Thank you to everyone who came last week to the Family Tefilah Experience for our Kindergarteners through 3rd graders. Rabbi, Cantor, and I had a great time and look forward to seeing you again on February 11th.
This week we will kick off our SOUPER BOWL fundraiser with ALIVE!. Starting this Sunday, February 4, buy some cans of protein-rich soup and leave them in the lobby box of your Super Bowl pick (look for the Chiefs or 49ers helmet). Bring your team some luck and help feed Alexandria’s hungry through Beth El's partnership with ALIVE! (and don't forget to check out their Empty Bowls Alexandria fundraiser on March 1!). The table is set up, ready for your donations as you walk into the building.
Another busy week is coming up for religious school. 1. Bagel and Donut Bar (Now located in the lobby outside the sanctuary) will be back to pre-ambulance fundraiser options:
Bagel and Cream Cheese/Butter - $3
Donuts - $2
Hot Chocolate $1
Coffee and Tea available for free
2. 6th Grade and 2nd Grade will be in the Social Hall this week for their classes 3. Parents are invited to one of two focus groups to provide feedback on planning for next year.
10:30 - 11:30 for families of 4th to 7th graders
12:30 - 1:30 for families of 8th graders and above
4. Kindergarten and 1st grade families are invited to participate in a special post-Tu B’shvat Acorn Planting after religious school on Sunday. Please register here: tinyurl.com/acorn24
Looking forward to seeing everyone on Sunday!
Dan
Additional Updates: Upcoming Events:
February 3rd:
Tot Shabbat (11:00am)
February 4th:
Religious School (K-7th Grade)
Netzer/Confirmation (8th Grade +)
K/1st Acorn Planting in Chapel in the Woods
RSY Focus Group (4th-7th Grade) 10:30-11:30
RSY Focus Group (8th+) 12:30-1:30
February 9th:
7th Grade Student Led Services 7pm
February 10th:
Tot Shabbat 11:00am
February 11th:
Family T’filah for K-3rd Grade (10:00-10:30)
Religious School (K-7th Grade)
RSY Focus Group (All Grades) 10:30-11:30 (PLEASE NOTE THE UPDATED TIME)
Thinking about a URJ camp for this summer? One Happy Camper: The Foundation for Jewish Camp’s Camp Finder tool makes it easy to find the perfect camp. With over 150 different camps to choose from, you’ll have no trouble finding a Jewish camp for your child.
First-time camper? Your child may be eligible for $1,000 off with One Happy Camper! Get the details atOneHappyCamper.org, or contact Emma Dorsch at emma.dorsch@shalomdc.org .
Jewish teens today are struggling with how to engage in conversation about the Israel-Hamas war.
We're bringing the successful program we hosted in Bethesda earlier this month to the Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia on Sunday, February 4th at 6 P.M. (PLEASE NOTE THE NEW DATE)
Open to all 9th-12th graders, this program provides an opportunity for high schoolers to understand the historical context of the war and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, gain the knowledge to address common questions and walk away with the ability to confront disinformation.
Not always sure what to do with your time on Sunday mornings and enjoy baking? Ever wanted to make hamantaschen but didn't know how? WRJ invites you to join us in the kitchen on Sunday mornings as we produce 2400 homemade hamantaschen for the mishloach manot boxes for the holiday of Purim.
Baking dates currently scheduled from 9:30am to 1:30pm or until we run out of dough/filling for the day: Feb 4, 11, 25,& Mar 3
ReelAbilities Film Festival Movie & Discussion Event: OKAY! (THE ASD BAND)
Beth El’s Disability Inclusion Committee is excited to present the award-winning documentary, OKAY! (The ASD Band Film), as part of the 11th Annual ReelAbilities Film Festival: Northern Virginia, which is managed by the Pozez JCC. This film was an audience favorite at ReelAbilities Film Festivals across the U.S. and Canada.
When: Sunday, February 4 at 4 pm
Where: Beth El's Social Hall
Synopsis: Four talented autistic musicians come together through their shared love of music and form the ASD Band. Rawan, Jackson, Spenser, and Ron shatter stereotypes about people with autism spectrum disorder and navigate a world where they are often misunderstood. As they write, record, and perform their first album, they find strength in each other and the music. Immediately after the film, our featured guest, Melissa Heifetz, the Executive Director of the Arc of Northern VA, will lead our discussion and Q & A.
Jewish teens today are struggling with how to engage in conversations about the Israel-Hamas war.
Join the JCRC for an opportunity to understand the historical context of the war and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, gain the knowledge to address common questions and walk away with the ability to confront disinformation.
Open to all 9th-12th graders. Dinner will be served, (dietary laws observed).
Register by February 2
DATE & TIME Sunday, February 4, 2024 6:00 - 9:00 PM
LOCATION Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia 8900 Little River Turnpike Fairfax, VA
Join Rabbi Jeffrey Saxe, JCRC Associate Director Guila Franklin Siegel and Director of Education Programs and Services Sara Winkelman to talk about the work of fighting antisemitism in schools, what the challenges are, how to report incidents and ways to help.
I just got back from the ARJE Conference, and I am excited to see everyone on Sunday. We have a jam packed Weekend of activity here at Beth El.
Beth El Hebrew Congregation in collaboration with the Pozez ELEC is hosting a Pajama Havdalah on Saturday, January 27th at the Synogague. At 5:15 we welcome you to bring an indoor picnic lunch followed by crafts, songs, and stories. Please register at tinyurl.com/BEHC-PJS .
Families of Kindergarten to 3rd Grade will begin religious school together in the sanctuary on Sunday for a special Family Tefilah Experience at 10:00. We anticipate this running approximately 30 minutes. We welcome you to sit together as a family in the pews or have children sit in the front on the floor.
Following the Family Tefilah Experience, we invite parents and guardians to participate in the first of our Focus groups to prepare for the 24-25. This is an opportunity to provide feedback on the year as we begin planning for the future. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Have a wonderful rest of your week and an early Shabbat Shalom, Dan
Additional Updates: Upcoming Events:
January 27th:Havdalah Pajama Party @ Beth El (5:15) Register Here
Canteen Coupons are HERE! We are selling Canteen Coupons to families of 4th grade and up to use for meals on Wednesdays and Sundays at Canteen. These coupons will be sold in packs of 6 for $40 (You get 6 meals for the price of 5!). To participate go to: https://www.bethelhebrew.org/form/canteencoupon 1. Purchase your 6-pack of coupons 2. Expect delivery to your child at religious school 3. Cut out the Coupon 4. Redeem for Pizza, Snack, & a Drink
Canteen Coupons will be available for purchase in the office on Sunday Mornings. Please see Ronit to purchase.
Purim Spiel Auditions It may be cold, but spring is just around the corner. And with spring comes PURIM!!! Beth El is looking for actors, singers, musicians and backstage support for this year's Purim Spiel!!! Sign up today attinyurl.com/spiel2024 Can't make it for an in person audition, send us your audition via email (bolicked@gmail.com)
Thinking about a URJ camp for this summer?
One Happy Camper: Celebrate Tu B’Shvat (Birthday of the Trees) this week by sending your community’s teens and youth to a place where they can get their hands dirty! At Jewish overnight camp, they will celebrate the joy of nature every day. Whether they’re practicing diving skills, sharing stories around a campfire, or hiking through the hills, your camper will return home with a reinforced sense of wonder about the world around them (and some really cool new skills.) Plant the seeds for an amazing summer. Visit this page to learn more and apply. Eligible families qualify for up to $1,000!
