Chadashot* The latest news* of all things youth and education at Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation Issue 13 December 5, 2019 8 Kislev 5780

Greetings, Community and connections mean different things to different folks. Here at Adat Shalom, there are many ways to connect and build community. Some folks really enjoy the spiritual space offered through meditation, others need their time in the Sanctuary and the cycle of hearing the weekly Torah portion, and still others gather in the foyer with conversation, coffee and cake. (Look at that photo and you'll know who you are!) We welcome you and your family regardless of where and how you find connection and community. For parents with kids at home it's sometimes easy to get caught up in sports practice, music rehearsal and homework and forget about our own needs for connection. Adat Shalom has you covered. We want to help you connect your Jewish journey to people and issues that you care about. So sign-up to volunteer this month at a shelter with another family, or come to our Bagels, Coffee and Community Building Brunch on Sunday, December 15 , and explore new ways to connect beyond Shabbat morning. Maybe you want a group for Parents who have kids who play sports, or a parent-child book group, or a Mrs. Maisel Fan Club (season 3 drops this week). The options are as diverse as our community. I'm looking forward to our continued connections. 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)

No need to RSVP. Just click here and you'll be connected! Reva L'Shabbat -- A Quarter to Shabbat Each Friday afternoon from 5:45 PM - 6:00 PM , Idan invites all students -- in Torah School or not, to Zoom in to our Virtual Hebrew Hang Out. This is a fun and no pressure way to learn some new Hebrew words and mix it up with friends all from the comfort of your couch.

For Families with Tweens (Grades 6-8)

Choose Your Oil Source Latkes or Sufganiot? There is no wrong answer. Calling all Middle Schoolers to join us on Sunday evening, December 15 from 6:00 PM-8:30 PM for a greasy food-filled evening (we'll toss in a green vegetable). And after we're in a food coma, we'll watch a movie! Come and hang out with new and old friends. Non AS friends are welcome. RSVP

For Families with Teens (Grades 9-12)

Purim Shpiel Are you a budding actor or performer with not enough time for the High School production? Get involved in the Purim Shpiel. This is a great way for teens to try out their skills in a variety of ways with a very supportive audience. The planning meeting for the Shpiel is on Sunday, December 8 at 10:00 AM. The Purim Shpiel itself is on March 8 at 2PM. Questions? Email Ken Avner

This Week in Torah School

We are looking forward to our last two weeks of Torah School before the winter break. This week we will preparing decorations for the synagogue for Chanukah and participating in an interactive program focusing on Parashat Vayetze -- it's chock full of well known stories -- Jacob's dream, Rachel and Leah, the birth of the 12 tribes, and more! Next week, we are going to be re-enacting the Chanukah story complete with (foam) swords and stones and elephants! You won't want to miss a moment of Torah School -- come early, stay for the whole time. Latkes and Gelt await! And a quick housekeeping note: please send your child with a reusable water bottle -- it will keep us from using plastic cups at snack time! And we do like to go outside for recess so a coat isn't a bad idea either. One of these Hanukiyot was made by Rena. The others by Idan. Come to Torah School and impress us with your artistic skills with pipe cleaner. Or Not.

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.

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