A lot of exciting and stimulating events have been happening at TE and in our community in the last month. I’ll try to give you some highlights here, but cannot include everything.
- Aside from the usual Family Shabbat Friday evening service at the beginning of January, we had our “New” Shabbat Morning Torah Service. This was a service that concentrated on the Torah reading and included interactive discussion among the congregants attending. It was a very stimulating and enlightening educational experience. It is an event that will be continued periodically.
- There was also an Adult Education class led by Tom Bleeks, held at the home of Ed Cantor and Rise’ Siegel. “Living Jewishly – Reform Judaism and Halachah” was the topic of discussion. Sign up for the next one if you missed the last one! It is a great opportunity to mix education and social interaction in an informal setting.
- The Social Action Committee’s second in the series “Divrei Laila” did instigate creative, thought provoking and respectful discussion on the history and complexity of the situation in Israel and how we relate to what is happening there. Thanks to Debbie Elkin for inspiring it, Max Case (and his able assistant Samuel Farbman) for his skillful role as moderator, Jim Silk and Jim Graham for their inspiring and enlightening presentations, and the 30 +/- attendees who contributed many perspectives to the discussion.
- There was weekly Torah study on Saturday mornings at the House Library with Rabbi Farbman. All are welcome! Sign up!
- Social Action Community Service Committee sponsored the Social Justice Shabbat Service, which incorporated special readings by congregants of all ages and a short movie!
- A new adult evening Haftarah class is off to a great start and is open to all!
- TE Executive Board / Finance Committee Task Force members met with URJ Lay Leaders to discuss URJ resources and perspectives available to TE with respect to financial sustainability of congregations in the current economic climate. A review of our dues structure is in process. Stay tuned….
- TE Executive Board members met with New Haven Jewish Federation Leadership for a discussion regarding the possibility of the Federation serving as a forum or facilitator for area congregations and agencies to dialogue about resource sharing and symbiotic relationship building, in this age of financial awareness. Stay tuned…
- TE hosted the Debbie Friedman Memorial Concert, invited the Jewish Community to attend, and held a special bake sale. The extraordinary TE Band and Children’s Choir were featured!
If any of this sounds intriguing to you, please consider this an invitation to attend events, participate in committee projects and otherwise increase your involvement in our vibrant TE community. Again, many thanks to you all, who make these things possible!