Religious School

This year, Hebrew is being taught to all children in grades Kindergarten and up. The younger children are learning to understand that the Hebrew language has its own alphabet while the older ones are learning to decode words and understand words to prayers. In addition, the older students are learning some modern Hebrew through the “Hebrew Through Movement” program.

As a whole, the Religious School has grown exponentially this year with a current roster of 43 students and more interest as the year goes on. The school has gained ground by way of mouth with members bringing in friends and classmates as well as with the family programming that the congregation offers. We expect the school to continue to grow. Much of the growth is at the lower end with about three fourths being in grades less than third. This has led to a shift in many of the ways the students are involved, but is a very good change to have coupled with the growing number of students.

With that growth, we are looking for teachers for next year and we are happy to announce that fabulous new substitute teacher was recently hired with the hopes that she will want to teach in the Religious School next school year. Ronit, our Religious School director has been doing an amazing job planning curricula and programming for the students. The Family Chanukah Experience was highly successful and was another great way to include families in our children’s education.

Looking way ahead – there is an Israel Fair on May 4th, which is being put together by the Federation. Religious Schools were asked to have a table with some sort of activity that day. We will be partaking in that and will provide more details as the plans for that day become solidified.

Teens & Young Adults

USY is continuing to plan and engage in fun events and activities. Earlier in the year, teens had a fantastic cupcake-decorating event to open up the season where creativity (and icing) flowed. Sydney is doing a great job collaborating with other local chapters to bring teens together and plan new activities. Making the different pieces fall into place has been difficult, but she and the other advisors are making very good headway.

PJ Library/Family Engagement

There was a very successful PJ Library High Holiday event held earlier in the year at Eagle’s Landing. It was very well-attended and was a great way to bring families and young children together.

The PJ Chanukah event is taking place on December 15th featuring games, crafts, and a live performance by Mr. Ray.