Regional Update

Northern New Jersey Region

By Larry Klioze

The Northern New Jersey Region has been keeping extremely busy.

At our March Board of Directors meeting (which includes the Executive Board and the club presidents), we all enjoyed listening to retired Rabbi Murray Ezring tell us the story of how he was involved in the start of what became the World Wide Wrap. It was a most fascinating presentation.

NNJR recently sponsored a Shabbat Dinner for Rutgers University students at the Rutgers Hillel. Not only did we sponsor the dinner, but several of us showed up to serve the students. A good time was had by all.

In an effort to assist our clubs in meeting the new antisemitism requirement for the Quality Club Award, NNJR ran a webinar about antisemitism in New Jersey. Presented by Dan Rozette of the Jewish Federation of the Heart of New Jersey, the webinar focused on the current state of antisemitism in New Jersey and how we can be better prepared to deal with it. The session was recorded and will be made available to the clubs for their use.

NNJR also has several events on the horizon:

• In May, we are organizing a night at Supercharged Go Karts. Go karting at the world’s largest bilevel track! The Region heavily subsidizes this night of fun and kosher pizza. It’s something we do to give back to the clubs and to entice younger members.
• In June, we will participate in our bi-annual Quad Region Retreat. We join with our brothers from Middle Atlantic Region, New York Metropolitan Region and Hudson Valley Region for a weekend of friendship, Judaism, mentorship and community – as well as ruach – in the Poconos Mountains. NNJR is responsible for coordinating the ritual activities for the retreat.
• Also in June we will have our Annual Presidents’ Dinner. At this dinner we install incoming club presidents, discharge outgoing club presidents, and honor continuing club presidents. We also do the same for any regional officers or trustees. All that, plus some entertainment and a kosher dinner.
• Yet another June activity: NNJR is organizing a trip to Yankee Stadium to watch the Yankees host the Chicago White Sox. We have a block of tickets that include kosher food and beverages.
• Not to lose focus, we will soon start planning for our Annual Man of the Year/Youth of the Year celebrations (we have two). This is a major fundraiser for both the region and the clubs. We honor a Regional Man of the Year as well as Men of the Year and Youth of the Year for every club.

Larry Klioze is regional president for the Northern New Jersey Region.