Thank You for a Great Year!
We celebrated the last day of Torah Center with our first-ever Showcase of Learning. Parents and students spent the morning together participating in activities and viewing student work from throughout the year. Exhibits and activities included the student-led Minyan, a wax museum, a rousing game of “Are You Smarter than a 2nd Grader?” pinwheels for peace, prophet puppets, and more. What a morning! Thanks to everyone – parents, students, Madrichim and Teachers…for making this another terrific year!
Some pictures from the event:
Have a great summer!
Is it Spring Yet?
It may be cold outside, but its warm here at the Torah Center! Keeping busy and having fun are sure ways to pass the time until spring comes. Look what we have been up to these past few weeks…
At 6th Grade Family Day, students and their parents got a close-up look at the Torah scroll with Rabbi Mahler:
Thank you to the madrich who held the Torah scroll open the entire time!
6th Graders also made tzedakkah boxes and talked about the ways they can help others. They came up with some great ideas for their upcoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah Mitzvah projects!
The 5th Graders discussed the marriage ceremony in their Lifecycle class. After looking at examples of Ketubot, they designed their own:
4th Grade students showed off their Hebrew reading skills and made dream catchers:
3rd Grade students practiced writing the Hebrew letters and vowels they’ve learned and worked on their end of the year projects:
Kindergarteners joined their 5th Grade buddies in the library for story time:
And Israeli dancing was fun for everyone once again:
The latest installment of Family Cooking made for another successful afternoon. Everyone enjoyed hanging out with Melinda Freed and learning how to make matzah…it was fun to beat the clock. Who knew that you only have 18 minutes to go from dough to oven?
Chag Sameach! Have a very Happy Passover!
* * *
Coming Up:
There will be NO TORAH CENTER OR JHS CLASSES on Sunday, March 24th- Monday, April 1st. Have a great Pesach/spring break!
Family Days, Snowflakes, and a Trip to Washington, DC
The Torah Center Experience is back!
After a brief hiatus…you can once again tune into to find out what is happening here at the Torah Center! What a full couple of weeks – here are some of the hightlights of what has been keeping us busy…
In December, the 5th grade students and their parents had the opportunity to participate in our first joint effort between the Torah Center and the Social Action Committee. As part of the morning of activities, members of the class and committee joined together to make lunches and to assemble giftbags for the residents of Miryam’s Shelter. It was a productive and meaningful morning for all involved:
And the 8th and 9th grade students made snowflakes…part of the ‘Snowflake Project,’ a national campaign to create a ‘Winter Wonderland’ for the students of Sandy Hook Elementary when they returned to classes in their new location:
The 9th grade took a well deserved break afterwards:
And this past weekend, members of the 10th grade Confirmation class attended a 4-day seminar organized by the Religious Action Center in Washington, DC. Highlights included visiting the Holocaust Memorial Museum and the Air and Space Smithsonian Museum, seeing the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, participating in Havdalah at the Jefferson Memorial, lobbying our Senators and Congressional representatives, and hanging out with nearly 300 other Jewish teens from across the country! It was a great weekend! Thank you to everyone who has supported the bagel sale and helped us fund this worthwhile and important experience.
See you next week!
* * *
Coming Up THIS Weekend:
Chanukah, O Chanukah…
Happy Chanukah!
It definitely is a time of celebration here in the Torah Center! Chanukiahs, dreidls and chocolate gelt abound… but there are other signs too that it is holiday time. Walking through the hallways one is sure to hear many retellings of the Chanukah story and multiple renditions of the Dreidl Song, see creative (and usuable!) art projects and witness the creation of the annual Chanukah videos along with the timely reappearance of Mrs. Levy’s famous Menorah Hat.
Here’s a look at what’s been happening around here – as we prepared for Chanukah and then celebrated the first few crazy nights…
* * *
Students and parents alike visited the annual Mitzvah Mall, the chance to make donations to worthwhile organizations including Temple’s Caring Community, the Children’s Village, the Humane Society, SHIM, Ronald McDonald House, JNF, and the Kosher Food Pantry. In return for a small donation, students received a beautiful Chanukah or holiday card acknowledging the donation along with a description of which mitzvah goes along with the work of the organization. In essence – easy holiday shopping for a good cause!
