Rabbi's Column - January 2026

Dear Friends,

In late December I like to reflect on the Gregorian Year gone by. 2025 was another painful year for the Jewish people — there is no denying it. But the headlines, which can be scary and demoralizing, also tend to skew our perception of the big picture. So, I am proud to present my top ten good, perhaps overlooked, Jewish News Stories of 2025.

1. A ceasefire is in place and all of our living hostages have been released. We do not know what the future holds, but this alone is reason to rejoice!

2. Palestinians protest Hamas in Gaza in a rare move. In March, Gazans organized to chant, “Shame, shame—you sold Gaza for dollars,” according to video posted on social media. “Hamas is a terrorist (group)”. “For the sake of God, Hamas Out.” “Stop the War.”

3. Gal Gadot Wins the Genesis Prize. Israeli-born actress Gal Gadot was awarded the prestigious 2025 Genesis Prize (often called the “Jewish Nobel”) for her advocacy for Israel and Jewish values during turbulent times. She pledged to donate her $1 million award to organizations supporting recovery and healing in Israel. (AP News)

4. A monumental Hellenistic‑era pyramid complex was unearthed in the Judean Desert north of Nahal Zohar, with papyri, coins, weapons and thousands of artifacts that illuminate life in the region ~2,200 years ago. Read more about this one in Archaeology Magazine.

5. And related Chanukah-adjacent news, Archaeologists completed excavation of a long, intact section of a Hasmonean‑era city wall in Jerusalem — a find tied to the Hanukkah era that offers new material links to the Maccabean period. Read more at Fox News.

6. Across the pond, two major UK Jewish movements — Liberal Judaism and Reform Judaism — voted to merge into a single Progressive Judaism movement, marking historic unity and expanded collaborative vision. (The Guardian)

7. World’s First Human Spinal Cord Transplant Scheduled. In a historic medical milestone, researchers at Tel Aviv University and the biotech firm Matricelf announced the scheduling of the world's first human spinal cord transplant. The procedure uses a patient's own engineered cells to repair damaged tissue, offering unprecedented hope for reversing paralysis.

8. Locally, the Connecticut House of Representatives passed legislation by an overwhelming vote of 128-30 to create a government working group to address Antisemitism in K–12 public schools. Seven of our State’s Jewish Federations have taken the lead on the bill.

9. Red Sox Star Projected to Sign Massive 5-Year, $155M Deal after Huge Year. After securing Alex Bregman with a record $200M+ 3-y ear contract after free agency, the Red Sox are likely to go big or go home on their All-Star third baseman, who sported a Jewish star on his cap after October 7th.

10. Mossad kills bad guys with toilet paper.* I am not making this one up, although I have my suspicions as to its credulity. I have therefore included it with an asterisk. Israeli intelligence has claimed that dozens of Hamas and Hezbollah agents have died after allegedly coming into contact with toxin-treated toilet paper. Even if it’s not true, the real story of exploding pagers is unbelievable enough.

As we close out the year, none of these stories erase the grief, fear, or uncertainty that have shaped Jewish life in 2025. But they do remind us that even in a difficult season, there is resilience, creativity, courage, and unexpected light. Progress happens quietly. Headlines often gloss over hope. And our community — across continents, denominations, and generations — continues to build, to heal, and to insist on a future worth believing in.

May the coming year bring more stories like these!

Shalom,
Rabbi Moss

President's Column - January 2026

President’s Column: Rekindling Light, Renewing Commitment: Looking Ahead to 2026

As we enter January 2026, I’ve been reflecting on a teaching from the Talmud about the mitzvah of lighting the Hanukkah candles. The sages teach “ma’alin bakodesh v’ein moridin,” in matters of holiness, we ascend rather than descend. Each night of Hanukkah, we add one more candle, increasing the light in the world rather than letting it fade. It’s a simple ritual with a profound message: Jewish life is built on the belief that we can always grow, deepen, and brighten what already exists.

This year, that teaching feels especially resonant.

Just a few weeks ago, our community gathered for the most joyful Hanukkah celebrations in recent memory. Over 150 people - children, parents, grandparents, longtime members, and new faces - filled our space with song, laughter, and light. It was a powerful reminder of who we are: a community that shows up for one another, celebrates together, and creates moments of connection that linger long after the candles burn down.

