

Melissa Bernstein and her husband Doug were married at Temple Israel, all six of their children have become b’nei mitzvah here, and they are co-founders of the toy company Melissa & Doug. Most recently, Melissa is the author of her first book Lifelines, which reveals her struggles with depression and anxiety. We will delve into Melissa’s journey of self-discovery and her mission to help others on their path inward so they too can transform darkness into light.
Advanced registration for this Zoom Meeting is required. After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email which contains information about joining the meeting.
Past Conversations



for well over a century. Together we will explore the nature
of antisemitism today on both the political right and the
political left.

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Jonathan Steinberg grew up at Temple Israel; he and his family have been members since 1997. Jonathan was recently elected to his sixth term as State Representative for the 136th District, which covers most of Westport. We will touch on some of Rep. Steinberg’s top legislative priorities: CT’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, transportation, energy policy, and more.
Advanced registration for this Zoom Meeting is required. After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email which contains information about joining the meeting.

Advanced registration for this Zoom Meeting is required. After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email which contains information about joining the meeting.

Advanced registration for this Zoom Meeting is required. After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email which contains information about joining the meeting.

Rabbi Friedman and Rev. Morehouse of the Unitarian Church in Westport will moderate conversation with the Chiefs of our two local police departments. At a time when so many are working for racial justice, the focus of this evening will be on ensuring that the values of our communities are reflected in the way our communities are policed.
Advanced registration for this Zoom Meeting is required. After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email which contains information about joining the meeting.

Sun Jan 17 | 1p
As we are still shaken by last week’s events at the Capitol, and as we look ahead to next week’s inauguration, we have the opportunity to engage this weekend with Rep. Jim Himes. Rabbi Friedman and Rabbi Wiederhorn of The Conservative Synagogue of Westport will moderate this conversation which will touch on topics such as the legislative agenda for a new administration and Congress, our concerns for the current state of political discourse and activism, the future of the Democratic and Republican parties, and more.
Advanced registration for this Zoom Meeting is required. After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email which contains information about joining the meeting.

The development of the Covid-19 vaccine has given rise to many questions. Anne Diamond, President of Bridgeport Hospital, and Dr. Zane Saul, infectious disease specialist at Bridgeport Hospital — both of whom are members of Temple Israel — will help us explore the changing ethics of healthcare in the current moment, and to gain an understanding about the issues that drive our healthcare system.
Advanced registration for this Zoom Meeting is required. After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email which contains information about joining the meeting.