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.
