A Message from The President

The arrival of spring and the promise of Pesach inspire us with the potential for renewal and redemption. We have endured, and thankfully survived, what was possibly the most challenging winter of our lives—not caused by weather, but by conditions of historic proportion. Despite a raging pandemic, a tumultuous political environment and unresolved social justice concerns, we still reflect on the reasons, however simple, to be grateful. 

I am particularly grateful that my role as Congregation Mishkan Israel president affords me the opportunity to make regular visits to our historic and magnificent synagogue building.  I hope we can gather there together soon. 

As I walk through the welcoming halls, view the spectacular artwork, linger at the doors of the glorious sanctuary and drop by the comfortable chapel, I am constantly inspired and in awe of the splendor of our spiritual home. Beyond the visual feast, the walls of CMI contain the sacred memories of congregants and their loved ones who came before us.  The names and dates of passing of parents, grandparents, teachers, friends and family members are lovingly preserved for many generations on beautiful bronze memorial plaques.  Our plaques reflect the lives of the CMI community, from the earliest 19th Century congregants and those they honored, to many for whom we have celebrated only one or two Yahrzeits.

Observing Yahrzeit, the anniversary of one’s death, is a mitzvah and a sacred act. The custom of burning a memorial lamp for 24 hours to observe a loved one’s anniversary of death can be traced to the Middle Ages among Ashkenazi Jews.  Lighting a candle or memorial lamp is a sign of reverence for the deceased, and in modern Jewish life, one of the most widely observed customs throughout the world.

At CMI, on the Shabbat nearest their Yahrzeit, the names of departed loved ones are recited in the synagogue just before praising God’s name in the ancient Aramaic words of the Kaddish.  At the same time, our extraordinary CMI staff ensures that the light on each memorial plaque is lit in observance of the Yahrzeit anniversaries of the week. This practice takes place weekly and we hope will continue in perpetuity.

Please know that there is always room for you to add the name of your loved one(s) to our hallowed walls and ensure that, as our congregations flame burns bright, they too will have light lit in remembrance each year. Our hope is that people won’t simply walk down our hallways but will pause to remember and reflect upon those who came before us.

I am grateful to be part of this sacred community that has endured for 180 years, built by those whose memories and stories serve as our foundation. As we remember those who came before us, may we find hope and the courage to persevere during this time through the support of our sacred CMI community.

Anyone may choose to preserve the memory of their loved one for a donation of $500 for an individual plaque, or $450 each if purchasing more than one. You may order memorial plaques online through your ShulCloud account (cmihamden.org/donate). As we continue to celebrate 180 years as a congregation, please consider preserving the memory of your loved ones on CMI plaques.  By doing so they become a special part of our congregation’s celebrated history.