Weekly Study
Shabbat Services and Study
Saturdays at 10am
Join Rabbi Cantor's interactive weekly Shabbat Torah and text study. After a short Torah reading, we'll delve into a section of the portion together, and conclude by reciting Kaddish and Kiddush (bring your own wine!).
Tangling with Talmud
Wednesdays at 10:30am
The Talmud is a rich and lively conversation among many generations. Passionate arguments about law and justice are intertwined with wild stories and musings about the meaning of life. Join in Rabbi Cantor's lively weekly study group and add your own voice to the discussion. No previous experience is required. New participants are always welcome.
Tangling with Talmud is on hiatus through the holidays. Weekly meetings will resume on November 16. Please note that Tangling with Talmud will not be held as scheduled on December 28.
Upcoming Events
BTS Sisterhood Book Group
Escape from the Ghetto by John Carr
Sunday, January 22 at 3pm (online)
For nearly twelve years of his life, John Carr believed his father was Catholic. On learning otherwise, he became curious to know why his Dad had lied in the first place and then kept the secret for so long.” In due course, it became clear that Henry Carr (Chaim Herszman) was born a Polish Jew. He was embarrassed by the way he had deceived his wife and five Catholic sons. Over time he opened up to John, who interviewed him over several years, tracing in detail his father’s extraordinary European experiences.
In early 1940, when he was 13, Chaim Herszman was locked in to the Lódz Ghetto. Hungry, fearless, and determined, Chaim goes on scavenging missions outside the wire fence—where one day he is forced to kill a Nazi guard to protect his secret. That moment changes the course of his life and sets him on an unbelievable adventure across enemy lines.
Only one registration is necessary to register for all online Sisterhood book discussions.
Partners in Creation
with Rabbi Debra Cantor and Art Instructor Melinda Wright
Sunday, February 5 at 10:30am (online)
We’ll study some texts, then do some reflective writing and simple expressive art with items easily found around the house. Please have a pencil or pen and any kind of paper handy. You're welcome to use any kind of art supplies you have: colored pencils, crayons, watercolors, whatever. But just pencil and paper are fine. Absolutely no experience needed! This virtual event is free and open to all.
Only one registration is necessary to register for all online Partners in Creation events.
BTS Jewish Film Schmooze
I am Not Your Negro
Sunday, February 26 at 4pm (online)
I Am Not Your Negro envisions the book never finished, a radical narration about race in America, using the writer’s original words, as read by Samuel L. Jackson. Alongside a flood of archival material, the film draws on the lives and assassinations of Medger Evers, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King, Jr. to explore and bring a fresh and radical perspective to the current radical perspective.
Join Bilal Dabir Sekou for a discussion of issues of race in America. An associate professor of political science at Hillyer College at the University of Hartford, Bilal’s research interests include race and politics, urban politics, campaigns, elections and voting behavior. He sits on the boards of Common Cause, The Connecticut Mirror, Connecticut Citizen’s Action Group, Connecticut Center for a New Economy and Common Cause Connecticut.
Only one registration is necessary for all online Film Schmooze events.
Friends of Yiddish
Second Sundays*, 10:30am
Friends of Yiddish is an informal, mostly English, bilingual drop-in social group which meets to hear a guest speaker or discussion and maybe absorb a Yiddish word or two. Your one-time registration will ensure that you can attend any online Friends of Yiddish event moving forward.
Upcoming dates: February 12, March 12, April 16, May 7
*Date occasionally shifts to accommodate other holidays and events. Register and watch your email to stay up to date.
B'nai Tikvoh-Sholom COVID Safety Protocols as of June 10, 2021
• Vaccinated individuals are not required to wear masks or observe social distancing at outdoor programs.
• When in the synagogue, everyone must wear masks and maintain appropriate social distancing.
• Those who are unvaccinated for any reason must wear masks and maintain distance at all times, both outside and in the building.
• There will be no eating or drinking at indoor group events.
These guidelines are subject to change at any time based on CDC recommendations, our state's rates of infection, new variants, and other factors.
Please note that, in order to preserve the sanctity and security of our worship and study, advance registration is required for all online BTS/Neshama events. Registration is required only once for any recurring event. you will receive confirmation by email and a reminder email with an event link 15 minutes prior to your meeting.
Thank you for your interest and participation. We look forward to gathering with you.
BTS/Neshama events are open to all and are offered free of charge unless otherwise noted.