"You shall love God with all of your mind, with all of your strength, with all of your being. Set these words, which I command you this day, upon your heart. Teach them faithfully to your children; speak of them in your home and on your way..." (Deuteronomy 6:5-9)
These familiar words from the V'ahavtah teach us that learning and a love of God are closely related. Educating a Jewish child is a partnership shared by a family and their sacred community, one that we are proud to offer here at Temple Beth-El.
The Rabbi Leslie Yale Gutterman Religious School year has officially begun. Last Sunday we welcomed nearly 200 students and their families with joyful singing and praying the sanctuary. Students met their teachers and got to hang out in the sukkah with a special snack. We are thrilled that we have over 30 brand new students this year, some who are younger siblings of current students and most from brand new TBE families.
Tonight during Shabbat services we will also celebrate Simchat Torah - the holiday when we will unwind the entire Torah scroll, read the last portion and then roll the scroll back to the beginning so we can read from the first portion. There will be lots of music, dancing and a festive oneg to celebrate. All are welcome!
While celebrating the cycle of Torah and a beginning of a New Year, we will officially consecrate the beginning of the formal Jewish education for our first-grade students and new students who are in second grade and older. These students will be called up to be blessed by our community in front of the open scroll. We hope you will join us!
5:45 p.m. Simchat Torah & Consecration Led by Rabbi Mack, Rabbi Neimeiser, and Cantor Seplowin with support from congregational musicians in the sanctuary. Service will be at 6:15 immediately following quick nosh. This service will include the Festival Yizkor.
