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Through December 31: Children's Reading Partners Virtual Holiday Book Drive
Children's Reading Partners, the Rotary Club of West Hartford, and The Miale Team at Keller Williams have joined forces for the seventh annual Greater Hartford Holiday Book Drive, which runs through December 31. The drive will provide new books to preschool and elementary students who participate in Children's Reading Partners' volunteer literacy programs across the region. Children's Reading Partners is a Federation initiative that serves at-risk public school students in Hartford, Bloomfield, East Hartford, New Britain, and West Hartford and provides summer reading enrichment programs for children of all reading abilities in Bloomfield and Hartford. 100% of donated funds will be used to purchase books for students. Click here to donate to the book drive.
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December 3: Virtual Havurah Open House
A havurah is a group of new and old friends that gathers around a shared intention or interest - and now you can learn how to start your own! Join the Greater Hartford Havurah Initiative on Thursday, December 3 at 6 p.m. on Zoom for a virtual havurah open house. We'll provide advice and resources to help you start a group that meets your needs and interests, whether it's cooking, hiking, young families, interfaith families, LGBTQ, singles, seniors, Jews of Color, or something completely different. RSVP to Carrie Berman at [email protected]. The Greater Hartford Havurah Initiative is a partnership of Federation and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation.
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December 5: BSBl Presents 5th Annual Manchester Jazz Festival
Beth Sholom B'nai Israel of Manchester is proud to present the 5th Annual Manchester-CT Jazz Festival on Saturday, December 5 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Due to COVID-19 concerns, the festival will be broadcast virtually. This year's lineup includes young, up-and-coming talents as well as internationally recognized performers including Eric Alexander, Peter Bernstein, Jonathan Barber, Max Dvorin, and others. Tickets are $20 per household. Click here to purchase tickets and get more information.
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December 6: Free, Virtual "ADL In Concert Against Hate"
Celebrate ordinary people with extraordinary stories of heroism in the face of hatred and bigotry! On Sunday, December 6 at 8 p.m., join the first-ever virtual ADL In Concert Against Hate from the comfort of your home. In one hour, we'll bring you an array of world-class actors, musical performers, and special guests who will share their talents while honoring heroes who have stood against hate. Past participants have included Matthew Broderick, Meg Ryan, Lou Gossett Jr., Taye Diggs, and Tovah Feldshuh. You won't be disappointed! Click here to reserve your free virtual ticket. Questions? Contact Lisa Ratcliff at [email protected].
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200 Teens Join BBYO for a Weekend of Fun, Self-Driven Learning, and Service
Two hundred teens took part in BBYO Connecticut Valley Region Fall Convention earlier this month - some in person and others virtually. The weekend included interactive Shabbat services and a variety of speakers including members of the Broadway casts of "Hamilton" and "Mean Girls." One parent said, "So my son is in a Zoom meeting with Fergie L. Phillipe and Victoria Scovens [from 'Hamilton']. I was banished to my living room... I'm just a little envious! Go BBYO!" Teen-led wellness programming included yoga and Jewish self-identity. Chapters also did community service to benefit kosher food pantries, local senior housing, and animal shelters. "Teens aren't just clicking on a link or showing up in someone's backyard," said Josh Cohen, BBYO CVR Senior Regional Director. "The teens plan everything. They troubleshoot, they negotiate, they overcome obstacles, and they get creative. I am so inspired and proud of the work these future leaders have done." BBYO teens are now executing their own weekly regional programming schedule. To learn more about BBYO, contact Josh Cohen at [email protected] or Regional Director Jen Kruzansky at [email protected].
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Schechter Debuts a Refreshed Mission Statement
Every 10 years, Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Hartford goes through a thorough re-accreditation process through the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools (CAIS). One of many opportunities re-accreditation presents is a chance to come together as a community and think about our mission statement. Last fall, we conducted three mission statement workshops: one with the Board of Trustees, one with faculty and staff, and one with parents. Everyone's voices, experiences, and stories helped shape Schechter's new mission statement, which was approved by the Board in October. We are proud and pleased to share Schechter's refreshed mission statement with you: "Schechter nurtures and inspires the next generation of creators and thinkers to make positive change in the global community through dynamic, forward-looking models of education guided by Jewish principles and values." Click here to learn more about Schechter.