The Foundation for Jewish Camp’s Camp Finder tool makes it easy to find the perfect camp. With over 150 different camps to choose from, you’ll have no trouble finding a Jewish camp for your child.
First-time camper? Your child may be eligible for $1,000 off with One Happy Camper! Get the details atOneHappyCamper.org, or contact Emma Dorsch at emma.dorsch@shalomdc.org.
Jewish teens today are struggling with how to engage in conversation about the Israel-Hamas war.
We're bringing the successful program we hosted in Bethesda earlier this month to the Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia on Sunday, February 4th at 6 P.M. (PLEASE NOTE THE NEW DATE)
Open to all 9th-12th graders, this program provides an opportunity for high schoolers to understand the historical context of the war and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, gain the knowledge to address common questions and walk away with the ability to confront disinformation. Dinner will be served (dietary laws observed). Register by February 2nd. Click HERE
Jewish teens today are struggling with how to engage in conversations about the Israel-Hamas war.
Join the JCRC for an opportunity to understand the historical context of the war and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, gain the knowledge to address common questions and walk away with the ability to confront disinformation.
Open to all 9th-12th graders. Dinner will be served, (dietary laws observed).
Register by February 2
DATE & TIME Sunday, February 4, 2024 6:00 - 9:00 PM
LOCATION Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia 8900 Little River Turnpike Fairfax, VA
Join Rabbi Jeffrey Saxe, JCRC Associate Director Guila Franklin Siegel and Director of Education Programs and Services Sara Winkelman to talk about the work of fighting antisemitism in schools, what the challenges are, how to report incidents and ways to help.
Snowy Shabbat Shalom Greetings to all the Religious School Families,
I hope you are staying warm, but also finding time to play in the beautiful white fluff on the ground! Yes, being from the midwest, I love a good snow every now and then.
After a wonderful Yom Tzedek last week, this week will seem pretty low key. Please know that I will not be at Religious School Sunday and Wednesday as I will be at the Association of Reform Jewish Educators (ARJE) Conference. I look forward to returning and sharing all that I learn from my colleagues across the country.
There are two important informational items on which I want to keep in the front of your minds:
Kindergarten through 3rd Grade Family Tefilah Experience (January 28th & February 11th from 10:00 to 10:30am): We are going to try something new during January and February. Changing up the typical start to the morning on Sundays for our youngest learners, we invite those families with Kindergarteners to 3rd graders to gather in the sanctuary, sit together, and begin the morning in prayer, together. Rabbi, Cantor, and I have created a special interactive experience that we cannot wait to share with you. Please be on time in order to experience it to the fullest extent possible.
Focus groups to prepare for the 24-25 year will begin on January 28th: Please consider joining one of the 4 focus groups to provide feedback for planning for next year. All meetings will take place in the Social Hall at Beth El at the times/dates below. Please let me know if you have any questions.
May we hear b'sorot tovot, good news, Dan
Additional Updates: Upcoming Events:
January 21st:
Religious School (K-7th Grade)
2nd and 3rd Grade (Rescheduled from December 3rd) with Rabbi - 10am
Netzer/Confirmation (8th Grade +)
January 24th: Religious School (4th to 7th)
January 27th:Havdalah Pajama Party @ Beth El (5:15) Register Here
Family T’filah (Kindergarten to 3rd Grade) In the new year, we are going to try something new for our youngest learners. On January 28th and February 11th (from 10:00 to 10:30), families of Kindergarten through 3rd grade students are invited to join us for a special t’filah experience at the start of religious school. We look forward to coming together in prayer and song with a participatory experience geared towards our youngest learners.
Canteen Coupons are HERE! We are selling Canteen Coupons to families of 4th grade and up to use for meals on Wednesdays and Sundays at Canteen. These coupons will be sold in packs of 6 for $40 (You get 6 meals for the price of 5!). To participate go to: https://www.bethelhebrew.org/form/canteencoupon 1. Purchase your 6-pack of coupons 2. Expect delivery to your child at religious school 3. Cut out the Coupon 4. Redeem for Pizza, Snack, & a Drink
Canteen Coupons will be available for purchase in the office on Sunday Mornings. Please see Ronit to purchase.
Beth El Hebrew Congregation Pajama Havdalah
Purim Spiel Auditions It may be cold, but spring is just around the corner. And with spring comes PURIM!!! Beth El is looking for actors, singers, musicians and backstage support for this year's Purim Spiel!!! Sign up today at tinyurl.com/spiel2024 Can't make it for an in person audition, send us your audition via email (bolicked@gmail.com)
Just a quick note to remind you of the events this weekend to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr:
Join us tonight for a special MLK Jr. Shabbat Service led by our 5th Graders. Social Hour starts at 6pm followed by services at 7pm.
On Sunday, students will participate in Yom Tzedek. We will be making dog toys to benefit the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria and Mi Shebeirach cards to send to Beth El members in need of refuah shlema. Also, please consider donating to our Paper Towel Drive by bringing in a roll of paper towels.
Lastly, believe it or not, preparations have begun for Religious School 24-25. To help get ready, the RSY committee is hosting a series of focus groups to gather feedback. Please see the graphic below for information. We hope to see you at one of the sessions.
Have a wonderful Shabbat with your family, Dan
Additional Updates: Upcoming Events:
January 7th:
Religious School (K-7th)
Post B-nei Mitzvah Parents meeting with the Rabbi (8th grade and up)10:00am
January 10th:
Religious School (4th to 7th)
January 12th:
5th Grade Student Led Services for MLK Weekend
January 13th:
Tot Shabbat (11am)
January 14th:
Religious School (K to 7th)
Family Program Yom Tzedek (Details to follow) - 10am to noon
Shalom Chaverim (10:15 to 11:15)
January 17th:
Religious School (4th to 7th)
January 21st:
Religious School (K-7th Grade)
2nd and 3rd Grade (Rescheduled from December 3rd) with Rabbi - 10am
January 24th:
Religious School (4th to 7th)
Havdalah Pajama Party @ Beth El (5:15)January 27th:
January 28th:
Family T’filah for K-3rd Grade (10:00-10:30)
Religious School (K-7th Grade)
RSY Focus Group (K-3rd) 10:30-11:00
February 3rd:
Tot Shabbat (11:00am)
February 4th:
K/1st Acorn Planting in Chapel in the Woods (TBD - Details forthcoming)
RSY Focus Group (4th-7th Grade) 10:30-11:30
RSY Focus Group (8th+) 12:30-1:30
February 11th:
Family T’filah for K-3rd Grade (10:00-10:30)
Religious School (K-7th Grade)
RSY Focus Group (All Grades) 10:30-11:30
Family T’filah (Kindergarten to 3rd Grade) In the new year, we are going to try something new for our youngest learners. On January 28th and February 11th (from 10:00 to 10:30), families of Kindergarten through 3rd grade students are invited to join us for a special t’filah experience at the start of religious school. We look forward to coming together in prayer and song with a participatory experience geared towards our youngest learners.
Canteen Coupons are HERE! We are selling Canteen Coupons to families of 4th grade and up to use for meals on Wednesdays and Sundays at Canteen. These coupons will be sold in packs of 6 for $40 (You get 6 meals for the price of 5!). To participate go to: https://www.bethelhebrew.org/form/canteencoupon 1. Purchase your 6-pack of coupons 2. Expect delivery to your child at religious school 3. Cut out the Coupon 4. Redeem for Pizza, Snack, & a Drink
Canteen Coupons will be available for purchase in the office on Sunday Mornings. Please see Ronit to purchase.
Teachers will also send a message to classes via email lists
3.If there is no message on the Beth El website, assume school is in session.
