Temple Beth Sholom planning 75th anniversary events

HAMDEN — In fall 2021, Temple Beth Sholom, 1809 Whitney Avenue, will celebrate its 75th Anniversary. Programming includes Friday Night Shabbat services to recognize congregants who joined during each decade, a special recognition of past Temple presidents, and much more. It will all lead up to a culminating event in November 2021. Details will be available on www.tbshamden.com.

Seeking memories: If you or your family were members of Temple Beth Sholom – or attended a special event at Temple Beth Sholom, email tbshamden75@gmail.com your Temple Beth Sholom story. We will be compiling memories for a tribute book.

History of Temple Beth Sholom: Temple Beth Sholom began in 1946 when five couples met monthly at Church Street School as a small social circle. They formed The Hamden Jewish Community Center. Soon after, over 100 people met at different school buildings in Hamden and agreed that a Sunday and a Hebrew School for the youths of the Hamden Jewish families was in demand. Once that was established, it was decided that a place to play, learn and conduct High Holiday services would be needed. This new Center became a welcoming place for Jewish families moving into suburban Hamden from New Haven and elsewhere.

In 1952, a permanent home was sought and found at 1809 Whitney Avenue. Shortly after, the Hamden Jewish Community Center was renamed Temple Beth Sholom. In 1964, a sanctuary was added to the building, along with additional classrooms and a library. In 1983, Rabbi Benjamin E. Scolnic became the spiritual leader. In 1985, TBS installed stainedglass windows depicting milestones in Biblical history. In 2006, a new Chapel, a new library, a refurbished social hall, and all new classrooms for the Hebrew School and the K’tanim Preschool were dedicated.

Today, Temple Beth Sholom is an egalitarian conservative synagogue with over 350-member families and singles from the Greater New Haven community.

For more information, contact Lauren Piscitelle at communicationsvp@tbshamden.com.

of the Cross; bring cut flowers for outdoor decorating of flower cross.

April 4 — 9 a.m. Outdoor “mini” Easter Service; 10 a.m., Indoor Easter Sunday service

Shoreline Unitarian programs in February

February is typically a month focused on love, candy, and sweethearts. But Covid19 has us cloistering like hermits. So, the congregation of Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Society is inviting its members and the public to expand positive connections with others, in a socially-distanced way of course. Each week of February or “Fun-uary” has a different theme for connecting.

February 1-7 is “Make a Friend” week. “Celebrate by saying hello to someone new, such as a neighbor you haven’t met while out walking. Or telephone a casual acquaintance to share current interests,” says Maryann Bracken, co-chair of the Social Activities and Events committee at the church.

“Studies show that on average people will remain long-term friends with one out of every 12 people they befriend. Friendships can be for a moment, a season, or a lifetime,” she added.

Feb. 8-14 is “Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Week.”

Feb. 15-21 is “Do a Grouch a Favor Week.”

Feb. 22-28 is “Random Acts of Kindness Week.”

Share experiences by joining the Zoom “Lunch Bunch” with Bracken, Rev. Terry Sweetser, and others each Monday. To access the Zoom link, go to www.shorelineunitarian.org and click on Calendar, then Feb. 8 “Lunch with Rev.” Or communicate your experiences directly to Rev. Terry at rev@shorelineunitarian.org. The church has served the Shoreline since 1962 and a worldwide faith for more than 500 years. The church office can be reached at 203-245-8720.

Contributed photo: Maryann Bracken, right, with Liz Miranker, at Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Society (before the Pandemic).