We Are a Blessing

Happy Thanksgiving from Our Homes to Yours!

A Very Jewish Thanksgiving?

When the Pilgrims arrived in America in 1620, they felt just like the Children of Israel. They too, had come to a new land to find freedom, and the bible was a very important part of their lives. Their first year in America was very hard, and when their first harvest was completed, they wanted to have a celebration to thank G-D for helping them survive. They read in the bible about the harvest feast called Sukkot, and believed they should also give thanks to G-D for helping them. They called their American celebration of Sukkot "Thanksgiving."

Today in class we spent a few minutes talking about blessings and giving thanks for the many wonderful things we have. Take time this weekend to ask you children what is really important to them, and what they are truly thankful for.

Enjoy the long weekend, and have a wonderful, safe, and relaxing Thanksgiving holiday. See you next Tuesday, Barbara and Tracye

Guess Who's Coming to Visit

We had a wonderful visit from Cantor Samuel Greenbaum, a well known mohel in our Jewish community. Many of our male students said they knew of Cantor Greenbaum, but fortunately, he didn't admit to publically knowing any of them. Our students were both educated and informed, and they made a wonderful audience. Next week, we will take a self evaluation on our Brit Milah unit, and begin exploring our Sifrei Kodesh, the Sacred Texts.

A Good Name

There are three names by which a person is called.
One which his mother and father call him,
And one which other people call him,
And one which he earns for himself.
The best one of all, is the one he earns for himself.
Midrash Tanchuma

Each of us is named in honor or in memory of someone who earned a good name in the eyes of our family. The most valuable things we have in life are the things we have worked hard for. In class today, we discussed what we must do to earn our good name. Another way to look at our good name, is to look at our reputation.

TABLE TALK:
Who were you named for? What values did this person have, that your parents would like you to have? What are you doing right now to earn your good name?

Sunday Stuff

Thank you to the families who participated in our Tallit Dedication Shabbat Service, your commitment and support of our Religious School Experience is greatly appreciated.

FYI: I asked if anyone knew the name of the belt that held the Torah together and the correct answer is the hagorah. Some people use a wimple or a piece of cloth that originates from a baby blanket and is decorated with proverbs and blessings significant to the Torah reader. The piece of fabric is then used to touch the words of the Torah during an aliyah.

TABLE TALK
Please discuss you Hebrew and English names with your families this week, and ask why you were given the names you have.

Shout outs to Sarah, Emily, and Jessica. You know why!

This and That

You're children are awesome. They are bright, articulate, and most important, kind. As Rabbi Starr said when he came to visit, "they are a cut above the rest," pun intended. Our unit on Brit Milah continues, and the class discussions are most interesting. We've discussed why we are commanded to perform circumcision, or as some suggested, mutilate our babies, why only boys are commanded to participate in the circumcision ceremony, and how our Jewish duties and obligations begin at birth at the hands of our parents, and as we approach Bar or Bat Mitzvah, we begin to take responsibility for these same mitzvot as adult members of the Jewish community.

In our Hebrew Language rotation we have been polishing our reading skills and mastering our chanting of the Amidah. Students are working in small groups, one on one with tutors, and in pairs. Finally, in our Jewish Values and community rotation, we have been talking about how we fit into the synagogue. What brought us to Shaarey Zedek, and how does the synagogue continue to enrich our lives.

Thank you to all of the families who donated candy to our Halloween Tzedakah Project. It's not too late to participate. Do something kind for someone, and have a great week. See you this weekend. Barbara and Tracye

TABLE TALK:
Why did your family join Shaarey Zedek?

November 8, 2008 Shabbat B'Yachad:
Bring your Tallit for this special Family Ed Service. Invite the whole Mishpacha.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Guest Speaker, Community Mohel, Cantor Samuel Greenbaum

Halloween with a Jewish Twist

As whole, the Jewish community does not celebrate Halloween, but we do dress up for Purim! So, save those costumes and think about adding a Jewish twist or a tzedakah piece to your Trick or Treat Traditions.

While it is important to support our neighbors in their celebrations, and equally important to not separate ourselves from the community, there are many ways of participating in a custom without observing it the way others do. Some suggest Jewish children share in the celebration by greeting their neighbors and giving out candy. It is certainly possible for our children to get excited about giving to others, and then the underlying theme for them is that Halloween is about giving.

A noted Rabbi and educator, Rabbi Jacob J. Hecht, once noticed the similarity between Purim and Halloween. In both cases, children get dressed up and go door to door receiving gifts of food. The distinction between the two is that on Halloween, the children only receive, whereas on Purim, the emphasis is that the children learn to give. The fact that they might receive in return is of secondary importance.

To reinforce the value of giving, and to encourage the act of helping others, we will be collecting all extra wrapped candy you have on Tuesday afternoon. Please talk to your children about giving to others, and help them turn an everyday moment into a Jewish experience.