Temple Israel's Religious School...Where kids can be kids and explore

Welcome to Temple Israel of West Palm Beach's Religous School blog.  Here you will find the most up-to-date information regarding the happenings at the Religous School, information about our classes and programs for youth, as well as links to our website, Facebook page, and other useful websites.

The mission of the Temple Israel Religious School (TIRS) is to inspire and nurture students in forming their Jewish identity and love of Jewish life, while providing a strong understanding of Reform Judaism,  through the teaching of Jewish history, culture and values, along with Hebrew, prayer, spirituality, Jewish life cycles, while deepening our connection to the land of Israel and its people.  The Religious School provides an opportunity for friendship and community building in an environment that welcomes and nurtures students and families and encourages active participation. Our focus is to make learning attainable to all through hands on Project Based Learning.  Classes are small with individualized Hebrew instruction provided to all.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me, Stefanie Raifman, Religous School and Family Life Educator and Interim Youth Advisor.  My phone number is (561) 833-8421 and my email address is stefanie@temple-israel.com. 

September 23, 2012 - Kindergarten- Second grade

The early grades, kindergarten through second grade, of Temple Israel Religious School began their session on Sunday, September 23, with a bagel and juice snack-----the perfect way to join together to recite, in Hebrew the traditional blessings over bread and wine, or in our case, over bread and apple juice. We began our study of Torah by actually looking at a real Torah.

We went into the Sanctuary, and up onto the Bimah and opened the doors to the Aron Kodesh, the Holy Ark, and there they were--the Torahs dressed in their finest High Holy Day white mantles. Temple Israel is fortunate to also have six small Torahs, and the children learned how to hold the Torah, remove the coverings, and learned the parts that make up the Torah. Rabbi Olshein joined us with the B'nai Mitzvah Club.  We were able to open one of the larger Torahs so that everyone could get a good look at the Hebrew words inscribed on the parchment.  As we rolled up the Torah, we said a Shehecheyanu, a prayer for firsts.

Back in our classroom, we listened to a Rosh Hashanah story, and talked about the importance of saying "I'm sorry".  Just as God created the world, we can create a new beginning with acts of goodness and loving kindness.  We identified some of the customs and symbols of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. 

We listened to music as we made Rosh Hashanah cards with colors and paste, and stencils and cut outs.We colored a set of game cards with symbols of the Holy Days, and we will take them home to cut out and play a matching game. 

Rabbi Olshein showed us how six little hands could make a Jewish Star. 

Our morning concluded with a special tashlich service at the Intercoastal, where we sang songs and recited prayers.  We are fortunate to be able to just walk across the street from the Temple, and have this beautiful waterway to cast our bread, or symbolic sins into.   L'Shana Tovah!! 

First Day 5773

Today was an incredible day!

First day of Religious School...we had 8 Kindergarten-2nd grade students and two of the five 5th-7th.  Temple Israel is GROWING!

The morning began with...

Then we had a fantastic pancake breakfast prepared by 3 wonderful members of the Temple Israel Board, who woke up early with us to be there...A BIG thank you to Gee Gee and Michael our Co-Presidents and Lori our Secretary...Also a shout out to the Brotherhood for sponsoring the tasty breakfast!

Then we learned to play the Shofar like this...

And like this...

Then we studied some text with our families and new friends...

The day ended with making our Family Plates for the new year!  They came out fantastic!!  Here are a few...

For more information about Temple Israel it's programs go to www.temple-israel.com or like up on facebook: www.facebook.com/templeisraelwpb.

Religious School 5773

This Sunday is Temple Israel's Opening Program!! (if you would like more information about our program...call me (561) 833-8421)  It will be a family program, pictures to be posted after the program...here is a sample of what we will be doing, I made this one with my family, it was so much fun! 

This year our we will have two groups for religious school our Kindergarten- second grade taught by Maggie Kauffman, who has been a Religious School Educator at Temple Israel for many years...and a fifth-seventh grade taught by Stefanie Raifman, the Religious School and Family Life Educator and Interim Youth Advisor.  While the K-2nd will be focusing on creating the basis of their Jewish Identity, the 5th-7th will be using the Project Based approach to continue creating their identity and discovering who they are as Jewish pre-teens in America. 

On September 23rd our B'nai Mitzvah Club 5773/5774 will be meeting for the first time.  This is a parent/child program and WILL take the place of Religious School on this day. 

Septmeber 30th will be Temple Israel's Annual Pizza in the Hut decorating and lunch in the Sukkah!  Please RSVP to Stefanie at (561)833-8421.

I look forward to seeing everyone real soon!!

Temple Israel also has a Come Grow With Me- Mommy, Daddy, Grandma, Grandpa and Me that meets weekly on Fridays at 11:00am...please call to let us know your coming!!

OH AND ALSO, this Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Temple Israel will be having Family friendly services at 2:45 on both September 17th and the 26th geared towards 0-7 year olds...these services are free and open to the community, and NO TICKET IS REQUIRED...just come!

If I forgot anything, you have any questions about ANYTHING please do not hesitate to call us at (561) 833-8421, check out our website www.temple-israel.com, or like us on facebook- www.facebook.com/templeisraelwpb

...and check back here often for more information!

2011-2012 School Year in Review

Thank you to all the families that made this past school year such a great first year for me as Temple Israel's (TI) Religious School and Family Life Educator.  Check out the pictures below to see th past years excitment.  I am so motivated and excited for 2012-2013!  There are so many new and great things happening here at TI.  This summer get ready because Rabbi Olshein arrives for her first Shabbat Service on July 6th at 6:00pm AND Summer Come Grow With Me starts July 20th at 11:00am, where we will be exploring through our senses with hands on experiences.  Mark your calendars now for our Camp Shabbat on September 7th at 7:30, don't miss the camp fire, s'mores, sing a long and more as we continue summer fun after labor day!

Come Grow With Me Mommy and Me sharing a snack of Challah and apple juice.

Opening Day: Religious School 2011-2012

Sisters working together cooperatively on Rosh Hashana project

Learning with the Cantor

Multi-generational learning

Chanukiyot workshop

Making challah at our Come Grow With Me Shabbat workshop

Some High School and College kids come back for Chanukah

Even Moms join in on the Chanukah fun!

Our youngest of kids all ready to build her Chanukiyot!

So tired, sleeping after making his Chanukiyot

Sharing a ball on the floor in Come Grow With Me Mommy and Me

Maddie's hand print Menorah: Come Grow With Me Mommy and Me

Learning to crawl at Mommy and Me

Our Passover reading selection

Learning to sit up in Mommy and Me

Group shot

We're ready for snack

I got it, standing up at Mommy and Me

More Challah fun

Pouring the flour into the bowl, Mom and daughter begin to make Challah

Mixing is so much fun

We need a break

Look at our hands, so mushy

 Looking forward to an great year...Check back often to see what's happening!