Sukkot is in the Air!
Sukkot is a favorite around here…its a lot of fun decorating the sukkah and shaking the lulav and etrog! Our sukkah looks beautiful; now if only the weather would cooperate!
On Sunday, Pre-K through 2nd grade students made decorations to hang in the sukkah. They visited the outdoor sukkah, learned about the symbolism of the lulav and etrog and got the chance to give them a shake. Ms. Freed also helped them to sing Rabbi Mahler’s Sukkah Song – a much anticipated holiday highlight!
Our older students in grades 3-6 learned about Ushpizin, the mitzvah of inviting guests into the Sukkah. Besides the traditional Jewish ancestors, they shared who else they would invite and the question they would ask given the chance:
A few examples:
Join us for our First Fridays Shabbat Service THIS Friday to see more!
On Wednesday, between the rain drops, the older students visited the outdoor Sukkah to see their work and take a turn at lulav shaking:
Happy Sukkot!
Coming Up:
- Erev Simchat Torah Family Celebration THIS Sunday, October 4th. There will be NO TORAH CENTER classes in the morning. Instead – the celebration begins at 4:30 with family activities and crafts. Followed by a FREE pasta dinner at 5:30 and a special Simchat Torah Family Service beginning at 6:30. As part of the service, we will be welcoming children in Grades K-2nd as our newest Torah Center Students. RSVP to Paula or Dawn at [email protected] to let us know that you’re coming!
- Save the Date! Sunday, October 11th is 4th Grade Family Day! Join us as we take the food collected during the High Holiday Drive over to the South Hills Interfaith Ministry Food Pantry. More information to come – check you email.
- Save the Date! Students in Kindergarten-2nd grade and their families are invited to come to Simmons Farm for an afternoon of fall activities on Sunday, October 25th following Torah Center Classes. Look for the flyer coming your way for more details.
'Tis the Season For Rejoicing
Happy Sukkot! Known as ‘Z’man Simchateinu’, ‘the season of our rejoicing’, Sukkot is a holiday filled with excitement and joy. It is aptly named – with so much going on here in the Torah Center during the past few weeks, there is much to celebrate. The smiles are contagious!
Our Yom Kippur programming was a blast despite the solemn mood of the day:
And the Sukkah was fun to decorate!
After the Family Sukkot Service it was time to “dwell” in the Sukkah and take a turn at shaking the lulav and etrog (our Temple President was a natural!):
On Monday night, our Jewish High School students enjoyed their time in the Sukkah too:
And yesterday students in grades 3-6 visited the Sukkah as well. Eating, singing, dancing, lulav and etrog shaking…It was a fun time for all!
And now – on to the next holiday! So…
Chag Sameach… Have a joyous Simchat Torah!
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Coming Up:
Our first Shabbat LaMishpacha Dinner and Family service of the year is TOMORROW Friday, October 5th! 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! See you there!
Simchat Torah Family Day Program Dinner and Service on Sunday, October 7th, 4 -7 pm (no regular Torah Center classes that morning); Come participate in fun activities (4 pm), eat a FREE Hot Dog Dinner (5:15 pm) and stay for our Family Simchat Torah Service during which we will welcome our newest Torah Center students (6 pm)! A great evening for the entire family! RSVP for dinner to Helaine at [email protected]
A 4th Grade Parent Program is planned for Sunday, October 14th from 9:30 am – 12 noon. Please plan on joining your children that morning for the minyan and then stay to help personalize a special gift for them. Shh…it’s a secret! RSVP to Helaine at [email protected].
3rd Grade students and their families are invited to the Bagel Brunch and Family Minyan on Saturday, October 20th. Please join us for bagels at 10:00 am followed by a family friendly Shabbat morning service at 10:30 am. Please let Helaine know of your attendance plans.
5th Grade Family Day is Sunday, October 21st from 9:30 am – 12 noon. Please plan on joining your children at Torah Center for activities that will allow you to learn and experience Judaism together.
Save the date! Our Jewish High School students will be joining Beth El teens on Sunday, October 21st at 10 am to clean up Gilkenson Road (our “adopted” road). Participation will fulfill a kehillah requirement. RSVP to Helaine at [email protected]