Ukraine Update: Your Impact |
|
As the conflict in Ukraine enters its fifth month, the horrors of the war continue—as does Federation’s unflagging support of those in need. Russia now claims control of the Luhansk region and more than half of the Donetsk region. To date, more than 9.93 million refugees have fled Ukraine, with nearly two-thirds of those refugees expected to stay in their host countries. Thanks to your support, Jewish Federations and our partners have raised more than $73 million in support of those who have been traumatized and displaced by this war. For a full update on the Ukraine conflict, as well as the life-saving work of Jewish Federations and our partners, click here.
|
|
Thursdays in August: Parents and Children Invited to Emanuel Preschool’s “Kibbitz and Nosh”
|
|
Join Emanuel Synagogue’s Hazzan Daniella Risman and religious school Principal Barbara Fink every Thursday in August at 11 a.m., for “Kibbitz and Nosh” [definitions here], a playgroup for parents/caregivers and children ages four and under. Meet other parents, make a new playdate, and enjoy lunch free of charge! You do not have to belong to our synagogue to participate in this free playgroup! Emanuel is located at 160 Mohegan Drive, West Hartford. Click here to register.
|
|
Above: Hazzan Daniella Risman and family |
|
Fridays in August: "Splish Splash Shabbat" at PJ Library |
|
Singing, sunshine, and swimming — what better way to welcome Shabbat on a summer day! Bring your little ones to splash around in the kiddie pool and enjoy songs, blessings, and challah. “Splish Splash Shabbat” takes place each Friday in August from 11 a.m. to noon, weather permitting, at the Swim & Tennis Club, 4 Duncaster Road, Bloomfield. To learn if we have canceled because of rain, check the PJ Library of Greater Hartford Facebook page or call the Swim Club at 860.243.0794. This program is free and open to all, but space is limited, so please register at least a day prior by emailing Susan at slentini@mandelljcc.org. Nonperishable food donations for the Anja Rosenberg Kosher Food Pantry at Jewish Family Services are always welcome. We will also collect back-to-school supplies for Jewish Family Services throughout the month.
|
|
August 1 - 15: Support the 8th Annual Back-to-School Drive
|
|
Please help us fill 60 backpacks with much-needed tools for school! Jewish Family Services of Greater Hartford is pleased to partner with the Mandell JCC, Jewish Children's Service Organization, and PJ Library for our 8th Annual Back-to-School Supply Drive, to be held Monday, August 1 through Monday, August 15. This collaborative community effort will provide backpacks and school supplies to children and teens in grades PreK to 12, allowing students to be prepared, confident, and motivated. There are three ways you can help: 1) Drop off supplies at Jewish Family Services, 333 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford; the Mandell JCC, 335 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford; or the Swim and Tennis Club, 4 Duncaster Road, Bloomfield. 2) Donate online and we’ll do the shopping for you! Click here to donate—and be sure to designate your gift for the Back-to-School Drive. 3) Visit our online wish list here, make your purchase, and ship directly to our office. For more information, call Jewish Family Services at 860.236.1927.
|
|
August 3 & 7: Young Israel of West Hartford Commemorates Tisha B’Av
|
|
In preparation for Tisha B’Av, Young Israel of West Hartford invites you to join them for the second installment of their series on the Book of Lamentations, featuring community scholar and Yoetzet Halacha Ruthie Braffman Shulman. This virtual event will be held on Wednesday, August 3 at 8:30 p.m. To learn more about this program and receive a Zoom link, click here. Please also join us on Tisha B' Av, Sunday, August 7, at 1 p.m. for a virtual tour of the Illinois Holocaust Museum, built on the theme “Spiritual Resistance During The Holocaust.” We will explore the ways Jews maintained their humanity and dignity by using faith to lift above the dehumanization of the Holocaust. To learn more about this event and receive a Zoom link, click here.
