Greater Washington Coalition For Jewish Life

11/19/2025

VIRTUAL PROGRAM ON JEWISH AND ISLAMIC LAW, NOVEMBER 23 AT 10 AM
The Greater Washington Coalition for Jewish Life (GWCJL) invites the public to attend the next virtual speaker in its ongoing Speaker Series, at 10 AM on November 23, 2025.
Professor Rabea Benhalim, Associate Professor at the University of Colorado Law School, will speak on “Jewish and Islamic Law and the Relations of Jewish and Islamic Legal Scholars.” To register for the event, email [email protected].
Professor Benhalim’s address will focus on shared features of each religion, their legal systems and their continued development within the modern American context. Her
research focuses on the development of Islamic and Jewish Law in the modern era and the application of Islamic law in Commercial contexts. Professor Benhalim currently
investigates how secular environments affect interpretations and development of religious law, especially for minority religions. She teaches law courses, including Jewish and Islamic Law.

09/30/2025

09/21/2025

As we prepare for Rosh Hashanah tomorrow, we are sharing a holiday message from Rabbi James and family. If you haven’t booked your spot, email [email protected] to let Sally know you are planning to attend.

May the year ahead bring us all health, joy, and happiness. Shana Tova Umetukah - have a sweet 5786!

07/09/2025

JEWISH FEDERATION OF WESTERN CT. – Upcoming + Ongoing
August 31, 2025
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
You will find the Federation site a useful and interesting organization to follow. Find local and large news updates, learn more about their important advocacy efforts and impact on communities and with individuals.

The Federation sponsors regular cultural, speaker and other types of programs as well. Keep abreast by keeping this link and visiting often!

The Jewish Federation of Western CT is the home office and lead voice of the Jewish community in Western Connecticut. The Federation works collaboratively with our community members and the synagogues, educational institutions and other Jewish organizations throughout our Region. Together, we can cr...

07/09/2025

COALITION READING ROOM, Lawrence Wright’s “HUMAN SCALE”
August 8, 2025
11:00 am - 12:30 pm

BE A PART OF THIS NEXT DISCUSSION, GET THE BOOK AND BEGIN READING!
OR COME TO LOIS’ TO SEE IF YOU’D WANT TO READ THIS BOOK!
OR, JUST COME TO JOIN THE VARIOUS DISCUSSIONS THAT CAN COME UP
BECAUSE SOMEONE ALWAYS WANDERS “OFF-TOPIC,” OR…

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/214537819-the-human-scal

 “The Human Scale,” by Lawrence Wright (Goodreads: 4.38 rating)
In this sweeping, timely thriller, a Palestinian American FBI agent teams up with a hardline Israeli police officer to solve the murder of the Israeli police chief in Gaza—from the Pulitzer Prize–winning author of The Looming Tower and The End of October.

Lawrence Wright populates the novel with richly drawn characters. Through these intersecting lives, Wright weaves an intricate tapestry that culminates in the devastating Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. More than a thriller, Wright& #39;s novel explores the complex history between Israel and Palestine, revealing the tragic human scale of this long-standing conflict and offering a nuanced perspective on a tragedy that continues to shape the region and the world.

Join us!

Fill out Reservation Form here
https://jewishlifect.org/events/coalition-reading-room-lawrence-wrights-human-scale/

BE A PART OF THIS NEXT DISCUSSION, GET THE BOOK AND BEGIN READING! OR COME TO LOIS’  TO SEE IF YOU’D WANT TO READ THIS BOOK! OR, JUST COME TO JOIN THE VARIOUS DISCUSSIONS THAT CAN COME UP BECAUSE SOMEONE ALWAYS WANDERS “OFF-TOPIC,” OR…

07/09/2025

FIVE POINTS ARTS CENTER, David Marks Woodworking Lab Reception
July 26, 2025
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Coalition Board Member, Kathy Marks’ late husband, David, had a passion for working with wood. A Hungarian Holocaust survivor, David settled in New York City and founded Newmark Furniture. He eventually moved to Sherman, CT where he had a workshop and spent many hours working with wood. His passion for working with wood led him to welcome novice woodworkers and mentor them.

Coalition Board Member, Kathy Marks’ late husband, David, had a passion for working with wood. A Hungarian Holocaust survivor, David settled in New York City and founded Newmark Furniture. He eventually moved to Sherman, CT where he had a workshop and spent many hours working with wood. His passio...

07/09/2025

COALITION HAVDALAH BY THE LAKE
July 19, 2025
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Our generous hosts Ted and Hannah Shear will be holding a lake observance for our late afternoon Havdalah ritual.* This special
service that ends Shabbat is full of mystical meaning and beautiful music. Together we will end Shabbat outside by the water, share poetry, readings and song to help us enter the new week, and look
ahead to the continued warmth of summer. No need to be fancy – come wearing your casual best! We will have some sweet desserts and wine to share.

Fill out reservation form here

Our generous hosts Ted and Hannah Shear will be holding a lake observance for our late afternoon Havdalah ritual.* This special service that ends Shabbat is full of mystical meaning and beautiful music. Together we will end Shabbat outside by the water, share poetry, readings and song to help us ent...

07/09/2025

JCC SHERMAN, Dinner + Simon and Garfunkel Tribute from “Unbroken Glass”
July 11, 2025
7:30 - 9:30 PM

For those of you who are Simon & Garfunkel fans, this is an evening you won’t want to miss!

Here’s the menu:
Baby Greens, Watermelon & Feta Salad with Mint
BBQ Pulled Brisket with Brioche Buns
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
Four Cheese Mac &Cheese
Summer Kale Slaw
Coffee, Tea & Dessert

And here’s how to sign up and buy tickets:

Please first click on the link below to access the site. Then click on the “Tickets” tab on the far right of the home page.

Enjoy!

OUR MISSION The mission of the JCC in Sherman is to provide high quality educational, cultural, and social programs to the local and surrounding communities. BECOME A MEMBER The JCC is a center for ALL. Join Today. FAQ What does the JCC in Sherman do? The JCC in Sherman is a gathering place for all....

07/09/2025

JOIN THE DISCUSSION: COALITION Moving Forward, Zoom Discussion
At the recent Annual Meeting, there was a lively discussion and sharing of ideas about how the Coalition might expand membership, distribute information about and increase awareness of the Coalition. There was helpful input from many and it was suggested that this important subject receive more time and discussion.

We would like to to continue the conversation and momentum with those present, as well as those who were unable to attend the Annual Meeting.

On Wednesday, July 9 th at 4:00 pm, Marian Dar and Lisa Rottmann, co-chairs of the Marketing Committee, are inviting all Coalition members to join them for a “Coalition Communications” Zoom
meeting. The more who attend, the better.

No need to RSVP, just open the link (provided in your “What’s Happening Newsletter), come and share your ideas!

At the recent Annual Meeting, there was a lively discussion and sharing of ideas about how the Coalition might expand membership, distribute information about and increase awareness of the Coalition. There was helpful input from many and it was suggested that this important subject receive more time...