Chabad of Hunterdon County's Events Feed

Israeli Dance Workshop by Elyse Litt

rabbi@jewishhunterdon.com (Rabbi Eli Kornfeld) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:24:31 EDT

When: Oct 25, 2009 to Jul 29, 2010
Where:

The Jewish Woman's Circle of Hunterdon will be hosting a special Israeli Dancing Workshop this Sunday, October 25th at 7:00. Well known dance instructor, Elyse Litt, will be leading the workshop, sharing over 20 years of experience teaching Israeli dance. "Numerous studies have shown that dance is a leading reducer of stress and producer of joy and happiness, "says Rachel Kornfeld, Director of the Jewish Women's circle. No prior dance experience is necessary.

All are welcome to join. The cost is $10.00 which includes the dance workshop, Israeli themed refreshments and one entrance into a special raffle. RSVP by calling 908-238-9002 email <a href="mailto:Rachel@jewishhunterdon.com">Rachel@jewishhunterdon.com</a> or visit <a href="http://www.jewishhunterdon.com/">www.jewishhunterdon.com</a>

The Jewish Woman's Circle is a project of Chabad of Hunterdon County; all events are located at the Chabad Jewish Center 90 Beaver Ave Clinton, NJ

For more information, contact:

Chabad of Hunterdon County
90 Beaver Ave
Clinton, NJ 08809
908-238-9002
rabbi@jewishhunterdon.com

Don't Bare Your Body Bare Your Soul

rabbi@jewishhunterdon.com (Rabbi Eli Kornfeld) — Tue, 05 May 2009 11:47:29 EDT

When: May 5, 2009 to Jul 29, 2010
Where:

Join the best selling author, lawyer and spiritual mentor and discover an exciting systematic approach loving truly and finding your soulmate through the courage of commitment.

For more information, contact:

Chabad of Hunterdon County
90 Beaver Ave
Clinton, NJ 08809
908-238-9002
rabbi@jewishhunterdon.com

Chabad of Hunterdon Hosts Sixth Annual Community Seder

rabbi@jewishhunterdon.com (Rabbi Eli Kornfeld) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:34:23 EDT

When: Apr 8, 2009 to Jul 29, 2010
Where:

[Clinton] Ã¢â�¬â�� The whole community is invited to attend Chabad of Hunterdon CountyÃ¢â�¬â�¢s sixth annual Community Passover Seder. All are welcome regardless of background oraffiliation, are encouraged to participate in an evening replete with the traditional hand baked Matzah, four cups of wine, lively dialogue, interactive explanations and an exquisite Kosher for Passover dinner. This Seder is sure to provide an inviting atmosphere of warmth and acceptance. Ã¢â�¬Å�This Seder is an opportune time to bring unity to the Community, and just get together to enjoy each others company,Ã¢â�¬Â� says Jeff Goldstein, a past Seder attendee. Ã¢â�¬Å�ItÃ¢â�¬â�¢s the Seder that has kept families together for thousands of years.Ã¢â�¬Â�Ã¢â�¬Å�This is the perfect Seder to bring your friends and family toÃ¢â�¬Â� says Beth Krakauer whoÃ¢â�¬â�¢s family has attended the Seder Ã¢â�¬Å�You feel a sense of unity and community and it really brings the message of Passover aliveÃ¢â�¬Â� Ã¢â�¬Å�The concept of Ã¢â�¬Ë�freedomÃ¢â�¬â�¢ is needed and relevant in America now more than ever,Ã¢â�¬Â� says Rabbi Eli Kornfeld, executive director of Chabad of Hunterdon. Ã¢â�¬Å�Passover is the ideal time to celebrate freedom. This Seder will focus on being liberated from the daily challenges and chores that tend to limit and control us. By encouraging personal growth and self development - people will walk away with a new and refreshed perspective on life!Ã¢â�¬Â� What a great way to relive the story of Passover. The Seder will take place at the Holiday Inn Select, 111 West Main St. Clinton, NJ 08809 on Wednesday April 8 at 7:30 $36 per adult, $18 per child. Sponsored discounts are available. The Seder is for families and children of all ages. To sell your chametz or to purchase Matzah please call our office. To reserve a seat or for more information, please call 908-238-9002 or email rabbi@jewishhunterdon.com www.JewishHunterdon.com

