Hanukah is on the Horizon!

Chadashot*

The latest news* of all things

youth and education

at Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation

Issue 14

December 12, 2019

14 Kislev 5780

Greetings,

There are just so many troubling and disturbing things going on in the world right now that it's hard to process all of it. And yet we must. And we need t o find ways to talk to our children about it without causing them stress. There are several resources for adults and children including this from JewBelong -- that offers this:

From the tragic loss of life in Jersey City on Tuesday to a disgusting rant on Long Island, NY, the day before, it seems like antisemitism has become a daily part of life. This piece from the New York Times gives an excellent overview of what’s happening in Europe, and trust us, it’s even worse. We’re feeling pretty blue today, but we also know that there are allies who have our backs, and that for the most part, people are good. So as Hanukkah approaches, let your menorah shine. It’s important to light each candle with love and thought for all that we have to be thankful for, and to muster the bravery and commitment to pull together and end hate.

For those of you who don't know about an incident in 1993 in Billings, Montana, of a child whose bedroom window was shattered for displaying a Chanukiah, I urge you to read this article and share the story with your children. And then, dust off your Chanukiot, find a spot in your front window to display them proudly, light the candles, say the blessings and commit to fight hate and injustice everywhere.

And, because we also need to celebrate the strength of our community and the Jewish people, we wish a hearty Mazal Tov to Ella Myers and her family as she becomes a B*Mitzvah on Shabbat morning.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rena

Rena Milchberg

Interim Education Coordinator

For Families with Young Children (Birth thru Pre-K)

Please help spread the light to friend and neighbors outside of Adat Shalom.

Bring in the Light and Celebrate Chanukah!

Join us for a celebration of Chanukah!

Sunday, December 15 at 4:00 PM

We’ll spin the dreidel, have lots of activities and games, enjoy latkes and more!

Older siblings, grandparents and other favorite adults are welcome to join!

This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP.

Don't forget Tot Shabbat -- bring your friends and neighbors to this high energy service for our littlest learners. Miss Ellie gets things going at 10:30 AM in the Library. We have a Torah Parade, Kiddush, Oneg Lunch and then an invitation to join on the Bimah for Kiddush and Motzi at the end of services, at about 12:15 PM. All are welcome!

For Families with School Age Children (K-5)

Todah Rabah! Thank You!

With gratitude to Heather Levy, our art teacher and our madrichim.ot, our Torah School students created beautiful art, including these Chanukiot and the stained glass window, that will be on display throughout Adat Shalom as we enter into the Chanukah Season.

In the new year we look forward to some social gatherings for all of our grade-school age families and the chance to get to know each other outside of Shabbat mornings.

For Families with Tweens (Grades 6-8)

Can You Bake a Latke?

Must it be fried? Come find out on Sunday evening, December 15 from 6:00 PM-8:30 PM for a greasy food-filled evening and a movie! Plus the one-and-only Michael Becker will be paying us a visit! Come and hang out with new and old friends. Non AS friends are welcome. RSVP

And, since it's not all about us, we will also be wrapping donated hats and gloves that will be distributed to the men and women at area shelters on Christmas morning.

For Families with Teens (Grades 9-12)

Breaking down Barriers

There are two outstanding opportunities for our high school students to engage and learn about others.

Like to Shoot Hoops? Interested in other faiths and cultures? It's a 3-point play regardless of what you believe so come join a new group -- co-sponsored by the Jewish-Islamic Dialogue Society of Washington -- Coexist Basketball League.

Bender JCC, December 15 at 5:00 PM. Free and Open to all in grades 9-12. For more info, email Niv Leibowitz

Prefer not to sweat? Apply for the Israel Engagement Fellowship through the JCRC. With teens from our area you will e xplore the trends on college campus and how Israel fits into broader conversations. Participate in hands on activities, learn the importance of building allies and coalitions to impact change , and gain dialogue skills while practicing active listening. Develop the knowledge , experience , and confidence to engage with and advocate for Israel in a meaningful way on college campus and beyond.

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Teens are also invited to join us for Latkes and a Movie on Sunday night. Please RSVP.

This Week in Torah School

It is going to be EPIC. We have Greek warriors. We have Maccabees. We have swords. We have stones. We have band-aids. Seriously, it's all made out of foam and it's going to be great fun. Families with kids from K-6th grade who are NOT in Torah School are welcome to join our Chanukah Battle re-enactment during Torah School on Saturday morning, December 14. Please wear light or white clothing and meet us in the Multi Purpose Room at 9:30. Chanukah, like you've never celebrated it.

Programming for All

Shabbat Chanukah Dinner and Services with the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington and the Adat Shalom Choir

Friday, December 20

6:30 PM Shabbat and Chanukah Pot Luck Dinner

please bring a dish for 10-12 to share. We'll be flipping latkes

7:45 PM Musical Shabbat Celebration with our Special Guests

the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington and the Adat Shalom Choir

Social Action Opportunities for Families

Look for this box in the Beit Midrash to donate hats and gloves.

Help Make Winter Warmer

Each year Adat Shalom collects new hats and gloves for people in need throughout our community. We wrap and give them out when we serve Dinner at area shelters on Christmas Day. Donating items and serving dinner help instill in our kids the values of chesed and avodah -- kindness and service to others.

If you interested in donating pies or helping serve Christmas Dinner , click on the appropriate links.