Women and the area's Jewish history discussion

WHIPPANY - Linda Forgosh, executive director/curator of the Jewish Historical Society of MetroWest, will lead a special slide program, “Ladies First,” about the contributions made by women in the growth and development of Morris and Sussex Jewish history on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 7:30 p.m., at the Gaelen Gallery West, Lautenberg Family JCC in Whippany, The event will also include a dessert reception and a selection of songs by Shiru Nah choral group. Attendees will tour the Jewish Historical Society’s traveling exhibition located in the Weill Atrium: “The Jews of Morris and Sussex: Early Settlers, Synagogues, Resort Towns, and Lake Communities,” which runs through Nov. 11. The exhibit traces the growth of Jewish life in the market towns of Morristown and Newton, the mining towns of Dover and Franklin, the farming communities of Mount Freedom and Pine Brook, summer resorts that became year-round communities in Lake Hopatcong, Lake Hiawatha, and White Meadow Lake, and synagogue congregations that grew as a result of an influx of Jews looking for affordable housing after World War II. Jewish history in this area dates as far back as the Civil War. For more information, call 933-929-2936.