Religious Practices News

Religious Practices Services and Events

Religious Practices Committee Notices:

What a busy beginning of the Jewish New Year. Todah Rabah to Rabbi Marc and Hazzan Sherry for the incredible services: Rosh HaShannah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Simchat Torah/Shemini Hatzeret. For the High Holidays the choir was in exceptional voice and Greg Morea, Karen Bloustine, Stanley Bloustine, Susan Condry, Paul Kanfer, Barbara Morea, Marc Newall, and Shoshana Weiss who provided a fantastic Break-the-Fast. An especially strong thank you to the break-the-fast cleanup crew of Anne Cohn, John Murphy, Moira Ross, Roberta Reisner-Winograd, and Debra Wool, and anyone one else who helped set up and clear tables. Simchat Torah was wonderfully augmented by the Temple Emanu-El Band.

By the time this Bulletin is published, the death and dying lecture series will have concluded. I would appreciate your feedback on the series and welcome suggestions for additional topics you would like to see addressed in a similar format.

Active and retired U.S. armed services members and their families are invited to join us for Shabbat on Friday, November 7th at 6:30, as we recognize their contributions.

Please note that the Shabbaton/Artist in Residence weekend is scheduled for November 14th and 15th. The event will feature performances by Sue Horowitz and Julie Silver, both esteemed figures in contemporary Jewish music. For additional details, please refer to the attached flyer.

We invite individuals interested in serving on the Religious Practices Committee to join us. Participation provides valuable experience regarding Jewish Holidays and fosters community engagement.

Volunteers are particularly needed to assist with kitchen cleanup following major events, typically held two to three times annually.

For further information or to express interest, please contact Sam Winograd.

L’Shalom,

Sam Winograd, Chair of Temple Emanu-El Religious Practices Committee.

 

Religious Practices Committee Notices:

Armed Services Member Recognition Service – November 7th, 6:30 p.m

Shabbaton/Artist in Residence program

Sue Horowitz and Julie Silver

Friday and Saturday, November 14 and 15.

Erev Shabbat Service led by Sue Horowitz and Juli Silver

Friday, November 14, at 6:30 p.m.

Shabbat morning service led by Rabbi Marc and Hazzan Sherri

Saturday, November 15, at 10:30 a.m. with kiddush luncheon following.

Community Evening Social and Concert hosted by Temple Emanu-El

Saturday Evening November 15.

Pre-show wine and cheese social hour – at 5:30 p.m.,

Concert at 6:30 p.m.

Please register for Kiddush Luncheon and Concert by calling, 860-443-3005 or emailing, office@tewaterford.org

 

 

Religious Practices VP Message

RELIGIOUS PRACTICES COMMITTEE HAPPENINGS

We hope you have enjoyed a pleasant summer. This past Shabbat, August 16, we held the annual Bagels and Brachas, with lox, bagels, sweets, coffee and water provided to all. This was followed by a short, creative service lead by Rabbis Marc and Polly, and a hike. During the hike, at the bluff, another short service was held. Thank you to the Religious Practices committee members for planning and setting up the day.

Do you enjoy having an Oneg following Shabbat Services? How many of you look forward to the chance to mingle with the community while having a friendly way to start Shabbat? If this is important to you, have a please consider donating to the Oneg restricted fund. This is also a good way to recognize an important life cycle event and share it with our community.

As we approach the Fall holiday season, please be reminded that our High Holiday observances will begin with Selichot on Saturday, September 13, commencing with a short social gathering at 6:30 p.m., followed by a meaningful program and service at 7:00 p.m. Information regarding the schedules for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur has been provided on a separate flyer. Our break-the-fast meal is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on October 2, 2025. We are looking for volunteers for Hebrew or English readers for various honors during the High Holiday Services.  Please see High Holiday Volunteer Notice below.

Following Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we will celebrate Sukkot with two congregational events: the Sukkot Service will take place on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., featuring a fall harvest-themed Oneg. Additionally, on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., in partnership with the Temple Emanu-El Religious School (TERS), all are invited to participate in the mitzvah of sitting and dining in the Sukkah, as well as shaking the lulav and etrog; this event will conclude with a brief creative service. As Sukkot ends, we have with Simchat Torah evening service on Monday October 13 at 6:30 p.m., during which we will hold a consecration ceremony for our newest TERS students. We encourage the entire Jewish Community to join us as we welcome these learners into our community of lifelong learning. Rounding out the October holidays, we will have Shemini Atzeret services, with Yizkor, on Tuesday October 14 at 10:00 a.m.

On October 19 and 26, from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m., we will present a two-part discussion series on Death and Dying. This may be a challenging topic for some, yet it remains an important aspect to address. Additional details will follow.

In November, we will commemorate Veterans’ Day with a special Shabbat service on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., honoring those who have served. To conclude the month, a Musical Shabbaton is planned for the weekend of November 14, highlighting the talents of Sue Horowitz and Julie Silver. A dedicated flyer with further information will be distributed soon.

B’Shalom,

Sam Winograd

 

Religious Practices High Holiday Volunteer Notice

If you are interested in volunteering for a reading part for the High Holiday Services, please send an email to SWinograd@comcast.net, with the subject “High Holiday Reading”. Indicate your preference for which services and English or Hebrew.