A calendar of events throughout Connecticut and Western & Central 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 in chief Judie Jacobson at judiej@jewishledger.com. We reserve the right to edit calendar items.

TUESDAY, APRIL 19

Hartford, CT – “Why Can We Expect in the Middle East Our the Coming Months? Nuclear negotiations, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and Great Power competition,” a talk  with Ambassador Dennis Ross, 7:30 p.m. at Zachs Hillel House, 74 Vernon St. Ambassador Dennis Ross is counselor and William Davidson Distinguished Fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy. He also teaches at Georgetown University’s Center for Jewish Civilization. Ross played a leading role in shaping U.S. involvement in the Middle East peace process during the administrations of George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. He served two years as special assistant to President Barack Obama and National Security Council senior director for the Central Region and a year as special adviser to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. Proof of vaccination required. For information: Lisa.kassow@trincoll.edu.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20

West Hartford, CT (Zoom) –Parents of children of all ages are invited to hear Dr. Sarah Snyder, director of the Holocaust Education resource and Outreach (HERO) Center, Voices of Hope, who will discuss “Talking to Your Kids About the Holocaust,” an informal and informative discussion on talking to children about the dangers of bigotry, bullying and hatred; instructing parents on how to approach this traumatic history through age-appropriate language, and garner resources that can be useful to engage children in these difficult topics. At the Mandell JCC, 335 Bloomfield Ave., at 7 p.m. on Zoom. To receive the Zoom link: sholtzberg@mandelljcc.org . For information: (860) 236-4571, mandeljcc.org.

SATURDAY, APRIL 23

Sherman, CT – The popular local band The Hooligans perform live in concert at 7. Reservations are required. The Hooligan repertoire includes a variety of classic rock, rockabilly, country and pop. Presented by the JCC in Sherman, 9 Rte 39 South; (860) 355-8050. Tickets: $20/members; $25/non-members. To be held indoors; masks optional. 

SUNDAY, APRIL 24 – TUESDAY, APRIL 26

Greenwich, CT (virtual) – Davis Film Festival presents: “Persian Lessons.” Gilles is sent to a concentration camp where he narrowly avoids execution by swearing that he is not Jewish, but Persian. This lie temporarily saves him, but then Gilles is assigned to teach Persian, which he doesn’t know, to the officer in charge of the camp’s kitchen. Presented by UJA/JCC Greenwich. Film streams 5 – 9 p.m.$9.  Information: ujajcc.org.

SUNDAY, APRIL 25

Worcester – “Mi-Mu-Na” Jewish Moroccan feast at the Worcester JCC, with music, henna artist, special Mimina sweets, drinks and arts and crafts, 4 p.m.

TUESDAY, APRIL 26

Westborough – Community Yom Hashoah Commemoration at Congregation B’nai Shalom, 6:30 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m. Featuring candle-lighting poems, prayers, announcement of Pinkhus & Rhoda Art & Essay Challenge prizes, and screen of “Raise the Roof,” a documentary film about Poland’s historic wooden synagogues and an effort to create a full-sized replica of the Gwozdziec synagogue; At 117 E. Main St. and also to be livestreamed at cbnaishalom.org/livestream.html/

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27

Springfield, CT – Community Yom HaShoah service and candle-lighting, followed by a musical commemoration by Avi Wisnia about his grandfather who survived Auschwitz, 7 – 8:30 p.m., at Sinai Temple. 1100 Dickinson St. Virtual Link: sinai-temple.org Registration: https://venue.streamspot.com/event/MzA0NTY3NA== ; Sponsored by Springfield JCC, Jewish Federation of Western Mass., the Springfield area synagogues Contact: Elise Barber: ebarber@springfieldjcc.org.

Greenwich, CT – Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day at Temple Sholom, 300 East Putnam Ave.; 7 p.m.;  Featuring guest speaker Endre (Andy) Sarkany of New Haven. Sarkany was born in Budapest, Hungary on October 31, 1936, inside the Budapest ghetto, where he remained during the Holocaust. He escaped Hungary after the 1956 uprising and emigrated to the U.S. He shares his experience living under the brutality of the Soviet regime. Presented by UJA-JCC Greenwich, United Jewish Federation of Stamford, New Canaan, Darien, and the Center for Jewish Community, Culture & Caring. Proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test needed to attend. For information, visit ujajcc.org.

SUNDAY, MAY 1

Sherman, CT – Sourdough Bread Workshop with Caitlin Mandracchia, 11 a.m.  A hands-on, step-by-step tutorial; participants will receive their own “starter” and make their own loaf to bring him and bake. Open to bakers of all skill levels. At the JCC, 9 Rte 39 South. Reservations required. Only 12 spots available. $40. Information: jccinsherman.org, info@jccinsherman.org, (860) 355-8050.