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December 8: JHS Presents "Red Hot Mama: The Life of Sophie Tucker"
On Tuesday, December 8 at 7 p.m., the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford invites you to a virtual book talk with Lauren Rebecca Sklaroff, Ph.D., associate professor of history at the University of South Carolina, about her recent biography "Red Hot Mama: The Life of Sophie Tucker." The "first lady of show business" and the "last of the red hot mamas," Sophie Tucker was raised in Hartford and became a star in vaudeville, radio, film, and television. She defied traditional expectations and achieved success on her own terms, entertaining audiences for a remarkable 60 years. Click here to register.
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December 9: Resilience in Hard Times: Change Your Life Through Mindfulness
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Maria Sirois, Psy.D
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On Wednesday, December 9 from 8 to 9 p.m., join Beth El Temple Women's Network for an exciting evening devoted to developing your inner strength. Maria Sirois, Psy.D., is an inspirational speaker, consultant, and licensed psychologist who has worked in the fields of wellness and positive psychology for 20 years. She focuses on the resilience of the human spirit - particularly when we're under chronic stress, undergoing significant transitions, or feeling the shock of wholesale change. Known for her wisdom, authenticity, and sense of humor, Dr. Sirois will help us find the keys to unlock the doors of our own resiliency. This event is free for Women's Network members, $10 for Beth El members who are not part of Women's Network, and $18 for the general public. Register at tinyurl.com/BETMindful.
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December 10 - 18: Hanukkah
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Hanukkah begins each year on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev. It celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the relighting of its menorah in the year 165 BCE after its occupation and defilement by the Seleucids (Syrian Greeks). The hero of Hanukkah is Judah Maccabee, who along with his father and four brothers led the successful rebellion against the tyrant king Antiochus IV.
Hanukkah is a minor holiday in the overall scheme of the Jewish calendar, but its themes of freedom, triumph and joy - particularly in the darkness of winter - have made it a favorite. Our Jewish community offers so many ways to celebrate Hanukkah; we hope you'll shine your light with us!
One theme of Hanukkah is preserving resources - as in the oil in the menorah that lasted eight days. As you plan for your own celebrations, click here to check out healthy, sustainable holiday resources from Hazon - and feel free to reach out to [email protected] with any questions you have. Chag sameach!
December 6 & 17
Gishrei Shalom Jewish Congregation's own Rabbi Alana Wasserman will lead an adult education session on Sunday, December 6 at 1 p.m. to explore the many ways Hanukkah is celebrated around the world... part of our synagogue's annual look at cultures within Judaism. For Zoom information, email [email protected]. The congregation will also host a communal, virtual candle lighting on Thursday, December 17 at 6 p.m.
December 9 The Emanuel Synagogue's Adult Education Committee invites you to join us on Wednesday, December 9 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. for a history talk with Stuart S. Miller, Ph.D., of UConn. Dr. Miller will share his view of the events leading up to Hanukkah and re-evaluate the festival's importance. He is professor of Hebrew, history, and Judaic studies; chair of UConn's Hebrew and Judaic studies section; and director of the Center for Judaic Studies and Contemporary Jewish Life. The program will be held via Zoom; click here to register (required). After you register, you can expect to receive the Zoom link by 5 p.m. on the day of the program.
December 10 - 18
Beginning Thursday, December 10, join the Young Israel of West Hartford at 5:45 p.m. each evening for "Chanukah Night Live!" We'll light candles with special hosts and musical guests. Click here to tune in!
December 12
On Saturday, December 12 at 5 p.m., come to Congregation Beth Israel at 701 Farmington Avenue in West Hartford for an in-person, outdoor Hanukkah celebration. Bring your own menorah and help us dedicate ours! You'll hear your favorite Hanukkah tunes and inspiring stories; we'll also have activities for children. This event is free and open to the public; please meet on the front lawn.
