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, JUNE 1

Southbury, CT (virtual) – “How lessons from the LGBTQ+ movement help to foster proud Jewish identity,” a conversation with author Ben Freeman (Jewish Pride: Rebuilding a People) and Jewish activist Steven Goldstein, 8 p.m. on Zoom. Hosted by Federation for Jewish Philanthropy of Upper Fairfield County, Jewish Federation of Western CT, The Jewish Federation of Eastern CT. Register at jewishphilanthropyct.salsalabs.org.

Springfield, MA – Springfield JCC Virtual Author Talk with Brad Aronson, author of HumanKind: Changing the World One Small Act at a Time, about the outpouring of “humankindness” his family received when his wife Mia was diagnosed with leukemia, 7-8 p.m., Virtual Link: https://springfieldjcc.wufoo.com/forms/r1ondzst0ji3564/ Website: https://www.springfieldjcc.org/culture/literatour/ Contact: Bev Nadler: arts@springfieldjcc.org.

FRIDAY, JUNE 3

Greenwich, CT – Making Music with J Babies. J Babies is partnering with Jewish preschools in Greenwich to bring the community a fun Shabbat experience. At Chabad of Greenwich. Best for children up to 2.5 years of age. Information: ujajcc.org. Registration a must.

SATURDAY, JUNE 4

Florence, MA – Kirtan Tikkun Shavuot Concert with the Kirtan Rabbi Andrew Hahn. A night of spiritually uplifting music to relight our inner light; 7 – 9 p.m.,followed by a cheesecake oneg and optional late-night learning led by rabbis and leaders, in Beit Ahavah sanctuary, 130 Pine St., co-sponsored by Beit Ahavah and Brattleboro Area Jewish Community FREE, donations accepted at: https://www.facebook.com/events/509622234194008 

Springfield, MA – Community Tikkun Leil Shavuot (Shavuot study session) with guest speaker Dr. Joel Hoffman, who will discuss “Four Exiles and Four Spiritual Revolutions,” a whirlwind tour of 3,000 years of Judaism focusing on 3 spiritual revolutions and the exiles that led to each, as well as the most recent revolution: modern Judaism; live streamed and in-person at Sinai Temple, 1100 Dickinson St., and co-sponsored by Temple Beth El; followed by a Shavuot festival service. Contact: Lisa at llaudato@tbespringfield.org.

West Hartford, CT – Shavuot Night Live (SNL)! 9:45 p.m. – 7 a.m.. A night of fun hosted by JTConnect (together with USY, BBYO, NCSY and West Hartford YI) that puts a new twist on the tradition of staying up all night on the first night of Shavuot to engage in different types of study. The all-nighter will include numerous opportunities to learn with local thinkers and enjoy delicious treats throughout the night, including breakfast for dinner, games, late night BBQ and more. To be held at Young Israel of West Hartford (drop off around the corner on Seneca Rd; parking lot will be closed for program). RSVP by May 31. Information/registration: cara@jtconnect.org. 

MONDAY, JUNE 6

Greenwich, CT (Zoom) – Rosh Chodesh for Women and Men, 7:30 p.m. on Zoom. A “siyum” (conclusion) to our year of learning, hosted by Congregation Shir Ami. Information: congregationshirami.org. 

Litchfield, CT – On the last day of Shavuot, Chabad Lubavitch of NWCT will hold a Yizkor memorial service at 9:30 a.m. Rabbi Eisenbach will the service at 69 West Street. All community members who wish to attend Yizkor are welcome to join the community in remembering their loved ones. 

THURSDAY, JUNE 9

Southbury, CT – Love & Knishes Luncheon with a musical performance by Jack Lynn aka JackSingsDino who will sing the great tunes made famous by Dean Martin and his ‘Rat Pack’ pals from the late ‘40s, 50s and 60s; lunch at 12 noon, followed by performance at 1. At Jewish Federation of Western CT, 444 Main St. N. Register at jfed.net. $10

West Hartford, CT – The 2022 Annual Meeting of the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford will feature “Remembering Abe Ribicoff: Lessons for Today.” A program about the career of New England’s first Jewish governor. The program will be preceded by a brief business meeting. Proof of vaccination required. Bring your vaccination card. Register at: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/xWdLeIgPoJrcXxP6rRQuxA

FRIDAY, JUNE 10

Springfield, MA – Bounce into Shabbat! 5-6 p.m. Family-friendly program will include: Shabbat singing, bounce houses (ages 3+), playground play, light kosher supper (prepared by Zev Attias). Adult beverages available for adults. Schmooze and get to know other families at Springfield JCC, 1160 Dickinson St. Pre-registration equired. Presented by PJ Library Western Massachusetts and the Springfield JCC Virtual Link: https://springfieldjcc.wufoo.com/forms/srtjexu0eta6mo/

SUNDAY, JUNE 12

Bloomfield, CT – “Saying Goodbye to Gabb Road,” 12 noon-4 p.m. Students, parents and teachers say goodbye to the facility that was the Bess & Paul Single Hebrew Academy of Greater Hartford, as the school, which has since merged with the New England Jewish Academy prepares to welcome its lower division to the West Hartford campus; a family event featuring a BBQ and games. Special guest is the Academy’s longer serving principal, Rabbi Baruch Hilsenrath. Information: gabbroad@neja.org. 

