David’s List: A Conversation for Yom Kippur Afternoon
Saturday, October 8 at 1:00 p.m.
When beloved teacher, friend and Merkaz founder David Goby died this summer, his daughter shared his list of five life lessons he hoped his children would pass on. This is part of a rich Jewish tradition of Ethical Wills. Join Ira Wise between the morning and
afternoon service for a conversation about the values we want to pass on to our own descendants.

Shabbat Sukkot:
Rebuilding in Alabama and
Reaching out to the community of Cordova.
Friday, October 14, Kabbalat Shabbat, Dinner and Program
In August, twelve congregants of B’nai Israel traveled to Birmingham, Alabama, and spent a week helping with home rebuilding projects in the town of Cordova. During that week, they encountered individuals who were inspired by their dedication to renewing their community, in their commitment to each other, and the centrality of faith and hope in their lives.

Join us for services at 6:00 p.m. followed by a Sukkot Shabbat dinner and a presentation of stories, images, and experiences from Cordova. RSVP for Shabbat dinner ($18.00) with Lynn in the Temple office, 203-336-1858. Your payment is your reservation.

The Social Action Committee will be collecting gift cards for Home Depot and Wal-Mart during Sukkot to assist the people of Cordova with their ongoing rebuilding needs. Gift cards can be dropped off at the Temple office, during the Shabbat program, or donations to the Social Action Fund marked for Cordova will be spent on purchasing additional gift cards.

4th Annual Women’s Spirituality Retreat
Saturday, November 19, 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location TBA
This year Rabbi Andrea Cohen-Kiener and Spiritual Director Rayzl Feuer join Rabbis Rachel Gurevitz and Suri Krieger for our annual Women’s one-day Spirituality Retreat. The parshah this Shabbat is Chayyei Sarah – the life of Sarah. Through the lens of the life of our first foremother, we will journey together through the significant episodes of our own lives. We are inviting women from Andrea and Rayzl’s communities, P’nai Or in Hartford and P’nai Shore of the CT shoreline, to join us for our joint program. The retreat is $36.00 for members of our communities.

Attendance will be opened to non-members in mid- October for $50.00 (they can request to be added to a waiting list in the meantime). We will again be providing delicious food for one another for lunch. Space is limited. Reserve your place with Lynn in the offi ce at 203-336-1858 or Lynn@congregationbnaiisrael.org.

Peace, Politics, and Plutonium:
An Insider’s Look at the Quest for Security, Democracy and Peace in the Middle East
Sunday, November 20 at 4:00 p.m.
Gil Hoffman is the chief political correspondent and analyst for The Jerusalem Post. Well-connected to Israeli and Palestinian leaders, Hoff man has interviewed every major figure across the Israeli political spectrum, has been interviewed by top media on six continents and is a regular analyst on CNN, Al-Jazeera and other news outlets. Called “The most optimistic man in Israel” by Israel Television, Hoffman’s writing and TV appearances provide a behind the scenes look at the intrigue and humor in the Israeli political arena.