Also, with winter weather expected this weekend, please ensure extra time getting to religious school on Sunday and use caution when in the parking lot.
Have a wonderful rest of your week and Shabbat Shalom. Dan
Additional Updates: Upcoming Events: January 7th:
Religious School (K-7th)
Post B-nei Mitzvah Parents meeting with the Rabbi (8th grade and up)10:00am
January 10th:
Religious School (4th to 7th)
January 12th:
5th Grade Student Led Services for MLK JR Weekend
January 13th:
Tot Shabbat (11am)
January 14th:
Religious School (K to 7th)
Family Program Yom Tzedek (Details to follow) - 10am to noon
Shalom Chaverim (10:15 to 11:15)
January 17th:
Religious School (4th to 7th)
January 21st:
Religious School (K-7th)
2nd and 3rd Grade (Rescheduled from December 3rd) with Rabbi - 10am
January 24th: Religious School (4th to 7th) January 28th:
Religious School (K-7th Grade)
Family T’filah Experience (K-3rd) 10:00 - 10:30 (NOTE THE NEW DATE!)
January 24th:
Religious School (4th to 7th)
February 4th:
K/1st Acorn Planting in Chapel in the Woods (TBD - Details forthcoming)
Beth El Hebrew Congregation & Magen David Adom Ambulance Campaign Beth El is raising money to purchase an ambulance to send to Israel. The total cost of a new Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) is $165,000. Every little bit helps. You can support this initiatives by:
Sending your child with Tzedakah on Sundays and Wednesdays (All money collected for the year will support this project)
Ask your employer to match donations (If your employer needs to give directly to Magen David Adom, please reach out for information.)
Ask your employer to match donations (If your employer needs to give directly to Magen David Adom, please reach out for information.)
Canteen Coupons are HERE! We are selling Canteen Coupons to families of 4th grade and up to use for meals on Wednesdays and Sundays at Canteen. These coupons will be sold in packs of 6 for $40 (You get 6 meals for the price of 5!). To participate go to: https://www.bethelhebrew.org/form/canteencoupon 1. Purchase your 6-pack of coupons 2. Expect delivery to your child at religious school 3. Cut out the Coupon 4. Redeem for Pizza, Snack, & a Drink
Canteen Coupons will be available for purchase in the office on Sunday Mornings. Please see Ronit Goldstein to purchase.
NFTY-MAR Winter Kallah Registration Extended to Friday, January 5th
I hope your Hanukkah celebration was as meaningful as it was fun. We all need some light in our lives, even during times of what feels like perpetual darkness.
A couple reminders as we head into the shortest days of the year:
If you participated in the Ambulance Campaign during Hanukkah, please bring in your envelopes or go to the donation page: ( tinyurl.com/BEHC-MDA ) to finalize your donations. You have until the end of the year to have your Hanukkah Pledge finalized.
Our 9th Night Hanukkah celebration sponsored by Netzer had to be canceled unfortunately due to low registration.
There is no religious school on December 20, 24, 27, and 30. I look forward to seeing everyone on January 3rd (4th to 7th grade) and January 7th (Everyone).
Thank you all for making my first half of the school year at Beth El Hebrew Congregation so special. I look forward to what the future will bring.
Have a wonderful winter break with family and friends,
May we hear b’sorot tovot, good news. Dan
Additional Updates: Upcoming Events:
December 17th:
7th Graders Baking for Beit Nosh benefiting the BEHC Ambulance Project @ 9:30am
Religious School (K-7th)
January 3rd: Religious School (4th to 7th)
January 7th:
Religious School (K-7th)
January 10th:
Religious School (4th to 7th)
January 12th:
5th Grade Student Led Services for MLK JR Weekend
January 13th:
Tot Shabbat (11am)
January 14th:
Religious School (K to 7th)
Family Program Yom Tzedek (Details to follow) - 10am to noon
Shalom Chaverim (10:15 to 11:15)
January 17th:
Religious School (4th to 7th)
January 20th:
Religious School (K-7th)
New for 2024! Kindergarten to 3rd Grade Family T'filah experience to open religious school 10am - Details to follow in the new year!
January 23rd:
Religious School (4th to 7th)
Beth El Hebrew Congregation & Magen David Adom Ambulance Campaign Beth El is raising money to purchase an ambulance to send to Israel. The total cost of a new Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) is $165,000. Every little bit helps. You can support this initiatives by:
Sending your child with Tzedakah on Sundays and Wednesdays (All money collected for the year will support this project)
Grab a sweet at our Beit Nosh on Sundays from now until the end of 2023.
Ask your employer to match donations (If your employer needs to give directly to Magen David Adom, please reach out for information.)
Ask your employer to match donations (If your employer needs to give directly to Magen David Adom, please reach out for information.)
Canteen Coupons are HERE! We are selling Canteen Coupons to families of 4th grade and up to use for meals on Wednesdays and Sundays at Canteen. These coupons will be sold in packs of 6 for $40 (You get 6 meals for the price of 5!). To participate go to: https://www.bethelhebrew.org/form/canteencoupon 1. Purchase your 6-pack of coupons 2. Expect delivery to your child at religious school 3. Cut out the Coupon 4. Redeem for Pizza, Snack, & a Drink
Canteen Coupons will be available for purchase in the office on Sunday Mornings. Please see Ronit Goldstein to purchase.
Good Morning, Religious School Families! Tonight, we begin the celebration of Hanukkah. It is our family’s tradition to set aside one night as a night of giving. In the past, we have brought cookies to the local fire department or collected food for our local pantry.
This year, we have decided to change it up a bit. After October 7th, everything changed. We are more in tune to our friends in Israel, checking on them more regularly. We (my wife and I) find ourselves answering more questions from our kids; about Israel, about how tough it is to be Jewish in America. For our giving this year, we will be participating in the Beth El Ambulance Campaign by saving money each night.
In addition, we will be having a friendly competition between the kids and adults to see who can be caught-being-kind, throughout the 8 days of Hanukkah. Each time one is caught we will add a quarter to their respective jar. Bragging rights for the year are on the line!
In the end, we will have a donation to the ambulance campaign from our family. What’s best is that this money will be matched by a generous donation, making our impact DOUBLE!
I encourage all religious school families to find ways this Hanukkah to donate as well. Whatever your family can do, it all adds up. Especially now, where every dollar is doubled! Stop by the Magen David Adom Table on Friday night or Sunday morning to pick up an envelope to help with your family’s tzedakah project.
I hope you have a Hanukkah filled with family and light.
May we hear b’sorot tovot*, good news.
Dan
Additional Updates: Upcoming Events:
December 8th:
Hanukkah Dinner (5:30pm)
Community Hanukkah Candle Lighting (6:30pm)
4th Grade Student Led Services with a Sufganiyot Oneg!
Shabbat Shira (Immediately following services)
December 10th:
7th Graders Baking for Beit Nosh benefiting the BEHC Ambulance Project @ 9:30am
Religious School (K-7th)
Rabbi Spinrad’s Reflections on His Recent Time in Israel (Please note: the scheduled 6th/7th grade coffee with the rabbi has been postponed)
Netzer and Confirmation Hanukkah Party (12:30p)
December 13th:
Religious School (4th to 7th)
Special Hanukkah Program
December 17th:
7th Graders Baking for Beit Nosh benefiting the BEHC Ambulance Project @ 9:30am
Beth El Hebrew Congregation & Magen David Adom Ambulance Campaign Beth El is raising money to purchase an ambulance to send to Israel. The total cost of a new Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) is $165,000. Every little bit helps. You can support this initiatives by:
Sending your child with Tzedakah on Sundays and Wednesdays (All money collected for the year will support this project)
Grab a sweet at our Beit Nosh on Sundays from now until the end of 2023.