And now, as we look ahead, we have more opportunities to “add light” to our shared Jewish life. On March 21st, 2026, we will come together for our 3rd Annual TBT Gala Celebration and Auction, an evening that has quickly become one of the highlights of our year. This event not only brings us joy and togetherness, it also plays a crucial role in supporting our synagogue’s financial health.

This year, we are asking for your help to make the gala stronger than ever. We are seeking contributions for both our silent auction and our live auction. Silent auction items of all kinds are welcome; for the live auction we are especially looking for vacation homes, sporting or theater tickets, special experiences, and other high-value offerings. Please reach out to our gala team at tbtgala@gmail.com for more information. They will be delighted to help coordinate the details.

And speaking of our future: as many of you know, we are still working to retire the remaining debt from our renovation. That renovation gave us a beautiful, functional, welcoming home, one that serves our children, supports our clergy and staff, and allows us to gather in meaningful ways. Now we must take the next step and ensure that this home is financially secure for the next generation. Every contribution, every pledge, every act of support helps us move closer to that goal.

In the spirit of “ma’alin bakodesh”, I invite each of us to take one step upward this year. Attend a service. Join a class. Volunteer for a committee. Support the gala. Make a meaningful donation toward our renovation debt. Reach out to someone you haven’t seen in a while. Show up, because when you do, you not only receive joy, you help create it.

Our synagogue is more than a building; it is a living, breathing community. And its strength comes from each of us choosing, again and again, to add our own light to the collective flame.

May 2026 be a year of growth, connection, and renewed purpose. May we continue to rise together, adding light upon light.

B’shalom,
Josh Broder, TBT President

Rabbi's Column - December 2025

Dear Friends,

If you look for the word “Chanukah” in the TaNaKh (Bible), you will be looking for a very long time! That’s because the historical events of Chanukah occurred after the TaNaKh was completed. Everything we know about the holiday therefore comes from post-biblical sources: the apocryphal books of Maccabees and the ancient Jewish-Roman historian Josephus are among the earliest. These sources describe the political repressions of a foreign Hellenistic regime and the internal political tensions of a Jewish community divided on how to —or even if to — fight back.

Generations after the Maccabees declared victory, the emerging rabbinic class had to make sense of this minor holiday it had inherited. The Talmud retells the military story with a subtly different framing:
On the twenty-fifth of Kislev, the days of Hanukkah are eight. One may not eulogize or fast. Why? When the Greeks entered the Sanctuary they defiled all the oils there. And when the [Maccabees] overcame them and emerged victorious over them, they searched and found only one cruse of oil that was placed with the seal of the High Priest, undisturbed by the Greeks. And there was sufficient oil there to light the menorah for only one day. A miracle occurred and they lit the menorah from it for eight days. The next year the Sages instituted those days and made them holidays with recitation of Hallel and special thanksgiving in prayer and blessings. (Tractate Shabbat 21b)

According to the Talmud, this miracle explains why we light candles for eight nights.

The Talmud describes another principle:
It is a mitzvah to place the Hanukkah lamp at the entrance to one’s house on the outside, so that all can see it. If one lives upstairs, one places it at the window adjacent to the public domain.

One of the most beautiful times to be in Jerusalem’s old city is during the last few nights of Chanukah, when rows upon rows of oil lamps glimmer outside each home. The light warms the ancient limestone in the most beautiful way. This precept is called pirsum ha’nes — publicizing the miracle. Unlike most other Jewish holidays, which take place in the synagogue or around the family table, Chanukah is supposed to be visible to the outside world. The miracle is meant to be shared.

What is it like to share Judaism in our day? I think most of us would say, it’s complicated! Many of our founding families have described to me that, in the 1970s, the goal was quite the opposite of publicity.

That was reflected in the architecture of the original building: cloistered, inward-focused.

Our beautifully renovated building sends a different message. The expansive glass and inviting design speak to me of Jewish pride. More importantly, this is reflected by the culture of hospitality we strive to cultivate. I simply love this about our congregation, and I hope you do too. In a time of rising bigotry and political strife, I am doubly grateful that these are our values.

