The CMI Bulletin
More than a place - We’re a community
SERIES 110 No. 6
MARCH/APRIL 2026
MARCH & APRIL
PURIM AT CMI
Congregation Mishkan Israel invites the community to join us for a fun-filled Purim Celebration for all ages!
CMI Families are invited to join us on Sunday, March 1 at 9:30am for the annual Purim Spiel followed by the Purim Carnival. This year's Disney theme should bring familiar tunes and fun!
We will be charging $5/student this year to enter the carnival payable in cash or Venmo. The money raised from the carnival will be used to fund upcoming teen programming. The carnival this year will feature face painting, bounce houses, temporary tattoos, a photo booth, games, and of course the prize winning costume parade. We look forward to seeing the whole community there!
Purim Spiel and Carnival Sunday, March 1 beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Purim Service Monday, March 2 at 6:30 p.m.
Live from Shushan - It’s Purim Night!
Bring your groggers and don your favorite costumes as we enjoy an adult-friendly evening of hilarious skits, megillah reading, and special Cantorial cocktails. Bring your own brews and come schmooze with us as we retell the story of Queen Esther, boo Haman, and find humor in this topsy-turvy world. All ages are welcome!
6:30 p.m. - Cocktails with the Cantor
7:00 p.m. - Brief service, hilarious skits, and megillah reading
3rd Annual Purim Brews n' Schmooze Monday, March 2 Immediately following the service
The Ritual Committee is excited to host the third Annual Purim Brews n' Schmooze, right here at CMI immediately following Purim services! Bring your own beverages of choice and come in costume, if you wish!
This gathering is for Purim revelers 21 and older.
INSTALLATION OF CANTOR SIERRA FOX AND CMI’S ANNUAL CANTOR’S CONCERT
Installation of Cantor Sierra Fox Friday, April 17, service at 6:00 p.m., follow by an enhanced oneg
There is no charge to attend, but for security purposes and to ensure enough delicious food is provided, we kindly request that you RSVP by Wednesday, April 8.
CMI ANNUAL CANTOR’S CONCERT Saturday, April 18 at Doors open at 2:00 p.m. Concert begins at 3:00 p.m.
Invitations will be sent out soon. Please also watch the E-News for updates and links to register and sponsor the concert.
Robert Goldburg Peace & Justice Service Friday, March 13 at 6:00 p.m., Oneg will follow the service
Rabbi Schaefer and Cantor Fox are honored to share the bimah with this year’s guest speaker, Amy Spitalnick, who is CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, the national convener of Jewish coalitions working across communities to build a just and inclusive American democracy.
A nationally recognized leader on countering antisemitism, hate, and extremism and protecting democracy, Amy previously served as Executive Director of Integrity First for America, which won its groundbreaking lawsuit against the neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and hate groups responsible for the Charlottesville violence.
Amy has extensive experience in government, politics, and advocacy, including as Communications Director and Senior Policy Advisor to the New York Attorney General and spokesperson and advisor to the New York City Mayor. She serves on the Boards of Directors of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Tufts University Hillel, and the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab (PERIL) at American University, as well as on Tree of Life’s Academic Advisory Council and Bedrock’s National Leadership Council.
Amy frequently appears in national media and has been awarded various fellowships and honors, including being named a Women in Power Fellow at the 92nd Street Y, a Truman National Security Project Fellow, a City & State 40 Under 40 Rising Star, and a NY Jewish Week 36 Under 36 Changemaker. She graduated from Tufts University.
We hope you will join us for this special evening!
Join your CMI community for Shabbat Services each Friday evening and Saturday mornings when we have a B’Mitzvah to celebrate!
March & April Services
To view the full schedule of services, please click the button below.
To join the livestream for services, please click the button below.
TODAH RABAH
Phyllis Bausher, Julie Chevan, Ivey Cooley, Ricci Cummings, Michael Dimenstein, Sarah Greenblatt, Joel Jacobson, Karen Kimball, Sue McDonald and Richard & Marie Shaw
MARCH GREETERS
Phyllis Bausher, Julie Chevan, Sarah Greenblatt, Phil Jacobs, Joel Jacobson, Dave Rodnick and Cliff & True Wolff
APRIL GREETERS
MAZEL TOV TO OUR APRIL B’NEI MITZVAH
Bar Mitzvah of Leo Cohen Saturday, April 25 at 10:30 a.m.
In person & livestream
Mazel Tov to Leo and his family as we celebrate him becoming a Bar Mitzvah!
Services are open to all in the community.
Leo will be reading from Parashat Acharei Mot-K’doshim.
CMI EVENTS - MARCH
MARCH CLOSINGS
NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL Sunday, March 3
Chevra Hands (Quilting group) Sunday, March 8 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.
CMI Book Club Wednesday, March 11 at 12:00 p.m.
This month, we will be reading “Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor” by Yossi Klein-Halevi which is a collection of ten personal letters from an Israeli author to his neighbors, attempting to bridge the divide through mutual recognition. The book explains Zionism, Jewish history, and Israeli identity while acknowledging Palestinian suffering and advocating for a two-state solutio
The library has three copies for loan, which are available on Book Club display in the library. Use the clipboard on the desk to sign out books
Shabbat Schmooze Saturday, March 14 from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 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!
