From the desk of Dan Swartz - Archived

October 12, 2023


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.