To that effect, we will be placing a Chanukah menorah outside of our building this year. Please save the date for Wednesday, December 17th, when we will join together with the broader Jewish community to light the menorah. Our usual bring-your-own menorah and brisket cookoff will take place on Friday, December 19th.

Each Chanukah, We sing the ancient words, " הַ נֵּר וֹת הַ לָּל וּ, אֲ נַ חְ נ וּ מַ דְ לִ י קִ ין עַל הַ נִּ סִּ ים וְ עַל הַ נִּ פְ לָא וֹת וְ עַל הַ תְּ שׁ וּע וֹת וְ עַל הַ מִּ לְ חָ מ וֹת "(HaNeirot HaLalu, anachnu madlikin al haNisim v'al haNiflaot v'al haT'shu'ot v'al haMilchamot). We light these lights for the miracles, for the wonders, for the salvations, and for the struggles—past and present. The miracle is not just that the oil lasted, but that the Jewish spirit persevered. Every flame we kindle is an act of courage.

Even the smallest light has the power to define the entire space around it. As you share your light, remember that you are not just illuminating your own home; you are taking part in a collective, ancient endeavor to push back the shadows and affirm hope. We stand together, multiplying the light until the darkest night shines out like the dawn.

Shalom,
Rabbi Moss

President's Column - December 2025

The rabbis teach that when we light the menorah, we are not only recalling the miracle of oil that lasted eight days, but also affirming that our role is to bring light into the world. Each flame represents hope, resilience, and dedication. Chanukah reminds us that even in times of challenge, a single spark can ignite great change.

When I was a kid at Ezra Academy, one of my favorite traditions was our annual Chanukah program. The students put on skits, sang songs, performed dances, and shared stories, all centered on the holiday. The entire community came together, dressed up for the occasion, and filled the room with joy. And of course, no Chanukah program was complete without latkes hot off the griddle, sufganiyot dusted with sugar, and plenty of gelt for dreidel games.Those nights taught me that Chanukah is not only about miracles, it’s about community, celebration, and the light we create together.

This year, Temple Beth Tikvah will shine brighter than ever. On Wednesday, December 17th, we will kindle our first large outdoor menorah in a special ceremony. This new tradition will be a beacon of Jewish pride and resilience, visible to all who pass by, and a powerful reminder that our light endures.

Then, on Friday, December 19th, we gather for one of TBT’s most beloved traditions: our annual all-congregation Chanukah celebration, menorah lighting, and brisket cook-off dinner. It is an evening filled with laughter, delicious food, light, and the joy of celebrating together as one family.

As we enjoy these moments of light and warmth, I invite you to also join in sustaining our future. Our Secure the Future capital campaign continues to move forward, with the goal of retiring the remaining debt from our renovation. Just as each candle strengthens the glow of the menorah, each contribution strengthens the foundation of our community.

Let us come together this Chanukah season, at the menorah lighting, at the brisket cook-off, and in support of our campaign, to ensure that Temple Beth Tikvah remains a place of light, learning, and love for generations to come.

Chag Urim Sameach,

Josh Broder
President, Temple Beth Tikvah

Temple Educator's Column - December 2025

TBT has been blessed with amazing teachers- past and present- who serve our Religious School.

We are fortunate that the Jewish community at Yale has been a great source of many of our teachers. We currently have five Yale undergraduates teaching at TBT: Aviv Pilipski, Hannah Saraf, Keira Gerstley, Dani Klein and Anya Geist. They teach Kitot Bet – Vav (2nd – 6th) in the order listed. It is a joy to watch them work with our kids, and the kids love them!

From the broader community, we have Ed Soufer, who teaches music and leads tefilah for our students, while Miriam Heyman teaches Gan (kindergarten). Ed lives in Madison, and Miriam makes her way from the Naugatuck Valley each Sunday.

Members Shelley Capozzi and Rachel Kilian, teach Kitot Zayin (7th) and Alef (1st), respectively. I realize that many of our congregational members served our school long before I became part of this amazing community. Our members often find ways to share their gifts with us – such as working in leadership, worshipping with us, or serving on committees.

