We ushered out Yom Kippur Wednesday night and once again were confronted with news of a violent attack against Jews - this time a shooter in Germany who tried to storm a synagogue and, while screaming "Jew," killed two on the outside.

In a just published book entitled How to Fight Anti-Semitism, New York Times columnist Bari Weiss explicates contemporary anti-Semitism in all of its manifestations and offers a number of prescriptions for response. Among her many suggestions:
  • Expose and condemn anti-Semitism on both extremes of the ideological spectrum
  • Recognize that an attack on one group is an attack on all - ensure a broad communal response to bigotry
  • Strengthen the security of our institutions (an initiative that the Federation is in the process of leading)
  • Lean into Judaism
Throughout many centuries of persecution, a common response has been to hide one's Jewish identity. In asserting that the better response is pride and affirmation of identity, Weiss writes:

There has not been a single moment in Jewish history in which there wasn't anti-Semites determined to eradicate Judaism and Jews. But the Jews did not sustain their magnificent civilization because they were anti-anti-Semites. They sustained it because they knew who they were and why they were. They were lit up not by fires from without but by fires in their souls.

Likewise, we fight by waging an affirmative battle for who we are. By entering the fray for our values, for our ideals, for our ancestors, for our families, for our communities, for generations that will come after us.

The Sukkot holiday, which begins on Sunday evening, is redolent of those values and ideals. We are commanded to leave our solid homes and dwell in a fragile hut with branches for a roof - in part to remind us of our own fragility and that all blessings and protections ultimately emanate from above.

We also take four species and bundle them together, reflective of four different archetypes - the etrog (reflecting an individual steeped in learning and good deeds), the myrtle (symbolizing one with good deeds but little erudition), the palm (symbolizing erudition but few good deeds) and the willow (reflecting one who possesses neither wisdom nor good deeds). Our strength, our blessings, result when all four species, all four types of Jews, are united - are bound up together as one.

There is an also an idea that the process of teshuva doesn't end on Yom Kippur - that what we didn't achieve through fasting and repentance we can achieve through dancing and joy on Sukkot and Simchat Torah. May 5780 be a year of health, sustenance, joy and blessings for our community, for our neighbors and for Jews across the globe.

Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach!


President and CEO
Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford
Hazon Declares 5780 "The Year of Environmental Teshuva"

From the first day of the Hebrew month of Elul through the last day of Sukkot, we turn inward and reflect on how we can strive to be our best selves in the coming year. Teshuva can be translated as repentance, return, answer, self-actualization and/or lifting your inner voice for good. It is about reconnecting and reaffirming one's commitment to living a healthy and good life. Environmental teshuva is the outward manifestation of our commitment to doing better for the planet. In this new year, Hazon encourages you to learn more about environmental teshuva and join the Jewish Climate Coalition.
Jewish Family Services Now Accepting New Child and Teen Clients

Returning to school can bring excitement as well as stress and anxiety for many children. Statistics show that 1 in 5 children ages 13 to 18 have, or will have, a serious mental illness. Jewish Family Services of Greater Hartford can help children manage worries and have a successful start to the school year. We are now accepting new clients for our children and teen counseling services. For an appointment, call 860.236.1927.
Area Rabbis Offer "Embracing Judaism" Course

Whether you want to reboot your Judaism, satisfy your intellectual curiosity or consider Judaism as a new faith, you are invited to delve into the richness of the Jewish heritage through " Embracing Judaism," an 18-week course taught by local rabbis. Together we will explore Jewish beliefs, values, prayers, festivals, peoplehood, lifecycle and more. The first session will be on Thursday, October 31. Classes will meet at The Emanuel Synagogue in West Hartford from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Classes will be taught by Rabbis Debra Cantor, David Small, James Rosen, Randall Konigsburg and Richard Plavin. To learn more, contact Rabbi Plavin at [email protected] or call 860.573.4503. Tuition for the entire program is $180; significant others, full-time students and alumni of the program will receive a 50% discount.
Sukkot
October 13 - 20

A whole new take on shaking the lulav from DJ Raphi.
A whole new take on shaking the lulav from Tel Aviv's DJ Raphi.
Sukkot is one of the three pilgrimage festivals recorded in the Torah, along with Passover and Shavuot. It is named for the booths or huts in which we are supposed to dwell during the festival, a reminder of our 40 years of wandering in the wilderness after leaving Egypt.