For more information, contact:

Chabad of Hunterdon County
90 Beaver Ave
Clinton, NJ 08809
908-238-9002
rabbi@jewishhunterdon.com

NFL Player Goes From Shoulder Pads to Prayer Shawl

rabbi@jewishhunterdon.com (Rabbi Eli Kornfeld) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:20:45 EST

When: Feb 1, 2009 to Jul 29, 2010
Where:

FORMER NFL LINEMAN AND SUPERBOWL CHAMP ALAN VEINGRAD TO SPEAK ON SUPER BOWL SUNDAY AT CHABAD OF <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 /><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">HUNTERDON</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">COUNTY</st1:placetype></st1:place><?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Maintaining Jewish Identity and Pride on the Playing Field<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Clinton, NJ January 14, 2009 -- Former NFL offensive lineman (1986-1992) and member of the 1992 Superbowl Champs, the Dallas Cowboys, Alan Veingrad, will address the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Hunterdon</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">County</st1:placetype></st1:place> area community. He will share his riveting and inspiring life story. From growing up in Brooklyn to being the only Jew at East Texas State University, His six year NFL career with the Green Bay Packers, winning a Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys in 1992 and his rediscovery of his Jewish roots. VeingradÃ¢â�¬â�¢s talk will take place n Sunday February 1st Ã¢â�¬â�� Super Bowl Sunday 11:30 am at Chabad Jewish Center 90 Beaver Ave Clinton, NJ. <o:p></o:p> There will be a special childrenÃ¢â�¬â�¢s program and Alan will teach some pointers as well as sign autographs. Following AlanÃ¢â�¬â�¢s talk there will be special Super Bowl Lunch including kosher wings, heroes, hot dogs, fries and more. Register prier to event enter a chance to win autographed football and signed picture with Alan. Prier to event $15; Family $36; at the door $18; Family $45 Sponsored by The Flemington Department Store. <o:p></o:p> About Alan Veingrad<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Shlomo Veingrad's broad shoulders are wrapped in a prayer shawl, and at six-foot-five, he towers over the other congregants in the synagogue. He hoists the heavy Torah scroll over his head with ease: Those same long, mighty arms spent seven years shoving aside National Football League defensive linemen to clear space for Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith. As an offensive lineman for the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys from 1986 to 1993, Alan Veingrad, 44, a <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Miami</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Sunset</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">High School</st1:placetype></st1:place> graduate, wore giant shoulder pads under his jersey. Now, his undergarments are tzitzit Ã¢â�¬â�� knotted fringes that serve as a reminder of his commitment to Judaism. Back then, before he wore a yarmulke Ã¢â�¬â�� the Jewish skullcap Ã¢â�¬â�� on his head, before he kept kosher, before he used his Hebrew name, he studied playbooks instead of scriptures. His inspiration was Jimmy Johnson; his most prized possession was his Super Bowl ring. That Super Bowl was in 1993, and it would be his last. Newly married and his body aching from Johnson's "bloodbath" practices, Veingrad retired. But like many professional athletes who become reliant on built-in structure and motivation from coaches, Veingrad felt lost when the cheering stopped. A cousin invited him for Shabbat dinner, and thus began his metamorphosis. After spending most of his life in a violent, macho world, Veingrad was intrigued by the simpler, gentler Jewish way of life. He went to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place> and came back wearing a yarmulke and calling himself by his Hebrew name, a man transformed. "I'm one of those guys who was always starved for inspiration," said Veingrad. "And I realized that I can find what I was missing within my Jewish heritage. The more I learned, the deeper I wanted to goÃ¢â�¬Â� Local rabbis say his bigger-than-life appearance and his engaging personality make him an inspiration. "He has been able to channel that dedication and commitment he had for football to Judaism, while living in a very secular environment," says Rabbi Eli Kornfeld of Chabad of Hunterdon County "People are drawn to him because he played in the NFL, won a Super Bowl," said Kornfeld. "He's a guy people can relate to and he has a powerful message not just for Jews, but for all people: that it's possible to live in this world and find time for faith and family. People see me, a rabbi, and think I don't understand them. A football player is a real guy, and that captivates people." "I was shocked at first," said older brother Steve Veingrad, a Miami-Dade police officer, "thought he was crazy, but now I see he's found happiness and tranquility, and I'm proud of him." <o:p></o:p> "Opened My Mind" "He went from Super Bowl to Super Jew," said Steve Veingrad. "His new life isn't really for me, but in December, I did buy myself a little mezuzah [a doorpost scroll containing verses from the Torah] that I wear on a chain around my neck, under my uniform. He opened my mind." The old Veingrad's perfect Saturday was spent with beer and buddies watching college football. Now, he walks to synagogue for Shabbat services with his family. Veingrad fully observes the day of rest, which means no driving, cell