The CMI Bulletin

More than a place - We’re a community

SERIES 110 No. 4

DECEMBER 2025

DECEMBER

December Shabbat & B’Mitzvah Services

Join your CMI community for Shabbat Services each Friday evening and Saturday mornings when we have a B’Mitzvah to celebrate!

SHABBAT VAYISHLACH
  Genesis 32:4 - 36:43

Friday, December 5 5:30 p.m. Oneg 6:00 p.m. Shabbat Evening Service

SHABBAT VAYISHLACH
Genesis 32:4 - 36:43

Saturday, December 6 10:00 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service celebrating the Bar Mitzvah of Owen Turner

SHABBAT VAYEISHEV
 Genesis 37:1 - 40:23

Friday, December 12 5:30 p.m. Oneg 6:00 p.m. Shabbat Evening Service

SHABBAT VAYEISHEV
  Genesis 37:1 - 40:23

Saturday, December 13 10:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service celebrating the Bar Mitzvah of Isaac Asch

SHABBAT MIKEITZ
  Genesis 41:1 - 44:17

Friday, December 19 5:30 p.m. Tot Shabbat 6:00 p.m. Family Dinner 7:00 p.m. Shabbat Evening Service

SHABBAT VAYIGASH
  Genesis 44:18 - 47:27

Friday, December 26 5:30 p.m. Oneg 6:00 p.m. Shabbat Evening Service

TODAH RABAH

Karen Kimball, Richard & Marie Shaw and Cliff & True Wolff

DECEMBER GREETERS

DECEMBER CLOSINGS Wednesday, December 24 - CMI office is closing at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, December 25 - CMI Office is closed Wednesday, December 31 - CMI office is closing at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 1 - CMI office is closed

THE CONGREGATION EXTENDS A WARM WELCOME TO

Barbara Banquer Joanna Beer & Roy Lederman and their children, Elsie, Jonas, & Tor Charles Landau Susan Neitlich & Matthew Broder (re-join) Richard & Ellen Wellins

MAZEL TOV TO OUR DECEMBER B’NAI MITZVAH

Bar Mitzvah of Owen Turner Saturday, December 6 at 10:30 a.m. 
In person & livestream

Mazel Tov to Owen and his family as we celebrate him becoming a Bar Mitzvah!
Services are open to all in the community.
​​​​​​​Owen will be reading from Parashat Vayishlach.

Bar Mitzvah of Isaac Asch Saturday, December 13 at 10:30 a.m. 
In person & livestream

Mazel Tov to Isaac and his family as we celebrate him becoming a Bar Mitzvah!
Services are open to all in the community.
​​​​​​​Isaac will be reading from Parashat Vayeishev.

MESSAGE FROM RABBI SCHAEFER

As we approach the celebration of Hanukkah, we recall our ancestors’ struggle for religious freedom. Under King Antiochus IV, Jewish religious rituals like circumcision and Shabbat observance were banned, as he attempted to impose Greek religion and culture on the Jews of the land of Israel. Facing persecution, many Jewish people fought for the freedom to be able to practice Judaism in their own authentic way.

Notions of religious freedom have evolved in the last two thousand years. Oxford philosopher John Plamenatz noted that our modern understanding was born in 17th century Europe when there was a shift from “faith is the most important thing; therefore everyone should honor the one true faith,” to the belief that “faith is the most important thing; therefore everyone should be free to honor his or her own faith.”

Citing Plamenatz’s conclusion that “Liberty of conscience was born, not of indifference, not of skepticism, not of mere open-mindedness, but of faith,” Rabbi Jonathan Sacks wrote that: “This meant that people of all faiths were guaranteed that whichever religion was dominant, he or she would still be free to obey their own call of conscience.”

This understanding is foundational to liberal society and to building mutual understanding - because my religion is important to me allows me to understand that your religion is important to you. And the same protections that allow me to express my Judaism in authentic ways are what allow people of all faiths to express their religions in authentic ways. May we work to bring more light into the world this holiday season by rededicating ourselves to the principles of liberty and mutual understanding that enable religious freedom for all.

L’shalom,

Rabbi Daniel Schaefer

MESSAGE FROM CANTOR SIERRA FOX

“In our hands is light and flame; each one is a small light, but together, it is a strong light.”