|
|
Above: Community scholar and Yoetzet Halacha Ruthie Braffman Shulman |
|
Mandell JCC Launches a Season of Culture with Festival of the Arts and Book Fest |
|
The Mandell JCC of Greater Hartford is ready for an autumn bursting with culture—from works of literature to artistry on stage. Join the J for the 2022-23 Festival of the Arts, with a series of remarkable performances at the Herbert and Evelyn Gilman Theater, located at 335 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford. From the thought-provoking comedy of “YidLife Crisis” to the high-voltage jazz of Israeli pianist Guy Mintus, there’s something on the stage for everyone this fall. Click here for a full listing of performances. For lovers of literature, the J is thrilled to announce the return of the Jewish Book Festival. This year’s festival will include talks from authors Shaunna J. Edwards, Alyson Richman, Michael M. Twitty, and Jen Maxfield—with more to come! Click here for more details.
|
|
Above (l to r): “YidLife Crisis” performers Eli Batalion and Jamie Elman bring their comedy to the Gilman Theater, and Israeli jazz pianist Guy Mintus takes the stage in November. |
|
August 10: Celebrate the Jewish Day of Love with Hoffman SummerWood
|
|
Tu B’Av, or the Jewish day of love, is an ancient Jewish holiday that dates back to Second Temple times; after being largely uncelebrated for many centuries it has experienced a modern-day revival, particularly in Israel. Tu B’Av is celebrated on the fifteenth of the Hebrew month of Av, and receives its name because the Hebrew letters for “Tu” equal the number 15. Join us at Hoffman SummerWood as we celebrate with an evening of music, fun, and “love” cupcakes on Wednesday, August 10 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. This in-person event will be held at 160 Simsbury Road, West Hartford. Attendees must be fully vaccinated and masked.
|
|
JTConnect Announces Expanded Teen Philanthropy Program |
|
JTConnect’s teen philanthropy programs help teens discover their potential for creating real change in the world—and we're excited to share that we are expanding our Teen Leadership and Philanthropy Initiative (TLPI) to include a second synagogue site! (You do not need to belong to a synagogue to participate.) TLPI participants become experienced board members, sophisticated fundraisers, strategic grantmakers, and confident young Jewish leaders. TLPI will be offered at Congregation Beth Israel, 701 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford; and Farmington Valley Jewish Congregation, 55 Bushy Hill Road, Simsbury. Jewish teens from all over the Greater Hartford area are welcome to participate at either location. If you know a teen who could be a good fit for TLPI, click here to learn more or register. You may also contact us by phone at 860.727.6157 or email at caroline@jtconnect.org.
|
|
August 11, 16 & 18: Learn More about Momentum Trip to Israel for Moms, Embarking in November
|
|
Moms raising Jewish kids age 18 and under: Join a group of like-minded women for an exciting and empowering journey through Israel... and a year of learning together at home! The Momentum Year-Long Journey includes a heavily subsidized eight-day trip to Israel (November 14- 21, 2022) plus monthly opportunities to learn, celebrate, and grow. Learn more at an upcoming AMA ("ask me anything") meeting: Thursday, August 11 at 6 p.m. in South Windsor; Tuesday, August 16 at 6 p.m. in West Hartford; or Thursday, August 18 at 7:30 p.m. on Zoom. For details and registration, contact Rebecca Lenkiewicz at rlenkiewicz@jewishhartford.org.
|
|
Above: The most recent Momentum Greater Hartford cohort visits the Western Wall in May 2022 |
|
August 12: Join Beth David and Beth Israel for a Shabbat of Community Unity & Consolation
|
|
Congregation Beth Israel and Beth David Synagogue will welcome a special Shabbat of consolation together on Friday, August 12 at 6:30 p.m. This outdoor event will be held at Beth David, 20 Dover Road, West Hartford. It features a festive Kabbalat Shabbat service with familiar songs from each congregation, followed by two separate Maariv services: Reform indoors and Orthodox outside. Then we'll all come together again for Kiddush and an open-air Oneg Shabbat. Beth David's Rabbi Yitzchok Adler will speak at the beginning of Kabbalat Shabbat, and Beth Israel's Rabbi Michael Pincus will give a d'var Torah. No reservations are required; security will be present. To learn more, call Beth Israel at 860.233.8215 or Beth David at 860.236.1241.
