Our incredibly vibrant Jewish community is back in full force this month, as one glance at this newsletter will prove. Our generous community members jumped into action to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey, and Jewish educators across Greater Hartford are back in the classroom to ensure that our rich heritage is passed on to the next generation. And, of course, our synagogues and other local organizations have planned a full slate of wonderful ways to observe the High Holy Days. You can read about all this and much more below.

To submit news or share your thoughts on JLink, please contact our editor, Susannah MacNeil, at [email protected] .

L'Shanah Tovah U'Metukah - a good and sweet year!

President and CEO
Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford
Greater Hartford's Jewish Community Supports Hurricane Harvey Relief

Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund
As of Friday, September 1, our Greater Hartford Jewish community had contributed over $4,600 to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund established by Jewish Federations of North America! You can contribute by clicking here. Federations across the U.S. and Canada have a network of local and international partners that allows a quick and effective response to community crises like Hurricane Harvey. Click here to learn more about how Jewish Federations help in emergencies.
September 5: "Citizen #1: Benedictus Spinoza" Lecture with Daniel Schwartz, Ph.D.

Daniel Schwartz, Ph.D.
The Maurice Greenberg Center for Jewish Studies at the University of Hartford invites the public to a lecture on the 17th-century Dutch Jewish philosopher Baruch (a.k.a. Benedict) Spinoza by Daniel Schwartz, Ph.D., professor of modern Jewish history at George Washington University. The lecture will take place Tuesday, September 5 at 7:30 p.m. in Auerbach Auditorium of Hillyer Hall on the UHart Campus at 200 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford. Dr. Schwartz's first book, The First Modern Jew: Spinoza and the History of an Image, traces Spinoza's shifting image in modern Jewish culture. Seating is limited and reservations are required; RSVP to 860.768.5018 or [email protected].
September 6: Federation 2018 Annual Campaign Kickoff

Suzanne Barton Grant
Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford welcomes you to attend its 2018 Campaign Kickoff on Wednesday, September 6 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the Mandell JCC Innovation Center, 335 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford. Our guest speaker is Suzanne Barton Grant, National Campaign Chair for Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA). A Delaware resident, Suzanne has held many positions with her local Federation and JFNA and is a former Senior Vice President at Salomon Smith Barney Consulting Group. She'll share her reasons for investing in the Jewish community through Federation. Light refreshments will be served (laws of kashrut observed). RSVP to Jill Nulsen at 860.727.6119 or [email protected].
September 6 and 13: Sing In the High Holy Days with Temple Beth Hillel

From left: Cantor Scott Harris and Rabbi Jeffrey Glickman
Come sing with Temple Beth Hillel's High Holy Day Choir and get into the spirit of the Days of Awe with Cantor Scott Harris. We'll come together at 7:00 p.m. on two Wednesday evenings - September 6 and 13 - at the synagogue at 20 Baker Lane in South Windsor, to share our love of Jewish music and singing. We'll also enjoy tea or coffee, pastries, and seeing old and new friends. All are welcome. To learn more, please contact the TBH office at 860.282.8466.
Registration Now Open: Institute for Basic Judaism

The Institute for Basic Judaism's program for 2017-2018 is now open for registration. This is a program for both Jews and non-Jews who want to learn more about Jewish heritage. The first session will be held November 2. For more information, contact Rabbi Richard Plavin at [email protected] or visit the Institute's website at www.ibjewish.org.
September 7: "Children of the Wind" Discussion on Jewish Immigrants in America and the Musical Rags

