We’re kvelling all over the state of New Jersey these days and are thrilled to bring you our first ever round-up of Jewish family events in Middlesex and Monmouth counties in New Jersey. You can listen to a story in a rooftop sukkah in New Brunswick, celebrate Shabbat in your pajamas in Manalapan, check out a free music class in Marlboro with PJ Library, or pick one of the other fun family events near you.
Are you kvelling in Essex, Morris, Somerset, Sussex, or Union county? If so, head on over to Kveller Greater MetroWest, NJ.
Yom Kippur 2016 begins on Tuesday, Oct. 11 and ends on Wednesday evening Oct. 12.
The holiday of Sukkot begins on Sunday evening, Oct. 16 and concludes with Simchat Torah, which ends at sundown on Tuesday, Oct. 25.
Get Kveller's beautiful, step-by-step guide to experiencing Shabbat on your own terms. Order The Kveller Shabbat Guide here.
Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur Children’s Service
Free, clergy-led Yom Kippur children’s service with prayers, songs, and stories for children in preschool through 3rd grade. Although the service is free, tickets are required for entry. Free tickets can be picked up by Oct. 10, click here for more information.
Temple Shaari Emeth, 400 Craig Rd, Manalapan
Wednesday, Oct. 12, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Sukkot
Sukkah Party in the Sky 
Celebrate the holiday of Sukkot in a rooftop sukkah. Build (and eat!) an edible sukkah, listen to a PJ Library story, sing, and create sukkah decorations.
Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple, 222 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick
Sunday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m.
Sukkot Together
Shake a lulav, sing, dance, listen to a PJ Library story, and eat lunch in a sukkah. RSVP to 732-222-3754.
Temple Beth Miriam, 180 Lincoln Ave, Elberon
Tuesday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Family Sukkah Party
Join Middlesex Torah Links with activities, pizza, prizes, and a raffle. Hosted at a private home, click here for more information.
Gross Residence, 18 Constitution Ct, East Brunswick
Wednesday, Oct. 19, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
JCC Community Sukkot Dinner
Dinner, dessert, and entertainment in the JCC sukkah, fun for all ages, RSVP required.
JCC of Middlesex County,1775 Oak Tree Rd, Edison
Wednesday, Oct. 19, 6:30 p.m.
Tot Simchat Torah
Celebrate the holiday of Simchat Torah with other families. Learn how “Sammy the Spider” celebrates Simchat Torah, dance with a stuffed Torah, make a Torah you can eat, and see the whole Torah unrolled. RSVP requested.
Perrineville Jewish Center, 855 Perrineville Rd, Perrineville
Monday, Oct. 24, 5:15 p.m.
Shabbat
Shabbat K’tanim
Families with infants through first graders celebrate Shabbat with songs, prayers, and stories followed by Kiddush.
Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple, 222 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick
Friday, Oct. 7, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Shabbat Katan
An age-appropriate Shabbat service with stories, games, and snacks, for toddlers through first grade.
East Brunswick Jewish Center, 511 Ryders Lane, East Brunswick
Saturdays, Oct. 8, 15, 22 & 29, 10:30 a.m.
Torah Time
Sing, play games, have a snack, and learn about the weekly Torah portion through fun activities. For toddlers through kindergarteners, parents welcome but not required.
Highland Park Conservative Temple-Congregation Anshe Emeth, 201 S 3rd Ave, Highland Park
Saturdays, Oct. 8, 15, 22 & 29, 10:30 a.m.
Sing-a-Long & Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Service
Families with children ages 7 and under are invited to sing along with Preschool Director Amy Naphtali, followed by a multi-generational musical service to welcome Shabbat during the holiday of Sukkot.
Temple Beth Ahm, 550 Lloyd Rd, Aberdeen
Friday, Oct. 21, 5 p.m.
Pajama Tot Shabbat
Wear your favorite PJs for prayers, a story, and songs with the rabbi and cantor.
Temple Shaari Emeth, 400 Craig Rd, Manalapan
Friday, Oct. 21, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Tot Shabbat
A half-hour, toddler-oriented Shabbat service followed by a Jewish-themed craft.
Temple Emanu-El, 100 James St, Edison
Friday, Oct. 21, 6 p.m.
Other Family Fun
Toddler Fun Fridays
Get ready for Shabbat with singing, dancing, stories, and a snack, for children ages 12 – 24 months and a parent/caregiver.
East Brunswick Jewish Center, 511 Ryders Lane, East Brunswick
Fridays, Oct. 7 – Dec. 15, 9:45 – 11:15 a.m.
Make & Take Art Journal Workshop
Children and grown-ups will work together to create a quick and easy journal to take home. For children ages 4 and up, accompanied by an adult, RSVP requested.
The Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County, 310 Mounts Corner Dr, Freehold
Sunday, Oct. 16, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Bagels & Blocks
Sing songs, listen to a PJ Library story, play, create a take-home craft, and have a snack with other families, the rabbi, and the cantor. For children ages 5 and under and their families, meets every third Sunday of the month, drop-in.
Monmouth Reform Temple, 332 Hance Ave, Tinton Falls
Sunday, Oct. 23, 9:30 a.m.
My Jewish Journey
Preschoolers and their grown-ups explore Jewish holidays and values through art, music, cooking, games, storytelling, and activities in this monthly, hour-long program for parents and children ages 3-5.
Neve Shalom, 250 Grove Ave, Metuchen
Sunday, Oct. 30, 11 a.m.
Music Class & PJ Library Story Time
Sing, dance, and listen to a story with popular children’s musician Mr. Sam. For families with children 8 and under, RSVP requested, free.
Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Monmouth County, 22 School Rd East, Marlboro
Sunday, Nov. 6, 10 – 11 a.m.
Read More:
Jewish Food in Central New Jersey
5 Reasons Why Sukkot Is Great for Kids (Sorry Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur)
3 Jewish-Themed Fall Activities Your Kids Can Enjoy This Year
