Rabbi Eliyahu Tal - Rabbi
Ray Morris - President
Visit our website for the latest news and copies of the bulletin.
Important Messages
- Qiddush is sponsored by the Congregation
- Se’udah Sh’lshit is sponsored by the Richman Family
- Members Meeting There will be an Etz Ahaim Members Meeting on Wednesday, June 10 at 8:00pm. Nominees Include Ray Morris: President Emeritus, Shelomo Beck: President, Haim Baruh: 1st Vice President, Kenneth Anolik: 2nd Vice President, Shira Reichman: Treasurer, David Weintraub: Financial Secretary, Leora Wenger: Recording Secretary. Three nominees for Trustees whose terms will expire in June 2029: Haim Cohen, Audrey Rockman, and Peter Spool A nominee whose term will expire in June 2028: Stuart Balavram
- NORPAC Annual Mission to Washington May 13. Let your congressional representitives and senators know how you feel about Israel. https://www.etzahaim.org/events/norpac-2026
- New Families are moving to Highland Park If you hear of any new families moving to Highland Park, please inform the Hospitality Committee.
- The Ḥesed Committee Contact the at Ḥesed Committee at hesed@etzahaim.groups.io if you know of a member or family of a member who is in a local hospital or nursing home. They are also looking for volunteers who can cook of shop for births or other needs.
If you have any announcements you'd like to see in the weekly bulletin, email it to news@etzahaim.org
Shabbat Schedule
Friday
- Shaḥarit: 6:30am
- Minḥa and Kabbalat Shabbat: 7:00pm
- Candle Lighting: 7:42pm
Saturday — Parashat Behar-Bechukotai
- Youth Groups (ages 3-8): 9:30am - End of Shaḥarit
- Recite Shema: by 8:33am
- Shaḥarit: 8:45am Followed by
- Qiddush (Sponsored by the Congregation
- Navi Class: 6:35pm
- Minḥa: 7:20pm Followed by
- Se’udah Sh’lshit (Sponsored by the Richman Family
- Arvit: 8:35pm
- Shabbat Ends: 8:35pm
- Shabbat Ends According to Rabbenu Tam: 9:14pm
Schedule for the Rest of the Week
Sunday
- Shaḥarit: 8:00am
- Minḥa: 7:00pm
Monday through Thursday
- Shaḥarit: 6:30am
- Minḥa & Arvit: 7:00pm
Next Friday — Yom YerushalayiYom Yerushalayimm:
- Shaḥarit: 6:30am
- Minḥa and Kabbalat Shabbat: 7:00pm
- Candle Lighting: 7:42pm
Classes for the Week
- Monday: Hebrew Class: 6:00pm
- Thursday: Ḥamin and Ḥumash: 6:30pm
- Monday - Thursday: 10 Minutes of Parasha: After Shaḥarit
- Monday - Thursday: Halaḥah and Mussar: 6:40pm
Nightly Ḥaverta Learning: 7:00pm - 8:00pm (light refreshment included)
Bikur Ḥolim of Congregation Etz Ahaim
Drivers and coordinators needed. Call (732) 572-7181 for more information.
The congregation extends refua shelema wishes to:
- Asher ben Mazel
- Gershon ben Sara
- Dvorah Shahala bat Sarah Parvin
- Jacob Krief (Yacov Gideon ben Miriam)
- Lita Greenberg (Tzvia Sarah bat Golda)
- Linda Balavram (Emmunah bat Sara)
- Sara Shifra bat Yehudit
- Sharona Bella bat Malka
- Yosef Daniel ben Feige
- Leah Chava bat Shayna
- Baruch ben Rivkah (Baruch Sachs)
- Yehoshua Baruch Ben Chava Sachs
- Haim Baruh
If you like to add someone to this list, or merely want the Rabbi to say a Mi Shaberaḥ on someone after Torah reading on Shabbat, please go to our webpage and fill out the form.
Community News
Rav Asher Weiss at Ohr Torah this Shabbat, May 9 at 6:15pm. (after 6:00pm Mincha). He will give a Shiur on Inyanei Halacha. Rav Weiss, from Jerusalem, is among the most renowned and respected international halachic authorities today. He has a unique blend of extraordinary Torah knowledge coupled with a profound grasp of modern science, medicine and technology.
Annual Hatzolah Fundraiser ends May 10. Hatzolah of Middlesex County responds to emergency calls in Highland Park and Edison 24/7. To summon Hatzolah, call the Hatzolah emergency number: 732-456-6666.
This is their major source of funding to ensure that Hatzolah can serve the Highland Park and Edison community 24/7. To donate, please visit: <https: data-preserve-html-node="true"//hatzalahthon.com/ hatzolahmc/mc-30>.
