Hebrew School

We are happy to be through all the holidays and back on a "normal" schedule. And, lots of things are happening!

Last month we were getting ready for Simchat Torah. And it was quite a celebration. Classes met together for Hebrew School and learned and sang about ten songs. So, by 4:45, everyone was ready for dinner. The entire Hebrew School offers a heartfelt thanks to everyone for helping to put on a wonderful dinner for the students and families. We then went upstairs to daven and then…everyone adjourned to the Epstein room where we danced and danced. And, then, to the amazement of all the kids, all the adults stood in a huge circle and Rabbi Schwarzman led the opening of an entire Torah scroll. It was quite an experience!

Classes have been working hard. In the 6th grade class, Eric says that the class is divided in halves, "so each week we do about 55 minutes on each: Hebrew language; Tefilah (Shema, Ashrei, Musaph), both skills as well as meaning; Jewish medieval history; and Jewish culture, tradition, and religion." Lisa says that the 4th and 5th grade class "is continuing to work on their Hebrew along with learning the V'ahavta paragraph and beginning their exploration of Jewish history!" In the 2nd and 3rd grade class, Corrin tells us that they "have just completed the Big Book on Jonah and are studying Hebrew letters and words. We have lots of neat games that help them remember everything from colors and numbers to the months and holidays and we even get up and dance!!! We are busy learning about mitzvahs and the weekly sidrah, too. Please feel free to stop by and see what we are up to!" And, last but not least, in the pre-K/K class, Lisa says that they "have been working on their letters (we know aleph, bet, gimel, and dalet), colors (we know red and blue), and blessings for food. Now we are starting Torah stories and have done Adam and Eve and Noah. Ask the kids all about it!"

An update on Mitzvah of the Month from Corrin: "Mitzvah of the Month for November is the Pet Parade Mitzvah and we are collecting dog and cat food, bird food, bedding, treats, bowls, leashes, and old blankets for the Humane Society. Our next mitzvah project will be Menorah Mitzvah, collecting hygiene items and special goodies like playing cards, large print books and puzzles to take to the Phillips Strickland house around the 23rd of December. Our past mitzvah projects have been a great success! Thanks to all who have donated much needed food and warm clothing items. They were delivered to Manna and were greatly appreciated. Let's keep up the Mitzvahs!!!"

Hanukkah at Beth Israel

Hanukkah is always an important holiday for the Hebrew School (and for kids of all ages). Plans are in the works for our annual Hanukkah party. So, come join us for singing, yummy food, and of course lighting candles on Sunday, December 21st from 4:00 to 6:00pm in the Epstein Room.

As part of our Hanukkah celebration, we will be traveling to Augusta to join the Governor and First Lady and Jewish students from around Maine for the lighting of Hanukkah candles on Monday, December 22nd at 4:00. We invite all families and children to join us. And, if you would like to go and are willing to chaperone, come on along as well. Please contact Sandy as soon as possible so that we can come up with an accurate count. We will let you know the details as they become available.

The Shabbat youth services continue to do well. Let me take this opportunity to introduce Kim Putterman, who is from West Hartford, CT, and is a third year animal science major with an equine studies minor. Kim, Carly, Maddye and Naomi continue to lead spirited services, discussions, and activities.

And a few last items: Teachers will be working on report cards after Hanukkah. Junior Congregation will continue during winter break. Hebrew school meets on Tuesday, December 23rd and then we will all enjoy the break and return refreshed and ready to go on Tuesday, January 6th. The Hebrew School committee continues to meet and work on current issues and future plans. Look for lots more in the future. The committee welcomes any ideas, suggestions, and volunteers.

Submitted by Sandy Berkowitz, on behalf of the Hebrew School and Hebrew School Committee

Sandy Berkowitz