It was difficult to decide which organizations to visit! The 2nd grade class had a great time learning about each organization and making their donations:
In the Art Room, Pre-K students and their parents used their hands to make the candles of the Chanukiah on special Chanukah placemats:
Kindergarten also made Menorahs with candles that can be “lit” each night:
Ist Grade made Menorah napkin holders – a necessity to help clean up after eating latkes!
4th Grade made Blessings for the Home Pictures as Chanukah gifts:
The 5th Grade worked on their much anticipated Chanukah videos:
The 6th Grade made a human Menorah:
Our Madrichim were helpful as always…counting Tzedakkah and sorting the candles, gelt and dreidls to be sent home:
Happy Chanukah!
* * *
Coming Up THIS Weekend:
What Have We Been Up To Lately?
What have we been up to lately here at the Torah Center? Take a look!
Members of the Confirmation class led Shabbat services at Concordia and had a great time. Thank you, Mr. Zoffer, for accompanying them!
Our 10th Graders also continue to run the bagel sale to raise money for their upcoming trip to Washington, DC for the L’Taken Seminar at the Religious Action Center:
3rd Grade Family Day brought parents and students together for a morning of activities including Kehillah (community time) with Rabbi Mahler:
They also learned about the importance of the mezuzah and had the opportunity to decorate their own:
Our 5th graders paired up with Kindergarteners for story time in the library. The olders students chose stories to read to the younger ones. It was a great experience for everyone!
And our 6th Graders discovered that they really do like to dance – especially Israeli style!
* * *
A special welcome to Ellen Drook and Rachel Zoffer who have joined our staff as the Education Secretary Team! Rachel will be in the office Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sunday mornings. Ellen will be there on Thursdays, Fridays and Sunday mornings as well. Please stop in and say hello!
* * *
Coming Up:
A Whirlwind of Activity…
As always, things are happening at the Torah Center…Hurricane Sandy can’t stop us! Our hallways are warm and dry and full of activity. Take a look at what our students have been up to these past few weeks…
Our Pre-K class learned all about the rituals of Shabbat and made candlesticks to help them celebrate at home:
Kindergarten students took a tour of the synagogue and learned about many of the ritual objects it contains, including the Ner Tamid, the Everlasting Light. They had fun making their own:
The 1st Grade students made miniature Torah scrolls and arks to put them in:
Our 2nd Grade students made ‘Creation mobiles’ as they learned about the days of Creation leading up to Shabbat – the day on which God rested.
Our 3rd Graders were hard at work practicing their Hebrew letters and vowels:
But there was also time to lend a hand…the 3rd Grade helped our Caring Committee make Shabbat bags by decorating an essential piece – the challah cover!
Our 4th Grade students talked about the Creation story and tried their hand at creating:
The 5th Grade practiced for the upcoming Family Service. Hope you are planning on joining us THIS Friday!
And continued learning about the Prophets in Mrs. Oshlag’s class:
A 10th Grade student cheerfully ran the bagel sale (to raise money for the class trip to Washington, DC):
And the Madrichim (Student Aides) were AWESOME as usual…the Torah Center wouldn’t be the same without them!
Another great week!
* * *
NEW!!!!!!!! The Return of the Trivia Question on THE BLOG!!!!!!!
Here is how it works: the question will be posted here on the blog. Help your child to find the answer and then 1) post it in the comments below, or 2) email it to me at [email protected] or 3) write it down on a piece of paper (if you can find a writing utensil!) and send it via child messenger to the Education Office. Your choice…just make sure you take the time to participate as your child will get a prize for knowing the correct answer. Let the games begin!
Last Week’s Trivia Question: What is a prayer book called in Hebrew? Answer: Siddur
[Thank you to everyone who answered last week…if your child did not receive their prize for answering correctly, please have him/her come see me next time we have class]
THIS WEEK’S TRIVIA QUESTION: What is the Hebrew word for Prayer?
* * *
Coming Up:
Our next Shabbat LaMishpacha Dinner and Family service of the year is THIS Friday, November 2nd! Please let Lori in the main office know if you are able to attend the dinner. The cost is $15 for adults, $5.50 for children under 14. Can’t make it to the dinner? Join us for the service. This is a “don’t miss” event! See you there!
