From the Rabbi’s Desk
On Endings and Beginnings
They’re coming home. It’s over. These are the words that thrummed in my mind and my heart as we approached Simchat Torah, and the news unfolded of a negotiation that would return all our hostages and bring not only a temporary ceasefire but hopefully a lasting peace. With each video of loved ones reuniting, with each image of a family returning home, I finally started to exhale a breath that had been caught in my throat for two long years.
But, as the hours ticked on, and the news continued to unfold, the feeling of release and relief became mixed with other feelings.
The living hostages are back. But the dead – will they be returned to their final resting place?
People are returning “home” – but many are returning to homes that were destroyed. Can one “come home” if home is no longer habitable?
There is a peace deal that is more than the temporary ceasefires we have seen over the past two years – but peace is always such a fragile thing. Will this peace really last?
And even if it does, what of the myriad ripple effects of the past two years? The losses, the trauma, the mistrust and hatred and antisemitism that has grown all over the world? These things do not disappear overnight because of an agreement.
They may be home, but can we truly say, “It’s over”?
This was the question on my mind as we entered Simchat Torah, a holiday of endings and beginnings. It is the end of the High Holiday season, which is the beginning of the New Year. We read the end of the Torah – and without hesitation, go right back to the beginning of the Torah and read of the very
Thursday, November 27 Thanksgiving Thursday, December 25 Christmas Thursday, January 1 New Year’s Day
beginnings of the world and of humanity. And if that is not enough, immediately after the Torah readings, which include the end of the Torah – and with it, the end of Moses’s life and the end of our people’s wanderings in the desert – we read of another new beginning in our haftarah, going from the end of the Torah to the beginning of Prophets; from the end of Moses’s life to the beginning of Joshua’s leadership; from the end of our ancestors’ wanderings to the beginning of their entry into the land of Israel.
Endings and beginnings. Simchat Torah is full of them.
Amidst all these endings and beginnings, Simchat Torah reminds us that endings are not really final and beginnings do not emerge from a vacuum. Endings may offer an amount of closure. They may provide space to catch our breath, to re-orient ourselves, and to make meaning from what has come before. But endings also lead the way to new beginnings: to returning to where we started with new perspective or to moving forward into the next chapter with a deeper sense of who we are or who we want to be. That is true of how we read the Torah and of how we launch ourselves into a new year, year after year.
And perhaps that is true for other endings and beginnings as well.
Are they home? As of this writing, for all but 15 deceased hostages, the answer is yes. Is it over?
Yes.
But this ending is not one of finality. It is an ending that, just like the endings of Simchat Torah, leads directly into new beginnings. I pray they are beginnings that lead to life and peace.
Weekly Adult Classes
Lunch & Learn TUESDAY 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Talmud Study WEDNESDAY 10:15 – 11:15 AM
Bible & Breakfast THURSDAY 8:00 – 9:00 AM NO CLASS 11/27, 12/25, 1/1
Reflections from the President
This morning, I awoke to witness the release of 20 Israeli hostages held in Gaza for more than two years, in exchange for 2,000 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. This development, as well as the ceasefire that began just four days ago, reminds us that hope can flicker anew. After two years of devastating war between Israel and Hamas, this moment offers a fragile but meaningful step toward healing and humanity.
Yet, we cannot turn away from the profound pain that brought us here. The massacre of October 7, 2023, and Israel’s devastating military response have reverberated far beyond the battlefield. These events have strained Israel’s relationships with the world community and sparked a new wave of antisemitism here at home and around the world.
This war has even tested the bonds within our own congregation. While some have voiced concern over the way Israel has conducted the war, others have expressed unwavering support of Israel’s right to defend itself. These diverging views have resulted in
tension among some in our congregation.
Our rabbis and Temple leaders have faced the task of guiding us through this emotional terrain. We are deeply grateful for the wisdom, compassion, and courage of Rabbis Rosen and Zerin whose pastoral care, prayer, and thoughtful sermons have helped us process our anguish and see this moment within the broader arc of Jewish history – a history marked by resilience, moral struggle, and enduring faith.
Now, more than ever, we must recommit ourselves to the sacred work of shalombayit– peace within our communal home. Let us speak with humility, listen with generosity, and foster peaceful dialogue when these challenges arise. Let us remember that our shared values – life, justice, compassion, and memory – bind us more deeply than any external conflict ever could.
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks once wrote, “I don’t need you to agree with me. I need you to care about me.” This simple truth reminds us that empathy – not uniformity – is the foundation of community.
Adult B’nei Mitzvah Program, Part I
TUESDAY, WEEKLY, NOVEMBER 4 – DECEMBER 23
6:00 – 6:45 PM Exploring the Jewish Library, with Rabbis Rosen and Zerin and Dr. Krigel
7:00 – 7:45 PM Learn to Read Hebrew, with Lois Koteen
COST: $180 for the entire program; $36/each miniclass in Part I; cost should not be a barrier, contact Rabbi Zerin to make other arrangements REGISTRATION REQUIRED: tinyurl.com/AdultBneiMitzvah2526
By remaining cohesive as a congregation, we preserve the strength and clarity needed to support our children and grandchildren, many of whom are confronting open hostility and even antisemitism in their schools and on their college campuses. Our unity as a congregation equips us with the means to guide them with love, wisdom, and pride in their Jewish identity – helping them see that caring about Israel and caring about humanity are not opposing commitments but intertwined ones.
The past few days have given us hope for a brighter tomorrow both here and especially in Israel. While some of our political leaders have trumpeted that peace is now at hand, we know that a ceasefire, if it lasts, is only the first step in a process that will require years of serious negotiations and diplomacy. A true and lasting peace will only become possible when a significant paradigm shift takes place among Israelis, Palestinians, and their neighbors in the region.
Until then, may Beth El Temple continue to be a beacon of light, dialogue, and dignity in a world that so desperately needs it.
~PhilSchulz
This year-long program of weekly classes, one-on-one and small group learning, and monthly Shabbat learner's services, will culminate in a joyous Shabbat morning celebration in late 2026.
Take a deep dive into the Tanakh and other sacred Jewish texts, Jewish holidays, the meaning of our prayers, and more. Plus, learn to read Hebrew, chant Torah, lead parts of the Shabbat morning service, and give a D'var Torah.
Family Engagement
Our successful Masa Program continues! It was created for 8th–12th graders to address the issue of post B’nei Mitzvah disengagement. The Men’s Club funded our first trip in 2023 to NYC to learn about the Jewish immigrant experience. The Women’s Network funded our trip to Boston in 2024 to learn about the Jewish connection with the Revolutionary War. This year, Men’s Club and Women’s Network have combined efforts for two day trips:
One: Newport, RI, February 1, 2026 includes the Touro Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in America and a symbol of religious freedom for all Americans, and a walking tour of the colonial-era Jewish community.
Two: New York City, May 3, 2026 includes exploring our roots in Yiddish culture at the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene, visiting the Center for Jewish history, and checking in at the Jewish Museum in NYC.
Masa participants will gather throughout the year to work as a team to plan the schedule and programming for these trips. Registration is now open, and space is limited: tinyurl.com/MASA2026
The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford awarded Beth El a micro grant of $2,000 to plan community programming this year. Once a month, the education directors from area synagogues gather to plan and to network. Over the past two
years, we have created programming that we would not be able to do on our own. Our goal is to gather together our students in specific grades to learn and to grow.
