Experience

The Stories That Connect Us

A free series

In times of celebration, uncertainty or challenge, we know one thing for sure: as a Jewish people, we are better together. Come listen to interactive stories filled with Jewish background, identity and pride. You will laugh, cry and reflect – you will see yourself in these stories and hopefully reveal your own.

I Loved Jew, I Loved Jew Not: Live Performance by The Braid

Sunday, April 6 • 11:00 a.m.
For 16 years, The Braid has created a unique art form at the intersection of storytelling and theater, in which professional actors bring to life true stories that dramatize and share the diverse stories of a diverse Jewish people. Join us and immerse yourself in true stories of antisemitism and the strength to stand against it.

Registration required by April 2

Food, Hope & Resilience with June Hersh: Authentic Recipes and Remarkable Stories from the Holocaust

Monday, April 7 • 7:30 p.m.
June Hersh writes cookbooks with a charitable flavor; proceeds from her books are donated to organizations related to the subject matter of the book. Food, Hope & Resilience is a collection of recipes and stories from over 100 Holocaust survivors and their families. She believes that when you purchase a copy of any of her books, you Eat Well-Do Good. The stories are inspiring while the recipes reflect diaspora cooking and the ability to adopt and adapt. Join us for delicious treats and stories to feed the heart and soul.

Registration required by April 4

The Stories that Connect Us Writing Workshops

Sunday, May 4 • 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. or Tuesday, May 13 • 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

You’ve heard Jewish stories across generations and interests, so now…what’s your story? In this interactive workshop, led by an experienced facilitator, you’ll gain the tools and techniques necessary for effective oral or written storytelling. We are hopeful that the stories you have heard inspire you and instill confidence in sharing your story!

Whether you’re just beginning to write or have been writing for years, this workshop – inspired by Ann Lamott’s Bird by Bird and Marion Roach Smith’s The Memoir Project – will help you uncover stories waiting to be told and strengthen your voice on the page. Through guided exercises and thoughtful discussion, you’ll explore new ways to generate ideas, turn stories into meaningful narratives, and build a sustainable writing practice. No matter where you are on your journey, this is a space to deepen your creativity, connect with fellow writers and fully embrace the writer’s life. Join us and bring your stories to life.

Stephanie Karp has founded a vibrant writing community in Westfield, New Jersey. Since 2018, Shut Up and Write Westfield has served as a home for writers from Union, Middlesex, Somerset, and Essex Counties. Stephanie’s work has appeared in HuffPost, Parents Magazine, Parents Expecting, Fit Pregnancy, and Connect Magazine. Featured on one of the first seasons of TLC’s A Baby Story and A Baby Story: Where Are They Now?, Stephanie has appeared on podcasts and television programs, discussing topics such as international adoption, family, relationships, health and wellness. Her memoir-in-progress explores the challenges and ultimate triumph of adopting her son from Kazakhstan. Learn more at www.StephanieKarpWrites.com and on Instagram at @StephanieKarpWrites.

Stories That Connect Us is generously funded by

Yom Hashoah - Holocaust Remembrance Day - Community Commemoration

Sunday, April 27 • 4:00 p.m.
Congregation Beth Israel
18 Shalom Way

FREE!

Let’s connect as community to commemorate Yom Hashoah – Holocaust Remembrance Day. We will join together for a memorial candle lighting and the screening of Malka, a short film starring Tovah Feldshuh.

Malka

Director: Stacey Maltin
Screenwriter: Lenny Schwartz
Language: English
Running Time: 16 Minutes

Malka, a Holocaust survivor, starts to see visions of her life at the camps during a present-day family Seder. As time progresses, Malka looks for the hope in the present that she embraced in the past in order to survive.

Post-film discussion with Stacey Maltin, director, Lenny Schwartz, screenwriter and Seth Bisen-Hersh, the film’s producer, composer/lyricist, co-star and grandson of Malka. Malka is also Randi Zucker’s (JCC Arts, Community and Culture Director and CBI member) great-aunt, and Seth is her cousin.

Watch the trailer here

Program is a partnership of the JCC, CBI Second/Third Generation Holocaust Survivors and 3GNJ

Mega Challah Bake

In partnership with Chabad of Union County

Tuesday, May 6 • 7:30 p.m.
Women and girls 12+, join us at this community challah bake for unity, song and strength.
Details, price and registration coming soon!