Hatzolah is seeking volunteers to become part of the dispatch and response teams. For more information see Ari Lewitter, Josh Lowenstein or Yossi Benedek. Thank you.
Names, Not Numbers Community Screening of RPRY's 2026 Names, Not Numbers at RPRY, Tuesday, May 12 at 7:30pm.
This production by 8th grade RPRY students of their own oral history documentary will feature the various Shoah survivors
A dessert reception will follow the screening. Sponsorships are requested. To sponsor the program, visit: <https: data-preserve-html-node="true"//rpry.org/names-not-numbers>.
Avoiding Fraud and Staying Vigilent Against Cybercrime Wednesday, May 13 at 7:30 Congregation Ahavas Achim, 216 South First Street, Highland Park NJ.
Presented by Marty Siederer of AARP, this program helps empower individuals in the fight against fraud with proven resources and tools to help you spot and avoid identity theft and other fraud.
(Enter through the back door by the parking lot)
Rabbi Yotav Eliach at Ohr Torah on the eve of Yom Yerushalayim, this Thursday, May 14 at 8:30pm, speaking on Jerusalem — The Heart of the Jewish Nation
Delicious food will be served, and every member of the community, young and old alike, are invited to join this special celebration. Don't miss it! Please help sponsor this program at: <http: data-preserve-html-node="true"//ohrtorah.net/yom-yerushalayim>.
Chug Ivrit for Intermediate to Advanced Hebrew Speakers will be held on Sunday, May 17 at 11:00 a.m. We will chat in Hebrew and read a short Hebrew story. We’d love to have you join us. For location, please contact Rachel at rachel@weintraubworld.net or 732-819-9298.
Women’s Comedy Night Attention women of Edison/Highland Park! Join us for a fun and uplifting women’s only comedy night featuring Zeya Comedy on Sunday, May 17 at 7:00 PM. Enjoy an evening of laughter while supporting the Lefkovits Family Park Mikvah. Go to https://parkmikvah.org to register.
Shavuot Bake Sale for ADI Negev will take place on Tuesday, May 19th at 7-9 pm at Congregation Ohav Emeth (415 Raritan Avenue, Highland Park) Please come out and support Israel and Adi Negev-Nahalat Eran, a one-of-a-kind rehabilitation village in Israel's South that empowers children and young adults with severe disabilities and pioneers cutting edge therapeutic and recovery services for anyone touched by disability, including the many war-wounded civilians and IDF soldiers from the hardest hit communities in the Negev.
RPRY for Annual Dinner Wednesday, May 21 at 6:30pm at Bell Works. They are honoring Rabbi Yaakov and Faigie Luban: Omdei Torah Community Pillar Award; Rabbi Ronald and Judy Schwarzberg, along with Naomi and Ari (‘97) Schwarzberg, Elana (‘99) and Elie Kurtz, Aviva (‘03) and hil (‘02) Reich, Shayna (‘08) and Noam tzhak: Pri Eitz Hadar RPRY Lega y Fa ily Award; and Yacov and Hannah Farkas: Eitz Chai Young Leadership Award.
RPRY DINNER RAFFLE TICKETS RPRY Dinner Raffle Tickets Buy your raffle tickets for a chance to win amazing prizes.
1 ticket for $50; 3 tickets for $100; 10 tickets for $250. Visit: <https: data-preserve-html-node="true"//www.rpry.org/JoinUs> and purchase your tickets.
Pick up your tickets at the RPRY Annual Dinner on May 27 and participate in their chance auction. For questions pertaining to the raffle auction, please contact: Lisa Goldberg LSPG13@aol.com.
Lunch & Learn will take place on Wednesday, June 17 from 12:00pm to 2:00pm at Congregation Ohr Torah. Program will be followed by group questions and comments. Enjoy a delicious lunch buffet catered by Jerusalem Pizza. Registration and prepayment of $20 per person (aides eat free must be received by June 14 to attend.
Send checks to: Congregation Ohr Torah at 48 Edgemount Road, Edison NJ 08817 or pay online at <https: data-preserve-html-node="true"//www.ohrtorah.net>, or Zelle at payohrtorah@gmail.com.
Please email: LandL@ohrtorah.net for questions.
The Hidden Side of the War: Inside Agent Recruitment & Terrorist Interrogation will offer an inside look at how Israeli intelligence operations have saved countless lives and helped shape key battles in the Gaza Strip. This is a unique opportunity to hear firsthand insights into the ongoing war on terror from someone who has lived it on the front lines.