Join the Mandell JCC, Goodspeed Musicals and the Jewish Ledger for a lively discussion about Jewish immigrants to America in the early 1900s and their determination to rise above the sweatshop squalor to create the most productive and politically free Jewish community of all time. The panel discussion will take place on Thursday, September 7 at 7:00 p.m. at the Mandell JCC, led by Goodspeed founding director Michael Price. It will discuss immigration from a historical perspective and as portrayed in the upcoming musical Rags, which focuses on a young Jewish mother and son fleeing the pogroms for a better life in America. Free and open to the community. Registration required; click here to register. The Mandell JCC is located at 335 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford.
September 8: Shabbat LIVE! Under the Stars with Beth El Temple
As the weather begins to turn toward fall, join Beth El Temple for Shabbat LIVE! Under the Stars on September 8. The BBQ dinner and outdoor family service begins at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children ages 3 to 12. Kindly RSVP to 860.233.9696 by noon on September 6. Beth El Temple is located at 2626 Albany Avenue, West Hartford.
September 8: "Welcome Back from Summer" Services & Ice Cream at B'nai Tikvoh-Sholom

Whether you are a member or a first-time visitor, B'nai Tikvoh-Sholom wants to "welcome you back" from summer with a friendly Kabbalat Shabbat service and ice cream social. Please join us on Friday, September 8 at 7:00 p.m. at our synagogue, which is located at 180 Still Road in Bloomfield. So we won't run out of ice cream, we ask that you RSVP by emailing [email protected] or calling 860.243.3576.
Sigel Hebrew Academy Upgrades Hebrew Language Program 

Second and third graders at Hebrew Academy will use the new iTaLAM Hebrew curriculum this fall.
The Bess and Paul Sigel Hebrew Academy has been upgrading its Hebrew language program. Under the leadership of Hamorah (Teacher) Estee Axelrad, fourth to eighth grade students are immersed in a new program, Ulpan-Or, that teaches Hebrew rapidly through e-books, interactive online lessons and self-study review exercises. The Academy's second and third graders will also be immersed in Hebrew language learning with the brand new iTalAM program. Based on the highly successful print-based TaL AM curriculum, iTalAM (see video at right) adds digital games, songs, interactive books and blended learning lessons. 
September 10: Auditions for HaZamir Hartford International Jewish High School Choir

Did you know that Greater Hartford has its own international Jewish high school choir? Each week, HaZamir Hartford and its 34 counterparts across the U.S. and Israel rehearse a shared repertoire. The choirs come together for regional, national and international events, culminating in an annual gala concert at a major performance venue in New York City. Private auditions for HaZamir Hartford will take place Sunday, September 10 at 4:00 p.m. Email [email protected] for more information.
September 10: Ninth Annual Big Wheel Derby to Support Children with Glycogen Storage Disease

Calling all families! Get out your Big Wheels, bikes and trikes and head to the Ninth Annual Big Wheel Derby on September 10 from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. at the Mandell JCC, 335 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford. Ride for the cause, dance for the cure, enjoy amazing sand art and meet top medical researchers from CCMC and UCONN Health Center! The cost to participate is $18 per family, and all proceeds benefit Alyssa's Angel Fund, which helps children worldwide with Glycogen Storage Disease afford treatment for this rare, genetic liver ailment. The Trustees of Alyssa's Angel Fund include several members of our local community: Alan Lazowski; Barry Stein, M.D.; Gayle Temkin; and David Weinstein, M.D.
September 11: There's Still Time to Register for Voices, Federation's Signature Women's Event!

LCDR Alexa Forsyth Jenkins
Register today for a very special Voices on Monday, September 11 at Beth El Temple, 2626 Albany Avenue, West Hartford. This is Federation's biggest women's event of the year, and you won't want to miss it! Our guest speaker is Lieutenant Commander Alexa Forsyth Jenkins, the first Jewish female commander of a U.S. Naval warship. She'll share how her Jewish values and upbringing have influenced her approach to leadership and service. The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with networking, cocktails and a dinner buffet; the program and dessert follow at 7 p.m. Click here to learn more.
September 13: Jewish Historical Society Brunch and Learn: "The Revolution, the Constitution and American Jews"