|
|
August 19 & 28: Gishrei Shalom Jewish Congregation Holds Shabbat and Annual Summer Picnic
|
|
Gishrei Shalom Jewish Congregation (GSJC) invites you to join Rabbi Alana Wasserman for a joyous Shabbat service to be held in person and over Zoom on Friday, August 19 at 7 p.m. In-person services will take place at Gishrei Shalom’s home at 37 Main Street, Southington. You are also invited to join GSCJC for a summer picnic at Rec Park, 25 Maxwell Noble Drive, Southington, at noon on Sunday, August 28. Click here for Shabbat service information, here for picnic details, or contact us at 860.276.9113 or membership@gsjc.org. To receive a Zoom link for the Shabbat service, email rabbi@gsjc.org.
|
|
August 21: Outdoor Concert and BBQ at Beth El Temple
|
|
Beth El Music & Arts (BEMA) and Beth El Temple Men's Club proudly present an outdoor summer concert and barbecue, to be held on Sunday, August 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. Join us at 2626 Albany Avenue, West Hartford for this family-friendly concert event featuring music you'll love. Men's Club will man the grill, providing hamburgers, hot dogs, and all the fixings. This event is $10 per person with a family maximum of $35 (each ticket includes concert and dinner). We will have some tables available, but feel free to bring blankets and beach chairs for this casual event! Click here or contact Lydia Lutt with your questions at marketing@bethelwh.org.
|
|
August 22 - 26: UConn Hillel Hosts FYSHFest for Incoming Freshmen
|
|
UConn Hillel will host its FYSHFest (First Year Students of Hillel) for early move-in from Monday, August 22 through Friday, August 26. The FYSH program pairs first year UConn students with a Hillel mentor to help acclimate them to life at a large university. Activities over the four days include a scavenger hunt, lawn games, and roller skating; we will also familiarize incoming students with UConn landmarks like Horsebarn Hill. The $150 fee helps cover the cost of early move-in, including all meals and activities. UConn Hillel Board Chair Lori Baden says, “UConn Hillel helps to make a big school smaller. It is a place where Jewish students know they will fit in and have a home away from home.” The fall 2022 semester begins on Monday, August 29 and Hillel looks forward to welcoming hundreds of Jewish students back to campus. For more information about FYSH Fest early move-in, please contact us at engagement@uconnhillel.org or call or text 203.687.5745.
|
|
August 25: Ice Cream Social and Open House at Rabbi Leon Wind Religious School
|
|
Come and learn all that Rabbi Leon Wind Religious School has to offer at our ice cream social and open house on Thursday, August 25 at 6:30 p.m.! Build your own sundae while you meet our teachers and make new friends. We'll also enjoy a sing-along with our school’s principal, Rabbi Alan Lefkowitz. The fun happens at Beth Sholom B’nai Israel, 400 East Middle Turnpike Road, Manchester. Registration is required at this link. To learn more about our school, visit the BSBI website.
|
|
Chai Mitzvah Announces Three New Programs |
|
Chai Mitzvah is pleased to announce three new program offerings! The first, "Rosh Chodesh," provides a perfect way to welcome each new Jewish month. The second, "Aseret Scholars: Traveling the Ten Commandments, " connects the values of the Ten Commandments to locations in Israel—whether for a physical or virtual trip. This curriculum is designed for families preparing for a bar or bat mitzvah, but anyone can use it. Finally, "Kehila: Caring, and Community" is for teens and focuses on disabilities and inclusion. For more information on these or other Chai Mitzvah programs, visit our website or contact Nina Woldin at nina@chaimitzvah.org.
|
|
August 26: Join Temple Sinai for Shabbat in the Park
|
|
Temple Sinai invites you to an outdoor Shabbat in the park on Friday, August 26 at 6 p.m. The service will take place—weather permitting—at the Churchill Park Lower Pavilion (near the pond), 1991 Main Street, Newington. Guests and prospective members are welcome! Don’t forget to grab a blanket or chairs, and for those who would like to linger and socialize, pack a picnic and fun backyard games. RSVP is encouraged, but not required, at templesinaict@gmail.com. In case of inclement weather, service will be virtual only; email us for a Zoom link.
