Our Pesach edition went quite well. Several families joined the call. The children each made their own seder plate as we learned about the story and symbolism of Pesach. We also learned to sing Dayenu, and the 4 questions. Some kids even suggested new items to add to the seder plate! And we were able to play some modified versions of the physically active games we are used to at the JCC.
This week, there will again be basic craft kids can do at their own pace during the call, there will be some attempt at singing, there will be storytelling, there may be a little video to watch together, and there will be some innovative physical activity to get us moving and practice some Hebrew words.
As a special Chanukah treat, we would like to take this opportunity to show you the artwork that the children of Beth Israel’s “Jew Crew Kids’ Club” submitted for the production of gorgeous Chanukah holiday cards, under the direction of Marty Clearly who coordinates the club’s activities. We are sending the cards to our interfaith friends, and to local dignitaries such as City Council. We have also been selling the cards on a pay-what-you-like basis, with all the proceeds going to children’s programming at Beth Israel. Thank-you to the children, and to Marty too! You bring such joy to the congregation!
Below are some pictures of what the cards look like all together, and also some close-up views of the individual pieces of art. We are sure that this wondrous Chanukah artwork will warm your heart.
This popular family program continues in a new, COVID-friendly format that involves outdoor and home delivery options. Led by nature explorer and children’s educator, Marty Cleary, Kids’ Crew welcomes families with children of all ages.
Currently, the program involves:
– Monthly outdoor gatherings on Jewish themes (Already this year, we have practiced tashlich, dipped apples in honey, built a sukkah, and dyed our own Challah covers using wild grapes!) Kids can be dropped off or the whole family can join in!
– Monthly packages, delivered right to your door! Each package includes fun hands-on activities, such as recipes, craft materials, songs and stories about that month’s theme. Sign up for this free gift from BIC to support your family’s Jewish learning at your own pace during the pandemic.
Themes will include: Hanukkah, Tubishvat, Wildcrafting, Purim, Pesach, Shavuot and more.
Youth Crew
We are pleased to welcome Nevia Frank, an experienced Hebrew and b’nei mitzvah teacher from London, Ontario, who is here pursuing teacher education at Trent. Nevia is facilitating a monthly youth crew for children ages 10 and up who are pre-b’nei mitzvah. They are meeting virtually for now, and started with a Chanukah celebration last week. The next event will likely be a film night in December. The youth crew will evolve based on the youth’s own interests. Thus far, this includes online games, Yiddish folk tales, Judaica making, and LGBTQ Jewish literature. Youth will also be invited to create a tikkun olam community project together.
Hebrew lessons
Nevia will also be offering virtual weekly Hebrew lessons for school-aged children beginning in December. We will be using the Alef Bet Quest workbook. This book will start the group off with some decoding of the Hebrew alphabet using modern and biblical word examples. It is a great transition into some basic modern Hebrew phrases and starting to learn Hebrew blessings.
B’nei Mitzvah preparation
Nevia is also available for one-on-one tutoring to prepare for a bar/bat/b’nei mitzvah. She is open to any style of bar or bat mitzvah, and we can help you to arrange leadership and the event. This program is at the family’s cost. But do let us know if you need financial support.
Nevia writes: “In the past, my students have learned torah blessings, a torah portion (around 6-18 verses depending on Hebrew level), and sometimes around 6-10 verses of Haftarah (depending on time/Hebrew level but this is not as common). We can arrange any combination of the above items or something different, depending on what suits your child/children and what your goals for the event are. Social action projects instead of a b’nei mitzvah, is also a great option. Also, I have seen students replace one aspect (like the haftarah) for a more in-depth speech or social action project.
5. Children and youth participation in Beth Israel Congregation events.
Let’s involve the children and youth in all our services, celebrations, and events. The congregation has enjoyed the Purim play, children’s singing at services, and there is often a special surprise in store for Hanukkah . Please get in touch with your ideas as well.
Who are these programs for?
These programs are open to all Jewish-identified children and families (including family members of Jewish-identified adults or children). All participants are invited (but not required) to become members of Beth Israel Congregation and/or to contribute a donation to support these programs.
For more information on any of these programs, please contact:
Nevia Frank
Children and Youth Coordinator, Beth Israel Congregation
End of year report from the Kids and Youth Programs of Beth Israel Congregation:
The programs this year were a great success. We added 2 new programs – weekly Hebrew classes and a monthly youth group – with the help of a new staff member – Nevia Frank. We also continued our monthly kids crew for families with Marty Cleary, which included exciting outdoor gatherings and/or monthly packages. We recently had our first indoor event at the shul to celebrate Shavuot, which included storytelling, snacks, floral crafts, and a game of Minecraft based at Mount Sinai!
