Under the leadership of Rabbi Micah Ellenson, Temple Beth David, the beating heart of Reform Jewish life in Northern New Haven County with members from Hamden, Meriden, Southington, Prospect, Wallingford, and Cheshire, is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

As part of the celebration, a special, musical Artist-in-Residence Shabbat experience, sponsored by the Rutberg and Erwich families, is planned. Rabbi Deborah Zecher – the Cabaret-Singing Rabbi - will enhance Shabbat evening services as Cantorial Soloist on Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m.

On Saturday, Oct. 20 (following Havdalah at 7:15 p.m.), Rabbi Zecher will perform her ‘Jewish Caroling’ Cabaret program. Contact the temple office for tickets. On Sunday Oct. 21, Rabbi Zecher will perform her “Broadway Bible” program for religious school students and their families.

Other 50th anniversary events are planned throughout the year. The celebration culminates on Dec. 1, at a gala featuring music, dancing, and treats at the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History. Visit tbdcheshire. org/about-us/tbd-50thanniversary for more information.

As they enter their 51st year, Temple Beth David is approximately 200 families strong and growing. Rabbi Ellenson is excited about the future, and in particular, their religious school and vibrant youth programs. He noted that the temple was recognized for sending a high percentage of its children to Jewish camp on par with larger synagogues in the Northeast.

Temple Beth David is a recent recipient of a Walmart Foundation Community Grant for its Mitzvah Garden and Social Action projects.