Avi Patt, Ph.D.
Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford and the Mandell JCC Senior Adult Program invite you to a bagel "brunch and learn" program with Professor Avinoam Patt, Ph.D., of the University of Hartford on Wednesday, September 13 at 12:15 p.m. at the Mandell JCC, 335 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford. Guided tours of "From Haven to Home" in the Chase Family Gallery will be available afterward. The cost is $5 for JHS members, $7 for JHS non-members and walk-ins. Pre-registration closes September 8. Pay online by clicking here, or make checks payable to JHSGH and mail to JHSGH, 333 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117.
September 13: JFACT Reception at Beth El Temple

From left: Robert Fishman and Michael Bloom
JFACT (Jewish Federation Association of Connecticut) invites you to a reception to benefit the JFACT Fund's annual campaign and the newly established Robert A. Fishman JFACT Endowment Fund. The reception will take place Wednesday, September 13 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Beth El Temple, 2626 Albany Avenue, West Hartford. You'll meet Michael Bloom, JFACT's new executive director, and we'll honor Robert Fishman, past executive director. Catering will be provided by The Crown Market & Café; the event is sponsored by the Lazowski and Zachs families. Kindly RSVP by September 6 to Michael Bloom at [email protected]. Suggested (optional) donation is $250.
September 13: WOW! in a Box Jewish Educator Training on "The Rainbow Connection" 

What can polymer science teach us about our connection with G-d? Find out at the first WOW! in a Box Jewish educator training of the school year! Our September 6 session is already full, so we've added a new session on September 13 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Community Services Building, Zachs Campus, 333 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117. Participating educators receive a $10 stipend and a complete program box with lesson plans and materials. Space is limited! Please contact Jennifer Schwartzman at [email protected] to reserve your spot today. WOW! in a Box is a program of Federation's Commission on Jewish Education and Leadership.
September 14, 18 and 26: Children's Reading Partners Volunteer Trainings

Do you like children and love to read? Become a Reading Mentor with Children's Reading Partners! Just 30 minutes per week reading with an at-risk elementary school student can help them build literacy skills for a lifetime of success. Children's Reading Partners is expanding into four new schools for the 2017-2018 school year and needs your help! Training sessions will be held in Glastonbury on September 14 and in West Hartford on September 18 and September 26. Click here to learn more. Children's Reading Partners is a program of Federation's Jewish Community Relations Council.
September 15: Congregation Beth Israel Shabbat Service with Guest Speaker Abigail Pogrebin

Abigail Pogrebin. Credit: Lorin Klaris
Columnist Abigail Pogrebin, president of Central Synagogue in Midtown Manhattan, will speak about her experience with the Jewish holidays and her new book, My Jewish Year: 18 Holidays, One Wondering Jew at Congregation Beth Israel's Shabbat service on Friday, September 15 at 7:30 p.m. The entire community is invited to attend. Congregation Beth Israel is located at 701 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford.
September 15 and 16: Emanuel Synagogue Shabbaton with Benjamin Sommer, Ph.D.

Benjamin Sommer, Ph.D.
The Emanuel Synagogue invites you to a Shabbaton Weekend on September 15 and 16 with Scholar-in-Residence Benjamin Sommer, Ph.D., professor of Bible at Jewish Theological Seminary. Dr. Sommer will discuss "Perfectibility: Are God, the World, and Humanity Works in Progress?" The weekend includes Shabbat services, Shabbat dinner (reservations required; fees apply), lectures by Dr. Sommer, a Kiddush luncheon, evening refreshments, and a community Selichot service on Saturday night featuring Cantor Sanford Cohn, other area cantors, and the Afro-Semitic experience. Click here to learn more. The Emanuel Synagogue is located at 160 Mohegan Drive, West Hartford.
Register Now for JFACT's February 2018 Mission to Cuba

Join Jewish Federation Association of Connecticut (JFACT) Executive Director Michael Bloom on a humanitarian tour of Cuba, February 6 to 11, 2018. You'll meet leaders of the Cuban Jewish community; visit the Sephardic Center, Adath Israel Orthodox synagogue, and the only kosher butcher in Cuba; and enjoy Shabbat in Havana. You'll also take a walking tour of Old Havana, learn how Cuban cigars are rolled, and visit Finca Vigia - Hemingway's beloved Cuban home. Limited space is available; register now! View the flyer and registration form here; view the itinerary here.
September 17: Jewish Genealogical Society Welcomes Ava Cohn, the Photo Genealogist

