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The Importance of Community |
This inaugural issue of TBC Connections is all about the importance of community! How we connect and support each other as a community is vital to how we exist in the world as Jews, and we want everyone who is a part of Temple B’nai Chaim to know exactly how much connection is happening in our community! We, your leadership team and clergy, are so excited about ALL the amazing initiatives, events, plans and conversations that are taking place in our synagogue community, and we want YOU to be involved! |
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Meet the Senior Leadership Team |
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I joined TBC more than 20 years ago to find a way to give back. During that time I've received far more than I have given - a spiritual home, an opportunity to learn and share my thoughts, an adult B'nai Mitzvah (one of the best moments of my life), volunteering with an incredible group of extremely talented individuals and friendships that will last a lifetime. |
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Kiki Cahn, First Vice President |
I had a lifelong goal of volunteering for a non-profit in order to give back in some way to the larger community. In a moment when I was between jobs and had some rare free time, TBC was embarking on the project to build the new building, and I volunteered for one short project on donor recognition about 13 years ago. Since then, I’ve never been without a TBC position, and I can honestly say that every one of my closest friends today is someone who I met through these volunteer opportunities. |
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Valerie Rosenson, Second Vice President |
I am a new member of the TBC Board, and am currently a member of the Executive Committee, where I serve as a liaison to the Ritual Committee and the Adult Education Committee. Perhaps one of the most significant opportunities TBC afforded to our family was a trip to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, where synagogue members assisted in rebuilding homes and cleaning yards and parks. My experiences at TBC have taught me that there are numerous ways for members to be connected to the larger community, depending upon their interests and their stage of life. |
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Elise Serby, Third Vice President |
One of the best ways to use my free time is to volunteer at TBC. I started as a member of the Education Committee and loved being involved in decisions and curriculum conversations to help make the Religious School a great one. I continue to be the B'nai Mitzvah Coordinator and find it really satisfying to work with families and lend support for this wonderful milestone. As a member of the Executive Committee, I really enjoy working on important contributions to the temple with fantastic people who have become good friends. |
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When we joined the TBC family in 2013 I felt it was and still is important to enrich my Jewish experience to be involved wherever I can. In my free time I enjoy equestrian dressage training and competition, downhill skiing and sailing. |
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For more than 30 years I have served in a variety of volunteer capacities including, Chair of Education Committee, First Vice President and President. I love making sure that Jews have a beautiful and contemplative place to connect. I am committed to having our programs represent the best aspects of a Jewish identity: community, social justice, on-going learning, spirituality and joy.
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Cindy Baulsir, Immediate Past President |
In my current role I help to support leadership in governance and in building our community, provide historical perspectives when needed and act as liaison between various committees and the Executive Committee. Being a member and leader at TBC has been a gift - one that has given me some of the dearest friends one can ask for, a deeper understanding of my faith and an opportunity to give back to the world through service and social action. |
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TBC clergy, the leadership team, various committees and Sisterhood are working on many amazing initiatives. Here are just a few. If you are interested in participating, please email Denise and let her know where your interest lies.
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We are currently conducting a search for a part-time Assistant Education Director and Youth Coordinator. That person will teach and work with Cantor Dunkerley. Their objective will be to develop a curriculum that excites, energizes and educates our students and to create a vibrant teen/youth program. Feedback on this year's curriculum has been very positive from students, parents and teachers. |
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TBC's reopening task force is in place and will work over the coming months to develop recommendations for TBC's eventual reopening. Their recommendations will include when we can safely reopen, as well as the processes and procedures that we will need to put in place. |
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SECURITY GRANT APPLICATIONS |
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For the first time this year, the State of Connecticut will be awarding grants of up to $50,000 to non-profits for security enhancements. In addition, the federal government has also released its security grant application. TBC will be applying for both grants. Completed applications are due in mid March. |
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In an effort to capitalize on the record number of home sales in our area, we will be mailing a postcard to individuals who have purchased a home in the last six months in the towns we serve. Click here to see the postcard.
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The art sale that was originally scheduled for last March will now be held virtually in early May. Watch Chailites for information on how and when to contribute artwork. |
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SOCIAL ACTION/ SOCIAL JUSTICE |
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TBC will be enhancing its social action and social justice activities. We are currently investigating virtual opportunities, ways in which our students can help and, when it is safe to do so, in person activities. Watch for more information coming soon. And, if you have ideas, please contact Jane Alexander and/or Peggy Zamore.
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TEMPLE B'NAI CHAIM [templebnaichaim.org]
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