Ask your employer to match donations (If your employer needs to give directly to Magen David Adom, please reach out for information.)
Canteen Coupons are HERE! We are selling Canteen Coupons to families of 4th grade and up to use for meals on Wednesdays and Sundays at Canteen. These coupons will be sold in packs of 6 for $40 (You get 6 meals for the price of 5!). To participate go to: https://www.bethelhebrew.org/form/canteencoupon 1. Purchase your 6-pack of coupons 2. Expect delivery to your child at religious school 3. Cut out the Coupon 4. Redeem for Pizza, Snack, & a Drink
Canteen Coupons will be available for purchase in the office on Sunday Mornings. Please see Ronit Goldstein to purchase.
Parent Coffee & Community Join Rabbi Spinrand on a Sunday morning for an opportunity to connect with parents in your grade over coffee. Fall/Winter dates are as follows:
January 7: Post-B’nei Mitzvah Parents (8th Grade and Up)
January 21: 2nd and 3rd Grade (Rescheduled from December 3rd) - 10:30am
Rabbi Spinrad’s Reflections on His Recent Time in Israel
Join Rabbi David Spinrad this Sunday at 10:00 AM as he shares reflections on his recent time in Israel on a Rabbinic Mission with The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. Among his experiences, learn about conversations with Jacob Lew, the US Ambassador to Israel, author and teacher Yossi Klein HaLevi, encounters with survivors from the massacre at Kibbutz Nachal Oz, trauma specialists, doctors, IDF soldiers in Gaza, an ambulance driver who was among the first on the scene at the Nova Music Festival, as well as a first-hand description of the devastation at Kibbutz K’far Aza. This is a conversation for adults only.
Just a quick note to follow-up from the Hanukkah Update earlier this week.
Our 7th graders have been working with their teachers to prepare to take over the Beit Nosh for the month of December. Please come and support them by purchasing baked goods on Sundays in December from 9:30 to 10:00am. All proceeds will benefit the Beth El Ambulance Campaign.
The 2nd and 3rd grade parent coffee with Rabbi Spinrad has been rescheduled to January 21st as he is currently in Israel.
The WRJ Hanukkah Pop-up Shop will be open Sunday morning for any last minute Hanukkah needs.
May we hear b’sorot tovot*, good news. Dan
*Since October 7th, it has been customary in Israel to end conversations with b'sorot tovot, may we hear good news, instead of concluding by saying something like have a good day.
Additional Updates:
Upcoming Events: December 3rd:
7th Graders Baking for Beit Nosh benefiting the BEHC Ambulance Project @ 9:30am
Religious School (K-7th)
Netzer and Confirmation in session
December 6th: Religious School (4th to 7th) December 8th:
Beth El Hebrew Congregation & Magen David Adom Ambulance Campaign Beth El is raising money to purchase an ambulance to send to Israel. The total cost of a new Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) is $165,000. Every little bit helps. You can support this initiatives by:
Sending your child with Tzedakah on Sundays and Wednesdays (All money collected for the year will support this project)
Grab a sweet at our Beit Nosh on Sundays from now until the end of 2023.
Ask your employer to match donations (If your employer needs to give directly to Magen David Adom, please reach out for information.)
Canteen Coupons are HERE! We are selling Canteen Coupons to families of 4th grade and up to use for meals on Wednesdays and Sundays at Canteen. These coupons will be sold in packs of 6 for $40 (You get 6 meals for the price of 5!). To participate go to: https://www.bethelhebrew.org/form/canteencoupon
Purchase your 6-pack of coupons
Expect delivery to your child at religious school
Cut out the Coupon
Redeem for Pizza, Snack, & a Drink
Canteen Coupons will be available for purchase in the office on Sunday Mornings. Please see Ronit Goldstein to purchase.
Parent Coffee & Community Join Rabbi Spinrand on a Sunday morning for an opportunity to connect with parents in your grade over coffee. Fall/Winter dates are as follows:
December 10: 6th and 7th Grade
January 7: Post-B’nei Mitzvah Parents (8th Grade and Up)
January 21: 2nd and 3rd Grade (Rescheduled from December 3rd)
Whether or not Thanksgiving is a major or minor holiday for your family, I hope you find time to spend with those you love in meaningful ways.
As a reminder, we will not have regular religious school today, Wednesday, November 22nd or Sunday, November 26th. Religious school will resume on Wednesday, November 29th.
November 16th Happy Thursday, Religious School Families,
It has been very busy around the synagogue this week. For those of you who joined us on the March for Israel, whether on the bus from Beth El, on your own, via live stream, or on a replay, I hope it filled your soul as it did mine. If not, many of the Beth El March goers have shared pictures and the following video was created: https://youtu.be/bNjQHEPb0NE?si=HrJBqRoEOnjSgkUH
This week, we have another busy Sunday with T’filah for K-3rd graders, Beit Nosh to support our Synagogue Ambulance Campaign, and K/1st Parent Coffee with Rabbi Spinrad. In addition to the programming this week, I wanted to make you aware of some key upcoming programing for kids.
We will have a Hanukkah Party for our 4th to 7th graders on Wednesday, December 10th. We will make sufganiyot, participate in games, and light candles together that night. More information will be available soon. If you would like to volunteer to help that evening, please reach out to me at dswartz@bethelhebrew.org .
Our Netzer students will be creating a 9th Night of Hanukkah Celebration on Sunday December 17th. As the Shamash helps light the other candles on the hanukiah, this program will support our congregation in raising funds for the Ambulance Campaign. More information will be available soon.
As a reminder, we will not have religious school next Wednesday, November 22nd and Sunday,, November 26. Enjoy the time with your family. Dan
ADDITIONAL UPDATES Upcoming Events:
November 18th:
Tot Shabbat (11am)
November 19th:
Beit Nosh benefiting the BEHC Ambulance Project @ 9:30am
Religious School (K-7th)
K/1st Parent Coffee with Rabbi Spinrad
Netzer and Confirmation in session
November 22nd: No Religious School November 26th: No Religious School November 29th: Religious School (4th to 7th) December 3rd:
Beit Nosh benefiting the BEHC Ambulance Project @ 9:30am
Religious School (K-7th)
2nd/3rd Parent Coffee with Rabbi Spinrad (10am)
Netzer and Confirmation in session
December 6th: Religious School (4th to 7th)
December 8th: 4th Grade Student Led Services
December 10th:
Beit Nosh benefiting the BEHC Ambulance Project @ 9:30am
Religous School (K-7th)
6th/7th GradeParent Coffee with Rabbi Spinrad (10am
Netzer and Confirmation Hanukkah Party (12:30p)
December 13th:
Religious School (4th to 7th)
Special Hanukkah Program
December 17th:
Beit Nosh benefiting the BEHC Ambulance Project @ 9:30am
Religious School (K-7th)
9th Night of Hanukkah Celebration
Beth El Hebrew Congregation & Magen David Adom Ambulance Campaign Beth El is raising money to purchase an ambulance to send to Israel. The total cost of a new Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) is $165,000. Every little bit helps. You can support this initiatives by:
Sending your child with Tzedakah on Sundays and Wednesdays (All money collected for the year will support this project)
Grab a sweet at our Beit Nosh on Sundays from now until the end of 2023.
Ask your employer to match donations (If your employer needs to give directly to Magen David Adom, please reach out for information.)
