- Congregation Beth El–Keser Israel
85 Harrison Street, New Haven, CT 06515-1724 | P: 203.389.2108 | office@beki.org
85 Harrison Street, New Haven, CT 06515-1724 | P: 203.389.2108 | office@beki.org
…f the unadorned lecterns were once seen as a clear signs of modernity and religious feeling. The flags on the bima once made a powerful and clear statement to anyone who might have questions about Jews’ allegiance. But we and the world have changed over the years and what was once vital and contemporary, like polyester suits and or bell bottomed pants, can be experienced by some as somewhat dated. With the blessing of the Ritual Committee and Rabb…
…e portion, three angels come to Abraham right after he has circumcised himself. They tell Abraham that he and Sarah will have a child in a year. After the angels leave, God tells Abraham that he is about to destroy the city of Sodom because the people there are evil. Abraham argues on behalf of the people in the city, and God agrees that if he can find ten good people in the city, he will not destroy it. But the only good person found in Sodom is…
…to Abby Fraade, the volunteer who manages sponsorships. Please note that cellphones and photography are permitted on weekdays, but not on Shabbat or Yom Tov. If you choose to have a ceremony at BEKI on some other day, please work out the general plan in advance with Office Manager Peggy Hackett. She will arrange kitchen supervision and custodial services. Please note that we do NOT allow self-catering or a plan that’s “friends will take care of s…
…d refrain from enjoying “fruits” obtained through unjust means: Once Rabbi Elimelekh came to his neighbor, a silversmith, and saw a ring there. He took it in his hand and immediately threw it away. He said that this ring was ordered with money gained from interest. The silversmith investigated and found it to be so.24 Today, this might mean declining to benefit from consumer goods produced through slave labor or produced from stolen land or by ill…
…eo. Broell Bresnick has taught at Stanford University, University of New Haven, University of Bridgeport and the Educational Center for the Arts, where she served as Visual Arts Department Chair for 29 years. She has given lectures at a number of museums, galleries and universities. Anna Broell Bresnick was born in Hamburg, German, has lived in Vienna and Rome and currently resides in New Haven, CT. USA More information on the artist’s website:…
…2021 to be closer to our children (Rozzie & Ben in New Haven and Avi & Arielle in Fairfield) and our grandchildren (Charlie, Shayna & Zoe). Shortly thereafter we were “recruited” by the Rodwin family, Charlie & Shayna and their parents, to join their shul—BEKI. We’ve always been a synagogue-centric family and miss the community we left behind in Needham, MA. It is so gratifying for us to see the next generation understand the importance of synago…
…counted. For family and friends, I will go be part of that Minyan and go help celebrate that bar-mitzvah, but it is a hard call every time. When it comes to the responsibility to defend the country or the Jewish people, do you teach your daughters to grapple with those issues the same way you teach your sons? Would you be as proud of a daughter who joins the Israeli army after high school as you would be of one at Stanford? When you envision a Sp…
…and its up to you to ask for help if you need it or let us know if someone else needs help. Sometimes a person needs one kind of help but can provide a different kind. George Posener, for example, needs a ride to shul on Shabbat morning, but has volunteered to make calls to let people know were thinking of them. If thats the way this project works, then who can say in which direction the kindness is flowing? You received a form a week or two ago a…
…ed Bruce and me at the end of services and encouraged the congregation to welcome us. I felt embraced, and I didn’t feel invisible anymore. One day I was speaking with my brother-in-law on the phone. I was talking about BEKI (which by this time I had joined) and the feeling that I have here. And I confided in him that one day I’d like to get up on the bima and read from the Torah. And as I said these words I began to tremble. The very thought was…
Participation Opportunities: Help Wanted Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel views community service in the synagogue and the local Jewish and civic communities as an essential part of its mission. History of Completed Service Projects Volunteer Opportunities in the Synagogue To volunteer, contact the office at office@beki.org or by phone at 203.389.2108 x114. Administration – Members are needed to serve on the work-groups, committees and board tha…
