Thank You for Attending Our
70th Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service!
On Tuesday, November 25, Temple Beth Israel hosted the 70th Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, a cherished tradition shared by the Federated Church of Christ in Brooklyn, Connecticut, and the Temple Beth Israel Preservation Society. For seven decades, this gathering has stood as a meaningful expression of gratitude, unity, and neighborly fellowship.
The evening opened with a beautiful prelude performed by David Gonzalez, accompanist at the Federated Church of Christ, followed by the musical selection Ikh un di Velt, a Yiddish piece based on a poem by Abraham Reisen with music by Maurice Rausch. This opening song was performed by TBIPS President Norm Berman and board members Alicia Pion and Rachel Goldblatt—the Preservation Society Singers—who later joined the Federated Church choir in leading the evening’s musical selections.
Paula Rosenberg Bell, President Emerita of the Preservation Society, warmly welcomed the assembled guests, and Cindy Rollins offered greetings on behalf of the Federated Church. The service also featured readings of official proclamations from the Town of Killingly and the Town of Brooklyn, each recognizing the history and significance of this beloved annual gathering.
The evening opened with a beautiful prelude performed by David Gonzalez, accompanist at the Federated Church of Christ, followed by the musical selection Ikh un di Velt, a Yiddish piece based on a poem by Abraham Reisen with music by Maurice Rausch. This opening song was performed by TBIPS President Norm Berman and board members Alicia Pion and Rachel Goldblatt—the Preservation Society Singers—who later joined the Federated Church choir in leading the evening’s musical selections.
Paula Rosenberg Bell, President Emerita of the Preservation Society, warmly welcomed the assembled guests, and Cindy Rollins offered greetings on behalf of the Federated Church. The service also featured readings of official proclamations from the Town of Killingly and the Town of Brooklyn, each recognizing the history and significance of this beloved annual gathering.
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In addition to Reverend Jane Emma Newall of the Federated Church, who delivered the Call to Worship, several area clergy participated, including Rev. Zach LeCrone of the United Methodist Church in Danielson and Rev. Barbara Schreier. The Federated Church choir then led the congregation in a series of cherished selections: "We Gather Together," "Dona Nobis Pacem," "Trees of the Field," "Simple Gifts," and "Let There Be Peace on Earth."
A highlight of the evening was a heartfelt prayer of gratitude offered by Temple Beth Israel’s Alan Turner, followed by a moving benediction from Reverend Yana Cruz-Pagán of Cornerstone Baptist Church (which you can read at the links).
As in years past, the service also served as an opportunity to support the wider community. Donations exceeding $600 were collected to benefit Community Kitchens, and guests contributed nonperishable foods for the Friends of Assisi Food Pantry.
Bringing together music, prayer, community voices, and a spirit of thanksgiving, this year’s service honored a legacy of partnership and reaffirmed the shared commitment of all participating congregations to friendship, compassion, and hope.
A highlight of the evening was a heartfelt prayer of gratitude offered by Temple Beth Israel’s Alan Turner, followed by a moving benediction from Reverend Yana Cruz-Pagán of Cornerstone Baptist Church (which you can read at the links).
As in years past, the service also served as an opportunity to support the wider community. Donations exceeding $600 were collected to benefit Community Kitchens, and guests contributed nonperishable foods for the Friends of Assisi Food Pantry.
Bringing together music, prayer, community voices, and a spirit of thanksgiving, this year’s service honored a legacy of partnership and reaffirmed the shared commitment of all participating congregations to friendship, compassion, and hope.
Temple Beth Israel Celebrates 75 Years - "A House Built By Hope"
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On Saturday evening, October 25, Temple Beth Israel in Danielson celebrated a remarkable milestone — the 75th anniversary of its founding and construction. The festive gathering featured music by The Leslie Alexander Quartet, opening remarks from President Norman Berman, and moving reflections from members of the Board of Directors on the Temple’s enduring mission and legacy.
