Jewish organizations are invited to submit their upcoming events to the our What’s Happening section. Events are placed on the Ledger website on Tuesday afternoons. Deadline for submission of calendar items is the previous Tuesday. Send items to: judiej@jewishledger.com.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12 

“Poland, the Jews, and My Family” with Dr. Leon Chameides

Dr. Leon Chameides will discuss Poland and Polish Jewish history and how members of his family were affected by them at “Poland, The Jews, and My Family,” a virtual talk sponsored by the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford and CT Voices of Hope, on Jan. 12 at 7 p.m. Dr. Chameides, former director of pediatrics at Hartford Hospital, was born in Poland and spent the war years hidden in a Ukrainian Greek-Catholic monastery. He is the author of two books: Strangers in Many Lands, a family history, and On the Edge of the Abyss, essays written by his father, Rabbi Kalman Chameides. For information and the Zoom link, visit jhsgh.org/poland/

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13

Coping with the New Normal: Recover, Recharge and Rejoice

Schoke Jewish Family Service presents the 9th Annual Saul Cohen-Schoke JFS Lecture, a series of three online presentations focusing on how to “recover, recharge and rejoice” while adapting to the new normal created by COVID-19. The free lectures are held at 7:30 p.m., and are co-sponsored by UJA/JCC Greenwich, Federation for Jewish Philanthropy of Upper Fairfield County and the UJF Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien, in partnership with the Jewish Book Council.

To register, visit www.ctjfs.org/saul-cohen-jfs-lecture. For more info, contact Matt Greenberg at (203) 921-4161 or mgreenberg@ctjfs.org.   

Wednesday, Jan. 13 – Jason B. Rosenthal, author of My Wife Said You May Want to Marry Me: A Memoir, the response to an essay published in the Sunday New York Times by his wife, Amy Krouse Rosenthal, called “You May Want to Marry My Husband.” 

Wednesday, Feb. 10 – Tiffany Shlain, Emmy-nominated filmmaker and author of 24/6: The Power of Unplugging One Day A Week, will discuss “Tech Shabbat,”  focusing on regaining your inner calm and connection to people instead of screens.

Tuesday, Apr. 27 – Best-selling author Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, co-founder of the Happiness Studies Academy who also taught Happiness Studies at Columbia University, will discuss how to achieve happiness and rejoice in life under challenging circumstances.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14

Speaking of Nobel laureate Louis Gluck

Friends of the Library and Sisterhood of Congregation Beth Israel in West Hartford will present “A Conversation about Louise Glück, 2020 Nobel Laureate for Literature,” on Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. The  virtual conversation is presented by CCSU Professor Aimee Pozorski and moderated by Karen Beyard, Learning Center coordinator. Poems for discussion will be available for pre-registrants. For more information, visit cbict.org/calendar.

Book Group discussion: Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens 

Prof. Joyce Saltman will lead a discussion of the novel Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, at this new 2021 book group hosted online by Congregation Or Shalom of Orange on Jan 14 at 7:30 p.m. The book is an ode to the natural world, a heart-breaking coming-of-age story, and a surprising tale of possible murder. Participants need not have read the book to enjoy the discussion. Visit our website www.orshalomct.org to register.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15

Interfaith service honoring Dr. Marin Luther King

Congregation Mishkan Israel will celebrate the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at a virtual interfaith service to be held Jan 15 at 7 p.m. On Oct. 1961, Dr. King spoke at Mishkan Israel at the invitation of his friend Rabbi Robert Goldburg invited his friend. The annual service began after the assassination of Dr. King to preserve this historic moment. Keynote speaker at the event is State Representative Robyn Porter. Faith leaders from Jewish, Christian, Catholic, Muslim, Bahai, and Unitarian traditions will join Rabbi Immerman and Cantor Giglio in leading the service, which is free and open to the community. For further information, visit cmihamden.org or call (203) 288-3877.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19

The COVID-19 Vaccine and Judaism

“The COVID-19 Vaccine: The Intersection Between Jewish Law, Ethics and Public Policy,” second of a two-part talk presented on Zoom by Young Israel of West Hartford and led by Rabbi Tuvia Brander, on Jan. 19 at 8 p.m. Join at youngisraelwh.org/zoom. For more information or to submit questions in advance, email info@youngisraelwh.org.

