Message from Debra and Joseph Hammer
January 2010
Dear friends,
As we draw to the close of this secular year, it seems an appropriate time to sprinkle thanks like confetti, in appreciation of our members who do so much for TBT!
December may have been a short month for us, but it was certainly action packed. We had a full house on the 4th when the Simsbury Light Opera Choristers performed. Two Susans helped make that spectacular event possible – thanks to Susan Reuben for the connection and quick action to get on their concert schedule, and to Susan James for locating and delivering the keyboard necessary for the concert to go on! Again, we thank the Smith, Kane and Cook family for the Oneg refreshments that evening.
Two weeks later, we had ourselves a party – a Hanukah party! And what’s a Hanukah party without latkes, lots of ‘em – thanks to the culinary efforts of Judy and Marty Gold! Thanks to Neil Gordon for coordinating and decorating, to Josh Ferrebee for providing the tunes, to the Bronfins for the piñata and stuffing, to Cindy Fenton for the edible activities, and to Sam and Lily Hammer and Mark and Grace Alpert for all of their help setting up, decorating and breaking down the tables and chairs. Rabbi Seth went above and beyond by stacking chairs and taking a turn at the sink for dishwashing! Of course, thanks to all for bringing food and drink and family menorahs to add to the brightness and warmth of the evening. No menorah was brighter than the beautiful TBT menorah out front, kept faithfully lit each evening of the holiday by Ralph Horowitz and Phil Lohman. [Quick reminder note here: if you haven’t done so already, please forward your party donation check to Barry Schlein, 263 Hartford Ave, Wethersfield – thanks!]
Speaking of Barry, our thanks go out to him for keeping our finances organized and our renters happy!
Just a few days after Hanukah ended, TBT members were wrapping books, discs and other gifts at Borders to raise funds for the Temple. Judy’s list of “wrapper elves” appears elsewhere in this newsletter. Thank you, Judy, for coordinating our volunteers all day and working several shifts yourself!
In the New Year 2010, we’ve got several special events on tap for January. On Sunday, Jan. 17, the TBTeens/Tweens hold their second event of the year – an ice cream social (please see details in this issue). On Friday, Jan. 22, we will share a musical Shabbat with Arnie Davidson, a friend of Rabbi Seth. On Friday, Jan. 29, the evening will begin at 7:00pm with a brief Shabbat service, followed immediately by our Tu B’Shevat Seder (more details in this issue). The January Torah Study will be on Saturday, the 9th at 9:30am.
So… bundle up, and come on out to TBT for warm camaraderie and spirituality!
Wishing you a very happy and healthy New Year,
Deb and Joe