Many observant Jews gather cuttings from the Four Species and shake them during Sukkot. While there are many interpretations about the significance of the Four Species, perhaps the simplest is to give thanks for the harvest while remembering the abundance of Israel.

Sukkot is a wonderful time to share a meal with friends and family outdoors, and our New England autumn makes it even more beautiful. Here are some local celebrations of Sukkot.

For children and their families and caregivers
PJ Library invites children and their families and caregivers to celebrate in the Mandell JCC sukkah on Friday, October 11 (today!) from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. We'll listen to stories, make a delicious edible sukkah and enjoy Shabbat blessings and challah. This is a free program and all children are welcome. The Mandell JCC is located at 335 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford.

Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Hartford and PJ Library are teaming up for Shababa in the Sukkah on Friday, October 18 at 5:45 p.m. at Beth El Temple, 2626 Albany Avenue, West Hartford. Children ages 8 and under, and their families and caregivers, are invited to a free evening of fun in the Sukkah! Schechter friends will share a PJ Library story, and Beth El Temple's Rabbi Ilana Garber will lead the songs, dancing, a Torah parade and more. RSVP at tinyurl.com/ShababaOct by noon on Thursday, October 17. For additional Schechter/PJ Library events, click here.

For grownups
Why should kids have all the fun? Join the Young Israel of West Hartford Adult Sukkah "Hops" (yes, "hops" as in beer!) on Friday, October 18 starting at 8 p.m. Join us as we sukkah-crawl our way through the neighborhood, enjoy unique cocktails and snacks along the way and socialize with new and old friends... all as we celebrate Sukkot together! The route begins at 150 Mohawk Drive, West Hartford. Questions? Contact David at [email protected].

For everyone
Congregation Beth Israel welcomes the entire community to an Erev Sukkot (eve of Sukkot) open house on Sunday, October 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. Meet our clergy; enjoy free pizza, cider and apples; and shake the lulav and etrog with us. Congregation Beth Israel is located at 701 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford

Jewish Association for Community Living invites everyone to celebrate Sukkot with us on Sunday, October 22 at 11 a.m. in the Mandell JCC sukkah. JCL helps people with developmental disabilities participate in community life as independently and safely as possible. Come and join us! The Mandell JCC is located at 335 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford
October 17: "Regeneration: Jewish Life in Poland 1975-2018" Opens at Trinity College Hillel

You're invited to attend a free opening celebration for "Regeneration: Jewish Life in Poland 1975-2018," an exhibit of work by photographer Chuck Fishman, on Thursday, October 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Trinity College Hillel, Zachs Hillel House, 121 Allen Place, Hartford. Light kosher refreshments will be served. The exhibit will remain on display from October 17 through November 8; building hours are Monday through Friday, 1 to 4 p.m. It is jointly presented by Trinity College Hillel, Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford and the Jewish Hartford European Roots project, along with a wide variety of co-sponsors including Federation. To learn more, email Lisa Kassow at [email protected].
October 17: Lecture on Intermarriage and Antisemitism at UConn Storrs

Bruce Phillips, Ph.D.
On Thursday, October 17, Bruce Phillips, Ph.D., Professor of Sociology & Jewish Communal Service at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, will discuss "Do Americans Love or Hate the Jews? Intermarriage and Antisemitism in the 21st Century"  in the Class of '47 Room (ground floor) at the Babbidge Library at UConn Storrs. A reception will be held at 5 p.m. followed by the talk at 5:30 p.m. The evening is sponsored by the UConn Center for Judaic Studies and Contemporary Jewish Life. If you require an accommodation to participate, please contact Pamela Weathers at [email protected] or 860.486.2271.
Chai Mitzah Presents New Learning Opportunities for Adults and Teens

