’s Times Square Recharge Station.
The Recharge Station is one of Fountain House’s newer programs, started during the pandemic, in an effort to connect with people who have serious mental illness, are justice-involved,
or experiencing homelessness and substance use disorders.
The Recharge Station is a kiosk located in Time’s Square,
that strives to bring kindness and belongingness to the community.
Community members can come together, free of judgement to rest, socialize,
get a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, meet with a Community Navigator,
and access the critical services they may need.
My friend Sachi Choudhuri and I will be collecting hygiene products:
toothpaste • toothbrushes • deodorant • chapstick • feminine hygiene products • combs
hand sanitizer • hand cream • body wipes • gloves • hats • scarves
to make hygiene kits to be distributed at the Recharge Station.
Any donation would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
The Following Dedications Have Been Made This Week:
RABBI MARC KATZ DISCRETIONARY FUND
Celebration of the birth of Marge and Paul Grayson's granddaughter from Dr. Stanley & Claire Keyles
CONFIRMATION GIFT
from Adam & Kelly Shapiro
from Howard & Jennifer Freund
from Lawrence & Lauren Rosenthal
from Martin 'Chip' McGowan & Laurie Kessler
In Appreciation For
Rabbi Katz, for a meaningful, fulfilling and fun confirmation year. from Eric Roston & Karen Yourish
GENERAL DONATION
In Honor Of
Marge and Paul Grayson's new granddaughter from Alan & Jill Johnson
Marge and Paul Grayson's granddaughter from Michael Frank & Susan Helman
TEACHER APPRECIATION FUND
from Edward & Rebecca Meyer
SHORESH DONATION
from Noah Bunzl & Erika Scott
YAHRZEIT
from Dr. Stanley & Claire Keyles
from Rob Rosenberg & Meryl Natter
In Honor Of
Herb Shedlin from Ronald Jacobs & Robin Sherman
In Memory Of
Joseph Gross from Linda Gross
Lake Epstein from Paul Epstein & Sandra Hertzberg
Myer Ezrin from Stuart & Jane Yourish
Elaine Becker from Stuart & Jane Yourish
Update this content.
Who Killed Vincent Chin?
Film Screening & Q&A with Helen Zia
May 23 at 7pm
The Clairidge, Montclair
On a hot summer night in Detroit in 1982, Ronald Ebens, an autoworker, killed Vincent Chin, a young Chinese American draftsman with a baseball bat. Although he confessed, he never spent a day in jail. This gripping Academy Award-nominated film relentlessly probes the implications of the murder, for the families of those involved, and for the American justice system. This rare screening will be followed by a talkback with civil rights icon and NJ native Helen Zia, the journalist and activist whose work helped activate a multifaith, multiracial coalition to fight for the first federal civil rights trial for an Asian American. Taylor Jung of NJ Spotlight News will moderate the conversation. Co-presented by AAPI New Jersey, Montclair Film, Montclair State University, United Asian Voices of West Orange, Montclair History Center, Friends of the Howe House, Montclair Public Library, Temple Ner Tamid, Glen Ridge Diversity and Inclusion Association, and Ridgewood AAPI Alliance.
Free; register at https://theclairidge.org/events/who-killed-vincent-chin-1987/.
To make a contribution for a yahrzeit, simcha, or to discretionary funds, please visit nertamid.org/donate.
Temple Ner Tamid