phone, television, cooking and no flipping light switches. He spends the day praying, studying and bonding with his three children. Veingrad was born Jewish and had a bar mitzvah at age 13 at <st1:placetype w:st="on">Temple</st1:placetype> <st1:placename w:st="on">Zion</st1:placename> in <st1:place w:st="on">Kendall</st1:place>. Like many Jews, his family lit Shabbat candles on occasion, went to High Holy Day services twice a year, but that was about it. "The bar mitzvah should be an entry to Judaism, and for me it was an exit," he said. Though he wasn't religious, he felt excluded at times. One of the few Jewish players at Sunset High, Veingrad would bow his head in silence when Fellowship of Christian Athletes representatives led the team in a prayer before practice and games. "It never bothered me, because it was something you were used to hearing if you were a football player," he said. Later, in his college days at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">East</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Texas</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place>, "most of my teammates were from the Bible Belt and had never met a Jewish person." Veingrad said he never experienced anti-Semitism on the football field. His teammates at college, now known as Texas A&M at Commerce, invited him to fish and ride horses on their ranches. A few years ago, he was inducted into the school's Sports Hall of Fame, and they rescheduled the ceremony to accommodate his Shabbat observance. During his tryout for the college team, Veingrad admitted, he pulled a fast one on the coaches in the 40-yard dash. When the coach with the stopwatch turned his back to walk toward the finish line, Veingrad took a gigantic step forward. "Ready, Set, Go!" the coach yelled. Veingrad just made the required time of 4.9 seconds and got a scholarship. He and coach Ernest Hawkins would laugh later about his 39-yard dash. "He was a tall, skinny kid, pretty good speed and strength," Hawkins recalled. "He had good intelligence and was a real hard worker." Veingrad considered the NFL an unrealistic goal. But an assistant coach said NFL scouts would like his long arms and height. He kept working out and bulking up, and got what looked like a break: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed him as a free agent in 1985. He was cut 10 days later. Another tryout with the Houston Oilers ended the same way. Veingrad bided his time as a student-coach at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">East</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Texas</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place>, finishing his degree. Then the Packers called, and this tryout led to five years in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Green Bay</st1:city></st1:place>, during which he started ahead of Tony Mandarich, a hotshot young lineman. He signed as a free agent with the Cowboys in 1991 for $1.4 million. Always one of the first to arrive at synagogue, Veingrad creditted coach Johnson for his punctuality. "If the meeting started at 7:00, you were expected to be there at 6:50," Veingrad said. "Jimmy said if you got there right at seven ... you couldn't switch from cutting up in the hallway with your friends to being in the mind-frame for a meeting. I bring that lesson to the religious world. "If showing up for meetings with Jimmy Johnson 10 minutes ahead of time was important," explained Veingrad, "how much more important is showing up early to shul [synagogue] to meet with the King of all Kings, GÃ¢â�¬â��d Almighty?" Johnson hasn't seen the new Veingrad, slimmed 60 pounds to 225 from his playing days, but he isn't surprised the former Cowboy is taking his new calling seriously. "Alan was a very intelligent player who gave outstanding effort, and he became valuable because he was versatile and could play any position on the line," said Johnson. "Had he not been intelligent and not tried hard, he wouldn't have made it in the NFL." Business Meetings He insisted he doesn't miss being a pro and as for his Super Bowl ring, he wears it only for speaking engagements and important business meetings. "I loved the games, the challenge, the competition," he said. "I was a very intense player, and I loved Sundays. There is nothing like it, can't replace that feeling of coming out of a tunnel in Green Bay, beautiful blue sky, 50 degrees, the smell of beer and brats in the air. "I get a charge from different things now." Veingrad was divorced from the mother of his three kids a few years ago and remarried Chaya Veingrad last month. He works for Silverhill Financial, a commercial mortgage lending company, during the week. On the side, he travels the country giving speeches. "When I speak at Anytown <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">USA</st1:country-region></st1:place>," he said, "and tell my story, and people come up later and say they're going to change their lives, that's not a game. That's real life." Veingrad's father, Leo, was uneasy with his son's renewed commitment to Jewish life at first. When Shlomo invited him to Shabbat dinner and services, he politely declined, saying, "That's for you; it's not for me, son." But he had started to come around, prier to his passing he shared his pride Ã¢â�¬Â�My dad said, 'Son, I was really proud of you as a football player with that Packers and Cowboys helmet on your head, but I'm prouder of you with the yarmulke on your head,' " Veingrad said, stroking his flowing beard. "Amazing."

