We love going to the pool and the shore as much as the next guy (or girl!) but we know you also need to mix it up every once in awhile. For a refreshing change of pace, we’ve put together a list of 11 Jewish things to do in Monmouth and Middlesex counties this August including carnivals, outdoor movie nights, and both indoor and outdoor Shabbat celebrations.
Menorah Makers
Learn how to make a Menorah in a 3D virtual, interactive setting. Best for ages 10 and up.
The Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County, 310 Mounts Corner Dr, Freehold
Thursday, August 3, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Shabbat Katan
Celebrate Shabbat with stories, songs, age-appropriate prayers, and a snack. For toddlers and preschoolers accompanied by a parent.
East Brunswick Jewish Center, 511 Ryders Lane, East Brunswick
Saturdays, August 5, 12, 19 & 26, 10:30 a.m. – Noon
Mini-Minyan
Shabbat songs, games, activities, and snacks related to stories from the Torah for families with kindergarten-age children and younger.
Highland Park Conservative Temple-Congregation Anshe Emeth, 201 South 3rd Ave, Highland Park
Saturdays, August 5, 12, 19 & 26, 10:30 a.m. – Noon
PJ Library Summer Carnival 
Summer fun for the whole family with live animals, inflatable rides, carnival games, prizes, snacks, and more. RSVP requested, free and open to the community. Sponsored by the Solomon Schechter Day School, PJ Library, and the Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ.
Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Monmouth County, 22 School Road East, Marlboro
Sunday August 6, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
DSN Summer Movie Night – The Mighty Ducks
Free and open to the public, bring your own blankets or chairs.
DSN Community Center, 125 Ocean Ave, Deal
Wednesday, August 9, 8 – 10 p.m.
Shabbat Sing-a-Long & Spaghetti Dinner
Welcome Shabbat with a sing-a-long with Miss Amy, followed by a kid-friendly spaghetti Shabbat dinner.
Temple Beth Ahm, 550 Lloyd Rd, Aberdeen
Friday, August 11, 5:30 p.m.
Hadassah Family Day @ Johnson Park
A relaxing family day at the park and petting zoo. Bring your own picnic lunch and games, refreshments will be served. Sponsored by Raritan Valley & L’Dor V’Dor Hadassah, RSVP requested.
Johnson Park, Piscataway Township, NJ
Sunday, August 13, 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
PJ Party Crafts & Storytime
Come in your favorite PJ’s for stories, crafts, and treats to help you get ready for the Jewish New Year. RSVP requested, free and open to the community.
Temple Beth Shalom, 108 Freehold Road, Manalapan
Wednesday, August 23, 6 – 7 p.m.
DSN Summer Movie Night – Spy Kids
Free and open to the public, bring your own blankets or chairs.
DSN Community Center, 125 Ocean Ave, Deal
Wednesday, August 23, 8 – 10 p.m.
Shabbat Under the Stars
Bring your own Shabbat dinner and welcome Shabbat with a musical, outdoor service, drinks, challah, and dessert will be provided.
Temple Emanu-El, 100 James St, Edison
Friday, August 25, 6 p.m.
Southern Fried Shabbat & Carnival
Outdoor service followed by a fried chicken dinner, carnival rides, bonfire, and ice cream truck.
Temple Beth Miriam, 180 Lincoln Drive, Elberon, NJ
Friday, August 25, 6 p.m.
Winter Family Mission to Israel!
Thinking about your winter vacation plans yet? Because we are! The Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey is planning a winter mission to Israel. Why wait on lines at Disney when you can explore the beaches and natural wonders of Eilat, spend Shabbat in Jerusalem and go off-roading in the Golan Heights? Bar/Bat Mitzvah option for adults and kids also available. Click here for more information.
Summer 2018 may feel light years away right now—but if you are thinking about sleep away camp for next summer, now is the perfect time to schedule a visit so that you can see camp life in action. Check out this list of Jewish summer camps serving families in Middlesex & Monmouth counties and learn about scholarship opportunities available for local families.
