Hebrew & Religious School

 

It has been an absolutely wonderful year with many memorable events to reflect upon: a Tikkun Olam Fair, Operation Nachas, Chanukah Talent Show and Celebration, Sheldon Low Concert, TuB’Shvat Seder, a Flea Market, Teacher Appreciation Shabbat, Purim Carnival, Model Seder, Tikkun Olam Essay Writing Contest and Yom HaAtzma’ut (Israeli Independence Day) 60th Anniversary Celebration, to name a few.   I am so honored and proud to work with such a warm and giving group of teachers and tutors. In my absence during the first semester of school and under the excellent direction of Susan Daugherty and Rabbi Weiss, they demonstrated a strong sense of community and dedication each and every week. It is obvious that theirs is a labor of love, as is indicated by the smiling faces of the children each week as they arrive for school.   We are very lucky to have our four incredible B’nei Mitzvah tutors, Hari Jacobsen, Howard Moeckler, Michael Rubner and Perry Switzen, work with our students. Their passion and love for Judaism is contagious.   A special thanks to my office assistants, Judy Rosing and Jessica Martin. You are a big help to all of us and I am so appreciative of all that you do to support me.   A big thank you to our madrichim (student assistants). Our students and teachers love having you in class. You are good role models for the younger ones to follow.   Congratulations to our graduating Seniors: Ben Buxton, Heather Gross, Max Kandel, Caitlin Lancit, Amanda Marks, Taylor Statfeld, Emily Treiser, Jacob Wollman and Dan Zvibleman. Best of luck at college. We will miss you a lot!   The Religious School Committee, under the leadership of Debbe Faunce, has been a tremendous help. Their input and hands-on contributions of time and support are immeasurable. A special thanks to Debbe and Roberta Macchio, our snack and Bagel moms, for being there each week to make sure that our children have snacks before School. Thank you, Suzanne Miller and Carol Bickel for your hard work and long hours on our First Flea Market. You did an amazing job!   Many thanks to Lori Cohen and Susan Daugherty, Jo Icaza and Maxine Gould for their organization and attention to details; and thanks to John, Rick, Chris, Ada and Wilson for making it happen every Sunday and Wednesday.   Todah Rabah to the board members for their continuous support. I look forward to working with Rob Millstone and his new board this next year.   Sisterhood, your continuous commitment to the Religious School’s success and growth are greatly appreciated. It would not be possible to do many of the programs without your generous financial gift each year. Thanks to the Men’s Club for your support as well. Whether you are purchasing equipment for the classrooms or supporting our activities with your helping hands, you are always there to help whenever asked.   To all the parents and students… you are the reason that I love coming to work everyday!   Todah Rabah to Rabbi Weiss, Rabbi Bloom and Rabbi Perman for your guidance and support and in helping me become a better educator.   I wish for all of our families a safe, fun and restful summer. Here at Temple Shalom, the summer months are spent writing and improving curriculum, creating new programs and most importantly hiring and training teachers for the fall. Teaching our children is a privilege and a wonderful opportunity to pass down our beautiful teachings and traditions of our religion. It is so important that we educate the younger generation because they will explore Judaism’s future. If you think you would like to be a part of this great experience, please call me at the Religious School office at 455-2233. You don’t have to know everything about Judaism, we’ve got great books and Teacher’s guides for that. You just have to have the love of children and I will help you with the rest!   I wish you all a healthy and happy summer.  See you in September!!!!   Le’Hit-ra-ot!   Important Info: Part I of the Registration packets were e-mailed out to everyone in April and are due back by May 1. You will receive Part II of the school packet with the school calendar, youth group information, etc. in early August. Please call the office at 455-2233 if you do not get yours.     VERY IMPORTANT   The Religious School has a NEW email address which is: religiousschool@naplestemple.org      Look for the information page in the August packet about how to change over to our new email address.  Please remember to check your email for important notices and upcoming events pertaining to Religious School.   I look forward to sharing another exciting year with you at Temple Shalom.   Our School is growing! The Rabbi Abraham Shusterman Religious School is seeking Sunday School and Hebrew School teachers, and madrichim (student assistants in grades 8-12) for the year 2007-2008.  Enrollment is growing and we need to provide for the education of our future.  Anyone interested please call Caren Plotkin  with your inquiry.   THINGS TO REMEMBER   The Rabbi Shusterman Religious School has an email address which is: TSRELIGIOUSSCHOOL@YAHOO.COM.  Please remember to check your email for important notices and upcoming events pertaining to Religious School.   Note: Registration for the 2007-2008 school year will begin April 22, 2007.  If you have a child beginning Kindergarten in September or any new students planning to attend Religious School in the fall, please contact the R.S. Office at 455-2233 to receive the registration packet.   Caren Plotkin - Director   05/08