Don’t forget to “fall behind” this Saturday evening – set your clocks back an hour and enjoy an extra hour of sleep!
There will be NO TORAH CENTER classes on Sunday, November 4th, due to Yom Limud, (a day of learning) for our teachers.
Calling all Bakers! On Sunday, November 4th, join Jr. J-Club (Grades 4-6) for an afternoon of baking yummy treats for the Election Day Bake Sale. Join us from 2-4 pm in the Temple kitchen. Please RSVP to Jodi Kart at [email protected] to let her know that you’ll be attending.
On Tuesday, November 6th, join other J-Club Members (Grades 7-8) and volunteer at the Temple Election Day Bake sale! Contact Eileen Geffrey at [email protected] to sign up for a two hour time slot to help. This activity will fulfill a Kehillah requirement and also count towards community service hours your child may need for public school.
Kindergarten Family Day is Sunday, November 11th from 9:30 am – 12 noon. Please plan on joining your children at Torah Center for activities that will allow you to learn and experience Judaism together.
3rd Grade Family Day is Sunday, November 18th from 9:30 am – 12 noon. Please plan on joining your children at Torah Center for activities that will allow you to learn and experience Judaism together.
On Sunday, November 18th there will be a combined Youth Groups outing for J-TEAM (Grades 9-12) and J. Club (Grades 7-8) at Dave and Busters at the Waterfront from 1-3 pm. It’s an incredible deal – $10 will get you a $10 power card AND lunch! Rides are available. Please RSVP to Jodi Kart at [email protected] or Marsha Morgenstern at [email protected] to let them know that you’ll be participating!
Bring it on, Heshvan!
The Hebrew month of Heshvan, which began this week on Tuesday night, is sometimes known as the ‘bitter month.’ Why? Because its days celebrate no holidays! But that doesn’t mean that it is a boring month; far from it! Things are happenin’ as usual in the Torah Center. Take a look at what is keeping us busy these days:
The 4th grade parents came in and decorated siddur (prayer book) covers for the books that their children will receive during the December Family Service. A lot of hard work and love went into the project; the students will greatly appreciate the gift from their parents. But shhhhhhhh….. its a secret for now!
During Kehillah (Community Time), our Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade students met with Rabbi Locketz in the Beit Ha’Tefila to look at the Torah scroll. (Thank you to Mrs. Levy and one of our terrific madrichim, Tanner, for holding the scroll open for so long!) Since the Torah reading cycle just began again, it was cool to see the very beginning of the Torah. Some of the students even recognized the first letter – a bet!
The Pre-K class learned about Tzedakah and decorated special Tzedakah cans to take home and use with their families.
Throughout the Torah Center we are so fortunate to have so many talented madrichim (student aides) who assist the teachers in making our school a success! Here one such awesome madricha teaches a prayer in the Torah service to the 6th graders:
And our 5th graders worked equally hard at their Hebrew studies. This week they began the Avot v’Imahot – the prayer that speaks of our ancestors.
But it wasn’t all work and no play…there was time to have a good time too!
Another amazing madricha focuses intently on the lesson being taught to the 4th grade students:
The 4th grade students were paying attention as well – although they were probably wondering what their parents were up to in the Community Room! December is a long time to wait to find out…
On Monday night, in the Jewish High School, the 10th grade Confirmation class enjoyed their class time with Rabbi Mahler. It’s not to be missed!
And the 8th grade class got down on the floor (literally) with magazines, scissors and glue sticks to look for images that persuade, document or entertain; the ‘whys’ of taking pictures:
Hey Heshvan – We’re just getting started!
* * *
A big thank you to Helaine Labovitz for all she has done during the past four years as the Education Secretary. Here’s to wishing her good luck in all her future endeavors!
* * *
NEW!!!!!!!! The Return of the Trivia Question on THE BLOG!!!!!!!
