Growing Up Jewish

DANBURY — At the latest in the series of “Growing Up Jewish In…” talks at Congregational B’nai Israel, Marina and Valery Polykov, who now live with their two children in Bethel, will be sharing their experience growing up Jewish in the former Soviet Union, where any kind of religious observance was prohibited, as well as their first introduction to Jewish customs and ceremony when they emigrated to Italy.

This series features various speakers who grew up in parts of the world, as well as in this country, where being Jewish was unusual and where it was often necessary to struggle to maintain their identity. It is part of the ongoing Jewish Experience series that Congregational B’nai Israel has been offering for several years. Upcoming talks till take the audience to “Growing Up in Iran…South Africa…Romania…Canada, Martha’s Vineyard,” among other places. The last one recalled “Growing Up Jewish in Texas.”

The program, which is open to the public, will take place on Sunday, May 18, from 11 am to 1 pm, at Congregational B’nai Israel, 193 Clapboard Ridge Road. There is no charge.