The Shorashim Hebrew School @CNS!

CNS Shorashim Newsletter - Terumah Edition

2012-02-24T12:46:00.001-08:00

I look forward to seeing many of you tonight!

Upcoming Events

Please join us on Friday February 24th, for a fun-filled Shorashim and Amitim Shabbat Dinner & Theater Event!
5:30pm Family Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma'ariv Services
6:00pm Shabbat Dinner
6:45pm Interactive Performance and Theater / Improv Games
7:00 Dessert

Children under 13 $6, adults and teens $12, family rate $36

RSVP to education@netivotshalom.org by 2/22

RSVP to volunteer: Karen Kelley: karkai@pacbell.net.

There are 2 options to make payment– either pay online at
www. netivotshalom.org and use the "Make a Donation" tab and put "Shorashim Dinner 2/24" in the description field, or send in your check to Congregation Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave., Berkeley, CA 94702 and write "Shorashim Dinner 2/24" in the memo line.

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Saturday 3/3 Kadima Movie Night for 4th - 8th graders 7:00 Havdalah followed by ice break games and movies! There will be separate activities for 4th - 5th graders and 6th - 8th graders. $5 please RSVP to: elianakissner@gmail.com

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"When the month of Adar arrives we increase our joy!"

PURIM @ Netivot Shalom!
Wednesday March 7
Annual Dinner
starting at 5:15pm
$15 adults $6 kids
NEW This Year: Express line for those who pre-pay!
Ma'ariv and Megillah Reading starting at 6:30pm
Childcare and Kids Program: 6:30 – 8:00pm
Party with live music after the Megillah Reading
Please RSVP for the dinner: office@netivotshalom.org

There are 3 options to make payment– either pay online at www. netivotshalom.org and use the "Make a Donation" Tab and put "Purim Dinner" in the description field or send in your check to Congregation Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave., Berkeley, CA 94702 and write "Purim Dinner" in the memo line. You may also pay the door the night of the dinner.

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Trout Fishing in America comes to Berkeley!
Wednesday March 14 6:30pm
@ Netivot Shalom

DINNER for purchase beginning at 5:15pm

Purchase discount Concert Tickets in advance -
http://tinyurl.com/troutfishingberkeley

$10/adult, $6/under 13, $30/family maximum

Tickets at the door: $12/adult, $8/under 13

Trout Fishing in America is "music for people who take their fun seriously!" Bass player Keith Grimwood and guitarist Ezra Idlet, together, are Trout Fishing in America. They've been playing music together since the 1970s, when they met up in Texas in a folk rock band. In 1979, Trout Fishing was born, and now, 15 albums and four Grammy nominations later, Keith and Ezra still get up every day looking forward to playing music together.

http://www.troutmusic.com/

Weekly Questions to discuss at home

Torah Portion Discussion Question: This week we read parashat Terumah which begins the long, detailed section of the book of Exodus focused on the building of the Mishkan, the portable sanctuary in the desert. Despite the instruction at the end of Parshat Yitro to make a simple earthen altar (mound of dirt and rocks) to sacrifice offerings on, now the Israelites are told to bring gold, silver, precious stones, wood, animal skins, and cloth to make the Mishkan. Why do you think God wanted/needed all of that stuff? What do you think happened to the concept of the simple earthen altar?

This week's Trivia Question: Besides hamantaschen (oznai haman), what other food is traditionally eaten at Purim? a. kreplach b. knishes c. knaidlach d. kasha

Last week's Trivia Question and Answer: This week's Trivia Question: In 1938, Hank Greenberg hit fifty-eight homes runs. His mother offered to do something special if he broke Babe Ruth's record of sixty home runs in a season. What did she offer to do? Answer: She said if he broke Babe Ruth's record, she would make 61 baseball-shaped servings of gefilte fish! When the season ended with him hitting only 58 home runs, Hank smiled and said, "Thanks, Mom. It's just as well. There's no way I could have eaten all that gefilte fish."

Our themes this week were Tzedakah and Famous Jews

Here are some questions that our Gibborim group had about Tzedakah:

- Where in the Torah is tzedakah mentioned?

- How do you know if where you give the tzedakah is a good place that actually uses it to make the world a better place?

- Is there a brachah to say when giving tzedakah?

shabbat shalom!

-Shalom

--
R' Shalom Bochner
Director of Life Long Learning Congregation Netivot Shalom
education@netivotshalom.org
510-549-9447 ext. 104
check out our new hebrew school blog! http://cnsshorashim.blogspot.com/

Last Call for RSVPs for our Friday Night Dinner

2012-02-21T16:49:00.001-08:00

Hi!

Please join us on Friday February 24th, for a fun-filled Shorashim and Amitim Shabbat Dinner & Theater Event!

5:30pm Family Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma'ariv Services

6:00pm Shabbat Dinner

6:45pm Interactive Performance and Theater / Improv Games

7:30 Dessert

Children under 13 $6, adults and teens $12, family rate $36

RSVP to education@netivotshalom.org by 2/22

RSVP to volunteer: Karen Kelley: karkai@pacbell.net.

There are 2 options to make payment– either pay online at
www. netivotshalom.org and use the "Make a Donation" tab and put "Shorashim Dinner 2/24" in the description field, or send in your check to Congregation Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave., Berkeley, CA 94702 and write "Shorashim Dinner 2/24" in the memo line.

--
R' Shalom Bochner
Director of Life Long Learning Congregation Netivot Shalom
education@netivotshalom.org
510-549-9447 ext. 104
check out our new hebrew school blog! http://cnsshorashim.blogspot.com/

Shorashim Newsletter Addendum

2012-02-17T10:49:00.001-08:00

Two community announcements:

*Can you accept "good enough"?*

*Has your child developed "boredom coping skills"?*

*Have you considered the fact that your child can have a full, rich life and contribute to the world without going to an Ivy League school?*

*Do your kids treat you with respect as the "holy stand-ins" (for G-d) that you are?*

*Do you know that "because I said so" is a perfectly justifiable response?*

Let's talk about these issues and more! Join a parent discussion group based on the book, "Blessing of a Skinned Knee: Using Jewish Teachings to Raise Self-Reliant Children" by Wendy Mogel. The group is appropriate for parents of children ages 4-10. In two-parent households, both parents are strongly encouraged to attend so they can learn together and support each other.

The group will be led by Vicky Kelman, an experienced Jewish educator and facilitator of parent study groups including the "Skinned Knee" discussion group.

Dates: 2/27, 3/5, 3/12, 3/26

Time: 7:30-9:30 PM

Location: Congregation Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Avenue, Berkeley, CA

Cost: $36/family is requested. All money will be donated to Netivot Shalom Preschool. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. You will also need to purchase the book, "Blessing of a Skinned Knee". We hope to arrange for copies to be in stock at Afikomen, so you can support our local Jewish bookstore.

RSVP is required. Send an email to Laura Callen at lauracallen@gmail.com

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Jewish Circle Productions is proud to announce the debut of our children's musical, What If?, in Berkeley.

You will be pleased to know What If? was originally written and performed in Hebrew. Due to growing demand and desire to reach out to young American Jews, the play was translated and is now performed in English. Basic words and songs were kept in Hebrew with the intention of making the language sound easy, fun, and more accessible.

We have two performances (11AM and 4PM) on Sunday, March 11^th 2012, at Live Oak theater in Berkeley.

To learn more about What If? and Jewish Circle Productions:

info@jewishcircleproductions.com or www.jewishcircleproductions.com

Ticket link: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/223580

--
R' Shalom Bochner
Director of Life Long Learning Congregation Netivot Shalom
education@netivotshalom.org
510-549-9447 ext. 104
check out our new hebrew school blog! http://cnsshorashim.blogspot.com/

CNS Shorashim Newsletter - Mishpatim Edition

2012-02-17T10:40:00.001-08:00

Hi - We have recently updated our Shorashim Roster - a perfect tool for organizing play dates, family dinner invitations, and get-togethers! Please let me know if you would like a revised copy e-mailed or snail-mailed to you.

