Judaism had been environmentally conscious long before the EPA and Greenpeace, as is evident by the celebration of Tu B’Shevat, the birthday of the trees. Israel has long been a pioneer in agriculture. Sadly, it’s been reported that about a million trees have been destroyed in northern Israel by rocket attacks during the recent war with Lebanon.
Your children will be bringing home Jewish National Fund tree planting opportunities, and it is important, more so than ever, that you fill them out and mail them as soon as possible. Trees give us so much, and they are absolutely crucial to the agriculture in Israel. In addition to doing a mitzvah, you’ll get a gorgeous certificate, so what are you waiting for?
The religious school Tu B’Shevat seder is planned for February 4. Parents are invited to join us as we sip four cups of grape juice in varying colors, eat delicious fruits, and present the play, The Giving Tree.
On Friday, February 9, the fourth-grade class will assist Rabbi Soltz on the bimah as we honor our Sunday School and Hebrew teachers with a service, followed by an oneg in their honor. Please show your appreciation for our wonderful volunteer teachers by attending the service, and consider making a donation for the bimah flowers for that evening in honor of your child’s teachers.
Miss Chocolate Passover Candy fundraiser is underway. If you haven’t gotten your order forms, a copy is attached as a PDF file to the HaShomer email, or you can call me to get one. Extra order forms are in the social hall. All proceeds will go toward an additional computer for our computer lab.
We have been invited to join Beth-El for their religious school Scholar-in-Residence program with Joel Lurie Grishaver on February 16-18. Joel is a real inspiration to Jewish teachers and parents; I highly recommend you attend at least one session. Information about session times and places will be coming home with your child soon. I would like to thank Ilana Knust who invited us to join Beth-El for this excellent presentation.
Purim is coming up pretty soon, and our children will again be making mishloach manot to clients of Jewish Family Services. Please watch your mail (and email) for information on what supplies we will need, and when to bring them. The Megillah reading will be Saturday, March 3, at 7:00 p.m.
Kol tuv (all the best),
– Danielle Snailer, Religious School Director
daniellesnailer@aol.com