A calendar of events throughout Connecticut and parts of Massachusetts.

Local Jewish community organizations are invited to submit events to the calendar. Events must be received one week prior to the bi-weekly publication of the Ledger. Send submissions to Ledger editor Judie Jacobson at judiej@jewishledger.com. We reserve the right to edit calendar items.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Storrs, Conn. (virtual)— “The Confederation Alternative for Israel and Palestine: Fantasy or the Only Way Forward,” with Dr. Dahlia Scheindlin of the Century Foundation. With no Israeli-Palestinian peace process on the horizon, Israel is fast advancing towards full de facto annexation of the West Bank, while severing Gaza from the Palestinian community. In the near future, the two sides have only two alternatives: One involves full and formal Israeli control over the entire region while Palestinians are ruled as stateless subjects of an undemocratic regime. The other path is a new approach to national self-determination for two peoples, while acknowledging that complete separation between them is neither possible nor desirable.  A confederation recognizes the need for each side to fulfil its national identity through statehood, while cooperating in a small, shared space through open borders, joint institutions, freedom of movement and access by all people to all areas, with full political equality between the two states. Register at conn-edu. 

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16

Greenwich, Conn (virtual)— “College Bound: Navigating College Admissions Successfully,” 7 p.m. A Zoom presentation to help families understand how COVID has changed the college admissions landscape and how it will affect students. Discussion will focus on college admission trends, the importance of researching and visiting colleges to find schools that area a good fit; a timeline and other action steps that can be taken to reduce stress around the admissions process; and how students can stand out from other applicants. Also held on Oct. 12 & 25 at 7 p.m. Zoom link will be provided upon registration. Hosted by UJA-JCC Greenwich. For more information: ujajcc.org.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17

Greenwich, Conn.—Help pack Dignity Grows bags; 10:30 a.m.; at the UJA-JCC office, One Holly Hill Lane. Dignity Grows provides assistance to individuals in need of menstrual products and toiletries by providing a pre-packaged, one month’s supply. Donation: $18 (sponsors one bag). For more information: ujajcc.org. 

Orange, Conn. (virtual— Congregation Or Shalom Book Club: A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner. Discussion at 7 p.m. led by Ileane Kacznski. A beautiful scarf connects two women touched by tragedy in this compelling, emotional novel from the author of As Bright as Heaven and The Last Year of the War. For information: (203) 799-2341. Call for Zoom information.

Springfield, Mass. – A celebration of the music of Stephen Sondheim on the first anniversary of his passing at the Springfield JCC, 1160 Dickinson St., at 7 p.m. Featuring Cantor Elise Barber and a variety of  vocalists from throughout the Pioneer Valley performing selections from Sondheim’s work. A special  performance by Mak’hela: The Jewish Chorus of Western Massachusetts. Smith College professor of theater  arts Ellen W. Kaplan will  discuss the life and work of Sondheim. Dessert reception to follow. Registration a must. To register, visit spingfieldjcc.org or call (413)739-4715. FREE

West Hartford, Conn.— “Building Jewish Hartford: Architects, Clients, and Builders,” 7:30 p.m. at the Mandell JCC, 335 Bloomfield Ave., hosted by the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford. Many Jewish immigrants in the early 1900s worked in the garment trades or opened small retail businesses, but did you know that other immigrants became builders and real estate brokers, contributing to the rapid growth of Hartford and West Hartford? Jewish owners, builders, and architects contributed to the city’s landscape, from landmarks like the G. Fox building, the Charter Oak Temple, and the Lyric Theater to small apartment buildings and triple-deckers throughout the city. For information or to register: jhsgh.org. 410/Jewish Historical Society members, $15/non-members. Zoom option available. 

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18

Longmeadow, Mass. – Friday night service and Shabbat dinner, 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Congregation B’nai Torah, 2 Eunice Drive. Rabbi Shlomo Yaffe  will discuss Hebron, and its significance and importance to Jewish history and beliefs; For reservations, visit office@bnaitorahma.org or call (413) 567-0036.

