Soon we will be celebrating the very American holiday of Thanksgiving with millions of others across the United States of America. At the same time, we will be reaffirming a very Jewish tradition – giving thanks for all that we have.

As American Jews, we have so much for which we are thankful. We enjoy a prosperity and freedom unimagined by our ancestors. We are alive to see the State of Israel among the nations of the world – something that was only a dream to Jews for nearly 2,000 years. We are members of one of the most vibrant Jewish communities in the country. And, as individuals, we have many blessings to count—friends and family, education and careers, and a choice of tempting leisure activities.

Yes, there are thorns on the roses. America and Israel face many difficult challenges, and our personal lives do not always go smoothly. However, let us remember and be thankful for all the blessings that come our way each day.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Ellen Goldner
President
United Jewish Communities of MetroWest NJ

Three Israeli high school students from MetroWest’s sister city of Rishon LeZion are spending a year as volunteers bringing an Israeli presence to local public and Jewish schools, JCCs, and synagogues. The young emissaries are participants in the Rishonim Program, now in its second year, of the Legow Family Israel Program Center (IPC) of United Jewish Communities of MetroWest NJ.

The three Israeli students -- Lilach Malka, Inbal Bistry. and Dana Bittan -- have varied backgrounds, but have all made a significant contribution to their community, served as youth leaders, and have a strong connection to Judaism, Israel, and Zionism.

The Rishonim program is only one of many ways in which IPC works to strengthen the living bridge that connects MetroWest and Israel. Throughout the year, it offers cultural and educational programs; aliya information, and trips to Israel for teens, college students, and adults.

click here to read the full story

One woman just celebrated 25 years of successful employment with the telephone company. A young man graduated from Seton Hall in May. Another has a master’s in library science and has been working in the Newark Court House for 18 years.

They are among the 150 clients of JESPY House, an independent living facility in South Orange, which helps adults with severe learning disabilities to achieve their full potential.

click here to read the full article

Ever since she was a child growing up in Miami, Amy Ganz Sadeghi has been involved with UJA and with helping others through volunteer work. She is continuing the tradition by involving her three children in Super Sunday and other events.

“I attended many, many Super Sundays,” she recalled, and she went door to door collecting for the Israel Emergency Fund. The pattern continued in college, and afterwards in San Francisco. When she and her husband, Mani, came to Short Hills, she joined the United Jewish Communities of MetroWest NJ Women’s Department and Young Leadership Division.

to learn more about Amy, click here

News reports worldwide show that the streets of Israel are full of terrorists, bombings, dangers, and tanks. People ask me: Is this really what happens on the door step of your house?

The answer is that the bombings, the Arab villages, the front line are all situated within about a 25-minute drive of the center of the country. So do people in Israel stay locked up in their homes? Absolutely not.

click here to read the full article

Think you know a lot about our MetroWest community? This is the last month to show off your UJC knowledge. Enter to win a $75 gift certificate to Target, all by answering one question, dealing with some trivia or factoid about UJC MetroWest and the Jewish community it serves. Answers to the monthly questions can only be sent via the e-mail link provided.

UJC will announce the winner of this interactive contest in the December/January issue of Speak E-Z.

Put your knowledge to the test. Here’s the last question:

To submit an answer, please . Good luck.

Click on an event for additional information

Who's Minding the Store? [On display through November 19]: A JHS exhibit of mom-and-pop businesses nurtured in our community.

PATHWAYS Community Forum on Intermarriage [Sunday, November 7]: Focused on examining challenges of intermarried families.

Hineni: Women's Campaign Day 2005 [Tuesday, November 9]: Celebration of the importance of every woman.

JCF 2nd Annual Financial Seminar [Wednesday, November 10]: The Seven Challenges of Longevity with Adriane G. Berg.

Post Election Forum [Monday, November 15]: An analysis of the 2004 Presidential Election.

Tiyul to Whippany [Sunday, November 21]: An "adventure" through Israel for Religious School students.

Young Leadership Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament [Monday, November 22]: Everyone is a winner -- beginners welcome.