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You are invited and encouraged to let us know the name and yahrzeit of your beloved ones who have departed from us. We will honor their memory by announcing their name at our synagogue during services. May you be comforted among all the mourners of Israel.
In Jewish tradition, when the year of mourning is over, mourners are expected to return to a fully normal life. There are several occasions each year when our loved ones who have passed on are memorialized. The most significant of these is yahrzeit, the anniversary of the death, which is observed according to the Hebrew calendar. As is the case in all Jewish holy days, yahrzeit observance begins at night. A 24-hour candle is lit and one may attend synagogue to recite the Kaddish [the memorial prayer]. It is traditional to avoid attending any celebrations or parties on the day of yahrzeit, and some people fast on that day.
An English Translation Glorified and sanctified be God’s great name throughout the world which He has created according to His will. May He establish His kingdom in your lifetime and during your days, and within the life of the entire House of Israel, speedily and soon; and say, Amen.
May His great name be blessed forever and to all eternity.
Blessed and praised, glorified and exalted, extolled and honored, adored and lauded be the name of the Holy One, blessed be He, beyond all the blessings and hymns, praises and consolations that are ever spoken in the world; and say, Amen.
May there be abundant peace from heaven, and life, for us and for all Israel; and say, Amen.
He who creates peace in His celestial heights, may He create peace for us and for all Israel; and say, Amen.
May they rest in peace and may their memory ever be for a blessing… At this moment, I pause for thought in memory of my beloved………………………I give thanks for the blessing of life, of companionship and of memory. I am grateful for the strength and faith that sustained me in the hour of my bereavement. Though sorrow lingers, I have learned that love is stronger than death. Though my loved one is beyond my sight, I do not despair for I sense my beloved in my heart as a living presence. ustained by words of faith, comforted by precious memories, we kindle the light in remembrance. “The human spirit is the light of Adonai” (Proverbs 20:27). As this light is pure and clear, so may the blessed memory of the goodness and nobility of character of our dear…………..illumine our souls.
We invite you to send us the name(s) of loved ones who are facing the challenge of illness, that we may support them, and you, by inclusion in our communal Mi Sheberakh prayers.
The Mi Sheberakh prayer is one of the central Jewish prayers for those who are facing the challenge of illness. The pray includes pleas for both physical and spiritual healing within the community of others facing illness. Traditionally, the Mi Sheberakh is said in synagogue when the Torah is read. In modern times, the Mi Sheberakh is often said by professional health caregivers, patients, and loved ones at various times during treatment and recovery from illness of all sorts.
May the One who blessed our ancestors — Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Matriarchs Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah bless and heal the one who is ill: __________ son/daughter of _________. May the Holy Blessed One overflow with compassion upon him/her, to restore him/her, to heal him/her, to strengthen him/her, to enliven him/her. The One will send him/her, speedily, a complete healing — healing of the soul and healing of the body along with all the ill, among the people of Israel and all humankind, soon, speedily, without delay, and let us all say: Amen!
One of the most important gifts we can give ourselves and our children is the knowledge and comfort that we are not alone. Through worship, study and tikkun olam, we affirm our support for each other. This participation and commitment, above all things, has sustained our Jewish heritage for almost 6,000 years.
In true family tradition we envision full participation by every member, where each person can discover a meaningful role. At the same time, we recognize that Judiasm is not “one size fits all”. Given the diversity of our members of various backgrounds and interests, we seek to offer an array of modes of worship, education and activities for each member.
There are many paths to community at Chai. Congregants can choose from a wide range of groups and activities, including: youth groups, Chai young adults, Havurot and Journey Groups, Men’s Club and Sisterhood, as well as synagogue-wide concerts and cultural activities.
To join our family, email our Membership Director.
We have two Rabbis. Rabbi Stone is our Senior Rabbi and Spiritual Leader, and Rabbi Smith is our Associate Rabbi and Director of Schools.
How many members does Chai have?
We currently have 420 families.
What do I get for my membership dues?
Oodles. On top of the regular benefits of membership like High Holy Day tickets, access to summer camps and retreats, congregation dinners and more. Our Rabbis, staff, and members will be there to support you through life’s challenges and joys. You will also be supporting our synagogue and the great programs we offer. Our members find they get back much more than they pay for.
How do I join Chai ?
Call our membership Director (555) 555.1234 and she’ll guide you through the process.
What if I can’t afford membership dues?
We have dues reductions available for anyone who needs it. Contact Wan at (555) 555.1234 for more information. No one will be turned away due to their inability to pay.
Now in our third decade we provide a close, family atmosphere for Jewish observance, learning and worship. Shabbat services are held twice monthly.
