Community Corner

Invite to 'First Friday' Services at Chabad Jewish Center

Open invitation extended to free Friday services and socializing.

Chabad Jewish Center in Basking Ridge is inviting area families to its First Fridays at Chabad, is a monthly opportunity for the community to come together for a service of appoximately 45 minutes followed by a social gathering and traditional Shabbat fare. 

The next scheduled First Friday is at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 1 at Chabad at 3048 Valley Road in Basking Ridge.

Now in its third month, First Fridays at Chabad has been attracting a crowd of families with young and old alike participating.

"The idea behind the program is to give busy families an opportunity to come together once a month — on an easy date to remember — for a taste of a tradition, prayer, learning, socializing and unwinding," said Chabad Rabbi Yitchok Moully.

Families are welcome for the service, with children joining their parents in synagogue for the beginning of the service to get a taste of the singing and prayers, he said.

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Children then will be able to attend simultaneous program with an age-appropriate service, stories and song. Prayers are followed by Kiddush, with grape juice, fresh challah, and chicken matzoh ball soup.

The program is free and open to the public. Moully said those who attend are welcome to bring a friend.

Moully said that the Basking Ridge-based center draws participants from throughout the area, including Bridgewater, Bedminster, Warren, Long Hill, Bernardsville, Watchung, Bedminster, Green Brook, Far Hills and elsewhere.

More information can be found online or by calling 908-604-8844, ext. 229.

Upcoming dates for First Fridays at Chabad are:

March 1 at 6:30 p.m.; April 5 at 6:30 p.m.; May 3 at 7:30 p.m.; June 7 at 7:30 p.m.; July 5 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 2 at 7:30 p.m. There will be no First Friday service on Sept. 2 due to Rosh Hashana services.

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