RELIGIOUS SCHOOL REPORTS Magda Reyes, Director of Education
Do you remember the Staples commercial from a few years ago, in which a very happy dad sings and pushes a shopping cart full of school supplies down the aisle as his very glum-looking children watch? September always reminds me of shopping trips, Staples, and great excitement as we anticipate the beginning of school.
That excitement and anticipation also translates to Religious School and was very much in evidence on the opening day. The numerous new children and their families, the returning families and the former students turned Toranim, were all eager to start a new year in their Jewish education. From preschool to Confirmation, children learn of their Jewish roots, challenge their beliefs, question their values and reaffirm their dedication to Judaism. One of our new Toranim (teacher assistants) wrote the following of her Jewish education at Confirmation in June:
“Eleven years ago, I stood on a bimah surrounded by other Kindergartners much like myself during the Consecration ceremony. With my parents’ hands over my head, I was introduced to my life in Jewish education. Now, I stand surrounded by my fellow confirmands, carrying the knowledge I’ve accumulated from my teachers, ready to launch head first into the “real world” of Judaism.
Over the years, I’ve taken away so much from Hebrew School as a whole. In the classroom, I learned about the traditions, history, and values of our people. In a sense, I learned how to be a Jew. I had many memorable experiences. I created a Sh’ma pillowcase that I used to recite the Sh’ma before I went to bed for many years. On one occasion, I even enjoyed the company of my grandmother, my brother, and my mother as we made a family scrapbook that I’ll never forget. Outside of the classroom, I learned lessons of almost equal value. My brother taught me how to climb up onto the roof of the old Har Sinai Temple. I highly recommend the view. And with the help of two of my friends, I learned when the best time was to sneak into the kitchen and munch on cookies from the B’nai Mitzvah service from the previous morning and talk sports with Michael. Finally, I learned that the girls are far superior when it comes to making paper chains for the Sukkah, completing Prayer Goals, and distracting the Rabbi. Even though these lessons weren’t exactly school sanctioned, they defined my Jewish education for me.
Just a few months ago, in an effort to distract the Rabbi from our actual lesson, we began to discuss Har Sinai’s recent move. I expressed a concern to Rabbi Pollack. As long as I can remember, my entire Jewish faith centered around one building, one congregation, and one place. I felt as if, with the move, my faith had been uprooted. The Rabbi quickly replied that the Jews have been moving for two thousand years!
This year I learned an important lesson. Wherever I am, I am a Jew. My faith lies in myself, and I’m confident that because of this congregation, and these people, that my faith is solid. Our memories from Har Sinai Temple Religious School will eventually fade, but I know we will carry with us the lessons that we’ve been taught as we embark on the journey of the rest of our lives. This is not the end of our Jewish education.”
(by Emma Hansen, 10th grade, reprinted by permission)
Welcome to another year of Jewish learning and exploration. May it be a year of new beginnings, building on the foundations we have already developed; a year that will see us in a new home, embracing our thousand year old Jewish traditions; a year that will be full of its own challenges while presenting opportunities for further Jewish learning and growth.
L’Shanah tovah!