If you have not been a part of Chai Mitzvah in a while, come check out what's new! We have added new tracks of study for both adults and teens. Our newest program debuting in the fall is "Aseret: The Big Ten." To learn more, contact Nina Woldin at [email protected].
JScreen Kits Test for Genetic Diseases that Affect the Jewish Community

JScreen is a not-for-profit. at-home education and carrier screening program for Jewish genetic diseases, based at Emory University, that helps individuals and couples understand their genetic risks and plan ahead for the health of their future families. Through JScreen.org, you can register online 24/7, receive a saliva collection kit in the mail, send in a sample and receive results by phone or secure videoconference with JScreen genetic counselors. JScreen's screening panel tests for more than 200 diseases - including those that are more common in Ashkenazi, Sephardic and Mizrahi Jewish communities and diseases that are common in the non-Jewish population, making it relevant for interfaith couples as well. There is a program fee of $149; additional testing costs may be covered by your insurance. Some need-based financial assistance is available. Visit JScreen.org to learn more.
October 20: "Genealogical Resources to Grow Your Family Tree" with JGSCT

Have you explored every avenue to discover the details of your ancestors' lives? Jennifer Zinck, a professional genealogist specializing in Connecticut research and DNA for genealogy, will discuss "Genealogical Resources to Grow Your Family Tree" at the Jewish Genealogical Society of Connecticut's next monthly meeting on Sunday, October 20 at 1:30 p.m. at Temple Sinai, 41 West Hartford Road, Newington. She'll discuss resources you may have overlooked and explore tips and tricks to help you grow your family's story. This free program is open to anyone interested in Jewish genealogical research. Click here to learn more..
October 20: S'mores and Tours at Camp Laurelwood

Camp Laurelwood invites you to join us for S'mores and Tours on Sunday, October 20 from 2 to 4 p.m. at our beautiful, newly renovated campus at 463 Summer Hill Road, Madison. You'll enjoy a delicious treat, meet with friendly staff and see our better-than-ever facilities. To RSVP or to schedule a tour on a different day, contact [email protected].
Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah
October 20 - 22

Simchat Torah ("Rejoicing of the Torah") by Ron Almog
Falling at the end of Sukkot, the holidays of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are celebrated separately by some Jews and together by others. On Shemini Atzeret, observant Jews say the first prayer for rain of the year. This is also one of the four holidays during which we recite the Yizkor or memorial service. On Simchat Torah, we celebrate the conclusion of the annual cycle of Torah reading and the beginning of a new cycle. This is a very festive occasion marked by joyful processions (Hakafot) around the synagogue holding the Torah scroll.

Below are some ways our local community will be celebrating..

Bring your little ones to celebrate Simchat Torah with PJ Library on Friday, October 18 at 12:45 p.m. in the Mandell JCC Family Room! Rabbi Michael Pincus of Congregation Beth Israel will show us a real Torah. We'll learn how to write like a scribe with a quill (feather), share PJ Library stories and make an edible "Torah" for our snack. Free and open to all. RSVP to Jane at 860.231.6342 or Susan at [email protected]. The J is located at 335 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford.

Beth David Synagogue invites you to a full schedule of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah observances featuring Jewish a cappella group Six13. The excitement starts with a Shemini Atzeret dinner and concert on Sunday, October 20 at 6:30 p.m.; it continues as Simchat Torah begins on Monday evening, October 21, with Mincha and Maariv (afternoon and evening prayers), a free public concert, hakafot and a young adult party featuring Six13, a taco bar and beer. We'll round out our Simchat Torah celebrations on Tuesday, October 22 with Shacharit (morning prayers), kiddush (a light repast), more hakafot, traditional and women's Torah readings, and brunch. Registration is required for the Shemini Atzeret dinner; it closes on Monday, October 14 and there's an early bird special until October 12. Click here for details. Beth David Synagogue is located at 20 Dover Road, West Hartford.

