November 2026

Help Feed Our Hungry Neighbors with Jewish Family Services

As Thanksgiving approaches, you can help Jewish Family Services (JFS) provide dignity, nourishment, and hope to hundreds of local families. Here’s how. First, support the JFS Thanksgiving Drive. $30 provides one family with kosher Thanksgiving essentials. Visit The Crown Market, 2471 Albany Ave., West Hartford, or give online at this link. Second, attend the JFS Hunger Event on Thursday, Nov. 12. Click here for details. Third, help us with our annual Thanksgiving Distribution on Sunday, Nov. 22. For details, email Laura Miacola at LMiacola@jfshartford.org. Fourth, drop off a fresh or frozen kosher turkey at Beth El Temple, located at 2626 Albany Ave., West Hartford, on Sunday, Nov. 22 between 9 a.m. and noon. Together, we can make Thanksgiving brighter for everyone in Greater Hartford!

Mondays or Tuesdays in November: Six-Week Kabbalah Course

Why do soulmates exist, and how do you find yours? What actually happens to your soul when you sleep? Have you lived before, and if so, what did you come back to finish? Reincarnation, soulmates, dreams, names: what do these and other mysteries reveal about the hidden design of your life? Chabad invites you to explore these topics and more in a six-week course entitled “Kabbalah and the Hidden Architecture of You.” This course takes the most fascinating ideas in kabbalah and unlocks them with the clarity and depth they’ve always deserved. You’ll leave with a completely new way of seeing yourself and everything around you, with answers to some of life’s biggest questions. Choose between one of two options: Six Monday evenings in West Hartford from 7:30 - 9 p.m. starting November 2. Six Tuesday evenings in Farmington from 7:30 - 9 p.m. starting November 3. Rabbi Shaya Gopin will be the instructor for both courses. Click here to register. Addresses will be provided upon registration. 

JSU Connects Jewish Teens at Hall and South Windsor High Schools

Jewish Student Union (JSU) offers a place for Jewish teens to connect with their Jewish identity, heritage, and peers. The club experience is led by teens and staff who lead talks, holiday celebrations, and meaningful activities. JSU inspires Jewish pride, builds friendships, and strengthens connections to the Jewish community and Israel. All students are welcome, regardless of background or religious observance. At Hall High School, the JSU club meets on Thursdays at 2:15 p.m. The South Windsor High School JSU launched its inaugural club this month and will meet weekly on Mondays at 2 p.m. For information about both clubs, please email warenm@ncsy.org and visit us on Instagram at @hall_jsu.

November at the Mandell JCC Jewish Book Festival

The Mandell JCC Jewish Book Festival welcomes two fascinating authors this November! On Sunday, Nov. 1 at 1 p.m., Simsbury author Eric Litsky discusses “Solved: The Greatest Art Heist in History,” a captivating mystery inspired by the infamous Gardner Museum heist, to be held at Farmington Valley Jewish Congregation, 55 Bushy Hill Rd., Simsbury. Tickets are $10. On Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m., Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jonathan Kaufman joins Dennis House at the Mandell JCC to discuss “When America Roared,” exploring how the 1980s transformed American business, media, and politics. Tickets are $12. Click here for tickets and information.

November 4: Register Now for ‘Evening of Hope’ in Honor of Mark Wilf

Voices of Hope invites you to our annual Evening of Hope, to be held on Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 5:30 p.m. at a West Hartford location provided upon registration. This year’s theme, “An Unbreakable Legacy. An Unstoppable Future,” will honor Mark Wilf with the L’Dor V’Dor Impact Award and feature a special tribute to Rabbi Philip Lazowski z”l. The evening includes a pre-reception and dessert reception. This annual fundraiser supports Voices of Hope’s Holocaust and genocide education for students, educators, and communities across Connecticut. Registration and tribute book submissions are due Sunday, Nov. 1 at this link. Questions? Contact Jaime Seltzer at jaime@ctvoicesofhope.org.

Above: Mark Wilf

November 6: Shabbat in Southington with Special Guests

Join the Gishrei Shalom Jewish Congregation (GSJC) as Rabbi Alana Wasserman leads a Shabbat service on Friday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m., held at 37 Main St., Southington in the GSJC chapel. This will be a special service as we celebrate our relationship with First Congregational Church, including a guest sermon from their pastors. Our rabbi will have previously given a sermon at their service on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 10 a.m. For more information visit our website or Facebook page—or call 860.276.9113. For a Zoom link, write to rabbi@gsjc.org. 

