Issuu

From the Rabbi’s Desk

August 20, 2026

A Retreat in Order to Advance

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Beth El and Inclusiveness

Beth El Temple Y West Hartford, CT Y www.bethelwesthartford.org Y 860.233.9696

Reflections from the President

August 6, 2026

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Distinguished Service Award Banquet SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18 5:00 – 8:00 PM

COST: $72/person; $126/patron; additional Sponsor and Ad information has been mailed to all members CONTACT: Dave Diamond, 860-965-3157, daviddiamond2@comcast.net RSVP: by 10/2, tinyurl.com/BethElDSA26 SPONSOR: Men’s Club

CATT – Countering Active Threat Training TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 6:00 PM

COST: no charge; in-person REGISTER: tinyurl.com/ThreatTraining26

Temple Topics Y Vol. LXII, No. 1 Y September-October 2026 Y Elul 5786 - Tishrei-Cheshvan 5787

Shabbat Services & Daily Minyan Shabbat – Friday Kabbalat Shabbat

5:45 PM

All services and some 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).

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)

Havdalah

Saturday – weekly

Shacharit, Torah, and Musaf Services 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Livestream and in person

Children’s Playroom 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM

AGES: 0-5, with their grown-up

ZOOM ONLY, SEE CHART BELOW

There are no regular services, in person, on Saturday evenings.

Mazal Tots

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Special Shabbat Programs and Events

no Virtual Options AGES: 0-5, with their grown-up LEADER: Rabbi Eliyahu Krigel

September Sat

Sat 19

9:30 AM 8:30 PM 5:30 PM 6:15 PM 9:30 AM

Fri 25

5:30 PM

Fri 11

6:15 PM

Birthday Shabbat Selichot (page 8) Shababa* Community Dinner* Shabbat Shuvah: Lake Norden Badger* Lego Sukkot Shabbat* Community Dinner*

Mincha

12:15 PM – 12:45 PM

Livestream and in person

Havdalah

Zoom only NOTE: see chart for timing; it follows sunset

October Sat 3 9:30 AM Sat 31 11:00 AM

Birthday Shabbat Mini-Minyan

* See the High Holiday issue for more info.

Saturday – monthly

Candle & Havdallah Times; plus Havdallah Service Time Shabbat

Friday Candle

Sep 4-5 Sep 11-12 Sep 18-19 Sep 25-26 Oct 2-3 Oct 9-10 Oct 16-17 Oct 23-24 Oct 30-31

7:02 PM 6:50 PM 6:38 PM 6:26 PM 6:13 PM 6:02 PM 5:50 PM 5:40 PM 5:30 PM

Birthday Shabbat

Saturday Havdallah Service 7:58 PM ** 7:34 PM ** ** 6:58 PM 6:47 PM 6:36 PM 6:27 PM

SEPTEMBER 5, OCTOBER 3, NOVEMBER 7 During the morning Torah Service

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7:55 PM ** ** 7:20 PM 7:05 PM 6:55 PM 6:45 PM

Mini-Minyan

OCTOBER 31, 11:00 AM – 12: PM

no Virtual Options AGES: Grades 1-6 LEADER: volunteer parents, please sign up to run a session during the year: tinyurl.com/MiniMinyan2627

** See the schedule in the High Holiday issue of Temple Topics. 4

Beth El Temple Y West Hartford, CT Y www.bethelwesthartford.org Y 860.233.9696

Daily Minyan Friday – weekly

Kabbalat Shabbat 5:45 PM – 7:00 PM

Shacharit

Sun Mon–Fri

8:45 AM 7:00 AM

Sun–Thu

5:30 PM

NOTE: Mon, 9/7 at 9:00 AM Zoom and in person

Mincha/Ma’ariv

See the High Holiday issue for the schedule of services and programs during the High Holidays, with updates on page 8.