The Emanuel Synagogue will host a festive Simchat Torah café after 6 p.m. holiday services on Monday, October 21. Services and the café are free and open to all! The Emanuel is located at 160 Mohegan Drive, West Hartford.

"Under One Roof" Collaborative Community Art Exhibit at the Mandell JCC through November 15

"Under One Roof: Welcoming the Stranger" is an extraordinary collaborative community art experience that features works of art created by more than 40 nonprofit organizations across Greater Hartford - each exploring the theme of welcoming the stranger. The exhibit is on view from now through November 15 in the Mandell JCC's Chase Family Gallery, which is open during regular J hours. You can also check out our Facebook group here. The J is located at 335 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford.
October 23: Tara's Closet and BBYO Present Screenagers Next Chapter

Tara's Closet at Jewish Family Services presents the Greater Hartford premiere of Screenagers Next Chapter on Wednesday, October 23 from 7 to 9 p.m. at West Hartford Town Hall in partnership with BBYO. Stress, anxiety and depression are on the rise; this second film in the groundbreaking documentary series shares strategies and solutions to help your screen-obsessed teen survive and thrive in a digital world. Free and open to parents, students, educators and community members. Please bring winter coats, sweaters and gloves for members of our community in need. West Hartford Town Hall is located at 50 South Main Street, West Hartford.
October 24: JewGood Hartford, Charter Oak Cultural Center Team Up for a Hartford Neighborhood Halloween Bash

Young professionals who are interested in exploring philanthropy are invited to join JewGood Hartford on October 24 when they host the Charter Oak Cultural Center's Halloween Bash for more than 150 neighborhood children and their families! Help is needed to set up and decorate, facilitate craft projects, read spooky stories, give out refreshments and lead the costume parade. JewGood is a giving circle of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford. To learn more, email [email protected].
October 27: What's the Latest in Cancer Research Worldwide... and What's Israel's Role?

Daniel Rosenberg, Ph.D.
Cutting-edge cancer solutions are moving away from "slash and burn" to techniques like immunotherapy and improved detection. Daniel Rosenberg, Ph.D., Professor of Medicine and Health Net at UConn and a member of the Israel Cancer Research Fund's scientific review panel, will give us an exciting look into the future of cancer research on Sunday, October 27 at 9 a.m. at Congregation Beth Israel, 701 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Israel Cancer Research Fund, a U.S.-based charitable organization, is the single largest source of private funds for cancer research in Israel and has donated more than $50 million to cancer scientists across Israel over nearly 45 years. Two scientists funded by ICRF conducted research that led to a breakthrough cancer drug - and they became the first Israelis to win the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. This free, public program is sponsored by the CT Chapter of ICRF in conjunction with Congregation Beth Israel and Beth David Synagogue. Click here to learn more.
October 27: Babies & Bagels with PJ Library

If you are a parent with a baby 18 months old or younger, join PJ Library in the Mandell JCC Family Room on Sunday, October 27 at 10 a.m. for a morning of fun and schmoozing with your little one. It's free and open to all! Please let us know you will be attending; RSVP to Jane Pasternak at [email protected] or 860.231.6342.
October 28: "How Did Jews Get to Europe?" Lecture with Avraham Groll of JewishGen.org

Avraham Groll
The Emanuel Synagogue Adult Education Committee will co-sponsor a lecture by Avraham Groll, executive director of JewishGen.org, on Monday, October 28 at 7 p.m., at the synagogue, which is located at 160 Mohegan Drive in West Hartford. Groll will speak on the topic "How Did Jews Get to Europe?" The event is also sponsored by the University of Hartford Maurice Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies and the Jewish Genealogical Society of Connecticut. The event is free and open to the community. RSVP for planning purposes to [email protected].
October 30: An Evening of Hope with Author Steven Pressman