West Hartford, CT – Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) program for young professionals in Connecticut, to be held at 2 p.m., will feature a talk by Renia Finder, author of My Survival: A Girl on Schindler’s List. Renia’s cousin and JewGood Committee Member Devorah Donnell of West Hartford, will host the talk. Young professionals in Connecticut who sign up by April 20 for Renia’s talk will receive a Zoom link and free copy of Renia’s book For more information, contact Elana MacGilpin, JewGood Hartford/Jewish Community Foundation, emacgilpin@jcfhartford.org.

Worcester – PJ Library Bagels ‘n Books with Congregation Beth Israel, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., 15 Jamesbury St. 

Worcester – The First Annual PJ Library Central Mass Crafter & Vendor Fundraiser; vendors categories include beauty and wellness, culinary gifts, home accessories and décor, apparel and jewelry and more, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Worcester JC, 633 Salisbury St.; Contact: pjlibrarycentralma@gmail.com.

MONDAY, MAY 2

Worcester – “Rabbi Capers Funnye: My Sacred Journey to Judaism, Reimaging the Ties that Bind the Black and Jewish Communities,” a program of the Worcester Black-Jewish Alliance, 7 p.m., at Belmont A.M.E Zion Church, 55 Illinois St.

THURSDAY, MAY 5

Southbury, CT – Love & Knishes Luncheon presents a musical performance with Jack Lynn, aka JackSingsDino, at the Jewish Federation of Western CT, 444 Main St. N. Lunch at 12 p.m., followed by the performance at 1 p.m. For information, visit jfed.net. Cost: $10. 

Stamford, CT – Celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s 74th birthday at the Stamford JCC, 1035 Newfield Ave., 5 – 8 p.m. Enjoy live music TLV band, food, crafts and more. Tickets: In advance, $5 person; $15/family; At the door, $10/person, $30/family at the door. To register of for more information: ujf.org/israel74.

FRIDAY, MAY 6 

New Haven, CT – First Fridays at Five-Thirty, an early, child-friendly Kabbalat Shabbat service at Congregation Beth El – Keser Israel, 85 Harrison Street. Though not specifically a children’s program, this service features singing and discussions that are appealing for kids. For information: beki.org

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11

Greenwich, CT – “Denim, Boots & Bites,” 7 p.m. An evening honoring Michael Delicate and Bryanna Kallman and celebrating Jewish Greenwich; mall plates, line dancing instruction. Dress casual (denim and boots suggested) UJA-JCC Greenwich, One Holly Hill Lane. info@ujajcc.org. Tickets: $375

THURSDAY, MAY 12  

New Haven, CT (Zoom) –Conversation with Artist Suzanne Neusner, who will talk about her current exhibition at Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel, called “Fiber Arts.” At 7:30 p.m. Neusner focuses on abstract imagery through a variety of weaving and quilting techniques. Her work includes playful reinventions of traditional Jewish themes such as matzoh covers. She draws inspiration from her natural surroundings in the Hudson Valley. The exhibit is on display at BEKI until June 4. For Zoom link: office@BEKI.org, (203) 389-2108 x114.

SUNDAY, MAY 15

Stamford CT – Friendship Day & Walk for individuals with special needs, sponsored by Friendship Circe of Fairfield County. At Westhill High School. For information, contact Malya Shmotkin, maylya@friendshipct.com.

Westborough – Community celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel Independence Day at Congregation B’nai Shalom; 12 noon, with Israeli lunch, wine tasting, drum circle, dancing and activities for whole family. Israel Bonds will also honor Robin and Andy Feld and junior honoree EmmaChaya Lipton-Praver; RAVP: https://jewishcentralmass.org/bonds

Suggested $18 donation per family – Wear blue & white for Israel’s 74th birthday

WEDNESDAY, MAY 18  

New Haven, CT – Lag BaOmer Kumsitz in the courtyard of Congregation Beth El – Keser Israel, 85 Harrison Street, at 8 pm. The program will include niggunim – melodies with no words – as well as traditional American and Jewish songs. In case of rain, the kumsitz will be delayed until the next evening. For information: beki.org.

THURSDAY, MAY 26

Southbury, CT – Love & Knishes Luncheon presents a musical performance by the guitar and violin duo Alyce and Gary Bertz, aka Hot Acoustics, playing everything from jazz to popular tunes at the Jewish Federation of Western CT, 444 Main St. N. Lunch at 12 p.m., followed by the performance at 1 p.m. For information, visit jfed.net. $10.