Upcoming Events

Please join us on Friday February 24th, for a fun-filled Shorashim and Amitim Shabbat Dinner & Theater Event!
5:30pm Family Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma'ariv Services
6:00pm Shabbat Dinner
6:45pm Interactive Performance and Theater / Improv Games
7:00 Dessert

Children under 13 $6, adults and teens $12, family rate $36

RSVP to education@netivotshalom.org by 2/22

RSVP to volunteer: Karen Kelley: karkai@pacbell.net.

There are 2 options to make payment– either pay online at
www. netivotshalom.org and use the "Make a Donation" tab and put "Shorashim Dinner 2/24" in the description field, or send in your check to Congregation Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave., Berkeley, CA 94702 and write "Shorashim Dinner 2/24" in the memo line.

----------

Saturday 3/3 Kadima Movie Night for 4th - 8th graders 7:00 Havdalah followed by ice break games and movies!

----------

"When the month of Adar arrives we increase our joy!"

PURIM @ Netivot Shalom!
Wednesday March 7
Annual Dinner
starting at 5:15pm
$15 adults $6 kids
NEW This Year: Express line for those who pre-pay!
Ma'ariv and Megillah Reading starting at 6:30pm
Childcare and Kids Program: 6:30 – 8:00pm
Party with live music after the Megillah Reading
Please RSVP for the dinner: office@netivotshalom.org

There are 3 options to make payment– either pay online at www. netivotshalom.org and use the "Make a Donation" Tab and put "Purim Dinner" in the description field or send in your check to Congregation Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave., Berkeley, CA 94702 and write "Purim Dinner" in the memo line. You may also pay the door the night of the dinner.

----------

Trout Fishing in America comes to Berkeley!
Wednesday March 14 6:30pm
@ Netivot Shalom

DINNER for purchase beginning at 5:15pm

Purchase discount Concert Tickets in advance -
http://tinyurl.com/troutfishingberkeley

$10/adult, $6/under 13, $30/family maximum

Tickets at the door: $12/adult, $8/under 13

Trout Fishing in America is "music for people who take their fun seriously!" Bass player Keith Grimwood and guitarist Ezra Idlet, together, are Trout Fishing in America. They've been playing music together since the 1970s, when they met up in Texas in a folk rock band. In 1979, Trout Fishing was born, and now, 15 albums and four Grammy nominations later, Keith and Ezra still get up every day looking forward to playing music together.

http://www.troutmusic.com/

Weekly Questions to discuss at home

Torah Portion Discussion Question: This week we read parashat Mishpatim which includes a very long list of civil rules and laws: what to do with holes on your property, dangerous livestock, fires that spread, loaning money, helping your friend, helping your enemy, helping your enemy's overburdened animal, etc. Why do you think the Torah contains so many mitzvot? Why do you think our spiritual heritage includes so many civil laws?

This week's Trivia Question: In 1938, Hank Greenberg hit fifty-eight homes runs. His mother offered to do something special if he broke Babe Ruth's record of sixty home runs in a season. What did she offer to do?

Last week's Trivia Question and Answer:True or false: No Israeli political party ever won an absolute majority in the K'nesset. The answer is True!

Our themes this week were Jewish Art and Jews Around the World

Here are some questions that our Gibborim group had about Jews Around the World:

- Do Jewish people have special rituals when they move to a new house?

- Why don't all Jews live together [rather than in different places all over the world]? Why do we still live in a diaspora?

- Is Africa considered to be a "Jewish place"?

shabbat shalom!

--
R' Shalom Bochner
Director of Life Long Learning Congregation Netivot Shalom
education@netivotshalom.org
510-549-9447 ext. 104
check out our new hebrew school blog! http://cnsshorashim.blogspot.com/

February 24th Shorashim - Amitim Shabbat Dinner and Theater Event!

2012-02-14T17:42:00.001-08:00

Join us on Friday February 24^th, for a fun-filled

Shorashim and Amitim

Shabbat Dinner

& Theater Event!

5:30pm Family Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma'ariv Services

6:00pm Shabbat Dinner

6:45pm Interactive Performance and Theater / Improv Games

Ofra Daniel of Jewish Circle Productions and her husband Roni Alperin of Playback Theater (and Shorashim Hebrew School parents), will share with us an evening of interactive theater and games on the theme of community. With our help, they will present the Israeli classic "Apartment For Rent", by Leah Goldberg, followed by games that will get us all moving together. Followed by Dessert at 7:30

Children under 13 $6

adults and teens $12

family rate $36

RSVP to education@netivotshalom.org by 2/22

There are 2 options to make payment– either pay online at

www. netivotshalom.org and use the "Make a Donation" tab and put "Shorashim Dinner 2/24" in the description field, or send in your check to Congregation Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave., Berkeley, CA 94702 and write "Shorashim Dinner 2/24" in the memo line.

As you all the know, these events take lots of work and we need YOUR help to make it as successful and fun as possible! We'll need help shopping, cooking, serving and cleaning up; please RSVP to Karen Kelley, karkai@pacbell.net for volunteer help

Photos from Amitim Tzedek Event with My New Red Shoes

2012-02-14T11:34:00.001-08:00

This past Sunday, 40 tweens and about a dozen parents involved with our CNS Amitim Bnai Mitzvah program and Congregation Beth El's Bnai Mitzvah program transformed the CNS sanctuary into a venue for a meaningful and fun hands-on Tzedek / Social Action program. We were led by Becca Moos, the lead educator with a bay area non-profit called My New Red Shoes, which provides new shoes and clothing to children living in family shelters. Our tweens learned about MNRS and then brought in shoes to donate and spent the morning sewing gift bags, making cards, and other personal touches for these donations. It was an inspiring program. Thanks to everyone who donated their time, supplies, and sewing expertise!

-Shalom

CNS Shorashim Newsletter: Yitro Edition

2012-02-10T12:45:00.001-08:00

Hope that everyone enjoyed Tu B'Shevat - here are some photos of our Shofarit (K-1st grade) B'resihit Book Publishing and Fruit Party:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.296265850431031&type=1

Upcoming Events

Friday 2/24 Shorashim Family Shabbat Services & Dinner with after-dinner Theater Program - mark your calendars for a wonderful event!! We'll need parent volunteers for this event and are hoping for 100% attendance and participation from all our families. 5:30 Family Shabbat Services, 6:00 Dinner, 6:30 Theater and Improv Program, 7:15 Dessert. $6/kids 12 and under, $12/adults, $36/family rate. RSVP: education@netivotshaom.org. RSVP to volunteer: Karen Kelley: karkai@pacbell.net.

Saturday 3/3 Kadima Movie Night for 4th - 8th graders 7:00 Havdalah followed by ice break games and movies!

Wednesday 3/7 Purim at CNS! with Shorashim Dinner Fundraiser - please mark your calendars as this will be a really fun event and we'll need some help. This is a congregational event that we provide dinner for as a fundraiser. 5:00 - 6:30 Dinner; 6:30 Ma'ariv, Megillah Reading, Childcare, Kid's Program. Dinner will a delicious catered buffet: $15/adults, $6 kids under 12. "Express line" if you pre-pay.

Wednesday 3/14 6:30pm Trout Fishing in America Concert at CNS! They were nominated for a grammy for their kid's music CD. This will be an amazing concert event with dinner before. More details TBA!

Weekly Questions to discuss at home

Torah Portion Discussion Question: This week we read parashat Yitro, the story of the Aseret HaDibrot, the Ten Utterances better known as the 10 Commandments. Our Torah Mystery this week was: Why do you think that some of these commandments, such as "don't murder" or "don't steal", seem so obvious?

This week's Trivia Question: True or false: No Israeli political party ever won an absolute majority in the K'nesset

Last week's Trivia Question and Answer: Tu B'Shevat is one of annual four New Years described in the Mishnah? True or False The answer is True: the new years for months, holidays, and the reign of kings and queens is the first day of Nisan, for animal tithing it's the first day of Elul, for people and years it's the first day of Tishrei, and for trees it's the full moon of Shevat. Lots of New Years in our Hebrew lunar calendar!

Our themes this week were Tu B'Shevat and Jewish death and burial rituals.

