May is Jewish Heritage Month! Check out these great events at East Brunswick Public Library!
iMORDECAI FILM SCREENING - Tuesday, May 26, 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Join us as we screen the 2022 Ameriacn dramedy iMordecai. Cranky retiree Mordecai’s life is changed when his son buys him an iPhone, dragging the 80-year-old Holocaust survivor into the digital age. Taking lessons at a local computer store, Mordecai makes a new friend and reconnects with his quirky wife. Based on a true story, this comic drama stars Judd Hirsch, Carol Kane and Sean Astin. This film runs 102 minutes, is rated PG-13 and shown with camptions. This film screening is sponsored by the East Brunswick Friends of the Library.
JEWISH HERITAGE MONTH STORYTIME WITH RACHELLE BURK - Tuesday, May 26, 7:00 pm
Children's author Rachelle Burk is at the library for a special storytime celebrating Jewish Heritage Month! She will be reading some of her most popular books, followed by a fun craft project! Everyone is welcome.
THE OTHER JEWISH SONGWRITERS: A LECTURE IN SONG -- Sunday, May 31, 2:00 pm
Fred Miller explores the profound impact of Jewish immigrants on American entertainment, focusing specifically on the lives and legacies of Arthur Schwartz, Burton Lane and Sammy Fain. While legends like Gershwin and Berlin dominated the era, Miller highlights these three prolific figures as essential contributors to the Golden Age of Broadway and Hollywood. Through his signature "Lecture-in-Song" format, the multifaceted performer narrates their histories and performs their enduring hits, concluding with a tribute to the iconic Al Jolson to celebrate the cultural ascendancy of Jewish artists in America. Click here for additional information.
JEWISH HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATION -- Sunday, May 31, 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Everyone is welcome as East Brunswick celebrates Jewish culture and heritage with a special event at East Brunswick Public Library (2 Jean Walling Civic Center Drive). This Sunday afternoon event features several displays, exhibits, food sampling and children’s activities sharing the impact and traditions of the Jewish community.
A PROMISED LAND: JEWISH PATRIOTS, THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION AND THE BIRTH OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM -- Wednesday, June 17, 7:00 pm
In this presentation, Adam Jortner explores the pivotal role Jewish patriots played in both the American Revolution and the foundational debate over religious liberty. By examining the wartime migration of Jewish citizens to Philadelphia and their subsequent push for full citizenship, Jortner demonstrates that the separation of church and state was a deliberate choice made by the founding generation rather than a modern development. A specialist in early American religious history, he highlights how these early Jewish pioneers helped ensure the new republic would be defined by broad religious freedom rather than an exclusive religious identity. Click here for additional information.