As we enter the month of December, we also continue deeper into the Hebrew month of Kislev, the ninth month of the Jewish calendar. The word Kislev, though arguably derived from Akkadian and not Hebrew, can also be associated with the Hebrew word kesel, which means “hope” or “trust.” Similarly, the mystical text Sefer Yetzirah argues that this month is associated with the letter samech, which can also be translated as “to support or uphold.” 

The world right now, both literally and figuratively, has elements of getting darker and darker. The days are getting shorter, and I know that many of us are struggling with the sun disappearing so early in our evenings. The winter solstice this year will be on the last day of Kislev, meaning that it will also be a new moon: the longest night also being a dark, moonless night. And yet, in this month, we celebrate the power of hope, support, and the miracle of light. 

The Chanukah song Banu Choshech L’gareish, which we are singing this month in our Religious School services, includes beautiful Hebrew text by Sarah Levi Tanai, which translates approximately to:

We come to banish the darkness

In our hands is light and flame

Each one is a small light

But together it is a strong light

Flee darkness, be gone!

Flee in the face of the light!

As we approach Chanukah, we think about the building of light upon light: the lighting of more and more candles each night from the single flame of the helper candle, the shammash. Alone, a single candle’s light can only illuminate a small part of our world. When we share the light, coming together in the strength of community, the small flame becomes a light strong enough to stand up to the darkest of nights. Whether that darkness be the pain of personal loss, the threat of fascism, the anti-immigration policies that threaten our most vulnerable populations, discrimination against those of different races, religions, genders, and sexualities… we are best able to banish the darkness through the strength of our combined light, through cooperation and community, uplifting each other, relighting each other’s candles if they perhaps are blown out by a gust of (metaphorical) wind.

Each day of Chanukah, we light one candle more. This reminds us not just of miracles performed for our ancestors, but of our own obligation to bring light, to build upon that which has come before us to create an even brighter future. In the spirit of this month, we can only do so with hope and trust in each other, and with a willingness to support those most in need. May we bring ever more light into this world, banishing the darkness through our unity, and creating something beautiful together.

B’or, in light,

Cantor Sierra Fox 

CMI EVENTS

Chevra Hands (Quilting group) Sunday, December 7 at 10:00 a.m.

Join a group of fun-loving congregants who enjoy each other’s company each month as we create together. Chevra Hands lovingly makes baby quilts and lap blankets that are given to members with new babies or to those in need of comfort.  We meet just once a month and no prior skills are necessary.  Of course, sense of humor is an asset.  For more information, please contact Susan Millen or Lina Lawall. We meet in the lounge and we hope to see you there.

Shabbat Schmooze Saturday, December 13 at 3:00 p.m.

Join us on the second Saturday of each month for a potluck oneg with games, arts & crafts, and of course plenty of space to schmooze. This event is for all ages and life stages. So, whether your game of choice is Candy Land or Mahjong, we hope to see you there!  For security purposes, please RSVP.

Mitzvah Mall Sunday, December 14 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

The Mitzvah Mall is an opportunity for students to bring their Tzedekah, dollars or coins to make donations to different nonprofit organizations. Donors will receive a certificate honoring the donation that can be used as holiday gifts for family members, teachers, friends, etc. It is a great way to give the gift of giving to those who are in need. Our organizations were chosen by our 7th and 8th grade class.

Rosh Chodesh
Thursday, December 18, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

CHANUKAH PARTY 2025: A chance to share some light, love, joy, and laughter

Come join our candle lighting (feel free to bring a menorah and candles) & Chanukah “Gift” Swap 

Bring something to give to someone else in the group – a quotation, song lyrics, a short poem, a joke, riddle, or brain teaser…It could be a life lesson, anecdote, a sketch, cartoon, even a favorite recipe. Anything that might bring a smile, spark joy, or even a laugh.

We ask that your gift be something you can fit on a single piece of paper and that you either put your “gift” in an envelope or have it ready to put in envelopes we will have that evening. We will put all of the “gifts” in a basket and we will all have a chance to pick one. **Please do not spend any money on this “gift”!**

To go along with our celebratory theme, a snack or beverage to share is encouraged (but not obligatory!)

Please RSVP by calling the CMI office (203-288-3877) or contacting Michele Abrams at shalomyall.824@gmail.com, or Julie Chevan at julie.chevan@gmail.com, or Patricia C. Vener-Saavedra vener@vener-art.com

Details about our first full day Shabbaton scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 2026 can be found lower in this section.

