Dear Families,
May you and your extended friendship and family circles have wonderful gatherings over this long week-end.
Have you ever thought of starting your get-togethers with HaMotzi to give a Jewish flavor to Thanksgiving? This week’s holiday, derived from Sukkot, the biblical harvest festival cherished by the American colonists who had escaped from religious oppression, reminds us of our own ancestors who left their native countries to reach America—for us, their descendants!! We all have so much to be thankful for. Let’s encourage our children to develop an attitude of gratitude in a historical context on Thanksgiving. The blessings after meals, Birchat HaMazon, would also be appropriate.
Coming up early next month will be, of course, Hanukkah. The staff is working diligently to develop an interactive program on December 7th where significant subject matter will be covered and the inspiration of celebrating as a Jewish learning community will be experienced. Rabbi Josh Breindel, Esther Benari Altmann, Myrna Hammerling, Susan Federspiel, Darlene Weeks and Nancy Shulman will welcome the different age groups at a variety of stations during the afternoon.
We hope to conclude the afternoon with candle-lighting and songs. Although we won’t light your personal hanukiyyah (leaving the ritual lighting of the seventh candle to be enjoyed at home), could you please send your child with a hanukkiyah for the display table we will set up for all to share? Thank you.
Reminder: Please bring in, starting December, items to help our homeless brothers and sisters. See attached list of items they need the most.
B’Shalom u’vracha (in peace and blessing),
Myrna Hammerling
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