Sponsored by: Community You Can Believe In
Lifelong Learning
Bible and Breakfast
Please join us for a light breakfast and an energetic exchange about the weekly parsha. Guided by our rabbis, participants share their viewpoints and insights. We all learn by listening, thinking and sharing. People with all backgrounds are welcome; an ability to read Hebrew or knowledge of Hebrew text is not needed. We meet in person and on Zoom immediately after minyan on Thursday mornings and we adjourn by 8:45 a.m. It's a great way to help begin your day. Email Lydia at marketing@bethelwh.org for login information.
Talmud Study
The conversations of the Rabbis come alive as we discuss the themes that were important 2000 years ago and continue to have impact on our Jewish journeys today. Texts are in English; Hebrew offered as well. All are encouraged to participate. This group meets Wednesdays at 10 a.m. during the Summer and at 10:30 a.m. during the rest of the year in person and on Zoom.
Lunch and Learn
Join Rabbi Rosen as he explores the Hebrew Bible. He has been going through the entire Bible, chapter by chapter, and newcomers are welcome at any time. Lunch and Learn meets weekly on Tuesdays at 12:00 pm in person and on Zoom.
Chai Mitzvah
Chai Mitzvah is more than a program and more than a typical adult education class. It’s an engagement experience. Participants are on a journey taken with others engaged in a similar journey. Each group meets once a month to learn, share and experience, as each participant builds her or his “Jewish Bucket List.” What is that? Our tradition tells us that a full Jewish life involves our head, heart, and hands. Chai participants do just that by incorporating study, ritual and social action. Contact our office to find out how you can get involved in a Chai Mitzvah group. For a complete description, click here.
Mentoring Program
Are you interested in learning how to light Shabbat candles? Recite the Torah blessings? Read from the Torah? Chant a Haftarah? Lead/participate in the weekday Mincha or Maariv services? In the age-old spirit of our tradition, let us match you with your own personal mentor. Do you have these skills that you would be willing to share with those interested in learning? Let us know by calling the Temple office at (860) 233-9696 and we will facilitate a match for you.
Tue, March 19 2024
9 Adar II 5784
Upcoming Events
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Wednesday ,
MarMarch 20 , 2024Community Program: The Story of Esther in a Post October 7th World
Wednesday, Mar 20th 6:00p to 7:30p
What do we do when our people’s lives hang in the balance? How do we stand up in the face of persecution? When problems loom large, what can I, a mere individual, do? These questions resound throughout the Book of Esther, just as they have resounded for many of us since October 7th. That is part of the reason why our tradition extended the recognition of the events commemorated in Megillat Esther beyond just one festive day to also include the Fast of Esther in the days before Purim, as a way of commemorating the more somber aspects of the Story of Esther and the ways in which Esther and others risked their lives for our people. Members of B'nai Tikvoh-Sholom and Beth El Temple are invited to join Rabbi Debra Cantor, Rabbi Jim Rosen, and Rabbi Rachel Zerin as we explore passages of the Megillah of Esther alongside writings and stories that have emerged from Israel since October 7th, in anticipation of the Fast of Esther. Mincha and Ma’ariv Services will take place at 5:30, followed by the program at 6:00 in the Levine-Shein Chapel at Beth El Temple and on Livestream. Refreshments to follow. Click in to RSVP. -
Thursday ,
MarMarch 21 , 2024Red Cross Blood Drive
Thursday, Mar 21st 1:00p to 6:00p
You can make a lasting impact with an amazing mitzvot by helping the American Red Cross! Please help us make a difference by donating blood at Beth El Temple. Please call 1.800.733.2767 or visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter: WeHa to schedule your appointment. Volunteers are also needed for registration and snacks, please call the office to sign up to volunteer. You can also save up to 15 minutes on the day of your appointment, by simply visiting www.redcrossblood.org/RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history questions. Everyday heroes like you can help save up to three lives with just one blood donation. Thank you for giving the gift of life. -
Saturday ,
MarMarch 23 , 2024
Shabbat, Mar 23rd 6:00p to 9:30p
Join the Beth El and B'nai Tikvoh-Sholom families as we celebrate Purim together! Early evening events for families with young children, followed by a festive community dinner, Kahoot! trivia, and the Megillah reading! Click in to register! 6:00-6:30 The Story of Esther: An Interactive Purim Program geared toward 0-5 year olds and their families Come in costume for Purim songs, a costume parade, a fun, interactive telling of the story of Esther and more! All are invited to join us for dinner after. 6:30-7:15 Se’udah Shleesheet - Festive Dinner for All 7:15-7:40 Shabbat Mincha 7:40-9:15 Ma’ariv, Havdalah, and Megillah Reading Put on your costumes and join us for a festive reading of the Megillah of Esther, complete with singing, a costume parade, Kahoot! Trivia, and more! 9:15 Hamantaschen and other Nosh -
Sunday ,
MarMarch 24 , 2024Purim Family Services & Megillah Reading
Sunday, Mar 24th 9:00a to 11:30a
The Purim festivities continue on Sunday morning with a family-friendly, entertaining, interactive megillah reading for all! -
Thursday ,
AprApril 4 , 2024Weaving Together My Father's Story with Mark Schmidek
Thursday, Apr 4th 7:00p to 8:30p
How do seemingly unrelated events string together to tell the story of a lifetime? Join us to hear Beth El's Mark Schmidek share the amazing story of his father's Holocaust survival. Mark's father, Norbert Schmidek, was an 11 year-old child in 1933 in Wuerzberg, Germany. He would walk to school with other Jews and Christians. Things would change that year when Hitler came to power. Refreshments will be served. This program is co-sponsored by the Beth El Men's Club, Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford, and CT Voices of Hope. Click in to register!