News from Farmington Valley Jewish Congregation-Emek Shalom

This Week at FVJC-Emek Shalom:

The New Sukkah is ready for you

All Religious School students are expected to attend our "house warming" Sukkot celebration on Sunday, October 19 at 9 am, followed by an Oneg at 10 am. Please feel free to invite anyone whom you think would enjoy this celebration. This would be a great opportunity to introduce FVJC-Emek Shalom to new and prospective members.

Thanks to the many members of our congregation who helped make this new Sukkah a reality. David and Linda Levine generous provided the materials for this project. Mark Lescher created a weather-resistant sturdy design and served as the construction. Others members, including Mike Bonchik, Mike DeRosa, Loel Goldblatt, Phil Lerner, Jim Murphy, Mike Rabinowitz, Alan Rocklin, Dale Schwartz, Jeffery Tencer, and Mike Wertheimer, worked hard in rainy and cold weather to help make Mark's vision come to life.

You can still help!

Help is needed to demolish the old Sukkah and to dismantle the new one for storage. Mark Lescher are needed on Monday, October 20 at 9 a.m. to assist in taking apart the Sukkah.

In addition, volunteers are needed to help dismantle the new Sukkah, for storage until next year. Mark Lescher will also lead this group, which will meet on Sunday, October 26 at 9 a.m.

Mark needs at least 10 people for both projects, so please consider helping out! For more information, please contact him at 416-1594.

Join Joel Mandell at the Greater Hartford Multi-Faith Prayer Breakfast

"I would like to invite all members of the FVJC Emek Shalom congregation to join me at the 11th annual Greater Hartford Multi-Faith Prayer Breakfast to be held on Thursday Nov. 20, 2008 from 7:30 to 8:45 am at The Artists Collective, 1200 Albany Ave, at the intersection with Woodland Street in Hartford.

I have been attending this event since its inception and have found it to be a wonderful way to start the Thanksgiving Holiday season. The Prayer Breakfast was started by Bill Farley, a long tome Simsbury resident, as an event to acknowledge our diverse communities need for prayerful support of our religious faiths if we are to achieve a healthy Greater Hartford Community. Please join me for this ecumenical spiritually uplifting event. There is no charge. I may be reached at 658-2185 to answer any question about the Prayer Breakfast. Joel Mandell"

Caring Community Committee

Our synagogue has a very active Caring Community Committee, which provides support to temple families facing a family crisis or illness. If you know anyone who might be in need, please contact Mona Herman, Caring Committee Chairperson.

Yom Kippur Campaign Update

Thanks to all of you who contributed to the Kosher Food Bank during our successful Yom Kippur Food Drive. Special thanks to Lisa Berke and Elaine Rothberg for their leadership on the food drive.

We also raised $18,000 toward our $20,000 Silent Appeal goal. If you did not have a chance to make your contribution during Yom Kippur services, please send your contribution today.

New Feature! Community Calendar

We will use this space to highlight community events which may be of interest to you.

Festive Fall Dessert Reception
Thursday, October 16, 7:00 – 8:30 pm at Fisher Gallery at the Farmington Valley Arts Center, 25 Arts Center Lane, Avon

Start the New Year with a casual evening of great dessert, good friends and local art with the Chai Center - your Jewish connection in the Valley. Couvert $10 per person, dietary laws observed. This social event is hosted by the Chai Center Advisory Committee. Please RSVP by October 13 to Elana at 677-1235 or emacgilpin@jewishhartford.org.
Shabbat Shenannigans – Sukkot Style
Friday, October 17, 9:30 – 11:00 am, at a Private Home in Simsbury – location provided upon RSVP

If you are raising Jewish children and looking for a fun activity, the Chai Center has it! Our once a month Jewish themed playgroups include crafts, stories, songs and a holiday snack. Please RSVP by October 15 to Elana at 677-1235 or emacgilpin@jewishhartford.org

The Grandparents Circle
Mondays from 7:00 – 8:30 pm, Nov 3, 17, Dec 1, 15, Jan 5, Mandell JCC, West Hartford

Facilitated by Laura Kinyon, LCSW. The Grandparents Circle is a free, 5-week program for Jewish grandparents with grandchildren being raised in interfaith homes. Learn ways to pass on your Jewish heritage to the next generation. Co-sponsored by the Deborah W. Goldfarb Memorial Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation, the Chai Center, the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford and the Mandell JCC. To register for this program please contact Elana MacGilpin at 677-1235 or emacgilpin@jewishhartford.org. Flyer is attached.

Election Wrap-Up
Tuesday, November 18 at 7:00 pm, Farmington Library, 6 Monteith Drive, Farmington

Join Mark Silk, Associate Professor of Religion in Public Life at Trinity College, for an analysis of the 2008 Presidential Election. This program is the last in the 3-part series co-sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council and the Chai Center. To RSVP please contact Elana MacGilpin at 677-1235 or emacgilpin@jewishhartford.org.