Here are some questions that our Shofarot group had about death and burial rituals:

- Why do we mourn a parent longer than other relatives?

- Why are the bodies being buried covered in shrouds?

- Do some people's spirits come back?

shabbat shalom!

CNS Shorashim Newsletter - Parshat B'Shallach Edition

2012-02-03T16:03:00.001-08:00

Happy month of Sh'vat - Tu B'Shevat is next week, the holiday of trees!

Upcoming Events

Saturday 2/4 Rimmonim (K-2nd grade) and Orah VeSimchah (3rd-5th grades) meet, both at 11am

Tuesday 2/7 Tu B'Shvat Shorashim Seder, 5:00pm

Tuesday 2/7 CNS Tu B'Shvat Seder with catered dinner, 6:30pm, $20/person or $90/for a group of five. rsvp: education@netivotshalom.org

Friday 2/24 Shorashim Family Shabbat Services & Dinner with after-dinner Theater Program - mark your calendars for a wonderful event!! We'll need parent volunteers for this event and are hoping for 100% attendance and participation from all our families. More details TBA

Saturday 3/3 Kadima Movie Night for 4th - 8th graders 7:00 Havdalah followed by ice break games and movies!

Wednesday 3/7 Purim at CNS! with Shorashim Dinner Fundraiser - please mark your calendars as this will be a really fun event and we'll need some help. This is a congregational event that we provide dinner for as a fundraiser. More details to be announced shortly.

Weekly Questions to discuss at home

Torah Portion Discussion Question: This week we read parashat B'shallach, the story of crossing the Sea of Reeds and Moses and Miryam leading the people in song. When the Bnai Yisrael are camped at the sea they are warned that the Egyptians will chase after them, but will then be destroyed. When they do give chase the people complain that they have been led there by Moses only to die. Moshe scold them, tells them that God will fight for them, and that they must remain silent. The next line is: "God said to Moses: 'Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to start moving forward!' " As we discussed in our Torah Mystery this week: What do you think this line means? No one had been crying out to God? How should they move forward when there is a sea in front of them and an army behind them?

This week's Trivia Question: Tu B'Shevat is one of annual four New Years described in the Mishnah? True or False

Last week's Trivia Question and Answer: Where is the world's oldest intact synagogue located? While there are many ancient ruins of synagogues, the oldest intact synagogue building is the AlrtNeu (Old New) Synagogue in Prague, Czech Republic which was built in 1270. The Ibn Ezra Synagogue in Cairo, Egypt is older as it was built around 880 CE but the current building that houses the congregation was built originally as a Coptic Church on land that the Jewish community owned.

Our themes this week were Jewish weddings and Tu B'Shevat.

Here are some questions that our Ugah Chocolat group had about Tu B'Shevat:

- Is it the New Year or Birthday of Trees?

- How did this holiday originate; is it from the Torah?

- Why is it called Tu, 9th + 6th day of Shevat and not the 15th day of Shevat?

shabbat shalom!

--
R' Shalom Bochner
Director of Life Long Learning Congregation Netivot Shalom
education@netivotshalom.org
510-549-9447 ext. 104
check out our new hebrew school blog! http://cnsshorashim.blogspot.com/

Shofarot B'reishit Book Party Pictures

2012-02-03T15:19:00.001-08:00

CNS Shorashim Newsletter - Parshat Bo Edition

2012-01-27T13:26:00.001-08:00

Happy month of Sh'vat - Tu B'Shevat is on the way, the holiday of trees!

Upcoming Events

Tuesday 2/7 Tu B'Shvat Shorashim Seder, 5:00pm

Tuesday 2/7 CNS Tu B'Shvat Seder with catered dinner, 6:30pm, $20/person or $90/for a group of five. rsvp: education@netivotshalom.org

Friday 2/24 Shorashim Family Shabbat Services & Dinner with after-dinner Theater Program - mark your calendars for a wonderful event!! We'll need parent volunteers for this event and are hoping for 100% attendance and participation from all our families. More details TBA

Saturday 3/3 Kadima Movie Night for 4th - 8th graders 7:00 Havdalah followed by ice break games and movies!

Wednesday 3/7 Purim at CNS! with Shorashim Dinner Fundraiser - please mark your calendars as this will be a really fun event and we'll need some help. This is a congregational event that we provide dinner for as a fundraiser. More details to be announced shortly.

Weekly Questions to discuss at home

Torah Portion Discussion Question: This week we read parashat Bo, the story of the last three plague, the first commandments (to have a calendar based on the new moon, Passover is the first holiday, passing on to future generations the story of the Exodus), and the actual liberation from slavery. This week our Torah Mystery was about the phrase: "B'etzem HaYom HaZeh" - the children of Israel left Egypt in the middle of the day. The word for middle an also mean bone or center. What do you think this phrase comes to teach us? If the 10th plague happened at night and they left in a hurry, why do you think it says in the middle of the day? What's the significance of leaving at the center, bone, or middle of the day?

This week's Trivia Question: Where is the world's oldest intact synagogue located?

Last week's Trivia Question and Answer: About how many different synagogues do you think there are in the United States? a. 800 b. 1200 c. 2500 d. 4000 The answer is D. there are about 4,000 Jewish congregations in the United States.

Our themes this week were Birth Rituals and Bat/Bar Mitzvah.

Here are some questions that our Gibborim group had about Bnai Mitzvah:

- why do we throw candy?

- why at 13 years old or 12; why not 11?

- who was the first Bar Mitzvah?

shabbat shalom!

-Shalom
--
R' Shalom Bochner
Director of Life Long Learning Congregation Netivot Shalom
education@netivotshalom.org
510-549-9447 ext. 104
check out our new hebrew school blog! http://cnsshorashim.blogspot.com/

ga ga!

2012-01-19T17:05:00.001-08:00

CNS Shorashim Newsletter - Va'era Edition

2012-01-19T15:17:00.001-08:00

Enjoy the wet weather that we are finally getting!

Upcoming Events

Tuesday 2/7 Tu B'Shvat Shorashim Seder, 5:00pm

Tuesday 2/7 CNS Tu B'Shvat Seder with catered dinner, 6:30pm details and costs TBA soon

Friday 2/24 Shorashim Family Shabbat Services & Dinner with after-dinner Theater Program - mark your calendars for a wonderful event!! We'll need parent volunteers for this event and are hoping for 100% attendance and participation from all our families. More details TBA

Saturday 3/3 Kadima Movie Night for 4th - 8th graders 7:00 Havdalah followed by ice break games and movies!

Wednesday 3/7 Purim at CNS! with Shorashim Dinner Fundraiser - please mark your calendars as this will be a really fun event and we'll need some help. Sorry for the wrong date that was published last week and thanks to Katya Gerwein and Orli Loewenberg for noticing and letting me know. This is a congregational event that we provide dinner for as a fundraiser. More details to be announced shortly.

Weekly Questions to discuss at home

Torah Portion Discussion Question: This week we read parashat Va'era, the story of the first 7 plagues. Why do you think that God used plagues to free the Children of Israel; why not just take them out of Egypt without using Pharaoh? Why do you think that these particular "signs and wonders" were used? Besides freeing the Israelites, what else do you think was the purpose of the plagues?

This week's Trivia Question: About how many different synagogues do you think there are in the United States? a. 800 b. 1200 c. 2500 d. 4000

Last week's Trivia Question and Answer: How old was Rabbi Akiva when he first started attending school? a. 3 b. 7 c. 13 d. 40 e. 80
The answer is d. 40! We are all never to old to begin to learn something or even to become a master teacher!

Our themes this week were Jewish Music and Jewish Food.

Here are some questions that our Ugat Chocolat group had about Jewish music:

- How many songs have been written by Jewish singers?

- Do they all have words?

- How many Jewish musicians are there? [according to wikepedia, many hundreds!]

Here is a community announcement:

KlezCalifornia promotes participatory Yiddish culture and klezmer music in the Bay Area. We are having our tenth Yiddish Culture Festival on Presidents' Day Weekend, February 18-20, at the JCC San Francisco. It is a terrific opportunity for young Jews to connect with a side of Jewish life they might not know much about. For young musicians, it is an opportunity to expand their skills in playing klezmer music. The Youth Program for ages 6-12 includes stories, language, Yiddish singing, "awesome and easy Yiddish stunts and dances," arts & crafts (with Claire Sherman), and a Kids' Klezmer Ensemble. A three-day pass costs only $50 and beyond that we can offer almost-full scholarships.