Tot Shabbat - In person only
Friday, December 19, at 5:30 p.m. (No Oneg)

Bring your little ones to our special Tot Shabbat service which focuses on music and movement through fun songs and prayers. Parents and tots will dance, sing, and have special moments together.

We also invite you to stay for a family dinner at 6:00 p.m. Please RSVP so we can provide enough dinner for all to enjoy!

Community Chanukah Dinner & Service - In person & livestream
Friday, December 19, 6:00 p.m. Service begins immediately following dinner (No oneg)

Community Chanukah Dinner & Service
Friday, December 19
Tot Shabbat - 5:30 p.m.
Chanukah Family Dinner - 6:00 p.m.
Chanukah Family Service - 7:00 p.m.

The celebration begins with Tot Shabbat at 5:30 p.m. We then invite those families as well as ALL congregants to join us for our Chanukah Family Dinner at 6:00 p.m. To end the evening of celebration, join Rabbi Schaefer, Cantor Fox, the Oy Street Band and the Jr. Choir for our beautiful Chanukah Service at 7:00 p.m. As always, we invite you to bring your menorah and candles to help light up the night!

Please register for the dinner by MONDAY, DECEMBER 15 to ensure we have enough food for everyone.

Please note: We have had many walk-ins at our dinners. We want to be able to accommodate everyone but don't want to run out of food. It is extremely important that you register by the cut-off date (December 15) so the caterer can prepare properly. We apologize in advance if we cannot accommodate you without a prior registration. Thank you.

CMI Annual Chanukah Torch Run Sunday, December 21

 Join us on Sunday December 21 for the Chanukah Torch Run, an annual, fun-filled CMI tradition! We meet up at East Rock Park at 8:30 a.m. and jog/run to CMI, where a jubilant crowd greets us for the Religious School's lighting of our Hanukkiah at 9:30 a.m. Jeremy Schwartz will return as our Torch Run Captain this year and will lead our runners on the 1 mile walk to the East Rock summit and the 2.5 mile jog/run to CMI, while we carry our "authentic" torch from Modiin, the town where Chanukah originated. All ages and fitness levels are welcomed. PreK-6th graders must be accompanied by an adult. RSVP to Michelle if you would like to participate.

Blood Drive Tuesday, December 23, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

We are excited to partner with the American Red Cross again. Each donation can save up to three lives. Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit the Red Cross website to schedule an appointment.

Nu Haven Kapelye Annual Concert Thursday, December 25 at 4:00 p.m.

Come celebrate the season with the Nu Haven Kapelye at our annual December 25 concert, a joyful tradition that’s been bringing people together since 1998. We’ll fill the social hall with the vibrant sounds of klezmer and Yiddish song—freylekhs that sparkle, bulgars that bounce, horas that stir the heart, and kolomeykes that whirl with energy. It’s music that lifts spirits, gets hands clapping and feet tapping, and reminds us of the joy of community and connection.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and children under 13, and $25 for families of four or more. Our album will be available for $10 online in advance or $15 at the concert and additional donations are deeply appreciated.

Rosh Chodesh Women’s Shabbaton
Saturday, January 10, from 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Hosted by the CMI Rosh Chodesh Circl

Channeling Your Inner Midwife: Courage, Poetry, and Spiritual Growth

In three sessions facilitated by poet and Rabbi Pamela Wax*, we will use the metaphor of “midwife” to reflect on our lives through the lenses of courage, creativity, and spiritual growth.

The day will include: 

·         Torah study with Rabbi Schaefer (optional before Shabbaton begins)

·         Light breakfast and introductions starting at 10:00 AM 

·         Text Study with Rabbi Wax

·         Lunch (vegetarian; our kitchen is not Kosher certified)

·         Poetry and gentle moving meditation with Rabbi Wax

·         Discussion of transitions and lifecycles in relation to our own lives

·         Song Session with Cantor Fox

·         Havdallah service

WE ASK THAT YOU PLAN TO STAY FOR THE ENTIRE DAY!

