As a child, I used to attend temple services with my family and listen to the Rabbi blow the shofar—a ram’s horn blown one hundred times during each of the two days of Rosh Hashanah intended to remind people to reflect on their lives and accomplishments. (I couldn’t believe how loud the ram-horn noise was!)

Below is a list of family-friendly Rosh Hashanah events in New Jersey—check them out. And don’t forget to greet people with “L'Shanah Tovah," which translates to “Have a good year!"

On Monday, September 17, in Leonia, Congregation Adas Emuno will be hosting Rosh Hashanah Children's Services that are open to the public, and FREE. Services include prayers, songs and a story about Rosh Hashanah. Best for children ages 2 to 9.  The services begin at 8:45 a.m. and runs for approximately 1 hour. Congregation Adas Emuno is an inclusive Reform Jewish temple; one of the oldest synagogues in New Jersey. 201-592-1712

There will be a Rosh Hashanah family service at Temple Shalom in Matawan on Monday, September 17th, at 3:00 p.m. This event, which runs for one hour, is free and open to the community. There will also be a teen event earlier in that morning; please call the temple for more information. Those looking to ‘give back’ and volunteer may stop by the sanctuary as early at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 16th, to help construct the bimah (elevated platform) for the High Holiday Days. There are manual jobs for people of all ages, including pre-teens, bagels for the ‘early birds’ and service credit will be given to youths who sign up—even 45 minutes of your time is appreciated. 732-566-2621

Temple Emanu-El of Westfield is hosting a free Rosh Hashanah Family Service on Monday, September 17th from 3:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m.  Additionally, Families with young children are welcome to worship at the temple for the High Holy Days. Note: Adults should bring some form of ID with them. Also, there is also a Yom Kippur family service on Wednesday, September 26, at 2:00 p.m. 908-232-6770

For those of you in Montclair, celebrate Rosh Hashanah with the Jewish Cultural School and Society. On Sunday, Sep 16th, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. stop by the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair for a High Holiday observance in the Secular Humanist Jewish tradition. Note: suggested family donation: $10/members, $30/nonmembers. 973-233-0714

Walk-in families are welcomed at Congregation Beth Mordecai in Perth Amboy, a historic synagogue that opened its current building in 1926. Rosh Hashanah Services will be held Sunday, September 16 at 6:30 p.m. and Monday, September 17th, at 9:30 a.m. and at 6:30 p.m. On Tuesday, September 18th, services will be held at 9:30 a.m. For non-temple members, tickets are a suggested donation of $100. 732-442-2431

Torah Links of Marlboro (Monmouth) is offering interested families a chance to learn even more about the High Holy Days through a Prayer Enrichment Program geared for those seeking a truly motivating, inspirational, user friendly way to pray this Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The service will be conducted in the traditional Hebrew (Hebrew/English prayer books provided) with a running step-by-step explanation of everything. As for service itself, the Rosh Hashanah schedule is as follows: Monday & Tuesday, September 17th & 18th 10:30 AM- 1:00 PM, followed by a Grand Kiddush (celebration). Cost is $50 per person; $125 per family; price covers both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, no membership required. 

Torah Links of South Jersey is hosting family-friendly High Holidays Services on September 16, 17 & 18 (Rosh Hashanah) and September 25 &  26th (Yom Kippur) in Cherry Hill. There will be melody-filled prayers, and explanatory Service. Kiddush, and even childcare! Suggested Donation: $36 per person, $100 per family. No membership required. Note: The NEW Torah Links Center is located at 1092 Springdale Road in Cherry Hill. Note: More details and times are posted here. 845-558-9997

On September 17th and 18th at 10:00 a.m. The Shalom Heritage Center in East Windsor is hosting—as they say—“an explanatory, alternative, spiritual, intimate, meaningful, welcoming, relevant, personal, non-intimidating, inspirational High Holiday experience with a traditional twist and holiday activities for kids.” The Shalom Heritage Center is dedicated to providing Jews of every background and level of Jewish education with an opportunity to explore, embrace and experience their heritage through a wide variety of programs, classes, and events by enhancing their Jewish knowledge in a comfortable and open-minded setting. 609- 443-7170



 

photo credit: Robert Couse-Baker via photo pin cc