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Author: Sara Birnbaum

Sara is the Director of the Shomrei JLC (Jewish Learning Center - Hebrew School). She comes to Shomrei with over 15 years experience in Experiential Jewish Education, teaching in synagogue schools, working for Camp Ramah and in many roles in United Synagogue Youth. She brings a love of Jewish learning and infuses her Ruach in her work. She has a Masters of Social Work from Yeshiva University where she developed a love of modern Jewish Philosophy. She is an alum of the Nativ College Leadership Program in Israel, the Conservative movement’s gap year program.
People of Shomrei, Services & Religion, Youth

Mah Hadash (What’s New)?

JLC teachers meeting 2015 sept

There are so many new things this time of year. The school year begins, the kids are in new grades with new teachers, new classmates and new experiences. Rosh Hashana, our New Year, gives us pause to reflect on the past and jump into the new.

On the one hand, as a parent of three school-age children and a baby, the beginning of the year causes me some anxiety… do we have the right school supplies, shoes that fit, clothing that is deemed fashionable (by my kids), can we get back into a routine, do I really have to make lunches and pack backpacks and how challenging will getting up and ready for work and getting the kids out the door be?!

On the other hand, as an educator, I relish the new opportunities to create, engage and inspire our students and teachers. (more…)

People of Shomrei, Services & Religion, Youth

Hinei Mah Tov Reenergized!

Allison Fishman Task (and assistants) will Chair Hinei Mah Tov programming.

This summer, we have made two significant changes toward a new and reenergized Hinei Mah Tov (HMT) service for the coming year.

I am excited to announce that congregant Allison Fishman Task has volunteered to chair the HMT Committee and will work with me and our HMT families to continue to develop the nachas (gratification), simcha (spirit) and ruach (joy) of HMT services. Please be in touch with Allison () if you would like to help her develop, plan or host any upcoming HMT services.

Another exciting development: this summer we hired guitarist Mitch Radler as our song leader and JLC music teacher.

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People of Shomrei

Chanukah Skits at the JLC

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“Do you want to buy our amazing Chanukah Menorah?”

This week we have been preparing for Chanukah at the JLC, making Chanukah Menorahs, playing games, and learning about the history, traditions and stories of the holiday. Each Hebrew class created a dramatic Chanukah skit they will be sharing at school on Wednesday. Some groups created their interpretation of the Chanukah story while others made commercials about Chanukah. The students creativity and enthusiasm is very apparent in their work. They are extremely excited to preform the skits for their classmates.

(more…)

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