CHAILITES

January 25, 2023

"One should not pursue goals that are easily achieved. One must develop an instinct for what one can just barely achieve through one's greatest efforts." (Albert Einstein)

UPCOMING EVENTS



Friday, January 27, 7:30 pm - Musical Contemplative Shabbat with Piano Accompaniment. Onsite at TBC - or on Zoom.


Saturday, January 28, 9:30 am - Torah Study


Sunday, January 29, 9:30 am - Religious School


Sunday, January 29, 9:30 am - 5th Grade Family Education Program in Morah Ellie's class


Sunday, January 29, 9:30 am - TBC Antisemitism and Hate Crimes Action Group meeting - TBC Social Hall - all invited!


Sunday, January 29, 11:45 am - Family B'nai Mitzvah Class


Sunday, January 29, 11:45 am -Madrichim Training


Sunday, January 29, 1:30 pm - Confirmation Class


Wednesday, February 1, 2:00 pm - Dorothy Day Hospitality House Volunteers


Wednesday, February 1, 4:30 pm -Hebrew School

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See the TBC Calendar for more upcoming events.


TBC's COVID safety policy is posted here.

TBC Antisemitism & Hate Crimes Action Group Meets This Sunday

January 29, 9:30 am


All congregants are invited to join the first meeting of the TBC Antisemitism & Hate Crimes Action Group in the Sanctuary to finalize a 2023 action plan and to map out our engagement with the ADL Kulanu program.


A draft of the group's preliminary action items and related documentation is available here on the TBC website.


All TBC members are encouraged to attend and participate in this important new social action initiative.


Many thanks to Bonnie Heft for taking on the role of action group coordinator!

ShopRaise for TBC - Double the Love!


This Valentine’s Day, when you shop for those you care about and use our new ShopRaise option, a percentage of your purchase will be donated to TBC. Let your Valentine know when you give them your gift that it also gave back to make the world a much sweeter place.


Take advantage of the many discounts and other options ShopRaise offers and help support TBC! You'll even be able to track the cumulative amount your purchases have contributed. More information about ShopRaise for TBC can be found here.

NOTE: Amazon Smile To Be Discontinued: Amazon has announced that their "Amazon Smile" program, which TBC has benefited from over the years, will be ending officially on February 20, 2023. So make sure to sign up, bookmark and start using ShopRaise before then!


Sign up for ShopRaise for TBC!

Last Week's TBC Torah Service Photos!

Click for larger size -- Questions to morahellie@templebnaichaim.org!


You Asked, We Responded!

Saturday Morning Shabbat,

February 4: Tot Shabbat at 9:00 am, Family Service at 9:30 am


Many of you asked that we try having Family Services on Saturday morning.


On Saturday, February 4th, we will begin the morning at 9:00 am with brief, a fun filled Tot Shabbat geared for all children up to age 6 - but all are welcome. At 9:30 am our Family Service will begin. Enjoy bagels, lox, coffee, tea and milk before and after the service.


ALL ARE WELCOME! PLEASE JOIN US AND INVITE YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY.

Please join the women of

Temple B'nai Chaim Sisterhood and

Norwalk Hadassah


for our annual celebration of nature and our environment at our


Tu B’Shevat Seder

Sunday, February 5

3:30-5:30 PM


More information here!


Find the Right Jewish Summer Camp

for Your Child


Summer is coming eventually! See the full list of URJ youth and teen programs here. Questionnaire to find the right Reform Jewish Camp here.

URJ Youth Protection Policies and Procedures

For more than 75 years, the Union for Reform Judaism has provided young people with immersive Jewish experiences that transform and enrich lives. Based in Reform Jewish values, these programs provide nurturing, educational, and fun experiences that promote community, enhance spiritual growth, cultivate Jewish identity, and foster lifelong friendships. Click here for more information See the URJ’s commitment to health and safety – URJ Youth Policies and Procedures.


