Lauren Weber, author “In Cheap We Trust,” a new book about American culture, will speak and sign copies of her work on Sunday, March 21, at 9:30 a.m. at Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek in Chester.
Author Lauren Weber
Ms. Weber’s work about thrift – subtitled, “The Story of a Misunderstood American virtue,” has received much praise nationally. Sylvia Nasar, author of “A Beautiful Mind,” says, “What’s the fine line between thrift and stinginess, self-control and compulsion, purpose and obsession? Lauren Weber’s fresh take on the quirky side of saving and spending couldn’t be timelier.”
Time magazine columnist Joel Stein writes, “This book has a far better chance of making cheapness socially acceptable than Ben Franklin, Jack Benny, and my father combined.” John Robbins, author of “The New Good Life,” says, “If you want to lighten your footprint while deepening the quality of your life, you’ll love this book.”
Ms. Weber, a former staff reporter for Reuters and Newsday, is the daughter of members of Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek.
In her book she writes of her father, David, a retired economics professor at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy– about how he always kept the thermostat at 50 degrees, and, behind the wheel of his thrifty sedan, coasted to stop so as not to wear out brake linings. She found herself, later in life, adopting similar tactics. At the same time, the book also addresses the stereotyping of immigrant groups in terms of spending habits – including Jewish and Chinese immigrants.
CBSRZ is located at 55 East Kings Highway in Chester. For more information or directions, please call 860-526-8920.
Links:
Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek
In Cheap We Trust on Amazon.com
From a press release:
Chester, CT, January 15, 2010 — Residents of shoreline communities who have thought of joining a local synagogue have a unique opportunity to do so over the next few months for a small fee.
Congregation Beth Shalom in Chester is once again offering a “gateway” membership, which costs $36 for an individual or family, and, through July 1, offers the same benefits as any member of the congregation receives.
Though the synagogue welcomes members and non-members to Shabbat services and other events, only members and Gateway members are entitled to reduced tuition rates in our Religious School and the services of the staff and Rabbi Rachel Goldenberg.
Trudy Ripin, the membership committee chairman, says, “The people who participated in our Gateway program last year have had a great experience. It is a fantastic opportunity to reconnect to Judaism, make new friends, experience being part of a vibrant Jewish community, and enjoy all the programs and services we offer.”
For more information, please call the office at 860.526.8920 or visit www.cbsrz.org. Congregation Beth Shalom is located at 55 East Kings Highway in Chester.
From a press release:
The Avodah Dance Ensemble Comes to Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek January 15th
Of that performance troupe, reporter Justine Sutton writes, “Seeing the New York-based Avodah Dance Ensemble is an edifying cultural experience. Besides providing riveting entertainment, the group brings history, poetry, and critical social issues to life.”
Accompanied by jazz percussionist Newman Taylor Baker, the dancers will use movement and dance to interpret texts from the Torah. As the story of the Jewish people being freed from Egypt is read, the dancers will connect the themes to those of the Civil Rights movement. Audience members will have a chance to dance as well.
The Shabbat service will be held at Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek in Chester, CT on Friday January 15th, at 7:30PM. This program, which will also feature CBSRZ’s full choir, will be followed with refreshments. The synagogue is located at 55 East Kings Highway in Chester. Please feel free to call 860.536.8920 or visit www.cbsrz.org with any questions.
Dr. Mel Goldstein will be in Chester on January 17th at Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek
WTNH TV’s Dr. Mel Goldstein is coming to Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek in Chester on Sunday, January 17th at 9:30 a.m. to talk about his new book Dr. Mel’s Connecticut Climate Change.
The event is free and open to the public. Dr. Mel will sign copies of the book, which will be on sale at the event.
Dr. Mel has served as WTNH-TV’s chief meteorologist since 1986, and has been a member of the faculty at Western Connecticut State University since 1970. He established the Bachelor’s program in meteorology at Western, the only program of its kind in the state.
Dr. Mel’s appearance is part of the synagogue’s long-running Books & Bagels Series, which has featured many best-selling authors for over 15 years. Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek is located at 55 East Kings Highway in Chester.
For more information please contact the synagogue at 860-526-8920.
Links:
Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek
Click for Ridge's Book on Amazon
In the harrowing days after 9/11, Tom Ridge was given the task by the White House of protecting America from further terrorist attacks. It was a singularly daunting task – as outlined in his new book, “The Test of Our Times: America Under Siege and How We Can Be Safe Again.”
Ridge will talk about the book at Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek, in Chester, on Thursday, Dec. 10, at 7:30 p.m. in a free program open to the public. A signing and reception will follow.
The book, written with Lary Bloom, of Chester, has been critically acclaimed. Stephen Brill, author and founder of Court TV, writes, “Tom Ridge’s inside account of the rock-and-a-hard-place choices our country had to make in the aftermath of 9-11 is a great read – and an eye-opening tour through the thicket of policy, bureaucratic and political hurdles a robust democracy faces when it confronts these choices.”
Washington Times columnist Tony Blankley writes the book is “a shrewd, unsparingly honest assessment of the mistakes and successes of the author and the rest of the Bush Administration’s homeland security efforts. Even more valuable, it provides vital, specific guidance to the current administration and the public on securing our country while protecting our freedoms.”
Among Ridge’s prescriptions for improving American security are some surprising measures, including a few that he will focus on during his Chester appearance. He is particularly concerned about U.S. relations with the Muslim world. He believes that there can be no real American security without economic and cultural partnerships with societies we haven’t traditionally embraced. At the same time, he argues that Israel’s security – a great priority for him – will not be threatened but such partnerships, but enhanced.
Ridge came to the post of Secretary of Homeland Security after seven years as governor of Pennsylvania, and, for twelve years before that, a congressman from the state. He also served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, and was the recipient of two Bronze Stars for heroism.
Ridge’s Chester appearance is part of the synagogue’s long-running Books & Bagels Series. Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek is located at 55 East Kings Highway in Chester. The program is free, but the synagogue asks that reservations be made. Please call 860.526.8920.
Rabbi Rachel Goldenberg of Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek presents a check to Camp Hazen YMCA June 17th to support youth programs. From left to right, Rabbi Goldenberg, Rona Malakoff, & Denise Learned
CHESTER — Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek in Chester made a donation to Camp Hazen YMCA on June 17th to provide financial assistance to youth attending the camp’s Summer Resident and Day Camp Programs.
“Camp Hazen YMCA believes that everyone, regardless of ability to pay, should have the opportunity to benefit from Camp Hazen YMCA’s character building programs. Thanks to support from individuals and organizations like Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek we will continue to make a positive impact in the lives of youth who may not otherwise be able to afford to attend camp.” said Denise Learned, Executive Director of Camp Hazen YMCA.
Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek, located in Chester, has supported Hazen’s campership programs for over 10 years. “I grew up with YMCA and YWCA camps and programs so I know every child can benefit from a Hazen camping experience. This donation will open the opportunity to more local children to attend Hazen.” said Rabbi Goldenberg.
Camp Hazen YMCA is an independent YMCA, located on Cedar Lake in Chester, offering Resident Camping, Day Camp, and Vacation Camp to youth throughout Connecticut. In 2008 over 1500 youth will attended summer programs with an additional 8000 youth participating in year round group camping, leadership/team building, and environmental programs.
Working closely with families, schools, and local social services organizations, Camp Hazen YMCA will provide youth over $180,000 in need-based financial assistance for the 2009 summer programs. Funds for camperships are supported by Camp Hazen’s annual Strong Kids Campaign and grants from foundations, corporations, and organizations like Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek.
Links:
Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek
Camp Hazen
