Calendar for the week of Sept. 23

Sept. 24
Scholar in residence
YOUNG ISRAEL OF LAWRENCE-CEDARHURST, located at 8 Spruce Street in Cedarhurst, is hosting noted lecturer Charlie Harary, who will be speaking on the topic “Teshuvah: genes, judgment and Judaism.” The Shabbat drasha will be “Our day in court: how to ensure a favorable judgment.” For seudat shlishit, he will speak on “Power genes: tapping into the greatness of our forefathers.” Prior to the midnight selichot service, his topic will be “Judaism’s Midnight Madness: how teshuva season can change your life.” Harary is a Woodmere resident and founder of Milvado Education, which promotes innovations in teaching spirituality. He is a senior lecturer at Orthodox Union, Aish Hatorah and NCSY. For more information, contact 516-569-3324

Pre-Selichot Program
CONGREGATION BETH SHOLOM, located at 390 Broadway in Lawrence is hosting Dr. Norman Blumenthal and Dr. Rona Novick for a pre-Selichot program. The speakers will address the topic “Making amends & making meaning: the importance of forgiveness & purpose.” Dr. Blumenthal is the director of bereavement and crisis intervention services at Chai Lifeline. Dr. Novick is the director of doctoral studies at YU’s Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education. The event begins at 10:30 p.m. followed by selichot by chazzan Joel Kaplan at midnight. For more information, contact 516-569-3600.

Sefer Torah for Avinoam
YESHIVA DARCHEI TORAH is holding a siyum on the completion of a sefer Torah in memory of alumnus Avinoam Grossman, a”h. The Torah dedication will take place at the home of his parents Shmuel & Rachel Grossman, at 56 Maple Avenue in Cedarhurst. The event begins at 9:30 p.m. Afterwards, the sefer Torah will be brought to Yeshiva Darchei Torah in Far Rockaway. For sponsorships and information, contact Rabbi Baruch Rothman at 718-868-2300 ext. 706.

Sept. 24-25
Fall Fair
FIVE TOWNS COMMUNITY CHEST is holding its annual Fall Fair in Andrew J. Parise Cedarhurst Park. A movie will be presented on Saturday night at 8:30 p.m. with a full day of games, rides and entertainment for families from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The Jewish Star is a cosponsor of this free public event. For more information, visit www.fivetownscommunitychest.com.