In Pirkei Avot, Ethics of our Ancestors, Hillel said, do not separate yourself from the community (2:4). To create a vibrant community beyond our individual organizations, we embody these sacred words of Hillel by collaborating to produce engaging and out-of-thebox opportunities for our learners to interact and bond in a meaningful way. We want all our students, regardless of their affiliation, to get to know each other and not to feel isolated. We now have the following programs on our collective calendars:
November 16 grades 5-6 Sigd
December 14 grades 1-2 Chanukah
March 29 grades 3-4 Pesach
May 3 grade 7 Taste of JTConnect
These opportunities enable us to move in a positive direction so we can focus on our common goals. Participants come from Beth El Temple, The Emanuel Synagogue, Farmington Valley Jewish CongregationEmek Shalom, Temple Sinai, Adath Israel, and Congregation Beth Israel.
It has been so wonderful to celebrate the High Holidays with all of you last month. Thank you for your robust participation and enthusiastic engagement!
~ Dr.EliyahuKrigel
Matthew Cohen with Wayang Golek puppets for Rosh Hashanah
Hebrew Language Lab
Kids Choir rehearsal
Jared Wasser, Derech SULAM chair
First day of SULAM
Hallie Kudler, madricha, with mom, Stephanie, at Block Party popcorn machine
Programs for Teens and Young Adults
United Synagogue Youth
WHUSY, the local chapter of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism's youth movement, serves teens from Beth El Temple and The Emanuel Synagogue. USY offers local and regional programs and conventions, local social and social justice activities, and more!
Chidush Yisrael
Winter Break in Israel
DECEMBER 24, 2025 – JANUARY 1, 2026
REGISTER: usy.org/events
Participants will take part in volunteer projects, experience Shabbat in Jerusalem, and much more.
CONTACT: Marisa and Max Beede, Advisors, whusyadvisor@gmail.com
AGES: grades 6-12
NOTE: cost should not be a barrier for attending; reach out to Marisa and Max about scholarships
Summer Camps
College Connection
Do you have a child in college? We'd like to stay connected and send holiday greetings and goodies throughout the year! Chanukah is next!
Please send us their new or updated contact information (name, mailing address for school, and email address).
Stephanie Kudler, Chair collegeconnections@bethelwh.org
The generosity of the Gavens Family College Youth Fund makes this project possible.
JTConnect
TUESDAYS AT BETH EL TEMPLE
INFORMATION: www.JTConnect.org
CONTACT: Emma Strumpf, Executive Dir, office@jtconnect.org
AGES: grades 8-12
This semester, Dr. Eliyahu is teaching a class called: SpokesonaWheel:ComparingandContrasting Judaism,Christianity,andIslam.
Camp Laurelwood
At Connecticut’s only coed Jewish overnight camp, campers enjoy an unforgettable summer surrounded by friends, fun, and community. From sunny days on the fields to starry nights by the campfire, Camp Laurelwood is where confidence grows, friendships flourish, and Jewish values come to life.
Want to see the magic for yourself?
Schedule a tour today!
CONTACT: info@camplaurelwood.org
Shabbat Services & Daily Minyan
Shabbat – Friday
Kabbalat Shabbat 5:45 PM
Shabbat – Saturday
Shacharit, Torah, & 9:30 AM Musaf Services
Children’s Playroom 9:30 AM
Mazal Tots (birth-kindergarten) 11:00 AM
Mincha Service, includes Mourner’s Kaddish for both Saturday and Sunday 12:15 PM (or 20 min. after morning service, whichever is later)
Havdallah ZOOM ONLY, SEE CHART BELOW
There are no regular services, in person, on Saturday evenings.
Candle & Havdallah Times; plus Havdallah Service Time
Shabbat Friday Saturday Candle Havdallah
Nov 21-22 4:08 PM 5:05 PM 6:10 PM
Nov 28-29 4:04 PM
Dec 5-6
Dec 12-13 4:02 PM 5:01 PM 6:10 PM
All services and classes can be accessed directly from the weekly e-blast to members (no login necessary) or by following the links on our website (login required).
Special Shabbat Programs and Events
November
Sat 1 9:30AM Birthday Shabbat
Sat 8 9:30AM Veterans Day Shabbat, with D’var Torah by Veteran Rachel Eckman tinyurl.com/BETVeterans2025
Sat 8 10:30AM Junior Congregation, SIGN-UP: tinyurl.com/BETJuniorNov Shabbat Club with USY Fri 21 5:30PM Shababa tinyurl.com/Shababa1121
December Fri 5 5:30PM Junior Cong. – Fri edition SIGN-UP: tinyurl.com/BETJuniorDec Sat 6 9:30AM Birthday Shabbat Sat 13 6:00PM Who Wants S’more Havdallah tinyurl.com/BETSmores2025 Fri 19 6:30PM Chanukah Program and Shabbat Dinner tinyurl.com/BETChanukah2025
Dec 19-20 4:04 PM 5:03 PM 5:25 PM Dec 26-27 4:08 PM 5:07 PM 5:25 PM 4:02 PM 5:11 PM 5:30 PM 5:02 PM 5:20 PM 5:00 PM 5:20 PM Daily Minyan Shacharit Sun 8:45 AM Mon–Fri 7:00 AM
NOTE: Thursday, Nov. 27, Dec. 25, Jan. 1 at 9:00 AM Mincha/Ma’ariv Sun–Thu 5:30 PM
Lifelong Learning for Adults
Reading The Women of the Bible study series with Rabbi Zerin
1ST AND 3RD WEDNESDAYS OF THE MONTH (mostly)
NOVEMBER 5, 19; DECEMBER 3, 17
5:30 – 5:55 PM Minyan
6:00 – 7:15 PM Class
COST: no charge; in-person or Zoom
REGISTER: tinyurl.com/BETReadingWomen
SPONSOR: Women's Network
Through discussion and shared reflection, we’ll uncover their voices, examine their choices, and consider what their lives teach us today. No previous knowledge or background is necessary. All are welcome to these classes; join us for one or more classes. Each stands on its own and enhances the others.
Exploring the Siddur
SATURDAYS, NOV. 22, DEC. 13, JAN. 17, FEB. 21
4:00 PM Learner’s Mincha
4:45 PM Se’udah Shleesheet (light dinner) and Class 6:10 PM Havdallah
COST: $10/session; included in Adult B’nei Mitzvah program
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: tinyurl.com/Exploring2526
NOTE: all are welcome to attend for part or all of the evening, whether or not part of the Adult B'nei Mitzvah program
Continuing from our successful summer series, we will meet once a month for a se’udahshleesheet(third meal of Shabbat), and a chance to learn with our rabbis/educators about the prayers in our Siddur . New this winter, we are expanding the series to include a learner's Minchaservice at the start, and an in-person havdallahservice that will engage all the senses at the end!
Observing at Home - Chanukah
Lighting the Chanukiah (Chanukah Menorah)
A Chanukiah takes nine candles, eight at the same level and one shamash (guardian) that stands taller and is used to light all the others. Place the candles in the Chanukiah right-to-left (as Hebrew is written and read), but light them left-to-right so that the new candle is lit first.
