CHAILITES
August 11, 2021
TBC Events Through August 19, 2021

  • Friday, August 13, 7:00 pm - Welcoming Shabbat Together - a Special Shabbat led by Michele and Judson Scruton (Masks required)

  • Saturday, August 14, 9:30 am - Torah Study at TBC (Masks required)


Friday, August 13 at 7:00 pm
Shabbat Service led by
Michele and Judson Scruton

Please join us at TBC on Friday, August 13 at 7:00 pm for a service centered on reflective readings and discussion. This is an in-person Shabbat held at TBC.

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Sunday, August 29 at 10:30 am
Community and Religious School Softball Game

On Sunday, August 29 at 10:30 am we will come together at Jensen Field, 2 Sanford Station Road in Ridgefield, for a fun-filled softball game for children of all ages. We will also have arts and crafts and other activities for those who don't play softball. Watch for more information coming soon!
Welcome to our New TBC Families

Eugene, Helen, Abigail & Amy Borshchenko, of Bethel

Brett, Yasmin, Lyla & Lindsey Harrison, of Ridgefield

Please extend a warm welcome to our new members!
Mazel Tov!

Mazel Tov to Donovan & Jocelyn Furtado (new TBC members) on the birth of their son, Gavin Donovan, born August 4 at midnight.

Mazel Tov to the Furtado family!
What time is it? Time to send sweet Rosh Hashanah tidings to TBC friends and staff!

Time to send Rosh Hashanah Honey for a Sweet New Year greetings to your TBC friends and loved ones. The ordering deadline is August 27. Don't miss out on the opportunity! 

Traditionally, this annual fundraiser funded our communal break fast following Yom Kippur services. Last year, we used the proceeds to provide High Holy Day picnic packages delivered to each TBC congregant family. This year we are again tweaking the plan based on current conditions, and will provide "Break To Go" boxes following Yom Kippur services, which will enable congregants to choose either to eat on the courtyard with other TBC community members or take home.

As in prior years, TBC members have multiple sponsorship levels of giving opportunities. Each sponsor level sends one jar of local honey to every TBC member family, clergy and staff:

* Super Bee Hive - $1,000
* Chai Bee Hive - $540
* B'nai Bee Hive - $360
* Honey Bee Hive - $180

Alternatively you can send honey to particular congregants within TBC or choose to reciprocate to those who send honey to you. This is a nice way to send a sweet "thank you" to your child's religious school teacher/tutor. Sending individual bottles to individual member families, clergy and staff are $12.00 to the first family and subsequent jars are $8.00 each. Click here to order online. Questions? Email honey@templebnaichaim.org.

Campfire Family Service Shabbat Was Amazing!

Over 50 people attended last Friday's Campfire Service, including TBC members and prospective members. At least half were kids who seemed to have an absolute blast. The evening would not have been such a success without the help of many volunteers...

  • Ellie Gluck promoted and organized the evening and led Tot Shabbat
  • Cantor Harriet led beautiful and meaning family services
  • Joe Sondheimer manned the grill on a very hot evening
  • Brooke and Nathan Bernstein helped everywhere they were needed
  • Steve West-Rosenthal helped with set up and technology
  • Sharon Sobel and Pam Klem brought the Sisterhood spirit and color to the evening (table clothes, flowers, etc.)
  • Moses Alexander took great pictures
  • Valerie Rosenson, Russ Robbins, Robyn Scatena and Brooke Bernstein provided fire pits
  • Sarah Heft demonstrated her fire lighting skills.

Thank you for helping to make the evening a memorable one.
High Holy Days 2021

We are looking forward to seeing everyone - either in person or on Zoom - at our High Holy Day services which begin Monday September 6 this year. Tickets are being printed this week, parts are being assigned (and practiced) and a full press is on to get the building in shape. It is really exciting.

Here are a few important things to know:

  1. You must be a member in good standing to receive your tickets. So, if you haven't already done so, please send in your registration packet.
  2. For the health and safety of everyone in our community, masks are required.
  3. For security reasons, you must show your ticket to enter the building. 
  4. Tickets will be available for guests of members.
High Holy Day Prayer Books

High Holy Day services will be held both at TBC and via ZOOM. Congregants who participate via ZOOM may pick up prayer books at TBC on Sunday, 8/22 from 10 am to noon. If this date is not convenient for you, please call TBC at 203-544-8695 to make alternate arrangements. 
COVID-19 Protocols - Masks Required

TBC now requires anyone entering our building for any reason to wear a mask. The only exception to the mask requirement will be for fully vaccinated staff and clergy while in their offices and for clergy on the bimah.
 
