Welcome to Beth El of Torrington CT

Welcome to the Web Page for Beth El Synagogue in Torrington, CT. Beth El is an egalitarian congregation affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. We trace our roots to the earliest recorded Torrington congregations started more than 100 years ago. Under the guidance of our spiritual leader, Rabbi Richard L. Eisenberg, we offer all Shabbat, holiday and life-cycle services, a religious school for children pre-kindergarten through Bar and Bat Mitzvah, youth programs, adult education, and the largest Judaic library of its kind in the area all in a welcoming and family-oriented setting. The synagogue, which this year underwent the largest renovation project undertaken in the building's nearly 60-year history, is also proudly home to the Litchfield County Chapter of Hadassah and affiliated with Sons of Jacob Cemetery, the only Jewish cemetery in Greater Torrington and one of only two throughout Litchfield County. Members also support UJA/Federation of Northwestern Connecticut. Our congregation draws members from throughout Litchfield County and beyond and is centrally located in Torrington with easy access to Route 8, 4 and 202.

Smoking
The Torah states that a person should keep away from things that cause illness and train oneself to do only things that are healthy. It is written, "For your own sake, therefore, be most careful," (Deut 4:15) and, "Take utmost care and watch yourselves scrupulously." (Deut 4:9). In Exodus 35:3, "You shall kindle no fire throughout your settlements on the sabbath day." This includes avoiding the use of matches (fire). Therefore we ask that you refrain from smoking inside or outside of Beth El Synagogue during Shabbat and Yom Tov (Holidays).

Head Coverings
To wear a head covering was the ancient Roman stigma for a servant. The Jews adopted this practice in a House of G-d and in prayer to emphasize that they were the servants of the Lord. Though never legislated by the Sages, the use of head coverings became widespread in Jewish religious practices by the 1600's. This practice became the Jewish way of showing reverence for G-d. "Cover your head, so that the reverence of Heaven be upon you" (Shabbat 156b). "It is a custom not to walk under the heavens bareheaded" (Orach Hayim 2:6). In keeping with this tradition, all men are requested to wear head coverings while in the synagogue. Head coverings are optional for women.

Tallit
The commandment in the Book of Numbers (15:37-41) calls for the attachment of fringes (Tzitzit) to four-cornered garments as a reminder of all the commandments of the Lord. The Sages encouraged the wearing of specially made four-cornered garments so as the provide the opportunity to observe the commandment. Maimonides said, "He should strive to wear a garment that requires fringes so as to perform this precept." All Jewish men are requested to wear the tallit during daytime ritual prayer services. The practice is optional for women. Non-Jews do not wear a tallit. The following is said before wrapping the tallit around oneself: Baruch ata Adonai eloheinu melech ha-olam asher kidshanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hit atef b'tzitzit.

Writing and Money
In the Torah, Israel is repeatedly warned against doing any manner of work (melakha) on the Sabbath. It is written, "You shall not do any melakha, neither you, nor your son, nor your daughter." (Exodus 20:10). Some common activities forbidden on the Sabbath because they constitute melakha include writing, erasing, drawing, painting, coloring, and typing. Money is associated with commerce and commerce is work. Therefore we ask that you refrain from handling money or writing in the synagogue on Shabbat and Yom Tov.

Yizkor (Mourner's Kaddish)
One is duty bound to honor one's closest relatives even after their death. This is accomplished by saying Kaddish for an eleven-month period for parents and a minimum of 30 days for other close relatives (spouse, children, siblings). The recitation of the Kaddish requires a minyan, or a quorum of ten Jewish adults. Kaddish is said by the mourner while standing with the feet together, thus showing reverence to G-d. The congregants who hear the Kaddish recited are required to respond with the words: Y'hai sh'mai raba m'varakh l'alam ul'almai almaya, ("may His great name be blessed forever and ever and Amen"). The Yizkor memorial prayer is uttered aloud in remembrance of the death of an immediate family member. Yizkor is recited in the synagogue on Yom Kippur and on the last day of Pesach, Shavuot, and Succot. The yahrzeit refers to the anniversary of the day of death according to the Hebrew calendar. One is obligated to recite the Kaddish on the yahrzeit day. We ask congregants to show respect to the mourners by remaining in the Sanctuary during the recitation of these special prayers.

For more questions regarding the Ritual Committee, contact CHAIRMAN LINDA PODOS