Voices of Hope's signature annual event, an Evening of Hope, will take place on Wednesday, October 30 beginning at 6 p.m. in the G. Fox Ballroom, 960 Main Street, Hartford. Author Steven Pressman will share the inspirational story of an American Jewish couple's mission into the heart of Nazi Germany to rescue 50 children. Click here for tickets and information.
October 30: Mitzvah Mamas Celebrate Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan

Celebrate Rosh Chodesh (the new month) with the Mitzvah Mamas, friendly Jewish women ages 13+ from all around the Greater Hartford area. Take some time for yourself to be part of a special circle. In about an hour, we learn about each other, explore a Jewish value and leave a bit richer. We'll celebrate Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan on Wednesday, October 30, from 7 to 8 p.m. at 43 1/2 Wappingwood Road, Ellington (the second home on a shared driveway). Our shomeret is Sarah Kaprove; she'll facilitate our circle and discuss the Jewish idea of joy. We begin promptly at 7, so please arrive 15 minutes early if you'd like to schmooze. Feel free to bring a friend! No RSVP necessary. To learn more about Rosh Chodesh gatherings, pop-up road trips or the next free trip to Israel for moms, please contact Mindy Glickman at [email protected] or 917.698.7952. Check out our Facebook group too!.
Register by November 1 for April 2020 March of the Living Delegation to Poland & Israel

Learn more about March of the Living.
What is the March of the Living and why does it matter? Learn more in this video.
November 1 is the last day to register for Voices of Hope's Connecticut Adult March of the Living trip to Poland and Israel, which takes place April 19 to 29, 2020! We'll visit a variety of historic and contemporary sites in Poland and participate in a March of the Living from Auschwitz to Birkenau on Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) alongside thousands of teens, adults and Holocaust survivors. Then we'll commemorate Yom HaZikaron (Israel's Memorial Day) and celebrate Yom Ha'Atzmaut (Israel's Independence Day) in Israel. Don't miss this amazing opportunity. Click here to learn more, or contact Robin Landau at [email protected] or 860.470.5591. Co-sponsored by Federation, the Mandell JCC and International March of the Living.
November 3: Jewish Historical Society Presents "The Roots of Rock-n-Roll"

Brian Gillie
Join the fun and relive the memories of 1950s and '60s rock-n-roll with singer and multi-instrumentalist Brian Gillie and the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford on Sunday, November 3 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Road, West Hartford. Followed by an A.C. Petersen's ice cream sundae "nightcap." $36 per person; $50 per patron. Register  here.
November 4: Frieda B. Author Renata Bowers to Speak at Children's Reading Partners' Fall Kickoff

Renata Bowers
Frieda B. children's book author Renata Bowers will show you how to use written stories to inspire real-life stories - both your own and those of the children you care about - at Children's Reading Partners' Fall 2019 Kickoff on Monday, November 4 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Mandell JCC Innovation Center, 335 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford. You'll also learn how you can empower local children by becoming a Children's Reading Partners reading mentor. The program is free; light kosher refreshments will be served. RSVP by Friday, November 1 to Ronni Breiter at [email protected] or 860.727.6129. Children's Reading Partners is an initiative of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Hartford, part of your Jewish Federation.
November 7: Lecture on Holocaust Refugees in Iran and India at UConn

Atina Grossmann, Ph.D.
Please join the UConn Center for Judaic Studies on Thursday, November 7, when Atina Grossmann, Ph.D., Professor of History at The Cooper Union, will present "Shelter from the Holocaust: German Jewish Refugees in Iran and India." The program will begin at 12:30 p.m. in the Konover Auditorium at the Dodd Research Center on the UConn Storrs campus. A reception will follow. This free, public lecture is made possible by the Center for Judaic Studies Frances and Irving Seliger Memorial Endowment Fund and is held in remembrance of Kristallnacht. Click here to learn more.
November 19: Save the Date for "Crash Theory: How Change Happens" with Rabbi Benay Lappe

