At the recent Annual Gathering of the Association of Reform Jewish Educators (ARJE), I participated in an immersive track focused on inclusion and mental health. These are two things that are a major focus in the world of education, not just Jewish education. It is also a pillar of our mission to be a program that is joyful, communal and accessible. Accessibility has to be an expression of full acceptance which is why we endeavor to embrace the philosophy of “yes, and…” The “yes” affirms what is, while the “and” looks at what is the next step.
Upon my return from the ARJE conference, we had our mid-year meeting of the RLYGRS Faculty. Our teachers shared with one another how they create spaces where we value mutual responsibility, connection, communication, compassion and empathy. We recognized that one idea may not work for everyone, even if they share the same challenges.
Pirkei Avot teaches that we should “treat no one lightly and think nothing is useless, for everyone has a moment and everything has a place.”
Yes, we have made great strides to be inclusive, and it is clear there is more work to be done. I am inspired by what I have learned from my colleagues around the country and confident in the team we have here at TBE.
Rachel Mersky Woda, R.J.E. Director of Youth & Family Engagement Temple Beth-El, Providence, RI 401-331-6070 x.107 rmerskywoda@temple-beth-el.org www.temple-beth-el.org
February 9 - February 16, 2020 Click on flyers for more information
Venue has changed to offsite restaurant THIS EVENT HAS REACHED MAXIMUM CAPACITY SO WE CAN NO LONGER ACCEPT ADDITIONAL RSVP’S IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE PLEASE CONTACT: Elliott Pritikin Brotherhood President 401-430-0399 epritikin@teknorapex.com
K'Tantan PJ Havdalah Saturday, February 15, 2020 5:30 PM
Join us for Havdalah led by our PROVTY teens, an awsome concert with Rock-a-Baby and a yummy pizza dinner!
Temple Beth-El of Providence Jewish Roots Trip to Spain Led by Rabbi Sarah Mack & Cantor Judy Seplowin April 3-13, 2021 Optional Barcelona Extension April 13-16, 2021
A locally produced short film, “Providence Lost” chronicles the plight of an elderly couple and their disabled son who have been evicted from their apartment. This powerful documentary highlights the injustice of our city’s landlord-tenant laws and how they impact those most in need. For more information about the screening, click on the link below.
Many of you participated last year; some of you may be hearing about this for the first time. Mitzvah Matzos (www.mitzvahmatzos.org) is a Pawtucket based non-profit, the first to send all profits to fight human trafficking. This radical realignment of matzo with its inherent value, promoting freedom from slavery, is powered by volunteers like you. Last year, 53 volunteer bakers helped us bake thousands of matzos. This year, we're expanding with buying clubs from Philadelphia to Boston.
We've got our phenomenal organic shmura flour from Maine Grains and a streamlined process to make things run even more smoothly. Baking starts this Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday evening, with shifts through March. How can you help? The best way is by signing up to bake and/or sharing with friends. No, you don't need to be Jewish to take part in this process. Anyone who supports the cause can help! Also, baking is fun, a great way to meet other folks of diverse backgrounds who want to do good, and also a tactile way to do something productive, get out some energy, and relieve stress. Also, some employers offer community service days - this is a great way to use them in a way that matters.