*Rabbi Pamela Wax is the author of two poetry collections Walking the Labyrinth (Main Street Rag, 2022), Starter Mothers (Finishing Line Press, 2023), and the forthcoming Every Single Beast of My Heart (Sheila-Na-Gig, 2026). Her poems, published in over 60 literary journals, have received three Best of the Net nominations and several awards. Ordained by Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 1994, Pam works as the Director of Adult Education and Programming at Congregation Knesset Israel in Pittsfield, MA. She has previously served as a pulpit rabbi, a hospital chaplain, the assistant director of adult education for the Reform movement, and for 19 years as the staff rabbi at a social service agency in White Plains, NY where she offered pastoral counseling and ran a spiritual healing center. She travels widely to teach spirituality and poetry workshops, in addition to online offerings. She lives in North Adams, Massachusetts with her husband Chaim Bronstein.

Click here for more detailed workshop descriptions and a full  bio for Rabbi Wax

This event is supported in part by a grant from the Jewish Foundation of Greater New Haven “Women of Vision” Society & the CMI Adult Education Fund. 

We ask for your donation to help us to continue to offer programming yearlong

  • Suggested donation of $18 (includes light breakfast, lunch, snacks)____

  • Additional donation (above $18)  in any amount  (helps support others who cannot pay and/or future programming) _____

  • I cannot pay $18, but can offer (any amount is fine, but we ask that you contribute something)  ________

**NOTE THAT CAPACITY IS LIMITED TO JUST 40 PARTICIPANTS FOR THIS INTIMATE GATHERING. REGISTER SOON TO ENSURE A PLACE IN THE CIRCLE.**

Judaism: New Interpretations of Old Ideas Sundays, December 7, 14, 21 at 11:00 a.m. Led by Rabbi Steinberg

Torah Study - In Person or on Zoom (no password needed) Saturdays, December 6, 13, 20, 27 at 10:00 a.m.

FEATURED GROUP

THE BROTHERHOOD OF MEN & WOMEN

CHANUKAH CANDLE SALE

Chanukah candles are here and available for purchase!  Be sure to stock up before they sell out.  The BMW will be selling candles on Sunday mornings during Religious School up until and through the week of Chanukah.  There will also be candles in the office for sale.  Prices range from $5.00 to $12.00. Please support CMI and purchase your candles here.

You can now order your candles through Venmo and pick them up in the office! Scan the code above to access our Venmo app.

Grab your popcorn! The Brotherhood of Men and Women of Congregation Mishkan Israel is planning a movie series for the coming Winter and Spring.  We are hoping to have one Jewish themed movie on Sunday afternoons per month. Movies under consideration include well-known films such as “Hester Street” (about assimilation in early 20th century) and “Crossing Delancy” (a classic rom-com) as well as more modern ones such as “Where Life Begins” (2023) about resolving the conflicting needs of self-interest and obligations to family and tradition.  We are still in the planning phases, so stay tuned. One option we are considering is having a concurrent film for children so that parents can stay after religious school.  Please let me know your thoughts.

Meanwhile, we encourage you to visit our coffee shop on Sunday mornings during religious school. Proceeds go to the religious school. Planning is also ongoing for further events in the Meeting the Moment series, as well as future outside speakers.

We are also always open to any volunteers to help with set up and clean up on Sunday mornings or at any of our scheduled events. If you would like to help, please email me at brotherhood@cmihamden.org.  

I hope to see you soon!

Rob Homer

President, Brotherhood of Men & Women

2025-2026 Chai Holy Day Campaign

Thank you to everybody who has already donated to the Chai Holy Days campaign! These generous unrestricted contributions will allow CMI to address some of the financial challenges our congregation has faced. We are grateful to all who help ensure that CMI stays strong now and well into the future. 

Below are gifts that we received at the time of press. 

DOUBLE TORAH Batja Astrachan Michael Dimenstein & Hedda Rubenstein Jim Horwitz & Sandy Allison Ira & Marsha Moses David Silverstone Mark & Judy Sklarz

DOUBLE CHAI Peter & Randi Alpert David & Kim Cohen Laura Goldblum Susan McDonald & Corey Stone Matthew Nemerson & Marian Chertow Nanette Stahl

TORAH David & Allison Cohen Sarah B. Greenblatt Judith Hahn Rabbi Steve & Caryl Steinberg