On Saturday, December 12 at 7 p.m., you're invited to Beth David Synagogue's free Virtual Hanukkah Concert with special guest Six13, the critically acclaimed a cappella singing group. Six13 has attended and facilitated Beth David's Simchat Torah celebrations for the past five years, so this will be like a family reunion! We'll hold a gift basket raffle that night as well. Sponsorship gifts are available starting at $18. For every $18 pledged, you'll receive one chance in a raffle for two holiday gift baskets. Click here for details and registration.
December 13
You're invited to Connecticut's biggest Hanukkah extravaganza, "Fire on Ice: Chanukah at Blue Back Drive-In Celebration," on Sunday, December 13 beginning at 4 p.m. Join Chabad House of Greater Hartford in the West Hartford Town Hall parking lot (50 South Main Street, Blue Back Square; cars should enter on South Main and exit on Raymond Road). Festivities will include a concert by beloved contemporary Jewish singer Benny Friedman and the carving of an 8-foot ice menorah. Each car will receive a goodie bag with games, crafts, and cookies! Click here for more information or call 860.232.1116.
Join Beth Sholom B'nai Israel for a virtual Hanukkah celebration on Sunday, December 13 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. We'll light up Zoom together as we light the candles on the menorah! We'll enjoy music by our religious school education director as well as Hanukkah trivia and mad libs - and we will close with some festive holiday songs. This event is free and open to the public; advance registration is required. Click here to register; you'll receive the Zoom link once you've registered.
December 17
On Thursday, December 17 at 7:30 p.m., join the B'nai Tikvoh-Sholom Sisterhood for "The Lights at the End of the Tunnel 5781" and share your funny Hanukkah stories! Did your dog eat all the latkes right before your holiday party? Did you set your hair on fire while lighting the hanukkiah? Perhaps your Uncle Moshe celebrated just a bit too hard or your friend brought Christmas cookies to your Hanukkah party.... For the Zoom link, contact the BTS office at 860.243.3576 or email [email protected].
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December 11: Gishrei Shalom Marks T'ruah's Human Rights Shabbat
You're invited to attend as Gishrei Shalom Jewish Congregation participates virtually in T'ruah's Human Rights Shabbat on Friday, December 11 at 7 p.m. Rabbi Alana Wasserman will lead the service, which commemorates Judaism's commitment to ensuring that all people are treated with respect and dignity. For the Zoom link, email [email protected]. You can also check out the Facebook event here.
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Commit to 6 Weeks of Change with Hazon
Brit hazon means "commitment to change," and Hazon is challenging each of us to personally commit to do better in manifesting our vision of a more sustainable and equitable world for all. The Brit Hazon program gives you the opportunity to commit to one of six actions for the next six weeks. You'll receive customized emails to accompany you along your journey. Click here to learn more and sign up. Questions? Contact [email protected].
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December 13: Travel in the Footsteps of the Maccabees on CBI's Virtual Tour
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Yoram Preminger
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On Sunday, December 13 at 1 p.m., join Congregation Beth Israel as noted Israeli tour guide Yoram Preminger takes viewers on a virtual tour of sites in Israel connected to the Maccabees and the Maccabean revolt. The event, "In the Footsteps of the Maccabees," will take place via Zoom and is free and open to the public. Modi'in, known to be the hometown of the Maccabees, is in the area known as the Lowlands. Our tour will explore different sites in that area that will shed light on the story of Hanukkah and the Maccabean revolt. We'll travel to the caves of Beit Guvrin National Park, with its unique archaeological remnants from the Hellenistic period, and we'll visit Tel Gezer and the Tomb of the Maccabees. Before becoming a tour guide, Preminger worked in the Israeli Educational TV Center and in a variety of TV productions. He now leads tours for groups and individuals from English speaking countries. Click here to register.
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Young Israel of West Hartford Presents Dor L'Dor: Family Learning Program
COVID-19 isn't going to stop this year's Dor L'Dor season! Join us all winter long with special downloadable packets for you and your family to explore together; and then come for safe meetups with pizza, prizes, and a whole lot more! Click here for more information or email Leora at [email protected].
