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Remembering Loved Ones
Remembering Loved Ones
Honoring the yahrzeit of a loved one is a long-standing and wonderful Jewish tradition. The yahrzeit is the annual date in the Jewish calendar on which a close relative passed away. Traditionally, we observe these dates for parents, spouses, siblings, and children, although a yahrzeit may also be observed for any close relative or friend that one feels especially close to. The traditional manner of observing yahrzeit involves several rituals: saying the Mourners’ Kaddish during each of the three services (Ma'ariv – evening, Shacharit – morning, and Mincha – afternoon) on the day of yahrzeit, lighting a yahrzeit (twenty-four) candle in one's home the evening that the yahrzeit begins, making a donation to a charity in memory of the deceased, having an aliyah close to the date of a yahrzeit, and in some traditions fasting on the yahrzeit for a parent who passed away.
At Beth El Temple, we honor our members' yahrzeits in several ways:
- We send a yahrzeit reminder notification to all our members. If one wishes to have someone listed for yahrzeit notification, please contact Rabbi Sowalsky at hsowalsky@bethelwh.org and he will take care of that.
- We will say the "kel malay rachamim" prayer on behalf of your loved one during the week when we read Torah (generally Saturday afternoon, Monday & Thursday mornings) if you request to have that done. A form for such is sent along with every yahrzeit letter reminder. Additionally, you may wish to donate to Beth El Temple in memory of your loved one. The form for the "kel malay rachamim" prayer may also be found by clicking here.
- We list in our weekly flyer all the names of the yahrzeits of our members. The list is on the back page of our flyer and starts with Shabbat and ends the following Friday. if you wish, you can also come on a Friday night around the date of your loved one's yahrzeit and have their name read at services and also say Kaddish. If you wish to do that, please contact Rabbi Sowalsky at hsowalsky@bethelwh.org.
- For those who wish, one may purchase (for $600, effective July 1, 2022) a yahrzeit plaque. This metallic plaque is a permanent remembrance of your loved one at Beth El Temple. All the yahrzeit plaques (we have over 1000) are in our beautiful chapel, and each week, the plaques corresponding to the yahrzeits for that week (Shabbat to Friday) are hung on a special board in the chapel. If you wish to purchase a plaque for a loved one who has passed, please click here.
- Lastly, in our Sanctuary Lobby, we have a beautiful "Tree of Life" for which one can buy a leaf (for $500, effective July 1, 2022) and memorialize your loved one. If you are interested in such, please click here.
Fri, June 9 2023
20 Sivan 5783
Upcoming Events
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Sunday ,
JunJune 11 , 2023Men's Club Outing to see the Hartford Yard Goats play the Somerset Patriots
Sunday, Jun 11th 12:00p to 4:00p
Back by popular demand! Join the Men’s Club at Dunkin’ Donuts Park to see the Hartford Yard Goats play the Somerset Patriots (the Yankees AA minor league affiliate)! It will be Jewish Heritage Day. Our seats, in the Hartford Terrace section along the first-base side, are in a shaded, private section. Your ticket will allow you free exclusive access to the Yard Goats Club, an air conditioned indoor section with great views of the game, comfortable seating, and higher-end food and liquor options not available at the general concession stands. And yes, fries, hot dogs, and beer are also available there. Kosher food will be available. You can go to this private section when you want to take a break from your field seats, get refreshments, and schmooze with others. Kids run the bases after the game! Tickets are limited, so you are urged to put in your RSVP as soon as possible. You may request to be seated with others who are placing their RSVP separately. -
Sunday ,
JunJune 11 , 2023Celebrate West Hartford
Sunday, Jun 11th 12:00p to 6:00p
Stop by our booth at Celebrate! West Hartford on the second day of the town's annual community festival. Say hello to our clergy and lay leaders, and share your enthusiasm for Beth El with the community. You don't want to miss our community art project! -
Friday ,
JunJune 16 , 2023Camp Send-off Shabbat Dinner
Friday, Jun 16th 7:00p to 9:00p
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! -
Saturday ,
JunJune 24 , 2023Shabbat Playgroup in the Park
Shabbat, Jun 24th 3:00p to 5:00p
Calling all 0-5 year olds and their grown-ups: come find your people at the park! Join Rabbi Zerin, Dr. Eliyahu, and your friends at Beth El for a relaxed Shabbat afternoon at Eisenhower Park. We will provide cold drinks and summer treats! Note: will be canceled in case of rain. RSVPs requested but not required. Click in to RSVP! -
Friday ,
JulJuly 14 , 2023Shabbat in the Park
Friday, Jul 14th 5:30p to 7:30p
All are invited to Eisenhower Park for Shabbat in the Park! We invite you to bring a picnic for your family, and we'll bring the grape juice & challah! Meet by the playground to celebrate Shabbat with our Beth El community. Contact Jason Kay (engagement@bethelwh.org) with any questions. Click in to RSVP!