The CMI Brotherhood of Men and Women is pleased to announce that the 2026 series is made possible through the collaboration of CMI, Congregation B'nai Jacob, the Jewish Historical Society, Congregation Or Shalom, and Temple Beth Sholom. The topics for the sessions were selected by a focus group of participants in last year's program.
Join us for Meeting the Moment 2026, a four-part lecture and conversation series that explores American Jewish history, storytelling, and lived experience to help the community grapple with identity, polarization, antisemitism, Israel, and belonging during a challenging moment in Jewish life.
Light refreshments will be available | Sessions start at 9:30 a.m. Full Series: $36 | Individual Sessions: $18
Covers admission for up to 2 household members
You can read more about all the scheduled sessions by visiting the CMI website calendar.
Rosh Chodesh - Nisan Thursday, March 19 at 7:00 p.m.
Oy vey! Another month has gone by already. Whether you grew up with Yiddish or would like to learn a few words and fun expressions, come join our CMI Rosh Chodesh Mishpacha on Thursday, March 19th from 7-8:30 in our chapel. We will celebrate the new month of Nisan with a bissel nosh. All are welcome. Bring a Yiddish word to share and bring a friend. Hope to see you there!
Tot Shabbat - In person only
Friday, March 20, 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!
Shabbat Community Dinner & Service (No Oneg)
Friday, March 20 Dinner at 6:00 p.m. Service follows immediately after dinner
Join us as we celebrate Shabbat together! We will begin the evening with a lovely Family dinner followed by our Family Shabbat Service with the 3rd & 4th grade class participating.
Enjoy a tasty Shabbat dinner with your family at CMI courtesy of Eli Whitney Technical School. The dinner will follow Tot Shabbat and precede the Famly Service. Please RSVP by Tuesday, February 17 so we can plan for the right number of people.
Consider being a dinner sponsor at $90, $180, or $360 to help cover the cost of the meal. Sponsorship donors will be acknowledged from the bimah.
Introduction to Judaism at CMI Wednesday, March 25 at 6:00 p.m.
This session will be held in person here at Congregation Mishkan Israel. We would love for you to join us!
Introduction to Judaism began in September 2025 with most classes on zoom. This class will allow you to learn more about your Jewish heritage or prepare you or a loved one for the process of conversion. This is a combined course offered under the auspices of the Board of Rabbis and Cantors, with a number of synagogues co-sponsoring. This 20+ week class explores the basics of Judaism, including history, prayer, sacred texts, and holiday celebrations.Each student will need a rabbinic sponsor.
Classes will be held from 7:30 p.m. to approximately 8:30 p.m. EST on select Wednesday evenings. Exceptions, such as those for holiday gatherings, are noted in the schedule below.
Each student will need a rabbinic sponsor and the cost of the class is $72 for members of an area Jewish congregation, or $180 for non-members.
BMW Movie of the Month!
Sunday, March 8 – Doors open at 1:30 p.m. for 2:00 p.m. movie
The Brotherhood of Men and Women invite you to go to the movies! Doors open at 1:30. There will be coffee and cookies and there is no charge!
Yentl
We will try again. Barbara Streisand directing and starring. Also starring Mandy Patinkin and Amy Irving. A Jewish girl disguises herself as a boy to enter religious training but complications ensure. Six Oscars including best supporting actor for Amy Irving and for best music. Golden Globe to Barbara Streisand for directing.
Torah Study - In Person or on Zoom Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. March 7, 14, 21, 28
Judaism: New Interpretations of Old Ideas Led by Rabbi Steinberg Sundays (when Religious School meets) at 11:00 a.m. March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
PASSOVER AT CMI
PASSOVER TOT PROGRAM Sunday, March 29 at 10:00 a.m.
Join us for a special program geared towards infants and toddlers. An age appropriate story of Passover will be shared as well as fun activities and crafts. We hope you can join us!
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL SEDER Sunday, March 29 at 11:00 a.m.
Are you ready for plagues to appear as we join together on our journey to freedom? Passover is coming! Join us for our schoolwide Seder at 11:00am. Volunteers are needed to help throughout the morning - Please email Michelle if you are able to help.
PASSOVER SERVICES
First day of Passover Service Thursday, April 2 at 10:30 a.m.
Passover Service with Yizkor Wednesday, April 8 at 10:30 a.m.
CMI Community Passover Seder
Thursday, April 2, from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Join us to celebrate the 2nd night Passover Seder including a catered dinner by Eli Whitney’s Culinary School. Rabbi Schaefer and Cantor Fox will lead a traditional seder with lots of song and discussion. $55/adult, $25/ages 6-12, children 5 and under are free.
**Please RSVP by Thursday, March 26 **
CMI EVENTS - APRIL
APRIL CLOSINGS
CMI OFFICE CLOSED Thursday, April 2 - 1st day of Passover Wednesday, April 8 - Last day of Passover
NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL Sundays, April 5 & April 12
NO HEBREW SCHOOL Tuesdays, April 7 & April 14
Shabbat Schmooze Saturday, April 11 from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 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! Click to RSVP to Abby Friedman.
