Tu Bishvat
Tu Bishvat is a minor Jewish holiday that makes focus on a major theme, care for the environment. Known as the “New Year for Trees,” this holiday celebrates nature and promotes tree planting, environmental awareness, and ecological education. Thousands of years before anyone talked about “ecology”, Jewish law and tradition commanded us to care for nature.
Click for February 2026 Bulletin. Will open with Adobe Reader or equal.
In February, we will once again establish the Nominating Committee. This committee plays a crucial role in ensuring the future direction of our community by identifying candidates for the Board of Directors and new officers for the Temple. Over the months following its formation, the Nominating Committee will be actively reaching out to our dedicated members. This outreach is an open invitation to explore the possibility of serving on the Board. I understand that a full commitment may seem daunting, and I would like to emphasize that participation can be gradual. You are welcome to "dip a toe in the water" initially, exploring what the role entails. While some individuals may feel ready and eager to "jump in" with both feet right away, that immediate, full level of commitment is absolutely not a prerequisite for engaging with the committee. Our goal is to encourage thoughtful consideration and open dialogue. The…
Click for January 2026 Bulletin. Will open with Adobe Reader or equal.
As the crisp air of January settles in and we head into the cold of winter, I’m happy to report that Temple Beth Sholom is open, warm, and bustling with programs and activities. (And unlike this time last year, I’m delighted to share that the building has heat!) (more…)
Hanukkah
I’ve been teaching a class about Judaism at Southern Connecticut State University for twenty years. At the beginning of every semester, I ask the students what they know about Judaism. And every semester, several respond that the only thing they know about the religion is a little about Hanukah. They say that they’re not sure how to spell it (Chanukah, Hanukkah, etc.) and that they know while it comes at the same time of the year, it is not a Jewish Christmas but also does feature lights and presents. And how do they know this? One of the Jewish parents visited their elementary school class and talked about the holiday and brought “some really good pancakes.” Some even remember who that nice mother was. (more…)
Click for December 2025 Bulletin. Will open with Adobe Reader or equal.
It’s hard to believe that Hanukkah is right around the corner! I am writing this message at the beginning of November and I feel like we just finished celebrating Sukkot and Simchat Torah. If you are like me and my family, you are looking forward to December and celebrating Hanukkah – lighting candles, eating latkes, playing dreidel, and opening presents (my girls’ favorite part!). But as it is still early in November, any events are still in the planning stages. (more…)
When I spoke last Yom Kippur I talked about how everyone has their part at Temple Beth Sholom and asked what your part would be and how maybe you or a group could do something for the first time. (more…)
My grandfather, Dr. Ben M. Edidin, was a Jewish educator in New York who wrote books about Judaism and Israel. By the way, one of his books, written in 1940, was called Rebuilding Palestine, because at that time, there was no such thing as a Palestinian, but if there were, that person was Jewish. But that’s a different (though very relevant) topic. (more…)