President's Column - October 2016

We are right in it now. As this column reaches you we will probably already have spent the evening together for Erev Rosh HaShanah, and perhaps the morning as well. I wonder if Rosh HaShanah calls to mind for you what it always does for me: the great duality of our calendar. On the one hand, the circle of the year: the seasons change, and we roll around to begin the cycle again. But on the other hand, the linearity of time; we are writing our own history, both individually and collectively, and while each year reassures with the opportunity for a "fresh start," it also reminds us, warns us, that time is passing, and with it, opportunities.

It seems a fitting time for me to reflect on our accomplishments this past year as a community, and our ongoing challenges. There were joyous and hopeful times: we welcomed new families, celebrated life cycle events, prayed, and learned together. We helped a Syrian family negotiate an arduous move to a new home on the Shoreline. Our amazing clergy and staff have led us, supported us, and cared for us. Our Board has wrestled with and agreed on, policies and procedures designed to foster inclusiveness, safeguard our financial future, and live the principles of Reform Judaism in all our interactions. But we have also missed opportunities as well: failed to connect with some in our community who continue to feel alone, isolated, unwelcome, or uninvited. We have missed opportunities to grow, either spiritually, ethically, or interpersonally. We have had wonderful ideas but have not always delivered on them.

TBT is, as we all are, a "work in progress." While we can’t roll back the time we have lost, we can use the opportunity presented by the New Year to commit to our goals of making TBT a place where you feel connected, engaged, sometimes challenged, and always welcomed. With your help, we will continue this work together.

L’Shanah Tovah Tikateivu - May you and your loved ones be written in the Book of Life for a good New Year.

Stu Weinzimer

Rabbi's Column - October 2016

October 1, 2016

Dear Friends,

Finally! The New Year is upon us. If it seems like forever since last New Year...this time...You are right. Yes, technically they fall at the same time every year, but this last year was a leap year and we inserted an entire extra month into the year. So it has been 13 months rather than 12.

Did you know that the Jewish calendar is the only calendar in the world that is both solar and lunar? The Christian calendar is solar and the Muslim calendar is lunar. The Jewish calendar revolves around the cycles of the moon, but we do make seasonal corrections according to the sun - assuring us that while Rosh HaShanah can come as early as the beginning of September or as late, like this year, as October - you can rest assured that our New Year will always be a Fall holiday.

There is so much to consider this Fall as we turn from the Jewish year of 5776 to 5777. Our music will be transportive; we are so grateful for Cantor Margolius and all he does with his heart, his soul, and his vocal cords.

The sounds of the shofar, the sounds of the choir, the sounds of your chairs shuffling on the floor, all bring a tinge of excitement to the crisp Autumn air.

I am delighted to share these sermons with you:
Erev Rosh HaShanah: "Commanded to Hope"
Rosh HaShanah Morning: "The Art of Civility"
Kol Nidre: "The Sin of Certainty"
Yom Kippur Morning: "Opening Doors"

Our holidays would not be possible without the extraordinary behind-the-scenes work of our
Administrator, Kim Romine and our Administrative Assistant, Bonnie Mahon. They help to make this new year sweet.

L’Shana Tova Tikateivu,

May you and your loved ones be written in the Book of Life for good health, much happiness, and a good year ahead,

Rabbi Stacy K. Offner

Mazel Tov to:

  • Mark and Frances Rabinowitz, on the marriage of their daughter, Megan Rabinowitz, to Peter Liveten. 
  • Ben and Rachel Daniels, on the birth of their son, Jacob Moses Daniels on August 12, 2015. Joshua, Maya, and Zachary are the proud older siblings. 
  • Nancy Abramson and Rabbi Stacy Offner, on the engagement of their son, Dr. Charles Abramson, to Heather Asher, both of Snowmass, Colorado. A spring wedding is planned in the bride’s hometown of Chicago. 
  • Stu Weinzimer, on his promotion to Full Professor of Pediatrics at Yale University

Have good news to share? Please let us know at office@ templebethtikvahct.org.

Education Committee

The school year is starting September 20th. If you have not done so, don’t forget to register now for the 2015-2016 Religious School year. Early registration allows us to better plan for teachers. Register online at www.cantorkam.com/ registration.html or obtain a hard copy from the temple office.It is also registration time for 2015-2016 Nursery School year. If you or someone you know would like information about upcoming TBT Nursery School slots or programs, please contact Director Bernadette Stak at 203-245-8039 for information. Classes are filling up. Classes include our great Child-Parent program on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 am to 10:30 am. The little ones have playtime, story time, and a snack with a teacher while parents explore, with experts from the community, topics related to child development and parenting. Please help spread the word about our nurturing and creative programs. Word of mouth has always been our most successful way of enrolling students. Children do not need to be Jewish to attend the Nursery School or to participate in its enrichment programs. The Education Committee is working on Adult Education for this coming fall. Do you have suggestions or would you like to become involved in planning adult education events? If so, please contact Cher Richmond (Cherrilyn.Richmond@yale.edu) or Deb Coe (alpertcoe@msn.com)

SOCIAL JUSTICE WANTS YOU

Social Justice anticipates an exciting year and so many opportunities for you and family members of all ages to participate! This is the time to join and help people less fortunate than ourselves, contribute to environmental projects, and have your voice heard in public policy matters. This committee is a great way to celebrate Jewish values, fortify your Jewish identity, have fun, and meet other members of the congregation!

When do we meet?

Our first meeting is on Sunday, September 27th, at 10:30 am. We will meet every fourth Sunday at TBT, from 10:30- 11:30 am. There are one or two exceptions and all dates are listed on the TBT calendar.