Canteen Coupons are HERE! Starting this week, we are selling Canteen Coupons to families of 4th grade and up to use for meals on Wednesdays and Sundays at Canteen. These coupons will be sold in packs of 6 for $40 (You get 6 meals for the price of 5!). To participate go to: https://www.bethelhebrew.org/form/canteencoupon
1. Purchase your 6-pack of coupons 2. Expect delivery to your child at religious school 3. cut out the coupon 4. Redeem for Pizza, Snack and a Drink
Beginning in November, Canteen Coupons will be available for purchase in the office on Sunday Mornings. Please see Ronit Goldstein to purchase.
Parent Coffee & Community Join Rabbi Spinrand on a Sunday morning for an opportunity to connect with parents in your grade over coffee. Fall/Winter dates are as follows:
November 19: Kindergarten and 1st Grade
December 3: 2nd and 3rd Grade
December 10: 6th and 7th Grade
Resources for Talking to Kids about Israel At our last Family Affinity Group I shared the following resources to aid in navigating conversations with children. You can find these resources here: Israel Resources
We have a busy weekend here at Beth El as we get ready to officially kick off our Magen David Adom Ambulance Project. As the war continues in Israel, our synagogue is partnering with MDA (Israel’s Red Cross) to purchase a new ambulance for their fleet. As I shared last week, Fundraising has already started, but this weekend, we will officially kick off our fundraising. I hope to see you at Friday Night Services and/or or our Religious School Kickoff, here are ways you ways you can participate this weekend:
Join us Friday Night
Shabbat Potluck Dinner & bring your Shabbat Candlesticks to participate in our Community Candle Lighting
Shabbat Services will be led by our 6th grade students
Lend your voice to our post-services, camp-style Shabbat Shira hosted by Cantor Kaufman and myself
Join us Sunday Morning:
Special Beit Nosh (Cafe Nosh) will be open for donations to the BEHC Ambulance Project. This week, Ronit’s Family and the office staff will be providing baked goods in place of our regular doughnut bar. Make sure to come early, make a donation, and grab a special breakfast.
Join your child’s class at 11:30 in the sanctuary for a special kickoff assembly with Rabbi Spinrad, Cantor Kaufman, and myself. We will learn more about the BEHC Ambulance Project and sing songs together. (Families in Shalom Chaverim are welcome to attend as well.)
Reminder: 4th and 5th grade parents are invited to join Rabbi Spinrad in the Social Hall from 10-11am for a parent coffee.
I look forward to seeing everyone this weekend!
Dan
ADDITIONAL UPDATES Upcoming Events:
November 10th:
6th Grade Student Led Services, Community Candle Lighting, Potluck Dinner & Shabbat Shira
November 12th:
Beit Nosh benefiting the BEHC Ambulance Project @ 9:30am
Religious School (K-7th)
Shalom Chaverim (3-5 year olds)
4th/5th Grade Parent Coffee with Rabbi Spinrad
Netzer and Confirmation in session
November 14th:
March for Israel (Bus available from Beth El - Registration)
November 15th: Religious School (4th-7th)
November 18th:
Tot Shabbat (11am)
Wine Tasting at Negus (See Below)
November 19th:
Beit Nosh benefiting the BEHC Ambulance Project @ 9:30am
Religious School (K-7th)
K/1st Parent Coffee with Rabbi Spinrad
Netzer and Confirmation in session
November 22nd: No Religious School November 25th: No Religious School
Wine Tasting at Negus (for adults only): Negus is a new winery in Alexandria specializing in traditional Ethiopian Honey Wines. The event will take place at the winery with snacks provided by the RSY team. We hope you can join us, November 18th beginning at 7pm. Go tohttps://www.bethelhebrew.org/event/wine-tasting-.html
Canteen Coupons are HERE! Starting this week, we are selling Canteen Coupons to families of 4th grade and up to use for meals on Wednesdays and Sundays at Canteen. These coupons will be sold in packs of 6 for $40 (You get 6 meals for the price of 5!). To participate go to: https://www.bethelhebrew.org/form/canteencoupon
1. Purchase your 6-pack of coupons 2. Expect delivery to your child at religious school 3. cut out the coupon 4. Redeem for Pizza, Snack and a Drink
Beginning in November, Canteen Coupons will be available for purchase in the office on Sunday Mornings. Please see Ronit Goldstein to purchase.
Parent Coffee & Community Join Rabbi Spinrand on a Sunday morning for an opportunity to connect with parents in your grade over coffee. Fall/Winter dates are as follows:
November 12: 4th and 5th Grade
November 19: Kindergarten and 1st Grade
December 3: 2nd and 3rd Grade
December 10: 6th and 7th Grade
Dreidels & Drinks: A Spirited Paint Night presented by WRJ Saturday, December 2, 2023 • 19 Kislev 5784 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), light refreshments, and Hanukkah music. Paint a Hanukkah dreidel still life guided by artist & teacher Greta Schorn. Registration is required. Space is limited - NO WALK INS.
As a reminder, there is no religious school for Kindergarten through Netzer so that teachers can have an opportunity to meet and do some professional learning together. Confirmation is in session and will be attending the high ropes course. You should have received information from your teacher. Please reach out if you have questions and if you can either drive to the course or pick up.
Last night the RSY (Religious School and Youth) Committee met and finalized plans for our Classroom Ambassador program. The purpose of this program is to identify one or two individuals at each grade that will support communication and building community within the classroom. If you are interested in being one of our Classroom Ambassadors, please reach out to me at dswartz@bethelhebrew.org. In terms of commitment, expect Classroom Ambassadors would expect to spend about 10-15 minutes per week (if that) on communication with families in their child’s classroom. There will be a brief informational session on November 12th at 10:30 for those interested in volunteering.
Have a wonderful fall weekend!
Dan
ADDITIONAL UPDATES Upcoming Events:
November 5th: No Religious School (K-Confirmation)
November 8th: Religious School (4th-7th)
November 10th: 6th Grade Student Led Services, Potluck Dinner & Shabbat Shira
November 12th: Religious School (K-7th)
November 12th: Shalom Chaverim (3-5 year olds)
November 15th: Religious School (4th-7th)
November 18th:Tot Shabbat
November 18th: Wine Tasting at Negus (See Below)
November 19th: Religious School (K-7th)
November 19th: Netzer and Confirmation in session
November 22nd: No Religious School
November 25th: No Religious School
Additional Updates: Magen David Adom Ambulance Project
We have soft launched a whole congregation mitzvah project to purchase an ambulance for Israel. More information will be available soon, however, in the meantime, if you would like to make a donation, please go to the Beth El Hebrew Congregation website. Every little bit helps.
In addition, if you, a friend, a place of work, or an organization you have connections with would like to be an angel donor, please reach out to me dswartz@bethelhebrew.org to connect them with an Ambulance Committee Member.
Wine Tasting at Negus (for adults only): Negus is a new winery in Alexandria specializing in traditional Ethiopian Honey Wines. The event will take place at the winery with snacks provided by the RSY team. We hope you can join us, November 18th beginning at 7pm. Go tohttps://www.bethelhebrew.org/event/wine-tasting-.html
Canteen Coupons are HERE! Starting this week, we are selling Canteen Coupons to families of 4th grade and up to use for meals on Wednesdays and Sundays at Canteen. These coupons will be sold in packs of 6 for $40 (You get 6 meals for the price of 5!). To participate go to: https://www.bethelhebrew.org/form/canteencoupon
1. Purchase your 6-pack of coupons 2. Expect delivery to your child at religious school 3. cut out the coupon 4. Redeem for Pizza, Snack and a Drink
Beginning in November, Canteen Coupons will be available for purchase in the office on Sunday Mornings. Please see Ronit Goldstein to purchase.
