It is now seventy years since Kristallnacht, “The Night of the BrokenGlass” occurred in Germany. Synagogues were destroyed, books were burned and people were forced to flee from their homes. People everywhere shall continue to remember and tell the stories of the victims and survivors and of the Nazi destruction. At the same time, we honor together the renewed life of that generation, and their children, and their children’s children for generations to come. Pine Brook Jewish Center’s ReligiousSchool had the opportunity to bring Naomi Miller, a second generation Holocaust survivor, to commemorate Kristallnacht with our Kitah Hey and Hebrew High students. Her music inspired and touched the hearts and minds of all who attended, and we were able to show the true meaning of “NEVER AGAIN”.
Shira Skolnick, the Assistant Director of Development from the Jaffa Institute in Israel gave an inspiring presentation to our Kitot Bet and Gimel students regarding their adoption program. For twenty five years, The Jaffa Institute has been taking thousands of severely underprivileged children off the streets and providing them with what they lack and so desperately need – a warm home, food, support, help with their studies, encouragement and love. Tzedakah is a commandment, an obligation that all Jews is obligated to fulfill and this program is one of many that our student are introduced to
during their Religious School class time.
There are many exciting programs and activities coming up during the month of December. Please mark your calendar and plan on attending our incredible Chanukah Celebration on Sunday, December 21st. Our Kitah Dalet students will be leading us in Kabbalat Shabbat services and receiving their “Sim Shalom Siddurim” that they will study from for their Bar / Bat Mitzvah. They will also receive a “yad” that they have made, which can be used at their very important life cycle event.
Davening together in the Beit Knesset has always been an important goal for our ReligiousSchool. I am pleased to report that we now have a Tuesday evening minyan at while Hebrew High is in session. Please make an effort to stop by and worship with us.
Our Parent Teacher Conferences are scheduled for Sunday, December 7th; further information will follow.
As we approach Chanukah, I want to wish all the members at Pine Brook Jewish Center, especially the students, their parents and our staff of teachers, a joyous festival of lights, and pray that the warmth of the menorah glow strongly for us in the months ahead.
B’Shalom,
Mary Sheydwasser
Please join us for an informal gathering to discuss any questions, suggestions, ideas that will enhance our Religious School. Please mark your calendars and plan on attending!
