We have a new addition to the Torah Center Family!

Rabbi Jessica Locketz, Larry Schwartz and big brother, Eitan are enjoying their newest family member this week!  Ezra Locketz Schwartz was born on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 6:19 a.m. He weighed 7 pounds 14 ounces and “Rabbi Mommy” and son are both doing well.  The congregation is invited to the Brit Milah on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. in Temple Emanuel’s Beit HaT’fila.

While Rabbi Locketz is on maternity leave, Marci Barnes will be filling in as Interim Torah Center Educator.  She will be in the Torah Center office on Sunday mornings, Monday evenings and Wednesday afternoons.  She can be reached at [email protected] or at 412-279-7600 x 13.  She is happy to help out at the Torah Center and looks forward to working with all of students, parents and staff at Temple Emanuel again beginning this Sunday.

Meanwhile, lots of exciting things have been going on around the Torah Center this week!

Mrs. Levy and the 8th Grade weren’t sleeping!  They were doing a special concealed vote for a project they did in class on Monday night.

While, other students at Jewish High School had fun… and made Gravlox with Ms. Freed in the kitchen!

On Sunday, the 3rd Grade (including Mr. Karp!) enjoyed singing in Music!

The 2nd Grade worked very closely with Mrs. Katz on learning the Hebrew Aleph-Bet.

The 1st Grade worked in the Art room on special trees to celebrate the upcoming holiday of Tu B’Shevat.

And, our Pre-Kindergarten class learned how all of our friends and family members are links in the big chain of our extended Jewish family at Torah Center.

It’s been a busy week and so much more is coming up…

Friday night, February 3rd, is our next Shabbat LaMishpacha Dinner and Family service featuring the 3rd Grade! It is also our Jewish Disabilities Awareness Shabbat here at Temple. Please plan on joining us that evening. Please let Lori in the main office know if you are able to attend the dinner. The cost is $15 for adults, $5.50 for children under 14. Can’t make it to the dinner?  Join us for the service.  This is a “don’t miss” event!

Looking Ahead… Melinda Freed will be starting a new round of Adult Hebrew classes beginning Sunday, February 5^th.  Some Hebrew knowledge is needed.  Contact the Temple office for more information.

AND DON’T FORGET!    As the temperature continues to drop, the important question this time of year becomes, “Do we have Torah Center today?!” To find out whether or not there will be classes, tune into KDKA, WPXI or WTAE or checkout www.KDKA.com, www.WPXI.com, www.WTAE.com for the latest decisions regarding Torah Center closings.

Shabbat Shalom!!