The complete program and other details are at www.klezcalifornia.org.

shabbat shalom,

-Shalom

--
R' Shalom Bochner
Director of Life Long Learning Congregation Netivot Shalom
education@netivotshalom.org
510-549-9447 ext. 104
check out our new hebrew school blog! http://cnsshorashim.blogspot.com/

CNS Shorashim Newsletter - Shmot Edition

2012-01-13T15:47:00.001-08:00

Enjoy the long weekend!

Upcoming Events

Tuesday 2/7 Tu B'Shvat Shorashim Seder, 5:00pm

Tuesday 2/7 CNS Tu B'Shvat Seder with catered dinner, 6:30pm details and costs TBA soon

Friday 2/24 Shorashim Family Shabbat Services & Dinner with after-dinner Theater Program - mark your calendars for a wonderful event!! We'll need parent volunteers for this event and are hoping for 100% attendance and participation from all our families.

Tuesday 3/6 Purim at CNS! with Shorashim Dinner Fundraiser - please mark your calendars as this will be a really fun event and we'll need lost of help.

Weekly Questions to discuss at home

Torah Portion Discussion Question: This week we read Shmot, the first portion in the book of Exodus. We learn how the descendants of Jacob/Israel are enslaved by Pharaoh and led to freedom by Moshe. The portion says that Yocheved saw that Moshe was "goodly" when he was born. What do you think this means; aren't all babies beautiful and good? Moshe is saved in a "tevah" - the Hebrew word for his basket sent floating down the Nile is the same word as the Ark that Noah uses to save the animals and humanity - what do you think is the significance of this word being used again in this context? Moshe does not want to lead the people to freedom and gives God four excuses/reasons that he shouldn't be the one who is sent. What do you think this tells us about Moshe?

Trivia Question: How old was Rabbi Akiva when he first started attending school? a. 3 b. 7 c. 13 d. 40 e. 80

Last week's Trivia Question and Answer: True or false: Rashi Script is modeled after Rashi's handwriting. The answer is false, Ktav Rashi (Rashi script) was created to make clear in printed Chumashim which was the Torah text and which was the commentary.

Student Questions

Our themes the week of classes were Tallit and Teffilin

Here are some questions that our Giborim group had about Teffilin:

- are they always worn with a Tallit?

- are they worn at any other times other than weekday Shacharit?

- why on the arm and head?

A Thank You for our December Gift Drive from Abby Friedman:

Todah rabah to everyone who contributed to the Holiday Gift Drive! Together, families from Netivot Shalom and Beth El donated over 150 gifts that were distributed to low income families in East Oakland! Click on the link below to see photos of the gift distribution at Coliseum College Prep Academy: http://tinyurl.com/CCPAGifts2012. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!

A large hand written thank you note/poster has been given to the Shorashim Program.

Thanks so much for all your support of this project.

shabbat shalom,

-Shalom

--
R' Shalom Bochner
Director of Life Long Learning Congregation Netivot Shalom
education@netivotshalom.org
510-549-9447 ext. 104
check out our new hebrew school blog! http://cnsshorashim.blogspot.com/

CNS Shorashim Newsletter: Vayechi Edition Hope to see you all on Saturday night!

2012-01-06T13:41:00.001-08:00

Happy 2012!

Upcoming Events

Saturday January 7th: Rimmonim (K-2nd grades) and Orah VeSimchah (3rd-5th grades) will both be meeting at 11:00am

Saturday night January 7th: Shorashim Family Havdalah at 6:30pm, followed by Kadima Cookies and Game Night 8:00 - 9:30 for 4th - 8th grades

Monday January 10th: Shorashim Info Night - please tell your friends, neighbors and relatives!

Weekly Questions to discuss at home

Torah Portion Discussion Question: This week we read Veyechi, the final portion of the Book of B'reishit and the conclusion to the Jacob and Joseph stories. In this portion Jacob blesses Joseph's sons, Efraim and Menashe. According to Jewish tradition, every Friday night girls are blessed to be like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah and boys are blessed to be like Efraim and Menashe. As we discussed in our Torah mystery yesterday, why do you think that boys are blessed to be like Efraim and Menashe and not to be like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? Also, why do you think that Jacob crosses his hands when he blesses them and seems to give the younger son a more prominent blessing?

Trivia Question: True or false: Rashi Script is modeled after Rashi's handwriting.

Last week's Trivia Question and Answer: Is Chanukah mentioned in the Mishnah? Surprisingly enough, the answer is no. While the events of Chanukah happened before the Mishnah was edited, it is not mentioned in the Mishnah at all and only has a very brief mention in the Talmud. As compared to all of the other holidays including Purim, Chanukah has no Talmudic tractate devoted to it. It's brief, one paragraph mention in the Talmud is in the Tractate Shabbat in a discussion of candles for Shabbat and Chanukah and the question is asked: "What is this Chanukah?"

Student Questions

Our themes the week of classes were Havdalah and weekday Teffilot Services.

Here are some questions that our Ugat Chocolat group had about weekday Teffilot:

- Do people say these prayers/meditations in every country?

- Where and when did these prayers/meditations originate?

- Do animals of every kind say them? [we'll answer this question next week and see what Reb Nachman of Bratslav had to say.]

shabbat shalom,

-Shalom

--
R' Shalom Bochner
Director of Life Long Learning Congregation Netivot Shalom
education@netivotshalom.org
510-549-9447 ext. 104
check out our new hebrew school blog! http://cnsshorashim.blogspot.com/

Shorashim Havdalah this Saturday night 6:30pm

2012-01-04T12:28:00.001-08:00

hi!

Please mark your calendars and join us this Saturday night for a special Shorashim Havdalah Service!

6:30pm in the Netivot Shalom Sanctuary
January 7, 2012

We'll end Shabbat with singing, a story, a beautiful Havdalah Service; followed by refreshments and shmoozing for parents and kids.

At 8pm we'll start our Kadima Game Night and Cookie Decorating / Ice Cream Sundae Bar for 4th - 8th graders - this is our kick-off Kadima Youth Group event!

Both events are FREE and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our community and get to know each other better.

--
R' Shalom Bochner
Director of Life Long Learning Congregation Netivot Shalom
education@netivotshalom.org
510-549-9447 ext. 104
check out our new hebrew school blog! http://cnsshorashim.blogspot.com/

CNS Shorashim - Amitim Newsletter: Vayishlach Edition, part 2 HOLIDAY GIFT DRIVE

2011-12-13T09:38:00.001-08:00

Hi!

A huge thanks to everyone who helped with our Almost Chanukah Fundraiser by staffing tables, contributing their time and energy, and by being there to shop, eat, and participate!

A small correction from last week's newsletter: we read and studies Vayishlach on Shabbat, not Vayeshev. The questions and all of the other information was correct.

This week, on Thursday, is our Chanukah Assembly for K - 5th grades at 4:45.

Other upcoming events include Winter Break (we are closed 12/20, 12/22, 12/27, and 12/29) and our Havdalah Program followed by Kadima Game Night on Saturday night January 7th. More details will be sent out shortly.

Here is is some information about our annual holiday gift drive:

Holiday Gift Drive

Make this holiday season

a little brighter

for needy families in East Oakland!

Just a few miles away families are struggling to meet basic needs.

Bring NEW

(or gently used, in PRSITINE condition)

* books * games * clothing *

*sports equipment *art supplies *

*jewelry * gift cards * cosmetics *

* college apparel * etc.!

for children ages 2 - 18

Items for TEENS especially needed

to Netivot Shalom

by Thursday, December 15^th

The gift packages will be delivered to Coliseum College Prep Academy (CCPA), a public secondary school in East Oakland, where 98% of the students come from low-income homes. For more info, please contact Abby Friedman at 510.882.7445.

