Connections E-News 
Thursday, February 4 / 25 Shevat 5776
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Upcoming Events
Sunday, February 7:                Regular Class Day for K-7th Grades 9:00 - 12:00 PM
                       World Wide Wrap (middle school and adults)
Wednesday, February 10:      Regular Class Day for 2nd-7th Grades 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Sunday, February 14:             ***School Closed - Presidents Day Weekend
Wednesday, February 17:      Regular Class Day for 2nd-7th Grades 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Sunday, February 21:              Regular Class Day for K-7th Grades 9:00 - 12:00 PM
Wednesday, February 24:       Regular Class Day for 2nd-7th Grades 4:30 - 6:30 PM

For additional upcoming events please click HERE
Religious School Happenings
A Message from Religious School Principal, Lois Tompkins
Next Sunday is the Men's Club "World Wide Wrap".  At morning minyan, everybody gets a chance to wrap tefillin - even if you are too young to make that commitment, and including both boys and girls!  This is a great time to feel what it is like to wear this ritual item.  After the short service, we'll be treated to a light breakfast and we'll listen to a few speakers.  Our 6th and 7th grade students will participate as a part of their Sunday School day; they will continue with classes as usual after the program, and will be dismissed at 12 as usual.  

We'd love for any parent who is interested to join us at 9:00 in the Witten chapel (should be over by 10:30).  
 
Enjoy your week,
Lois
News from the Galinsky Academy
Galinsky Parent Academy -  Mark Your Calendars!
Additional information about each program will be sent home shortly!
The Myths & Realities of Getting Into College led by Deborah Kaye
Sunday, February 21, 2016 at 10:00 AM, 
at the home of Claudia Margolis
(address provided upon RSVP)
 
This program is geared to parents of
Middle & High School aged children but 
is open to all.  It's never to early to learn how to help prepare your child for their future! 

RSVPs' are requested for this event by  Wednesday, February 17, 2016.  
Click HERE to RSVP.
Weekly Parent Torah Study Group  led by Marci Rogozen

Mondays, beginning February 22, 2016 at 12:15 PM in the Neal F. Portnoy Youth Lounge

Come join a friendly, casual group as we discuss each week's Torah portion. Topics will include not only the weekly parsha, but also modern commentaries and midrashim (Rabbinic commentaries) that enlighten our reading, meaningful rituals, and take-away values. No experience or Hebrew Language skills are necessary. 
Spotlight on PTA
The Purim Carnival is coming up and we need your help!
Sunday, March 20, 2016 | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
The Purim carnival is quickly approaching and we are hard at work making it a truly memorable experience! This is where you come in! We are asking that each family volunteer to help us run the carnival.

Click HERE to visit the Signup Genius for more information about the carnival as well as all the wonderful booths and activities we have to offer!

Click HERE for the wristband order form to save $10.00 by purchasing early!

Click HERE to learn about sponsorship opportunities and how being a sponsor can help make our Purim Carnival the best it can be!

Be on the look out for wristband order forms, they will be available soon!
box tops
BOX TOPS!
Spring collection ends February 19, 2016. For every Box Top you turn in the PTA gets 10 cents! Have some to spare? Turn them into the Religious School Office or collection box in the lobby. Our Academy Fall Collection earned over $300.
Spring Clean and Earn $!
The Mommy Sale ( March 6) is looking for sellers.  Open to all!
 
Reserve your table today!

Click HERE to find information on shopping or selling. 

Click HERE to reserve your table.
Events at the Jacksonville Jewish Center
For this week's NEW "HaKesher" click HERE

For all upcoming events at the JJC click HERE for the JJC website!
Statement on Behalf of Worldwide Masorti/Conservative Movement Regarding Egalitarian Prayer at the Kotel Decision

Today marks an historic moment as the Israeli governing Cabinet has approved a proposal to create a permanent space for pluralistic and egalitarian prayer at the Kotel (Western Wall).  This space will accommodate all forms of prayer and marks the first time that Israel has enacted a law in support of an egalitarian prayer space at a Jewish holy site, thus conveying official government legitimacy on religious streams other than Orthodoxy.  Twenty-five years in the making, the decision brings us measurably closer to the simple, basic fact that there is more than one way to be Jewish and that there should be "One Wall for One People." Click HERE to read more!
Community News
Super Sunday! We need your help!

Volunteering will take place from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on February 7, 2016 at the Jewish Community Alliance (JCA) Auditorium


Want to volunteer?
Click HERE to sign up or for more information!
February is Jewish Disability Awareness Month
Two wonderful community events to help people better understand the special needs community.

Tools for Success Family Conference
Thursday, February 4, 8:00 AM - 3:15 PM
Click HERE for more information

Gathering of Artists
Thursday, February 11, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Click HERE for more information.
The mission of the Galinsky Academy of the Jacksonville Jewish Center is to provide the highest quality education through the finest teachers, a comprehensive curriculum, and cutting edge technology to Jewish children of all ages.  The Galinsky Academy consists of the DuBow Preschool, the Bernard & Alice Selevan Religious School, the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School, and Setzer Youth Education.