Guests at a recent Beth Hillel Synagogue Brotherhood and Sisterhood breakfast in Bloomfield were treated to a fascinating talk by Community shaliach (Israel emissary) Raz Newman, who discussed his role as a canine trainer in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Newman served in Oketz, an elite IDF combat unit that selected and trained German Shepherds, Belgian Shepherds, and other breeds of dog, who were then used in various capacities to keep Israelis safe. Newman, who arrived at the JCC in West Hartford this past fall, plans to spend two years here enhancing the connection between the Greater Hartford Jewish community and Israel.