A calendar of events throughout Connecticut and Western & Central Massachusetts. 

Local Jewish community organizations are invited to submit events to the calendar. Events must be received one week prior to the bi-weekly publication of the Ledger. Send submissions to Ledger editor in chief Judie Jacobson at judiej@jewishledger.com. We reserve the right to edit calendar items.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9

New Haven, CT (Zoom) – “COVID-19, Where are we now? Data from the US and Israel” with Epidemiologist Dan Weinberger, a professor at the Yale School of Public Health, 7:30 p.m. Hosted by Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel. For Zoom link: office@beki.org, (203)389-2108 x114.

Stamford, CT – Annual Women’s Symposium presented by United Jewish Federation of Stamford, New Canaan and Darien & UJA-JCC of Greenwich, 9:30 a.m., at the Greenwich YMCA, 259 East Putnam Ave. Featuring: Deborah Copaken, author of Ladyparts; Courney Zoffness author of Spilt Milk, Suzanne Nose author of Dare to Speak: Defending Free Speech, and LaNitra M. Berger, author of The Radical Paradox of South African Modern Art: Audacities of Color. Masks required. Tickets: $54/person; $118/sponsorship (includes a book). Information: Diane Sloyer, dianesloyer@ujf.org for questions.

West Hartford, CT (Zoom) – “Growing up Jewish in West Hartford in the 1940s and 1950s”; 8:30 p.m. Virtual panel discussion about the decades when Jewish families started moving to West Hartford in significant numbers. Panelists: Paula Feinstein, Susan Goldberg, Daniel Kleinman, and Sandra Rulnick. Co-sponsored by Noah Webster House and West Hartford Historical Society. Registration/information: jhsgh.org.

FRIDAY, MARCH 11

Springfield, Mass. – “Bounce Into Shabbat” with PJ at the Springfield JCC, 5-6 p.m. Enjoy singing, inflatable bounce houses, food, and drink. For info: ebarber@springfieldjcc.org.

MONDAY, MARCH 14

Worcester, MA (Zoom) – Tzelem, a monthly group for LGBTQ+ teens in Central Mass. meets to talk about issues like life transitions, healthy relationships, body positivity, self-compassion, mental health, intimacy and Jewish identity; open to teens of all genders. The group will meet from 5:30 to 7 p.m. virtually.

Springfield, MA – Passover Wine Tasting & Sale at the Springfield JCC, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sample 100+ different wines. Order forms available at the JCC or at SpringfieldJCC.org. A 10% case discount will be offered for orders of 12 or more bottles. Must be 21+ to attend. Proof of vaccination required. Information: https://www.springfieldjcc.org/event/passover-wine-tasting-sale-2/ or contact Bev Nadler: bnadler@springfieldjcc.org. FREE

TUESDAY, MARCH 15

West Hartford, CT (Zoom) – “Long-Term Investment in a Period of Higher Inflation,” at 12 p.m., a Q&A with Michael Miller, principal at Crucial Partners, the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford’s investment consultant, who will answer questions about trends in the marketplace and the investment policy that guides the Foundation’s approach. Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0sfuqrrT8vHNOaeKc5z7dBMsYccN1_Q-3i. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Information: email Kathryn Gonnerman, kgonnerman@jcfhartford.org.

Springfield, MA (Zoom) – Temple Beth El Film: “Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,” 7-9 p.m. Register at: communications@tbespringfield.org. 

THURSDAY, MARCH 17

Springfield, MA (ZOOM) – Temple Beth El Film: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, 7-9 p.m. Register at: communications@tbespringfield.org. 

MONDAY, MARCH 21

Stamford, CT (venue and time TBD) – “Cultivating A Caring Soul,” three authors share how we can create a better world by caring for each other. Hosted by United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford and JCRC. Third of 3 sessions: “The Kindness Advantage: Cultivating Compassionate and Connected Children,” with authors Dale Atkins and Amanda Salzhauer. Register at: ujf.org/caringsoul. Information: slewis@ujf.org., (203) 321-1373 x104.

MARCH 24 – APRIL 10

West Hartford, CT – Hartford Jewish Film Festival presents a mix of contemporary and classic films, including “Making Trouble,” about Jewish women comedians including Sophie Tucker, and a restorations of the films “Mamle” and “Hester Street.” For information and tickets: https://hjff2022.eventive.org/welcome

MONDAY, MARCH 28

West Hartford, CT – Teen Screen at the Mandell JCC Jewish Film Festival: “They Ain’t Ready for Me” at 6:30 p.m. Open to all teens. Hosted by JTConnect and Mandell JCC. 335 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford. Reservations at: JTConnect.org/movie

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30

New Haven, CT (Zoom) – “Prayer and Liturgy at BEKI: An Ongoing Exploration with Rabbi Carl Astor,” 7:30 p.m. Rabbi Astor will lead a monthly hour-long discussion focusing on particular prayers, as well as the overall structure of the siddur, looking at the Hebrew words themselves as well as the deeper spiritual meanings of the prayers. For information: Karel Koenig, karelmk59@gmail.com. 

Storrs, CT – Comedian MODI will perform at the UConn Student Union Theatre, 7 p.m. co-sponsored by the Center for Judaic Studies and Contemporary Jewish Life and The UConn Hillel. Voted one of the top 10 comedians in New York City by The Hollywood Reporter, MODI has been featured on HBO, CBS, NBC, ABC, Comedy Central, Howard Stern, and E! Entertainment. Born in Israel, he moved to the US at the age of seven and worked as an investment banker and had no intention of becoming a stand-up comedian until one open mic night changed everything. For more information on MODI visit MODIlive.com. FREE. Reservations at: judaicstudies@uconn.edu.