For those who need ideas regarding teen gifts, here are some:

- sports equipment, especially soccer balls, basketballs and footballs;
- backpacks, dufle bags, handbags, purses, etc.;
- college gear like t-shirts, water bottles, notebooks, sweatshirts, etc.;
- new items of clothing;
- gift cards (target, walmart, itunes, walgreens, subway, game stop, old
navy, barnes & noble, etc.)
- games - chess, backgammon, cards, rumikub, scrabble, etc. - stuff
older kids would enjoy
- art supplies - drawing pads and pencils, jewelry making kits, scrap
booking stuff, etc.
- cosmetics - bath / shower gel (male and female scented), body sprays,
nail polish, lotions
- gloves, hats, scarves - sets or individual items
- books
- costume jewelry and accessories

Thanks for supporting this important tzedaka project!

Abby

__._,_.___

CNS Shorashim-Amitim Newsletter: Vayishlach Edition

2011-12-09T15:50:00.001-08:00

Hi!

Upcoming Events

December 10
Bat Mitzvah of Lily Goldman

December 11th 11:00 am - 2:00pm Almost Chanukah Fair
with live music, free bouncy house, food, crafts, gifts and much more! This is a fundraiser for LifeLong Learning programs (including Shorashim and Amitim) at CNS. It's also a really fun event for everyone. Please mark your calendars and join us this Sunday!

December 15th
Shorashim Chanukah Celebration and Craft Night (afternoon). See details below.

Weekly Questions to discuss at home

Torah Portion Discussion Question: This week we read Vayeshev, the story of Jacob's re-encounter with his brother Esau after 20 years of being away from home. To get ready for this reunion, Jacob divided his camp in half, prays, sends gifts to his brother, and then remains by himself. Another way of looking at this is to see his steps as being: practical, spiritual, emotional, and personal. Why do you think he did these things in this order? Why do you think he chose to remain by himself the night before this encounter; what do you think he was doing there?

Trivia Question: Chanukah is the only Jewish holiday that includes another Jewish holiday inside it. What is this second holiday and what is the astronomical significance of this?

Last week's Trivia Question and Answer: How many times does the Torah mention the word "ohr" meaning light? How many total Chanukah candles do we light over the 8 nights not including the Shamash (helper) candle? According to a teaching by Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, Z"L, the Torah contains 36 mentions of the word light "Ohr". This is also the total number of candles that we light for Chanukah not including the Shamash candle. It's also two times the numerical value of "Chai", meaning "life"!

Student Questions

Our themes this week were The Mishnah and The Talmud.

Here are some questions that our Shorafot group had about the Talmud:

- What does the word Talmud mean?

- How old is it?

- Why are there two versions of the Talmud?

shabbat shalom / shavuah tov!

-Shalom

Letter From Lara Hornbeck, our Youth Ed Chair about Chanukah Assembly on 12/15:

Dear Shorashim Parents,

I hope you are all finding ways to stay warm as the month of Kislev deepens. I also hope that you will all come join us for the Shorashim Hebrew School Chanukah Party on Thursday, December 15th from 5:00pm until 6:00pm.

We'll celebrate the joys of the season with candle making, dreidle making, cookie decorating, latkes, song and each other!

As with all good parties, there is plenty of work to be shared. We need parents to help with our various activities- candle rolling, clay playing etc, food prep and cleanup. Please let me or Shalom know how you'd like to help! It would be truly fantastic to have at least two parents come at 4pm to help with the food, please let us know if this is you! I can be reached at: <larayoga@hotmail.com>

Best Wishes and Many Thanks/Kol Tuv,
Lara Hornbeck

Almost Chanukah Fair this Sunday!!

2011-12-07T15:55:00.001-08:00

FREE Almost-Chanukah Fair at Congregation Netivot Shalom
1316 University Avenue, Berkeley
Live Music, Food, and Fun for all ages!
Sunday, December 11 11:00 - 2:00 pm

Crafts and Judaica for sale by Bay Area artists.

Latkes and sufganiyot; Menorahs, dreidels, candles; Children's books; Judaica from China, Uganda and Ghana; ...and a jumpy house

Live music by Ruach U'Nishama! (classic Jewish rock) and by John Erlich, Israeli folk dancing, Chanukah stories performed by Maggidah Liora Brosbe

This is a Fundraiser for LifeLong Learning Programs at Netivot Shalom - please join us, and bring a friend and neighbor!

--
R' Shalom Bochner
Director of Life Long Learning Congregation Netivot Shalom
education@netivotshalom.org
510-549-9447 ext. 104
check out our new hebrew school blog! http://cnsshorashim.blogspot.com/

CNS Shorashim & Amitim Newsletter - Vayetze Edition

2011-12-02T15:24:00.001-08:00

Hi - I'm hoping that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving Break! I had the blessing of being in Ohio to celebrate my grandmother's 100th birthday. I hope that everyone found many things to be thankful for.

Upcoming Events

December 3
11:00 Rimmonim for K-2nd graders
11:00 Orah VeSimchah for 3rd - 5th graders

December 10
Bat Mitzvah of Lily Goldman

December 11th 11:00 am - 2:00pm Almost Chanukah Fair
with live music, free bouncy house, food, crafts, gifts and much more! See flier attached and note about volunteers needed below. This is a fundraiser for LifeLong Learning programs (including Shorashim and Amitim) at CNS. It's also a really fun event for everyone. Please mark your calendars and join us next Sunday!

December 15th
Shorashim Chanukah Celebration and Craft Night (afternoon). See details below.

Weekly Questions to discuss at home

Torah Portion Discussion Question: This week we read Vayetze which is about Jacob running away from home, spending time with his uncle, getting married (twice) and having 13 children. At the beginning of the portion it says "Jacob arrived at a place and spent the night since the sun had set." Why do you think the Torah adds "the sun had set"? Isn't this obvious if it already said it was night?! This was our "Torah Mystery" this past week. Also, when he dreams of a ladder reaching towards heaven, why do you think it says the angels "where going up and down"? Wouldn't angels first be going down?

Trivia Question: How many times does the Torah mention the word "ohr" meaning light? How many total Chanukah candles do we light over the 8 nights not including the Shamash (helper) candle?

Last week's Trivia Question and Answer: Which song was introduced as a wordless nigun (melody), had lyrics latter written by a student in a Hebrew class and now represents Jewish music to people everywhere? The Answer is Hava Nagila

Student Questions

Our themes this week were Birkat haMazon and Midrashim. Here are some questions that our Ugat Chocolat group had about Midrashim:

- What does the word Midrash literally mean?

- Why does the Torah have missing information?

- Did Rashi just make up his Midrashim?

shabbat shalom / shavuah tov!

-Shalom

Letter From Lara Hornbeck, our Youth Ed Chair about Chanukah Assembly on 12/15:

Dear Shorashim Parents,

I hope you are all finding ways to stay warm as the month of Kislev deepens. I also hope that you will all come join us for the Shorashim Hebrew School Chanukah Party on Thursday, December 15th from 5:00pm until 6:00pm.

We'll celebrate the joys of the season with candle making, dreidle making, cookie decorating, latkes, song and each other!

As with all good parties, there is plenty of work to be shared. We need parents to help with our various activities- candle rolling, clay playing etc, food prep and cleanup. Please let me or Shalom know how you'd like to help! It would be truly fantastic to have at least two parents come at 4pm to help with the food, please let us know if this is you! I can be reached at: <larayoga@hotmail.com>

Best Wishes and Many Thanks/Kol Tuv,
Lara Hornbeck

Volunteers are Need for our Almost Chanukah Fair on Sunday 12/11

We need:
- 2 volunteers to help in the kitchen
- 1 - 2 volunteers to staff the food tables
- 1 volunteer for the cookie decorating table
- 1 volunteer at the Afikomen table
- 1-2 volunteers at the CNS table (cards, gelt, candles, leftover stuff from last year like wrapping paper and gift bags)
- Many people to help with setting up and cleaning up
- Someone to go to Union City that morning to pick up kosher doughnuts from Krispy Kreme.