Family Choir: Our Hanukkah Family Choir is taking shape and preparing for Sevices on December 8th. Rehearsals are as follows:
One of the unsung heroes in our religious school is our Religious School and Youth Committee, known as RSY. This group of dedicated synagogue members meet monthly and serve the students and families of the religious school.
At one of our early meetings, the group suggested finding ways to build connections between the adult family members, focusing on our congregational values of mishpacha (family) & chesed (loving kindness). Out of these conversations, the following events have been created:
1.Wine Tasting at Nigus (for adults only): Negus is a new winery in Alexandria specializing in traditional Ethiopian Honey Wines. The event will take place at the winery with snacks provided by the RSY team. We hope you can join us, November 18th beginning at 7pm. Go tohttps://www.bethelhebrew.org/event/wine-tasting-.html
2. Spaghetti Dinner and Dessert Auction (fun for the whole family): This unique program will be in the spring of 2024. While details are still being ironed out, we hope you will participate by baking one of your family’s special desserts for our Dessert Auction.
Both of these events are not possible without volunteers. If you would like to join RSY or support either of these events, please reach out to co-chairs Samantha Levine-Finely ( slevinefinley@gmail.com ) or Jesse Reisman ( me@jessereisman.com ) . Have a wonderful rest of the week and I look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday!
Dan
ADDITIONAL UPDATES Upcoming Events:
October 28th: Tot Shabbat
October 29th: Religious School (K-7th)
October 29th: B’nei Mitzvah Meeting for 6th Grade Families (10:15am)
October 29th: Netzer and Confirmation: BEFTY Mini Golf Outing (12:30 to ???)
November 1st: Religious School (4th-7th)
November 5th: No Religious School (K-Confirmation)
November 10th: 6th Grade Student Led Services & Shabbat Shira
November 11th: Shiru L’adonai: Family Friendly All Inclusive Shabbat Services:
November 12th: Religious School (K-7th)
November 12th: Shalom Chaverim (3-5 year olds)
Canteen Coupons are HERE! Starting this week, we are selling Canteen Coupons to families of 4th grade and up to use for meals on Wednesdays and Sundays at Canteen. These coupons will be sold in packs of 6 for $40 (You get 6 meals for the price of 5!). To participate go to: https://www.bethelhebrew.org/form/canteencoupon
1. Purchase your 6-pack of coupons 2. Expect delivery to your child at religious school 3. cut out the coupon 4. Redeem for Pizza, Snack and a Drink
Beginning in November, Canteen Coupons will be available for purchase in the office on Sunday Mornings. Please see Ronit Goldstein to purchase.
This past week we welcomed in the Hebrew month of Cheshvan. After the previous month which included the Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Simchat Torah, this month is focused on settling back into a routine in which we lean into the reflection and excitement of those holidays, doing the work to make the coming year great. I hope you found some way in the previous month to prepare yourself for the coming year.
As any good educator will say, you spend the first part of the school year building strong routines in order to support learning later on. It is no coincidence that Jewish year and the school year begin similarly.
In our religious school, all of our programs are starting to settle into the normalcy of the year, with a more regular schedule. Over the past few weeks we have welcomed our 3-5 year olds to Shalom Chaverim, began trop with our 6th graders, and our regular student t’filah has kicked into high gear. The energy is building and our community is coming together.
A few key events are coming up of which to make you aware: 1. October 29th: B’nei Mitzvah Meeting for 6th Grade Families (10:15am): All 6th Grade Families are requested at a meeting to review the B’nei Mitzvah program this morning. Please make note of this date and plan to attend as it is an opportunity to get answers to questions that you may have. 2. November 10th: 6th Grade Student Led Services (7pm): Join our 6th graders as they lead our November Friday evening service. More information will be available soon, so mark your calendars. 3. November 11th: Shiru L’adonai: Family Friendly All Inclusive Shabbat Services: This Saturday morning Shabbat service is an opportunity for 3 generations to come together, observe the sabbath, and connect with each other. This service is perfect for all ages, specifically those with Kindergarten to 3rd graders, with extra music, stories, and a nosh afterwards. Be on the lookout for more information in the congregational weekly emails.
Finally, we will again open the Social Hall on Sunday morning for adults to come together to discuss the tragic events in Israel.
ADDITIONAL UPDATES
Upcoming Events:
October 21st: Blessing of the Pets
October 22nd: Religious School (K-7th Grade)
October 22nd: No Netzer Program/
October 22nd: Confirmation at Beth El (12:30 to 1:45)
October 25th: Religious School (4th-7th)
October 28th: Tot Shabbat
October 29th: Religious School (K-7th)
October 29th: B’nei Mitzvah Meeting for 6th Grade Families (10:15am)
October 29th: Netzer and Confirmation: BEFTY Mini Golf Outing (12:30 to ???)
November 1st: Religious School (4th-7th)
November 5th: No Religious School (K-7th)
November 11th: Shiru L’adonai: Family Friendly All Inclusive Shabbat Services:
November 12th: Religious School (K-7th)
November 12th: Shalom Chaverim (3-5 year olds)
Canteen Coupons are HERE! Starting this week, we are selling Canteen Coupons to families of 4th grade and up to use for meals on Wednesdays and Sundays at Canteen. These coupons will be sold in packs of 6 for $40 (You get 6 meals for the price of 5!). To participate go to: https://www.bethelhebrew.org/form/canteencoupon
Purchase your 6-pack of coupons
Expect delivery to your child at religious school
Cut out the Coupon
Redeem for Pizza, Snack, & a Drink
Beginning in November, Canteen Coupons will be available for purchase in the office on Sunday Mornings. Please see Ronit Goldstein to purchase.
Resources for Talking to Kids about Israel At our last Family Affinity Group I shared the following resources to aid in navigating conversations with children. You can find these resources here: Israel Resources In addition, we shared the book, Justice Is…A Guide for Young Truth Seekers by Preet Bharara. Blessing of the Pets Join us this Saturday at 2pm (with or without your furry friends) to a special blessing of the animals in our lives. There will be alpacas and bunnies to pet, as well as an opportunity for our furry members to interact. Hope to see you there!
Parents Night Out Sponsored by WRJ Enjoy a night out on the town, while your little ones are here having fun.
Good Afternoon Religious School Families, Rabbi, Cantor, Liz, and I would be remiss to not share that many Jewish organizations and public schools are encouraging children to stay off platforms such as Tik Tok, Instagram, and YouTube. Even going as far as sharing that these apps should be deleted all together.
On Tuesday, I shared with you a warning about social media and our kids. As a synagogue, as an educator, and most importantly as a parent, I am strongly encouraging families to take a hard look at their children’s social media access and usage.
We have already witnessed Hamas’s psychological warfare through the use of it’s social media channels. In addition, the events have caused a world-wide spike in online hate speech targeted towards Jews. According to an article on USA Today, “The ADL counted 347 messages on Telegram from extremists calling for violence against Jews, Israelis and Zionists in the first 18 hours of Saturday, up approximately 488% from the day before.”
Ultimately, these decisions are family ones. It is compounded because we know that many of our children use these platforms to connect with each other, potentially about how they are dealing with these tragic days. I can tell you that yesterday, when our 6th and 7th graders were polled about whether they knew about what was going on in Israel, no less than 90% of our students raised their hands. Our kids already know.
