Trending in Our Jewish Community

TRENDING IN OUR JEWISH COMMUNITY

September 29, 2023

Shalom CT!

I recently ordered the paper edition (weekends only) of the New York Times, and it's made quite a difference in how I see the news. When I get articles and updates on my phone, I scroll quickly, and in no particular order, and then I choose what to read and what to skip.

In the paper version, stories I think are pretty important-- like articles on Israel-- are landing in the back of the sections, buried between non-related articles and ads. It is disappointing, but not surprising.

I think accurate information about Israel has never been more pressing. How else are we to question what's going on there politically, while still embracing our Jewish state?

The Federation is offering two new initiatives to tackle this task. We have just created the Israel & Overseas committee, dedicated to strategic Israel engagement. This volunteer-driven committee will keep us current and get us thinking about our own role as American Jews.

We have also launched a new program, Israel IRL (In Real Life).

Led my our Shaliach, Ofek, Israel IRL will bring Israel to you. Israel IRL will bring you films, shows, cooking, talks, and events designed to solidify the relationship we share with Israel.

A fabulous Israel IRL event is coming on October 18. Israeli comics Joel Charnoff and Benji Lovett, will undoubtedly make us laugh about everything Israel. You can purchase tickets on the link below!

I hope to see you there and I wish you a peaceful shabbos.

Carin Savel

CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County

carin@shalomct.org

Purchase tickets for Israel 201

Purchase Tix for Israel 201 Here

HOLOCAUST RESOURCE CENTER OPENS

It was a joy to see so many people come out to celebrate this historic initiative.

They were afforded the opportunity to tell their own stories, write their memoirs, and participate in the ceremony to affix a special mezuzah.

Watch the video and enjoy the photos.

If you are interested in supporting the HRC or would like to volunteer or program information, contact us at HRC@shalomct.org.

Rabbi Michael Friedman, Temple Israel of Westport and Rabbi Yehuda Kantor, Chabad Lubavitch of Westport bless the HRC with the hanging the special mezuzah from Poland.

Merkaz is up and running! 🚀 We're so happy to see old friends reunited and new friendships being formed. This is guaranteed to be an incredibly special year filled with meaningful Jewish learning, community, and flexibility.

💙🧡💛

Speaking of flexibility...

Join Merkaz in the Sukkah at TCS in Westport this Monday, October 2nd @ 6:30pm to learn about our pilot Flex Track program.

About our Flex Track:

We've strategically placed our programs in accessible venues and synagogues across Greater Fairfield County and beyond, making it convenient for students in our catchment area to engage in the high-caliber Jewish learning Merkaz has provided for 45 years.

Visit our website to learn more about our Flex Track offerings: shalomct.org/merkaz.

Shalom!

This week my mom came to visit me, and she is spending 10 days in our community!

I decided to take this opportunity to host a cooking class with her and show our community how we make our classic Shabbat dinner. We made Fennel salad, Baba Anoush, Spanish rice and chicken-- my personal favorites!

During the class we shared stories and photos and answered questions from a mother and son's point of view. We had so much fun, and I hope to see you joining me in my next cooking classes this year!

Toda raba!

Ofek Moscovich

Israel Emissary, Israel IRL