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December 16 & January 27: Voices of Hope to Hold Annual Meeting and
11th Annual International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Voices of Hope invites you to our virtual 2020 Annual Meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, December 16 at 7 p.m. Join us to learn more about Voices of Hope and hear updates about our past, current, and future initiatives and events. Click here to register; for more information, email [email protected]. And be sure to save the date for our 11th Annual International Holocaust Remembrance Day on Wednesday, January 27, 2021! The commemoration will take place via Zoom at 7 p.m., and Bea Israel will receive the 2021 Chesed Award.
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December 16: JFNA and Jewish Book Council Present "Hidden Recipes: A Holocaust Memoir" Book Talk
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Chai Mitzvah Introduces "Grandparents & Beyond"
Connect with your grandchildren! Enjoy meaningful Jewish conversations and engaging activities for all ages. Be part of fun, interactive virtual community events. A year-long subscription to "Grandparents & Beyond" is only $18 and it makes a great Hanukkah gift! Click here to learn more. Questions? Contact Nina at [email protected].
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December 20: B'nai Tikvoh-Sholom Presents "Partners in Creation: Making Art about What Matters"
On Sunday, December 20 at 11a.m., join B'nai Tikvoh-Sholom as we reflect on a short Jewish teaching and relate it to the challenges, uncertainties, and opportunities of our own time. Then we'll do some creative writing and expressive art with items easily found around the house. The theme for this month is miracles. This event is taught by Rabbi Debra S. Cantor with art instructor Melinda Wright. It is free and open to all. For the Zoom link, contact the BTS office at 860.243.3576 or [email protected].
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December 20: Camp Laurelwood Holds First Virtual Parlor Meeting
Calling all new Camp Laurelwood families! You're invited to our first ever virtual parlor meeting. Join the Camp Laurelwood leadership team on Zoom on Sunday, December 20 at 11 a.m. to learn more about Camp Laurelwood. You'll hear about our 2021 dates and rates, health and safety updates, exciting new programs, and how your camper can have the best summer ever! For the Zoom information, email [email protected] or call 203.421.3736. And to make sure you never miss out on the fun, click here to subscribe to our email list.
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December 20: JGSCT Presents the Inside Scoop on JewishGen with Executive Director Avraham Groll
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Avraham Groll
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On Sunday, December 20 from 1:30 to 3 p.m., join the Jewish Genealogical Society of Connecticut for an inside look at JewishGen with Avraham Groll, its executive director. Enjoy his first webinar for JGSCT in the comfort of your home! He'll give a brief overview of how to navigate core JewishGen databases and features and share helpful research hints to make the most of its vast resources. He'll also discuss recent changes to the website, newly added collections, and plans for the future. For details, visit the JGSCT website. (A webinar registration link will be there soon!)
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January 7, 2021: "Embracing Judaism" Classes Begin
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Always been curious about Judaism? Never paid attention in Hebrew school? Thinking about (or is someone you love thinking about) officially joining the Tribe? Our program, "Embracing Judaism," will begin January 7, 2021. The Rabbinical Assembly of Connecticut is hosting American Jewish University's Miller Intro to Judaism Program and everyone is welcome to join. Classes cover Judaism's biggest and most life-changing ideas, as well as the nuts and bolts of daily Jewish living; they're taught by local Conservative rabbis affiliated with the Rabbinical Assembly. We'll meet for 18 sessions on Thursday evenings, from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Classes will be held in person in a West Hartford synagogue or, if necessary, online. The standard subsidized fee for the 18-week program is $180. This year, due to the pandemic, we're reducing the fee to $90. Generous discounts are available for full-time students and significant others; scholarship funds are also available. This course meets the Conservative Movement's requirements for those considering conversion to Judaism. To learn more, contact Rabbi Richard Plavin at 860.573.4503 or [email protected].
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Follow Federation President & CEO David Waren on Twitter @DavidSWaren
If you have a Twitter account, click here to get the inside scoop on happenings from a leader in the Greater Hartford Jewish community!
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