Here is how it works: the question will be posted here on the blog. Help your child to find the answer and then 1) post it in the comments below, or 2) email it to me at [email protected] or 3) write it down on a piece of paper (if you can find a writing utensil!) and send it via child messenger to the Education Office. Your choice…just make sure you take the time to participate as your child will get a prize for knowing the correct answer. Let the games begin!
THIS WEEK’S TRIVIA QUESTION: What is a prayer book called in Hebrew?
* * *
Coming Up:
3rd Grade students and their families are invited to the Bagel Brunch and Family Minyan on Saturday, October 20th. Please join us for bagels at 10:00 am followed by a family friendly Shabbat morning service at 10:30 am. Please let Helaine know of your attendance plans.
5th Grade Family Day has been POSTPONED. Stay tuned for the new date!
Our Jewish High School students will be joining Beth El teens on Sunday, THIS October 21st at 10 am to clean up Gilkenson Road (our “adopted” road). Participation will fulfill a kehillah requirement. RSVP to Rabbi Locketz at [email protected]
On Sunday, October 28th there will be a combined Youth Groups outing at Mt. Lebanon Ice Rink – ICE SKATING – from 2:10-4 pm. All Temple Emanuel Youth Group participants are invited for the fun! Please RSVP to Jodi Kart at [email protected] or Marsha Morgenstern at [email protected] to let them know that you’ll be participating!
Join our Youth Group Advisors Marsha Morgenstern and Jodi Kart on Monday, October 29th at 7:40pm for an important Parents Meeting concerning youth involvement here at Temple Emanuel. Please plan on attending…your input is needed! RSVP to Jodi Kart at [email protected] or Marsha Morgenstern at [email protected]
Torah, Torah, Torah!
Simchat Torah is THE fun holiday – klezmer music, dancing with the Torah scrolls, parading with flags, singing Rabbi Mahler’s ‘Sukkah Song’ one more time, both ending and beginning again the Torah reading cycle, the Consecration of our newest Torah Center students, and lots of yummy desserts make for one awesome celebration!
As part of the day’s activities, students decorated flags, played games, heard stories (thank you, Mrs. Altschul!) and learned about the Torah scroll with Rabbi Mahler:
During the rockin’ service, we welcomed our newest Torah Center students:
Each received a mini Torah with a beautifully decorated cover created by one of our 6th grade students:
On Wednesday, with all the holidays behind us (whew!) classes resumed as usual. Our 3rd graders reviewed their Hebrew letters and continued their discussions about what it means to be ‘Partners with God’:
Our 4th graders practiced their Hebrew reading:
Our 6th graders discussed where to send their Tzedakkah money and learned the days of the week in Hebrew:
Another great week!
Stay tuned for a new feature…starting next week, the return of the weekly trivia contest – with a twist!
* * *
Coming Up:
A 4th Grade Parent Program is planned for THIS Sunday, October 14th from 9:30 am – 12 noon. Please plan on joining your children that morning for the minyan and then stay to help personalize a special gift for them. Shh…it’s a secret! RSVP to Helaine at [email protected].
3rd Grade students and their families are invited to the Bagel Brunch and Family Minyan on Saturday, October 20th. Please join us for bagels at 10:00 am followed by a family friendly Shabbat morning service at 10:30 am. Please let Helaine know of your attendance plans.
5th Grade Family Day has been POSTPONED. Stay tuned for the new date!
Our Jewish High School students will be joining Beth El teens on Sunday, October 21st at 10 am to clean up Gilkenson Road (our “adopted” road). Participation will fulfill a kehillah requirement. RSVP to Rabbi Locketz at [email protected]
On Sunday, October 28th there will be a combined Youth Groups outing at Mt. Lebanon Ice Rink – ICE SKATING – from 2:10-4 pm. All Temple Emanuel Youth Group participants are invited for the fun! Please RSVP to Jodi Kart at [email protected] or Marsha Morgenstern at [email protected] to let them know that you’ll be participating!
Join our Youth Group Advisors Marsha Morgenstern and Jodi Kart on Monday, October 29th at 7:40pm for an important Parents Meeting concerning youth involvement here at Temple Emanuel. Please plan on attending…your input is needed! RSVP to Jodi Kart at [email protected] or Marsha Morgenstern at [email protected]
'Tis the Season For Rejoicing
Happy Sukkot! Known as ‘Z’man Simchateinu’, ‘the season of our rejoicing’, Sukkot is a holiday filled with excitement and joy. It is aptly named – with so much going on here in the Torah Center during the past few weeks, there is much to celebrate. The smiles are contagious!
