Sukkot 5783

The Torah reading for the first day of Sukkot summarizes the calendar of Jewish sacred time and highlights the essence of each holiday (Leviticus 22:26-23:44). First, though, it commands the Israelites: “Lo t’chal’lu et shem kodshi …, do not profane My sacred name, but let me be sanctified b’toch, in the midst of, the children of Israel: I, God, sanctify you” (Lev. 22:32).

It is easy to think of examples of profaning God’s name: idolatry, swearing a false oath, and murder come to mind quickly. But the Torah’s use of the phrase “lo t’chal’lu” invites a deeper understanding of the concept. Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch (1808-1888; German rabbi considered the father of modern Orthodox Judaism) notes the Hebrew root CH-L-L can also mean a void, or empty space. Now, “lo t’chal’lu” means do not be a void, or, do not be without godliness. Simply behaving according to the Torah isn’t enough; thoughts and intentions also matter. That’s why the verse continues with “b’toch (in the midst of) the children of Israel.” Making space for God within ourselves fills the chalal. Not doing so leaves us bereft of God’s presence and profanes God’s name.

The sukkah is a primary symbol of the holiday. But the sukkah, by itself, is merely a shell enclosing empty space. That is why the mitzvah (commandment) is not to build a sukkah but rather to sit in one. Entering the space and filling it with our inherent godliness is a personal enactment of the principle of lo t’chal’lu. 

Gut Shabbos/Shabbat Shalom

Gut Yontif/Chag Sameach/Happy Holiday

Dr. David Ackerman (Doc)

Torah Thoughts from Doc

Read a brief message about this week's Torah portion, Parashat Ha-azinu. Our words matter.

Mark Your Calendars!

• Thursday, October 6 - Instrumental Music Program Parent Info Meeting, 7 p.m., Beit Knesset
• Monday, October 10 - NO SCHOOL: Sukkot
• Tuesday, October 11 - NO SCHOOL: Sukkot
• Sunday, October 16 - Gradewide Sukkah Parties
• Friday, October 21 - Annual Fund Kickoff, 8:15-9:15 a.m., JCC Lobby
• Thursday, October 27 - PTO Kickoff Meeting, 8:15 a.m., Heilicher
• Wednesday, November 2 - Picture Day
• Thursday, November 3 - NO SCHOOL: Conferences, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. (sign up available next week)
• Friday, November 4 - NO SCHOOL: ISACS Conference for Faculty
• Tuesday, November 22 - Yom Dor l'Dor Grandparents/Special Persons Day, 1-3:30 p.m., Heilicher

View the full Heilicher calendar online

Key Dates for 2022-2023

TONIGHT: Instrumental Music Program Meeting

Heilicher is looking at available options to be able to offer a more robust instrumental music program. Please join Dr. Dan Ahlstrom tonight, Thursday, October 6, at 7 p.m. in the Beit Knesset to learn more and help us gauge interest. Parents of students in all grades are welcome!

You're Invited: Grade-wide Sukkah Parties Are Back!

Throughout the day on Sunday, October 16, various Heilicher families will host sukkah parties for individual grades, as well as a couple combined grades. By now, you should have received an invitation for the parties. If you have not, please see the Roar sent to your email for details. RSVP directly to your party host family so they can best plan for each party. Many thanks to the party hosts for inviting us into their sukkot!

Join us for a New York-Style Bagel Breakfast!

Join us for REAL New York bagels and schmear after drop-off on Friday, October 21, 8:15-9:15 a.m. in the JCC Lobby, to kick off Heilicher's 2022-23 Annual Fund. We will enjoy breakfast and share ways to support the school we love!

Yehuda Gruenberg and Orlee Tatarka

Josh Fineblum and Andrea Golden

Heilicher Parent Annual Fund Co-Chairs

Register for Winter Extracurriculars

Registration for winter 2022 after-school activities and athletics is open on Jumbula.* Check out all the enrichment classes and sports, as well as HaBonim after-care information, on our website.

Registration is first come, first served. Winter registration closes Friday, October 21, or as soon as the registration maximum is reached.

*On the final payment page, the background text says "TEST MODE," but your payment and registration will go through.

Please reach out to Athletic Director Lee Metzger or HaBonim and After-School Activities Coordinator Rivka Buchbinder with any questions about specific classes.

Let's Get Ready for School's Out

School's Out for November is open for registration through Jumbula. School's Out is Heilicher's programming and childcare for nonschool days, which will begin for fall conferences (November 3) and our first faculty professional development day (November 4). 

Please help us plan ahead to arrange onsite entertainment and field trips by letting School's Out Director Jeremy Savran know if you plan to sign up your child(ren) for School's Out. The more attendees, the more activities can be booked. Email Jeremy with any questions or comments about the School's Out program.

2022-2023 School's Out Dates

• Thursday and Friday, November 3 and 4 (fall conferences/teacher development day)
• Wednesday, November 23 (day before Thanksgiving)
• Friday, January 13 (half day — teacher grading)
• Friday, February 3 (half day — teacher development)
• Monday-Friday, February 20-24 (Midwinter Break)
• Thursday, March 16 (half day), and Friday, March 17 (spring conferences)
• Wednesday, April 5 (Erev Pesach)
• Monday and Tuesday, April 10 and 11 (Chol HaMoed Pesach)
• Friday, April 14 (day after Pesach)
• Thursday, June 8 (half day — last day of school)

*School's Out programming during the December break will be through the JCC, as in past years. 

Join Us for the Heilicher Annual Benefit!

Celebrate with us as we dance the night away and reconnect as a community. The Benefit honoring Wendy Lovell-Smith and Colin Smith will take place Sunday, November 20, at 5 p.m. at Beth El Synagogue. It promises to be a fun evening with a DJ, ’80s video games, food stations, and a chance to celebrate our school together. 

RSVP by Friday, November 4, for an evening of entertainment and inspiration, while supporting our school.

Yom Dor l'Dor (Grandparents/Special Persons Day)

On Tuesday, November 22, 1-3:30 p.m., grandparents and special elders will join their grandchild(ren) for an afternoon of intergenerational programming and a preview of the students' work at school. More information to come!

Parent Education Opportunity!

Many parents who completed our survey expressed interested in parent education classes, and the PTO is excited to offer the first Parent Ed Speaker Webinar, Thrivers: What Really Helps Kids Find Happiness Today & Success Tomorrow, available through November 30. Educational psychologist Michele Borba provides strategies and an action road map for parents.

Keep an eye out in future Roars to learn about the next webinar, which we'll watch and discuss together in person. Please direct any questions to Michele Clinard.

Volunteer Opportunities

Sign up to help with All-School Lunch and/or All-School T'filah.

• All-School Lunch: Help set up and clean up our all-school lunch on Wednesday(s) in the auditorium 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

• All-School T'filah: Help us set up for all-school t'filah (prayer) Monday(s) in the theater 8:15-9 a.m. 

Grade-level volunteer opportunities will be sent out by room parents.