Are Your Kids Naked Online? For parents of Elementary School students

Elementary school parent can learn how to protect your children from the dangers of our digital world in this session, to be held Jan. 19 at 7:30 p.m., that goes beyond the exploitative world of sexting and social media into darker and more concerning areas of the internet to which young people have free and easy access. Designed for parents and guardians who may not be particularly tech-savvy themselves, Lisa Good will discuss topics such as the dark web, online pornography, cyberbullying and more. For more information: jewishnewhaven.org.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21   

Teaching Jewish Diversity; Dismantling the “White, Male Jew

Prof. Aaron Hahn Tapper of the University of San Francisco will discuss “Teaching Jewish Diversity; Dismantling the “White, Male Jew” on Jan. 21 at 7:30 on Zoom, as part of the 2021 series of virtual lectures surrounding the theme of “The Jewish Roots of Social Justice,” presented by the ALEPH Institute, a learning initiative sponsored by the Mandell JCC and UConn Judaic Studies. This session offers one way to both teach and deconstruct the dominant stereotypes that Jews reinforce when teaching about Jews and Judaism. For more information, visit judaicstudies.uconn.edu or mandelljcc.org.

COVID-19 Vaccines: The Who, What, When, Where & Why

The COVID-19 vaccine provides hope to many, but with its arrival comes many questions. What does history tell us about previous mass vaccination efforts? Who gets the vaccine and when? When will herd immunity be achieved? Join us for a virtual panel  at 8 p.m. discussion featuring eight distinguished health care professionals who will answer your questions who will answer your questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. For information or to register, visit jewishnewhaven.org. 

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28

Celebrate Tu B’Shvat! 

Celebrate with Rabbi Marisa James, Director of Social Justice Programming at Congregation Beit Simchat Torah in New York City, who leads the High Holiday services as visiting rabbi and cantor of Congregation Or Shalom in Orange will discuss Tu B’Shvat, and its universal message, on Jan. 28. Register at orshalomct.org. 

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21

Short Story Coffee Break: We love Anderson Cooper 

Stories from We Love Anderson Cooper by R. L. Maizes is up for discussion at the next Short Story Coffee Break on Jan. 21, 11 a.m. Maize will be on hand to answer questions at the Zoom event. Hosted on Zoom by Congregation Beth Israel of West Hartford on the first and third Thursdays of each month “Short Story Coffee Break” is a discussion of short stories by Jewish authors led by Beth Israel’s Learning Center Director Karen Beyard. For more information or to register and receive a copy of the next short story and Zoom link, email kbeyard@cbict.org.

Coming up: 
Feb. 4 – The Spinoza of Market Street by Isaac Bashevis Singer
Feb. 18 – Purim Nights by Edith Pearlman

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24

“Bimah to Broadway” with Cantor Azi Schwartz

The Beth El Temple 2021 Music Season presents a concert featuring world-renowned performer Cantor Azi Schwartz, senior cantor of Park Avenue Synagogue. His craft of Jewish liturgical music has been described as emotionally moving, spiritually uplifting, and artistically dynamic — and add to that the delights of the Broadway musical theater. With Cantor Joseph Ness. The concert will be streamed live on YouTube. Limited viewers. FREE. Register now at: http://bit.ly/2LeoY0j

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26 

Are Your Kids Naked Online? For parents of middle & high school students

Parents of middle school and high school school parents learn how to protect your children from the dangers of our digital world in this session, to be held Jan. 26 at 7:30 p.m., that goes beyond the exploitative world of sexting and social media into darker and more concerning areas of the internet to which young people have free and easy access. Designed for parents and guardians who may not be particularly tech-savvy themselves, Lisa Good will discuss topics such as the dark web, online pornography, cyberbullying and more.