Finally, I have fielded many emails already, and I am sure will continue to do so, about the nuances that families are struggling with when deciding what and when to talk to their own kids about the war in Israel. To support families, we will be offering a Family (Adult) Affinity Space on Sunday morning at 10:00am. This space is designed to connect parents struggling with some of the same questions, serve as a place for you to connect Rabbi & myself, and most importantly, to be with each other. So, grab a bagel, doughnut, or coffee at the BEHC Bagel Bar and join us for this open conversation.
As always, if you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Dan
ADDITIONAL UPDATES
Upcoming Events:
October 14th: Tot Shabbat: Noah’s Ark
October 15th: Religious School (K-7th)
October 15th: Netzer (12:30 - 1:45)
October 15th: Confirmation (arrive at Beth El at 10:45 to travel to the Ropes Course)
October 18th: Religious School (4th-7th)
October 21st: Blessing of the Pets
October 22nd: Religious School (K-7th Grade)
October 22nd: No Netzer Program/Confirmation at Beth El (12:30 to 1:45)
October 25th: Religious School (4th-7th)
October 29th: Religious School (K-7th)
October 29th: B’nei Mitzvah Meeting for 6th Grade Families (10:15am)
October 29th: Netzer and Confirmation: BEFTY Mini Golf Outing (12:30 to ???)
Teen Affinity Space: Processing the past week in Israel Prior to Services, teens of all ages, regardless of whether they’re registered for Netzer or Confirmation are invited to gather to process the events of the last week with each other. Teachers from Netzer and Confirmation, along with our BEFTY advisor will join with Rabbi Spinrad in an open discussion. Programming starts at 6pm with dinner (Israeli faire will be served) and check-in. Teens are then invited to attend Shabbat services together, which is followed by a special camp-style Shabbat Song Session. RSVP requested for food ordering purposes to Dan Swartz, dswartz@bethelhebrew.org
Shabbat Shira for Israel Solidarity (All Ages) As we support each other through these difficult times, Cantor Jason and I will be hosting a special Shabbat Shira following Friday Night Services. This is a time to be together, singing and listening to songs for Israel & Peace. Services begin at 7pm and will be led by our 7th grade students.
Happy Thursday Religious School Families, Thank you to everyone who came out last Shabbat to celebrate consecration. The kids and families did a great job! If you were a family of a consecrant and were unable to make it or did not get a chance to pick up your certificate at the end of the night, please come find me on Sunday. Looking ahead to Sunday, we will be celebrating Simchat Torah. Families are invited to attend at 11am. We will unroll the Torah and sing our way through the 5 books. We will need lot of adult volunteers to help with holding the Torah, so please consider joining. As a reminder, our assembly seating will be as follows:
Following our program, we will have a parade out to the 3rd Annual Simchat Torah Block Party. If you are planning on attending, please sign up here: https://www.bethelhebrew.org/event/simchat-torah-celebration1.html In addition, the Kona Ice Truck will be here (this is in addition to the registration which included pizza and salad.) I look forward to celebrating with everyone.
There is no Netzer or Confirmation this week because of the Block Party. Students and their families in Netzer and Confirmation are encouraged to attend our 11am program. If you are not a madrichim and attending, please let me know, there are lots of jobs to do! Finally, by now you have seen our updated rules regarding food and drink in the classroom. If you missed it, it can be read here . Of note;
We encourage students to bring water in a re-closable container should they want to drink during class.
No sodas, juices, and flavored waters as they can be sticky if spilled
Please have your child eat prior to beginning of class. We offer Bagel & Doughnut Bar and Canteen prior to Sunday and Wednesday religious school. It is a great time for community building and I encourage you to attend on occasion.
As we continue to celebrate Sukkot this week, I wish you a Moadim, L’simcha. See everyone on Sunday! Dan
October 8th: Religious School (K-7th Grade) - No Regular Netzer/Confirmation (Please join us for our Simchat Torah Celebration and Block Party starting at 11am)
October 13th: 7th Grade Led Shabbat Services (6:40pm for 7th graders/7pm service)
October 15th: Religious School (K-7th)
October 15th: Netzer & Confirmation (12:30 - 1:45)
October 18th: Religious School (4th-7th)
October 21st: Blessing of the Pets
October 22nd: Religious School (K-7th Grade)
October 22nd: No Netzer Program/Confirmation at High Ropes Course
October 25th: Religious School (4th-7th)
October 29th: Religious School (K-7th)
October 29th: B’nei Mitzvah Meeting for 6th Grade Families (10:15am)
October 29th: Netzer and Confirmation: BEFTY Mini Golf Outing (12:30 to ???)
Shalom Chaverim: Taste of Religious School Families of children 3-5 years old are invited to join us for our once a month pre-kindergarten program, Shalom Chaverim. Join us from 10:15 to 11:15 at Beth El on the dates below:
November 12
December 3
January 14
February 4
March 24
April 21
May 5
Come early to enjoy a treat at our Bagel and Donut Bar followed by a taste of religious school. To register, please go to the Beth El Hebrew Congregation Website or click here. (Registration is free but requested for planning purposes) For additional information, please contact Dan, dswartz@bethelhebrew.org .
Wednesday Night Canteen Needs YOU! At Beth El Hebrew Congregation, we provide a unique opportunity for our 4th to 7th grade students to create connections each week by having dinner together. In order for us to continue this tradition, we need your support. Each Wednesday, we are looking for 2 adult volunteers to support canteen by helping serve/collect money. If you are able to support, please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0848ABAA2CA4F8C70-44483719-wednesday
Bagel and Donut Bar: The Bagel Bar is starting back up, and we need your help! The Bagel Bar is a fun way to fundraise for the Religious School's scholarship fund, connect with other parents, and above all, provide a delicious breakfast to students. Bagels are $3.00, which includes cream cheese or butter, and donuts are $2.00. We will provide instructions for volunteers on exactly what to do. We’d like to encourage parents to sign up with other parents of kids in the same grade, if possible: Kindergarten- October; First Grade- November, Second Grade- December; Third Grade- January, Fourth Grade- February, Fifth Grade- March, Sixth Grade- April and Seventh Grade- May. But we will happily take volunteers any time you can make it.
The Bagel Bar is a Beth El tradition and we are looking forward to doing it again this year! We can’t do it without you though so please sign up today at this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409094EA8A622A4F94-bagel2 If you have questions, don’t hesitate to email Rachael Turner at rbturnerva@gmail.com.
Parent Coffee & Community Join Rabbi Spinrand on a Sunday morning for an opportunity to connect with parents in your grade over coffee. Fall/Winter dates are as follows: November 12: 4th and 5th Grade November 19: Kindergarten and 1st Grade December 3: 2nd and 3rd Grade December 10: 6th and 7th Grade
The New Israel Fund and Temple Rodef Shalom Present: Israel’s Mass Protest: An evening with Israeli Protest Leader and Activist Shir Nosatzki Moderated by Rabbi Alexandra Stein Wednesday, October 18th 7:00 pm Temple Rodef Shalom 2100 Westmoreland St, Falls Church, VA Israel is at a critical juncture in its history. Many of us are watching in awe as week after week, for over eight months straight, hundreds of thousands of Israelis are taking to the streets to demonstrate against the government’s judicial overhaul and in support of democracy. This is by far the largest and most sustained mass protest movement to ever take place in Israel. To add to the magnitude of this historic moment, we’ve also witnessed Jewish communities across the US protesting in support of their brothers and sisters in Israel. What is motivating Israelis to take part in this struggle? What are the threats to Israel’s democracy? What is the vision of protest leaders for Israel’s future? And what role can our community here in the United States play? To answer these questions and more, please join us for a special evening with one of the young leaders at the forefront of the historic mass protest in Israel. Shir Nosatzki is a leading Israeli activist, organizer, and civil society changemaker who emerged as a core organizer of the mass protest. As the Co-Founder and Director of “Have you Seen the Horizon Lately?”, Shir brings the important issue of Jewish-Arab partnership into the forefront of the mainstream protest movement. You can view Shir speaking on the main stage at the Kaplan demonstrationhere
Happy Thursday Religious School Families, We are halfway through the fall holiday season. I hope you and your family had a joyous Rosh Hashanah and a meaningful fast on Yom Kippur. This week we are back to religious school on Sundays! I can’t wait to see all the Kindergarten through 3rd grade students back in the building!
