South Orange Temple Hosts Middle Eastern 'Night in the Shuk'

The Women’s Connection of Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel(TSTI), a Reform congregation in South Orange, will host several events in October and November that are open to the public. 

Women from throughout the area are invited to attend, make new connections and enjoy some of the group’s social and cultural programming. 

Please contact Melissa Robinson at mrobinson2000@verizon.net  to reserve a spot for any of the programs. Credit card payment may be made via the portal on the TSTI website. 

• Thurs., Oct. 10 – The historic mansion section of the TSTI synagogue will be transformed into a Middle Eastern marketplace for “Night in the Shuk” at 7 p.m. The evening will feature a guided wine tasting of Israeli vintages with a professional wine educator, a sampling of regional foods, music and shopping for Israeli handicrafts. The cost is $20 for non-members/guests.

• Fri., Oct. 25 – A sweet evening begins at 6 p.m. with “The History of the Jews and Chocolate,” a Shabbat Scholar and Supper event co-sponsored by TSTI’s adult education committee. Rabbi Debbie Prinz will lead a worship service, followed by a discussion about Jewish connections to chocolate through the ages. Attendees may stay to enjoy dinner and chocolate desserts; the cost for the dinner is $25 per person for members and $36 for non-members and advance registration and payment are required.  

• Tues., Nov. 12 – Enjoy a walking and culinary tour of New York City’s East Village from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A professional tour guide will lead the group and share insights into the Yiddish theater and the history of Jewish life in the area. Participants will also sample foods from local multi-cultural establishments. The cost includes round-trip bus transportation from TSTI and is $55 for temple members, $65 for non-members.

• Fri., Nov. 22 – The Women’s Connection hosts its annual Shabbat service at 6 p.m. in the main sanctuary, during which the Women’s Connection choir will sing, followed by a festive oneg Shabbat with refreshments and conversation immediately after. All are welcome.

The Women’s Connection holds events year ‘round for its members and guests, and invites women of all generations to connect through social, educational, cultural and intellectual activities within a Jewish context. 

Membership is open to all female members of TSTI for a fee of $36 per year, which includes admission or special member pricing for programs. Non-members are welcome to attend many activities at non-member rates. 

For more information about the Women’s Connection or Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel, visit www.tsti.org.