Tu B’Shevat (February 2014)

As I write this article, the beautiful and fragrant almond trees are in full bloom in Israel as we celebrate the holiday of Tu B’Shevat, which falls on January 16. Modern-day Jews celebrate Tu B’Shevat by expressing joy and thankfulness for trees, harvests, and the natural world. Many Jews plant trees at home and in Israel, and eat delicious fruits and greens in celebration of this “New Year of the Trees.” During this agricultural festival, Jews around the world consider our obligation to care for the environment and our sacred responsibility to share the fruits of God’s earth with all.

On Friday night, February 7, the 5th grade class will participate in the Shabbat Family Service at 6:00 p.m. They are a very creative group and are excited to share their talents! Please mark your calendars for this special Shabbat service.

Our 27 teen assistants met with Heather Fiedler, Director of JTConnect, on Sunday, January 5, for an interactive workshop on leadership skills. The teens worked together and created lesson plans about leadership that they will teach to students in grades 5, 6 ,and 7 on Sunday, February 2. Our wonderful teen assistants are our future educators and leaders! We are all so proud of them for their commitment to our temple and to Jewish education.

February is a short month due to the February break: Sunday, February l6 through Sunday, February 23. Religious School resumes on Wednesday, February 26th.

As always, please feel free to contact me with any suggestions and/or concerns. We want our Religious School to be a place of learning and friendship for everyone!

Enjoy the February break!

Rena Citron, Director of Education

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