Rosh Chodesh - Iyar Thursday, April 16 at 7:00 p.m.
Celebrating the hope and joy of spring and National Poetry Month, Amy J. Barry, writer and certified expressive arts facilitator, will lead a writing exercise that incorporates the Expressive ART acronym: Access, Release & Transform and gets participants' creative juices flowing
Please RSVP by calling the CMI office (203-288-3877) or contacting Michele Abrams at shalomyall.824@gmail.com.
BMW Movie of the Month!
Wednesday, April 22– Doors open at 7:15 p.m. for 7:30 p.m. movie - FREE admission
The Brotherhood of Men and Women invite you for a viewing of the movie, Hester Street. This is a story of a husband and wife in the lower east side at the turn of the 20th century. He wants to become American. She (Carol Kane in a breakout role) initially resists. See how they ultimately resolve their differences. Light refreshments will be served.
Torah Study - In Person or on Zoom (no password needed) Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. April 4, 11, 18, 25
Judaism: New Interpretations of Old Ideas Led by Rabbi Steinberg Sundays (when Religious School meets) at 11:00 a.m. April 19, 26
MESSAGE FROM RABBI SCHAEFER
There’s an old Jewish joke that attempts to describe the overarching message of every Jewish holiday: “They tried to kill us. They failed. Let’s eat.” It is a summary that applies to Purim and Passover. Both retell ancient stories about times of peril for our people and the miracles that saved us.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE COMPLETE MESSAGE FROM RABBI SCHAEFER.
MESSAGE FROM CANTOR FOX
As we enter the months of spring, I find myself looking forward to so many things! We’re starting off March strong with our Purim Carnival, Cocktails with the Cantor, and our adult spiel and megillah reading. Our Peace and Justice Shabbat in honor of Rabbi Goldburg (z”l) on March 13th will, I hope, be our first chance to have our newly revived CMI Chorale present themselves to the congregation… I am so excited to sing together! (If you are interested in joining the chorale and haven’t yet emailed me, it is not too late: please don’t hesitate to reach out!)
CLICK HERE TO READ THE COMPLETE MESSAGE FROM CANTOR FOX.
FEATURED GROUPS
ROSH CHODESH
ROSH CHODESH SHABBATON WAS A HUGE SUCCESS!!!
What a day! On January 10, the CMI Rosh Chodesh group hosted our first woman's Shabbaton and what a success it was. The event was funded, in part, by a grant from the Jewish Foundation of New Haven’s Women Of Vision Foundation. The theme of the day was “Channeling Your Inner Midwife: Courage, Poetry, and Spiritual Growth” facilitated by Rabbi and poet Pamela Wax.
The day began with a light welcoming breakfast and proceeded with text study on the week’s parasha, Shemot, featuring midwives Shifra and Puah, and exploring our own capacity for courage and creativity. After lunch and a moving meditation, we explored Jewish women’s poetry, points of transition and transformation in our own lives, and ended the day singing with our own Cantor Sierra Fox who led the day’s ending Havdalah.
The 35 participants experienced an inspiring day filled with poetry, music, movement, deep conversation, laughter, and community. We plan to make this an annual tradition.
NEWS FROM THE CMI LIBRARY
50 Books in 50 Years: 1975-2025
Jewish books that shaped the last half-century
The November/December issue of Moment magazine contained an article about books that shaped the last 50 years. The books were selected by Amy E. Schwartz, Opinion and Book Editor at the Moment magazine. The 50 books consisted of 25 fiction and 25 non-fiction books. Copies of the article are available in the CMI Library or online at this link.
The article prompted a search of the CMI collection to see how many of the books are on our shelves. A display in the CMI library highlights the books in our collection. With the CMI Endowment fund for library books, CMI volunteers have consulted with leaders in our congregation to select another 6-10 books from the list for our collection. If you have an opinion about a book that should be on the list, please let us know at cmilibrary@cmihamden.org. A special thanks to Susan Nobleman and Rona Garbowit for working on this project.
Rob Homer, President, Brotherhood of Men & Women
2025-2026 DONATIONS
CHAI HOLY DAY CAMPAIGN
To view the list of Chai Holy Day Donors, please click the button below.
RECENT DONATIONS
To view the list of recent donations please click the button below.
YAHRZEITS
March Yahrzeit Lists
To view the lists of March Yahrzeits, click the button.
April Yahrzeit Lists
To view the lists of April Yahrzeits, click the button.
IN SYMPATHY TO
Bill Asch on the loss of his father, Marvin Asch Paul Greenbaum on the loss of his mother, Carole Rubin Greenbaum Steve Jacobs on the loss of his father, Richard Jacobs Beth Stenger on the loss of her mother, Joan Rosenberg
IN MEMORIAM
Janet Gans Carole Rubin Greenbaum
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Contact Us
THE CONGREGATION MISHKAN ISRAEL BULLETIN
March-April 2026 Series 110 No. 6
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