TBT members often connect me to candidates who join our faculty. Our mission statement says: “Temple Beth Tikvah is a vibrant, inclusive Reform Jewish community, guided by Torah and interconnected through our traditions and values of tikkun hanefesh (enriching our lives) and tikkun olam (improving the world).”

Our teachers fulfill most of the mission. However, only the teachers who are TBT members can fully demonstrate our mission. They live the values of TBT, and they model them to our children inside TBT and outside in the community.

If I have two candidates equally capable, and only one is a member of our congregation, I will hire the member. I do so because a member modeling our values is something that rarely can be found outside of TBT. Of course, not being a member is a curable condition. Our SALTY advisor, Devon Barker, joined TBT around the same time he began his work with us!

Please consider teaching Religious School at TBT, perhaps starting as a substitute. No teaching experience? Not to worry. The best teacher I ever had was a treasury agent. The criteria for teaching our children is simple:
You love being Jewish and are passionate about the history and future of the Jewish people.
You enjoy engaging with children.
Good listening skills.

I can help you with technique and Jewish knowledge.
Let’s talk.
Ira J. Wise, DJRE Temple Educator

Hebrew Matters: Temple Educator's Column

When Mishkan Tefilah – our current siddur was shared in prepublication in 2005, we were told it was going to include transliteration. That is to say that along with the English and the Hebrew, there would be Hebrew written phonetically with English letters. Apparently, a great deal of research had revealed that many adults, who had forgotten or never learned Hebrew, felt infantilized when attending services. This was meant to solve that.

I, and many of my colleagues (educators, rabbis and cantors) objected. We felt that if everyone could rely on the transliteration, no one – especially kids – would invest the effort and time in learning to actually read the Hebrew. The editorial committee of Mishkan Tefillah responded by offering an option that is NOT transliterated. That is the light blue version you see in the hands of our students.

Reform Judaism is about having personal autonomy over our Jewish practices. If, after careful study and reflection, we find that a particular practice is not meaningful, we can choose to set it aside. And if we find another practice particularly meaningful, we can embrace it. We have choices.

I believe that Hebrew is a very important part of our heritage. I remember learning with a rabbi who had been a frequent visitor to the Soviet Union in the 70s and 80s. He would smuggle in bibles and Hebrew books for Refuseniks who were trying to teach Judaism in spite of the laws against it. He was asked to travel to Siberia and check on the wellbeing of someone there. After a 21-hour train ride, he found a pay phone and called. The person on the other end did not speak English. The rabbi spoke no Russian. He tried Hebrew. The Refusenik asked in Hebrew “How did you find me?” And in Hebrew the rabbi answered, “There are people in Israel and the United States who were worried about you.”

Without Hebrew, that man might have been lost to us forever. He emigrated to Israel in 1987. Our current Hebrew language curriculum focuses on reading the prayers we regularly say or chant in Hebrew. Our kids learn a vocabulary of approximately 350 words over the course of five years. And they learn a lot about the meaning of those prayers – even if they cannot readily translate them word for word.

During the next several months, I and some of the members of the Curriculum Working Group would like to speak with you who are willing. We have some questions about what you think is important – or not important – about what Hebrew our kids will learn. Whether you have a child who is, or soon will be- in Religious School, or not, our school should reflect the values of the whole congregation. Please reach out to me at rsdirector@tbtshoreline.org or give me a call. We will have some group conversations as well as one-on-one meetings.

L’Shalom, Ira Wise, Temple Educator

Religious School Enrollment 2025-2026 Enrollment will begin May 19, 2025. If your child is currently enrolled in Religious School (and not graduating High School) , they will be automatically re-enrolled for the fall! You will be sent a link to a form that will ask about your child’s specific needs and your hopes and dreams. You will be billed for tuition through Shulcloud in the early Fall and you will be all set! If you have children who are of school age and have not yet enrolled, we will send you a form the week of the 19 th and will follow up with you then.

PRESIDENT'S COLUMN - FEBRUARY 2025

Building Bridges and Strengthening Our Community

Dear Friends,

As we settle into 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on the importance of welcoming and belonging in our synagogue. In Jewish tradition, hachnasat orchim—welcoming guests—is a cornerstone of our values. It reminds us that everyone deserves a place where they feel embraced, supported, and connected.