Each night, recite the first two blessings below, and on the first night add the third blessing. After reciting the blessings, light the candles.
Praised are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe...
who made us holy through Your commandments and commanded us to kindle the Chanukah lights.
who performed wondrous deeds for our ancestors in those ancient days at this season.
for giving us life, sustaining us, and enabling us to reach this season.
The four Hebrew letters stand for Nes gadol haya sham, “A great miracle happened there.”
1. Each player starts with the same number of game pieces (buttons, gelt, m&m’s, anything!)
2. At the beginning and whenever the center “pot” is empty, each person puts one piece in the middle.
3. Each turn, spin the dreidel once, and give or take according to the letter landing face up.
4. Play until one person has all the pieces.
The 1st night of Chanukah this year is Sunday, December 14. Chanukah Candle Lighting Weeknights (Sun-Thu) after dark; Friday before Shabbat candles; Saturday after Havdallah.
נ Nun do nothing
ג Gimel take all
ה Hey take half
שׁ Shin put in 1
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha’olam...
asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Chanukah.
she-asah nisim la’avoteinu (v'imoteinu) ba’yamim ha’haim bazman ha’zeh.
shehecheyanu v'kiy'manu v'higianu laz'man hazeh.
A Historical Refresher
In 168 BCE, Syria’s King Antiochus marched into Jerusalem to end Jewish worship in his kingdom. His soldiers desecrated the Temple and killed thousands of people. Three years later, Judah, a son of Mattathias the Kohen (priest), led a rebellion and retook Jerusalem. His search for pure, untainted olive oil to light the menorah – thus rededicating and returning Jewish practice to the Temple – produced enough for only one day. Miraculously, it lasted for eight.
How do you Spell
(C)Han(n)uk(k)a(h)?
Chanukah, Hanukkah, Hannuka, or ...?
Translation is easy – the word means “dedication.” But the transliteration (changing letters and words into corresponding characters of another alphabet or language) of a Hebrew word into English can be confusing. In Hebrew, the first letter is a “chet” which has a guttural “ch” (think J.S. Bach). The English alphabet does not have a matching letter; this accounts for some of the spelling variants. Although there is no official spelling, Chanukah and Hanukkah are the most widely used and accepted.
Recognizing our Volunteers - High Holidays
Making our High Holidays enjoyable for all takes a true community with many volunteers: tasks big and small, visible and behind the scenes. All are important to keep things running smoothly.
Torah Readers, Teens and Adults
We thank those listed below. If we left you out, please let us know. We try to cover everything, but don’t always succeed.
TodahRabah.Thankyouverymuch.
Lay Service Leaders
We continue our tradition of teens reading the majority of the Torah portions during the Holy Days. They are assigned a portion after their b’nei mitzvah, and it is theirs until they go to college.
Esther Aronson
Logan Barash
Eben Bauman
Noam Berkowitz
Riley Borden
Jordan Cipriano
Jocelyn Esposito
Alexandra Golder
High
Holiday Choir
Adult Choir
Benjamin Cantor*
Marlene Cole
Lexy Curtin*
Diane Dolin
Chelsea Echevarria*
Eva Kaplan*
Melinda Kaufmann*
Jeanne Kleinman*
Robin Lazinsk
Gregory Matthaey
Lance Reiser*
Joshua Rosenfeld*
Elisa Wagner * soloists
Ushers
Sharon Levine-Shein, Andrew Schoolnik, co-chairs
Steve Aronson
Ron Buckman
Scott Dolin
Martyrology Service
Sanctuary Service
Bobby Klau
Michael Isko
Samantha Goldstein
Avi Gottfried
Samantha Harris
Avi Kay
Ellie Kay Nava Kest
Dan Kulakofsky
Avi Mayo
Ella Nemirow
Nancy Rosen
Russ Selzer
Rachel Simmons
Emily Weiner
Sadie Weiner
Jacob Wolman
Soloists
Alyssa Barzach
Ilana Brown
Recorder
Carolyn Bernstein
Student choir
Leah Cohen*
Serena Hoffman*
Henriette Land
Clara Oliveira
Mendes
Ruth Wasser * soloists
Student soloists and duets
Avi Bluestone
Jocelyn Esposito
Jesse Kay
Jacob Kempner
Gabe Spector
Talia Zutler
Music Librarian
Joshua Rosenfeld
Sharon Efron
Harley Graime
Lois Koteen
Jacob Kovel
Abbey Kreinik
Robin Landau
Sharon Efron
Robin Santiago
Barrie Kreinik
Deborah Rosenfeld
Michael Schenker
Gary Starr
Stuart Wachtel
Grove Service
Avi Patt
We are blessed to have many congregants capable of leading our services and allowing us to offer different services.
Susan Gold Jason Kay
Shofar Blowers
Ron Buckman Lance Reiser
Honors Coordinators
Sharon Efron
Rachel LeventhalWeiner
Gabbai
Ron Buckman
Rabbi Ilana Garber
Greeters
Deborah Rosenfeld
Michael Schenker
Alan Tuvin
Board Members and Officers
Haftarah Readers
Marisa Beede
Adam Berkowitz
Harris Chorney
Alisha Cipriano
Dennis Gottfried
Sarah Willen
Family Services and Programs
Matthew Cohen
Avi Mayo
Jared Wasser
Maintenance team
Natalie Wasser
Stacy Wayne
Special Shout-Out for going above and beyond with the Grove service.
Jose Batista
Jeffrey Concepcion
Alberto Falcon
Shawn James
Recognizing our Volunteers - Holiday Prep
Nametag Lanyards
Inserting the nametags into the holders for all of us to wear for security and identification.
Melanie Bazer
Sarah Benchaya
Laura Girsky
Yizkor Booklet
Marilyn Grody
Leah Katz
Lois Koteen
Diane Lieberfarb
Eileen McMurrer
Marc Siskin
Producing and proofreading this very important list of names.
Deborah Rosenfeld, coordinator
Betty Hoffman
Lois Koteen
Shelley Langer
Sharon Levine-Shein
Special Lunch for Lake Norden Badger
Lonni Schulz
Francine Stier
A specially-themed lunch prepared to accompany Rabbi Rosen’s annual story.
Dan Kulakofsky, chair
Noam Berkowitz
Beth Brumberg
Rivka Dvorin
Sharon Efron
Avi Kay
Myra Kleinman
Lois Koteen
Gary Rubin
Jane Rubin
Susan Schenker
Judy Singer
Michal Klau-Stevens
Steve Szafman
Rami Tuvin
Sanctuary and Chapel Decorations for Sukkot
Alison Demarest
Michelle Kunzman
Neilah Snack
Alison Demarest
Lonni Schulz
Michelle Kunzman
Preparing the Sanctuary
Tending to our ritual objects by cleaning the silver adorning our Torahs.
Shirley Brian
Michelle Kunzman
Judy Rosenthal
Greeting Card fold and stuff for mailing.
Cindy Krish
Do you have a recipe you’d like to suggest for our annual Lake Norden Badger lunch? Share it with us at tinyurl.com/LNBRecipes.
Recognizing our Volunteers - Programs/Events
Food Drive Sorting
Once again, our Community came through for our annual Food Drive for the Anja Rosenberg Kosher Food Pantry at JFS.
