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.
Sat, April 27 2024
19 Nisan 5784
Upcoming Events
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Sunday ,
AprApril 28 , 2024
Sunday, Apr 28th 12:15p to 4:00p
For this community hike, we'll meet at Dr. Eliyahu’s house (1021 Mountain Road, Bloomfield, CT) after SULAM enjoys a field day at Schechter. Click in for details and to register! -
Wednesday ,
MayMay 1 , 2024Studying Dirshuni with Rabbi Rachel Zerin
Wednesday, May 1st 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. -
Saturday ,
MayMay 4 , 2024Shabbat Playgroup in the Park: May the Fourth Edition!
Shabbat, May 4th 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! -
Sunday ,
MayMay 5 , 2024
Sunday, May 5th 6:30a to 10:00p
All 8th – 12th graders are invited to join Dr. Eliyahu Krigel and Marisa Beede for a special trip to NYC for the day to learn about the Jewish immigrant experience. The Masa Program at BET is our new program for 8th – 12th graders. This is a travel impact program that will consist of a combination of meetings which, culminating in a trip. For the first year of the program this year, we will be taking a trip to NYC for the day. We’ll leave on a private bus from the Beth El parking lot at 6:30am on May 5! We’ll be back to Beth El at 10:00pm on May 5. The cost is $50 for Beth El members thanks to the generous support of Men’s Club! During the trip we will visit Ellis Island, The Tenement Museum, and the Top of the Rock. We will also experience Kosher dining in NYC as well. In addition to the trip, we will also gather once before to help plan the trip and once after to reflect on our experience together. Space is limited to 20 students. Please contact Dr. Eliyahu Krigel at ekrigel@bethelwh.org with questions and for more information. Click in to register! -
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!