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Founded in 1950 by Holocaust survivors who rebuilt their lives on nearby farms and joined the small Jewish community of Danielson, Temple Beth Israel stands as a testament to faith, resilience, and renewal. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2013, the Temple continues to serve as “A House Built by Hope.” The Temple Beth Israel Preservation Society, led by descendants of the founders along with long-time member Dr. Elsie Fetterman, now operates a vibrant center for education, social justice, the arts, and historic preservation. Dr. Fetterman was presented with a proclamation from the Town of Killingly congratulating the Preservation Society on this important milestone. As the evening’s program noted: “Seventy-five years ago, a group of Holocaust survivors and local Jewish families built more than a synagogue — they built a legacy of learning, justice, and community. Today we celebrate their vision and continue their work with gratitude and hope.” |
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Many thanks to the evening's co-chairs: Dora Glinn and Joel Rosenberg and a dedicated crew of volunteers including Rosa Goldblatt, Sheri Abrams and Alicia Pion who helped to make the evening a great success.
Jazz in our Synagogue? Absolutely!
On May 3, 2025, TBIPS launched its first-ever concert series, Rhythm Rendezvous, with a sold-out performance by the Greg Abate Quintet. It was an unforgettable night — not just of music, but of meaning.
But what does jazz have to do with this historic synagogue?
This landmark building, proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was shaped by extraordinary people: Holocaust survivors, partisan resistance fighters, American GIs, and local business leaders. After the horrors of World War II, these immigrants came to a quiet town in rural Connecticut seeking refuge. They had lost families, homes, and the simple right to live without fear.
And yet, here — in this sacred space — they found safety. They found the freedom to heal, to rebuild, and to dream again. Welcomed by the Christian community around them, they became part of a new American story — one woven from resilience, hope, and shared humanity.
We’ve often said that this building tells a story — a story of America at its best. The jazz concert on May 3 was a living celebration of that story and of the values that continue to define us as a community and a nation.
Jazz is, after all, quintessentially American. Born at the intersection of cultures, shaped by both suffering and joy, jazz is the sound of freedom — creative, bold, and defiantly beautiful.
As critic Nat Hentoff once said, “Jazz and freedom go hand in hand.” Leonard Bernstein called it “the ultimate common denominator of the American musical style.”
It’s no coincidence that the Nazis banned jazz. They feared its roots in African American culture, its ties to Jewish innovation, and above all, its spirit — one that champions improvisation, individuality, and resistance to control.
In many ways, the spirit of jazz is the spirit of liberty itself.
The story of this building — and of those who built it — is one of resilience, renewal, and the enduring promise of America. That’s what we celebrated on May 3, and it’s a story worth telling, again and again.
But what does jazz have to do with this historic synagogue?
This landmark building, proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was shaped by extraordinary people: Holocaust survivors, partisan resistance fighters, American GIs, and local business leaders. After the horrors of World War II, these immigrants came to a quiet town in rural Connecticut seeking refuge. They had lost families, homes, and the simple right to live without fear.
And yet, here — in this sacred space — they found safety. They found the freedom to heal, to rebuild, and to dream again. Welcomed by the Christian community around them, they became part of a new American story — one woven from resilience, hope, and shared humanity.
We’ve often said that this building tells a story — a story of America at its best. The jazz concert on May 3 was a living celebration of that story and of the values that continue to define us as a community and a nation.
Jazz is, after all, quintessentially American. Born at the intersection of cultures, shaped by both suffering and joy, jazz is the sound of freedom — creative, bold, and defiantly beautiful.
As critic Nat Hentoff once said, “Jazz and freedom go hand in hand.” Leonard Bernstein called it “the ultimate common denominator of the American musical style.”
It’s no coincidence that the Nazis banned jazz. They feared its roots in African American culture, its ties to Jewish innovation, and above all, its spirit — one that champions improvisation, individuality, and resistance to control.
In many ways, the spirit of jazz is the spirit of liberty itself.
The story of this building — and of those who built it — is one of resilience, renewal, and the enduring promise of America. That’s what we celebrated on May 3, and it’s a story worth telling, again and again.
Speaking Yiddish to Chickens - 5/20/24
Click the picture below to see the recording of this engaging conversation!
Mayday! May Day! A Besere Velt Concert 5/4/24
Click the picture below to watch A Besere Velt Yiddish Chorus in concert with two leaders of the Klezmer revival (Judy Bressler and Hankus Netsky) and our very own Norm Berman!
Community Seder - 4/14/24
