Chai Society

Home > Community > Get Involved > Chai Society

All Beth El members over the age of 65 are automatically members of Beth El Temple's Chai Society!

The Chai Society is a dynamic group with a thirst for knowledge, culture and community. We explore timely and relevant issues about law, opera, Israel, politics and Jewish culture with expert speakers and panelists.

We welcome Beth El members of all ages, as well as members of the greater Hartford community, to our programs. Watch the mail for our now familiar Chai Society blue postcard with specific topic and R.S.V.P. information.

For more information about Chai Society, please call the Beth El office at (860) 233-9696.

Wed, June 18 2025
22 Sivan 5785

Community

Upcoming Events

All Events

Wednesday ,
JunJune 18 , 2025

Studying Dirshuni with Rabbi Rachel Zerin
Wednesday, Jun 18th 6:00p to 7:15p
Join Rabbi Rachel Zerin and Women's Network 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.
MORE INFO
Saturday ,
JulJuly 12 , 2025

Exploring the Siddur: A deep dive into the language, meaning, music, and origins of our prayers
Shabbat, Jul 12th 5:30p to 7:00p
Second Summer Saturdays: June 14, July 12, and August 9, 5:30-7:00 Join Rabbi Rosen and Rabbi Zerin on select Shabbat afternoons throughout the summer for a light dinner/Seudah Shleesheet, learning, and zemirot/Shabbat songs. Each week, we will take a deep dive into one or two of the prayers in our Siddur, exploring topics such as the meaning of the prayer, the way it functions in the service, the different biblical and rabbinic texts that it quotes or refers to, new and traditional musical settings for the prayer, ways that music enhances the meaning of the text, and the history of how the prayer came to be a fixture in our prayerbook. Adults and teens of all backgrounds are welcome to join; no prior knowledge of Hebrew or the Siddur necessary. Light dinner will be served RSVP required (click in to register!) $10 suggested donation per person
MORE INFO
Friday ,
JulJuly 25 , 2025

Shabbat Potluck
Friday, Jul 25th 5:30p to 7:30p
All are invited to join Beth El friends for a Shabbat Potluck Picnic! We'll meet at a fellow member's home to celebrate Shabbat with food, singing, and community. Bring a dairy/vegetarian dish to share (details in the registration). RSVPs are required. Click in to register!
Register Now

MORE INFO
Tuesday ,
JulJuly 29 , 2025

Chai Society Picnic at Beth El
Tuesday, Jul 29th 11:30a to 1:00p
The Chai Society invites you to a picnic at Beth El on Tuesday, July 29, at 11:30am. There will be hamburgers, hot dogs and veggie burgers, along with all the trimmings. We will be treated to entertaining music by Walter Mamlok on the clarinet, and Michael Schiano on the accordion. There will be a charge of $10 for our summer picnic. We'll gather rain or shine!
Register Now

MORE INFO
Saturday ,
AugAugust 9 , 2025

Exploring the Siddur: A deep dive into the language, meaning, music, and origins of our prayers
Shabbat, Aug 9th 5:30p to 7:00p
Second Summer Saturdays: June 14, July 12, and August 9, 5:30-7:00 Join Rabbi Rosen and Rabbi Zerin on select Shabbat afternoons throughout the summer for a light dinner/Seudah Shleesheet, learning, and zemirot/Shabbat songs. Each week, we will take a deep dive into one or two of the prayers in our Siddur, exploring topics such as the meaning of the prayer, the way it functions in the service, the different biblical and rabbinic texts that it quotes or refers to, new and traditional musical settings for the prayer, ways that music enhances the meaning of the text, and the history of how the prayer came to be a fixture in our prayerbook. Adults and teens of all backgrounds are welcome to join; no prior knowledge of Hebrew or the Siddur necessary. Light dinner will be served RSVP required (click in to register!) $10 suggested donation per person
MORE INFO

Wed, June 18 2025 22 Sivan 5785

Contact Us

Beth El Temple
2626 Albany Avenue
West Hartford, CT 06117

(860) 233-9696
(860) 233-9892

Office Hours:
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Monday-Thursday: 8:30am - 4pm
Friday: 8:30am - 2:30pm

SULAM Beth El Educational Program:
(860) 233-9891

DIRECTIONS

Upcoming Events

All Events

Wednesday ,
JunJune 18 , 2025

Studying Dirshuni with Rabbi Rachel Zerin
Wednesday, Jun 18th 6:00p to 7:15p
Join Rabbi Rachel Zerin and Women's Network 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.
MORE INFO
Saturday ,
JulJuly 12 , 2025

Exploring the Siddur: A deep dive into the language, meaning, music, and origins of our prayers
Shabbat, Jul 12th 5:30p to 7:00p
Second Summer Saturdays: June 14, July 12, and August 9, 5:30-7:00 Join Rabbi Rosen and Rabbi Zerin on select Shabbat afternoons throughout the summer for a light dinner/Seudah Shleesheet, learning, and zemirot/Shabbat songs. Each week, we will take a deep dive into one or two of the prayers in our Siddur, exploring topics such as the meaning of the prayer, the way it functions in the service, the different biblical and rabbinic texts that it quotes or refers to, new and traditional musical settings for the prayer, ways that music enhances the meaning of the text, and the history of how the prayer came to be a fixture in our prayerbook. Adults and teens of all backgrounds are welcome to join; no prior knowledge of Hebrew or the Siddur necessary. Light dinner will be served RSVP required (click in to register!) $10 suggested donation per person
MORE INFO
Friday ,
JulJuly 25 , 2025

Shabbat Potluck
Friday, Jul 25th 5:30p to 7:30p
All are invited to join Beth El friends for a Shabbat Potluck Picnic! We'll meet at a fellow member's home to celebrate Shabbat with food, singing, and community. Bring a dairy/vegetarian dish to share (details in the registration). RSVPs are required. Click in to register!
Register Now

MORE INFO
Tuesday ,
JulJuly 29 , 2025

Chai Society Picnic at Beth El
Tuesday, Jul 29th 11:30a to 1:00p
The Chai Society invites you to a picnic at Beth El on Tuesday, July 29, at 11:30am. There will be hamburgers, hot dogs and veggie burgers, along with all the trimmings. We will be treated to entertaining music by Walter Mamlok on the clarinet, and Michael Schiano on the accordion. There will be a charge of $10 for our summer picnic. We'll gather rain or shine!
Register Now

MORE INFO

View Calendar

Connect With Us

READ OUR NEWSLETTER

LOGOUT

Sexual Harassment Policy

Privacy Settings | Privacy Policy | Member Terms