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TEMPLE BETH ISRAEL
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CONTENTS President's Message State of the Building Education Community Archive On Our Bookshelf Upcoming Events LEADERSHIP Norm Berman, President Paula Rosenberg Bell, Pres Emerita Joel Rosenberg, Pres Emeritus Evert Gawendo, Vice President Rosa Goldblatt, Treasurer Sheri Abrams, Secretary Dora Glinn, Exec Committee Leah Abrams, Exec Committee Alicia Pion, Exec Committee Rachel Berman Eric Blumenthal Jeffrey Blumenthal Martin Drobiarz Richard Dvorin Elsie Fetterman Jacob Gawendo Michael Gawendo Matthew Goldblatt Rachel Goldblatt Vita Fetterman Goldstein Martin Israelit Henry Mondschein Bailey Rosenberg Nascimento Alan Turner Heather Drobiarz Waters Sherry Wiener ADVISORS Judy Engel David Fetterman Jack Hodys Rachel Sheppard Rubin James Weiss |
Welcome to Our Newsletter!We’re so glad you’re here to open the very first issue of our newsletter. Think of it as a friendly letter from your Temple Beth Israel family—sharing news, stories, and opportunities to come together.
Inside, you’ll find a little bit of everything: updates on our programs, resources for learning and reflection, and ways to connect with the wide circle of people who care about preserving Temple Beth Israel’s legacy. This newsletter is meant to keep us close, to remind us of the richness of our history, and to celebrate the living, growing community that continues to gather around it. From Our President, Norm BermanTayere Fraynt (Dear Friends),
As we launch the very first issue of our Preservation Society newsletter, I find myself filled with both pride and gratitude. This year marks the 75th anniversary of Temple Beth Israel – a moment to celebrate not only a building, but the generations of people whose faith, generosity and vision made it a historic cornerstone of our community. When our Preservation Society was founded fifteen years ago, we were a small group with a big dream (thank you Joel Rosenberg): to ensure that the Temple and the stories it holds, would never be forgotten. Since then, we’ve grown in ways that continue to amaze me. We now have strong and dedicated Board of Directors, a network of supporters who care deeply about our mission, and growing recognition from cultural and historical organizations whose grants have helped us expand our work. Our education program has become one of our proudest accomplishments. Through it, we teach young people and adults alike about the dangers of hate and prejudice – lessons that feel more urgent and necessary with each passing year. And we’ve opened our doors to local musicians, whose performances have filled the Temple with song and spirit, breathing new life into its historic sanctuary. |
This past High Holiday season was especially meaningful. We introduced something truly new – and deeply moving – into our observances: Yiddish-inspired tkhines, prayers written by members of our own community in the language we speak today, and also translated into Yiddish, the vernacular of our parents and grandparents.
Hearing those words spoken aloud felt like a bridge across generations – a way of preserving and honoring the voices and cadences of those who came before us. Attendance was strong, the services were heartfelt. Our Rosh Hashanah service was followed by Tashlikh at the river in Putnam where we tossed the burdens of the past year into the flowing waters. The feedback from participants was extraordinary. It reminded me why we do this work – why preservation is about so much more than walls and windows. It’s about continuity, connection and the shared act of remembering.
Hearing those words spoken aloud felt like a bridge across generations – a way of preserving and honoring the voices and cadences of those who came before us. Attendance was strong, the services were heartfelt. Our Rosh Hashanah service was followed by Tashlikh at the river in Putnam where we tossed the burdens of the past year into the flowing waters. The feedback from participants was extraordinary. It reminded me why we do this work – why preservation is about so much more than walls and windows. It’s about continuity, connection and the shared act of remembering.
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As we look ahead, I’m excited for what’s next. There are new projects on the horizon, new partnerships to build and new opportunities to share our story. Thank you for walking this journey with us – for your support, your enthusiasm, and your belief in the enduring spirt of TBI. I wish you a healthy and sweet new year!
With heartfelt appreciation, Nokhem (Norm Berman) |
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State of the Building
Fifteen years ago, the Preservation Society assumed stewardship of our beloved Temple Beth Israel, a building that was clearly showing its age. Now, as we celebrate the Temple’s 75th anniversary, we are proud to share the remarkable progress made in preserving and renewing this historic home. Our first act of preservation was to secure its place on the National Register of Historic Places. In recent years, the Preservation Society has worked diligently to keep our space strong, safe, and welcoming for generations to come.
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With your help, we have...
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None of these repairs and improvements would have been possible without your generous support. Thanks to you, our building is now not only safer and more functional, but also more vibrant—ready to embrace the future.
There remains more to do. Repairs to our Archive Room continue to challenge us. But as we mark this milestone year, our focus turns to the heart of Temple Beth Israel: its educational, cultural, and spiritual programming. Together, we can once again fill these walls with the joyous sounds of learning, music, prayer, and community—just as they rang out when we were children. For this we again need your help.
We invite you to join us in this next chapter. With your continued support, we will keep Temple Beth Israel alive with spirit, memory, and hope for generations to come.
There remains more to do. Repairs to our Archive Room continue to challenge us. But as we mark this milestone year, our focus turns to the heart of Temple Beth Israel: its educational, cultural, and spiritual programming. Together, we can once again fill these walls with the joyous sounds of learning, music, prayer, and community—just as they rang out when we were children. For this we again need your help.
We invite you to join us in this next chapter. With your continued support, we will keep Temple Beth Israel alive with spirit, memory, and hope for generations to come.
