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Remembering Loved Ones
Remembering Loved Ones
Honoring the yahrzeit of a loved one is a long-standing and wonderful Jewish tradition. The yahrzeit is the annual date in the Jewish calendar on which a close relative passed away. Traditionally, we observe these dates for parents, spouses, siblings, and children, although a yahrzeit may also be observed for any close relative or friend that one feels especially close to. The traditional manner of observing yahrzeit involves several rituals: saying the Mourners’ Kaddish during each of the three services (Ma'ariv – evening, Shacharit – morning, and Mincha – afternoon) on the day of yahrzeit, lighting a yahrzeit (twenty-four) candle in one's home the evening that the yahrzeit begins, making a donation to a charity in memory of the deceased, having an aliyah close to the date of a yahrzeit, and in some traditions fasting on the yahrzeit for a parent who passed away.
At Beth El Temple, we honor our members' yahrzeits in several ways:
- We send a yahrzeit reminder notification to all our members. If one wishes to have someone listed for yahrzeit notification, please contact Rabbi Sowalsky at hsowalsky@bethelwh.org and he will take care of that.
- We will say the "kel malay rachamim" prayer on behalf of your loved one during the week when we read Torah (generally Saturday afternoon, Monday & Thursday mornings) if you request to have that done. A form for such is sent along with every yahrzeit letter reminder. Additionally, you may wish to donate to Beth El Temple in memory of your loved one. The form for the "kel malay rachamim" prayer may also be found by clicking here.
- We list in our weekly flyer all the names of the yahrzeits of our members. The list is on the back page of our flyer and starts with Shabbat and ends the following Friday. if you wish, you can also come on a Friday night around the date of your loved one's yahrzeit and have their name read at services and also say Kaddish. If you wish to do that, please contact Rabbi Sowalsky at hsowalsky@bethelwh.org.
- For those who wish, one may purchase (for $600, effective July 1, 2022) a yahrzeit plaque. This metallic plaque is a permanent remembrance of your loved one at Beth El Temple. All the yahrzeit plaques (we have over 1000) are in our beautiful chapel, and each week, the plaques corresponding to the yahrzeits for that week (Shabbat to Friday) are hung on a special board in the chapel. If you wish to purchase a plaque for a loved one who has passed, please click here.
- Lastly, in our Sanctuary Lobby, we have a beautiful "Tree of Life" for which one can buy a leaf (for $500, effective July 1, 2022) and memorialize your loved one. If you are interested in such, please click here.
Thu, April 25 2024
17 Nisan 5784
Upcoming Events
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Sunday ,
AprApril 28 , 2024
Sunday, Apr 28th 12:15p to 4:00p
For this community hike, we'll meet at Dr. Eliyahu’s house (1021 Mountain Road, Bloomfield, CT) after SULAM enjoys a field day at Schechter. Click in for details and to register! -
Wednesday ,
MayMay 1 , 2024Studying Dirshuni with Rabbi Rachel Zerin
Wednesday, May 1st 6:00p to 7:15p
Join Rabbi Rachel Zerin, Women's Network and the Israel Engagement Committee as we explore both timely and timeless topics through the lens of "Dirshuni: Contemporary Women's Midrash," a book which weaves together ancient Jewish texts and contemporary women's voices. All are welcome, whether it is your first time or you are a regular. All you need is an interest in learning! Snacks will be provided. Note: Evening minyan begins at 5:30 pm (and please join us if you can!). Class will begin at approximately 6:00pm. -
Saturday ,
MayMay 4 , 2024Shabbat Playgroup in the Park: May the Fourth Edition!
Shabbat, May 4th 3:00p to 5:00p
Calling all 0-5 year olds and their grown-ups: come find your people at the park! Join Rabbi Zerin, Dr. Eliyahu, and your friends at Beth El for a relaxed Shabbat afternoon at Eisenhower Park. We will provide cold drinks and summer treats! Note: will be canceled in case of rain. RSVPs requested but not required. Click in to RSVP! -
Sunday ,
MayMay 5 , 2024
Sunday, May 5th 6:30a to 10:00p
All 8th – 12th graders are invited to join Dr. Eliyahu Krigel and Marisa Beede for a special trip to NYC for the day to learn about the Jewish immigrant experience. The Masa Program at BET is our new program for 8th – 12th graders. This is a travel impact program that will consist of a combination of meetings which, culminating in a trip. For the first year of the program this year, we will be taking a trip to NYC for the day. We’ll leave on a private bus from the Beth El parking lot at 6:30am on May 5! We’ll be back to Beth El at 10:00pm on May 5. The cost is $50 for Beth El members thanks to the generous support of Men’s Club! During the trip we will visit Ellis Island, The Tenement Museum, and the Top of the Rock. We will also experience Kosher dining in NYC as well. In addition to the trip, we will also gather once before to help plan the trip and once after to reflect on our experience together. Space is limited to 20 students. Please contact Dr. Eliyahu Krigel at ekrigel@bethelwh.org with questions and for more information. Click in to register! -
Friday ,
MayMay 10 , 2024
Friday, May 10th 7:15p to 9:00p
Join us for a community Shabbat dinner in celebration of Israel and Yom Ha'atzmaut! Click in to register!