Please be in touch with: Cathy Shadd at <Rimmonim@netivotshalom.org>

--
R' Shalom Bochner
Director of Life Long Learning Congregation Netivot Shalom
education@netivotshalom.org
510-549-9447 ext. 104
check out our new hebrew school blog! http://cnsshorashim.blogspot.com/

CNS Shorashim Newsletter - Chaye Sarah Edition

2011-11-18T16:18:00.001-08:00

Hi! I'm really looking forward to welcoming Shabbat with 75 of you in just a few hours!

Upcoming Events

December 11th 11:00 am - 2:00pm Almost Chanukah Fair
with live music, free bouncy house, food, crafts, gifts

Great Torah Resources

Afikomen (www.afikomen.com) at 3042 Claremont has a wonderful selection of books that can help students and families study the weekly Torah portion, get ready for our Thursday Torah Mysteries Beit Midrash for 1st - 5th graders, and/or have some Shabbat discussions about the parshiot and the mysteries in them.

Check out: Genesis:

A book with 70 Faces ($29.95)

Children Illustrated Jewish Bible: Shemot, Vayikra, B'Midbar and Devarim ($18.95/each)   [The B'reishit one is out of print].

Chaim at Afikomen is happy to order additional copies for you of these and other Judaica resources. Thanks to Katya and Joel Gerwein for showing me their copies of the Children's Illustrated Jewish Bible! I was very impressed with the artwork, translations, and the book's approach to difficult content.

Weekly Questions to discuss at home

Torah Portion Discussion Question: This week we read Chaye Sara which includes the death and burial of Sarah and Isaac marrying Rivkah. What do you think the text describes Sarah's age as "100 years, 20 years and 7 years?" When Rivkah first sees Isaac he is "meditating in the field before sunset". What do you think he was thinking about? When she sees him she falls off her camel! Why do you think she fell off her camel?

Trivia Question: Which song was introduced as a wordless nigun (melody), had lyrics latter written by a student in a Hebrew class and now represents Jewish music to people everywhere?

Last week's Question and Answer: According to legend, what made the Golem come to life? a. matzah   b. the letters of God's name   c. soil from the Holy Land   d. a star of David The answer is B

Student Questions
Our themes this week were Hebrew/Shorashim and Brachott. Here are some questions that our Shofarot Shel Kesem (K- 1st graders) group had about Brachot:

- Why are there so many?

- Why do our parents bless us?

- Why do we have more on Shabbat?

Health Update

There is a slight chance that children at Shorashim may have been exposed to scabies. If your child has itchy bumps, you should let your health provider know. Here is a link for more information: http://www.baysidemedical.com/files/bayside/inernal_docs/BMG%20handout%20scabies.pdf

shabbat shalom / shavuah tov!

-Shalom

p.s some information from USCJ and Camp Ramah is below

United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Surveys

Conservative Jewish leadership is currently undertaking a major collaborative process to redesign learning opportunities for children from pre-school through adolescence. To inform this process, we want to hear about

1.   Your children's educational experiences in Conservative synagogues, Schechter Day Schools, Camp Ramah and/or USY. What worked well? What didn't? What would you change?

To assist us with a survey relating to your children, please click on this link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NRSFMNY

2. We are also interested in learning about the Conservative educational experiences of adults 18 years and older who have participated in Conservative schools, Schechter Day Schools, Camp Ramah and/or youth groups. To assist with a survey relating to your own experience, please click on this link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZJKMSZNUSCJSurv

(Legally, we cannot survey minors without their parents' permission; hence the cut-off age.)

All responses will be strictly confidential. In order for your responses to be included in the planning process, please complete the survey as soon as possible, immediately if you can.

Thank you for your involvement in this process which will help lead to even more engaging and effective educational programs for Conservative Jewish children, youth and families in the future.

Rabbi Steven Wernick
Executive Vice President
and CEO, USCJ

Ramah Outdoor Adventure, the only Kosher Outdoor Adventure camp in the country with an intensive Jewish program, is currently enrolling children age 8-15 for the 2012 camping season as well as teens age 16 &17 for a leadership training program. Located on a majestic, 360 acre alpine ranch, Ramah Outdoor Adventure is located in the heart of the one million acre Pike National Forest, only 90 miles from Denver. Direct flights from the Bay Area to Denver allow your camper to experience the great outdoors: mountain biking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, horseback riding, farming, pioneer crafts, wilderness survival and much more!!!!.

Interested? Intrigued?

Parents and campers are invited to come meet our director, Rabbi Eliav Bock, at an upcoming Bay Area information session

Info Session: Sunday, December 4, 2011

Time: 2:00-3:00pm

Where: Home of Beth Sirull and Jon Shuster parents of 2011 camper, Zevan. 290 Sheridan Road Oakland CA 94618

Please RSVP to info@ramahoutdoors.org or call 303 261 8214 X104 to reserve a space at either of these information sessions

--
R' Shalom Bochner
Director of Life Long Learning Congregation Netivot Shalom
education@netivotshalom.org
510-549-9447 ext. 104
check out our new hebrew school blog! http://cnsshorashim.blogspot.com/

Last call! Shabbat Dinner RSVP Deadline: tomorrow by 5pm

2011-11-15T22:08:00.001-08:00

Friday 11/18 Shorashim - Amitim Family Shabbat Services and Dinner
6:00 Family Services (abridged)
6:30 Shabbat Dinner

$5 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under. Please RSVP to education@netivotshalom.org
Deadline to RSVP is Wednesday 11/16 by 5pm

We are still looking for a few more parent volunteers to help with shopping and cooking.

Please mark your calendars and join us for a sweet evening of being together and celebrating our community!

CNS Shorashim - Amitim Newsletter - Shabbat Dinner and Feedback Needed! Vayera Edition

2011-11-11T10:27:00.001-08:00

Hi! Hope you are all enjoying the rain. This past week we had a special visit from Julie Seltzer, a Soferet (female Torah scribe) in our 7th grade Amitim Bnai Mitzvah class, made our own Chumous in our Thursday 1st-5th grade Chugim, enjoyed a game of Kadur Regel at the park during free time, learned about the minhag of Kippot and the mitzvah of Mezuzzah at the Shorashim program, and enjoyed a K-5th grade Teffillah and jam session with instruments on Thursday. There were also some amazing Hebrew learning and conversations. It's been a busy and fun week!

Upcoming Events

Saturday 11/12 6th and 7th grade Amitim Havdalah, FREE Dinner, and Craft Night sponsored by Berkeley Midrasha at Netivot Shalom. Starts at 6:30pm. Please RSVP to: diane@midrasha.org

Friday 11/18 Shorashim - Amitim Family Shabbat Services and Dinner
6:00 Family Services (abridged)
6:30 Shabbat Dinner

$5 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under. Please RSVP to education@netivotshalom.org
Deadline to RSVP is next Wednesday 11/16

We are looking for some parent volunteers to help with shopping and cooking.

Please mark your calendars and join us for a sweet evening of being together and celebrating our community!

December 11th 11:00 am - 2:00pm Almost Chanukah Fair
with live music, free bouncy house, food, crafts, gifts

Feedback
We need your feedback to improve our program. We have made many changes this year and welcomed many new students, families, and teachers. Please let me know any comments, questions or suggestions that you have. Feel free to e-mail or call me and I'm also happy to set up a time to meet. It's only with input from parents and students that we can learn from and improve our programs here.

Weekly Questions to discuss at home

Torah Portion Discussion Question: This week we read Parshat Vayera which includes the angels that visit Abraham and Sarah to tell them they will have a son in their old age. This portion also includes the Binding of Isaac. Vayera means to be seen or to appear. What do you think that it means that Avraham "saw" God? The vision is never described with any details. In fact, it seems that the three strangers appear in the middle of the vision and Abraham breaks off his encounter with God to offer hospitality. What can we learn from this?

Trivia Question: According to legend, what made the Golem come to life? a. matzah b. the letters of God's name c. soil from the Holy Land d. a star of David

Last week's Question and Answer: What famous Bay Area landmark includes words written in Hebrew? (The answer is not a synagogue, library or house of worship) The answer is the Coit Tower in San Francisco. The murals inside include Hebrew books with the names of the different sections of the TaNaCh written in Hebrew letters.

