Dear Religious School families,

Last Sunday’s TBD-PJTC program was a successful event of friendship and collaboration with our Pasadena Jewish Temple and Centre community members. We were gracious hosts, and provided a friendly demeanor. Both Rabbi Lachtman, Rabbi Aimee Gerace, and I agreed that having another collaborative program in March, would benefit both our communities on many levels. Based on your feedback, emails, and afterthoughts, it seems that we all are looking forward to uniting again! 
Moving on, this Friday, Jan 26th at 6pm, will be a free of charge dinner for Religious School children and adults. We will eat together, then, the children will join Carmit, to make Challa, friendship tiles, and Tu BShvat themed crafts. Activities will be geared towards all aged children. I, Gal, at the same time, will be leading a discussion with adults, about the vision of Ulpan Shabbat- the new Ulpan program. You do not need to be in Ulpan to enjoy dinner with us!

Cantor Richard has prepared a special musical Shabbat service for us, to follow our dinner. Shabbat Shira, Shabbat of song, will include guest musician Jamie Papish. Cantor tells me Shabbat Shira is celebrated throughout the Jewish World to commemorate the weekly Torah portion that recounts our deliverance from slavery.
We will be meeting off site this Sunday, Jan 28th at 10am, at the beautiful Descanso Gardens, to celebrate Tu BShvat, the holiday of the trees and nature. Debby Singer from the Jewish Federation will be presenting PJ Library to us, and Lindy Bornstein will end our program with a Tu BShvat activity and snack. Parents and adults are encouraged to attend. We will meet by the entrance of the Gardens at 10am. If a child is not accompanied by an adult, please inform your classroom teachers. Pick up will be from the picnic tables at 12.30pm.

The link to Descanso Gardens, including their address is https://www.descansogardens.org

Descanso Gardens have also asked me to share this link of their code of conduct https://www.descansogardens.org/visit/garden-etiquette-and-practices/


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Finally, I had a great meeting with  Reuben Posner, camp director of Havaya Arts this week. Havaya Arts is the only Jewish overnight arts camp in the country that is focused on giving young artists the opportunity to make art that is camper driven and original. If you are interested in learning more about camp, Reuben would be happy to meet you in person or by phone. His mail: reuben@havayaarts.org
Please take a look at the flyers here below for further information of happenings at TBD and our school.

I look forward to seeing you either at dinner at 6pm on Friday, or at 10am on Sunday at Descanso Gardens. Better yet, I look forward to seeing you at both!

Gratefully yours, writing on behalf of our Religious School team,

Gal Kessler Rohs,
Education Director