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PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS
Woodstock Academy Marianapolis Prep Putnam High School Killingly High School Woodstock Middle School East Lyme Middle School North Stonington Middle School Somerville High School Tourtellote High School Pomfret School Plainfield High School Norwich Free Academy 
Schlomo Zektzer at DP Camp Fohrenwald |
Education UpdateLast year we presented at Woodstock Middle School, the Killingly Brooklyn Interfaith Council, Somerville, MA High School and at East Lyme Middle School. In July, Norm joined 2,400 educators from around the country for the three-day Belfer Holocaust Education Conference sponsored by the US Holocaust Memorial Museum. He came away with the latest thinking about effective Holocaust education and reassured that his approach, using his family history to personalize the events was considered the best practice for reaching middle and high school students.
On September 15, Norm spoke in Killingly at Learning In Retirement QV to an audience of nearly 75. Our goal in 2025-2026 is to visit twelve new schools for the upcoming school year. Please contact us if you have connections with a Connecticut middle or high school that might benefit from our Holocaust curriculum. |
Community Archive Update
Our Community Archive is steadily growing, and this year we are excited to share a first glimpse. We have gathered photos and biographical sketches of over 20 founding families and created a slideshow that will be on display in the Temple for visitors to enjoy.
This is just the beginning of what we envision as a rich and comprehensive collection of photos and stories honoring our parents and grandparents. The Archive celebrates not only their lives, but also their resilience, vision, and deep commitment to community. These men and women were true role models—courageous figures whose sense of purpose laid the foundation on which we stand today.
We invite you to help expand this living legacy. If your family has ties to Temple Beth Israel, please share your photos, stories, or family history. Together, we can preserve and pass on this heritage of courage and community for generations to come.
This is just the beginning of what we envision as a rich and comprehensive collection of photos and stories honoring our parents and grandparents. The Archive celebrates not only their lives, but also their resilience, vision, and deep commitment to community. These men and women were true role models—courageous figures whose sense of purpose laid the foundation on which we stand today.
We invite you to help expand this living legacy. If your family has ties to Temple Beth Israel, please share your photos, stories, or family history. Together, we can preserve and pass on this heritage of courage and community for generations to come.
Honor Your Family’s Legacy – Submit photos and histories for preservation in our Community Archive here.
On Our Bookshelf
We are proud to feature a newly published book by Jessica Kaplan, who brings to life the extraordinary story of her grandparents, Temple founders Colman and Jean Steuer.
Colman (born Kalman Sztajer) and Jean (Genia) survived the Holocaust, arriving in the United States in 1946. In 1954 they settled in Danielson, where they built and operated a poultry farm while joining with other survivors to help establish Temple Beth Israel. Their daughter, Sherry Wiener, serves on the board of the Preservation Society, continuing her family’s deep connection to our community.
Colman (born Kalman Sztajer) and Jean (Genia) survived the Holocaust, arriving in the United States in 1946. In 1954 they settled in Danielson, where they built and operated a poultry farm while joining with other survivors to help establish Temple Beth Israel. Their daughter, Sherry Wiener, serves on the board of the Preservation Society, continuing her family’s deep connection to our community.
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In That’s How I Found Her, Jessica—an attorney and writer—tells her grandfather’s remarkable survival story with great sensitivity and respect. She traces 18-year-old Kalman’s desperate journey: escaping to Russia, then concerned for his family returning to Nazi-occupied Poland, enduring Buchenwald, and finally riding a bicycle across war-torn Europe to reunite with his young wife. Jessica shares her grandfather’s story often, ensuring that his courage, resilience, and love are never forgotten. This moving family memoir is both a testament to survival and a gift to future generations.
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Upcoming Events: Mark Your Calendar!
Gala Event - Celebrating 75 Amazing Years!
Join us to celebrate the first 75 years of Temple Beth Israel, and its legacy of religious freedom and friendship with Northeastern Connecticut’s interfaith community.
Saturday Evening October 25, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Featuring the Leslie Alexandra Quartet
This event is sold out! Thank you for your support!
Saturday Evening October 25, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Featuring the Leslie Alexandra Quartet
This event is sold out! Thank you for your support!
70th Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration
Join us as our community gathers in gratitude and friendship for the 70th Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, a cherished tradition shared by Temple Beth Israel Preservation Society and the Federated Church of Christ in Brooklyn, CT.
📅 Date: Tuesday, November 25, 2025
🕖 Time: 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Temple Beth Israel, 39 Killingly Drive, Danielson, CT
Together, we’ll lift our voices in music, prayer, and thanksgiving—celebrating the blessings of the season and the enduring bonds between our congregations and community. After the service, enjoy refreshments and fellowship—because nothing warms the spirit quite like neighbors coming together. We will welcome canned or non-perishable food items to be donated to local food pantries and cash donations for local assistance.
All are welcome. Come share in an evening of gratitude, music, and community!
📅 Date: Tuesday, November 25, 2025
🕖 Time: 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Temple Beth Israel, 39 Killingly Drive, Danielson, CT
Together, we’ll lift our voices in music, prayer, and thanksgiving—celebrating the blessings of the season and the enduring bonds between our congregations and community. After the service, enjoy refreshments and fellowship—because nothing warms the spirit quite like neighbors coming together. We will welcome canned or non-perishable food items to be donated to local food pantries and cash donations for local assistance.
All are welcome. Come share in an evening of gratitude, music, and community!