Student Questions
Our themes this week were Mezzuzot and Kippot. Here are some questions that our Ugat Chocolat group had about Kippot:

- Do you have to kiss them when they drop on the floor? (By the way, the answer is no)

- When was it invented?

- Do non-Jews wear a kippah when visiting a Beit K'nesset?

- Why do they come in different sizes and colors and materials?

shabbat shalom,

-Shalom

--
R' Shalom Bochner
Director of Life Long Learning Congregation Netivot Shalom
education@netivotshalom.org
510-549-9447 ext. 104
check out our new hebrew school blog! http://cnsshorashim.blogspot.com/

CNS Shorashim Newsletter - Lech L'cha Edition

2011-11-04T15:14:00.001-07:00

Hi! Hope that you are all doing well and surviving the autumn weather. There are some wonderful events coming up - details below!

Announcements

- Please ensure that your children arrive on time at 3:45 when our program begins with snack. Arriving after this time, or much before this time, is disruptive to the program and makes it hard for everyone to enjoy the snack and participate fully in the our fast-paced program. Thanks for helping our program start and proceed smoothly.

- Parking Lot: Our building and our parking lots are extremely busy places. Please exercise caution when pulling in and out of the parking lot with cars and please use marked cross walks when walking with children in and out of the building. Please only use the CNS parking lot when you are remaining in the building. Use the free street parking on Bonar and Browning if you are running errands in the neighborhood after dropping off at CNS. Please follow the one-way traffic flow in front of the building and when entering and exiting the parking lot.

- Shabbat Morning Programs: CNS offers four different Shabbat morning programs. These programs are free; donations are gladly accepted and they are drop-in programs that don't require RSVP or registration. Introduce your children to the joys of Shabbat and community with these activities:

Shabbat B'Yachad, for those under 5, meets at 11:00am on the second and fourth Shabbat of each month in the downstairs SBY/Pre-School Room. This program for kids and their parents includes songs, prayers, a Torah story, and a kid's kiddush. For more information contact the SBY coordinator, Liora Brosbe at sby@netivotshalom.org

Rimmonim, for those in Kindergarten through 2nd grade, meets at 11:00am on the first and third Shabbat of each month in the upstairs Rimmonim Room (Classroom #2). This program is for kids; parents are welcome too. Rimmonim includes Shabat morning prayers, family learning activities, parent study sessions, a Torah story and snacks. For more information contact the Rimmonim coordinator, Cathy Shadd at: Rimmonim@netivotshalom.org

Orah VeSimchah is for those in 3rd - 5th grade and meets the first Shabbat of every month at 11:00am in the Library. We do a shortened Shabat Service followed by Torah Mysteries where we explore different interesting sections of the weekly Torah reading and share creative interpretations. Parents are welcome to join us too. We end with a snack around noon. For more information contact me at education@netivotshalom.org

Childcare: We offer free supervised childcare every Shabbat in the SBY/Pre-school room from 10am - 1pm for those 5 and under. For more information contact me at education@netivotshalom.org

Upcoming Events

Saturday 11/12 6th and 7th grade Havdalah sponsored by Midrasha at 6:30pm

Friday 11/18 Shorashim Family Shabbat Services and Dinner
6:00 Family Services (abridged)
6:30 Shabbat Dinner

$5 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under. Please RSVP to education@netivotshalom.org

We are looking for some parent volunteers to help with shopping and cooking.

Please mark your calendars and join us for a sweet evening of being together and celebrating our community!

December 11th 11:00 am - 2:00pm Almost Chanukah Fair
with live music, free bouncy house, food, crafts, gifts

Weekly Questions to discuss at home

Torah Portion Discussion Question: This week we start the story of Abraham and Sarah, the first Jews. who left everything they knew and traveled to an unknown land. Have you ever made a decision based on faith? How did it end up? Why do you think that Avraham and Sarah had to leave their land and birthplace to start a new relationship with God? Why couldn't they have started the Jewish people where they already were?

Trivia Question: What famous Bay Area landmark includes words written in Hebrew? (The answer is not a synagogue, library or house of worship)

Last week's Question and Answer: How many personal names are mentioned in the Bible? a.5,000 b. 2,800 c. 960 d. 520
The answer is b, 2,800. That's a lot of names!

Student Questions
Our themes this week were Kabbalat Shabat and Abraham and Sarah. Here are some of the questions that our Gibborim group wanted to know about Abraham and Sarah:

- Were they religious?

- Did he wear a kippah?

- Did this story really happen?

Feedback
Please let me know any comments, questions or suggestions that you have. It's only with input from parents and students that we can improve our programs here.

shabbat shalom,

-Shalom

--
R' Shalom Bochner
Director of Life Long Learning Congregation Netivot Shalom
education@netivotshalom.org
510-549-9447 ext. 104
check out our new hebrew school blog! http://cnsshorashim.blogspot.com/

Shorashim - Amitim Family Shabbat Dinner! 11/18

2011-11-02T17:19:00.001-07:00

You are invited to join us:

Friday 11/18 CNS Shorashim Hebrew School and Amitim Bnai Mitzvah Program Family Shabbat Services and Dinner

6:00 Family Services - a shortened song-filled Service

6:30 Shabbat Dinner

$5 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under. Please RSVP to education@netivotshalom.org

We are looking for some parent volunteers to help with shopping and cooking.

Please mark your calendars and join us for a sweet evening of being together, yummy food, singing, story telling and celebrating our community!

-Shalom

--
R' Shalom Bochner
Director of Life Long Learning Congregation Netivot Shalom
education@netivotshalom.org
510-549-9447 ext. 104
check out our new hebrew school blog! http://cnsshorashim.blogspot.com/

CNS Shorashim Newsletter - Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan Edition

2011-10-27T12:13:00.001-07:00

After three weeks of almost non-stop holidays and celebrations, we now enjoy two months without festivals other than Shabbat and Rosh Chodesh. I hope that everyone had a wonderful Sukkot and Simchat Torah! Please note that Hebrew School is in session today for Kindergarten through 5th grade.

Here are some photos from Tuesday's Shorashim and Amitim Simchat Torah Celebration:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.238802636177353&type=1&mid=51296

Upcoming Events

Friday 11/18 Shorashim Family Shabbat Services and Dinner
6:00 Family Services (abridged)
6:30 Shabbat Dinner

$5 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under. Please RSVP to education@netivotshalom.org

We are looking for some parent volunteers to help with shopping and cooking.

Please mark your calendars and join us for a sweet evening of being together and celebrating our community!

Weekly Questions to discuss at home
Torah Portion Discussion Question: This week we read the story of Noah and the flood. What do you think Noah did to find favor with God? Humanity had turned to wickedness; was Noah a "good" person, or just not a "bad" person?

Jewish Identity / Calendar Question: It's been three weeks of holidays. What was your favorite holiday of the past three weeks? What was a moment that stood out for you and why?

Trivia Question: How many personal names are mentioned in the Bible? a.5,000 b. 2,800 c. 960 d. 520

Last week's Question and Answer: How many days within the month of Tishrei are holidays? The 30 days of the month of Cheshvan include: two days of Rosh HaShana, the Fast of Gedaliah, Yom Kippur, seven days of Sukkot, one day of Shemini Atzeret, and in Jewish communities not in Israel, one day of Simchat Torah. In addition to those thirteen holidays, there are four Shabbats for a total of 17 special days. Note that on some years, Shabbat overlaps with some of the other holidays. This past Tishrei, each of the four Shabbatot had a special quality: 1. Shabbat Shuvah (Shabat of Returning), 2. Yom Kippur, 3. Shabbat of Sukkot, and 4. Shabat B'reishit where we also announced the new month of Cheshvan.

Student Questions
We have been studying the fall holidays as part of our Themes of the Day. Here are some questions that our Ugat Chocolate (4th-5th graders) had about Simchat Torah:

Is is part of Sukkot?

Why do we dance with the Torah in circles?

When was it first celebrated?

Why are flags part of Simchat Torah?

Shabat Shalom and Chodesh Tov!