For more information, contact:

Chabad of Hunterdon County
90 Beaver Ave
Clinton, NJ 08809
908-238-9002
rabbi@jewishhunterdon.com

The Jewish Womenâ€™s Circle Night of Comedy and Laughter

rabbi@jewishhunterdon.com (Rabbi Eli Kornfeld) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:14:44 EST

When: Jan 26, 2009 to Jul 29, 2010
Where:

Laugh, Laugh, and Laugh Some More<o:p></o:p>

WomenÃ¢â�¬â�¢s Night of Comedy<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

Monday, January 26, 2009 at 7:00 pm

Chabad Jewish Center

<st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">90 Beaver Avenue</st1:address></st1:street>

<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Clinton</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">NJ</st1:state></st1:place>

All are invited to attend a night of laughter and comedy with actress, screenwriter and laughter therapist Esther Rachel Russell Let go and laugh out loud with your friends at a comedy improvisation workshop. Mrs. Russell is a graduate of the NYU School of Drama and is in the midst of her <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">US</st1:country-region></st1:place> tour.

Chabad WomenÃ¢â�¬â�¢s Circle provides an opportunity to bring together women with divergent points of view, backgrounds and affiliations in an atmosphere of friendship,

Couvert: $18 Ã¢â�¬Â¢ Refreshments will be served

For more information and to RSVP please call (908) 238-9002 or email <a title="blocked::mailto:Rachel@JewishHunterdon.com mailto:Rachel@JewishHunterdon.com" href="mailto:Rachel@JewishHunterdon.com">Rachel@JewishHunterdon.com</a> visit <a title="blocked::http://www.jewishhunterdon.com/ http://www.jewishhunterdon.com/" href="http://www.jewishhunterdon.com/">www.jewishhunterdon.com</a>

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:<o:p></o:p>

Rabbi Eli Kornfeld<o:p></o:p>

Chabad of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Hunterdon</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">County</st1:placetype></st1:place><o:p></o:p>

908-238-9002 or rabbi@jewishhunterdon.com<o:p></o:p>

<a title="blocked::http://www.jewishhunterdon.com/ http://www.jewishhunterdon.com/" href="http://www.jewishhunterdon.com/">www.jewishhunterdon.com</a><o:p></o:p>

For more information, contact:

Chabad of Hunterdon County
90 Beaver Ave
Clinton, NJ 08809
908-238-9002
rabbi@jewishhunterdon.com