Youth Service is Cancelled

Shalom,

Please note that the 5:30 service and dinner on October 17th are cancelled.

Join us next month on November 14th

Just a quick preview of things coming up, events, plays, and learning opportunities.

Shalom Chaveirim,

This weekend:

Friday the 17^th at 5:30 – Youth Service and Dinner

There is also a 7:30 service with special speaker, Julis Stiles, biblical artist.  Her artwork will be on exhibit in the Ben Weisbein Social Hall beginning Oct. 14^th

Sunday the 19^th at 5 p.m. member Ted Herstand presents his one-man play, “Harold.”  Deli supper to follow.  Tickets are $25 and must be made in advance.

http://origin.library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1100419623853-1791/Flyer.pdf

Upcoming Courses:

Kabbalah, Mysticism, and Spirituality - Wednesday nights, beginning October 22^nd through December 17^th.

Through the different insights of teachers such as, the Neo-Chasidic teacher Rabbi Arthur Green, and Jewish scholars like Martin Buber, Aryeh Kaplan, and Abraham Joshua Heschel, we will explore deeper ideas and insights that can help us understand what useful insights does this shrouded Jewish mystical tradition hold. This will be not only take kabbalah and Jewish mysticism into consideration textually and historically but we will also be experientially delving into guided meditations, niggunim, and much more. Please join us on Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:00 p.m.  Sign up with Stacie, info@templesinaivt.org or 802-862-5125

Adult Hebrew Crash Course - Thursday nights beginning October 23^rd through December 18^th

Have you always wanted to learn to read Hebrew but never had the opportunity?  Now’s your chance.  If you’ve never had a Hebrew lesson before, this class is for you.  You’ll be reading after the first session, from 7:00-8:30 p.m.  sign up with Judy, directorjudy@templesinanvt.org or 802-862-5125

Global Day of Jewish Learning – Sunday, November 16^th 10:00 a.m.-12 p.m.

The 2014 theme is Heroes, Villains, Saints and Fools: The People in the Book. The Bible is not a book to be idly read in passing, and the men and women of the Scriptures are more than mere life portraits: they continue to live and function long after their deaths in this world.  Four separate units to choose from, adults and teens.  No reservation needed, just show up.

The Perfect Species

At this time of the year, Jews around the globe head out in search of the perfect lulav and etrog (Lulav refers to the grouping of lulav, hadassim and aravot, which, together with the etrog are referred to as the four species.) Since the lulav and etrog are used for the mitzvah of waving the four species, it’s important to find a set that is as perfect as can be.

So what makes a lulav and etrog “perfect”?

Lulav/Branch of a Palm Tree: A lulav is actually the closed frond of a date palm tree. A nice lulav is green, with no signs of dryness. It should be straight, without any bends or twists near the top. The tip and top leaves of the lulav must be whole, and not split. It is placed in the center of the hadassim and the aravot with its spine facing inward.

Hadassim/Three Myrtle Branches: The hadassim, which are bound on the right side of the lulav, should have moist, green leaves grouped in level rows of three. There should be no large, uncovered section of stem. The stem and the leaves should be whole, without any nips at the top and the leaves should cover the entire branch to the top. There should not be more berries than leaves and there should be no large twigs.

Aravot/Two Willow Branches: The aravot, which are bound to the left side of the lulav (slightly lower than the hadassim) should have reddish stems with green, moist leaves. The leaves should be long, narrow and smooth-edged, with no nips or tears.

Etrog/Citron: The Torah describes the etrog as “the fruit of a beautiful tree” (Leviticus 23:40). Ideally, the skin of this yellow (or green when not ripe) citrus fruit must be clean of spots and discolorations. It should be bumpy, not smooth like a lemon, and should be broad at the bottom and narrow toward the top. (Please note that the etrog is very delicate and should be handled with care. If dropped, the etrog can be damaged and rendered unfit for use!)

Wishing everyone a Chag Sameach





Reprinted from JewishTreats.

Look What's Happening in School and Temple this Fall

It was so great to see everyone on our first day of school.  As always, there was so much excitement in the air as friends greeted old friends, made some new ones, and met the new teachers.

This is going to be a lengthy, newsy blog post so please take the time to read it when you have time.

Teachers:

Jade Walker - Grades 1-2

Zora Berman - Grade 3

Audrey Chafetz (J) & Judy Alexander (H) - Grade 4

Jon Polson - Grades 5-6

Dana Rachlin (J) & Bruce Chalmer (H) - Grade 7

Teacher bios are posted outside the classroom.  Additionally, all of you (except grade 1-2 parents) should have received an introductory letter from your child’s teacher(s).

New programs this year:

Jewish Scavenger Hunt.  Yesterday each student received a “Passport to the Jewish Year” filled with suggested Jewish activities whereby each child will earn a ‘point’ for each activity completed.  We will offer small rewards at the quarterly ceremony, as outlined in the passport.  A students completing 24 activities by the end of the year will get a grand prize.