This Sunday is a busy day at Beth El:
9:30 - Bagel & Doughnut Bar is back!
10:00 - Religious School for K-7th Graders 10:15 T’Filah with Cantor Jason for Kindergarten and 1st Graders 11:30 T’Filah with Cantor Jason for 2nd and 3rd Graders
10:00 Confirmation Students Invited to Rabbi Spinrad’s Sukkah
10:15 - Shalom Chaverim for 3 to 5 year olds in Room 221
12:00 - Religious School Dismissal (K-7th Grade)
12:15 - Canteen for 8th grade and up ($8 for Pizza, Snack, & Drink)
12:30 - Netzer
12:30 - Netzer, Confirmation, and BEFTY Family Orientation in Sanctuary
Finally, I hope to see everyone throughout the next two weeks at one of our amazing family experiences to celebrate Sukkot and Simchat Torah:
Celebrate Sukkot and Consecration on Friday, September 29th, beginning at 6pm for a music filled service and listen to the interactive story, Why Does it Always Rain on Sukkot. Registration for dinner is free, but rsvp is requested for planning purposes. Please go to: https://www.bethelhebrew.org/event/consecration2.html
Celebrate Simchat Torah with Religious School on Sunday, October 8th. This will all be our 2nd Yamei Midot, Yom Messorah (Tradition). Beginning at 11:00am, families are invited to join their students in the sanctuary for a special program where we unroll the Torah scrolls around the room. There will be singing, dancing and have a Torah parade leading right into the congregational Simchat Torah Block Party. (Note: in order for students to stay at the block party, parents must be present.)
Upcoming Events: September 27th: Religious School (4th to 7th Grade) September 29th: Sukkot & Consecration (6pm) September 30th: BEFTY Sukkah & S’mores October 1st: Religious School (K-7th Grade) October 1st: Netzer/Confirmation Begins (Family Informational at 12:30) October 4th: Religious School (4th to 7th Grade) October 8th: Yom Messorah (11am Parents invited to a Simchat Torah Celebrations with their children) October 13th: 7th Grade Led Shabbat Services October 21st: Blessing of the Pets
Netzer, Confirmation, BEFTY…Oh My! Families of students in 8th to 12th grade. I would like to invite you to an informational on October 1st at 12:30. We will review the Netzer and Confirmation Calendar and discuss the opportunities for your child to participate in BEFTY, the Beth El chapter of NFTY MAR.
Wednesday Night Canteen Needs YOU! At Beth El Hebrew Congregation, we provide a unique opportunity for our 4th to 7th grade students to create connections each week by having dinner together. In order for us to continue this tradition, we need your support. Each Wednesday, we are looking for 2 adult volunteers to support canteen by helping serve/collect money. If you are able to support, please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0848ABAA2CA4F8C70-44483719-wednesday Shalom Chaverim: Taste of Religious School (STARTS OCTOBER 1st!) Families of children 3-5 years old are invited to join us for our once a month pre-kindergarten program, Shalom Chaverim. Join us from 10:15 to 11:15at Beth El on the dates below. Come early to enjoy a treat at our Bagel and Donut Bar followed by a taste of religious school. To register, please go to the Beth El Hebrew Congregation Website or click here. (Registration is free but requested for planning purposes) For additional information, please contact Dan, dswartz@bethelhebrew.org.
Happy Wednesday Religious School Families, It was great seeing everyone throughout the Rosh Hashanah weekend. Being able to wish each of you a Shana Tova as your Education Director was truly a highlight for me. The warm feelings I received from each of you reminded me of Rosh Hashanah’s back home in Illinois, but also cemented the decision my family made to come here to Beth El Hebrew Congregation.
This Sunday, we will not have religious school as we prepare for Yom Kippur. On Sunday night, I encourage everyone (including children) to attend Kol Nidre services. Kol Nidre is one of those unique melodies in Jewish liturgy that helps mark the holiest day on the calendar. Hearing it brings back memories for many people around the world, and is an important part of everyone’s Jewish identity. For me, it brings to mind memories of going to synagogue with my dad Erev Yom Kippur, sitting in the front row, wrapped in my dad’s tallit, and listening to the cantor sing.
I know that the service is late. If you are coming with young children, feel free to leave early or allow them to take a nap on you. Having this part of your child’s Jewish experience is worth more than staying for the complete service. Then, the following Friday night, September 29th, is Shabbat Sukkot and Consecration. Consecration is when we welcome those students new to religious school in Kindergarten through 3rd grade. It marks a beginning to a journey of Jewish education that includes 4th grade Siddur Passing, B’nei Mitzvah, and Consecration. It would be great to have a full house to celebrate this milestone as a community.
Services will begin at 6pm and be about 45-60 minutes, filled with song and an interactive story. Afterwards, we will fulfill the mitzvah of eating in the sukkah with a celebratory pasta dinner. This is free to all, but we request that you RSVP through the synagogue website . As a reminder, we will be back to Sundays for religious school on October 1st. Shana Tova U’metuka Dan
ADDITIONAL UPDATES
Upcoming Events: September 20th: Religious School (4th to 7th Grade) September 25th: Family Yom Kippur Service (High Holiday Food Drive Collection!) September 27th: Religious School (4th to 7th Grade) September 29th: Sukkot & Consecration (6pm) September 30th: BEFTY Sukkah & S’mores October 1st: Religious School (K-7th Grade) October 1st: Netzer/Confirmation Begins (Family Informational at 12:30) October 4th: Religious School (4th to 7th Grade) October 8th: Yom Messorah (11am Parents invited to a Simchat Torah Celebrations with their children) October 13th: 7th Grade Led Shabbat Services
Netzer, Confirmation, BEFTY…Oh My! Families of students in 8th to 12th grade. I would like to invite you to an informational on October 1st at 12:30. We will review the Netzer and Confirmation Calendar and discuss the opportunities for your child to participate in BEFTY, the Beth El chapter of NFTY MAR.
Wednesday Night Canteen Needs YOU! At Beth El Hebrew Congregation, we provide a unique opportunity for our 4th to 7th grade students to create connections each week by having dinner together. In order for us to continue this tradition, we need your support. Each Wednesday, we are looking for 2 adult volunteers to support canteen by helping serve/collect money. If you are able to support, please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0848ABAA2CA4F8C70-44483719-wednesday Shalom Chaverim: Taste of Religious School (STARTS OCTOBER 1st!) Families of children 3-5 years old are invited to join us for our once a month pre-kindergarten program, Shalom Chaverim. Join us from 10:15 to 11:15 at Beth El on the dates below. Come early to enjoy a treat at our Bagel and Donut Bar followed by a taste of religious school. To register, please go to the Beth El Hebrew Congregation Website or click here. (Registration is free but requested for planning purposes) For additional information, please contact Dan, dswartz@bethelhebrew.org.
