TBT Religious School Newsletter

"What we must remember above all in the education of our children is that their love of life should never weaken." --Natalia Ginzberg

Hello Parents,

Mazel Tov to all the families of TBT! This weekend truly revealed why we are the BEST place to be!! (Be sure to checkout all the photos below.)

How fitting that our celebration took place just before Lag B'Omer. What is Lag B'Omer?

It literally means the 33rd day of the Omer and was celebrated on Tuesday in Israel. The Omer is counted for 49 days between the end of Passover and the holiday of Shavuot (derived from the practice of counting the days from the barley offering at the Temple to the day of the wheat offering on Shavuot, in the Torah).

The Talmud says Lag B'Omer celebrates the halt of a plague that took the lives of thousands of students of the great teacher Rabbi Akiva. Other sources say Lag B'Omer celebrates a victory for the armies of the Jewish leader Bar Kochba. Bonfires across Israel are seen as one way of celebrating. Fire represents light, and symbolizes illumination and purification.

Just think of a time when you sat around a fire and told stories, laughed, and gathered simply to be connected. Let us reflect on our past weekend of celebration as TBT and Rabbi Beal are our "bonfire" of connection, community, joy and gathering.

As I reflected on our past weekend, and the joy of celebrating Rabbi Beal's installation, I am sharing my personal thoughts:

Sunday morning, reflecting on my week

So much energy healing I did seek

Unravel from hurtful words

To separate truth from nerves

My reality is filled with love, respect and emotional growth

Safety of living expressing my purpose

Children and adults sharing their energy

We sang, connected and envisioned a rebirth

Showing us all what our value is worth

Generations came together united in faith

Families singing, laughing and noshing

Kehillah Kedosha our spirits are clamouring

Reviving, thriving and joy rising

Tikkun Olam begins at home

Let this be the theme of our song

United together all visions can come true

All for one and one for all - we know exactly what to do!

May the next year be faced with compassion in our hearts

As this will guide us with incredible new starts!

Shalom ~~by Alissa Okrent

What a wonderful weekend celebrating the installation of Rabbi Beal!

Tzedakah

Tzedakah refers to the religious obligation to do what is right and just, which Judaism emphasizes as an important part of living a spiritual life.

Our Tzedakah collection this year has been amazing! It's just over $200 and we have one more week to support two different organizations. Your children will be voting on where they believe these monies will be donated.

In recognition of how hard our Religious School teachers work to give your children a wonderful and meaningful learning experience, the Religious School Committee would like to ask you to consider contributing $10/student, or whatever amount you are comfortable with, towards an "end-of-year" gift for your child's teacher.

Please send the money no later than Thursday, May 11th via VENMO to Jamie Egan @Jamie-Egan-Decor using the link below or by scanning the QR code below. You can also look up Jamie on VENMO with the last four digits of her phone number (3148).

***Make sure to label your payment “TBT teacher gift” PLUS your child(ren)'s name and grade. For example: TBT teacher gift, William Egan, grade 8

If you wish, you can also drop off the money to Marie in the Temple office by May 11th in an envelope labeled with your child(ren)’s name(s) and grade(s). Cash only please.

Thank you for your thoughtfulness.

Jamie Egan's Venmo Link: Venmo profile