CHAI Ian & Rachel Alderman William Asch & Christy Lennington-Asch Karen Baar Phyllis Bausher David Beckerman Karina Berg & Joseph Ross Barry & Peggy Berman Irwin Braverman Michael & Tamar Braverman Herb & Elin Brockman Stuart & Hedy Bush Floyd & Letty Caplan Liza Comita & Simon Queenborough David & Julie Chevan Marilyn Fishbone Scott & Abby Friedman Stan & Bobbi Friedman Tamar Gendler & Zoltan Szabo Avery Grauer & Adam Watsky John & Susan Hoffmann Rob Homer & Susan Fishbein Bill & Nancy Horowitz Joel Jacobson Alvin Klevorick & Susan Bender Joan Lakin John Lapides Ben Ledbetter & Deborah Freedman Ellen & Len Milstone Karen Orzack-Moore & Daniel Moore Kathryn Picanso & David Spiegel Shirley Pripstein Elaine & William Ravich Michael Ross & Beth Stenger Rabbi Daniel Schaefer Larry Schaefer & Lina Lawall Jeremy Schwartz & Tracy Rabin Jim & Cis Serling Aaron Singer & Elizabeth Caspe Gennadiy Sorochan Alan Sturtz Richard Sussman & Nina Horowitz Andrew Ullman Milton & Joan Wallack The Wingate Family

ADDITIONAL GIFTS:
Michele Abrams & Dalton King Myles Alderman Norman & Caron Alderman Brenda Arovas The Astmann Family Zhozefina Averbukh Irma Bachman Charles Barnett & Julia DiBenigno Betsy Hahn Barnston Amy & Tim Barry Alice Baxter Alan & Katherine Benard Jay Berger & Barbara Grossman David Berkowitz & Anne Watkins Michael & Rachel Berman Bruce & Tansy Birenbaum Elaine Blumenthal Linda Cohen Matthew & Michele Cohen Jack Crane (z’l) Rochelle Cummings Susan & Jeffrey Dorfman Jonathan & Rachel Dranoff Bob & Tamara Epstein Jack & Harriet Fast Burt & Sue Finkel Eden & Allan Fisher Rebecca Gilbert & Justin Berry Steve & Miriam Giskin Daniel Glaser & Emma MacHugh Saul Goldberg John & Frances Gordon Neil & Marlene Greenberg Stephen Grossman & Sally Hellerman Herbert Hershenson Allan Hillman & Penny Marcus The Hoffman Kamrat Family Sharon & Mark Horowitz Megan Janoff & Mel Yu Priscilla Jencks Shelly Kagan & Gina Novick Benjamin & Maria Kahn Jesse Keen Cindy Kissin & John Jacobson Wendy Kohli Carolyn Kone & Allan Rubenstein

ADDITIONAL GIFTS:
Jerry Korman Meir & Barbara Kryger Ellen Landowne Robert & Ruth Lesser Diane Lublin Barbara F. Marcus David & Susan Millen Nancy Moss-Racusin Ellen Nasper & Barnett Brooks Robert & Susan Nobleman Nancy Olins Sam Raskin & Charlotte Krontiris Madeline Ravich & Scott Gaul Thomas Reznick & Rachel Silbermann Ilana Richman & David Breslow David Rodnick Lynda Rosenfeld & Richard Weiss Michael Rosenthal Jeff & Alyse Sabina Karen Scholder Carol Schreiber Patrice & Elon Schwartz Jim & Barbara Segaloff Richard & Marie Shaw Karen Siegel David & Merle Silver Susan Skolnick Barry, Cheryl & Mitchell Tenin Rabbi Howard Sommer & Dr. Linda Waldman Charles Spatz & Marian Montano Jeanne Steiner & William Rosenblatt Robert & Maxine Wallace Annie Wareck Bert & Martha Weisbart Sue Kirsch Wildes & Jim Wildes Patricia Willens & Michael Loewenberg Julie Wolf Cliff & True Wolff Nancy Yedlin & Peter Blasini

