The Lynn Kramer Village by the Shore at Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties (JFS) offers a host of interactive and entertaining programs in May. With virtual and in-person options, you, your family, friends, and neighbors will enjoy these 11 programs.
Thoughts from the Bookshelf
Tuesday, May 5 from 3pm to 4pm
Join Village Community Specialist Tina Serota for a book club gathering to discuss the New York Times bestseller, Theo of Golden, by Allen Levi. The story follows Theo, a stranger who arrives in the small Southern city of Golden, and keeps to himself as to why he is there. When he visits the local coffeehouse, where pencil portraits of the townspeople hang on the walls, he begins purchasing them to give to each person depicted. In exchange, he only asks for their story. So, portrait by portrait, person by person, secrets are revealed, regrets are shared, and ordinary lives are profoundly altered. Attend in the Margate Library Meeting Room, 8100 Atlantic Avenue, Margate. RSVP by May 1.
The Seventy Shuls – Synagogue Life & Yiddishkeit from the Pine Barrens to the Boardwalk
Wednesday, May 6 at 7pm
Join us for the official launch of a remarkable new book celebrating the local Jewish community, The Seventy Shuls – Synagogue Life & Yiddishkeit from the Pine Barrens to the Boardwalk, by Josh Cutler. Discover the unearthed stories that shaped our South Jersey community and explore the rich heritage more than 150 years in the making. Enjoy a gourmet dessert reception and Israeli wine sampling followed by a Q&A facilitated by the book’s editor, David Jastrow. Attend in the Katz JCC, 501 North Jerome Avenue, Margate. RSVP by May 4.
Raising Resilience: How to Help Children Thrive in Times of Uncertainty
Thursday, May 7 at 7pm
Uncertainty is part of life, and Jewish parents and grandparents face an added layer amid rising antisemitism. Whether from global events, safety threats, or daily stressors, families constantly encounter challenges to children’s well-being. They can soften this uncertainty by helping children manage adversity and build resilience. Dr. Tovah Klein’s expertise is described as a lifeline for families facing everyday stresses and major crises alike, from sibling conflict and divorce to loss, academic struggles, and growing up Jewish today. She will outline five key resources children develop through strong family relationships, enabling them to adapt and thrive rather than falter under pressure. She will also share how to build confident, caring, and motivated children by strengthening connection and equipping them to meet life’s hurdles with resilience. Attend in the Katz JCC, 501 North Jerome Avenue, Margate. RSVP by May 5.
SCOSA Festival
Friday, May 8 from 8:15am to 2pm
Join Village Community Specialist Tina Serota at the Stockton Center on Successful Aging (SCOSA) Festival where you’ll enjoy workshops, lectures, performances, displays, exhibits, lunch, and more. Free to attend at Stockton University Campus Center, 101 Vera King Ferris Drive, Galloway.
Musical Connections
Monday, May 11 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 the Katz JCC Boardroom, 501 North Jerome Avenue, Margate. RSVP by May 8.
Throwback Thursday: SNJ Jewish Hall of Fame
Thursday, May 14 from 10:30am to 12pm
From Sam Azeez to Sam Greenberg, celebrate Jewish individuals who shaped South Jersey’s civic, cultural, and communal life through stories and photographs. Attend in the Katz JCC, 501 North Jerome Avenue, Margate. RSVP by May 12.
Memoir Workshop
Friday, May 15 from 10:30am to 12pm
Experience the thrill of capturing life’s adventures, history, and ancestry with the Memoir Workshop led by award-winning author and Drexel University Director of Certificate Program in Writing and Publishing, Harriet Levin Millan. Learn about publishing your work. A laptop or pen and paper is needed for the workshop. This program is via Zoom and a link will be emailed. RSVP by May 13.
Lunch Around Town
Wednesday, May 20 from 12pm to 1:30pm
Enjoy a leisurely lunch while supporting a local restaurant. This month, we will dine at Hannah G’s, 7310 Ventnor Avenue, Ventnor. Come prepared for good food and conversation. Order off the menu and pay individually. Cash only. RSVP by May 8.
Stained Glass Art & Artistry from Local Shuls
Thursday, May 21 from 10:30am to 12pm
Enjoy a photographic tour of stained glass windows and art from local synagogues. Learn how artistic expression has been used to preserve Jewish memory and communal pride. Attend at Temple Beth Shalom, 4419 West Brigantine Avenue, Brigantine. RSVP by May 18.
The Lost Shuls of Atlantic City
Wednesday, May 27 from 2pm to 3pm
From immigrant neighborhoods to resort era success, this program explores how seaside communities evolved alongside Boardwalk tourism. Attend at the Atlantic City Library, 1 North Tennessee Avenue, Atlantic City. RSVP by May 21.
Coffee Klatch
Thursday, May 28 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 the Katz JCC Boardroom, 501 North Jerome Avenue, Margate. RSVP by May 26.
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.
