The Religious School has been abuzz with activity as students have embraced the holiday season. From the energy in the classrooms to the enthusiasm of the students, it’s clear that the educational program is focused on giving the kids the opportunity to explore their Jewish culture while developing a sense of community and service.
The Social Action Committee has been a leader in the effort to get students involved in various programming around the community. They have included collecting items and wrapping gifts for Birthday Wishes (children who are displaced and in need with our community and communities around us) as well as making sandwiches for those who are hungry in the community. They supported hospice house families by baking and making care packages and now we are excited to partake in helping with the Baby Boutique. The boutique specifically focuses on families in need with young children to provide them with essentials such as baby clothes and supplies. The students relish in the opportunity to make a difference in their community and are excited to donate their time and resources.
Our Religious School students have showcased their enthusiasm for learning and caring for their learning in classes about values, traditions, mitzvot, life cycles, Israel, the Holocaust and of course reading and understanding prayers. We have had amazing feedback from our exciting family education programs with Rabbi, youth groups and “Munchkin and Me” program for our little ones. With an exciting holiday season and dedicated classroom education, the students have embraced their individual strengths and have proven to be the true definition of what it means to be a mensch, by taking an active role in their learning and helping those in need.
Empathy and compassion are essential elements of working to create lasting social change and well-rounded morally driven youth. It is important to have an understanding of the issues faced by a population and to use kindness and understanding in order to help those facing these issues. At the same time, it is also important to be hardworking, dedicated, and resourceful when tackling big challenges. Through their work, dedication and insight, the students gain the abilities that can affect change and have effectiveness through social action work. In the classroom, such qualities can also play an important role in helping students to think deeply and critically about the world around them.
Our new parent volunteer initiative being led by Daniel and Lynne Eig has proven invaluable. Our parents have jumped in to help out in the kitchen and at the front desk. They offer to lend a hand in every way, which affords us the opportunity to keep special treats coming for the kids, like bagels, challah and juice. They provide extra eyes around the building to help in our safety initiatives as well as provide extra hands for holidays and special events. We are so excited for the Religious School Fundraiser Talent Show! Please keep an eye out for temple emails regarding this great event with our students, parents and teachers performing in the show.
I am grateful for our students, teaching staff for Sue Seiler, our Social Action Committee, Religious School Committee and parent volunteers, for their endless efforts and dedication to making our Religious School the truly magical place that it is.