Connect

Groups & Committees

Our community strives to offer something for everyone. Don’t see what you want to do, just ask and we will help you get it started!

Roots & Wings
A group of our parents that spearhead being in touch with our college students primarily through gift packages during some key holidays such as Chanukah and Purim and Passover. Head to our form to enter student information.

Adult Education and Programming
CBE has made a major commitment to programming, including hiring a part-time staff person dedicated to enhancing our programming. Programs have ranged from hosting Jewish comedian Liz Glazer at our Sukkot dinner to “Fabulous Fanny” for our annual Artist in Residence program to welcoming Jewish Drag Queens to celebrate Pride Shabbat.

Beth Elles
Our women’s group focuses on social events both here at CBE as well as off-site dinners and hikes.

Shabbat Dinner Committee
This group of dedicated CBE volunteers plans and guides our regular bi-monthly dinners.

Fundraising
This committee works on just what its title says: fundraising, including the Annual Campaign at Yom Kippur and the “fun”draising event of our annual Gala.

High Holiday Committee
Our High Holiday Committee works hard beginning in June each year to be sure everything goes smoothly come the Fall.

Membership Committee
In these challenging times for organized religion in general, this group coordinates with many other committees to engage current members and  encourage additional membership in our warm community.

Ritual Committee
This committee works closely with the Rabbi to explore changes and innovations in ritual policy and practice.

Security Committee
This dedicated group works with our staff to be sure we have the best security processes for our facility and make sure these are properly instituted.

Social Committee
Let’s have some fun! This is the “fun”raising (no ‘d’) arm of CBE including our annual Comedy Night.

Social Action Committee
This dedicated group is passionate about tikkun olam, repairing the world.  They offer the community a Mitzvah of the Month so we can all make a difference.

Youth Groups 

Beth El’s youth groups, open doors for Jewish teens to connect with peers in an organized and safe environment.

Kadima and USY

Teen leaders and our advisor create and lead social, cultural, religious and educational programs. These interactions among teens happen within our synagogue, as well as in the larger community and beyond.
Our youth groups are part of the Metropolitan New York region, and our teens participate in regional events.

• USY members are eligible for summer trips throughout the USA and even to Israel! 
• USY is for high school students, grades 9-12.
• KADIMA is for middle school students, grades 6 to 8.

Please contact our advisor, Sydney Goldman, for more information at 203-838-2710.

Gift and Simcha Shop

Our shop benefits the Beth El community in two important ways.

The Gift & Simcha Shop helps congregants find just the right piece of Judaica for a special celebration, and keep an ever-changing inventory of fabulous gifts and Judaic items. We have helped our customers order everything from the tallit or yad for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, to a special hanukkiah. We also take requests and orders. 

Our proceeds go directly to supporting synagogue events and celebrations, including sponsoring the celebratory kiddush lunch on Simchat Torah and donating a portion of the welcome gifts for new members.

To make an appointment at the Gift & Simcha shop, please email Nancy Oberst or Hilary Shaefitz.