CONGREGATION BETH EL 1200 Fairfield Woods Road Fairfield, CT 06825 An Egalitarian Conservative Jewish Congregation BETH EL E-NEWS October 9 - 17, 2014 15 - 23 Tishri 5775 SUKKOT SHABBAT CHOL HAMOED SERVICE TIMES Thursday, October 9 - SUKKOT 10:00 AM Sukkot Services in the sanctuary followed by kiddush in the sukkah 11:00 AM Family Service 6:56 PM Candle Lighting Friday, October 10 - SUKKOT 10:00 AM Sukkot Services in the sanctuary followed by kiddush in the sukkah 5:30 PM Sukkot Under the Stars - Bring a dairy dinner to eat in the sukkah 6:00 PM Kabbalat Shabbat Services in the sukkah 6:01 PM Candle Lighting Saturday, October 11 10:00 AM Shabbat Services 10:30 AM Children's Services Sunday, October 12 8:15 AM Morning Minyan Monday, October 13 7:15 AM Morning Minyan Tuesday, October 14 7:15 AM Morning Minyan followed by Rabbi Kormis' Pirkei Avot class Wednesday, October 15 7:15 AM Morning Minyan 5:53 PM Candle Lighting CHECK OUT BETH EL'S WEBSITE! www.congbethel.net For your convenience, sign-up forms for current events are available on the website. Tuesday Morning Classes with Rabbi Kormis: PIRKEI AVOT Tuesday mornings at 8:15 AM, following minyan. Coffee and bagels will be served. CONGREGATIONAL MEETING MONDAY, OCTOBER 13 AT 7:00 PM As we announced in our Kol Nidre address, the Boards of Directors for both Beth El and Rodeph Sholom have agreed to hold preliminary discussions to explore the possibility of merging the two synagogues. In the coming weeks, joint committees will be formed to address a number of key topics, including spiritual life, education, programming, membership and financial matters. Each committee will consist of congregants from both synagogues. Thursday, October 16 - SHEMINI ATZERET 10:00 AM Shemini Atzeret Services 11:15 AM Yizkor 6:00 PM Erev Simchat Torah - Service & Celebration, Dancing with the Torahs 6:51 PM Candle Lighting Friday, October 17 - SIMCHAT TORAH 10:00 AM Simchat Torah Services in the sanctuary followed by kiddush 10:30 AM Children's Services in the kiddush room 6:00 PM Kabbalat Shabbat Services 5:50 PM Candle Lighting HOLIDAY SERVICE SCHEDULE SUKKOT Thursday, October 9 Once the joint committees have identified the benefits of, and obstacles to, a merger, the Boards will be in a position to make a recommendation. If both Boards are in favor of a merger, then the proposal will go to the members of each synagogue for a congregational vote. A merger will take place only if each congregation ultimately approves the merger. We will hold a meeting at Congregation Beth El on Monday, October 13th at 7:00 PM to address your questions and concerns. We will share what we know, what we have learned, and the steps involved in the merger process. Please participate as your input is critical. Please feel free to email questions and concerns to: [email protected]. Services in sanctuary at 10:00 AM Family Service at 10:30 Friday, October 10 Services in sanctuary at 10:00 AM Sukkot under the Stars 5:30 PM Services 6:00 PM Tuesday, October 14 Sisterhood Interfaith Sukkot Luncheon 11:15 AM SHEMINI ATZERET Thursday October 16 Services at 10:00 AM Yizkor is recited at approximately 11:15 AM SIMCHAT TORAH Erev: Thursday, October 16 Service at 6:00 PM Hakafot - Dancing, Music, Aliyah for children & adults at 6:15 PM followed by Ice Cream Sundae Party Friday, October 17 Services in sanctuary at 10:00 AM Children's Parade & Family Service 10:30 AM CLICK HERE TO PRINT SUKKOT & SIMCHAT TORAH FLYER CLICK HERE FOR SUKKOT LUNCHEON FLYER Do you love to sing? Do you love Jewish music? The Connecticut Z'mirah Chorale is looking for experienced singers throughout the state who share a love of Jewish choral music. All voice parts are welcome. Location of next rehearsal: Sunday, October 19 from 7-9pm at the Whitney Center, 200 Leeder Hill Drive, Hamden, CT. To learn more, visit http://zmirahchorale.padd.com or call (203) 269-6210. CLICK HERE FOR FLYER SHABBAT TORAH STUDY Click here for March of the Stuffed Animals Flyer CLICK HERE FOR Most Honored Minyan Person Breakfast Jewish Senior Services (The Jewish Home) FALL GALA October 23 at The Inn at Longshore, Westport Featuring Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Art Garfunkel Dinner, auction, awards, entertainment Honoring Lydia Gerard and Simon Etzel Co-chairs Judy Brown, Jill Isaacs, Sheila Merriam Reservations and journal ads, please contact Dayna Hayden at 203-365-6409 or [email protected] Click here to print Shakespeare Flyer CLICK HERE TO PRINT Kabbalah I Flyer This award reception, which recognizes leaders who have demonstrated exceptional dedication in serving the Upper Fairfield County community, is one of ADL's premier annual events in Connecticut, attracting approximately 300 prominent and leading citizens from Upper Fairfield County. For more information, please contact Janet Magid, Associate Development Director, at (203) 2886500 x313 or [email protected]. The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is devoted to fighting anti-Semitism, racism and other forms of bigotry, building bridges of understanding and safeguarding our liberties. CLICK HERE TO PRINT LITTLE EXPLORERS SIGN-UP FORM Click here to print Nancy Sharp Flyer PLANT TREES & SUPPORT BETH EL As a member of Beth El, which is an affiliate congregation of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, we have an opportunity to earn money for our synagogue when you participate in one of the following: -Plant Trees in Israel in honor of friends or loved ones. -Make a donation to any of JNF's many projects in Israel. -Purchase anything from the JNF store. It's easy, quick and doesn't cost you anything extra! Buy or donate through the JNF/USCJ button on our synagogue website and 20% will go back to Beth El. Another 5% will go to United Synagogue to support congregational Israel programs. Help Israel through the work of JNF. PLEASE SUPPORT BETH EL! FOR ALL YOUR GROCERY NEEDS, BUY GIFT CARDS FOR SHOP RITE, STOP & SHOP and STEW LEONARDS Beth El sells gift cards to ShopRite, Stop & Shop and Stew Leonards. For every card purchased, these stores donate a minimum of 5% to Congregation Beth El. YOU GET THE FULL VALUE FOR THE CARDS SO IT DOES NOT COST YOU ANYTHING! And there are no expiration dates! Questions? Please call Susan Mittag at 203-374-5544 or email [email protected]. Spread the word to your friends and family! All orders and donations must originate from the JNF/United Synagogue button on our synagogue's website to be credited to this program. You can also call 1-800-542-TREE (8733) and mention our congregation. Go to our website, www.congbethel.net and click on the box (sample below) located on our home page, under the photo of our building. Just follow the instructions to plant your trees or make a donation to JNF. And while you are there, take a look at our website as well! Contact Info: Susan Mittag, Executive Director Congregation Beth El 203-374-5544 [email protected] Please note that all donations will be charged in U.S. dollars by JNF-US. All donors will receive an immediate electronic receipt from JNF-US.