Sherman, Conn.—“John Denver Musical Tribute,” presented by JCC in Sherman, 9 rte 39 South, 7 p.m. Celebrate the life and music of singer/songwriter John Denver, an environmentalist and humanitarian who spread a message about ecology and peace through his lyrics. Entertainers include: Nancy Walsh, joined by Al Burgasser, Rob Brereton, Charlie Stokes, Susanna Marker, Dave Wonsey and others. Tickets: $20 and $25. For more information, visit: jccinsherman.org. 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

Springfield, Mass. – Shabbaton at Temple Beth El, 979 Dickinson St. Morning service led by Sheldon Low and Hadar Orshalimy. Activities for all ages, 10 a.m – 2 p.m. “Champagne, Chocolate and Jazz” performance by Hadar Orshalimy from 7-9 p.m. For more information, email office@tbespringfield.org or call (413) 733-4149.

West Hartford, Conn.— Beth David Synagogue Shabbat morning celebration honoring the congregation’s youth program instructors, childcare providers, and synagogue volunteers who provide Jewish education experiences for the congregation’s children. The festive Kiddush will honor staff members Estee Axelrad, Melanie Shani, Lindita Isufi and Janet Lugov; volunteers Rebecca Cutler, Alyssa Norwood, Shira Bortniker, Rachel Rosenfeld, Shuli Zerin and others; and special leadership honoree Allison Gamzon. Beth David is located at 20 Dover Rd. For more information or to make a donation in their honor, visit bethdavidwh.org. 

Worcester, Mass. – “Torathon 2022: How Judaism Influences Our Lives,” an annual evening of adult Jewish learning, held at Beth Israel Synagogue, 15 Jamesbury Drive. Tickets: $25. Visit  www.jfcm.org/torathon

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20

Bloomfield, Conn. (virtual)— “Partners in Creation: A Grateful Heart;” with Rabbi Debra Cantor and art instructor Melinda Wright; 10:30 a.m. online. Study some texts, then do some reflective writing and simple expressive art with items easily found around the house. 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. No experience needed!. To register or for more information: office@btsonline.org. FREE

Greenwich, Conn— “Come Help Us Sprinkle Gratitude,” 4-5:30 p.m.. Teach your children about thankfulness during this meaningful time of year. Bring the family to the UJA-JCC office at 1 Holly Hill Lane, to package spices and decorate Chanukah cards. These will be delivered to families in need. Our handmade cards and Chanukah candles will bring warmth and light. For information: ufajcc.org.  $36/family

Sherman, Conn.— “Charcuterie Board and Design,” 11 a.m- 1 p.m..; each participant will paint and stencil their own personalized tray for charcuterie with Erin Putzig of Mommy’s “Board” Silly, and learn how to design charcuterie with Chef Kevin Stawitz of GMF Catering, who will provide an assortment of cheeses and fixings. At JCC in Sherman, 9 Rte 39 South. For information: (jccinsherman.org, (860) 355-8050. Register by Nov. 17. $75/adults

Sherman, Conn.— Chakra Sound Bath Mediation; two introductory sessions: Family Sound Bath at 4 p.m. ($50/family) and Sound Bath for adults only at 4:30 p.m. ($40/per person. At the JCC in Sherman, 9 Rte 39 South. For information or to register: jccinsherman.org, (860) 355-8050

West Hartford, Conn.— Annual Pumpkin Pie Bake for Jewish teens (grades 8 – 12), 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., at Congregation Beth Israelwho have committed to back 200+pies to donate to local agencies for their Thanksgiving meals. RSVP to Caroline at caroline@jtconnect.org or (860) 7727-6157.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21 – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27

