Ma’alot-Tarshiha is a quiet Jewish-Arab city in the Galilee within walking distance of Israel’s border with Lebanon. But 37 years ago, it was the scene of a horrific attack by Palestinian terrorists who took more than 100 students hostage in a school building, killing 22 and gravely wounding 68.

On May 9, the eve of Israel Independence Day, a new documentary about what is known as the Ma’alot Massacre will have its world premiere in a one-night-only screening in 250 theaters nationwide.

Joff Jones

A Puffin workshop led by music transcriber/teacher Joff Jones will help beginning and intermediate adult musicians write songs using tried and true tools of the trade. The works of Jewish artists, including Bob Dylan, will be examined. Topics include the Nashville number system, simple rhyming techniques, piano theory, rhythm and keeping a beat, and stringed instruments. If you already play, bring your instrument. The workshop is made possible by grants from the Puffin Foundation and Berklee College of Music.

The workshop meets Sundays, May 15, 22, and 29; and June 5, and 12, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. It costs $50 for five weeks or $10 per session. Reservations are recommended. (201) 836-3499
or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

On Sunday, May 22, the YM-YWHA of North Jersey is teaming up with A Class Act NY, an acting studio for youngsters, to offer a “You Can’t Stop the Beat” Hairspray Workshop. The program will be offered twice on May 22nd —from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Participants will work on song-and-dance combinations with Judine Somerville from the hit Broadway show, and with Artistic Director Jessica Rofe from A Class Act NY. All ages are welcome, but each participant must be a registered Girl Scout or Adult Girl Scout. Girls may attend without an adult but a permission slip is required. Fees are $40 per person. Call Liz at (973) 595-0100, ext. 237, or Meryl at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

The sisterhood of Cong. Beth Tikvah/ New Milford Jewish Center is sponsoring its 21st annual townwide garage sale on Sunday, June 5, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Maps will be available on the day of the sale only beginning at 8:45 in the parking lot of Borough Hall, 930 River Rd., and at the Jewish Center, 435 River Rd.

Those not listed on the map as garage sale participants must obtain individual permits and are subject to regular town fees. The event is not sponsored by the Borough of New Milford and the borough hall should not be called for information. For garage sale contracts call (201) 261-4847 or e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Temple Beth Sholom in Fair Lawn hosts its 22nd annual Delaware River Gourmet Rafting Trip May 15. Carpools leave the temple parking lot at 7 a.m. and return at approximately 7 p.m. The cost is $100 and includes a gourmet lunch, transportation, and rafting costs except for a wetsuit. Call (201) 797-9321 or contact Charlie Knapp at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

“Jerusalem Shuk” by Miriam Stern

Artist and art critic Miriam Stern will speak at the Pascack Art Association’s meeting on May 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Washington Township Municipal Building, 350 Hudson St. The meeting is free and open to the public. Stern, a painter, printer, and installation artist, has exhibited in the United States and Israel and uses Jewish values and themes.

The association meets September through June every second Tuesday of the month. Meetings offer critiques and demonstrations in various mediums. For information about the association visit http://www.pascackartassociation.org, or call Anneliese at 201-391-5344. For information about Miriam Stern visit http://www.miriamstern.artspan.com.