"Tot Shabbat" Friday at Temple Beth Elohim; Exercise at Library

The weekend is here and the religious holidays are fast approaching. The Temple Beth Elohim has two innovative services planned for Shabbat on Friday, and there's lots of events in and around town.

Each day the "5 Things" column will tell you five essential pieces of information you need to know today, like events happening or community topics being covered on the site later on in the day. Have an event or topic that should appear in this column? Add it to the calendar or send us a news tip.

Friday's options include:

1. It's night at when babies, toddlers and preschoolers get to sing, dance learn, pray and spend time with their rabbi, cantor, parents, grandparents, siblings and friends atextraordinary Tot Shabbat celebrations. Service at 6 p.m. That event is followed by the regular at 7:30. This week, the temple celebrates April wedding anniversary blessings.

2. The 's exhibit entitled"Neighbors Who Disappeared," is a moving series of panels made by young people to commemorate the Jews lost in . The exhibit will run every week on Tuesdays-through-Fridays until May 1. Open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.; free and open to the public.

3. The , presents the American composer William Finn's autobiographical musical "A New Brain." The 1998 musical, which opened off Broadway to critical success, is one man's story about conquering his fear of dying with his greatest songs still unwritten. While stuck writing stories for children's TV, a brain injury puts his life in perspective. Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets: $20.

4. With the spring religious holidays upon us, a little exercise might be in order. Carol Rodriguez leads a "dancercise" class Friday at the , from 9:45 -10:30 a.m. Open to all.

5. This week,  told you about the  and a special celebration at PlainviewCenter on Thursday. We covered the story of a driver of his car and crashed on Manetto Hill Road. There's more to come today. While you're reading us, browse our "events" calendar for other happenings around town. Have a thought on our stories, let us know.