Ava Cohn
The Jewish Genealogical Society of Connecticut (JGSCT) welcomes Ava Cohn, a.k.a. "Sherlock Cohn, the Photo Genealogist," who will present at its meeting on Sunday, September 17 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Temple Sinai, 41 West Hartford Road, Newington. Cohn specializes in dating, identifying and interpreting Jewish family photographs and portraits. Her multi-disciplinary approach combines knowledge of Jewish immigrant and Eastern European cultures and traditions with fashion, family histories and vital records to tell the background stories within photographs. Please bring a family photo; we'll have a lottery and Cohn will analyze the winning photos. The JGSCT library is also housed at Temple Sinai; members may borrow selected items.
September 18: Community Collaboration Brings Acclaimed Comic Modi Rosenfeld to the Mandell JCC

Modi Rosenfeld
Laugh out loud with Modi Rosenfeld, voted one of the Top 10 Comedians in New York City by the Hollywood Reporter and Backstage. Modi's comedy has received rave reviews from the The New York Times, Time Out NY, and the New York Post, and he has appeared on HBO, Comedy Central, Howard Stern, E! Entertainment and more! The show takes place on September 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the Herbert Gilman Theater at the Mandell JCC, 335 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford. Tickets are $10 per person; call 860.231.6316 or email [email protected]. Co-sponsored by the Lillian Margulies Singer Jewish Humor Fund, the Maurice Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies, the Mandell Jewish Community Center, and the UConn Center for Judaic Studies and Contemporary Jewish Life.
UConn Center for Judaic Studies Welcomes Sebastian Wogenstein as Interim Director

Sebastian Wogenstein, Ph.D.
The UConn Center for Judaic Studies and Contemporary Jewish Life has a newly appointed interim director, Professor Sebastian Wogenstein, Ph.D. Dr. Wogenstein is an associate professor in the German section of UConn's Literatures, Cultures, and Languages Department, a faculty associate of the Human Rights Institute, and a faculty member of Judaic Studies. He has published widely in the areas of human rights and literature, German-Jewish literature, and 20th/21st century German literature and theater. Former director Jeffrey Shoulson has become UConn's interim vice provost for interdisciplinary initiatives.
September 19: JTConnect Workshop on Writing the Jewish Experience for College Applications

Carolyn Sorkin, Ph.D.
Thinking about college applications? Have you had a powerful Jewish experience and want to write about it? Join JTConnect for an interactive workshop with Carolyn Sorkin, Ph.D., president of University Passport, on Tuesday, September 19 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Mandell JCC, 335 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford. Dr. Sorkin helps students and their families navigate the college application process. This program will focus on brainstorming and outlining application essays that highlight students' engagement with Judaism. Click here for more information.
University of Hartford Hillel Gears Up for the High Holy Days

UHart Hillel will spend the High Holy Days in Elizabeth Park; at Congregation Beth Israel, The Emanuel Synagogue and Beth David Synagogue; and also back on campus for community meals with faculty, staff and students. To learn more about how UHart Hillel is celebrating the High Holy Days, click here.
September 20 - September 30: The High Holy Days

Mayim Bialik and the Maccabeats explain Rosh Hashanah!
Click above for a fun intro to Rosh Hashanah with Mayim Bialik and the Maccabeats!
This month we welcome a new Jewish year, 5778, with the arrival of Rosh Hashanah (literally "the head of the year"). Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Wednesday, September 20 and ends at nightfall on Friday, September 22. We greet the new year with the familiar call of the shofar, with Tashlich - casting breadcrumbs on the water as we cast away our sins - and with round challah, apples and honey to symbolize the cycle of life and the sweetness of beginning anew.

From Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur, we observe the Yamim Noraim (Days of Awe) as we make amends for any wrongs we have done to others over the past year. 

