Judea Reform Religious School 2021/5782: Shevet Anu B'Yachad
We are very excited for our plans for this fall! Throughout this year, we will celebrate our theme: Shevet Anu B’Yachad: We dwell together. This Hebrew phrase is adapted from the song Hinei Mah Tov, from Psalm 133, which states, “How good it is and how pleasant, when people dwell together.” Indeed, how wonderful it is that we get to be together again, to learn, grow, and explore this year.
Our new Interim Education Director, Rabbi Elisa Koppel (read about her below) has been working hard with the JRC leadership to make plans for this fall.
First Day of Religious School is October 3rd!
B'Yachad: Family & Youth Programming August/September
As we ramp up for Religious School, throughout September (Sundays) we will have many in-person opportunities to "dwell" together as we reconnect, meet one another, and get a taste of re-gathering in our Jewish home.
NOTE: All August & September programming are open to families with children of all ages, including prospective members. Will be OUTSIDE with COVID-safe protocols; sign-ups are required.
Sign-up here for September Programming!
Let's Get Ready to Sukkah!
Sunday, September 19 at 9:30am (in-person, Breezeway tent)
Together we will explore Sukkot and create lots and lots of decorations for the Sukkah. There will be music, bubbles, and lots of fun!
Sundaes on Sunday in the Sukkah
Sunday, September 26 at 9:30am (in person, JRC Sukkah)
Celebrate in the sukkah with lulav, Etrog and ice cream! Location: JRC Sukkah
COVID Safety Protocols for August/September programs:
- All programs will be held outdoors.
- Masks are required (except when eating ice cream).
- Sign-ups required (so we can know how many are coming for social distancing)
- In the event of inclement weather, we will email 2 hours beforehand if we have to cancel.
Important Information About Religious School
A core value of our education program is that all students in the congregation are included in Jewish learning. This means that our school program is designed with the awareness of diversity and different needs, and that we are committed to creating successful learning for all of our students.
Our awareness of diverse needs and commitment to inclusion means that if your child cannot attend in person, we will work with you to figure out how their Jewish education will continue this year, as part of our community.
- All of our Kindergarten through 6th Grade religious school students this year will be at JRC from 9:30am to 12:30pm (7th grade continues on Sundays from 9:00 to 10:50am). Kindergarten through 2nd grade curriculum will now include a Hebrew Through Movement component and other specials, including STEM, arts, and kinesthetic activities.
- Snack will be provided each week to all students (a snack fee is being included with registration). Options will always be provided to accommodate for all known allergies or intolerances in our school community.
- For 4th-7th grades we will offer optional Hebrew enrichment, once a week, online. Depending on numbers and needs, learning will be via zoom (or other video chat) in either small groups or one-on-one. Keep an eye out for registration for this additive learning opportunity, coming in September. There will be an additional fee for those that opt into this program.
- In consideration of creating a learning environment that values both safety/security and welcoming/community, all members of our community will wear name tags on Sunday mornings. Gathering and returning name tags each week will be part of our entrance and exit procedure.
- All Sunday morning classes will include a variety of chugim, specialty activities, including not only music, but also other arts, STEM, cooking, and physical activity.
We want to hear from you! Your ideas, and your children's ideas, are vital to our creating a thriving learning community. Please be in touch with our Director of Education, Rabbi Elisa Koppel at ekoppel@judeareform.org, to tell us about your family, your needs, your thoughts, and to share your input on how we can work together to build a community that fosters learning, growth, and a love of Judaism, as We Dwell Together.
Meet Rabbi Elisa Koppel
Rabbi Elisa Koppel is delighted to join the community at Judea Reform Congregation as Interim Education Director.
Prior to her position at Judea Reform Congregation, she has had diverse experience as a rabbi and educator, including both synagogue and organizational work, with much of that time spent in the world of informal and experiential education. She has spent many summers at Reform Jewish summer camps in a variety of capacities, most recently at URJ 6 Points Creative Arts Academy.
She also serves as the Networking Vice President for the Women's Rabbinic Network, as well as serving on the Voice Committee for the Association of Reform Jewish Educators.
Rabbi Koppel's passion is education, seeing her role as a rabbi, and as a teacher, to help others of all ages to experience Judaism and to give them the tools they need to create and define their own Judaism.
Read more about Rabbi Koppel here.
Read Rabbi Soffer's announcement about Rabbi Koppel to the congregation here.
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