Sharon Levine-Shein, chair
Melanie Bazer
Cayla Covici
Sukkah Hop
Hosts
Cindy Krish
Jeff Lewis
Maura Nemirow
Deborah Rosenfeld
Shanti & Dr. Eliyahu Krigel
Alison & Ed Demarest
Laura Picraux & John DelaCruz
Rachel & Ellie Eckman
Ben Shapiro
Jake Shapiro
Evan Shapiro
Dassi Wogenstein
Add’l Food
Dorine Toyen
Myra Kleinman
Michelle Kunzman
Bus sponsored by the Women’s Network
Men’s Club Distinguished Service Award Banquet
Jim Berman
Dave Diamond
Tom Falik
Ben Finkelstein
Arthur Freedman
Gerry Garfield
Eric Gladstein
Jacob Kovel
Cindy Krish
Jeff Krish
Marty Melnick
Greg Patchen
Steve Rabb
David Rosenthal
Judy Rosenthal
David Sabino
Phil Schulz
Sharon Levine-Shein
Bruce Shein
Eli Simon
WLCJ Tapping Therapy
Rivka Dvorin
Sukkah Overnight
Micael Mendes
Matthew Spector
Men’s Club Sukkahfest
Jim Berman
Stu Bernstein
Michelle BrismanGladstein
Rosie Buckman
David Diamond
Tom Falik
Arthur Freedman
Jacob Kovel
Eliyahu Krigel
Marty Melnick
Eric Polinsky
Steve Rabb
Howard Rosenfield
Yom Kippur Martyrology Service
Martyrology Service – A Modern Adaptation
The martyrology service for Yom Kippur commemorates the persecution of Jewish people throughout history. The service is also known as the Eilleh Ezk'rah, which translates to "these I will remember." The original poem is a long, dramatic lament that describes the torture and execution of ten rabbis who insisted on teaching Torah in defiance of the Roman ban against doing so.
Rabbi Rachel Zerin compiled a service, again this year including a section for the horrors of October 7, using sources from a variety of machzors and other congregations. The service was beautiful, compelling, and tugged at the heart strings.
The text is re-printed here, and the service can be watched at: tinyurl.com/MartyrologyBET5786
Reader #1: Bobby Klau
An ancient Roman court decreed that teaching and studying Torah was forbidden, punishable by death. And yet, so many continued to teach and to study and to plan for the future, though it led to their demise: Rabbi Yishma-el, Rabbi Akiva, and more.
They found Rabbi Chanina ben Teradiyon sitting and teaching Torah in public. They took the Sefer Torah from his lap, wrapped it around him, piled branches roundabout, lit them, and placed wet wool over his heart so that he would not die quickly. His disciples asked: “Master, what do you see?” With his last breath, he replied: “The parchment is burning, but the letters are flying free…”
(AdaptedfromtheMachzor)
seriousness of the moment is felt in camp. It seems that the entire world is preparing for Kol Nidrei.
The rabbi prays… Tears pour from everyone’s eyes. The weeping flows together like a river. Hearts of stone have given way.
And suddenly everything is silent. ... Only from outside do we hear the terrible wailing. On the road, the women are being led to the ovens. . .
Reader #2: Mike Isko
The Crusaders overcame the children of the sacred covenant; the terrible decree was issued. They all cried out, weeping for their lives, declaring: “We shall suffer the yoke of awe of the sacred. For the moment the enemy will kill by the sword. But we shall remain alive; our souls will repose in paradise, in the radiance of the great light, forever. Blessed are we if we do God's will and blessed are all those who are killed and slaughtered and who die for the unity of God's Name.”
Reader #3: Robin Landau
For a long time we have been promising each other to recite Kol Nidrei this year. A Jewish block elder has allowed us to pray in his block. Someone has brought a tallis from the clothing warehouse. The
The rabbi is the first to arouse himself. He interrupts Kol Nidrei and begins the morning service. In the silence of the barracks his voice is heard, as if responding to the women’s cries…and when he comes to the words of the Unetaneh Tokef… a lament tears out from every throat: “And who by fire!” The rabbi continues, but his voice is drowned out by the tragic cries, “who by fire,” as if the Jews wanted to quench the terrible fire with their words. But the motors don’t stop rumbling. More and more victims are led off to be burned.
(Adapted from the words of Yosef Vaynberg)
Reader #4: Sharon Efron
Ido Hubara was born of Kibbutz Sufa.
His parents, Zohar and Hadassah, were longtime Kibbutznikim when their son was born on May 26, 1987. He was raised there, along with his siblings Na’ama and Inbar. Everyone at Sufa knew him for his dazzling smile, his warmth, and his calming personality.
Ido Hubara lived for Kibbutz Sufa.
As an adult, he and his wife Noa joined the Kibbutz. They were excited to begin construction on their
home in the Kibbutz’s new neighborhood, where they longed to raise their three beautiful young children.
Ido Hubara loved Kibbutz Sufa.
He was a member of the Kibbutz’s management team, as well as its Civil Response Unit. He was always willing to help members of his community.
Ido Hubara died for Kibbutz Sufa.
On the morning of October 7th, the former officer of the Armored Corps did not hesitate to defend his beloved home - a defense effort that miraculously saved all but three members of the Kibbutz, despite Sufa’s location less than 2 miles from the Gaza border.
Tragically, Ido was one of those three. He was wounded defending his home, and succumbed to his injuries hours later.
His father Zohar, the Kibbutz medic, will tell anyone willing to listen: “I saw terrible things that day. Unimaginable things. And I saved many people.
But I could not save my son.”
Reader #5: Robin Santiago
Avi Goldberg wasn’t required to answer the call to reserve duty. As a father of eight children, he was automatically exempt. But after October 7th, it wasn’t a question for him or his wife Raheil. “When the people of Israel are in danger, there is no question you are there to defend.” And so, it was no surprise that he found himself in Southern Lebanon last October.
As a rabbi for the IDF, he was not required to serve in front-line combat. But when his battalion was charged with clearing Hezbollah terrorists out from the rubble of a house in Southern Lebanon, Rabbi Goldberg chose not to stay behind waiting for casualties as an IDF Rabbi would typically do, but instead to join the fight in the house where the battle was raging.
The battalion was successful; but Rabbi Goldberg fell in battle that day, nearly one year ago.
Avi had an exquisitely beautiful smile and an equally exquisitely beautiful soul. He was devoted to his family, and equally devoted to his 7th and 8th grade students. Among those students was Hersh GoldbergPolin, who was taken hostage on October 7th and murdered just over a year ago in Gaza.
Avi’s widow, Raheil Goldberg, and the mother of his student, Rachel Goldberg-Polin, recently were interviewed by Raheil Sharansky Danziger. Three Rachels, coming together to talk about grief, and loss, and hope. “We are a nation in mourning,” Avi’s widow said.
The interview was named after a passage in Jeremiah: “Thus said the Lord: A cry is heard in Ramah— Wailing, bitter weeping— Rachel weeping for her children. She refuses to be comforted For her children, who are no more.”
