Beth El and SSDS moms at the home of Gayle Temkin (seated) in West Hartford.

A group of moms from Solomon Schechter Day School (SSDS) and Beth El Temple, both in West Hartford, gathered recently at the home of Gayle Temkin for “Connections and Conversations,” a program aimed at bringing together women who share a common bond. “Sitting in a circle with women of varying backgrounds and experiences, who all shared a passion for Jewish education and a commitment to the Jewish values we give our children was empowering and inspiring to me as a woman, a rabbi, and the newest Schechter parent,” said Rabbi Ilana Garber of Beth El Temple, who led the group. “I am excited to continue to build connections and have engaging conversations as we bridge these two strong communities.”