Our Yom Kippur programming was a blast despite the solemn mood of the day:
And the Sukkah was fun to decorate!
After the Family Sukkot Service it was time to “dwell” in the Sukkah and take a turn at shaking the lulav and etrog (our Temple President was a natural!):
On Monday night, our Jewish High School students enjoyed their time in the Sukkah too:
And yesterday students in grades 3-6 visited the Sukkah as well. Eating, singing, dancing, lulav and etrog shaking…It was a fun time for all!
And now – on to the next holiday! So…
Chag Sameach… Have a joyous Simchat Torah!
* * *
Coming Up:
Our first Shabbat LaMishpacha Dinner and Family service of the year is TOMORROW Friday, October 5th! Please let Lori in the main office know if you are able to attend the dinner. The cost is $15 for adults, $5.50 for children under 14. Can’t make it to the dinner? Join us for the service. This is a “don’t miss” event! See you there!
Simchat Torah Family Day Program Dinner and Service on Sunday, October 7th, 4 -7 pm (no regular Torah Center classes that morning); Come participate in fun activities (4 pm), eat a FREE Hot Dog Dinner (5:15 pm) and stay for our Family Simchat Torah Service during which we will welcome our newest Torah Center students (6 pm)! A great evening for the entire family! RSVP for dinner to Helaine at [email protected]
A 4th Grade Parent Program is planned for Sunday, October 14th from 9:30 am – 12 noon. Please plan on joining your children that morning for the minyan and then stay to help personalize a special gift for them. Shh…it’s a secret! RSVP to Helaine at [email protected].
3rd Grade students and their families are invited to the Bagel Brunch and Family Minyan on Saturday, October 20th. Please join us for bagels at 10:00 am followed by a family friendly Shabbat morning service at 10:30 am. Please let Helaine know of your attendance plans.
5th Grade Family Day is Sunday, October 21st from 9:30 am – 12 noon. Please plan on joining your children at Torah Center for activities that will allow you to learn and experience Judaism together.
Save the date! Our Jewish High School students will be joining Beth El teens on Sunday, October 21st at 10 am to clean up Gilkenson Road (our “adopted” road). Participation will fulfill a kehillah requirement. RSVP to Helaine at [email protected]
A Sweet New Year to All!
Welcome 5773! May this New Year be a year of health, happiness and sweetness for everyone! Here in the Torah Center we celebrated in style with our special Rosh Hashana programming. Thanks to all the teen and adult volunteers who made it possible! A good time was had by all:
Some other pictures from this week’s Torah Center Experiences:
Another great week!
* * *
Coming Up:
Jr. J-Club (grades 4-6) and J-Club (grades 7 & 8) visit Simmons Farm on Sunday, September 23rd, following Torah Center classes, with one of Temple’s NEW Youth Directors, Jodi Kart, for a fun filled afternoon. RSVP to Jodi at [email protected] so that we can purchase the tickets at the group rate. We are also looking for parents to help with the event… please let Jodi know if you are available.
Torah Center Yom Kippur Programming for Kindergarten-6th Grade on Wednesday, September 26th at 9 am
Teen Yom Kippur Service for Grades 7-12, Wednesday, September 26th at 11:45 am
Sukkot Family Day Program Dinner and Service on Sunday, September 30th, 4 -7 pm (no regular Torah Center classes that morning); Come decorate our outdoor Sukkah and participate in fun Sukkot activities (4 pm), eat a FREE Spaghetti Dinner (5:15 pm) and stay for our Family Sukkot Service (6 pm)! A great evening for the entire family! RSVP for dinner to Helaine at [email protected]
Our first Shabbat LaMishpacha Dinner and Family service of the year is on Friday, October 5th! Please let Lori in the main office know if you are able to attend the dinner. The cost is $15 for adults, $5.50 for children under 14. Can’t make it to the dinner? Join us for the service. This is a “don’t miss” event! See you there!