Not on the list but talked about:  On October 5th Brotherhood needs help moving tables and chairs out of the classrooms for rug cleaning.  Your child can earn a point for doing this activity.  Please let Patty Greenfield know if you plan to participate.

Own a Holiday.  I will go into detail about this on Sunday, September 21.  You and your child should plan to attend this orientation session at 10 a.m. as it will affect the entire congregation.

Join the Rabbi:

Every Thursday from 4:15-5:15 Rabbi Glazier plans to have an informal gathering with parents and congregants who would like to drop in to ask questions and/or talk about current events in the Jewish/Israel world.

Oldies but goodies:

Snack:

As in years past, you will need to sign up to bring snack several times a year.  The snack sign-up schedule is not yet up and won’t begin until October.  I’ll send out an email when it’s running.  Try to keep it simple and if you are sending in fruit, please wash it. 

Tzedakah:

Your child is encouraged to bring each week either money or a non-perishable food item for the food shelter

Hike for Hunger:

We’re teaming up with Hunger Free Vermont this year on September 27th to participate.  Register at: www.firstgiving.com/team/276486.  For more details go to www.hungerfreevt.org

and follow the links to Hike for Hunger 2014 or contact Patty Greenfield greenfieldp24@yahoo.com

Holidays:

Lots of them are coming up in short order.  Sept. 24th is Erev Rosh Hashanah

No school Oct. 9th due to Sukkot

Oct. 16 is Simchat Torah and we plan to hold services during school hours with a dinner to follow.  Plan to stay with your child for services for this holiday and also to Consecrate our new students and to give siddurim/prayer books to those in grades 4 and upwards who have not yet received their siddurim.

Chai School:

Begins Oct. 2nd.  Watch for registration.

Torah Chanting for 6th Grade students

Begins Oct. 23rd from 6:15-6:35

Adult Beginning Hebrew Reading Crash Course

Begins Oct. 23rd from 7:00-8:30

Global Day of Jewish Learning:

November 16^th – Learning opportunity for the whole family

Tot Shabbat and Story Hour

Listed on the school calendar.  First Story Hour is on Sept. 21st.  Students in grades 5-7 are encouraged to sign up to help with both or either of these monthly events.

Youth Services:

Zora Berman, our Grade 3 & Music Teacher, will also lead these services.  Different students over the course of the year will be participating.  I will let you know in advance if your child is part of a given monthly service.  These 5:30 services are youth friendly and followed by a dinner, provided by our Brotherhood.  It’s a wonderful way to meet other parents and make Temple connections and I encourage you to come as often as possible.

Grade Services:

The following grades are leading the services on the following dates:

    Jan. 17th - grades 5, 6 & 7

    Jan. 31st - grade 4

    March 21st - grades 1, 2 & 3

Please plan to be at your child’s class service as this is considered a class session; you are also encouraged to attend other grade services that your child may not be in.  Since we are a one-day-a-week program, we try to have enrichment opportunities, such as services.  We do have a service attendance requirement -- all students should attend 8 services per year; students in the year preceding their B'nai Mitzvah should plan on attending 16 services, with four of those services being a Bar/Bat Mitzvah (either at this temple or another one).  When your child attends a service, please have him/her put the date in the black loose-leaf note book, which is either on the black table in the lobby or in its drawer.

Hebrew program for grades 1-6

As I mentioned at Orientation, the new Hebrew program/books we’re using this year have an online component called the Online Learning Center (OLC).  This component serves to supplement the Hebrew learning your child does in the classroom through games, activities and practice.  It can be accessed from any computer as long as you have a unique sign-in and password.  If your child does not have her/his own email, s/he can use yours.  However, if you have more than one child in the school, you will need a unique email for each child.  Parents should all have received the letter and permission form for you to sign up.  I cannot add your child to the OLC until I have your returned permission form so please get this back to be ASAP.  

In addition to the OLC, the Behrman House website, www.behrmanhouse.com has other exercises anyone can use.  Another great/fun website for your child to practice and learn Hebrew is www.shalomsesame.org

I want you to know that all of us at Temple--me, Rabbi Glazier, Mark Leopold, Stacie Gabert, Patty Greenfield, and all the teachers and board members are here to see that you and your child have a successful year and become valued members of Temple.  If you have any questions or concerns, we’re here for you so please speak with one of us directly and if we cannot help, we can refer you to the proper party who can be of assistance.  This is YOUR temple, it is what you make of it.  We’re glad you’ve chosen to make us your ‘second’ Jewish home.

Best wishes for a Happy & Sweet New Year/Shanah Tovah u’Metookah,

The Back to School Blogger Edition 2014-2015

Shalom,

Welcome back. I hope you were able to enjoy the beautiful summer, whether spent in Vermont or elsewhere.

I want to take this opportunity to let you know about the upcoming school year, some program additions as well as curricular changes.  What changes can you expect to see?