I’m thrilled to share that our synagogue family continues to grow. This year, we’ve welcomed many new members who are already enriching our community with their presence and energy. To our newest members: we’re so glad you’re here. Your decision to join us reflects a commitment to Jewish life, and we’re committed to ensuring you feel at home here. In the next few months we will have special events and /or services specifically for our new members. More details will follow soon.

But our work doesn’t stop at welcoming new members—we have the power to grow our community even further. I encourage all of you, whether you’ve been a part of this synagogue for decades or weeks, to invite friends, neighbors, or coworkers to experience what makes our congregation special. Whether it’s joining a Shabbat service, attending a program, or just coming for coffee and conversation, sharing our synagogue with others is one of the best ways to strengthen our community.

This February, we’ll have a beautiful opportunity to come together in celebration during Shabbat Shirah on February 7. Our fabulous soloist, Rachel Policar, will be joining TBT once again for this evening. Known as the "Shabbat of Song", this special service highlights the moment the Israelites sang with joy after crossing the "Sea of Reeds". It’s a time to reflect on freedom, gratitude, and the power of music to uplift and unite us. I hope you’ll join us—and bring a friend! It’s the perfect occasion to share the beauty of our tradition with others and to feel the strength of our voices rising together in harmony.

In addition to fostering connections close to home, we must also turn our hearts to those in need of connection and support abroad. Like so many of you, I’ve been following the situation of hostages still awaiting their return to freedom. It’s a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and the importance of standing together as a global Jewish community. We pray fervently for their safety and for the day when they can reunite with their families.

This February, let’s commit to making our synagogue an even brighter light for all who enter its doors. Let’s make space for connection and extend invitations widely. And let’s join together in action and prayer for those who long to return home. Thank you for being a vital part of our synagogue family. Together, we can continue to build bridges, strengthen bonds, and make 2025 a year of growth, unity, and hope.

B’shalom,

Josh Broder, TBT President

Rabbi's Column - December 2024

Dear Friends,

In the days and weeks since Haviv Rettig Gur’s visit as our Scholar-in-Residence, my mind has been spinning with so many new ideas. I learned a great deal from Haviv’s visit, which I found highly educational, stimulating, and sometimes very challenging. I hope you enjoyed him as much as I did.

As I reflect on all Haviv shared with us, a few points stand out. I thought

I’d share my top take-aways with you, as he offered a lot of insight to bridge

divides: between generational perspectives; between Israelis and diaspora Jewry;

and between our current knowledge and where we all want to be. Because truly, we could be better informed (myself included)!

President's Column - December 2024

Dear Friends,

In the second century BCE, the Holy Land was under the rule of the Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks), who sought to impose Greek culture and beliefs on the people of Israel, undermining their observance of mitzvot and devotion to G d. Against incredible odds, a small group of faithful but poorly armed Jews, led by Judah the Maccabee, defeated one of the most powerful armies of the time. They drove the Greeks out, reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, and rededicated it to the service of G d.

When they went to light the Temple's Menorah (the seven-branched candelabrum), they found only a single cruse of pure olive oil that had not been contaminated. Miraculously, this small amount of oil burned for eight days—enough time to prepare a new supply under the proper conditions of ritual purity. Like Passover, Hanukkah is a celebration of freedom—freedom from oppression and the ability to practice religious expression. The Hebrew word Chanukah means "dedication," commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

The Festival of Lights, another name for Chanukah, is one of my favorite Jewish holidays. While other kids anticipated Christmas, I was eagerly preparing for Chanukah. Why? Because what’s better than freshly made latkes (with chives and scallions for extra flavor—delicious!), sufganiyot (Hebrew for doughnuts), playing dreidel with chocolate gelt as prizes, and lighting the menorah while singing traditional songs and blessings? (Ma’oz Tzur or Rock of Ages—is my personal favorite. My mom made my brother and me sing it every night of Chanukah when we were kids.) And let’s not forget the cherry on top: eight nights of presents!