We celebrate Jewish holidays joyously and provide family workshops, Jewish education for our children and numerous social activities. Our favorite celebrations include Sukkot under the stars (held at a member’s house in Bristol) and our communal Chanukah candle-lighting and latke-fest (also held at a member’s home). All of our member families take an active role in helping our congregation come alive with Jewish meaning and warmth. We have developed a special relationship with the First Congregational Church on Main Street in Southington, where we hold our services and many other events. We look forward to getting to know you!
Gishrei Shalom Jewish Congregation is committed to supporting social action projects such as Dignity Grows. The word “tzedek,” means justice. Tzedek is the root of the word Tzedakah, which is commonly thought to mean charity. When we help those in need, we are helping to make the world a more just place.
Rise Against Hunger
On March 2 we participated in our fourth food packing event for this wonderful charity. In 1 hour, the participants packed over 10,000 meals! Very rewarding and fun!
2024 Rise Against Hunger
Rise Against Hunger packing partyRise Against Hunger packing partyRise Against Hunger packing party
THIRD ANNUAL DIGNITY GROWS FUNDRAISER
We will have our third annual packing party – on September 10 2pm at First Congregational Church in Southington – in Memorial Hall or the parking lot, depending on weather.
SECOND ANNUAL DIGNITY GROWS FUNDRAISER
CONGRATULATIONS EVERYONE!!!
We raised a total of $2,260 with the help of our entire GSJC community and First Congregational Church members. This will go a long way to helping so many! On May 22, 2022 we packed 250 bags!
Dignity Grows provides hygiene and menstrual products to people who menstruate so that they can fully participate in their lives. Without this help, these people in need, in our own communities, are unable to go to work or attend school approximately 25% of the time.
GSJC Volunteers to Pack Bags for Dignity Grows (first annual)
On June 6th, volunteers from Gishrei Shalom packed toiletry bags for those in need in Southington and the greater Hartford area. We raised the money to pack 80 bags!
Dignity Grows Packing Party
Affordable Connectivity Program
GSJC is making sure those in need are aware of this federal program
GSJC has decided to support Southington Community Services (SCS) and help our local neighbors in need. We want to do this in two ways – one for items that they need, and the other in monetary donations that will benefit their fuel relief fund. SCS serves almost 500 families each month, which works out to about 1000 people. Approximately 35% of those served are children, and more than 40% are seniors.
Food always requested:
•tuna fish
•canned meats
•cereal
•peanut butter
•jelly
•juice
•pasta
•pasta sauce
•macaroni and cheese
•soup
•children’s snacks
Non-food items are also needed:
•shampoo
•conditioner
•soap
•toothpaste
•toothbrushes
•lotions
•shaving supplies
•laundry detergent
•other household cleaning supplies
A box has been set up in the hallway outside the GSJC office at the First Congregational Church for donations to be dropped off. Please start picking up the items listed above and dropping them off when you can. We will accumulate the donations to bring to SCS at the end of March.
The other focus we have is SCS’s energy assistance program. Gas, oil and electricity bills climb in the winter, and unless certain conditions are met, the utility companies can turn off service for non-payment. Even though some state statutes prevent shutoffs in the winter, back payments accrue and shutoffs can be affected in the spring. Fuel relief funds such as the one in Southington help families struggling to keep their utilities on make payments to the companies. Utility shut offs are highly correlated with other issues of poverty, educational achievement, and health indicators in children. The bottom line is that there are people in our backyard who have to choose between heating their homes and feeding their families, and we can help make a difference in their lives.
If you would like to make a donation towards the fuel relief fund, please make your check out to GSJC and send it to Robyn so we can consolidate it into one donation to the fund.
GSJC Volunteers Serve Christmas Dinner at Bread for Life
On December 25th, volunteers from Gishrei Shalom served Christmas Dinner at Bread for Life in Southington. This has become an annual event on the part of GSJC so that Christian volunteers can enjoy the Christmas holiday.
Tikkun
In Jewish tradition, when the year of mourning is over, mourners are expected to return to a fully normal life. There are several occasions each year when our loved ones who have passed on are memorialized. The most significant of these is yahrzeit, the anniversary of the death, which is observed according to the Hebrew calendar. As is the case in all Jewish holy days, yahrzeit observance begins at night. A 24-hour candle is lit and one may attend synagogue to recite the Kaddish [the memorial prayer]. It is traditional to avoid attending any celebrations or parties on the day of yahrzeit, and some people fast on that day.
One of the most important gifts we can give ourselves and our children is the knowledge and comfort that we are not alone. Through worship, study and tikkun olam, we affirm our support for each other. This participation and commitment, above all things, has sustained our Jewish heritage for almost 6,000 years.
How often do you have services?
GSJC has decided to support Southington Community Services (SCS) and help our local neighbors in need. We want to do this in two ways – one for items that they need, and the other in monetary donations that will benefit their fuel relief fund. SCS serves almost 500 families each month, which works out to about 1000 people. Approximately 35% of those served are children, and more than 40% are seniors.