Recent Donations

TARGET AREAS - immediate use funds

General Fund Norman & Carol Alderman in honor of MARK SKLARZ’S 80th birthday The Astmann Family Betsy Barnston in memory of BEATRICE HAHN Betsy Barnston in memory of NELSON HAHN Jody & Jeffrey Dietch in memory of JEROME “JERRY” EPSTEIN Rona Garbowit in memory of DAVID EHRLICH Rona Garbowit in memory of FAY EHRLICH Saul Goldberg in memory of RAY GOLDBERG Sarah Greenblatt in memory of SELMA COOLEY Sarah Greenblatt in memory of JEROME “JERRY” EPSTEIN Sarah Greenblatt in memory of BRUIN LIPMAN Ruth Koizim Meir & Barbara Kryger in memory of ROSE KRYGER Jonathan Lehman Diane Lublin in memory of her loving husband, GEORGE LUBLIN John & Amy Macey in memory of STACY PIES Linda Prosco in memory of ROBERT GOLDBERG Bert & Martha Weisbart in memory of MARTIN STUART WEISBART Dr. Sydney & Arlene Zudekoff in memory of DAVID PAUL ZUDEKOFF

Music Fund Neil & Marlene Greenberg in memory of EVIE BARKIN

Religious School Scholarship Fund Rona Garbowit in memory of KAREN GANTT

Music Fund Neil & Marlene Greenberg in memory of EVIE BARKIN

Social Action Fund Bob & Tamara Epstein in memory of BENJAMIN KLATSKY Judith Hahn in honor of BERT & MARTHA WEISBART’S daughter’s marriage David & Sue Millen in honor of MARTHA WEISBART’S milestone birthday Alan & Cindy Zuckerbrod in support of the Eric Ward Event

“…who donates much to charity becomes the richer for it…”
Zohar, iii, 110b

ENDOWMENT FUNDS - invested to generate annual income for specific purposes

Cemetery Fund Saralee Black in memory of EVE BLACK

Schaefer Family Fund David & Sue Millen in honor of CALEB SCHAEFER becoming a Bar Mitzvah

Abraham S. & Helen Ullman Youth Fund Andrew Ullman in memory of SYLVIA ULLMAN

DISCRETIONARY FUNDS - funds used at the discretion of the CMI cantor or rabbi

Cantor’s Discretionary Fund Kathe Morse & Susan Krieger in memory of RHODA CAHN

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Brenda Arovas in memory of ARLENE COHEN Bob & Tamara Epstein in memory of JEROME “JERRY” EPSTEIN Bob & Tamara Epstein in appreciation of RABBI SCHAEFER for all his support Jeff & Molly Goodman in honor of RABBI SCHAEFER for the naming of our grandson John Keegan & Dana Brozinsky in memory of ANNE KEEGAN John Keegan & Dana Brozinsky in memory of CHARLES KEEGAN Karen Orzack-Moore & Daniel Moore in memory of SELMA COOLEY Karen Orzack-Moore & Daniel Moore in honor of MARIAN CHERTOW & MATTHEW NEMERSON’S daughter’s wedding Lynda Rosenfeld & Richard Weiss in memory of REGINA ROSENFELD Lynda Rosenfeld & Richard Weiss in memory of DIANAH M. WEIL Ruth & David Sack Jim & Cis Serling in memory of ARLENE COHEN

Yahrzeits

Bertha Brown Abraham S. Brown Fay Ehrlich Richard Engelhardt Samuel Evans Sarah Feinstein Elaine Feldman Eleanor Freedman Elizabeth Anne Gans Harry Goldberg Seymour M. Golden Rose Dorfman Goldhamer Mr. David Grossman Nelson M. Hahn Milton Heller Don Hellerman Mr. Philip Horowitz Elaine Jacobson Phyllis Kauffman Mabel Goodman Kaufman Anne Ketover Benjamin Klatsky Robert Klugman Mona V. Maizell Jean S. Maltzman Doris Parmet Abraham Rashba Marjorie Rogowski Marjorie Rosenthal David Rosenthal Bernice Felix Schnitman Betty Seltzer Beatrice Miller Shapiro Celia Shukovsky Morris Silverberg Samuel Silverman Louis M. Sonnenberg William Steckerl Milton A. Steinbach Henry Stinow Irwin Weill Russel Sunny Weinstein Marian L Young Marvin Yudkin Freda Zanker David Paul Zudekoff