Summer Shabbat Morning Speaker Series

Join Us For Minyan – In Person -

6/27 – Chukkat/Balak Richard Lowry Commentary has often tried to villainize the character of Balaam, but the biblical text does not portray him that way. 7/4 – Pinchas Jason Kay www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJfWxodf1yE 2:23 The Jewish calendar is an engineering masterpiece. Using the calendar as an example, we explore how the Torah often gives us guidance on how to act, how to govern, and how to live, but it’s up to us to work out the details among competing requirements. 7/11 – Mattot/Masei Chesed Leon www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3LsMfzHTcY 2:43 Exploring how Moses’ detailed log of the Israelites' wilderness stops invites us to honor the coordinates of our journey toward the future, as well as the places, people, and experiences that have shaped us into who we are today and where we are heading. 7/18 – Devarim Robin Landau www.youtube.com/watch?v=3K_8wFvCz-o 2:27 The talk explored the experience of leading an adult March of the Living delegation to Poland, including the shock of witnessing mass destruction and a deep connection to individual victims who shared a Jewish history and identity. 8/1 – Eikev

Ted Lazarus

8/8 – Re'eh Jared Wasser www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eu_2qWXegM&t=9003s 2:19 Reflects on the central theme of choice, tracing a journey from choosing not to have a bar mitzvah to choosing Judaism, deeper observance, community, kashrut, tzedakah, and service to others. Judaism is about creating many small acts of light, kindness, and holiness that together can illuminate the world. 8/15 – Shofetim Diane Lieberfarb https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dteFKlmTQcg 2:21 Justice, Justice, you shall pursue.

Temple Topics Y Vol. LXII, No. 1 Y September-October 2026 Y Elul 5786 - Tishrei-Cheshvan 5787

New Year, New Prayer Book! -

Beth El Temple Y West Hartford, CT Y www.bethelwesthartford.org Y 860.233.9696

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Temple Topics Y Vol. LXII, No. 1 Y September-October 2026 Y Elul 5786 - Tishrei-Cheshvan 5787

Worshipping Together - High Holiday Updates Reﬂections of the Heart A Selichot Program and Service to renew us as we enter the New Year SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 8:30 PM

COST: no charge; in-person REGISTER: required at tinyurl.com/selichot2026 NOTE: there is no Havdalah Zoom this evening

Book in the Sukkah The Midnight Mitzvah TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 6:00 – 7:30 PM

COST: $18/WN members, $25/others REGISTER: by 9/27; tinyurl.com/BookSukkah2026 SPONSOR: Women’s Network

B’nai Tikvoh-Sholom Cemetery Services WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 4:30 PM 279 Tower Avenue, Hartford 5:30 PM 10 Clubhouse Drive, Windsor RAINDATE: Thursday, September 17

15th Annual Sukkahfest Steak and Scotch in the Sukkah THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 6:00 – 8:30 PM

COST: $40 REGISTER: by 9/25; tinyurl.com/15Sukkahfest SPONSOR: Men’s Club

CORRECTION

(We regret the error on page 4 of the High Holiday issue.)

Lifelong Learning for Adults Reading The Women of the Bible Study Series with Rabbi Zerin 1ST AND 3RD WEDNESDAYS OF THE MONTH (mostly) OCTOBER 21, NOVEMBER 4 5:30 – 5:55 PM Minyan 6:00 – 7:15 PM Class COST: no charge; in-person and Zoom REGISTER: tinyurl.com/BETReadingWomen SPONSOR: Women's Network

Weekly Adult Classes Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Rosen TUESDAY 12:00 – 1:00 PM RESUMES: 10/13 NOTE: Rabbi Zerin will lead the class while Rabbi Rosen is in Israel, 10/27 and 11/3

Talmud Study WEDNESDAY

10:15 – 11:15 AM

Bible & Breakfast THURSDAY

8:00 – 9:00 AM

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 also enhances the others.

Beth El Temple Y West Hartford, CT Y www.bethelwesthartford.org Y 860.233.9696

Upcoming Events & Programs Family Fantasy Football League Draft WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 6:00 – 8:00 PM

COST: free RSVP: David Sabino, dnsabino@gmail.com SPONSOR: Men’s Club

Chai Society Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Eliyahu Krigel, Ed.D THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15 11:30 AM

COST: $15 INFORMATION: Rabbi Eliyahu Krigel, ekrigel@bethelwh.org REGISTER: by 10/13; tinyurl.com/ChaiLunch LUNCH PROVIDED: salmon and salad

10th Tour de Shuls SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

COST: $18-$54/person; $126 family max INFORMATION: David Diamond, daviddiamond2@comcast.net REGISTER: tourdeshulsct.org NOTE: 12 and 28 mile options SPONSOR: Men’s Club

Tree of Life Mandala Class SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1 9:30 – 11:30 AM

COST: $50/person; limited to 15 people INFORMATION: Michelle Kunzman, michellekunzman1@gmail.com REGISTER: by 10/29; tinyurl.com/TreeLife26 SPONSOR: Women’s Network

Walk Around the Reservoir TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS 9:15 AM

