June 2, 2022
We had a blast last Friday at the Maccabi Games! Congratulations to the Yellow Team on the win, and kol hakavod (great job) to everyone for the ruach (spirit) and sportsmanship.
Shavuot 5782

Shavuot is the second of the shalosh r’galim (three pilgrimage festivals). Yet, it is quite different from Pesach and Sukkot. Shavuot is only one or two days (depending on your location and ritual practice) and has no complex rituals assigned to it (as compared to removing chametz, making a seder, building a sukkah, and the four species).

Additionally, Shavuot is the only one of the regalim not assigned a specific date: while the first seder is always the 15th of Nisan and the first day of Sukkot is always the 15th of Tishrei, Shavuot is simply the day after the completion of 49 days of counting the omer. This means Shavuot is always connected, practically and conceptually, to Pesach: we are freed from slavery so we can receive the Torah.

The Biblical Shavuot is an agricultural holiday celebrating the grain harvest. The ritual of bringing bikkurim (first fruits) mandates the recitation of specific verses (only one of three times the Torah does so). It begins with an acknowledgement of God’s sovereignty over the land (Deut. 26:3), which makes sense, since farming is land-based. It continues with a summary of Jewish history that begins with, “My father was a fugitive Aramean …” (Deut. 26:5-8). In making that declaration, each individual steps into Israelite history, saying, effectively, “This story is my story.” Claiming ownership of the shared memory is an affirmation of belonging and is a necessary step in becoming a people.

Only in the rabbinic era does Shavuot become associated with the revelation at Mt. Sinai. Thus, we read the Book of Ruth on Shavuot because it combines the two themes: Ruth’s acceptance of the Torah against the backdrop of the harvest.

Shavuot, then, is an opportunity to reflect upon the meaning of revelation in our lives, to consider the implications of a covenant established for all Jews in all times, and to accept the story of the wandering Aramean as personal history.

Gut Yontif/Chag Sameach/Happy Holiday,
Doc
kindergarteners raise their hands as they look over a rolled out Torah scroll. Doc calls on a student
Torah Thoughts and Pirkei Avot with Doc

Read a brief message about this week's Torah portion, Parashat B'midbar. What is the guide on your journey?

As we continue to count the Omer with the study of Pirkei Avot (Chapters/Ethics of the Fathers), consider Avot 6:3 and how community impacts your Jewish life.
Mark Your Calendars!

  • Thursday, June 2 - Heilicher Annual Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Manny Fingerhut Auditorium @Heilicher
  • Friday, June 3 - The B’tzalel Project for Grade 6, 8:30-9:45 a.m., Fiterman Beit Knesset (more info was sent directly to sixth-grade families)
  • Monday, June 6 - Shavuot: NO SCHOOL
  • Wednesday, June 8 - Eighth-Grade Graduation, 4:30 p.m., Dolly and Edward Fiterman Theatre
  • Thursday, June 9 - Last Day of School Grades K-7, 11:30 A.M. DISMISSAL (join us for Closing Ceremonies 8:30-9:30 a.m. in the Manny Fingerhut Auditorium)

Heilicher Annual Meeting TONIGHT
Thursday, June 2, 6:30-8 p.m., at Heilicher

We look forward to seeing everyone tonight to recognize volunteer and staff milestones and vote on the 2022-2023 Board slate. Masks are required.

We will honor Maia Poling as outgoing Acting Head of School for her many years of service to Heilicher. In addition, we look forward to welcoming Dr. Dan Ahlstrom, incoming Head of School.

Feel free to review the Board slate prior to the meeting.
If you cannot join us in person, watch our livestream.
Join Us for Closing Ceremonies

Parents are welcome to join us for our last day of school Closing Ceremonies on Thursday, June 9, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Closing Ceremonies will be in the Manny Fingerhut Auditorium, and masks are required.

Remember: School ends at 11:30 a.m. on June 9. There is no School's Out program.
Lost and Found at Drop-Off

Please have your student check the lost and found for any missing items. You can search the lost and found at the JCC main entrance during drop-off next week. Please park your car and walk up to the lost and found. If you would like staff to check the lost and found for a particular item, please contact the main office at 952.381.3500.
Senior Video

We welcomed back our Heilicher alumni graduating high school seniors last week, and they also shared their Heilicher memories and future plans in a video.
Shabbat in the Park with Admissions Director Deborah Getsug

Deborah Getsug is joining Heilicher as our Admissions Director later this month. Join her and other Jewish families for Shabbat in the Park at Brookview Park in Golden Valley at 5 p.m. on Friday, July 15. Shabbat in the Park is sponsored by Minnesota Mammalehs and PJ Library. Bring a blanket and a picnic dinner and come to play! Challah and treats will be provided.
Mazel Tov

Mazel tov to the Heilicher Class of 2018 alumni on their graduation from high school.