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Synagogues Congregation B’nai Jacob Rabbinic News for Congregation B’nai Jacob Congregation B’nai Jacob in Woodbridge announces the appointment of Rabbi Rona Shapiro as their next spiritual leader. Rabbi Shapiro will be CBJ’s first woman rabbi. She comes to the synagogue and community with over twenty years of experience in the rabbinate – as a pulpit rabbi, a leader of non-profit organizations including the Hillel chapter at the University of California at Berkeley, and as the founding editor of RitualWell.org. A Long Island native, Rabbi Shapiro was ordained at The Jewish Theological Seminary in New York. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University. Her last pulpit position was at Congregation B’nai Jeshurun in Cleveland, Ohio. Rabbi Shapiro and her husband, David Franklin, and their two daughters Noa (15) and Hallel (12) will move to Connecticut this summer.
Special Kiddush for Rabbi Levenson Saturday, June 29 Members of Congregation B’nai Jacob, along with the rest of the community, will have the chance to thank Rabbi Joel Levenson for his service, extend their appreciation for his hard work and mark his dedication to CBJ and Greater New Haven. He has been the spiritual leader of Congregation B’nai Jacob since 2008. During his tenure, he worked on social action and educational projects, led trips to Israel and worked extensively with young families and Woodbridge teenagers. Stay after Morning Shabbat services for a special Kiddush for Rabbi Levenson, Leora and their family. This event is open all. For information, call B’nai Jacob at (203)389-2111, or www.bnaijacob.org Cong. B’nai Jacob, 75 Rimmon Rd., Woodbridge. For more information, call 203 3892111 or log onto bnaijacob.org.
Temple Emanuel Erev Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Saturday, May 4, 7:30 p.m. Enjoy gourmet Mexican appetizers, entrees, desserts, delicious margaritas, and fresh fruit sangria, a Salsa lesson, and sing along with the Mariachi Emperadores de Puebla to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Featuring a silent auction. Tickets are available online or at the office.
Scholar-in-Residence Weekend with Rabbi Professor Marc Saperstein of Leo Baeck College Friday, May 10 - Saturday, May 11 Rabbi Saperstein will speak about “Jews Living in Muslim Lands” after Kabbalat Shabbat service on May 10 and on May 11 at 10:30 a.m. Rabbi Saperstein has served as the principal of the Leo Baeck College since 2006 and is now Professor of Jewish History and Homiletics. Author of five books and more than 50 articles on various aspects of Jewish history, literature and thought, he is widely recognized as perhaps the pre-eminent authority on the history of Jewish preaching.
Kabbalat Shabbat Service and Dinner in Recognition of Late Gloria Levine Friday, May 31
Beth Israel Synagogue Sixth Annual Second Night Passover Seder On March 26, Beth Israel Synagogue in Wallingford held its sixth annual second night Seder for the area’s Jewish community. The Seder is a ritual meal that commemorates our ancestral escape from slavery in Egypt. The free event attracted over 85 participants from the region. They served a traditional Passover meal and held a stimulating and interactive service.
Beth Israel and B’nai Abraham Joint Sunday School The Sunday School has students and teachers from both Beth Israel and B’nai Abraham. Sessions primarily take place at B’nai Abraham and students are grouped by age, pre-school through Bnai Mitzvah, and infuse a sense of belonging, fun and Jewish culture, an appreciation of Israel, and to familiarize the students with Hebrew, holidays, prayer, and to prepare them for their eventual bar and bat mitzvahs. The school meets Sunday mornings 9:30 am -12:30 pm for all students, and Tuesday evening for children in third grade and up. Monthly family services on a Friday and Saturday are also part of the curriculum. The teachers have a wealth of experience and knowledge and love sharing with and inspiring the students. Contact Fred Zierler at B’nai Abraham, fzierler@cox.net, (203)631-0567 or Alida Cella at Beth Israel, alidacella@hotmail.com or (203)949-8656. Beth Israel Synagogue, 22 North Orchard St., Wallingford, CT.
Congregation Beth El–Keser Israel ( BEKI ) Shabbat Shalom Torah Study Saturday, May 4 and May 18, 10:45 a.m. Explore the scripture readings and liturgy of the day in a participatory setting. This is an ideal setting for all shul-goers alike to gain increased understanding and appreciation of the Torah reading, Haftara and liturgy. Everyone is welcome to participate regardless of religious status or background. Open to the entire community and free of charge. For more information, call (203) 389-2108 or www.beki.org.
Rashi Study Group: Shoftim Monday, May 6, 13, 20, 7:45 a.m.-8:30 p.m. and May 27, 9:45–10:30 a.m. The reading is Rashi’s commentary on the Book of Shoftim (Judges). Characters in the narrative include the Prophet Devora, General Baraq, Warlord Yiftah, Mrs. Manoah, and Samson and Delilah. The group will discuss the meaning of the text in its historical, literary, and linguistic context. Knowledge of Hebrew is not necessary. Open to the entire community and free of charge. For more information, call (203) 389-2108 or www.beki.org. Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel (BEKI), 85 Harrison Street, New Haven, CT.
Westville Chabad Curious Tales of the Talmud: Finding Personal Meaning in the Legends of our Sages Tuesdays May 7, 14, 21, 28, 7:30-9 pm Everyone loves a good story. Knowing this, the sages of the Talmud used stories to encode messages about life that are far too deep and profound to communicate directly. This course decodes some of these extraordinary Talmudic mysteries.
The Board of Directors hosts a Shabbat dinner to celebrate the life of its first president, Gloria Levine prior to the service. Congregants will have an opportunity to meet and greet members of the Levine family. During the Shabbat service, the Temple Emanuel band will perform and past president Lewis Schaffer will offer remarks.
Davis Street Arts and Academic School, 35 Davis St., New Haven, CT. For information, (203) 606-9790 or MyJLI.com.
“Jewish Ethics in Rod Serling’s The Twilight Zone”
Westville’s annual Spring Gala will be held on Sunday, May 5 at 5 p.m. This year’s honorees are Drs. Sharon and Joshua Hasbani. Community Service Awards will be presented to Dr. Arthur and Betty Levy, and Barry Vine. Dr. Tanya Fischer will receive Westville’s Young Leadership Award. Contact Barbara Zalesch at Barbzal918@aol.com.
Wednesdays, June 12, 19, 26 A lecture/discussion series with Rabbi Hesch Sommer, director of the Jewish Wellness and Healing Center and Coordinator of Pastoral Care and Pastoral Counseling Services for Jewish Family Service of New Haven, Inc.
Shabbat Under the Stars Friday, July 26, 7 p.m. Rabbi Michael Farbman leads Kabbalat Shabbat services on the grounds of Temple Emanuel, accompanied by members of the TE band. All are welcome to attend. The service will be followed by our traditional tasty TE oneg. For information, (203) 397-3000 or www.templeemanuel-gnh.org. Temple Emanuel of Greater New Haven, 150 Derby Ave., Orange, CT
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Westville Synagogue
The modern-Orthodox Westville Synagogue, led by Rabbi Fred Hyman, is located at 74 West Prospect Street in New Haven. For information, call (203)389-9513 or www.westvilleshul.org/
Woodbridge Minyan An Orthodox minyan where all generations share weekly prayer in a low-key, family and youth-oriented atmosphere that is welcoming and spiritually-satisfying in its simplicity. By being an integral part of a “davening team,” our minyan youth develop important leadership skills. Meet at the Woodbridge Senior Center. For information, (203)387-1925 or therosedor@aol.com.
shalomnewhaven