On Yom Kippur, the most solemn day of the Jewish calendar, we personally and collectively atone for our sins, asking forgiveness from G-d. Observant Jews will fast and spend the day in prayer. This year, Yom Kippur begins at sundown on Friday, September 29 and ends at nightfall on Saturday, September 30.

Our local Jewish community offers a diverse range of opportunities to observe the High Holy Days. All the activities below are free or have a small or optional fee to attend. Please join us!

Beth El Temple is open to the community! Join us for our second day Rosh Hashanah festival service on September 22 in the sanctuary, led by Rabbi Jim Rosen and Cantor Joseph Ness. The congregation is encouraged to sing along with the choir. Our all-new Meaningful Family Service starts at 10:30 a.m., led by Rabbi Ilana Garber and Rabbi Sowalsky. It's brief, it's spiritual, it's magical - a "highlights" service meant for all ages. Bring your own shofar to guarantee we're all awake from our slumber. Services end with a communal sharing of apples and honey! New friends who join us are eligible to receive free tickets for Yom Kippur services. Beth El Temple is located at 2626 Albany Avenue in West Hartford.

Beth Sholom B'nai Israel invites the community to its Selichot service on September 16 at 8:00 p.m. Selichot marks the official start of the Yamim Noraim. Please join us as we open the gates to begin the spiritual journey that takes place over this period! We will begin with a musical program followed by the official changing of the Torah mantles for the holidays. This will be followed by a soulful service introducing the themes of the Yamim Noraim through stirring melodies and contemporary readings. To learn more, visit www.myshul.org or call 860.643.9563. BSBI is located at 400 Middle Turnpike East in Manchester. 

B'nai Tikvoh-Sholom invites you to a free service on Rosh Hashanah eve, Wednesday, September 20, at 6:30 p.m. The short service will be followed by the BTS Annual International Honey Oneg, featuring nearly 50 varieties of honey and symbolic holiday foods. All are welcome! Contact the office at 860.243.3576 or email [email protected] for more information or to reserve free High Holy Day tickets. BTS is located at 180 Still Road in Bloomfield.

Chabad Greater Hartford welcomes you to High Holy Day services for your entire family.  Chabad's services are open to all - no tickets are required, and no religious background or affiliation is necessary. Services are conducted in English and Hebrew and are interwoven with insights, explanations and stories. A simultaneous Junior Minyan Program with activities, stories, songs, games and snacks is open to all children ages 3 to 13. Learn more here. On September 17 at 1:30 p.m., Chabad will also offer a Shofar Factory & Rosh Hashanah Sweet Shoppe for children of all ages. Kids can make their own shofar, mix up some honey lip balm, and more! There is a $12 fee for this workshop. Email [email protected] or call 860.232.1116. Chabad House is located at 2352 Albany Avenue in West Hartford.

Beth Ahm_s Tashlich service on the Farmington River
Congregation Beth Ahm celebrates Tashlich
Congregation Beth Ahm offers complimentary High Holy Days tickets to its members and to Greater Hartford Jews and their families who are not members of any another synagogue. Services are led by Rabbi Alan Lefkowitz in the sanctuary of the synagogue at 362 Palisado Avenue (Route 159) in Windsor. In addition to Rosh Hashanah, Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur services, highlights include a Tashlich service on the banks of the Farmington River, a uniquely creative second day Rosh Hashanah service, and holiday-themed storytelling for children. Click here for a full schedule of High Holy Day services.

Congregation Beth Israel offers a free community Rosh Hashanah service that's appropriate for all ages and levels of Jewish experience. It will be held in Elizabeth Park on Wednesday, September 20 at 5:30 p.m. In case of rain, the service will be held at Congregation Beth Israel, 701 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford.  Other free services include a Rosh Hashanah young children's service, a Tashlich service at Fernridge Park, a Yom Kippur Kol Nidre family service, and a Yom Kippur afternoon service for teens. Click here for a full list of services; those are not starred are free and open to the public.

