Beth El Planning Open House & Brunch

SOUTHBURY — The membership committee of Beth El Synagogue invites the Jewish community to an open house and brunch on Sunday, August 14, from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm, at the Walzer Family Jewish Community Campus, 444 Main Street North.

Congregants, friends, neighbors, and all prospective members are invited to visit and see what Beth El is all about. Attendees will be able to meet the synagogue’s board leadership and clergy, Rabbi Eliana Falk and Cantor Sharon Citrin, and learn about the exciting programs planned for the coming year.

Brunch will feature bagels and lox, tuna, white fish and pasta salads and fresh veggies, noodles, hummus, summer fruit salad, and punch. For dessert, there will be danish pastries and a make-your-own ice cream sundae bar.

Musical entertainment will include a sing-along led by Cantor Citrin and dancing. Everyone is invited to show off their skills at blowing the shofar (use the synagogue’s shofar or bring your own), and the winning members may have the honor of blowing the shofar at High Holy Day services.

Children will enjoy frosting their own cupcakes, as well as playing with toys and creating crafts. Teens can participate in a social action project to help the needy.

At 1 pm, internationally known Jewish artist Alan Falk will give an illustrated talk on his new series of works based on the Song of Songs in the Beth El sanctuary.

Guests will also be eligible to participate in a free drawing for a door prize, and new members who complete a membership application during the open house will receive a special welcome gift. High Holy Day tickets will be available for purchase to nonmembers.

There is no charge for the open house, but those who attend are asked to bring a canned good or donation for the local food bank.

Beth El is a warm and welcoming egalitarian congregation where traditional and nontraditional individuals and families feel valued as part of a growing, vital Jewish community. For additional information about the open house and information about Beth El Synagogue, contact the office at 203-264-4500 or secretary@bethelsyn.org, or visit www.bethelsyn.org.