Sponsored by: Community You Can Believe In
KNITzvah
The Mitzvah of KNITzvah
One Sunday morning each month, a group of dedicated Beth El women gather to knit and crochet afghans, hats, scarves, mittens and gloves for hospitals, shelters, orphanages, and special-needs facilities locally and in Israel. Hundreds of people of all ages have been warmed by the beautiful and colorful work of this very committed group. Along with the sound of their needles, you’ll hear a lot of laughter. Creating the items is a joy, but the comradery and friendships that have developed is just as meaningful.
The group has been recognized for their work, receiving the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Centennial Schechter Commendation Award for outstanding outreach to the general and Jewish community.
A Spring 2022 note from KNITzvah:
Although KNITzvah has not met in-person since December, our dedicated group of knitters and crocheters continues to create lapghans, hats, and other handmade gifts that we donate to organizations serving people who need a bit of extra warmth and attention. We have recently given our handcrafted gifts to Afghan refugees, to the Veterans Hospital, as well as to local group homes for people with special needs and to other organizations helping people get back on their feet after tremendous health and shelter challenges.
We are delighted to share that, over the last 20 years, we have donated nearly 1200 creations to organizations serving people in Israel and in the Hartford area! We are grateful to have such dedicated (and talented!) members in our group.
Although we are currently working from home, we look forward to resuming our monthly meetings at Beth El in the near future. If you’re interested in joining KNITzvah, please contact BJ or Fran for more information. We welcome all knitters and crocheters, regardless of your level of expertise.
Whether you have experience or are interested in learning, you will be welcomed. For more information, contact BJ Diamond by emailing knitzvahgrp@gmail.com.
Meeting dates are posted on the Beth El calendar. The group does not meet during the summer months.
Mon, March 18 2024
8 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!