Sponsored by: Community You Can Believe In
Israel Engagement
Israel Engagement
Get to know Israel up close and personal. Beth El’s Israel Engagement Committee hosts – or co-hosts with other community organizations – programs and events designed to share Israel’s story. We explore history, politics, culture and day-to-day life, actively connecting our members to our homeland’s past, present and future.
From book talks - Mike Kelly, author of “The Bus to Jaffa Road” – to educational seminars – a panel discussion to educate high school juniors and seniors on the BDS movement on college campuses – to informational talks that can break your heart and at the same time, show resiliency – the parents of an Israeli soldier killed in Lebanon – our Israel Engagement Committee works to put our Jewish State front and center.
Our religious school students also get a chance to meet and learn from our region’s Israel shlichim (emissaries). These teens, from our sister Afula-Gilboa region, delay their military service to spend an academic year of outreach in the United States.
Every Spring: Meet Israel’s Robotics Team
Each year, Beth El families join with the Greater Hartford Jewish community to host young students from Israeli high schools who are participating in the Trinity College Robotics Competition. Welcoming a teen into your home is a great way for your family to make a personal connection with young Israelis. Your home can be kosher or non-kosher. Can’t host? Then join in the Friendship Dinner where you’ll meet these outstanding teens and see their robots at work. Or watch the teams compete at Trinity against students from around the world. Check Temple Topics for updated information on this annual spring event.
Sharon Efron (sgredancer@yahoo.com) and Robin Santiago (robin@santiagodmd.com) are always looking for new ideas. Contact them to get involved in this very important committee.
Thu, May 9 2024
1 Iyyar 5784
Upcoming Events
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Friday ,
MayMay 10 , 2024
Friday, May 10th 7:15p to 9:00p
Join us for a community Shabbat dinner in celebration of Israel and Yom Ha'atzmaut! Click in to register! -
Wednesday ,
MayMay 15 , 2024Studying Dirshuni with Rabbi Rachel Zerin
Wednesday, May 15th 6:00p to 7:15p
Join Rabbi Rachel Zerin, Women's Network and the Israel Engagement Committee as we explore both timely and timeless topics through the lens of "Dirshuni: Contemporary Women's Midrash," a book which weaves together ancient Jewish texts and contemporary women's voices. All are welcome, whether it is your first time or you are a regular. All you need is an interest in learning! Snacks will be provided. Note: Evening minyan begins at 5:30 pm (and please join us if you can!). Class will begin at approximately 6:00pm. -
Thursday ,
MayMay 16 , 2024Afternoon Movie with Chai Society
Thursday, May 16th 1:00p to 3:00p
Afternoon Movie with Chai Society Thursday, May 16, 1pm at Beth El Chai Society invites you to an afternoon program featuring “Sholem Aleichem: Laughing in the Darkness.” This film is a riveting portrait of the great writer whose stories became the basis of the Broadway musical Fiddler on the Roof. (Click here for the trailer!) Mark Schmidek will introduce this film, and his descriptions and commentary will enhance this wonderful documentary. There will be popcorn, munchies and dessert. If you plan to come, please RSVP to Judy Satlof, 860-523-8883, or judsatlof@aol.com by May 6th. -
Wednesday ,
MayMay 29 , 2024
Wednesday, May 29th 6:00p to 7:30p
Please join us in person for this Kulanu program, a Beth El Temple partnership with the ADL. Click in to register! -
Friday ,
MayMay 31 , 2024Camp Send-off Shabbat Dinner
Friday, May 31st 7:00p to 8:30p
Celebrate our campers as we send them off to summer camp Beth El style! All are invited to join us for a special outdoor Shabbat service honoring our campers, followed by a BBQ dinner for all. Service and dinner will be held outdoors, weather permitting. This program is being underwritten by the Kest Family Fund. Click in to register!