November 7: Jewish Renewal Shabbat Service with Senior Rabbinical Student

Congregation P’nai Or invites you to a special Shabbat morning renewal service led by senior rabbinical student Lena Sclove on the theme “Finding Depth, Mystery, and Joy in Jewish Practice.” All are welcome to this service on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 10 a.m. Jewish renewal seeks to awaken the soul and open the heart to the living presence of the Divine. Rooted in the sacred wisdom of our tradition, it invites us through prayer, chant, meditation, and learning into a deeper connection with G-d, one another, and the healing of the world. We use both Hebrew and English, and provide transliteration. Services are held at 134 Flagg Rd, West Hartford and on Zoom. We share a potluck pescatarian lunch afterwards. Visit our website for more information. Send your questions to pnaiorct@gmail.com.

November 8: Fall Festival at Camp Laurelwood

The Camp Laurelwood (CL) team invites all current and prospective CL families to join us on Sunday, Nov. 8 from 1 - 3 p.m for our 3rd annual Fall Festival! Starting at 1 p.m., explore camp with tours of both our overnight and day camp programs and see what makes Laurelwood so special! At 2 p.m., get ready for a very exciting magic show. This family friendly event is free and we hope to see you there! Click here for additional information and to RSVP, which is necessary! Our festival will be held rain or shine. Camp Laurelwood is located at 463 Summer Hill Rd., Madison.

November 9: Celebrate the Ethiopian Jewish Holiday of Sigd

Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford’s Emerging Leadership division invites you to celebrate Sigd on Monday, Nov. 9 from 6-8 p.m. Join us as we honor this ancient Ethiopian Jewish holiday with good food, good drinks, and good friends at a West Hartford location provided upon registration. This event is open to all persons between the ages of 21-45 at a cost of $5 per person. Click here to register by Thursday, Nov. 5.

November 9: “Songs from the Vilna Ghetto” Lecture and Concert

Join us on Monday, Nov. 9 at 6:30 p.m. at UConn’s J. Louis von der Mehden Recital Hall in Storrs for a lecture and concert in commemoration of Kristallnacht, the Night of Shattered Glass. Co-authors Sebastian Wogenstein, who is an associate professor at UConn, and Dieter Koller of Tübingen will speak about the new translation of songs in their book “Dos gezang fun vilner geto – Songs from the Vilna Ghetto.” They will tell the story of these songs from the Holocaust that speak of pain and love, of resistance and survival. The concert will feature songs from the Vilna Ghetto, which will be performed by Zisl Slepovitch, accompanied by Inna Barmash, and Lev “Ljova” Zhurbin. Please note that a valid photo ID will be required at the door/check-in for all attendees. This event is presented by: University of Connecticut Center for Judaic Studies and Contemporary Jewish Life, Gladstein Family Human Rights Institute, Laboratory for the Study and Prevention of Global Antisemitism, Office of Global Affairs, and School of Fine Arts - Department of Music, Voices of Hope, Temple Bnai Israel, and University of Hartford Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies. Click here to register for tickets. The event location is the J. Louis von der Recital Hall, 875 Coventry Rd., Storrs. 

November 15: ‘Shop and Schmooze’ Arts & Craft Fair

Come shop, stroll, schmooze, and discover an amazing collection of talented local vendors and creative makers on Sunday, Nov. 15 at noon. With more than 30 vendors, you’ll find unique gifts and one-of-a-kind treasures for everyone on your list! Join us at the Emanuel Synagogue, 160 Mohegan Dr., West Hartford. Click here to learn more.

November 15: ‘Mahjong & Mimosas’ in Avon

Join Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford’s Women’s Philanthropy division for ‘Mahjong & Mimosas’ on Sunday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. - noon in Avon (location provided upon registration). Whether you’ve been playing for years or have never touched a mahjong tile, everyone is welcome. We’ll have an instructor there to teach beginners, plus plenty of time to play, enjoy mimosas, and spend the morning together. Tickets are $18, and we ask everyone to bring a nonperishable food item to donate to the JFS Kosher Food Pantry. Click here to register!

November 15: Kindness Day Program with Jewish Association for Community Living 

The Jewish Association for Community Living (JCL) invites you to a ‘Kindness Day’ program on Sunday, Nov. 15 from 1-2 p.m. Our program will be about kindness and friendship and will be held at the Mandell JCC, 335 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford. Our favorite storyteller, Sara deBeer, will tell a story, we’ll make an art project, and, of course, there will be snacks. The JCC will charge a fee of $10. We are also asking attendees to bring a kosher food item for the food pantry. Contact Bonnie at beisenberg@jcl-ct.org for more information.

