News from Farmington Valley Jewish Congregation-Emek Shalom

This Week at FVJC-Emek Shalom:

Thank you!

As of Friday, our Silent Appeal Campaign raised $21,000; exceding our goal of $20,000 and what we earned last year. These funds help offset revenue shortfalls and increases in expenses so we can continue to stay within our projected budget this year.

Minyan Books

If you hosted a Minyan this summer, and have found books in a blue canvas briefcase, please return them to the office, or contact Nancy Grandin to make arrangements for us to pick them up. Thank you.

Kids Shabbat Friday, November 21

Come find out how to make Shabbat a special family time for your family. Kids from toddlers through 3rd grade will enjoy (including those who are kids at heart), are invited to wear PJs and bring your favorite stuffed animal. After dinner we will listen to some special Shabbat stories. Click here for more details.

Thanksgiving Food Drive

The Thanksgiving Food Drive continues this week. Click here to review what your child's grade should bring.

In addition, we have an ongoing Food Drive for the New Kosher Food Collection to benefit Jewish Family Services. Any non-perishable food that has a U or K is acceptable, but please no pasta. There is a basket located outside the Sanctuary.

Toy Drive for CCMC

Kids Helping Kids: 7th Grade Toy Drive for CCMC. Please bring a new and 'in-the-box' toy, game or book for children between birth and 18. The drive will run through December 3rd.

Cold Weather Clothes Drive

The 7th grade will again be coordinating our Winter Clothing Drive this year. All winter clothes, outer wear and indoor wear, for adults and children are needed. Please bring any items you can spare to the synagogue between December 7 and 21.

Sisterhood Holiday Sale

Stock up on your Hanukkah items and gifts at the Sisterhood Holiday Sale On December 7 during Religious School.

In addition to the selection of Judaica, scarves and matching headbands are designed and hand knitted by me, and made of 100% natural fibers in an array of different colors and styles, including some with vintage buttons. They are priced at least half of those sold in the department stores like JCrew, and Macys. I also have cupcake style baby hats for girls and boys that have been a big hit for new moms. Amy is generously donating 20% of her sale to the Sisterhood.

Community Events

Chai Center Chanukah Activities at Simsbury Celebrates
Saturday, November 29, 5:30 - 7:30 pm At Eno Hall, 754 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury

Make your own edible dreidel, decorate a Chanukah card for Jewish soldiers serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, play the dreidel game and taste gourmet olive oil. For more information log onto www.simsburycelebrates.com and click on Schedule. If you would like to volunteer please contact Elana MacGilpin at 677-1235 or emacgilpin@jewishhartford.org.

Save the Date for these great programs in December…

Farmington Valley Jewish Youth Group – grades 5 - 8
Game Night Sunday, December 7, 2008 5:00pm to 7:00 pm At La Trattoria Restaurant, 21 Old Albany Turnpike, Canton

Join us for an evening of dinner and fun interactive games!! Entertainment provided by Studio K DJ. To reserve a spot, please send your $18.00 check (made payable to "Myra Emrick") by November 25th to: Myra Emrick, 69 Blue Ridge Dr, Simsbury, CT 06070. We would also like each person to bring a non-perishable kosher food item for the Kosher Food Pantry. Questions??? Please contact Mame Sherbacow 675-4320 or Myra Emrick 217-1789.

Ladies Night Out – Spa Party Wednesday, December 10 7:00 – 8:30 pm
At a private home in Simsbury – location provided upon RSVP

De-stress from your holiday shopping and planning at a fun night out with other women in the Valley. Cara Sutton, BeautiControl consultant, will provide eight complimentary spa services and for $20 you can receive a mini-manicure and mini-pedicure. Click here to see the flyer for ALL of the details. RSVP by Dec. 8 to Michelle Ward, 408-9273 or msward@comcast.net, Ellen Sprinsky, 217-0104 or esprinsky@comcast.net, Jen Lehman, 658-9558 lehmanmj@comcast.net, Elana MacGilpin, 677-1235 or emacgilpin@jewishhartford.org.

Shabbat Shenannigans – Chanukah Style Friday, December 12 1:30 – 3:00 pm
At Giggles Party and Play, Riverdale Farms #11, Avon

Celebrate Chanukah with your pre-schooler or kindergartner – crafts, songs, stories and a Chanukah snack! Please RSVP to Elana MacGilpin, 677-1235 or emacgilpin@jewishhartford.org by Dec. 10.

Chanukah Story Time at Barnes and Noble Sunday, December 14 10:00 am
At The Shoppes at Farmington Valley, 110 Albany Turnpike, Canton

Listen to your favorite Chanukah stories with Jaime Klein, former Director of the Mandell JCC’s Family Room!

Chanukah Pottery Painting Party Sunday, December 14 2:30 – 4:00 pm
At Pottery Bayou, Route 44, Canton An activity for the whole family!

Paint your own dreidel ($6), Mezzuzah ($8), menorah ($25) star of David boxes ($20) in time to celebrate Chanukah. The studio fee will be $2 per person in addition to whatever you paint. Snacks will be provided. RSVP by December 12 to Lisa Berman at 675-1400 or laberman1031@yahoo.com.

Don't forget to check our calendar for other upcoming events.

To view this message as a webpage, visit www.fvjc.org/news/Nov18-08.html