Chanukah arrives each year near the winter solstice, when daylight is at its shortest. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest times, there’s always light ahead. As we enter winter and reflect on the ongoing war in Israel—now 14 months long—let us pray for light at the end of this dark tunnel. Just as the oil miraculously lasted eight nights, let us hope for a miracle: the safe release of all remaining hostages. That would truly embody the spirit of Chanukah.

I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the TBT Board of Trustees, the Leadership Council, our clergy and staff, and all the amazing volunteers who dedicate themselves to our incredible community. A special thank-you goes to two remarkable lay leaders, Suzy Frisch and Andrea SanMarco. Their tireless efforts— whether supporting our staff, stepping in during crunch times, or simply always being present—are invaluable TBT wouldn’t be the same without their dedication. Thank you both!

Nes gadol haya sham —“a great miracle happened there.” These words, inscribed on the dreidel, remind us of the miracles Chanukah represents. May the light of this season inspire all of us to shine brightly, even in challenging times, and to dedicate ourselves to something greater—this extraordinary TBT community.

Happy Chanukah from my family to yours!
Josh Broder,
President, Temple Beth Tikvah

Temple Educator's Column - December 2024

The TRUE story of Chanukah

The difference between Jewish and secular calendars this year means that Religious School is not in session for Chanukah. We adapt. And that to me, is the lesson of Chanukah – and of the Jewish people for that matter. We survived nearly 2,000 years of exile and being kicked out of nearly every country and city state in Europe – not to mention the Roman empire, the Crusades, the Inquisition and the Holocaust – by adapting. We continually find ways to not simply survive, but to thrive and find new joys in living Jewishly.

I am going to share some historical accuracy with you now. Do not confuse that with Truth. Truth is what we believe in our hearts. Sometimes it is informed by historical events. Sometimes by our beliefs. If hearing something different about Chanukah will disturb you, I urge you to scroll to the next article. This is not something that you NEED to know.

Still with me? Judah and the rest of the Maccabees were real. We have lots of contemporary evidence. It is extremely unlikely, however, that any of them ever heard about a little jug of oil that burned for eight days. The first time we hear that part of the story is in the Babylonian Talmud, written 460-660 years after the actual events.

In the First Book of the Maccabees, written just four years after the war, the dedication is celebrated for eight days just as the original temple dedication under King Solomon and dedication of the tabernacle in the wilderness with Moses, Miriam and Aaron was held. And Judah declared all Jews everywhere should celebrate each year.

Forty years later, it seems that Jewish communities outside of the land of Israel were not celebrating Chanukah. So, a Second Book of Maccabees was written. “They celebrated it for eight days with rejoicing, in the manner of the Feast of Booths, remembering how not long before, during the Feast of Booths, they had been wandering in the mountains and caves like wild animals.” It seems the holiday soon gained traction in the diaspora communities after that. Still no oil though.

One hundred and ninety or so years after the original events, Flavius Josephus describes the first Chanukah. Josephus had been a Judean general in the war against Rome that resulted in the destruction of the second Temple in Jerusalem in 70 C.E. He went over to the Roman side and spent the rest of his life writing about Jewish history and customs. Historians believe that he was trying to create an image of the Jewish people in the minds of the Romans that would lead them to think we were not a threat and should leave us alone. He wrote: “Judah celebrated the festival of the restoration of the sacrifices of the temple for eight days, and omitted no form of pleasures…” A very Roman type of simcha.

Finally, Pesikta Rabbati is a collection of Midrashic tales written in the land of Israel in the 8th or 9th century CE. while the land was under Muslim rule. In it we read “When they entered the Temple, they found eight rods of iron (spears), which they hollowed out and then kindled wicks in oil which they had poured in the grooves.” This version reminds us of turning swords into plow shares – making weapons into tools of peace. A good metaphor while living under foreign rule.

So too, the Talmudic story of the oil teaches those around us that we are not looking for a fight. God made the miracle of the oil and the victory of the few over the many – not humans. We celebrate God and our faith not war.

In each case, we adapted. In each case we recast the story in a way that gives us reason to celebrate. I am not debunking the story of the oil and its miracle. I am saying we have four more facets to the jewel that is Chanukah. They are ALL our stories.

And I am sticking to them. I invite you to join me. No need to tell the young kids just yet.

L’shalom,
Ira Wise, Temple Educator