The Emanuel Synagogue wishes you and your family L'shana Tova Tikatevu - Happy New Year! The Emanuel opens its doors on the High Holy Days to unaffiliated visitors who wish to join our warm, participatory services. For a donation of your choice, you can join us for each day of the High Holy Days and as often as you like during Tishrei - the first month of the Jewish New Year. Please call 860.236.1275 to make arrangements. You're also invited to join The Emanuel for a community Selichot service on Saturday, September 16. Refreshments will be served at 8:30 p.m. followed by a 9:00 p.m. lecture by Professor Benjamin Sommer, Ph.D., of the Jewish Theological Seminary. At 10:00 p.m., the Selichot service will feature The Afro-Semitic Experience, a unique, jazz-based band.The Emanuel Synagogue is located at 160 Mohegan Drive in West Hartford.

Farmington Valley Jewish Congregation-Emek Shalom will hold a community worship service on Rosh Hashanah eve, Wednesday, September 20, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center at 22 Iron Horse Boulevard, Simsbury. This is a picnic style service - bring your blankets and chairs! A Rosh Hashanah evening service will follow at 7:30 p.m. at the synagogue, which is located at 55 Bushy Hill Road in Simsbury. No tickets are needed. For a full list of services, visit www.fvjc.org and click on "High Holiday Schedule." Services that are not starred, or that have two stars, are free and open to the public.

Celebrate the coming New Year with a sweet beginning! Join the  Jewish Association for Community Living  and  UHart Hillel  for a Rosh Hashanah ice cream social on Sunday, September 17 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Arapahoe Group Home, 20 Arapahoe Road, West Hartford. All are welcome; RSVP to the JCL office at 860.522.5225.

Jamie Geller's potato kugel cups (click photo for recipe)
Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford wants your High Holy Day recipes for its new food blog! JHS will be starting a blog to showcase local Jewish food stories, photos and family recipes. Please ask your family about their favorite recipes and the stories and photos that go with them, then submit them to JHS for inclusion on the blog. When it goes live, you'll be able to browse our community recipe collection and add your own through a simple form. More information is coming soon; in the meantime, to submit your food stories, recipes, and photos, email [email protected] or call 860.727.6170.

Mitzvah Mamas invites Jewish women and their families to celebrate Rosh Chodesh Tishrei: Rosh Hashanah. Each month, local women gather to welcome the new month. We remember our mothers and grandmothers, share an act of kindness or a good moment from the previous month, and explore a Jewish concept. On the afternoon of September 21 - the first day of Rosh Hashanah - we'll meet at the edge of the Podunk River near Mill on the River Restaurant in South Windsor for a gathering and Tashlich. Families are welcome. Please check the  Mitzvah Mamas Facebook group for the exact start time (and a change of venue if the weather is bad). For more information, please contact Mindy Glickman at [email protected] or 917.698.7952, or join the Mitzvah Mamas Facebook group.

Mandell JCC invites you to welcome the New Year with some sweet holiday specialties! Challah making sessions for Rosh Hashanah, in partnership with PJ Library, will be held from 12:40 to 1:30 p.m. on two days and in two locations: Thursday, September 14 at Congregation Kol Haverim, and Friday, September 15 at the Mandell JCC. Children and their parents will hear PJ Library Rosh Hashanah stories and make a challah to bring home and bake. ($10 per family fee.) On September 15 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., all are welcome to stop by the Mandell JCC and taste some delicious apples, honey and challah. (The tasting is free.)

PJ Library is offering two programs at local parks to help young children and their families get ready for Rosh Hashanah. Both programs take place in three locations: Eisenhower Park in West Hartford, Addison Park in Glastonbury, and Rotary Park in Simsbury. On Wednesday, September 13 at 3:00 p.m., children can learn about bees and how honey is made from beekeeper Kevin. And on Sunday, September 17 at 10:00 a.m., children are invited to "Rosh Hashanah in the Park" for holiday fun including PJ Library stories, card making and a "sweet" snack. In the event of inclement weather, these programs will be cancelled. Please visit the PJ Library Greater Hartford Facebook page or call 860.236.4571 for an update.