Other projects this year included the wonderful kid-designed holiday cards, another incredible Purim play, and a collaborative Chanukah music video.
We want to congratulate Zoe Dunaway on her recent and wonderfully inspiring b mitzvah ceremony. We are now preparing for four more b mitzvahs to take place in the next year!
This year included:
9 Kids’ Crew events
6 Youth Crew events
24 Hebrew lessons
22 children participating
Here is some recent feedback we received:
“It was truly nourishing for me to finally be in community and to have my daughter be a part of a Jewish community – to be with other Jewish kids!”
See below for some pictures of this year’s events, which included building a sukkah and boiling grapes into dye to make challah covers.
Many thanks to all the children, youth, families, and leaders, and to the broader Beth Israel membership for supporting these programs! New participants are always welcome. P
Ziysah von Bieberstein
Children and Youth Programs Coordinator
Beth Israel Congregation
Grapes
Image 1 of 7
Kids and Youth Crew further highlights!
Kids’ Crew:
Our March packages helped us learn about Purim and prepare our costumes. Here are some pics of the masks we made!
Kids wearing Kids’ Crew Purim masks
Mom and kid wearing Kids’ Crew Purim mask.
This month, the package will be all about… you guessed, it Pesach!
Hebrew classes:
We are halfway through learning the Hebrew aleph bet! And preparing to ask the 4 questions in Hebrew at the upcoming seder.
Youth Crew:
In March, the Youth Crew made paper mache masks and learned about coincidence vs miracle in the Purim story! In April, we will be having a Jewish Minecraft adventure!
Purim:
Our second annual virtual Purim spiel was another big success with 14 kids, youth and young adults playing the majority of the parts with excellent stage presence and humour!
Interested in joining or learning more about our programs?
Please forward your resume or CV and cover letter expressing your interest in the job, and names and contact information of two (2) references to: bethisrael@jccpeterborough.com. For the subject line please use “Community Worker Application: Your Name”, entering your name in the applicable spot. We will be accepting applications until the position is filled. Posting will be taken down when the position is filled. Apply now!
Contact Info
Name: Miriam Liba
Website: www.jccpeterborough.com
Phone: 705-745-8398
While we appreciate all applications, only those selected for an interview will receive a response to the application.
Thank you to the Canada Summer Jobs Program for funding support for this position
If you would like to order a memorial board plaque to honour a loved one, please email Ron before July 15. This will ensure that the plaque can be produced and will be available for an unveiling with Cantor Leon Litvack officiating following the Yom Kippur Musaf service. The cost of each plaque is $260, and the following information is required:For details on what information is required:
1) Full English Name
2) Full Hebrew Name with mother’s name if possible, so Abel/Rachel ben/bat Aaron v’Eve
3) Date of Death in the Gregorian calendar, and if known, whether the death occurred before or after sunset on that day.
May 7th to the Toronto Holocaust Museum to attend a presentation entitled: “Reflecting Together: Interfaith Families and the Holocaust”. The presenter is Rabbi Denise Handlarski a Trent University education professor and long time friend of Beth Israel. More details about this can be found at this link. The presentation is from 7PM-9PM.
For those interested in possibly car pooling and taking some extra time to visit the THM on May 7th, please contact Ralph.
On behalf of the Beth Israel Holocaust Education Committee:
Yom HaShoah V’Hagvura (Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day) occurs every year on the Hebrew date of 27 Nisan. It is observed in Israel as its Holocaust memorial day. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi death camps. The theme this year at Beth Israel is resistance and resilience as expressed through art.
Please join us on Wednesday, April 23rd from 5 – 8:30 p.m. at Beth Israel Synagogue.
At 5:00PM the doors open for attendees to peruse a Yad Vashem exhibit entitled “The Anguish of Liberation in Art”. Other related resource materials will be presented as well.
At 5:30 PM, please join us for a commemorative candle lighting.
At 6:15 PM, please join us for a screening of Hilary Helstein’s documentary, “As Seen Through These Eyes” (trailer link here) . It threads together incredible stories of defiance and resistance to Nazi brutality through expressions of art. A cautionary note that some graphic images are presented.
Dr. Dan Houpt and family invite the community to join them for a Lag B’Omer celebration, including potluck and bonfire, Saturday (note correct day), May 17th from 3pm on at their farm. For more information (including the address), email us.
Please join the Holocaust Education Committee for a shared observance of Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) on Wednesday, April 23. The program begins at 5:00PM with time to view an HE Exhibit and resource materials followed by a 5:30PM commemorative candle lighting (minyan+), and at 6:00PM-7:30PM a presentation. Mark your calendars please. More details to follow. If you have questions please contact Ralph B. at shoaheducation@jccpeterborough.com.
