Tu B’Shevat is one of four annual new years described in the Mishnah. Gratitude is given for the fruits of the earth and everything that grows. In some parts of the world Jews partake in a Tu B’Shevat Seder meal, complete with prayers and food blessings. Others celebrate by taking a picn…
In 2024, the holiday of Tu B’Shevat will begin the evening of Wednesday, January 24, and end the evening of Thursday, January 25.
Tu B’Shevat is considered the New Year of the Trees, when almond trees begin to bloom in Israel. Today, many people mark this holiday by planting saplings …
By Michael Shanbrom
The recent Hamas terror attacks against Israel have understandably heightened safety and security concerns within the Greater New Haven Jewish community. Since the attack on October 7, 2023, we have witnessed a dramatic rise in antisemitic incidents across the United Sta…
By Rabbi Herbert Brockman
There is a great deal of interest these days in “spirituality.” Especially for us as Jews, the Yamim Noraim (“Days of "Awe”) have been an opportunity to seek deeper connections with the spiritual sides of ourselves. In general, we are finding classes of y…
By Scott Cohen JCC Executive Director
On Saturday November 25 the JCC family lost one of its pillars with the tragic passing of Jessica “Jess” Ciola. The Facebook page tributes are never ending, yet it does not seem real. Each photo shows another smiling picture taken of Jess at some …
