Temple B'nai Chaim

About Temple B’nai Chaim

Note: Because of the health situation, anyone entering our building for any reason must wear a mask – regardless of vaccination status. Masks must cover the nose and mouth and remain on while in the building. The only exception to the mask requirement will be for fully vaccinated staff and clergy while in their offices and for clergy (not lay leaders) on the bimah. See our News and Chailites page and our Events Calendar for information on upcoming services and events.

Temple B’nai Chaim is a modern Reform congregation inspired by over 3000 years of tradition. We believe in a living Judaism compatible with contemporary science, historical understanding, and ethical sensibilities, and which reflects everyday reality and is refined by it. We are a member congregation of the Union for Reform Judaism. Interested in finding out more about membership? Send email to membership@templebnaichaim.org to contact us or call 203-544-8695.

We welcome all Jews, their partners and families regardless of background. We affirm the equality between men and women, members of all ages, races, physical conditions, and sexual orientations. News and announcements are in our Chailites / Email Archive and on our Facebook page. More information about Temple B’nai Chaim ….

In the Spotlight!

New TBC Film Club: “The Last Suit”

November 21, 2021 at 7:30 pm

Please join us on Sunday, November 21 at 7:30 pm (click here to join) to discuss this delightful movie.

Upcoming Events

03 Dec

TBC Chanukah Celebration Family Service Welcoming Shabbat Together

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
04 Dec

Torah Study

9:30 am - 11:00 am
05 Dec

Religious School Hanukkah Program

9:30 am - 11:30 am
05 Dec

TBC Teens

11:45 am - 1:00 pm

From the Union For Reform Judaism / Reform Movement

For the Love of Jeff: A Reflection on Mister Rogers’ Most Memorable Young Guest

For the Love of Jeff: A Reflection on Mister Rogers’ Most Memorable Young Guest jemerman November 30, 2021

Ten Minutes of Torah

At 10, Jeff Erlanger appeared on “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” in his wheelchair. I recently asked Jeff’s parents about how they raised such a competent and loving son.

Reflections on the Significance of December 7 on American Jewry

Reflections on the Significance of December 7 on American Jewry jemerman November 29, 2021

Holocaust

Major Philip Rudin shortly before the United States entered WWII

December 7 marks the 80th anniversary of the surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service on the US naval base at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu. The attack led to America's formal entry into World War II. What ensued would have a profound impact on Jews everywhere, including the American Jewish community.

For Some of Us the Holidays Are Just…Hard

For Some of Us the Holidays Are Just…Hard jemerman November 18, 2021

Death and Mourning

As we head into the holiday season, I am acutely aware of how much different this year is going to be than previous ones. I will be celebrating without my mom for the first time. My mother died in January 2021, and I'm still dealing with the unexpected waves of grief that wash over me, sometimes out of nowhere. As I head into this first winter holiday season without her, I'm not quite sure I know what to expect, other than everything is going to be very different.

Reimagining Hanukkah Gift-Giving

Reimagining Hanukkah Gift-Giving jemerman November 18, 2021

Jewish Values

Dasee Berkowitz family Hanukkah menorahs

There are a lot of creative ways to make Hanukkah meaningful when we pause to ask ourselves a few good questions before automatically going into shopping mode.