Temple marks 50th anniversary

TINTON FALLS — Monmouth Reform Temple will celebrate its 50th anniversary by co-hosting a Volunteer Fair and picnic on Sunday, Oct. 25.

The event will be held in conjunction with the 10th annual Mitzvah Day organized by the Jewish Community Center of Western Monmouth County.

As a way to tie in the anniversary to Mitzvah Day, 50 volunteer organizations will be present at the fair, which will be held at Monmouth Reform Temple, 332 Hance Ave. in Tinton Falls.

"Learn about 50 local and global opportunities to volunteer for. There will be short- and long-term commitments that people can sign up for," said Judy Raybon, Shrewsbury, chair of the temple's Social Action Committee.

Raybon said the event is open to Monmouth Reform Temple members and anyone and everyone who wants to commit to service activities.

"Individuals can come and learn what resonates and personally interests them. There is truly something for everyone," Raybon said.

The many volunteer categories include environment, children, hunger, elderly, human rights, animals, health, homeless, Israel and the temple.

Raybon described some of the volunteer opportunities that will be present.

"An organization helping children in Uganda will be here. Children's Specialized Hospitals will have a table, as will the Fresh Air Fund, an organization where urban kids are placed in suburban homes for one or two weeks during the summer months," Raybon explained.

An example of a long-term commitment is volunteering to become a court-appointed special advocate (CASA).

Short-term commitments can be found at the Boys and Girls Club of Monmouth County, Lunch Break, Planned Parenthood, Kosher Meals on Wheels, and Nothing but Nets, an organization geared to aid in the prevention of malaria.

Opportunities for assisting the elderly include RSVP Pen Pals, volunteering at assisted living residences, and becoming a reading buddy, hospice worker, or surrogate grandparent.

Other opportunities to perform a mitzvah, or good deed, can be found through Monmouth County Child Advocacy, Sudan Relief, Military Family Organization, Clean Ocean Action and aiding SPCA therapy dogs.

"I'm really excited about it. Everybody is so happy to see their organization represented. We hope for a huge turnout," said Raybon.

Congregation member Marjorie Wold said, "Our temple has been a vital part of the community since 1959, starting in the Presbyterian Church in Shrewsbury. This is a very important landmark in the community."

MRT prides itself on being "an open and inviting place for anyone seeking to connect to Jewish community, tradition, study and worship," the website states.

"Our members come from all over Monmouth County to participate in our full spectrum of programming," states the website.

Beginning at 10 a.m. guest speaker Dr. Judith Kramer will speak about the value of volunteerism. From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the Volunteer Fair will take place. A picnic will follow.

Raybon asks that guests who visit the Volunteer Fair bring items for three collections.

Donations will be accepted of used, but in good condition, blankets, sheets and towels for the SPCA, new pajamas in sizes infant to adult for children living at Children's Specialized Hospitals in Toms River and Mountainside, and new and gently used books for children and adults for recipients yet to be determined.

There are other activities planned in celebration of Monmouth Reform Temple's milestone.

"We have various events scheduled to commemorate our 50th. These include a Shabbat service on Oct. 23 with all of our former rabbis, and a dance social on Nov. 21," said Wold.

For more information, visit www.monmouthreformtemple. org