Live
Beth El is here for you throughout your Jewish lives, coming together to envelop the community as you celebrate and whenever you need support.
JUMP TO: Births B Mitzvah Weddings Support End of Life
We are here for you!
Our community embraces all who want to walk through life as Jews, regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, family structure, or interfaith relationships. We are here to guide and support you as you welcome new life, celebrate B’nei Mitzvah, the engagement and marriage of members and their children (and grandchildren!), and through journeys of illness and loss. Rabbi Paskind also supports individuals and families who want to learn more about Judaism, including conversion.
Births
Mazal Tov on the birth of your little one. We are excited to share your simcha with you. If you are interested in scheduling a brit milah or baby naming, please contact the Beth El office.
Bar, Bat, and BMitzvah
One of the greatest joys at Beth El is celebrating Bar, Bat, or BMitzvah, as young people reach Jewish adulthood. This milestone is both the culmination of years of study and growth and the gateway into participation in the adult Jewish community. Students and families receive support and guidance from Rabbi Paskind throughout the process, from selecting a date through the family rehearsal and the service itself. Don’t hesitate to email to Rabbi Paskind about your upcoming simcha.
Weddings
“I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine”
–Song of Songs 6:3
The joining of two lives as one is a cause for joy and celebration. Rabbi Paskind is available to meet with and counsel couples, discuss wedding officiation, and plan an Aufruf (pronounced oof-roof), a traditional ceremony on a Shabbat morning prior to the wedding where the couple is called to the Torah for a blessing called an aliyah.
Although Conservative rabbis are only permitted to officiate at the weddings of two Jewish partners, Rabbi Paskind encourages all couples to be enveloped by the joy of the community. To learn more, email Rabbi Paskind. Mazal Tov!
Pastoral Care
Our lives are filled with joys and also challenges. Rabbi Paskind is here to support you through difficult times, hard choices, and illness. All you need to do is make a time to talk. Please email Rabbi Paskind.
Caring Committee
This team of compassionate congregants works with Rabbi Paskind to stay in touch with fellow congregants who could benefit from a phone call or a visit. Launched at the start of COVID in 2020, the committee continues to be an important part of our community. If you’re interested in joining the Caring Committee, or if you’d benefit from a phone call or visit. Please email Rabbi Paskind.
When A Death Occurs
Call Rabbi Paskind, 732.668.4417, or the synagogue office, 203.838.2710 x3. On Yom Tov and Shabbat, please leave a message for Rabbi Paskind and she will be in touch as soon as Shabbat or the holiday concludes. In the meantime, contact the funeral home of your choice to begin making arrangements.
Yizkor Book
Yizkor is said four times per year on Yom Kippur, Shemini Atzeret, Passover and Shavuot. You can find a copy of our Yizkor Book here for prayers and remembrances.
Funeral
We can help you make arrangements for a funeral in partnership with the funeral home of your choice. A funeral may take place in our sanctuary, at a funeral home, or graveside at the cemetery. Prior to the funeral, your loved one’s body will be prepared for burial with great care by a chevra kaddisha, a “holy community,” including dressing your loved one’s body in traditional shrouds.
Congregation Beth El mourns the loss of our loved ones. Your community is here for you in your time of need.
Cemetery and Funeral Homes
Beth El Memorial Park Cemetery
Beth El Memorial Park, situated in a beautiful setting on Richards Avenue in Norwalk, offers a comforting final resting place for you or your loved ones. Membership is required to purchase plots. For more information, click here or call Jody Dietch in the Beth El office (203-8383-7210 x3) or Keith Satter, Beth El Memorial Park Chair, at 203-856-5669.
Funeral Homes