The Night of Broken Glass
Kristallnacht Commemoration Program
Sunday, November 9 ~ 7:00 PM
Cantor Emeritus Joseph Ness is the Artistic Director and Conductor for this special evening featuring the Kol Zahav Community Chorale, orchestra, and soloists, including Rabbi Rachel Zerin and Cantors Gideon Zelermyer, Daniella Risman, and Sabrina Lipton.
Rabbi Jim Rosen is the evening’s narrator.
QUESTIONS: Mandell JCC, 860-236-4571
COST: $20, general admission, must be purchased by Nov. 5. Walk-ins will not be allowed; tinyurl.com/Nov9Concert
NOTE: Sponsorships available
Upcoming Events & Programs
Challah My Way
Better Together
Kristallnacht Commemoration Program
Fashion Show by Bodytalk
SUNDAY, NOV. 2 9:30 AM –11:30 AM $36/family for the series
tinyurl.com/Challah5786
SUNDAY, NOV. 2 10:30 AM –11:30 AM No charge
tinyurl.com/BET5786BT
SUNDAY, NOV. 9 7:00 pm –8:30 pm See page 11
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 12 6:00 PM –7:30 PM
$18/WN members, $25/others Women’s Network
This women’s clothing boutique in Avon is presenting a fashion show with our members as the models! Dinner and drinks will be served; free babysitting will be available.
tinyurl.com/BETFashion
Kickoff Breakfast with Cody Bondra
Fiddler on the Roof Meetup, Show, & Talkback
SUNDAY, NOV. 16 9:15 AM –11:15 AM No charge Men’s Club
tinyurl.com/MCKickoff5786
This breakfast is sponsored by the family of Stanley Wiesen in his memory.
SUNDAY, NOV. 16 2:00 PM
tinyurl.com/BETFiddler
Support Beth El actors in this West Hartford Community Theater production. Enter the code Nov16BethEl10 for 10% off the ticket price.
Technion Documentary
TUESDAY, DEC. 2 7:00 PM –9:00 PM No charge Israel Engagement Committee
The film tells the story of a university born from a Zionist dream that transformed into a global scientific powerhouse, narrating the Technion’s pivotal role in shaping the State of Israel.
Breakfast Program with NBC CT Sportscaster Matt Finkel
Temple Trivia Throwdown!
SUNDAY, DEC. 7 9:15 AM –11:15 AM
SATURDAY, JAN. 24, ‘26
Annual Turkey Drive
Sunday, November 23 ~ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
With your help we can make Thanksgiving a holiday everyone in our community can celebrate! Last year, Beth El Temple delivered more than 245 turkeys and $8,300 to the Anja Rosenberg Kosher Food Pantry at JFS. That meant 360 families had a special Thanksgiving, and we are determined to help even more families this year.
$5/MC members, $10/others Men’s Club
tinyurl.com/MCBreakfast127 tinyurl.com/TechnionBET
TBA
Men’s Club & Women’s Network
Bring a frozen turkey (kosher preferred) to Beth El. Pull up, pop your trunk, and we’ll grab the turkey(s).
A cash or check donation (payable to Jewish Family Services with "Food Pantry" in the memo) is also very much appreciated.
DETAILS: tinyurl.com/BET2025Turkey
NOTE: rain or shine!!
Mitzvot Opportunities
Kitchen Reorganization Project
CONTACT: Myra Kleinman, mwkleinman@outlook.com; Michelle Kunzman, michellekunzman1@gmail.com
The cleaning and reorganizing continues! Watch your email for upcoming project days.
Chesed (Kindness) Committee:
Supporting our Members
CONTACT: info@bethelwh.org
Your Beth El community is prepared to be of help with any life challenge (new baby, illness, loss of a loved one). If you are in need of some assistance or would like to be part of our volunteer corps, please reach out.
KNITzvah Group
MONTHLY SUNDAYS, NOV. 2, DEC. 14 10:00 – 11:00 AM
CONTACT: BJ and Fran, knitzvahgrp@gmail.com
DELIVERY: let us know if you are planning a trip to Israel and can deliver some hats to IDF lone soldiers
NOTE: usually meets on the same dates as Better Together We continue to create beautiful, hats, scarves, and small afghans to be enjoyed by people in the greater Hartford area as well as in Israel. Because so many of you have been "clicking" your needles and hooks throughout the warm months, we delivered 25 hats to Oak Hill School in advance of the upcoming chillier months! And another stack are on their way to Lone Soldiers in Israel!
Weturnstringsintothings,onestitchatatime tobringwarmthandcaringtoothers!
3-Season Opportunities
Jessie’s Community Garden
CONTACT: Dane Kostin, dkostin@comcast.net
The Garden has been fully harvested with a bumper crop of tomatoes and other veggies. We will be back in the Spring!
Garden Club News
CONTACT: Sheila Fox, 860-828-3939, sheilaf33@icloud.com; Alison Demarest, 860-810-2084, alisonsupermom@comcast.net; Robin Santiago, 860-490-7661, robin@rsantiagodmd.com
Final harvest of the season, delivered to Sam Reid at the Anja Rosenberg Kosher Food Pantry at JFS.
Both of these outdoor activities make great B’nei Mitzvah projects. Volunteers are invited to come with friends, as a family, or solo.
Recognizing
Jessie’s
Garden
All the plantings surrounding our Temple building will be back in the Spring!
our Volunteers - Ongoing
Our 14th year providing produce for the local community.
Dane Kostin, chair
Ruth Benanav
David Brown
Debbie Goldstein
Sam Katz
Elisabeth Kostin
Michael Kostin
Michele Kostin
Leigh Newman
Sam Packard
Arthur Rome
Doron Roth
Noa Roth
Andrew Schoolnik
Gary Starr
Garden Beautification
andDan Kulakofsky, forthedesignand installationofthe newdripirrigation system.
Tending to the garden beds and potted plants around our building.
Alison Demarest, Sheila Fox, Robin Santiago, co-chairs
Jessica Borden
Beth Brumberg
Ralph Kadden
Jeremy Kempner
Dan Krupnick
Diane Salm
Ron Salm
David Silver
Jared Wasser
Lauren Zutler
Sixth Graders at SULAM
Craft Gallery
Rivka Dvorin, Lonni Schulz, cochairs
Rena Citron
Sharon Efron
Korine Ferraro
Jill Jones
Brenda Sutter
Kitchen Cabinets and Drawers
Reorganizing the main kitchen continues.
Myra Kleinman, Michelle Kunzman, co-chairs
Alison Demarest
Caryl Goldberg
Cindy Krish
Maura Nemirow
Susan Schenker
Laurie Shakun
Alison Demarest and Cindy Krish with new pots and pans
(more volunteer lists on pages 8 and 9
Supporting Beth El
We deeply appreciate the following Thoughtful Contributions.
This list reflects contributions received and processed through September 22, 2025.
For the next edition of Temple Topics, contributions need to be received in the office by November 18, 2025.