LOCATION: Reservoir on Route 44, Albany Ave; meet in parking lot CONTACT: Stu Bernstein, 860-232-2012, scbernste@aol.com SPONSOR: Men’s Club

In Our Community Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford Elects Business and Community Leaders to its Board of Trustees

Temple Topics Y Vol. LXII, No. 1 Y September-October 2026 Y Elul 5786 - Tishrei-Cheshvan 5787

Mitzvot Opportunities KNITzvah Group

SUNDAYS, MONTHLY, RESUMES OCTOBER 25, 9:30 – 10:30 AM TUESDAY DROP-INS, WEEKLY, 4:30 – 5:30 PM

CONTACT: BJ Diamond, knitzvahgrp@gmail.com NOTE: usually meets on the same Sundays as Better Together

3-Season Opportunities Jessie’s Community Garden

CONTACT: Dane Kostin, dkostin@comcast.net Thank you to our regular volunteers, listed below, and we appreciate others who help from time to time:

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

Both of these outdoor activities make great B’nei Mitzvah projects. Volunteers are invited to come with friends, as a family, or solo.

Summer Fun Beth El Softball Concludes Another Successful Season -

CAPTAINS: Alan Cetel, 860-232-9515, acjctc@aol.com, Jacob Kovel, 860-651-9366, eaglewars@aol.com 10

Beth El Temple Y West Hartford, CT Y www.bethelwesthartford.org Y 860.233.9696

Family Engagement School-Aged Religious Education Program: Pre-K through 7 -

Baby Café at Beth El WEDNESDAYS, MONTHLY, SEPTEMBER 16, OCTOBER 28 10:00 – 11:00 AM

COST: no charge, open to the community INFORMATION: Rabbi Eliyahu Krigel, ekrigel@bethelwh.org REGISTER: tinyurl.com/BEbabycafe

SULAM educators and teaching assistants met in August to work on eﬀective classroom strategies to maximize student achievement, engagement, and connection.

Programs for Teens and Young Adults United Synagogue Youth

College Connection -

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

JTConnect TUESDAYS AT BETH EL TEMPLE

INFORMATION: www.JTConnect.org CONTACT: Emma Strumpf, Executive Dir, oﬃce@jtconnect.org AGES: grades 8-12

Stephanie Kudler, Chair collegeconnections@bethelwh.org The generosity of the Gavens Family College Youth Fund makes this project possible.

Temple Topics Y Vol. LXII, No. 1 Y September-October 2026 Y Elul 5786 - Tishrei-Cheshvan 5787

Israel Engagement Committee Sufa Rising Y Robin Santiago

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“With heartfelt gratitude to the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, Connecticut whose generous support and partnership thru p2G made this preschool a reality for our community. Fall 2025.” (repeated in Hebrew)

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Kibbutz Sufa delegation to West Hartford

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A modiﬁed celebration of Purim, during a time of war.

CO-CHAIRS: Sharon Efron, sgredancer@yahoo.com; Robin Santiago, Robin@rsantiagodmd.com 12

Beth El Temple Y West Hartford, CT Y www.bethelwesthartford.org Y 860.233.9696

Life Cycles Welcome to New Members

B’nei Mitzvah Celebrations Avi Bluestone

August 13, 2026

Mazel Tov! and Appreciation for Sponsoring Shabbat Kiddush

Raﬁ David Kest

October 10, 2026

Congratulations

Isaac Ethan Siegel October 17, 2026

Hannah Rose Borden

Of Blessed Memory

October 24, 2026

Mazel Tov to 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.

Temple Topics Y Vol. LXII, No. 1 Y September-October 2026 Y Elul 5786 - Tishrei-Cheshvan 5787

Supporting Beth El

There are two ways to make a donation:

We deeply appreciate the following Thoughtful Contributions.

Y Go to the Beth El website:

www.bethelwesthartford. org/giving Y Mail it in

Y This list reﬂects contributions received and processed through

July 20, 2026. Y For the next edition of Temple Topics, contributions need to be received in the oﬃce by September 21, 2026.

Cantor Joseph Ness Concert Fund

Please be sure to include:

Rabbi Rosen’s Discretionary Fund

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à the name of the fund à whom you wish to honor/

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remember and your relationship to the person à their address for an acknowledgment card à your address/phone/email

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Education Fund

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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.

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Rabbi Zerin’s Discretionary Fund

Every dollar contributed can and does make a diﬀerence and will be acknowledged.

The minimum donation for each listing is $10.

