As the days get shorter and the nights get longer, TI’s Program Committee is planning more activities, many with a focus on Jewish holidays for the 2022-23 program year.
Holiday Programming
Following a joyous High Holiday season, Tikvat Israel will kick off Chanukkah with our second annual Chanukkah in the Hoods running from Dec. 18 through Dec. 23. Chanukkah in the Hoods features a travelling Chanukiah with guest lighters (including Rabbi Israel) set up at the homes of TI congregants in various neighborhoods. All are welcome to these public lightings, accompanied by delicious snacks and singing of Chanukkah songs.
As a special treat, TI is hoping to schedule a lighting in a prominent spot in Rockville such as Pike & Rose or Town Center. Stay tuned for more details.
Chanukkah celebrations will continue with TI’s annual Latke and Lights hosted at TI by Cantor Helzner on Dec. 20 at 5:15 p.m. The event will be open to all and feature activities that promise to be fun for young and old alike. To close out Chanukkah, TI will host a Family Fun Day on Dec. 25. Check B’kesher for more details.
Continuing with TI’s holiday-focused programming, robust Shabbat experiences are being planned. Details will be published in B’kesher on the following programs:
- Quarterly Shabbat dinners for congregants. If you had fun at the Shabbat in the Sukkah dinner on Oct. 14, sign up for additional dinners throughout the winter and spring.
- Torah study on most Shabbats.
- PJ Havdalah, hosted by the ECC, open to the entire congregation throughout the fall and winter (pajamas optional for adults).
Social Action Activities
Tikvat Israel will continue its vigorous support of the broader community by staging several Social Action activities including:
- A Red Cross blood drive on Nov. 9.
- Stepping Stones food deliveries to the TI parking lot (intended for the homeless shelter) on Nov. 9.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day volunteer activities on Jan. 16.
Cultural Programming
Finally, if you are still looking for something to do, consider attending various cultural activities including:
- Anne Kaiser’s annual preview of the upcoming state legislative session in Annapolis. A member of the state legislature and a congregant, Kaiser will share her thoughts about what is likely to be one of the most exceptional state legislative sessions in years as issues such as voting rights, criminal justice reform, paid leave expansion and abortion rights might be under consideration. Join us for coffee and doughnuts and Anne’s talk at 10 a.m. on Dec. 4.
- The Israeli Film Festival at Tikvat Israel. TI will once again partner with the Israeli Embassy to screen Israel’s best contribution to the world of film. Join us for the screening and post-film discussion on Jan. 21 and 28 (snow date, Feb. 4). Keep an eye on B’kesher for details.
- Tikvat Israel U. On Feb. 26, TI will host this popular event in person for the first time in three years. Tikvat Israel U features TED-Talk style presentations by experts among TI’s own congregants. If you have something to contribute, contact Sally Kram at sallykram939@gmail.com to volunteer your talents.
Volunteer Organizers
We always are looking for program planners. If you want to contribute your ideas and energy, contact Sally Kram.
