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.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 1

Hartford, CT— JFACT Advocacy Day 2024; 9:30-11:30 am. Join JFACT (Jewish Federations Association of CT) at the Legislative Office Building as we lobby our state legislators on issues of importance to the Jewish Federations and their beneficiary agencies across the state, such as legislation regarding security funding for Jewish institutions and funding to combat hate crimes. Light refreshments will be served. For info: fact.org. FREE, donations welcome.

THURSDAY, May 2

West Hartford, CT —- JTConnect’s “Eat, Drink and Connect,” at Congregation Beth Israel, 701 Farmington Ave., at 7 pm. Recognizing Bob Fishman for his leadership in our community and heaing from our inspiring teens. Bob’s experience is in lobbying for Israel and the Jewish community, advocacy for all immigrants and refugees, interfaith and interethnic coalition building, government relations and serving as the spokesperson on Jewish issues in Connecticut. He is a long-time activist for Soviet Jewry, Israel and Human Rights. Bob started the successful Voices of Hope program in Connecticut. He has taught several classes in our program including ‘Human Rights and Judaism’, ‘The Recent Rise of Antisemitism and Other forms of Hate,’ and ‘Emmett Till and Anne Frank: exploration of antisemitism and racism.’ We are grateful for his leadership in the community and dedication to JTConnect’s programs. Desserts, snacks and coffee. Contact via email, Caroline@jtconnect.org, (860) 727-6157. Info and tickets: $54

MONDAY, MAY 6

Greenwich, CT— Yom Hashoah  (Holocaust Remembrance Day)with guest speaker Irene Zisblatt at Temple Sholom at 300 East Putnam Ave., at 7 pm. Irene Zisblatt is a Holocaust survivor. She was born in a resort town, Poleno, in the Carpathian Mountains in northern Hungary. Irene is the oldest of six children and at the age of 13, her entire family was transported to Auschwitz, where her entire family was murdered. She is the only survivor. She is endured brutal experiments by Dr. Josef Mengele. She was in three death camps, a labor camp, and a death march. Organized by UJA-JCC Greenwich. For info: ujajcc.org. FREE 

SATURDAY, MAY 4 – TUESDAY, MAY 7

Greenwich, CT—“Civil Rights Journey to the American South: Atlanta/Montgomeryu, Selma/Birmingham.” Hosted by Congregation Shir Ami and led by Rabbi David Evan Markus. A multi-faith journey into the heart of the US Civil Rights Movement. Experience living history and hear the ongoing clarion call of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in this nation. For information: congregationshirami.org. $1,095/person (excludes airfare and one night hotel)

MONDAY, MAY 6

Southbury, CT—Holocaust Remembrance Day. Hosted by the Jewish Federation of Western CT. Details to follow.

TUESDAY, MAY 7

Orange, CT (virtual)—Interfaith Book Club: Breakfast with Buddha by Roland Merullo, hosted by Congregation of Orange Collaborative; 7 pm; join the discussion. For info and to register, contact Stephanie at Stephaniellarson999@gmail.com

WEDNESDAY, MAY 10

Orange, CT— Congregations of Orange Collaborative presents “Sasson v’Simcha Bluegrass Shabbat,” 7:30 pm at Temple Emanuel of Greater New Haven (TE), 150 Derby Ave. TE’s own David Sasson with a Bluegrass quartet will lead the music with selections from his recent album, “Sasson v’Simcha.” 

Westport, CT- ADL Connecticut in partnership with the Westport Country Playhouse presents “A Place For Us: A Celebration of Jewish Broadway” with Ari Axelrod; 7 pm; a celebration of Jewish culture, stories about Jewish life and the vitality honoring the songs and stories of Jewish composers and their crucial contributions to the American musical. At the Playhouse, 25 Powers Court. Info: westportplayhouse.org Tickets: n$40

TUESDAY, MAY 14

Greenwich, CT— Annual Celebration honoring Marty Flashner with the Rabbi Hillel Silverman Community Service Award, featuring IDF soldiers from the Soldiers in Uniform Experience, at Milbrook Club; 6:30 pm, cocktails; 7:30 pm, program and dinner. RSVP by May 3 at ujajcc.org.

THURSDAY, MAY 16

Bristol, CT— Carnival Party Galette (all the gala fun in a smaller carnival wrapped package, to celebrate with the Jewish Association for Community Living; 5:30-8 pm at The Carousel Museum, 95  Riverside Rd. Includes cocktail hour, buffet dinner, carnival games, entertainment and live & silent auctions. For info and tickets: jcl-ct.org. $100/person

West Hartford, CT—“Zoning & Exclusion in West Hartford, Then & Now,” 6 pm. The origins of residential zoning in CT can be traced back to efforts by the West Hartford town government to block a Hartford Jewish grocer from building a store in a residential neighborhood. This program will explore the past and efforts today to address the economic segregation wrought  by zoning over the past 100 years.

Speakers: 

Jack DoughertyProfessor and Director of Educational Studies, Trinity College Victoria Asfalg, Policy and Data Analyst, Open Communities Alliance.

Co-sponsored by the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford and the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society.

FREE/registration required.