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Print clearly – or submit the information typed.

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(We regret the error in the previous issue.)

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Beautiﬁcation Fund

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Music Fund

Beth El Temple Y West Hartford, CT Y www.bethelwesthartford.org Y 860.233.9696

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Jewish Continuity Fund –

Roﬀer Mental Health Challenges Initiative Fund – – –

Tsedakah/Chesed Fund –

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Temple Fund –

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Temple Topics Y Vol. LXII, No. 1 Y September-October 2026 Y Elul 5786 - Tishrei-Cheshvan 5787

Supporting Beth El –

Alter Family Fund

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General Unrestricted Endowment Fund –

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Judith & David Borus Family Endowment Fund

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Edward & Susan Chestler Family Endowment Fund –

Jane & Nathan Field Memorial Fund

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Beth El Temple Y West Hartford, CT Y www.bethelwesthartford.org Y 860.233.9696

Sharon & Bob Efron Family Fund - -

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Friends Fund for Members in Need

CT Mohel

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Ron Buckman,

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Golder Family Fund –

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Ruth & Harry Kleinman Endowment Fund –

Koteen Family Fund –

www.CTMohel.com

Sandra L. Kravet Woman of Valor Endowment Fund –

Brit Milah Y Simchat Bat –

Kreinik Family Endowment Fund – - -

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Mark S. Levine & Tamara Kagan Levine Family Endowment Fund –

Diane & Richard Lieberfarb Endowment Fund – – –

Ludgin Family Endowment Fund –

Santiago Family Fund –

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Temple Topics Y Vol. LXII, No. 1 Y September-October 2026 Y Elul 5786 - Tishrei-Cheshvan 5787

Supporting Beth El, cont. Lois & Alvin Reiner Family Fund –

Rosen Family Kehillah Kedosha Fund – – –

Ann Rosow-Lucchesi Beautiﬁcation Fund –

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Lonni & Philip Schulz Endowment Fund

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Mort Shechtman Men’s Club Fund –

Sisterhood-Women’s Network Endowment Fund –

Clara & Mickey Sowalsky Gabbai Rishon Endowment Fund –

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Swaye Family Fund –

Amy E. Toyen Endowment Fund – –

I. Milton Widem Adult Education Fund – 18

Beth El Temple Y West Hartford, CT Y www.bethelwesthartford.org Y 860.233.9696

BETH EL TEMPLE CRAFT GALLERY Welcome back from wherever your summer adventures may have taken you! We are ready to help you select just the right Jewish item for your home or for a gift: Y

greeting cards, apple and honey dishes

challah boards and challah covers, kiddush cups, candles, and candlesticks

menorahs and seder plates

tallitot and kipot for b’nai mitzvah

mezuzot, jewelry, books, and toys for any occasion

We strive to assist you with your individual needs. HOURS: Sundays, 9:00 – 11:30 AM (when SULAM is in session)

APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE: 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 PAYMENT OPTIONS: Venmo, cash, and personal checks

Temple Topics Y Vol. LXII, No. 1 Y September-October 2026 Y Elul 5786 - Tishrei-Cheshvan 5787

2626 Albany Avenue West Hartford, CT 06117

Beth El Temple of West Hartford Inc. 2626 Albany Avenue West Hartford, CT 06117

bethelwesthartford.org

Presorted First Class U.S. Postage Paid Hartford, CT Permit No. 4331

@BethElWH

Main Oﬃce: 860.233.9696

@BethElWH

Fax: 860.233.9892

beth.el.temple.wh

Jim Rosen, Rabbi JRosen@bethelwh.org Rachel Zerin, RZerin@bethelwh.org Associate Rabbi & Interim Cantorial Soloist Rabbi Eliyahu Krigel, EdD 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 Randi Sussman, Marketing@bethelwh.org Director of Marketing and Communications Jason Kay, Engagement@bethelwh.org Engagement Coordinator Phil Schulz, President President@bethelwh.org Deborah R. Rosenfeld, Editor TempleTopics@bethelwh.org 20

Published every two months. Following the deadline schedule below, please submit articles to:

TempleTopics@bethelwh.org 1/25 for March-April 3/25 for May-June 5/25 for July-August 7/25 for September-October 9/25 for November-December 11/25 for January-February Send Life Cycle announcements to:

info@bethelwh.org

Oﬃce Hours 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Mon-Thurs Friday

Beth El Temple Y West Hartford, CT Y www.bethelwesthartford.org Y 860.233.9696