Beautification Fund
Ceremonial Court in Memory of
Ben Chorney, son of Sally & Harris – Lois Koteen
Camp Ramah Fund in Memory of
Oscar Benadiva, father of Claudio; Jonathan Kessler, brother of Abigail Kessler-Hanna – Meryl & Mitchell
Danitz
Steven Charlip, brother of Judy Kulakofsky
– Sharon & Neil Kochen
Alan Rosenfeld, father of Glen – Barbara & Ira Samberg
Chai Society in Memory of
Dr. Jerrold Goodman, husband of Judy –Judy Greenspoon for the Yahrzeit of Tillie & Martin Redlus, parents; Charles Alban, Holocaust remembrance; Joel Dreese, Holocaust remembrance – Judy Greenspoon
Jewish Continuity Fund for the Yahrzeit of Anita J. Behn; Benjamin Berman; Rose Davidovitz – Phyllis & Bob Berman
Youth Activities Fund for the Yahrzeit of Fanny Dreschler, Holocaust remembrance – Julie & George Risisky
Rabbi Zerin’s Discretionary Fund in Appreciation of Rabbi Zerin – Jessica & Todd Hotes, Deborah & Glen Rosenfeld, Honey Sue Springut
CORRECTION: in Honor of Allison F. Berger receiving her Ed.D. in Education – Dr. Avram S. Berger (we regret the error in the previous issue)
Rabbi Rosen’s Discretionary Fund
in Appreciation of
Rabbi Rosen – Esther & Stephen
Aronson, Sheila & David Diamond, Jessica & Todd Hotes, the Merkelson family, Deborah & Glen Rosenfeld, Steven Stein
Dr. Amir Tulchinsky – Meryl & Mitchell
Danitz
Susan & Jesse Samuels; Helene & Felix Springer – Myra & Bill Kleinman in Honor of
Engagement of Adam Dolin, son of Diane & Scott, and Polina Orenstein – Carolyn & Stu Bernstein
Marriage of Andrew Diamond, son of Sheila & David, and Shani Erdman –Carolyn & Stu Bernstein, Amy & James Goldman, Gloria & Mark Rubin
90th birthday of Bob Berland; 75th birthday of Joyce Leibert – Fredda & Jon Goldstein
90th birthday of Stuart Small – Holly & Gerry Swirsky
75th birthday of Claudia Goodman; 75th birthday of Joyce Leibert – Gerri & Larry Wile
in Memory of
Hon. Arnold W. Aronson, father – Esther & Stephen Aronson
Jerrold Goodman, husband of Judy –Harriet & Bob Berland, Susan Donaldson
Estelle Bernstein – Susan & Allen Kallor
Shawna Cutting Malkoff, daughter-in-law of Lynn & Joel – Janet & Joel Miller
Alan Rosenfeld, father of Glen – Joan Skydel
Susan Leibert, aunt of Richard – Gerri & Larry Wile for the Yahrzeit of
Rachel Ann Order, mother – Richard Order
There are two ways to make a donation:
Go to the Beth El website: www.bethelwesthartford. org/giving
Mail it in
Please be sure to include:
the name of the fund
whom you wish to honor/ remember and your relationship to the person
their address for an acknowledgment card
your address/phone/email
Print clearly – or submit the information typed.
Every dollar contributed can and does make a difference and will be acknowledged.
The minimum donation for each listing is $10.
Unrestricted funds support the timely needs of Beth El Temple. Restricted funds benefit specific purposes and objectives. For a complete list of funds and any specific designations, please visit our website.
Benjamin Goldenberg, father – Sherri Pliskin
Hilda Lamkin Satz, mother; Ruzena Stern –Linda & Bruce Stanger
Cantor Joseph Ness Concert Fund for the Yahrzeit of Lois Johnson, mother; Bertha & Leon Sundel, aunt & uncle; Nellie & Ralph Engel, aunt & uncle – Carol Johnson
Friends of Ari Santiago Temple Accessibility Fund in Honor of
75th birthday of Joyce Leibert – Marlene Alfin
Education Fund in Honor of
Birth of Dolores Rose, granddaughter of Sharon Gorlick-Royer & Peter Royer; birth of Shana Yael, great-granddaughter of Judy Goodman – Barbara & Bob Green
Wishing a Complete Return to Good Health to Bruce Parker – Lorraine & Tom Barber
Taste Of Shabbat in Honor of
Marriage of daughter Jessica and Daniel Greenstein – Karen & Morris Later in Memory of
Steven Charlip, brother of Judy Kulakofsky – Sharon & Bob Efron, Ryuko & Joseph Kulakofsky for the Yahrzeit of David Cukier – Carol Johnson
Ro
ffer Mental Health Challenges Initiative Fund in Memory of Brian Jared Roffer, son of Rhona & Joel – Hedyth Fishman, Lee Rosenberg
Tsedakah/Chesed Fund
in Honor of
Special birthday of Richard Lowry – Gloria & Arthur Levin
Ira Rubenzahl – Johanna & Jared Tobel
75th birthday of Joyce Leibert – Susan Wiener & Robert Gordon in Memory of
Susan Weiner Suskind, sister of Daniel Weiner – Lee Ann & Claudio Benadiva
Jerrold Goodman, husband of Judy – Myra & Bill Kleinman for the Yahrzeit of
Louis J. Illions, father – Barbara & David Brown
Temple Fund in Honor of
Birthday of Ron Buckman – Nancy & Dennis Gottfried
90th birthday of Bob Berland – Gilda Liebowitz
Marriage of Andrew Diamond, son of Sheila & David, and Shani Erdman – Karen & Jeff Polinsky in Memory of
Alan Rosenfeld, father of Glen – Korine & Ron Ferraro, Phyllis & Jack Plotkin, Deena & Doug Shefsky
Shawna Cutting Malkoff, daughter-in-law of Lynn & Joel –Nancy & Dennis Gottfried
Martin Bush, brother of Paul – Janet & Joel Miller for the Yahrzeit of Fanny Smith Cremer, mother – Reeva Cremer
Betty Haber – Brenda Sutter & Tom Falik
Seymour Gold, father – Sandy & Marc Friedman
Rose Adelson, aunt; Ethel Corash, aunt – Matthew Friedman
Sybil M. Golden, wife – H. Donald Golden
Ida Gillman, mother – Felice Goldman
Jack Franzman, father – Barbara & Bob Green
Max Spiegel, father – Cheryl & John Hinze
Maxine Weinberg – Karen & Richard Korris & family
Gloria Finkel – Peter Levine
Perry Scott Levy, son – Judie & Coleman Levy
Betty & Irving Adler, parents; Samuel Liebowitz, father-in-law –Gilda Liebowitz
Ruth Moskowitz, mother – Harold Moskowitz
Miriam Platt, mother; Eva Polansky, grandmother – Joel Platt
Mollie Pollack – Eileen & Elliott Pollack
Muriel Bartnick, mother; Sylvia & Walter Roston, parents –Bonnie & Jay Roston
David Michael Satlof, husband; Mae & Philip Ugelow, parents –
Judith U. Satlof (continues)
Supporting Beth El, cont.
Temple Fund, cont.
