We are getting close to the end of the Torah cycle, and this week we read in Vayelech about the transition of power from Moses to Joshua. Moses stands before the Tribes of Israel and acknowledges that he is 120 years old, not able to go out or come in and prohibited from crossing the Jordan and entering the land of Israel. He reassures the people to be strong and courageous. 

I am struck by the courage and leadership Moses displayed when it would have been so easy for him to be consumed with disappointment and regret. He was able to secure the future for his people by selecting a strong and respected successor who would lead the tribes across the river and help them achieve great things. He understood the need for the Israelites to make new memories.

As we approach Yom Kippur, we are asked to look inward and carefully review our lives, our actions, and how we have treated one another. We ask for forgiveness from G-d, but even more powerfully - and often more difficult - we must ask forgiveness from each other. I personally want to apologize to anyone I may have offended or hurt. I ask your forgiveness. 

During Yom Kippur, we remember departed loved ones by reciting the Yizkor service. We also honor those who laid the foundation upon which we now stand - countless Jews whose selfless deeds created the beautiful fabric that we continue to weave for generations to come. While Yizkor is a somber tradition, it can be tempered by memories of happier times, filled with love and joy, and by pride in our rich heritage. 

In this High Holiday season, Jews around the world also observe the tradition of visiting gravesites. By leaving small stones on the graves we visit, we fulfill the ancient duty to remember those who have gone before us. As we reflect on the past, we can also look forward and think about the new memories we wish to create for our families and our community. And so, each year, the cycle of Jewish life begins anew, with an eye to the past and hope for the future.

The information below is provided for those who wish to visit the 28 cemeteries operated by the Federation. 

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom and G'mar Chatimah Tovah (גמר חתימה טובה): May you be sealed for a good year in the Book of Life.

Howard 

Howard Sovronsky
President and CEO 

Visiting Hours for Federation-Run Cemeteries 
Sunday, October 9, 2016 
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

In accordance with Jewish tradition, Federation-run cemeteries under the Association of Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Hartford will be open for High Holiday visiting hours on Sunday, October 9, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The Association has requested extra police patrolling by the Hartford and West Hartford Police Departments. The frequency of patrolling will increase; however it is always a good idea to visit in groups as the police will not necessarily be stationed in any one area. 

If you have any questions before visiting one of the Federation-run cemeteries listed below, please contact Lisa Vaeth at the Association office, at 860-727-6143. If you have questions about a cemetery not listed here, please reach out to it directly for information on its particular visiting hours.

• All Jews Cemetery, Zion Hill
• Aaron Association, Cleveland Avenue Ext. / Garden Street
• Albany Jewish Center, Garden Street
• Bess Israel, Waverly Street/Cleveland Avenue Ext.  (aka Barbour St. Congregation)
• Beth Jacob (Hurlbut Street in the Elmwood neighborhood of West Hartford)
• Brahilover Benevolent, Cleveland Avenue
• Capital City Lodge, Zion Hill (aka Moses Montefiore)
• Charter Oak Society, FD Oates Way (aka Worker's Circle 936)
• Dreyfus Lodge, Zion Hill
• Farband Labor Zionist, Cleveland Avenue Ext.
• First Connecticut Benevolent, North Main Street (aka Old North)
• First Ludmir, Cleveland Avenue Ext.
• Hartford Beth El, Cleveland Avenue (aka Posner)
• Hartford City Lodge, Tower Ave.
• Hartford City Lodge, Zion Hill
• Hartford Progressive, FD Oates Way (aka Worker's Circle #610)
• Hartford Sick Benefit, Garden Street
• Hartford Sick Benefit, Zion Hill
• Hebrew Merchants, Garden Street
• Hope of Zion, Cleveland Avenue Ext. (aka Tikvath)
• Jewish War Veterans, Cleveland Avenue (aka B'nai Yisrael)
• Jonathan Welfare, Tower Avenue/Garden Street
• Ludmir Young Men's, Tower Avenue
• Share Torah, Tower Avenue
• Share Torah, Zion Hill
• Workman's Circle #15, Garden Street/Cleveland Avenue
• Workman's Circle #184, FD Oates Way
• Young Friend's Progressive, Garden Street

Please note: Mahl Avenue has been renamed FD Oates Way. All cemeteries are in Hartford, except for Beth Jacob