Beth El Temple Family Program Blog: 2010

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

The Second Daled Class Family Program

In the second installation of our pre Bar and Bat Mitzvah Family Programs, the Daled Class and their parents learned about Mitzvot and began discussing the Mitzvah projects that each Daled Class student will complete as a part of their simcha.

One of the activities that got the Daled Class thinking about their Mitzvah Projects was a study of Maimonides' Ladder of Tzedakah, where we considered the various ways to give tzedakah. One of the fabulous questions that several of you had was "Who was Maimonides?"
Here is a link to a basic overview of who Maimonides was and what place he holds in Jewish history and tradition: Who is Maimonides?

I hope that all of the Daled Class students are excitedly exploring their options for their Mitzvah project. If you are feeling stuck, or need some inspiration, you can check out the Mitzvah Chic (the book that was handed out as a raffle prize) companion website here: Mitzvah Chic
for some great ideas! Mitzvah Chic Homepage Like the book, this website is highly recommended for help during the entire process of planning for your simcha. If you are interested in picking up a copy of the book, I purchased it at Barnes and Noble, but it is also available for a great price on Amazon: Buy Mitzvah Chic on Amazon

I would love to hear some of the students' plans for their Mitzvah projects! Please feel welcome to post your ideas on this blog. You will not only build excitement by sharing your Mitzvah Project plans, but you might also help to inspire your fellow classmates!

I will see you all again on Sunday, January 23.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Mechina 1 and Mechina 2 Family Program

The Mechina 1&2 family program was so much fun! Thank you all for coming!
During the program we learned about the Shema, paying specific attention to the Bedtime Shema. The program ended with each child making a Shema Pillowcase with their parents, which all came out beautifully.

To see all of the photos that were taken at the Family program, visit this link:
Mechinot 1&2 Family Program #1

Mechinot 1 & 2 Family Program #1

Many of you asked about the book that I read to the group during the program, it is a fabulous picture book called The Bedtime Shema by Sarah Gershman. You can purchase a copy online at this link: The Bedtime Shema.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Gimel Class Family Program

A big thank you to the Gimel Class for making today's Family Program really fun! The topic of the Gimel Class Family Program today was Gelt, Gifts, and Giving. The Gimel Class and their parents participated in a great game of "Chanukkah Who Wants to be a Millionaire," studied the Jewish custom of giving gelt on Chanukkah, and then crafted some beautiful Chanukkah gifts for our congregation's seniors.

To see all of the photos taken at the Gimel Class Family Program today, visit this link:

Gimel Class Family Program 12/5/10

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Thanks for coming to this year's Mitzvah Mall!

To view all of the photos that I took at this year's Mitzvah Mall, visit Mitzvah Mall 2010 Pictures

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

The Mitzvah Mall is this Sunday!

Here is a preview of some of the organizations from which you will be able to "shop"at the Mitzvah Mall:
-American Friends of Magen David Adom http://www.afmda.org

-Boundless Playgrounds Builds truly inclusive playgrounds where children — and adults — of all abilities can play and learn together in a fun and welcoming environment.

-Charter Oak Cultural Center www.charteroakcenter.org

-Jewish Family Services Jewish Family Services of Greater Hartford is a social service agency helping individuals and families deal with life cycle transitions and adversity. Guided by the highest professional standard in counseling, advocacy and educational programming, the agency seeks to enhance and strengthen quality of life for all those in need through the Jewish tradition of caring and compassion

-Loaves and Fishes Ministries, Inc. http://loavesfishesministries.org/
-Foodshare www.foodshare.org
-HARC, Inc. www.harc-ct.org

-HARTbeat of the Street Newspaper HARTbeat of the Street was created to share the stories and perspectives of individuals who often go unheard, and empower those who have been shut out. While homelessness is a struggle many are faced with in the Hartford region, we believe it can be ended through the efforts of the community at Large.

-Hartford Food Not Bombs www.myspace.com/hartfordfnd
-Heifer International www.heifer.org

-Mercy Housing Mercy Housing and Shelter Corp. is a non-profit organization sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy. It responds to the needs of those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless by providing them with food, housing, shelter, education and support services in an atmosphere that respects each person. Mercy Housing and Shelter advocates on behalf of individuals while challenging injustice in social systems.
-My Sister's Place www.mysistersplace.org

Aleph Class Family Program

Thanks to all of the Aleph Class parents and students for coming to the Aleph Class Family Program last Sunday! It was so wonderful to meet all of you! During our program, we discussed Friday night Shabbat family rituals, with an emphasis on the Family Blessings, and made beautiful challah covers as well as putting together a fun Shabbat board game.
I hope that your family will be able to incorporate the incredible challah cover that you made with your child into your Friday night Shabbat celebration. They all looked really wonderful, what talented and creative students!

For our raffle prize, I gave away a copy of The Modern Jewish Mom's Guide to Shabbat, which I highly recommend to all parents who struggle with or need inspiration on incorporating the celebration of Shabbat into your family's busy routine.

If you are looking to purchase a copy, it is available on Amazon:
The Modern Jewish Mom's Guide to Shabbat on Amazon.com

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Some Daled Class Family Program Participants:

First Daled Class Family Program

A big thank you to all of the students and parents who attended this year's first Daled Class family program!

To see photos from the event, please visit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/54904662@N05/sets/72157625333494748/

Our next program will be on Sunday, December 19th.

During today's program, the students interviewed their parents about each parent's Bar or Bat Mitzvah experiences. This stirred up many happy memories that the students loved hearing.
I'm hoping that we can continue to reminisce on this blog space.

What is your most vivid and/or important Jewish memory?

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

The Mitzvah Mall is coming to Beth El Temple!

Start getting excited for a new way to holiday shop! The Mitzvah Mall is coming to Beth El Temple on Sunday, November 21st from 10am-12pm!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

First Daled Class Bar and Bat Mitzvah Program

The first Daled Class Bar and Bat Mitzvah program will take place on Sunday, November 7th at 10am.
During this first program, Daled Class families will explore what it means to become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah.

I'm asking that Daled Class parents bring in memorabilia related to their own simchas or the simchas of other relatives. This can include pictures, invitations, certificates, gifts received or anything else related. I will put the items on display and they will be returned at the end of the program. This "memorabilia table" should be very fun for the students to see.

I look forward to meeting the Daled Class families!

Monday, October 18, 2010

Bet Family Program

For all of the photos from the Bet Family Program on Israel, visit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/54904662@N05/sets/72157625060593097

During their program, the Bet Class families learned about the Land of Israel. They met with the Young Israeli Emissaries, Gal and Yinon. They learned about the history of Jews in the Land of Israel, starting in B'reisheet with parashat Lech L'cha, when G-d tells Abraham to move his family into the Land of Israel. They were also immersed in images and ideas of Israel's most holy city, Jerusalem.

Throughout the program, fond memories of personal trips to Israel were shared. What were your favorite memories from your last trip to Israel? Which sites and experiences would you suggest to other Beth El families when they plan their next visit to the Jewish homeland?