Woodbridge, Conn. (virtual)— The Beckerman Jewish Cultural Arts Series presents “Autumn Spring,” a 95-minute comedy directed by Vladimír Michálek (Czech Republic, 2020, with English subtitles. Terminal prankster Frantisek Hána refuses to grow up and take certain responsibilities, despite his wife Emilie’s constant badgering to do so. Even faced with his own looming death and an ungrateful son who wants to whisk his parents off to the old folks’ home, Frantisek’s wit won’t quit as he vows to live until he dies. Watch online. Sponsored by the JCC of Greater New Haven and several area synagogues. For more information: jccnh.org.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22

South Windsor, Conn.— Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, led by clergy of different religions; hosted by Temple Beth Hillel in its sanctuary at 20 Baker Lane. At 7 p.m. Featuring inspirational readings and comments, music and songs from Temple Beth Hillel’s Rabbi Jeffrey Glickman and Cantor Scott Harris, and many area clergy. “We welcome everyone to come to our annual interfaith service,” says Rabbi Jeffrey Glickman of Temple Beth Hillel. “This event is a wonderful community-wide tradition, featuring spiritual leaders from a variety of houses of worship in South Windsor and beyond who present different portions of the program. It is an opportunity to showcase how America’s treasure is the way we celebrate diversity.”  The service can also be watched via live-stream on tbhsw.org  or on Temple Beth Hillel’s Facebook page: Facebook.com/tbhsw. For more information, call (860) 282-8466, ext. 0, visit  tbhsw.org, or email Rabbi Glickman at rabbi@tbhsw.org. FREE

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27

West Hartford, Conn.— Annual Give Thanks Pack, hosted by Dignity Grows, in collaboration with Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford. Help pack Dignity Grows totes  with menstrual and comprehensive hygiene necessities. To be held at Solomon Shechter Day School, 26 Buena Vista Rd. For information and to register visit dignity grows.org. 

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1

Southbury, Conn.—Love & Knishes Luncheon at 12 noon, followed by performance of contemporary jazz by the Airborne Trio at 1 p.m.. Register by Nov. 4. To register: email Cathy Conti at cconti@jfed.net or call (203) 405-7009. Admission: $10

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2

Springfield, Mass.–  Children’s Shabbat service and dinner for families with young children (through 5th grade); 5:30 p.m., Sinai Temple, 1100 Dickinson St., FREE; For more information, visit sinai-temple.org.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3 

Manchester, Conn.— Seventh Annual Manchester CT Jazz Festival; 7 p.m.; hosted by Beth Sholom B’nai Israel (BSBI) at Cheney Hall. Festival walloped with The Brian Charette Group and will feature American jazz performers as well as musicians from South America and Europe. For tickets and a full schedule of performances: manchesterctjazzfest.com.  For more information,: info@manchesterctjazzfest.com or call Dr. Ken Wichman at  860) 324-8658

Central Mass. – Production of “My Son, the Jewish Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy,” presented by the Central Massachusetts Jewish Theatre Company, JMAC BrickBox Theater, 20 Franklin St., 8 p.m., Tickets: tickets.thehannovertheatre.org. tickets.the Also Dec. 4

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4 

Central Mass. – Production of “My Son, the Jewish Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy,” presented by the Central Massachusetts Jewish Theatre Company, JMAC BrickBox Theater, 20 Franklin St., 2 p.m., Tickets: tickets.thehannovertheatre.org. Also Dec. 3.