December 5

Barbara Abramowitz Alfred Barnston Mae Berman David Steven Braverman Rhoda Lipofsky Cahn Benjamin Davis Claire Faiman Ann Narotsky Fast Gertrude Gittleson Louis Goldberg Enid Frank Goldsmith Belle Gordon Mae Maisie Hammer Tz'vi-Hersh Ben-Avraham Hanina Ilse Horn George C. Howard Estelle Levine Jacobs Mitchel Jones Louis Kahn Mae Prosco Katz Augusta Kean Yefim Khait William B. Koufman Joseph Kugler Carolyn Landorf Bessie Lazarus Marjorie Lehman Gale M. Leibowitz Celia C. Levine Stanley Lichtenstein Rosa F. Lyons Aaron Mack William Jon Miller Samuel H. Montlick Annette F. O'Brasky Nathan Passell Lawrence Paul Ernest Paul Morton Pechter Marion L. Perlroth William Benjamin Post Edward A. Reich Herman Shukovsky Dr. Sidney Silverstone Rabbi Edgar E. Siskin Leo Sklarz Bernard P. Spear Edward Stern Herman Tenin Matthew E. Ticotsky Philip S. Ticotsky Jeanne Tiven Laurence Bernard Tiven Barney Trotsky Harriet Warner Howard M. Weinick

December 12

Muriel Aaron Sadie Ackerman Leon Aries Harry Baskin Sylvia Bailey Berkowitz Ethel Horn Caminear Richard Cohen Peter Dermer Ethel Donath Herman Epstein Edith Eudowe Benjamin Gittler Hattie Glasner James R. Glassner Bernard Goldman Clara Phillips Goodhart Albert L. Grodd Nancy Groves-Baum Herbert (Herb) Horowitz Beverly Kasten Mae Reinstein Klatsky Leo Kornicker Brett Lindenbach Joshua Loewenbaum Susan Losher Nancy Mack Beverly Newman Mendel Michael Myers James O'Brasky Mildred Orzack Benjamin Pious Sadie Rotberg Rifkin Herman Roseman Barbara Fisher Rosenthal Elaine Samplinear Mark B. Schatten Leopold Schoenberger Michael Schreff Ann Sklarz Lester B. Weiss

December 19

Miriam Abrams Robert Adams Jennie Rogowsky Alderman Jack Baltimore Dr. Merrill Abner Baratz Jacob Bass Richard Lyon Belford George Bennett Jeanette Blech Irving Bleich Joel Bolsky Sara A. Brown Mollie Osias Burness Harriet K. Cahn Sadie Caplan Edith Koosis Donen Annie Evans Stephen G. Friedler Herbert B. Goldberg Hattie J. Goodman Michael Gordon Louis Green Julius Hartenstein Rosalie Heifetz Eleanor Jacobs Howard Kaplan Samuel Kasterbaum Jack Krug Rose Kryger Frances Landowne Robert E. Lapides Paul H. Lavietes Meyer Leshine Phyllis Palmieri Loewenbaum Aida Y. Mettler Rebecca Polsky Dorothy Rosenberg Sidney C. Rosenberg Marvin L. Rosenfeld Gloria Rosner Max Rubenstein Bernice Rubinstein Irwin Mellion Siegel Hon. Arthur J. Sills Estelle Silverstone Robert C. Spodick Abraham Louis Starin Fred H. Steiger Leo Stein Nancy Weiner Stiner Jean Virshup Carl Zelson William Zwickler

December 26

IN MEMORIAM

Jacob Crane

IN SYMPATHY

Ivey Cooley on the loss of her mother, Selma Cooley Bob (Tamara) Epstein on the loss of his father, Jerome Epstein

Thank you to our advertisers for their support

Please consider these businesses for your future needs.

Contact Us

THE CONGREGATION MISHKAN ISRAEL BULLETIN
December 2025 Series 110 No. 4

THE CONGREGATION MISHKAN ISRAEL
785 Ridge Road, Hamden, CT 06517
Phone: (203) 288-3877 Fax: (203) 248-2148

http://cmihamden.org

Rabbi Daniel Schaefer x236 dschaefer@cmihamden.org
Rabbi Emeritus Herbert N. Brockman, Ph.D. D.D. x238 cmirabbi@cmihamden.org
Cantor Sierra Fox x244 sfox@cmihamden.org
Jody Dietch, Executive Director x241 jdietch@cmihamden.org
Michelle Goldstein, Religious School Director x237 mgoldstein@cmihamden.org
Jennifer Verrier, Early Learning Director x246 jverrier@cmihamden.org
Alan Sturtz, President president@cmihamden.org