YK AM – You’ve Gotta Go THROUGH It

YK AM – You’ve Gotta Go THROUGH It

A few months ago, Spencer came home from preschool singing a song that I hadn’t heard for years. It’s one of those call and repeat songs, so repeat after me: We’re goin’ on a bear hunt,[1] We’re going to catch a big one, What a beautiful day We’re not scared. Uh oh – grass Long wavy… Continue Reading

Do We Really Have a Choice At All?

Do We Really Have a Choice At All?

Shabbat Shalom! Shanah tovah! Let’s consider this quote from Morgan Freeman: “I knew at an early age I wanted to act. Acting was always easy for me. I don’t believe in predestination, but I do believe that once you get where ever it is you are going, that is where you were going to be.… Continue Reading

Yom Kippur: Coming Back to Life

Yom Kippur: Coming Back to Life

Gut Yontuv and G’mar Chatimah Tovah.  I have experienced resurrection. Before you storm out in shock or protest, aren’t you dying (heheh) to know what I mean by that? Why would your rabbi make such a statement? Is she trying to shock you? Why would she mention a concept that doesn’t seem very Jewish? Wait – Did she die? Did… Continue Reading

Kol Nidre: A Sermon I Never Thought I’d Have to Give

Kol Nidre: A Sermon I Never Thought I’d Have to Give

I never thought I would have to give this sermon. In my fifteen years in the rabbinate, and the twenty years since I entered seminary, I naively thought that Anti-Semitism was a done deal. A thing of the past. Something to discuss historically but never in the present tense. Yes, we knew that there were still minor incidents here… Continue Reading

Rosh HaShanah: Whose Test is it Anyway?

Rosh HaShanah: Whose Test is it Anyway?

God put Abraham to the test. God said to him, “Abraham,” and he answered, “Here I am.” And God said, “Take your son, your favored one, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him up there as a burnt offering on one of the heights that I will point out to you.” So, early the… Continue Reading

Erev Rosh HaShanah: Is All of Life a Reality TV Show?

Erev Rosh HaShanah: Is All of Life a Reality TV Show?

Shanah Tovah! Gut Yontif! This year’s Rosh HaShanah Pop Culture Pop Quiz is about to begin! Please tell me which television show each of the following quotes comes from: “The tribe has spoken.” (Survivor) “This is the true story… of eight strangers… picked to live in a house… work together and have their lives taped… to… Continue Reading

Tikkun Leil Shavuot: An Adult Learning Extravaganza!

You are warmly invited for an exciting evening of adult learning, creativity, and fun. Our Adult Education Committee has designed a dynamic night to help us celebrate the festival of Shavuot. There will be three workshop blocks with a variety of electives from which to choose. Please view the Program Booklet below to start selecting… Continue Reading

The Week of Forbidden Conversations

The Week of Forbidden Conversations

This has been the week of Forbidden Conversations. This has been the week of words being said out loud which make others uncomfortable, or which are painful for us to utter. This has been a week of wrestling with identity, with beliefs, and with our loved ones over difficult events and issues. And none of… Continue Reading

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SERVICE TIMES

Friday Evenings

  • 7:30 (Spring, Summer, Fall)
  • 5:45 (Winter)

First Fridays

  • 5:45 Tot Shabbat
  • 6:15 Potluck Dinner
  • 7:00 First Friday Service

Saturday

  • 9:00 Weekly Holy Scrollers Torah Study
  • 10:30 2nd Saturday Shabbat Morning Service & Potluck Kiddush Luncheon

Weekdays

  • 8:00 Wednesday Morning Minyan

CONGREGATION BETH SHALOM RODFE ZEDEK

55 East Kings Highway      Chester, CT 06412      860.526.8920      office@cbsrz.org

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