Stamford, Conn.— “Gathering of Unity: An evening of friendship, inspiration and impact,” dessert reception, 7 p.m.; program, 7:45 p.m.; at the Armon Hotel, 2701 Summer St. Hosted by the Friendship Circle. For information: friendshipct.com/unityevent. $36

MONDAY, DECEMBER 5

Greenwich, Conn.—“Monday In The Library With Sondheim,” 7 p.m. in the Ferguson Library. Hosted by UJA-JCC Greenwich, The Golden Ticket Series returns with a tribute to Stephen Sondheim, one of the modern masters of the American musical. Songs from some of his most iconic musicals, including “Sunday in the Park with George,” “Follies,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Company” and “Anyone Can Whistle.” Broadway legend Jack Viertel narrates the history behind the song, taking the audience into the mind of arguably the most prolific musical theatre writer to touch upon the more harrowing aspects of the human experience. For information: ujajcc.org $50/in advance, $60/at the door

Greenwich, Conn.— “Dinner with (New) Friends,” 7:30 p.m. A potluck dinner at a private home; the hosts will provide the main course and guests will bring sides and dessert. Hosted by UJA-JCC Greenwich. For more information or to register: ujajcc.org.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 7

Springfield, Mass. – Dr. Norbert Goldfield will discuss his book “Peace Building through Women’s Health,” 7- 8 p.m., at the Springfield JCC, 1160 Dickinson St. Dr. Goldfield is founder/CEO of Healing Across the Divides, whose mission is to measurably improve the health of marginalized populations of Israelis and Palestinians via community-based intervention. To pre-register: https://springfieldjcc.wufoo.com/forms/xxfu2km1gk5kux/.  FREE

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10

Hamden, Conn.—Tot Shabbat, 10:30 a.m.; a celebration of Shabbat with prayers, song and stories, designed for families with children age six years and under and are open to the community. At Congregation Mishkan Israel, 785 Ridge Road. For information: (203) 288-3877. 

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11

North Southbury, Conn.— Early Chanukah Celebration; Chinese dinner and a screening of the movie “Noodle,” and raffle prizes. Hosted by the Jewish Federation of Western Connecticut, 444 Main St., at 4 p.m. RSVP by Dec. 7 (no walk in will be allowed in). Dietary laws observed. For more information or to register, contact Cathy Conti: cconti@jfed.net, (203) 405-7009. $36 

Torrington & New Milford, Conn.—Menorah Building Workshops at Home Depot. Torrington: 1 p.m.; New Milford: 3 p.m.Accompanied by a parent kids will don aprons, make menorahs from prepared cut wood, paint their menorahs and insert candle holders. Hosted by Chabad of Northwest CT. For reservations: chabadnw.org/homdepot. FREE

SATURDAY, DEC. 17

Greenwich, Conn.— Chanukah Live! Hosted by Congregation Shir Ami at First Presbyterian Church.at 6:30 p.m.Enjoy a potluck dinner, candle lighting, music, singing, dancing, learning and more. Participants must do a home COVID test on the Dec. 16 before attending; guests must wear masks when at the buffet table. Register and select the dish you would like to bring at:  https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ejg4bgqsa76891fd&oseq=&c=&ch=. For more information: shirami.info@gmail.com.  $36/person, $108/cap, FREE/under 18

Springfield Mass. – Latkes and Vodka, a fun and festive adult Chanukah party at Temple Beth El in Springfield, 979 Dickinson St., 6:30-9 p.m.; food, drinks, and games. The menu includes: Chanukah signature cocktail, latke bar, salad bar, roasted chicken, dessert. BYOB to share at your table. To register by Dec. 8, call (413) 733-4149.  $20/person (tables of 8 may be reserved. 

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23

Hamden, Conn. — Chanukah Family Service, 6 p.m. Everyone is invited to join Rabbi Immerman and Cantor Giglio as they share the story of Chanukah and offer spirited musical selections. Bring a menorah and candles to light together. At Congregation Mishkan Israel, 785 Ridge Road. For information: (203) 288-3877. 

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25

Hamden, Conn.—Congregation Mishkan Israel Annual Family and Community Concert of Jewish Music, 4 p.m. featuring Nu Haven Kapelye led by David Chevan and featuring CMI Cantor Arthur Giglio. Admission: $7/adults, $5/seniors & children under 13, and $20/families of 4 or more). Bring non-perishable food items for donation to a local food pantry. 785 Ridge Road. For information: (203) 288-3877.