Worcester, MA – PJ Library’s Book Mitzvah, 13 years in Central Mass., a free community-wide celebration with a live DJ dancing, activities, crafts, caricature artist, henna artist, food and more, for families of all ages, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., rain or shine, at Congregation Beth Israel, 15 Jamesbury Drive, mhall@jfcm.org.

New England (Zoom) – “Lakes, Lanyards, and Learning: The Story of New England Jewish Summer Camps,” presented by the New England Jewish History Collaborative; 3-4:30 p.m.; hosted on Zoom by the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center. Join the New England Jewish History Collaborative for a fascinating event exploring the story of Jewish summer camps in New England. The program begins with a talk by Jonathan Krasner, PhD, of Brandeis University, examining the history and evolution of American Jewish camps in the 20th century and discussing their generational impact on Jewish life and identity. For reservations and information: jewishheritagecenter.org. 

SUNDAY, JUNE 12 – TUESDAY, JUNE 14

Greenwich, CT – David Film Festival presents “Greener Pastures: Making Hay Out of Weed?” Dov, a 75-year old widower, is forced by his family to move to a nursing home. All he can think about is buying back his old house. When he notices that his fellow residents smoke legal medical cannabis, he realizes how to make hay out of weed – by selling it. Information/tickets: ujajcc.org. $9

MONDAY, JUNE 13

Greenwich, CT (Zoom) –  “Essential Jewish Conversation,” 7:30 p.m. on Zoom, hosted by Congregation Shir Ami. Information: congregationshirami.org. 

Stamford, CT – The Golden Ticket Series presents “Monday in the Library with Sondheim,” songs from some of his most iconic musicals, Including “Sunday in the Park with George,” “Follies,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Company” and more; Broadway legend Jack Viertel narrates the history behind the songs of this iconic Jewish composer. At 7 p.m. Hosted by UJA-JCC Greenwich at the Ferguson Library. Tickets: In advance, $60; at the door, $60. For information: ujajcc.org. 

THURSDAY, JUNE 16

Avon, CT – “Speaking of Jewish” with keynote speaker Kivi Bernhard, author of Leopardology: The Hunt for Profit in a Tough Global Economy, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at a private home in Avon, CT; address provided upon registration. Hosted by the Jewish will discuss how to live out our Jewish values in the workplace. Attendees will receive a copy of his book, which he will sign at the conclusion of the program. Attendees must be fully vaccinated and should bring masks for indoor needs (washroom, etc.). Kosher hors d’oeuvres, drinks, dessert. Presented by Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford $36/person (not tax deductible). 

FRIDAY, JUNE 17

Greenwich, CT – Beach Shabbat Service and Installations hosted by Congregation Shir Ami will be held at Tod’s Point. Installation of the congregation’s new officers and our new Rabbi David Levy; a thank you to Cantor Abramson for her commitment and leadership of Shir Ami, and a baby naming! Information: congregationshirami.org.

MONDAY, JUNE 20 – FRIDAY, JUNE 24

West Hartford, CT – JTConnect, a program for Hartford area Jewish teens, will host the group’s Second Annual Summer of Service, June 20 – 24, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The week-long program is geared towards incoming 7th-10th graders who want a meaningful and social Jewish experience. The day will start with teens working on service projects with local organizations that serve people and communities in need. After their morning of work, the teens will enjoy an afternoon of interactive actives, such as navigating a high ropes course, playing bubble soccer and kayaking on the Connecticut River. Cost: $200 ($160 if registered by May 1). Financial aid is available; no teen is turned away owing to a lack of funds. Drop-off and pick-up from Congregation Beth Israel in West Hartford For information: jtconnect.org/SOS or contact cara@jtconnect.org.

TUESDAY, JUNE 21

Springfield, MA – Springfield JCC Annual Meeting, 5:30-7 p.m., 1160 Dickinson St., Contact: bnadler@springfieldjcc.org or (413) 739-4715.

SUNDAY, JUNE 26

Greenwich, CT – PJ Library Family Fun Day; 3 – 4:30 p.m.; An afternoon of food, friends and fun. Ice cream truck, comedy and bubble show by Mr. Bungles, animals and face painting. Hosted by UJA-JCC of Greenwich, One Holly Hill Lane. Information: ujajcc.org. $36/family

West Chesterfield, MA – PJ Library visits Hilltown Sled Dogs, 10 a.m. – 12 noon. Explore nature andlearn about sled dogs and about Jewish teachings concerning being kind to animals, includes a Yard Tour, Hike with a Husky, Playtime in the Pens and demonstration of mushing; For more information, including fee, contact ebarber@springfieldjcc.org or (646) 391-3553; RSVP by June 24.

Worcester, MA – Shir Joy Chorus’ Virtual final concert of 2022, with several selections from Ukrainian composers, 7 p.m. Information: Shirjoychorus.com.

MONDAY, JUNE 27

Longmeadow, MA – 41st Annual Frankel Kinsler Classic Day of Tournaments, fundraiser for JGS Lifecare, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., 8 p.m. at Twin Hills Country Club, 700 Wolf Swamp Road. Enjoy fun, food and friendship to support the care of the community’s elders. Register online and receive the virtual link: https://jgslifecare.org/ways-to-give/frankel-kinsler-classic-day-of-tournaments/ For more information, call (413) 567-3949, ext. 3533 or email shalpern@jgslifecare.org.