Temple Beth Hillel welcomes the community for High Holy Day services and all year long! It's a dynamic Reform synagogue located at 20 Baker Lane in South Windsor. You can find a full schedule of High Holy Day services here; to learn more about attending, please visit this webpage or contact Lori Rondinone at [email protected] or 860.282.8466.

A New Learning Opportunity for a New Year

With Rosh Hashanah right around the corner, why not try something new? Chai Mitzvah is a Jewish engagement program that promotes social action, ritual, learning and making new connections. You'll get together with friends or new acquaintances once a month, enjoy some wine and cheese, and talk.  The only "rule" is to stay on topic. New groups are forming in West Hartford, Bloomfield and Newington; join one or create your own. Contact Susan Fried at Susan@Chai Mitzvah.org for more information.
September 24: Federation Cemetery Visiting Day 

Caring for the dead is the highest form of tzedakah (righteousness), and the Days of Awe are a common time for families to visit the graves of their loved ones. Whether or not your loved ones are buried in one of the 28 cemeteries we manage, Federation invites you to remember departed members of our Jewish community by visiting these cemeteries on Sunday, September 24 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. You are invited to bring stones to place on the graves. Increased police patrolling will be provided during the visiting hours. Please contact Lisa Vaeth, director of the Association of Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Hartford, with any questions at [email protected] or 860.232.4483.
September 24: Join a Chai Mitzvah Group at Jewish Association for Community Living 

Learn about Judaic programming at JCL.
Would you like to be part of the Chai Mitzvah group at JCL's West Normandy Group Home? If so, please join us on Sunday, September 24 from 11:00 to 11:40 a.m. at 17 West Normandy Drive in West Hartford. At each session we'll discuss different Jewish topics with JCL residents and their friends. You'll get a refreshing perspective on what it means to be Jewish and form meaningful new bonds. To learn more, call Bonnie Eisenberg-Greene at 860.522.5225 ext. 2237 or email her at [email protected].
UConn Hillel Welcomes New Professionals, Completes Wifi Project with Jewish Community Foundation Support

From left: Nicki Poliak and Rotem Dimri
Nicki Poliak and Rotem Dimri have joined UConn Hillel's professional team. Nicki is a recent University of Delaware graduate who attended and worked at URJ Camp Eisner. She was involved in UD Hillel as the co-president of their Challah for Hunger chapter, a Freshman Fest ambassador, and the Holocaust education intern. Rotem is from Rishon Le Zion, a suburb near Tel Aviv. She recently finished her studies at Tel Aviv University; she was a Hebrew teacher and counselor at URJ summer camp Osrui in Wisconsin and also worked with the Israeli Scouts. In other news, UConn Hillel's wifi system was recently upgraded by We Care Computers, an IT company founded by UConn Hillel alumnus Avi Smith-Rapaport. The project was completed with support from several funds at the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford.
October 1: Hebrew Senior Care Walks to End Alzheimer's

Join Hebrew Senior Care as we Walk to End Alzheimer's on Sunday, October 1 at 9:00 a.m. at Rentschler Field in East Hartford. We are proud to demonstrate our continuing commitment to supporting persons with dementia and their caregivers. To join our team or make an online contribution, click here. Please also visit Hebrew Senior Care's Mega Basket Raffle and Lemonade Fundraiser on Sunday, September 17 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Mandell JCC, 335 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford. Ice cold lemonade and raffle tickets will be on sale. Contact Heather Dobbert at 860.920.1810 with any questions.
October 1: PJ Library Sukkot Hike and "Bear Hunt" in Penwood Park 

PJ Library and the Mandell JCC Valley Sports & Community Center invite children and their parents on a "bear hunt" on Sunday, October 1 at 10:00 a.m. at Penwood Park, 560 Simsbury Road, Bloomfield! Find PJ Bear in the picnic area, have a quick snack and story, then enjoy a fall morning walking on the trail. This program is free; in case of inclement weather it will be cancelled. For more information, contact Elana MacGilpin at 860.231.6366 or [email protected]. For weather cancellations, check the PJ Library Facebook page.
October 1: BSBI Dedicates Monument at Beth Olam Cemetery 