|
|
|
|
Don't Miss Out! Register Now for Our Israel Adventure in March 2023
|
Join over 100 Hartford and New Haven community members who have already signed up for this trip of a lifetime! Our "Choose Your Own Adventure" community trip to Israel happens from March 9-16, 2023... and we want YOU to join us! Choose from five different tracks for different interests, including first-time visitors to Israel, geopolitics, arts and culture, food and wine, and technology and innovation. Israel Adventure 2023 is presented by the Jewish Federations of Greater Hartford and Greater New Haven and co-chaired by Juanita and Yitz Moss of West Hartford and Lauren and David Hass of Orange. The trip deposit is refundable through October 1, so register today! |
|
|
|
September 1: Celebrate Congregation Beth Israel
|
|
Join Congregation Beth Israel on Thursday, September 1 at 6 p.m. for our annual Celebrate CBI event. We’ll have food trucks, music, face-painting, games, and more. This event is free and open to the public, so bring friends and family! Meet our clergy, engage with members of our community, and learn all that CBI has to offer. Celebrate CBI will be held at Congregation Beth Israel, 701 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford, in our back parking lot (off of Fenway Road). For more information, click here or call 860.233.8215.
|
|
September 2 - 5: A Weekend of Family Fun at Camp Laurelwood
|
|
Join us for Family Camp at Camp Laurelwood... we'll bring the fun, you bring the fam! In partnership with the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts, we're hosting a Family Camp weekend from Friday, September 2 through Monday, September 5. Please join us for an all-inclusive family Shabbat weekend designed specifically for Jewish families with children age 8 and younger. Camp Laurelwood is located on 140 magnificent acres in Madison, Connecticut. Click here to learn more about Family Camp, or email elizabeth@camplaurelwood.org with any questions.
|
|
September 11: Descendants of the Shoah New England Holocaust Conference
|
|
Voices of Hope will hold its Descendants of the Shoah Conference on Sunday, September 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mandell JCC, 335 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford. The conference will consist of three one-hour sessions: two in the morning and one in the afternoon. Participants will choose from among four options for each session, with topics including “Who We Are and Why We Came,” “So, You Want to Write a Book?,” “Preparing to Speak in the Classroom,” “The Future of Holocaust Memory,” “Carrying the Torch: A Conversation With and About the 3rd Generation,” “Uncovering the Mysteries of Your Artifact,” and “My Experience as a USC Shoah Interviewer.” Presenters will include scholars, authors, and descendants. Kosher coffee, lunch, and snacks will be provided. An early-bird registration discount is available through Monday, August 1. There is also a special rate for students and no charge for survivors. Space is limited, so click here to register now!
|
|
September 21: HINENI 2022 Celebration at The Bushnell
|
|
Mark your calendar for Jewish Greater Hartford's biggest and most exciting celebration of impact! HINENI 2022 will take place on Wednesday, September 21 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts in Hartford. We'll honor local leaders and visionaries, present the Henry M. Zachs Spirit of Judaism Award to local heroes Kathy Fishman and Ronit Shoham, and enjoy a live performance by Israeli superstar David Broza and Trio Havana. HINENI 2022 is presented by Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford and chaired by Howard N. Weiner. Details and registration are coming soon!
|
|
“To see [David] Broza in concert is to be mesmerized.” — The New York Times
|
|
September 26 - 28 & October 9 - 19: Celebrate Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot at Isabella Freedman in the Berkshires
|
|
Bring in the new year of 5783 surrounded by the beautiful Berkshires. Plan to visit the Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center for Rosh Hashanah, from Monday, September 26 through Wednesday, September 28. You are also invited to join us for Sukkot, from Sunday October 9 through Wednesday, October 19. Our celebrations will include kosher farm-to-table holiday feasts, the beauty of the fall foliage, daily yoga, guided farm tours, and more. Registration is now open—reserve your spot today! Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center is located at 116 Johnson Road, Falls Village. Click here to learn more.
|
|
JLink is a community service of Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford. All Jewish nonprofits, schools, and synagogues in Greater Hartford are welcome to submit news and events. For details and deadlines, contact Scott Whitney at swhitney@taxicol.com. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