Online Learning Center (OLC)*

This year our Hebrew program across grades 1-6 is using a program from Behrman House Publishing called the Online Learning Center (OLC).  The texts the students will be using have a classroom component and a home component where your child can practice what s/he learned in the classroom with computer games and exercises.  It is also a way for teachers and parents to communicate and teachers to keep track of homework and the progress your child is making.

Scavenger Hunt*

Each child will be issued a ‘passport’ of mitzvah activities to perform throughout the year.  This might be attending a service at temple, donating time or money to a worthy cause, helping a neighbor, etc.  As your child hits each benchmark, s/he will receive a reward.  Anyone achieving 100% of their benchmarks will have a special reward at the end of the year.

Own a Holiday*

Each grade and school family will be assigned and responsible for one of the following holidays:  Tu Bishvat, Purim, Passover and Shavuot.  You will work with Patty Greenfield to plan and implement a hands-on and learning opportunity for the entire Temple.  More information at our Holiday Info meeting on September 21 at 10:00 a.m.

Youth Services**

Once again our Youth Services meet once a month at 5:30 beginning October 17.  They will be under the leadership of Zora Berman, our new Kitah Gimmel/3rd Grade teacher and Song Leader.  Zora will be working with the students 2-3 times a month in the 6:00-6:15 time slot teaching them parts of the service which the students will lead throughout the year.

Grade Services**

Please make note of the Saturday service which your child’s class is leading. We know that there are many extra-curricular activities but it’s one Saturday a year so please make every effort to be at the service.  

What we need from you:

Reinforce learning:  See that your child practices Hebrew every day.  One hour a week is not enough time to teach a language.  The more s/he practices at home, the more at ease s/he will feel in school.

Model:  Good Jewish practices.  Come to our Youth Services and Tot Shabbat.  Learn some Shabbat songs and sing them at home.  Add just one practice a month, whether it’s lighting Shabbat candles, making the blessing over the wine or challah, cooking a special holiday food, reading a Jewish story--it’s never too little.  The rabbi, the teachers and I are here to help.  We have many resources we’d love to share.

Volunteer:  We are looking for parents to serve on our Education Advisory Council.  Many of our ideas have come from meeting and talking with parents.  I can’t do it alone, I value your input.  It’s not a huge time commitment and it’s a great way to meet other parents and make new friends.

Share your talents:  Do you have a skill or talent you’d like to share?  Perhaps you can help in a classroom through using art to teach Jewish subjects; journaling; singing; leading a band/choir; teaching Israeli dancing; using video or technology to advance education.  We’d love to hear your suggestions.

Listen:  Ask your child specific things s/he learned that s/he can teach you.  Did they learn a new blessing?  A custom?  A Hebrew word?

I look forward to seeing all of you at our Open House on September 11th at 4:00 pm.  Come meet the new teachers, greet old and new friends.  We do need you to register, if you haven’t already.  It’s very easy with your Chaverware account.  If you’ve never set it up, just go to the Temple website and click on Chaverweb Sign In.  If you’ve forgotten your username or password, you can always apply for another.

I want to wish all of you a Shanah Tovah u’Metookah, a Happy and Sweet New Year and I look forward to seeing everyone on September 11th.

B’shalom,

Morah Judy

*New

**Oldie but goody

Thinking About Science, Judaism, Time Machines

The following article is reprinted from ReformJudaism.org

Note in the picture on the right is our very own Peyton Coel, who incidentally, had the greatest time at this camp.

Until a few days ago, I had never thought about building a time machine. I had never thought about flying a drone. I had never thought about editing files (other than Word Documents or Excel spreadsheets) in the guts of a computer. Now, I’m thinking about all of those things.

Why am I thinking about these things now? A few days ago, my 25-year-old daughter Alyssa and I went to visit a Jewish summer camp. It’s something we’ve done a few times over the years, but this time was different. This time, we visited the Union for Reform Judaism’s newest overnight camp, URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy. Though we only spent several hours at camp, I was profoundly impacted by what we saw and experienced while there.

I’ve always believed that Judaism can and should be able to be integrated into one’s passions – that no one should have to choose between being an athlete and participating in Judaism, between being a dancer, a musician, or a scientist and integrating Judaism into their life. In yesterday’s society, that was challenging. In today’s, it is less so. Many people in the Jewish community are committed to finding ways to help young people integrate their passions with Judaism, and the opening of URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy is a great example.

Continue reading.

What is your child doing this summer? What about you?

Chances are pretty good that you'll be spending time in the car with a smart phone or on a computer.  While you have this 'downtime' take the time to learn something Jewish with Jewish Interactive Applications

• Learn about Sukkot with the Sukkah Challenge.
• jiConnect lets you see how Jews all over the world celebrate holidays and lets you learn their customs
• Shabbat Interactive brings you into the magical, enticing and fun-driven realm of shabbat
• Go on a Mitzvah Hunt in this interactive game, filled with music and animation that encourages children to look for the good in other people.
• iThank You teaches children the importance of gratitude
• JI Studio encourages children to let their imaginations run wild.

Start downloading and let me know how it's going.  Have a great summer!