The prayers of Rosh Hashanah ask of us: Are we citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven? Are we fulfilling our civic duties to that kingdom? Are we devoting enough time to the pursuit of peace – of inner peace, of filial harmony, of communal consensus, of international calm and quiet? Are we devoting enough time to the pursuit of enlightenment – to assessing our personal and professional challenges that could benefit from Torah guidance, to broadening our appreciation of the beauty of religious experience, to connecting with Hashem through prayer and through contemplating His Torah? And, if our other responsibilities somehow preclude us from fulfilling these civic duties, have we, at least, devoted proper time to regretting that?
May our prayers this Rosh Hashanah and this coming year be heartfelt, and may they be filled with integrity. And may Hashem reciprocate by granting our good wishes and showering humankind with enlightenment and with peace.
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Fairfield, Connecticut combines country living with metropolitan amenities. Within commuting distance of NYC, Stamford, and New Haven, the Fairfield Jewish community prides itself most on its members’ friendliness. Fairfield residents have two top-tier elementary schools under an hour away. Neighboring Bridgeport is crowned by a community kollel and yeshiva gedolah. Add to this attractive architecture, stunning scenery, and New England’s natural charm, and you get two types of beauty – spiritual and physical – in one great location.
Capital: Hartford
The Constitution State
He who transplanted still sustains
State Flower: Mountain Laurel
State Bird: American Robin
First Shul: Congregation Mishkan Israel of Hamden, CT was founded in 1840. It and Congregation Bnei Israel of West Hartford, CT were both incorporated in 1843, the year the Connecticut legislature first permitted public worship by Jews in the state. Beth Israel’s 1876 building is the oldest in the state.