Clergy, Political Leaders & Community Gather at Temple Israel Westport To Stand With Israel
A standing room only crowd of more than 900 people gathered on Monday night to show solidarity with the people of the State of Israel after the savage brutality they endured over the weekend.
Photos: Screenshots via Temple Israel Live Feed. Story by J.C. Martin. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The somber event displayed the gravity of what has happened as members of the clergy from the Jewish community were joined in prayer with Senator Richard Blumenthal and Governor Ned Lamont, who had attended several such events that day. Leaders of both the U.S. and of Israel have both expressed that this day was the worst in the history of Israel with the greatest number of fatalities since at one time since the holocaust.
The event was hosted by the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County and Temple Israel, along with The Conservative Synagogue, B'nai Israel and Chabad of Westport as well as Jewish congregations from all over Fairfield County.
The first to speak was Carin Savel, CEO of Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County (above left) followed by opening remarks by Rabbi Michal S. Friedman of Temple Israel (center). Next, a young man named Ofek Moscovich, (right) the Federation’s Shaliach (emissary from Israel) spoke about Israeli Memorial Day and the fact that most Israelis eventually have someone that they loved who died in service to the country and who is honored on Israeli Memorial Day.
A Prayer for the State of Israel was led by Ofek Moscovich, Rabbi Elana Nemitoff-Bresler (Temple Israel) Rabbi Sarah Marion (Congregation B’nai Israel Bridgeport) Rabbi Ita Paskind (Temple Beth El Norwalk) Rabbi Jason Greenberg (Temple Shalom Norwalk). This was followed by Cantor Julia Cadrain, Cantor Becky Mann, and Cantor Jessica Silverberg who led moments of music. Cantor Mann played guitar. Cantor Silverberg is from TCS, and Cantor Mann and Cantor Cadrain are from Temple Israel.
Senator Blumenthal than spoke passionately about his commitment to supporting Israel in providing what they need to defend the nation. He, like many in the audience, had relatives in Israel, his were cousins who were on their way to their join their units in whatever deployments that will soon begin.
The Senator was followed by Governor Lamont who was eloquent as well in his condemnation of the atrocities and firm in his determination to help support our Israeli allies who have suffered so much. Those impassioned speeches were followed by more solemn music by Lu Yehi along with the Cantors. Next, remarks by Carin Savel expressing gratitude to the Senator, Governor and all the local elected officials, of which many were in attendance. Psalm 121 was performed. A prayer for the hostages was then given by Rabbi Josh Ranter and Rabbi Colin Brodie. All in attendance then joined for the Mourner's Kaddish, prayer which is given immediately following a death, the anniversary of a loved one's death, spoken collectively and serves as an affirmation of Jewish faith as well as a reminder that no mourner is alone in their grief.
Photos: Screenshots via Temple Israel Live Feed. Story by J.C. Martin. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
After a moment of silence there was a last musical performance by Cantors Becky Mann and Julia Cadrain. Closing remarks where presented by Rabbi Evan Schultz. Congregation B'nai Israel Bridgeport and Rabbi Zachary A. Plesent of Temple Israel.
The night came to an end with everyone in the sanctuary singing Hatikvah a 19th century poem which is the National Anthem of the State of Israel.
Security for the event was quite apparent, with a Westport PD patrol car's flashing lights visible through the sanctuary window behind the speakers. Temple Israel Executive Director Bryan Bierman organized logistics and engaged private security on site as well.
Countries all over the world proudly displayed the flag of The State Of Israel. At left, #10 Downing St., London, center, Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate, nest, Paris City Hall.
How You Can Help - Statement From The Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County:
When collective action is needed, Jewish Federations are there. Now, more than ever, our friends and family in Israel need your support.
We have opened the Swords of Iron Fund to support Israel. Your donation will be combined with the gifts of your neighbors and friends and will help victims of terror and provide trauma support.
Am Yisrael Chai. Click below to donate To The Swords Of Iron
https://shalomct.salsalabs.org/SwordsofIronFundraisingForm/index.html
Style, Glitz, Glamor And Artistry Abound At MoCA Westport Surrealist Soireé
On Saturday, MoCA Westport hosted its first community fundraiser in four years; the very first at their home at 19 Newtown Turnpike, Westport. The art center moved from it's small Riverside Ave location in 2019 when they began a one year renovation of the former Martha Stewart studios after a over one year major renovation.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The Surrealist Soireé brought together 150 guests to celebrate and provide critical support arts programming in our community.
Guests arrived as their surrealist selves and donned outfits that evoked the theme of the evening. They were delighted by an aerialist and stilt walking performers, and were able to enjoy the current exhibition Purvis Young: This is the Life I See, on loan from the Collection of Lynne and Jack Dodick.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
MoCA Westport is committed to fostering connections through the arts by presenting inclusive, inspiring, and diverse experiences.
Specifically, its fundraiser was organized to ensure that the museum can continue to offer meaningful and thought-provoking art exhibitions, a truly unique selection of world music, classical, folk, and jazz performances, and a broad assortment of art classes for all ages and abilities, while ensuring that their programs are accessible to all.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
To learn more about upcoming exhibits, concerts and events visit: MoCAWestport.org
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Westport Police Department Announces Arrest In Saugatuck Shots Fired Incident
WPD Press Release, 10.6.23
On October 6th, a 17-year-old juvenile from Stratford was arrested at Manson Youth Institute for the July 11th shots fired incident in Saugatuck. The youth is currently incarcerated at Manson following a previous arrest by another agency. The arrest came after a lengthy investigation by the Detective Bureau involving multiple interviews and search warrants.
The teen was charged with: Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm
Conspiracy to Commit Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm
Reckless Endangerment 1st. Breach of Peace
Conspiracy to Commit Reckless Endangerment 1st
Conspiracy to Commit Breach of Peace.
He is scheduled to appear in Bridgeport Juvenile Court on October 13th. We anticipate additional arrests.
Earthplace Hosts Woodside Bash Complete With Great Food, Music And A Mechanical Bull Challenge
Guests gathered during the evening at the Woodside Bash signature bonfire.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The festive autumn banner has for years welcomed guests to Earthplace Fall events.
It was a beautiful night for Earthplace’s annual fundraiser - The Woodside Bash! Guests feasted on a delicious harvest dinner from Harbor Harvest and sipped on spiced apple margarita cocktails. Fairfield county’s favorite rock band, Pimpinella, played all the favorite classics
The mechanical bull was busy much of the night. Guests eagerly cued up to see how long they could stay on the bull. Most took to the "saddle" highly confident of their ability, however in the end each rider met the same fate. The bucking bull easily and unceremoniously tossed each intrepid "cowboy or cowgirl", to the ground. In fact, there were far more "cowgirls" than "cowboys".
The photos above show the confident start and less than graceful finish of the bull rider challenge.
The winner of the longest time on the bull walked away with a $100 gift card provided by Black Bear Wine and Spirits. We are already looking forward to next years event!
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Guests enjoying the delicious food from Harbor Harvest while listening to the sounds of Pimpinella.
While some riders lasted longer than others, including the winner of the $100 gift card provided by Black Bear Wine and Spirits, the end of the ride was pretty much the same for everyone.
The welcoming bonfire became a gathering spot for guests after enjoying their dinners.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.