Educator's Column

Dear Temple Israel Community:

“Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it.” Marian Wright Edelman

When I accepted the position of Director of Congregational Learning in September 2007, it was my intention, as Marian Wright Edelman profoundly said, to positively impact your children’s lives so that they would come away with a sense of who they are and how they, as Jews, could positively impact others and the world around them. Thanks to our wonderful teaching staff, a supportive and proactive Education Committee, and involved parents, I am happy to say that we are on the right track. Lessons on practicing mitzvot, giving tzedakah, and embracing shalom, peace, in the world and with each other, were building blocks in helping to shape Jewish identity. Big plans for next year’s Religious School are currently underway. Curriculum is being developed to provide your children with Hebrew knowledge, understanding of holidays and Jewish rites of passage, connection to the Jewish faith and Israel, and a commitment to tikkun olam (making the world a better place). I thank each of you for taking the time to fill out the Education Survey. The more than half of you who filled out the questionnaire gave us sound feedback which we will use to shape your children’s course of study. Thank you for taking the time to give us feedback. And thank you to parents who filled out their enrollment forms early and on time. The understanding of children’s ages and class size determines class groupings for next year. Also…. Many thanks to Beth Magidson who worked hard to scale down the application form, making it less laborious. For those of you who have not yet filled out an Enrollment Form for the 2008/2009 Religious School year, please do so immediately. If you lost your form, please contact the office and another form will be sent to you. Also, if tuition assistance is needed, please contact the office and ask for a form and mail it in as soon as possible. While the Religious School academic year is drawing to a close (How can this be? It seemed to zip by!) May’s activities are yet to come.

On May 4 from 10:30 – 12:15 we will gather for “A Day In Israel” program. The entire school will divide into four quadrants, spending 20 minutes at one of 4 stations, then moving on to the next station. Each station serves as an experiential learning post for an area in Israel: The Galilee, The Negev, Jerusalem, and Tel Aviv. Children will learn an Israeli folk dance, put their feet into warm sand, write a prayer and put it into a faux wailing wall, and get an experience of a shuk (Israeli market). Then falafel and pita for everyone!

The last day of Religious School is Sunday, May 18 with a big celebration. The program, commencing at 10:15 a.m., begins with tzedakah presentations from each class to the charity of their choice. We will learn about the various charities and how their weekly contributions will help people and animals in need. This is followed by class performances of a song or a skit, then teacher and teaching assistant appreciation gifts.

Children and their parents and members of the Temple Israel community are thereafter invited to personalize a commemorative tile which will be hung at Temple Israel. Color Me Mine is overseeing this wonderful event and supplying people with the art supplies and direction.

We will end the year with a potluck picnic from 12:00 – 2:00 in the picnic area behind the Temple. We ask that people bring a dish and beverage to share. Everyone in Temple Israel is invited to celebrate and close the year on a positive note!

The Religious School is currently reviewing applications for teachers for next year. If you know someone with teaching experience, Hebrew knowledge, and a love of children, please have them send a resume to mindy@noteniks.com.

I want to give special thanks to an outstanding Education Committee who so generously gave of themselves, their time and good will which made the school year flow magnificently: Beth Magidson, Laura Grunbaum, Cindy Berk, Bob Gavrich, Silvia Kruglikov, Ron Soltz, and Frances Montell. I was blessed all year with their incredible support and love. I deeply thank you all. 

And we are looking to grow the education committee. We are especially looking for people interested in adult education activities. Please contact me if you are able to give of yourself/time on creative adult education project development. We would love to welcome you to the committee. 

If I don’t see you after May, I wish everyone a wonderful and happy summer. I am around all summer if you want to get in touch. Otherwise, as the song goes….. “See you, in September……”

B’Shalom,

Mindy Myers

Director of Congregational Learning

educator@templeisraelalameda.org