We will continue to watch the infection rate closely and will keep you apprised of any changes. We thank you for your cooperation.


TBC Teens at URJ 6-Points Sci-Tech Camp

Juliette Langberg and Ben Marceau both attended URJ 6-Points Sci-Tech Camp this summer, where campers spend two weeks exploring robotics, video game design, environmental science, digital media and a host of other fun activities with campers who share similar interests. Both Juliette and Ben explored robotics in the same dorm, and according to Ben, the food was great!


Jewish Senior Services Rosh Hashanah Menu


Glatt kosher catering. Click here for full menu. Due to high demand of orders, substitutions or modifications cannot be made. The order deadline is Tuesday, August 31 by 12:00 PM. All orders must be picked up by Sunday, September 5 at 2:00 PM at the rear Community Services entrance of Jewish Senior Services, 4200 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604.

Yahrzeit Memorial Plaques at TBC

Last opportunity to honor your loved ones by ordering a yahrzeit plaque for our yahrzeit wall in time for the High Holy Days. Click here to order.
Join TBC's Youth Program!

Contact Ellie Gluck for more information!
Wi-Act
Rise Against Hunger 2021 - Fundraising

Wi-Act is once again organizing a Rise Against Hunger event, and TBC is participating as we have for many years. The different faith institutions collect monetary donations to cover the cost of the food we package. RAH buys the supplies at a reduced rate needed for the meal packaging. Volunteers gather to package individual meals that get packed and brought back to RAH for distribution around the world. The date is October 23, 2021 to be held at the Wilton Episcopal Presbyterian Complex (WEPCO)We are asking members of Temple B’nai Chaim to please donate to the Tzedakah Fund designating RAH as the recipient. This is a wonderful event that brings the community together, something much needed after the last year. It will be done in a safe manner so that everyone feels comfortable.

For more information please click here to visit the website. Click here to donate - enter "Rise Against Hunger" for specific social action project.
The Weekly Torah Portion
Shof'tim
Judges
Deuteronomy 16:18–21:9


  • Laws regarding both sacred and secular legislation are addressed. The Israelites are told that in every dealing they should pursue justice in order to merit the land that God is giving them. (16:18–18:8)
  • The people are warned to avoid sorcery and witchcraft, the abhorrent practices of their idolatrous neighbors. (18:9–22)
  • God tells them that should an Israelite unintentionally kill another, he may take sanctuary in any of three designated cities of refuge. (19:1–13)
  • Laws to be followed during times of peace and times of war are set forth. (19:14–21:9) Click here to learn more
Inscribe Your Leaf on the Tree of Life Today! 
  
Whether you celebrate a birth, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, wedding, anniversary or other special event, inscribing the event on the leaves of the Tree of Life will ensure your memories shine brightly at Temple B'Nai Chaim for years to come. 

It's easy to order - just fill out the Tree of Life order form. Each leaf costs $300 and will be engraved upon receipt of the completed order form and full payment. Your leaf will be placed on the tree within 6-8 weeks after the order is placed. Examples of leaves may be seen here. Contact treeoflife@templebnaichaim.org if you have any questions. 

Upcoming Events and Save the Dates! 

  • Saturday, August 28 - Havdallah followed by Selichot Service (time to be announced)

  • Sunday, August 29 at 10:30 am - TBC Softball Game

See the TBC Calendar for more upcoming events

Yahrzeits, August 13-19
  Zeicher tzaddik livrachah!

Friday, August 13
Dorothy Greenbaum, mother of Susan Hagan

Saturday, August 14
Ethel S. Temerson, grandmother of Moses Alexander

Monday, August 16
Tillie Glasberg, mother of Gladys O'Neil

Thursday, August 19
Irwin S. Lizan, father of Meryll Wolfman

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 their loved one’s life. Many also choose this time to make monetary donations in memory of loved ones. 
Help Support TBC
Contact Us

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

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 
President: June Mara   Office Manager/Facility Use: Denise Seccurra