Luka Community Update from Cantor Dunkerley


“In December, I was able to send a total of $220 to the Luka Jewish Community in Uganda - funds that we raised through sales of the handmade kippot they sent us and through generous donations. They were extremely grateful and sent the photos below, which show the food they purchased being distributed to the most vulnerable in their community. The money was used to purchase a month’s worth of staples for the families and others. There is still a great need, so please, if you haven’t yet purchased one of the beautiful kippot or made a donation, I urge you to consider doing so today!!" (See pictures from the Luka Jewish Community below.)


The kippot are $18 each and we will use the proceeds to ship 100 Machzorim to the community and also send the balance of the proceeds to purchase food! Please make checks payable to: Temple B'nai Chaim, with 'TBC Social Action Fund-Ugandan Jewry' in the memo line. Additional donations are welcome through the TBC Social Action Fund on the TBC Donation Page with a note indicating 'Ugandan Jewry' as the recipient.

New Forward Podcast, "Playing Anne Frank"


This seven-part series from The Forward is a deep dive into the history of The Diary of Anne Frank —  the original 1955 Broadway production that won Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize, the Oscar-winning 1959 film — and how it shaped those involved in it. The first episodes launched on Jan. 24. You can listen to the trailer here.

Share Your Simcha! TBC congregants are invited to share news of their family events and celebrations in Chailites. Please send your information to chailites@templebnaichaim.org.

TBC is Here For You!


If you or a family member is ill or in need of care - or if you know of someone in our community who needs help - please contact Cantor Harriet. Our Caring Committee is here to provide assistance - meals, rides to doctors' appointments or shopping.

Yahrzeits January 27-February 2

Zeicher tzaddik livrachah!


Friday, January 27

Alan Berenbaum, brother of Diane Berenbaum


Sunday, January 29

Ruth Goodman Enteen, mother of Alice Learman

Rose Prentiss, grandmother of Valerie Rosenson


Monday, January 30

Chester Sparks, father of Maxine Sparks


Tuesday, January 31

Lillian Chaprack, grandmother of Robert Kapel


Wednesday, February 1

Albert Greenwald, remembered by Sharon and Ken Sobel

Dorothy Anne Bernstein Dubin, mother of Tom Dubin


Thursday, February 2

Doris Jean Custer, mother of Joni Lerner


It is traditional to light a memorial candle at home on the eve of the yahrzeit. You may also find it meaningful while kindling the yahrzeit candle to offer prayers of remembrance or reflect on your loved one’s life. Many also choose this time to make monetary donations in memory of loved ones


Yahrzeit Memorial Plaques


When remembering loved ones who have passed away, we invite you to commemorate their lives and blessings with a memorial plaque for the TBC wall of remembrance. Ordering information is available here.

Ten Minutes of Torah!


The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) provides rich resources for Torah study from a Reform perspective. Their Torah Study website includes "The Torah Explained," "Torah Portion Calendar" and an overview of each week's Torah portion.


In addition, several days a week, the URJ publishes Ten Minutes of Torah. Join the thousands of others who open their email to study a commentary on the week's Torah portion, read about a significant moment in Jewish history, connect with life in Israel, or learn about an upcoming holiday. In just ten minutes, you can add to your Jewish knowledge.


Click here to sign up today!


A reminder that the Federation for Jewish Philanthropy of Upper Fairfield County schedules a variety of programs that TBC members may find interesting.


Their calendar of upcoming events is available here. Those wishing to receive their weekly mailing list will find the registration form here.

You Can Make a Difference at TBC

Have you been thinking about making a donation to support TBC in some way? We have made it easier for you to do just that! Please check out our new Donate Now button below!

Tree of Life

Tzedakah Fund

Yahrzeit Memorial

TBC Links


Website - Calendar - Membership


Previous issues of Chailites and other Temple News are listed

on the TBC website here


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Contact Us


If you have TBC community news you'd like to share, please send the information to chailites@templebnaichaim.org!


Temple B'nai Chaim    

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 305, Georgetown, CT 06829

Phone: 203 544-8695    

Location: 82 Portland Avenue, Wilton CT 06897 (Directions)


Cantor/Educator: Cantor Harriet Dunkerley

Assistant Director of Education: Elisheva Gluck

President: June Mara  

Office Manager/Facility Use: Denise Seccurra