October 2022: President’s Message

I’m writing October’s message after three back-to-back Shabbats in August/September that included a bat mitzvah, a morning b’nai mitzvah and afternoon bat mitzvah, and a bar mitzvah. Mazel Tov to Saraya, William, Carly, Leah, and Joshua! About 25 years ago, I sat in the same chair that you sat in next to Rabbi Scolnic, and I just want to remind you that your TBS Family will always be here for you. We invite you to return in 25 years to take on a leadership role at TBS, such as President.

The synagogue has been bustling with activity – both in person and on Zoom. The Book Club met at the end of September to discuss Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner. It was a wonderful discussion about the author’s emotional journey through grief. The next book is Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin, which is a multilayered novel about friendship, love, and video games. As you may notice, we read a variety of books. If this one piques your interest, join us for a discussion on Tuesday, November 1st. Contact the office to see if any copies are available.

Hebrew School also started in mid-September. It was a pleasure to meet the families on the first day. I wish the Hebrew School teachers and students a wonderful school year.

It’s really hard to believe that the High Holidays are upon us. Thank you to those who volunteered on the Machzor and Yizkor Book Pick-Up Days; thank you to those who donated school supplies and non-perishable foods; thank you to those who purchased grocery gift cards (our longest running fundraiser); and thank you to those who stopped by the Judaica Shop (operated by TBS Sisterhood).

During the High Holidays, I look forward to greeting as many of you in-person and on Zoom.

The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) recently emailed two social media challenges for synagogues to participate in prior and during the holidays. The first one we participated in was #ShofarSoGood100 where I recorded and uploaded a video to Instagram of a shofar blast to help the USCJ reach 100 blasts before Rosh Hashanah. Thank you Ed Kaplan for being part of this challenge!

The next challenge is #ShareYourSukkah and EVERYONE can participate. Here’s how:

  1. Take a picture of your sukkah OR take a selfie in the Temple’s sukkah
  2. Send it to us on facebook, tag us on instagram (@tbsHamden) or email news@tbsHamden.com
  3. Include a sentence or two about your sukkah or the season
  4. We’ll share it on our Instagram Story for the USCJ to see

To give you some inspiration, here’s a picture of me from last year’s sukkah build at the Temple. And just for fun, here’s a picture of me with my sister and two cousins in our sukkah circa 1990s.

Shana Tova!

TBS President

Lauren Piscitell