On Sunday, October 1 at 1:00 p.m., Beth Sholom B'nai Israel will dedicate a monument at the Beth Olam Cemetery honoring Jean and Barney Moses, who donated the land for this site. Through their generosity the synagogue can continue to provide BSBI members with a final resting place, cared for lovingly and with respect by our congregation. We hope you will join us for this special ceremony. Beth Olam is located at 65 Edith Road in Vernon. Please call 860.643.9563 with any questions.
October 2: Jewish Leadership Academy Offers Orientation Program for New Board Members with National Expert Marion Stern 

Have you joined a board in the last 18 months? Please join the brand new Greater Hartford Jewish Leadership Academy for an orientation program about the ins and outs of effective board participation on Monday, October 2 at 6:00 p.m. at the Mandell JCC Innovation Center, 335 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford. The program will be led by Marion Stern, a nationally recognized expert in board development. We'll cover primary board responsibilities, optimal board characteristics, good governance, duties of care, and more. The cost is $18 per person; STAR CJEL members may send four people for free. RSVP by September 25 to Debra Howson at 860.727.6103 or [email protected].
October 3: Build an Edible Sukkah at the Mandell JCC Valley Sports & Community Center 

Young children and their families are invited to make their own edible sukkahs with PJ Library on Tuesday, October 3 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Mandell JCC Valley Sports & Community Center, 310 Albany Turnpike, Canton. We'll also decorate the JCC sukkah. For more information, contact Elana MacGilpin at 860.231.6366 or [email protected].
October 16: JFS Tara's Closet Fall/Winter Clothing Collection

Tara's Closet at Jewish Family Services seeks your new and like-new fall and winter clothing for our clients in need. Clothing collections will be held on Monday, October 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Congregation B'nai Tikvoh-Sholom, 180 Still Road, Bloomfield, and from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the main lobby of the Community Services Building at 333 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford. All sizes are welcome, especially XL and plus sizes; hangers preferred. Tara's Closet thankfully accepts new and like-new clothing and outerwear for men, women, teens, children and infants. We cannot accept undergarments, shoes, boots, socks and swimwear. Please save your spring /summer items for our next collection day in 2018. For more information, please call JFS at 860.236.1927.
October 18: Community Volunteer Ronit Shoham to Be Honored with Leadership Greater Hartford's 2017 Polaris Award

Ronit Shoham
Congratulations to Ronit Shoham on receiving Leadership Greater Hartford's 2017 Polaris Award! Ronit began her lifetime of service as a social worker in the Israeli Army. Locally, she has taught at Solomon Schechter Day School, served on the board at Beth El Temple, volunteered with Hartford Jewish Coalition for Literacy (now Children's Reading Partners), hosted a Federation Israeli Young Emissary, reviewed applications for the Federation grantmaking process, and much more. Ronit founded the Miracle League of Connecticut and has been a driving force behind Jonathan's Dream Re-Imagined and Cut Out Cancer. Ronit will receive her award during the annual Polaris Award Gala, to be held on October 18 at 5:30 p.m. at The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Avenue, Hartford.  Also receiving awards are Cheryl and Jamie "Bear" McDonald of Bear's Smokehouse BBQ, and Iran Nazario, president of the Peace Center of Connecticut. Click here for information and tickets.
November 19: Voices of Hope and Speak Up Storytelling Present Second Generation Speak Up

Reserve your tickets now for what is sure to be a sold-out event! Voices of Hope is partnering with Speak Up to present its uniquely engaging brand of storytelling at the Second Generation Speak Up on Sunday, November 19 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Mandell JCC, 335 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford. The show will feature stories from seven children of Holocaust survivors: George Bacall, Anne Boucart, Estelle Kafer, Eliane Sandler, Marge Swaye, Ted Zablotsky and Larry Zemel. Click here for tickets and more information.