Rescheduled to June 21 at 7:00pm due to the war at the Young Israel of East Brunswick, 193 Dunhams Corner Rd., East Brunswick, NJ 08816
RSVP required to attend. RSVP to learninginstitute@yieb.org
Support the Highland Park First Aid Squad by purchasing its discount cards. The cards provide discounts to many local businesses including Grill House, Bridge, Dunkin Donuts, Dairy Deluxe, China Lee, Orchid and Giddy's Pizzeria. There are 2 cards this year: one for $30 or both for $50. The cards may be purchased at the Ahavas Achim office, or by contacting any Squad member including: Ari and Deborah Lewitter, Yossi Benedek.
Kosher Meals on Wheels need volunteers! Help Jewish Family Services cover vacations and last-minute cancellations during this season. Volunteers will fill in on an as-needed basis on routes in northern Middlesex County.
Deliveries are Monday/Wednesday/Friday, with pick-up of meals at Rutgers Hillel in New Brunswick at 10:00am. Please plan on devoting approximately two hours for deliveries. Email office@jfsmiddleses.org or call 732-777-1940 for more information or to volunteer.
Shatnez Testing by Rabbi Yosef Sayagh will no longer be testing shatnez every week. Please contact Rabbi Yosef Sayagh by texting 732-330-4103 to find out when he'll be in Highland Park.
Israeli Dancing is open to all women of the community in Ohr Torah's social hall on alternating Wednesday nights from 8-9PM. This is a free session for all dance enthusiasts where multiple participants teach and anyone can request dances they know.
The next class dates are: May 6, May 20, June 16 and June 24
Please email naomi.caplan@gmail.com for more information.
Caregiver Support Group is sponsored by Bikur Cholim of Raritan Valley. This groups meets twice each month and is facilitated by a licensed social worker. For more information, contact Sharon Glaser at 732-887-3653 or email sharonnglaser@gmail.com.
Bereavement Support Group facilitated by Marnie Kean, LCSW. Advanced registration is required to attend. If you plan to attend a session please contact Esther Fendrick, Director of Adult Enrichment & Engagement, at 732-593-5969 or email efendrick@jccmc.org, by 6:00pm on the Monday before the session.
For more information, please contact Esther Fendrick. This program is co-sponsored by The Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey.
Highland Park's Lunch with Friends program urgently needs volunteers to assist with serving meals and engaging with senior attendees. Your presence on Mondays & Wednesdays can brighten their day and foster a sense of community. Visit: <https: data-preserve-html-node="true"//tinyurl.com/3457wkwz> for more information.
The ROC of New Jersey's Jersey Employment Assistance Initiative can assist you by offering resumé coaching, interview coaching, LinkedIn networking coaching, and finding a mentor in your field. Over 100 of your neighbors have already received assistance with their job search from The ROC of NJ absolutely free.
For more information, please visit: <https: data-preserve-html-node="true"//www.therocnj.org/employment>.
Chaverim of Middlesex County is a volunteer nonprofit organization committed to helping community members in their time of need. Members respond to all non-medical emergencies including automotive help (flat tire, dead battery, locked car) and house emergencies. Their phone number is 732-844-3577.
They are currently looking for volunteers. Go to https://www.chaverimmc.org/volunteer-today to volunteer today!
The JFS Women's Support Group provides a safe and welcoming space for displaced homemakers seeking community and balance during major life changes. Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month from 11:00am to 12:00pm at the Jewish Family Service's North Brunswick office, 2C Blackhorse Lane.
For more information or to join the group, call: 732-777-1940 or email womenscenter@jfsmiddlesex.org.
Bikur Cholim is looking for volunteer drivers to help people get to and from their medical appointments. They also need volunteers to stock the St. Peter's locker on Thursday nights. If you can help with either of these mitzvot, please call Cindy Baruch at 908- 309-8818 for more information.
The NJ Chesed and Parnossa Network (formerly The ROC of NJ) is coordinating a community-wide effort to help provide minyanim at shiva homes. We have seen a few instances where there have not been minyanim at shiva homes for Shaḥarit and Minḥa/Maariv. Therefore, we have created the Shiva Minyannaire Initiative WhatsApp Group. Please email: jp@therocnj.org and they will send you a link to join the WhatsApp group.
Shnainu Shidduch Group of Edison & Highland Park is a volunteer shidduch group that works to assist Orthodox Jewish singles, of all ages and hashkafot. They would like to get to now you. Please reach out to them via email so they can set up an appointment. or more information or to submit your profile, email: shidduchedisonhp@gmail.com.
It Takes a Village of Edison/Highland Park is looking for volunteers to join our dedicated network of over 70 local members! We provide support and assistance to single moms and dads with everyday tasks such as babysitting, financial guidance, errands and more. Join us and offer your skills in support of a single parent in our community! We are particularly interested in adding handymen, plumbers, and other home maintenance professionals to our volunteer roster. Please contact Rikki Samel 732 742 4559 - no commitment needed, volunteer when and how works best for you!