Donald Shapiro, brother – Robert Shapiro
Edna Turkenitch, aunt – Lorraine & Farrel Vogelhut
Dora Wilensky, grandmother – Sue & Stuart Wachtel
Betty Berkowitz, mother – Lenore Weisinger
Nora Zimmerman, mother – Richard Zimmerman
Murray Zweig, father – C. Dianne & Richard Zweig
General Unresticted Endowment Fund in Memory of
Alan Rosenfeld, father of Glen – Esther & Stephen Aronson, Rosie & Ron Buckman, Elizabeth & Adam Simmons, Carolyn & Jeffrey Weiser
Oscar Benadiva, father of Claudio – Judy Borus, Abbey Kreinik
Jonathan Kessler, brother of Abigail Kessler-Hanna – Judy Borus
Jerrold Goodman, husband of Judy – Judy Borus, Lauren Catrino, Emily & David Lowe, Ellen & David Murachver
Shawna Cutting Malkoff, daughter-in-law of Lynn & Joel – Judy Borus, Lois Koteen
Hon. Arnold W. Aronson, father of Stephen – Judy Borus, Abbey Kreinik
Albert Greenspoon, husband of Judy – BJ & Lenny Diamond, Viktoriya Kiner
Steven Charlip, brother of Judy Kulakofsky – Abbey Kreinik for the Yahrzeit of
David De Castro Robles, father – Esther & Stephen Aronson
Ruth Wertheim, mother; Benjamin Fisher, father – Marsha & Warren Fisher
Ruth Katz, mother; Max Goldsmith, grandfather; Gustav Rosenbach, grandfather – Peter Katz
Solomon Noveck, father – Trudy Lerer
Nathan Singer, father – Judy & Irwin Singer Alter Family Fund in Memory of Hon. Arnold W. Aronson, father of Stephen – Marci & Jonathan Alter
Naomi & Michael Cohen Endowment Fund in Appreciation of Naomi & Michael Cohen – Myra & Bill Kleinman
Dolin-Etscovitz Family Endowment Fund for the Yahrzeit of Irma & Dr. Eli Etscovitz, parents; Saul Dolin, father – Diane & Scott Dolin
Sharon & Bob Efron Family Fund in Honor of Bat mitzvah of Adele, granddaughter of Sharon & Bob Efron –Robin & Rafi Santiago in Memory of Oscar Benadiva, father of Claudio; Hon. Arnold W. Aronson, father of Stephen – Sharon & Bob Efron
Friends Fund for Members in Need in Honor of 75th birthday of Joyce Leibert – Donna & Marty Galin, Alys & Jack Krichavsky, Judy & Frank Resnick, Jaime & Mark Seltzer, Joan & Paul Shapiro, Lois Siegal
70th birthday of Robin Gelles – Joyce & Richard Leibert
Marriage of Andrew Diamond, son of Sheila & David, and Shani Erdman – Judy & David Rosenthal in Memory of Martin Bush, brother of Paul – Lori & Douglas Meyerson
Susan Leibert, aunt of Richard – Judy & Frank Resnick for the Yahrzeit of Lillian Rosenfield, mother; Hilda Rosenthal, mother – Judy & David Rosenthal
Richard & Debbie Gutcheon Family Endowment Fund in Memory of Susan Leibert, aunt of Richard – Debbie & Richard Gutcheon
Anna Heineman Memorial Fund in Honor of 50th wedding anniversary of Francine & Steve Stier – Myra & Bill Kleinman for the Yahrzeit of Anna & Frank Heineman, parents; Hattie Kaufman, sister –Francine & Steve Stier
Leah Goldschmidt Katz Endowment Fund in Honor of 90th birthday of Stuart Small – Leah Katz
Rabbi Stanley Kessler Tribute Fund in Memory of Jonathan Kessler, brother of Abigail Kessler-Hanna – Abbey Kreinik
Ruth & Harry Kleinman Endowment Fund in Appreciation of Jeanne & Dan Kleinman – Myra & Bill Kleinman in Memory of Hon. Arnold W. Aronson, father of Stephen – Jeanne & Dan Kleinman
Koteen Family Fund
in Appreciation of Lois Koteen – Jacob Gottfried, Myra & Bill Kleinman in Honor of
Marriage of Andrew Diamond, son of Sheila & David, and Shani Erdman – Lois Koteen
Birthday of Lois Koteen – Andrew Magin for the Yahrzeit of Lillian Levitsky, mother; Jack Vercelli – Lois Koteen Santiago Family Fund in Honor of Dr. Robin Santiago – Miriam Bleich in Memory of
Albert Greenspoon, husband of Judy – Robin & Rafi Santiago (continues)
Supporting Beth El, cont.
BETH EL TEMPLE CRAFT GALLERY CHANUKAH BAZAAR
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7 9:00-11:30 AM
For Chanukah (which begins the evening of December 14), we have Chanukkiot (menorah with 8 branches), candles, dreidels, and decorated platters.
We also have challah boards and covers, kiddush cups, candles, and candlesticks, seder plates, tallitot, kippot, mezuzot, jewelry, books, and toys for any occasion.
We are very pleased to announce that we now accept Venmo for purchases! We still accept cash and personal checks, too.
HOURS: Sundays, 9:00-11:30AM (when SULAM is in session)
APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE OR TO VOLUNTEER: Rivka Dvorin, 860-710-6090; Lonni Schulz, 860-651-0072
NOTE: proceeds benefit the synagogue, and we are staffed through the generosity of our volunteers
Sandra L. Kravet Woman of Valor Endowment Fund in Honor of Birth of Ella Marie Girard, greatgranddaughter of David Kravet – Abbey Kreinik in Memory of Albert Greenspoon, husband of Judy; Kenneth Kramer, father of Carrie –David Kravet
Diane & Richard Lieberfarb Endowment Fund in Appreciation of Diane Lieberfarb – Myra & Bill Kleinman in Honor of
45th wedding anniversary of Nancy & Rabbi Jim Rosen; marriage of Andrew Diamond, son of Sheila & David, and Shani Erdman; 10th wedding anniversary of Katie & Brian Lindenberg – Diane & Rich Lieberfarb in Memory of Shawna Cutting Malkoff, daughter-in-law of Lynn & Joel; Emily Sondheimer, wife of Norman – Diane & Rich Lieberfarb
Wishing a Complete Return to Good Health to Myra Kleinman – Diane & Richard Lieberfarb
Mazel Tov! and Appreciation for Sponsoring Shabbat Kiddush
Larson/Hoffman Family in honor of Hannah’s Bat Mitzvah
Nancy & Rabbi Jim Rosen in honor of Dani’s 41st birthday
Schaeffer Family in honor of Ella’s Bat Mitzvah
Solinsky and Portnoff Families for the aufruf of their children, Becca and Brian
Dr. Steven Stein in honor of the Baby Naming of first granddaughter, Poppy June Johanssen
Dr. Steven Stein in honor of the 1st birthday of grandson Ezra Emanuel Schwartz, son of Shira & Scott Schwartz
Zutler Family in honor of Talia’s Bat Mitzvah
If you would like to share your Simchas and Sorrows with the Beth El Community, please send your Life Cycle announcements to: info@bethelwh.org.
