The Ofakim Women are coming to MetroWest to share their ethnic empowerment.

Made up of 27 Israeli women in Ofakim, a Partnership 2000 community of United Jewish Communities of MetroWest NJ, the group began with a few friends gathering informally to cook and exchange culinary traditions and folklore. Their numbers grew until the women -- originally from Yemen, Egypt, Iran, Morocco, Ethiopia, and Kurdistan -- launched a local food festival, which led to engagements at other Israeli events.

Twelve of the women decided to take their show on the road. Their first stop overseas is New Jersey, in a visit sponsored by the federation.

The Congregation Agudath Israel sisterhood will welcome the women at an Ethnic Empowerment celebration on Wednesday, April 18, at The Women's Club in Caldwell.

The program will also include internationally acclaimed photographer Joan Roth, who will show photos from her book Jewish Women: A World of Tradition and Change.

Guests will join the women in cooking ethnic dishes, take part in a mock Yemenite wedding, listen to the Israelis' stories, and eat a meal of exotic Middle Eastern dishes. Roth's book will be available for purchase, and an Israeli marketplace will offer a variety of wares.

The Caldwell event will begin at 7:30 p.m. The suggested donation is $18, and RSVPs are required; contact or 201-647-0423 or .

At Temple B'nai Abraham in Livingston, the Ofakim Women will prepare an Israeli dinner and make a cultural presentation on Thursday, April 19, at 6:45 p.m. at the temple's Spring Gala fashion and art show.

Attendees will be able to sample Yarden Wines and browse and purchase paintings, jewelry, tapestries, and other works by Israeli artists.

The fashion show will feature dresses from Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City designed by Pnina Tornai, Israel's leading bridal and eveningwear designer. Models will also present sportswear by Nili Lotan of New York City.

The show will also include Mish Mish, a line of children's clothing made in Israel. The art show will feature paintings by Mira Sasson and Frank Meisler, jewelry by Toby Shuster, and tapestry by Kami.

The gala is open to the public. Tickets cost $50, with proceeds donated to the Ofakim community and to other tzedaka projects. All attendees will receive "goody bags" containing $500 gift certificates to Kleinfeld Bridal.

For information and tickets, call the temple at 973-994-2290.

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