Rabbi Benay Lappe
When the master narratives that guide our lives inevitably crash, how should we respond? Mark your calendars and find out at a unique and eye-opening community forum with Rabbi Benay Lappe, Founder, President and Rosh Yeshiva of SVARA: a traditionally radical yeshiva, on Tuesday, November 19. Presented by the Greater Hartford Jewish Leadership Academy, "CRASH Theory: How Change Happens" will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. at a Greater Hartford location to be announced. Click here for more information; invitations to this free program are coming soon.
November 20: "A New Plan for Peace in the Middle East" at The Mark Twain House

The Trump administration promised the "deal of the century" to bring long-awaited peace to the Israelis and Palestinians, and Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and advisor, pitched an economic plan that calls for $50 billion in investments parceled out to a number of Middle Eastern countries over 10 years. What does this approach mean for the future of peace and stability in the region? Join us on Wednesday, November 20 from 6 to 7:15 p.m. at The Mark Twain House and Museum for a conversation with Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, D.B.A., of Yale University, and Donna Divine, Ph.D., of Smith College, on the ongoing Middle East peace process, the role of U.S. leadership, and an opportunity to break down the latest plan for peace in the Middle East. Megan Torrey, CEO of the World Affairs Council of Connecticut, will serve as moderator. This program is free; registration is required. It is presented by the World Affairs Council of Connecticut and the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Hartford, part of your Jewish Federation. Click here to learn more or to register.
November 21: Bring Your New and Gently Used Clothes to Tara's Closet at Jewish Family Services

Tara's Closet at Jewish Family Services will hold its Annual Fall/Winter Collection on Thursday, November 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 5 to 7 p.m. in the lobby of the Community Services Building, 333 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford. We are seeking donations of new and like-new fall and winter clothing and outerwear for our clients in need: men, women, teens, children and infants. Now is the perfect time to go through your closets at home, free up some space and help our clients stay warm this winter! For more information, call 860.236.1927.
November 24: Limited Space Available: Bus Trip to Auschwitz Exhibit at Jewish Heritage Museum

Just a couple of spaces are left on the community bus trip to view the Auschwitz exhibition at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York City on Sunday, November 24. The exhibit features more than 700 original objects and 400 photographs from 20+ institutions worldwide that help to express the tremendous loss - 1 million Jewish lives and tens of thousands of others - that took place at Auschwitz. Avinoam Patt, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Judaic Studies and Contemporary Jewish Life at UConn, will give a morning bus talk and an afternoon debriefing to make our visit even more informative. Tickets are $89 per person or $85 for adults 65+, and space is extremely limited. To register, call 860.236.4571. This trip is sponsored by the Jewish Historical Society, the Mandell JCC and Voices of Hope.
Nominations Due December 18 for the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards

Learn about the recipients of this year's Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards.
Learn about the recipients of this year's Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards.
The Helen Diller Family Foundation's Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards program is now accepting nominations for 2020. The awards recognize up to 15 extraordinary Jewish teens annually with $36,000 each to support their ongoing social impact projects or further their education. Up to five teens from California and ten from other communities nationwide will be acknowledged for demonstrating exceptional leadership and impact in repairing the world. Anyone interested in nominating a teen, or any teen interested in applying directly, is welcome to visit www.dillerteenawards.org to begin the nomination or application process. The nomination deadline is December 18, 2019; all applications must be completed by January 8, 2020.
Save the Date for JFACT Fund's Theater Night on April 26, 2020

The JFACT Fund will hold its annual night at the theater on Sunday, April 26, 2020 from 5:30 to 8:15 p.m. at The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts in Hartford. This year's featured performance is "The Band's Visit," a musical adaptation based on the critically acclaimed film by Eran Kolirin. A simple spelling mistake at the Egypt/Israel border sees the Alexandria Police Band redirected to the wrong town, which has no public transportation and no hotels... meshing two very different cultures in one night. The evening includes a cocktail reception. To learn more, contact Ayelet Weber at [email protected].