Leshem Family Endowment Fund in Honor of Birthday of Faith Parker – Alice Leshem Ludgin Family Endowment Fund in Memory of
Jay Ginewsky, brother of Karen Ludgin –Janice & Harold Rosenthal
Arthur & Stella Mostel Fund for Adult Education in Honor of
Marriage of Emily Weiser, daughter of Caroln & Jeffrey, and Michael Helgerman – Lois Koteen in Memory of
Hon. Arnold W. Aronson, father of Stephen – Carolyn & Jeffrey Weiser Rosen Family Kehillah Kedosha Fund in Honor of 45th wedding anniversary of Nancy & Rabbi Jim Rosen – Barbara & Bob Green
Michael & Susan Schenker Endowment Fund in Appreciation of Susan & Michael Schenker – Marsha & Warren Fisher
I. Milton Widem Adult Education Fund for the Yahrzeit of Peter Widem, grandfather – Susan Widem
Mort Shechtman Men’s Club Fund in Honor of Marriage of Andrew Diamond, son of Sheila & David, and Shani Erdman –Leah Katz
Clara & Mickey Sowalsky Gabbai Rishon Endowment Fund in Appreciation of Rabbi Howard Sowalsky – Phyllis & Chris Esposito, Barbara & Bob Green, Elaine & Jerry Leshem, Lea & Bernie Selig
Carol W. Starr Family Endowment Fund for people with Developmental Disabilities in Appreciation of Carol Starr – Myra & Bill Kleinman Sussman Families Fund for the Yahrzeit of Paul G. Sussman, father – Lisa & Bruce Sussman
Special thanks to Merissa & Matt Spector for donating a brand-new hot dog heater for special programming. We appreciate the generosity!
Life Cycles
Welcome to New Members
Marisa & Max Beede
Phyllis & Bob Berman
Lois Cappellano
Nellie & Barry Cohen
Barbara Feivou
Shirley & Bob Gerrol
Lynn Kaplan-Goldberg &
Barry Goldberg
Of Blessed Memory
Harvey Jassem
Liah Kaminer
Barbara Katzman
Virginia & Jeffrey Kluger
Ellen Koch
Chesed Leon
Jill & Jeffrey Lewis
Karen Lurie
Hon. Arnold Aronson, father of Steven
Oscar Benadiva, father of Claudio
Estelle Bernstein
Ellen Blumberg
Nathaniel Brogadir, son-in-law of Annette & Jack Levine
Martin Bush, brother of Paul
Steven Charlip, brother of Judith Kulakofsky
Harriet Cudrin
Al Greenspoon
Jonathan Kessler, brother of Abigail
Cynthia Pedlikin, sister of Sandra Gassner
Marilyn Shapiro, mother of Larry Jacqueline Solomon, mother of Hon. Elliot Solomon
Beth El Temple Wof West Hartford Inc. 2626 Albany Avenue West Hartford, CT 06117 bethelwesthartford.org
Arnold Menchel
Alfred Oppenheimer
Jonathan Order
Dale Osborn
Judith & Godfrey
Pearlson
Deb & Ian Polun
Lori & John Rosenberg
Congratulations
Rebecca & Jim Berman and Roz Rachlin on engagement of daughter/ granddaughter Sarah and Brian Sussman
Judy Goodman on birth of great-granddaughter Shaindel Yael BermanGladstone
Sharon & Neil Kochen on birth of granddaughter Abigail Georgie Kochen
David Kravet on birth of great-granddaughter Ella Marie Girard
Jim Rosen, Rabbi JRosen@bethelwh.org
Rachel Zerin, RZerin@bethelwh.org
Associate Rabbi & Interim Cantorial Soloist
Dr. Eliyahu Krigel, EKrigel@bethelwh.org
Director of Education and Family Engagement
Rabbi Howard Sowalsky, HSowalsky@bethelwh.org
Chief Operating Officer
Joseph Ness, Cantor Emeritus
Stanley M. Kessler z’’l, Rabbi Emeritus
Lydia Lutt, Marketing@bethelwh.org
Social Media and Marketing Coordinator
Jason Kay, Engagement@bethelwh.org Engagement Coordinator
Phil Schulz, President President@bethelwh.org
Deborah R. Rosenfeld, Editor TempleTopics@bethelwh.org
Lynn & Marla Sari Rubenstein
Michelle Goodman & Andrew Sagon
Barbara Locurto & Amy Sanders
Katie Siegel & Matt Karrin
Judy Spindel-Brown
Cheryl & Adam Wolmer
B’nei Mitzvah Celebrations
Gabriella Hadas Willen Wogenstein
November 15, 2025
Dassi, child of Sarah Willen & Sebastian Wogenstein of West Hartford, sibling of Adin, grandchild of Carol & David Willen from Pepper Pike, Ohio, and Brigitte & Wolfgang Wogenstein of Bad Mergentheim, Germany, is an 8th grader at King Philip Middle School. Dassi is volunteering at the Anja Rosenberg Kosher Food Pantry at JFS, which serves hundreds of families of all backgrounds in Greater Hartford.
Published every two months. Following the deadline schedule below, please submit articles to: TempleTopics@bethelwh.org
Send Life Cycle announcements to: info@bethelwh.org 1/25 for March-April 3/25 for May-June 5/25 for July-August 7/25 for September-October 9/25
Israel Engagement Committee
The Pilgrimage Road and the City of David
Lost to history, buried in rubble, the City of David was rediscovered in 1867 by the British explorer Charles Warren. He was led to this find by excavating and following the ancient water system, including the vertical shaft that today bears his name – Warren’s shaft – that connected to the Gihon Spring. David may have used this shaft to conquer the city from the Jebusites (II Kings 5:8). Locating the ancient water supply prompted further explorations, revealing the ancient fortifications and confirming the site as the ancient City of David.
major building projects existed.
Archaeologists continue to uncover the connections of the Jews to our ancient homeland. The rediscovery of the City of David and now the incredible connection to the temple Mount may be among the most significant of these finds. The vision and persistence of one man, Davidle Be’eri, ensured that the project became a reality. This city, lying just south of the Old City, dates back over 3,800 years, a testament to the long history of Jewish indigeneity in the land.
Davidle’s work helped confirm the presence of Jewish settlement in Jerusalem and to authenticate an important chapter of the Biblical narrative, in the face of those who wish to erase us from the history of Israel. This antagonism almost derailed these excavations. Quiet persistence won the day. Under the Givati parking lot lay a deep moat – 30 meters wide and nine meters deep – dating back over 2,900 years that was part of the city’s northern defenses. This indicated that a sophisticated society capable of such
The "Pilgrim Road” or “Stepped Street” is an ancient, 600-meterlong stepped stone street in Jerusalem connecting the Pool of Siloam and ascending to the Temple Mount – a true Aliyah . It was a main thoroughfare for pilgrims during the Second Temple period and was constructed in the 30s ce under Pontius Pilate. At the Pool of Siloam, pilgrims could perform the necessary purification rites before ascending to the Temple Mount. According to Jewish tradition, pilgrims came to Jerusalem on the three walking festivals: Sukkot, Pesach, and Shavuot, to offer the prescribed sacrificial offerings.
The Pilgrimage Road is located in the City of David’s archaeological park and, after extensive excavation, is being opened to the public as a walking path, according to the Jerusalem Post. As you stroll up its stepped path, you can begin to visualize life in ancient times as you wind your slow ascent up to the Temple Mount. A piece of living history encapsulates life in Israel as we walk in the footsteps of our ancestors.
CO-CHAIRS: Sharon Efron, sgredancer@yahoo.com; Robin Santiago, Robin@rsantiagodmd.com
The pool of Siloam
Davidle Be’eri
Map with stepped road in upper part
Pilgrimage Road