November 15: Krav Maga Class in Middletown

Learn self-defense fundamentals at a 90-minute, beginner-friendly Krav Maga class at 360 Defense, located at 725 Main St., Middletown. Join your fellow Jews on Sunday, Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. to learn and practice this combat system first developed to defend Jewish neighborhoods in the early 20th century. All skill levels are welcome, and all equipment is provided. The event will feature a demo from Harry Weller of Legion Self Defense. This event is for ages 18+. Click here to register. 

November 15: Concert Celebrates 250 Years of Community 

Celebrate the heritage of Jewish America since our country’s founding, and experience the stunning power of music to bring us together as a nation. A concert by Kol Zahav Chorale under the direction of renowned Cantor/Conductor Joseph Ness will be held on Sunday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. The West Hartford location will be shared after ticket purchase. General admission is $20, with student tickets at $10. Purchase tickets at this link. 

Register Now for Embracing Judaism 2027

Curious about Judaism? ‘Embracing Judaism’ is the adult study program of the Rabbinical Assembly of Connecticut. Eighteen sessions will meet on Thursday nights from 6 - 7:45 p.m., at The Emanuel in West Hartford beginning on January 7, 2027 — but now is the time to register. Guided reading will be offered so you can prepare for the program. The sessions deal with Jewish values, spirituality, prayer, lifecycle, holy days, and daily practices. Issues related to Zionism, antisemitism, and Jewish diversity will also be discussed. The program is offered in partnership with the Miller Introduction to Judaism Program at the American Jewish University in Los Angeles. The fee is $180 and scholarships are available. Your significant other may register for just $50. For further information about the program, click here and contact Rabbi Richard Plavin at 860.573.4503 or riplavin@gmail.com.

November 17: Spice Packing for 20s & 30s

Mem Global's Moishe House Without Walls (MHWOW) and Jewish Family Services of Greater Hartford are coming together to repackage bulk spices for the JFS Food Pantry for participants in their 20s & 30s. The event will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 17 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. The event will be held at a West Hartford location with exact address shared upon registration. Registration is required at this link by Sunday, Nov. 15 at 8 p.m. Contact Lisa Appelbaum with any questions at LisaAppelbaum@gmail.com.

November 17: “From Israel with Love” Concert at CBI

Join Congregation Beth Israel (CBI) for a concert with internationally renowned Ukrainian-Israeli musicians Ella Pasik, pianist, and Konstantin Rittel-Kobyliansky, baritone vocalist. Our special guests will be joined by the Kol Zahav Chorale under the direction of Cantor Joseph Ness. The program, to be held on Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m., will include opera, operetta arias, Neapolitan songs, Israeli and Ukrainian music, and even some Broadway hits! A reception with the artists will precede the concert at 6 p.m. The cost is $40 per person and $25 for seniors and students with IDs. Advanced ticket purchase is required by Monday, Nov. 16 at this link. CBI is located at 701 Farmington Ave., West Hartford. Send any questions to bethisrael@cbict.org.

From l to r: Pianist Ella Pasik and baritone Konstantin Rittel-Kobyliansky

Holiday Offerings from Yosi Kitchen

Yosi Kitchen will offer online ordering options throughout the coming holidays, including Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas (Chinese food). Click here to review our options and submit your order. Yosi Kitchen is located at 598 Hayden Station Rd., Windsor.

November 20-22: Beth David Synagogue Hosts Internationally Acclaimed Scholar 

Beth David invites the community to share in welcoming back to West Hartford Dr. René Bloch. Dr. Bloch is Professor of Jewish Studies at the University of Bern (Switzerland), where he holds a joint appointment in the Institute of Jewish Studies and the Institute of Classics. He obtained his Ph.D. as well as his “habilitation” from the University of Basel. Bloch’s most recent publications include: “Bringing Philo Home: Responses to Harry A. Wolfson’s Philo (1947) in the Aftermath of World War II,” “Dying in Egypt: Philo’s Joseph as a Cosmopolitan Citizen,” and “Jüdische Bibelkritik in Antike und Mittelalter: Von Philon von Alexandrien bis Spinoza.” Dr. Bloch and his family spent several years in West Hartford when he was a visiting professor at Trinity College; in fact, their triplet sons were born here. Dr. Bloch will deliver a Friday night address on the topic "Chanukah and What Really Happened", and he will deliver the Shabbat morning d’var Torah. The Friday, Nov. 20 address will follow Kabbalat Shabbat prayers and a catered Shabbat night dinner. Guests will be welcome to kindle Shabbat candles at the synagogue prior to the beginning of the prayers. Prayers will begin at 4:15 p.m. and will be followed by a Kiddush and appetizers reception. Dinner will be served at 5:45 p.m., and a special pre-Hannukah program for children will be offered during Dr. Bloch's presentation. Please use this link to register. For more information, please call Beth David at 860.236.1241. Beth David is located at 20 Dover Rd., West Hartford.

