Here’s your chance to enjoy nine interactive, informative, and entertaining virtual and in-person programs in February, offered by JFS’ Lynn Kramer Village by the Shore.
Tu B’Shevat Seder Brunch
Monday, February 2 from 10:30am to 12pm
Celebrate Tu B’Shevat (Jewish New Year of the Trees) with an interactive Seder followed by a delicious vegan brunch. Taste symbolic foods and enjoy the rituals that connect Jewish tradition to the natural world as we honor the earth and cultivate a sense of community. Attend in-person at Shirat Hayam, 700 North Swarthmore Avenue, Ventnor. RSVP by January 27.
Thoughts from the Bookshelf
Tuesday, February 3 from 3pm to 4pm
Join Village Community Specialist Tina Serota for a book club gathering to discuss the novel, The Correspondent, by Virginia Evans. The story unfolds through letters and emails exchanged by a divorced, retired woman with friends, family, foes, and her literary idols. The connections between each character are mapped through correspondence and detail a beautiful life. Attend in-person at the Margate Library Meeting Room, 8100 Atlantic Avenue, Margate. RSVP by February 2.
Musical Connections
Monday, February 9 from 1pm to 2pm
Feel the stress of the day peel away as we share familiar tunes from various genres (Broadway, Classical, Contemporary, Jazz) and instruments with friends and neighbors. Whether you are a caregiver, cared for, or community member, we look forward to welcoming you. Attend in-person at the Katz JCC Boardroom, 501 North Jerome Avenue, Margate. RSVP by February 5.
Lunch Around Town
Friday, February 13 from 12pm to 1:30pm
Enjoy a leisurely lunch while supporting a local restaurant. This month, we will dine at the Knife & Fork Inn, 3600 Atlantic Avenue in Atlantic City. Come prepared for good food and conversation. Order off the menu and pay individually. RSVP required by February 3.
Book Club Brunch Shalama: My 96 Seasons in China
Tuesday, February 17 from 10:30am to 12pm
Shalama tells the remarkable true story of a Russian Jewish girl born in China in 1928, whose life followed one of the great rescue journeys of the 20th century. From the thriving Harbin Jewish community to wartime Shanghai and eventually the United States, Shalama, later known as Shirley, rebuilt her life. This moving narrative, told by her daughter, brings to life a world in turmoil, a family’s escape, and the unexpected revelations that shaped Shirley’s final years. A powerful story of survival, identity, and renewal. Free to attend in the Katz JCC Boardroom, 501 North Jerome Avenue, Margate. A $5 donation is appreciated. RSVP by February 12.
Beyond the Bookshelf: Paris Undercover with Author Matthew Goodman
Tuesday, February 17 from 6pm to 8pm
Join New York Times best-selling author Matthew Goodman who spent years researching archival records and securing personal testimonies for his book, Paris Undercover, a vivid, gripping account of courage, friendship, and betrayal. Before they were arrested by the Gestapo, two seemingly ordinary older women in Paris created a daring escape line during the German occupation which helped dozens of Allied servicemen reach safety. Free to attend at Stockton University Room L112, 101 Vera King Farris Drive, Galloway. A $5 donation is appreciated. RSVP by February 12.
Coffee Klatch
Thursday, February 19 from 10:30am to 12pm
Join a fast-paced discussion on neighborhood happenings, technology, social topics, world events, the arts, and more. Moderated by Village Community Specialist Tina Serota and Board of Jewish Education Executive Director Josh Cutler. Attend in-person at the Katz JCC Boardroom, 501 North Jerome Avenue, Margate. RSVP by February 16.
Brunch & Learn: Between Myth & Midrash – Monsters, Beasts & Bizarre Creatures in Jewish Scripture
Thursday, February 26 from 10:30am to 12pm
From the depths of the sea to the edges of wilderness, Jewish scripture is filled with strange, powerful, and sometimes unsettling creatures. We’ll explore the monsters, beasts, and bizarre beings throughout the Bible, Midrash, rabbinic literature, and Jewish imagination. From Leviathan and Behemoth to lesser-known figures that blur the line between myth and meaning, we’ll examine what these creatures reveal about fear, chaos, divine power, and the human struggle to understand a complex world and why ancient images continue to fascinate and challenge us. Free to attend in the Katz JCC Boardroom, 501 North Jerome Avenue, Margate. A $5 donation is appreciated. RSVP by February 23.
Hamantashen: Make & Bake Workshop
Friday, February 27 from 10:30am to 12pm
Celebrate Purim with a fun, hands-on baking experience led by Chef Jerzy. Learn facts about the holiday while preparing fresh, homemade hamantashen. Choose from a variety of tropical fillings and classic traditional favorites. Everyone will leave with a batch of delicious treats. Free to attend at the Katz JCC, 501 North Jerome Avenue, Margate. A $5 donation is appreciated. RSVP required by February 6.
Unless noted, all programs are free to participate. RSVP required for any program by contacting Tina Serota at 609.287.8872 or tserota@jfsatlantic.org. A Zoom link will be emailed, when needed. The Lynn Kramer Village by the Shore is a membership program for adults age 50+ and offers Grocery Shopping & Delivery, Intergenerational Events, Transportation, Kosher Meals and more.
Photograph
More than 35 people attended the Saving Abigail with Author Liz Hirsch Naftali program hosted by JFS’ Lynn Kramer Village by the Shore, Board of Jewish Education, and Jewish Federation of Atlantic & Cape May Counties on January 15th. Hirsh Naftali recounted the story of her three-year-old great niece, Abigail Mor Edan, taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties)