SUNDAY,  JANUARY 31

Israel and the Jewish Reform Movement

Anat Hoffman, executive director of the Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC) will discuss “The Legal Status of the Reform Movement in Israel” on Jan. 31 at 11 a.m. She will address the challenges of having Reform conversions and weddings recognized, equal governmental funding, and the challenges facing Reform congregations. For more information, visit cbict.org/calendar.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1 – TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2

Virtual Mission to Washington

Join the first National Jewish Virtual Mission to Washington – an opportunity for communities across the United States to join together virtually with political leaders and policymakers to advocate for the future of the Jewish community. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about and advocate for laws that fight antisemitism, ensure a strong U.S.-Israel relationship, and provide government resources to keep Jewish institutions flourishing. For more information: jewishnewhaven.org.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7

In the Footsteps of David and Goliath: A Virtual Tour

Yoramm Preminger will lead a virtual tour of the Elah Valley, the site of the battle between David and Goliath, on Zoom, Feb. 7 at 1 p.m. The biblical text aid in the exploration of the geographical setting for the battle, as participants look at some of the sites mentioned such as Azekah and Sha’arayim. The story opens a window into the important historical period of the early days of the Kingdom of Israel. For more information, visit cbict.org/calendar.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11

“Purim On Tap” for Young Adults

The Tribe, a group for adults in their 20’s and 30’s organized by Congregation Beth Israel in West Hartford, and JewGood, a branch of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford that empowers young professionals to engage in philanthropy, are hosting “Purim on Tap,” a virtual discussion of the Purim story on Feb. 11 at 6:30 p.m., with refreshments. For more information, visit cbict.org/calendar.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18

Jewish Ethics, Social Justice, and the 21st Century Rabbinate  

Rabbi Stephanie Ruskay of the Jewish Theological Seminary will discuss “Jewish Ethics, Social Justice, Community Organizing and the 21st Century Rabbinate” on Feb. 18 at 7:30 on Zoom, as part of the 2021 series of virtual lectures surrounding the theme of “The Jewish Roots of Social Justice,” presented by the ALEPH Institute, a learning initiative sponsored by the Mandell JCC and UConn Judaic Studies. Rabbi Ruskay will focus on raising the scope and profile of social justice work and community organizing skills in the role of the contemporary rabbi. For more information, visit judaicstudies.uconn.edu or mandelljcc.org. 

Beyond the Ghetto Gates with author Michelle Cameron

The book Beyond the Ghetto Gates by Michelle Cameron is set in 1796-97, a rare happy epoch in Jewish life when Napoleon marched into Italy and demolished the ghetto gates, freeing the Jews who had long been trapped behind them. This virtual book discussion with Cameron on Feb. 18 at 7 p.m., explores issues the novel raises issue that remain pertinent today, including antisemitism, the conflict between assimilation and religious tradition, intermarriage, and the struggle between love and familial duty. For more information, visit cbict.org/calendar.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28

Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy’s gala goes virtual

Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy 65th Annual Celebration Dinner, to be held virtually on Sunday, Feb. 28 at 6:30 p.m,. will honor several community leaders, including: Guests of Honor Stephanie and Josh Bilenker; Young Leadership Award recipients Nicole and Jonathan Makovsky; Doris Zelinsky, recipient of the Morton G. Scheraga President’s Award; and the many school alumni who are currently serving in the Israel Defense Force. In addition, Jacqueline Herman, who will be retiring as Bi-Cultural head of school at the end of this academic year, will receive the inaugural Walter Shuchatowitz Award for Excellence in Education. For more information, call (203) 329-2186 or visit bcha-ct.org.

Looking for God in All the Right Places with author Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin

Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin will discuss his book Looking for God in All the Right Places, on Zoom, Feb. 28 at 4 p.m. Rabbi Slakin is well known for his writing, teaching and activism. He has written or edited three Torah commentaries – two of which are for teens. Several of his books have won national awards. His award-winning blog, “Martini Judaism: for those who want to be shaken and stirred,” is published by the Religion News Service. He is currently spiritual leader of Temple Israel in West Palm Beach, Florida. For more information, visit cbict.org/calendar.