Above: Visiting speaker Dr. René Bloch

November 21: Chapel Minyan at the Emanuel Synagogue

A Chapel Minyan Shabbat service is open to all members of the Greater Hartford Jewish community on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 9:15 a.m. Our ruach-filled, lay-led davening includes P'seukei D'Zimrah, Shacharit, Torah service with triennial reading, Haftarah, D'var Torah, and Musaf. The Chapel Minyan service does not include screens or online access. Participants are invited to the congregational Kiddush/luncheon following. Chapel Minyan is located at the Emanuel, 160 Mohegan Dr., West Hartford. For questions or to sign up, please contact Phil Schlossberg at phil.schlossberg@gmail.com.

November 21: Shabbos Kestenbaum at The Emanuel

Join The Emanuel Synagogue on Saturday, Nov. 21 at  as Shabbos Kestenbaum kicks off “No ‘Small’ Feat: A Sterling Anniversary Celebrating 25 Years with Rabbi Small.” Shabbos will speak on “Standing Up to Antisemitism in This Moment: How Do We Cultivate Resilience, Resourcefulness and Resolve?” for a meaningful day of learning, connection, and community. Click here to learn more about the day’s schedule and to register. The Emanuel is located at 160 Mohegan Dr., West Hartford.

November 22: Annual Turkey Drive with Beth El

Join Beth El Temple for its Annual Turkey Drive to benefit the Anja Rosenberg Kosher Food Pantry at Jewish Family Services (JFS). The drive will be held on Sunday, Nov. 22, from 9 a.m. to noon, rain or shine, at the temple, located at 626 Albany Ave., West Hartford. Donations of frozen turkeys, both kosher and non-kosher, are welcome, and any size is greatly appreciated. Kosher turkeys may be purchased at The Crown Market, Big Y, or Trader Joe’s. Cash and check donations are also appreciated. Checks should be made out to Jewish Family Services with “Food Pantry” in the memo line. Send any questions to info@bethelwh.org.

November 22: Multifaith Thanksgiving Program with BSBI

In preparation for the Thanksgiving holiday, come and join multiple faith groups as Beth Sholom B’nai Israel (BSBI) explores community building one peace at a time with the theme “Peace by Peace: Community Building through Human Services.” This event, to be held on Sunday, Nov. 22 at 3 p.m., will feature Dr. Maria Cruz, our current Town Clerk in Manchester, with nearly 30 years of experience working for the State of Connecticut in various human services roles. Her subject will be building community, a topic to which she brings wisdom and experience garnered from her multiple decades of work with diverse communities and populations. Multi-media offerings will be delivered by clergy-persons, laypeople, artists, and performers. Sites and sounds will include those of scripture, poetry, drumming, music, art, and dance. Light refreshments will be served for all to share at the conclusion of the program. BSBI is located at 400 Middle Turnpike East, Manchester. 

November 22: Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at Temple Sinai

Temple Sinai invites and welcomes members of the greater Jewish community and all faiths to the Newington Interfaith Clergy Association’s Annual Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m., hosted by Temple Sinai (41 W. Hartford Rd. Newington). Come together with neighbors of different faith traditions for an evening of gratitude, reflection, and community. Safety personnel will be on site, and we ask for pre-registration at this link. For assistance, contact the office at 860.561.1055 or office@templesinaict.org.

Register Now for Adamah Meditation Retreat

Enjoy five days of silence, meditation, and prayer at an Adamah Meditation Retreat to rest the body, expand the mind, and heal the heart. Slow down and explore life’s deepest truths in a warm and supportive Jewish environment with Shoshana Cooper, Miriam Eisenberger, Bob Pileggi, and Kohenet Elana Brody. The location of our retreat is the Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center, 116 Johnson Rd., Falls Village. Our retreat will be held from Sunday, Dec. 20 through Friday, Dec. 25. Click here to register by Friday, Nov. 20.