On Wednesday, February 26 at 6:15 pm  we will have the first of four (2/26, 3/25, 5/13) evening discussions open to all congregants working through Alan Morinis' book,  Everyday Holiness: The Jewish Spiritual Path of Mussar . 

In the course of these 4 discussions, the workshop will study the history of Mussar tradition within Judaism; the Mussar "map" of 18 traits identified within the tradition as being inherent to humankind; and the elements of traditional Mussar practice which aim to bring these traits into balance and make us whole. Please RSVP to Ria Miller if you are planning to attend, please read part one of the book Everyday Holiness before coming to the first meeting. There will be a book discussion.

 

This in-synagogue women's retreat, sponsored by TBC's Sisterhood, will avail of the "found time" of the extra day of the leap year as a gift of rest and restoration from Shabbat to Havdalah, focused on mindfulness gratitude and renewal, filled with music, meditation, yoga and song.

  

Complete information may be found here.

        

The registration form may be found here. 

Have you witnessed swastikas in schools? Jewish or Holocaust jokes? Inadvertent orovert anti-Semitic remarks in class or on the field?  Many local high school students are facing words or acts of anti-Semitism. They are  concerned, angry, even frightened. They need to learn how to speak up and feel empowered  to respond.  Join Jewish high school students from all over Fairfield County at ADL CT's first teen 

summit on responding to anti-Semitism.

A panel of ADL teen volunteers will share their stories about overcoming anti-Semitism,  followed by breakout sessions facilitated by ADL staff. Students will practice new strategies  in small groups; separately, parents will learn how to help guide their children and  advocate for them when they are confronted with anti-Semitic issues. Parents are  strongly encouraged to attend but it is not mandatory. Click Here to RSVP. 

 

As the secular year begins, we know that many of us are thinking of loved ones who have passed away, and we invite you to use this moment of transition, of remembering and looking forward, to commemorate the lives and blessings of your loved ones with a memorial plaque. Please see this announcement from Rabbi Bearman and President Baulsir for more information .

F ollow Rabbi Rachel Bearman's and Rabbi Paul Kipnes's  Midrashic Monologues as they restore the voices of biblical women and men who have not been given the opportunity to speak.  

Recently published monologues are:

• Women and Water: Yocheved and Batyah
• Joseph and His Mothers' Blessing
• Mattathias and the Only Decision He Could Make
• Judith's Story

The second of three midrash adult education classes, on musical midrash, was held on Sunday January 31. It was a treat!!  We all think of midrash as embellished stories like those regularly published by Rabbi Bearman.

 

So, we had little idea of what to expect. Student Cantor Hamstra kept us entirely enthralled. She brought examples of old poems set to music, new compositions in various musical toe tapping genres, and new settings of prayers we say weekly. Our horizons were expanded. We were captivated by her presentation. It was definitely time well spent.

 

The next midrash class on artistic midrash will be held at TBC on Sunday April 5 at 10am.