CHAILITES
August 18, 2021
TBC Events Through August 26, 2021

  • Friday, August 20, 7:00 pm - Welcoming Shabbat Together - Click here for zoom link
  • Saturday, August 21, 9:30 am - Torah Study at TBC

COVID-19 Protocols - Masks Required

TBC now requires anyone entering our building for any reason to wear a mask - regardless of vaccination status. Masks must cover the nose and mouth and remain on while in the building. The only exception to the mask requirement will be for fully vaccinated staff and clergy while in their offices and for clergy (not lay leaders) 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.
Sunday, August 29 at 10:30 am
Community and Religious School Softball Game

Please join us at Jensen Field for our End-of-Summer Community Softball Game! All ages are invited to play in the softball game. Please see the link for registration. There will also be an art table with crafts, a few lawn games for those who do not wish to play softball, as well as an ice cream truck! We encourage everyone to bring chairs and blankets and make yourselves comfortable while you participate in all the fun activities! To register for the event, please click here.
‌
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.
Havdalah and Selichot Service
Saturday, August 28 at 7:30 pm

Even before the High Holidays begin with Rosh Hashanah and the start of the new month Tishrei, Jewish tradition teaches us that we start soul searching and reflection during the preceding month of Elul in order to prepare for the “Days of Awe.” A Selichot service consists of introspective prayers and lovely melodies that prepare us for the High Holidays. In Hebrew “Selichot” translates to “forgiveness” and there is emphasis in these prayers on the merciful aspects of God. Reform congregations have developed beautiful and meaningful programs for the observance of Selichot the Saturday evening prior to Rosh Hashanah. 

We will be showing a film of just such a service that is led by many popular and talented Rabbis and Cantors across the Reform movement in the US. The readings are thought provoking and the glorious singing will stir your heart. We will begin at 7:30 with Havdalah, then participate in this one hour filmed service which will end by 9 PM. This program is best suited to those of Post B’nai Mitzvah age. We hope you will come and take part in this innovative worship experience. To participate via Zoom, click here to register.
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 going in the mail, honors 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 at all times while you are in the building - regardless of vaccination status.
  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, August 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. 
Social Action
Daily Food Pantry
We are looking for volunteers for the Daily Bread Food Pantry.
Location: Saint James’ Episcopal Church, 25 West Street, Danbury
Hours: 9:30 am – 11:00 am 
Volunteer Hours: Tu/Fr 8:00 am-11:15 am (approximately)
Other volunteer hours are available for jobs other than distribution.
Sign up here, or email Jane and Peggy at Socialaction@templebnaichaim.org.


Helping Haiti and Afghan Immigrants
As you are undoubtedly aware, the situations in Haiti and Afghanistan are horrific and worsening on a daily basis. You can help. We have identified below a number of reputable organizations providing assistance.

For Haiti

For Afghanistan

If you are aware of other ways to help, please let us know at chailites@templebnaichaim.org so we can share them with others.
Mazel Tov!

Mazel Tov to Isaac Martin Lerner, son of Joni Johns and Richard Lerner, for the amazing reviews of his choreography for Jean-Philippe Rameau's Platée at the Des Moines Metro Opera, Indianola, IA. (Read the Opera Today review here and the Schmopera review here).
 
‌

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.
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
Ki Teitzei
When You Go Out (to Battle)
Deuteronomy 21:10–25:19

  • Moses reviews a wide variety of laws regarding family, animals, and property. (21:10–22:12)
  • Various civil and criminal laws are delineated, including those regarding sexual relationships, interaction with non-Israelites, loans, vows, and divorce. (22:13–24:5)
  • Laws of commerce pertaining to loans, fair wages, and proper weights and measures are given. (24:10–25:16)
  • The parashah concludes with the commandment to remember for all time the most heinous act committed against the Israelites—Amalek’s killing of the old, weak, and infirm after the Israelites left Egypt. (25:17–19) Click here to learn more
Upcoming Events and Save the Dates! 

Saturday, August 28 - Havdalah followed by Selichot Service at 7:30 pm

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

Wednesday, September 1, 2:00 - 5:00 pm - Dorothy Day Hospitality House - Grab & Go

See the TBC Calendar for more upcoming events

Yahrzeits, August 20-26
  Zeicher tzaddik livrachah!

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

Monday, August 23
Michael Paul Levy, grandfather of Debra Case

Wedneday, August 25
Evelyn Rapoport, mother of Claude Schrag


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