-Shalom

p.s Here is great information about Camp Ramah in California Open Houses:

Quick Links

Ramah Website

Summer Application

Upcoming...
Click on the date
to RSVP for one of our Virtual Open Houses

10/26 @ 12:30pm

11/2 @ 12:30pm

11/15 @ 7:30pm

12/7 @ 12:30pm

12/20 @ 7:30pm

1/4 @ 12:30pm

Calling Prospective Families...
Ramah Open Houses

Interested in Ramah summer programs?
Do you know of families that may be interested?

Take advantage of these great opportunities!

d

Ramah FUNday Open House
Sunday, December 18th
Be our guest at our 2nd annual fun-filled day in Ojai, California. FUNday is a great opportunity for prospective Ramah'niks to sample our summer program, and for current Ramah'niks to reunite with old friends and come back home. Highlights:

Fun Activities: Sports, swimming, ropes course, arts and other games
Camp Tours and Q & A Sessions
Lunch & Snacks

Pre-registration is now open, and is a must for security purposes! Click here to sign up. Questions? Contact Karmi Monsher, Outreach Coordinator, at (310) 476-8571 or karmi@ramah.org.

Virtual Open Houses

Join one of our regular online Virtual Open Houses! These online events, facilitated by one of our directors, include:

Program/Activity Overview
Introduction to our Summer Staff
Information on Transportation, Healthcare, Food and more
Overview of Session Dates, Discounts and Financial Aid
Opportunity for Q & A

Grab your lunch and join us at 12:30pm on the first Wednesday of each month OR grab a cup of java and join us at 7:30pm on the third Tuesday of each month. Coming up:

Wedn esday, October 26th @ 12:30pm (special date!)
Wednesday, November 2nd @ 12:30pm
Tuesday, November 15th @ 7:30pm

Click here for more information about our summer program, discounts, year round programs or to access our online application.

CNS Shorashim Hebrew School Newsletter - Simchat Torah Edition

2011-10-19T16:03:00.001-07:00

I hope that everyone is enjoying Sukkot! The celebrations continue:

Upcoming Events

Thursday 10/20
Shemini Atzeret Services with Yizkor and Geshem starting at 9:30am

There is no Hebrew School due to YomTov

Adult Ed Talmud Class at 5:30pm in the Sukkah

Minchah at 6:15 in the Sukkah followed by saying goodbye to the Sukkah

Simchat Torah Ma'ariv at 6:30 in the Sanctuary

Torah Unrolling, Hakafot and Torah Party! starting at 7:00pm

Friday 10/21

Simchat Torah Services starting at 9:30am

Weekly Questions
Torah Portion Discussion Question: This week we start the Torah over again at B'resihit, the story of creation. Why do you think the Torah begins with the creation of the world and not the story of the first Jews or the first mitzvot (commandments)?

Jewish Identity / Calendar Question: It's Simchat Torah, the holiday of Rejoicing in our Teachings. What helps you rejoice? What makes you happy?

Trivia Question: How many days within the month of Tishrei are holidays?

Last week's Question and Answer: How many objects are in your hands when you shake the Lulav and Etrog? Answers include: 4, 7, 8, or even 11! There are four species: palm, willow, myrtle, and etrog. There are seven objects: one palm, one etrog, three myrtles, and two willows; there are also eight if you include the holder, and some add up to three additional palm ring holders!

all the best and chag samei-ach,

-Shalom

--
R' Shalom Bochner
Director of Life Long Learning Congregation Netivot Shalom
education@netivotshalom.org
510-549-9447 ext. 104
check out our new hebrew school blog! http://cnsshorashim.blogspot.com/

CNS Shorashim and Amitim Newsletter - Sukkot Edition

2011-10-11T21:37:00.001-07:00

Shanah Tovah!! I hope that everyone had a meaningful and easy Yom Kippur. Now with the High Holidays behind us we turn our attention to the next festival, Sukkut, which starts tomorrow night!

Upcoming Events
Please join us for these wonderful holiday events. Our Congregational Sukkot Dinner will be on Friday night at 7:00pm; the RSVP deadline is today. We have a new and improved enlarged Sukkah with room for 100 people for dinner! Don't miss out on this beautiful event; details are below.

Wednesday 10/12
Sukkot Meal Matching. Are you looking for a sukkah? Do you want guests in your sukkah? Contact Caroline Taymore at "ctaymor@gmail.com"

Thursday 10/13
Sukkot Services starting at 9:30am

There is no Hebrew School due to YomTov

Adult Ed Talmud Class in the Sukkah, followed by dinner at 5:30pm, RSVP to David Stein at "steindavid@comcast.net"

Friday 10/14
Sukkot Services starting at 9:30am

Catered dinner in the Sukkah!
6:00 Come shake the lulav and etrog in the sukkah
6:15 Candle-lighting and ma'ariv
6:50 Kiddush
7:00 Catered shabbat dinner in the sukkah, followed by singing and story telling
(Bring warm clothing)

Adults $20, Children $10
The deadline to RSVP is today.
(There are 2 options for payment: either pay online at the website and put "sukkot dinner" in the description field http://www.netivotshalom.org/make_a_gift. Or, to pay by check, email Rachel Schorr at office@netivotshalom.org, letting her know you are coming, and put your check in the mail to 1316 University Ave., Berkeley, CA 94702, with "sukkot dinner" in the memo line.)

Saturday 10/15
Shabbat Sukkot Services starting at 9:30am

Movie Night in the Sukkah!
7:30 Havdalah
7:45 Classic cartoons and popcorn for the kids and adults
8:30 Adults' Movie Party: We'll be watching Ushpizin. Bring snacks to share, jackets and blankets - BYOB!
http://www.newline.com/properties/ushpizin.html

Sunday 10/16
Sukkot Celebration for kids 2years old - 5th grade
10:30am

Monday 10/17
Pre-School Sukkot Dinner and Celebration 5:00pm

Tuesday 10/18
Shorashim Hebrew School Sukkot Celebration 4:00pm

Amitim Sukkot Dinner 6:30pm

Wednesday 10/19
Hoshana Rabbah Services with mystical beating of willows starting at 9:30am

Adult Ed La'asok Kohelet Class 1:00pm

Thursday 10/20
Shemini Atzeret Services with Yizkor and Geshem starting at 9:30am

There is no Hebrew School due to YomTov

Adult Ed Talmud Class at 5:30pm in the Sukkah

Minchah at 6:15 in the Sukkah

Simchat Torah Ma'ariv at 6:30 in the Sanctuary

Torah Unrolling, Hakafot and Torah Party! starting at 7:00pm

Friday 10/21

Simchat Torah Services starting at 9:30am

Weekly Questions
Torah Portion Discussion Question: We are told to build a Sukkah to remember that God made us live in Sukkot when we left Egypt. But, the Torah never said that we dwelt in Sukkot when we left Egypt and there is no description of what a Sukkah was?! Some say it's a Harvest Hut, other say that it's a reminder of temporary huts when we wandered in the Sinai for 40 years, other say that it's a reminder of the Mishkan shrine and others say they are a reminder of the divine clouds of glory. What do you think the Sukkah is?

Jewish Identity / Calendar Question: At this harvest time, what are you harvesting? What are your accomplishments, what are the fruits of your hard work?

Trivia Question: How many objects are in your hands when you shake the Lulav and Etrog?

Last week's Question and Answer: Can Yom Kippur every fall on a Friday? The answer is "No". The calendar is set to ensure that Yom Kippur never can fall on a Friday since that would leaven no time to prepare for Shabbat.

Student Questions and Teachings
We have explored eight themes so far in the 1st - 5th grades: The Shema, Mitzvot, Sefer Torah, TaNaCh, Rosh HaShanah, the Sidur, Yom Kippur and Sukkot. Here are some questions that our Giborim Group (2nd-3rd graders) wanted to know about Yom Kippur:

- Why do we fast?

- How do we open our hearts to let kindness out?

- How many prayers are said on Yom Kippur?

Feedback, Questions, Concerns, and Comments?!
I want to hear from you! Let us know how we are doing. Please share your thoughts. I am available to talk or to have a meeting and always interested in getting your e-mails.

all the best and chag samei-ach,

-Shalom

R' Shalom Bochner
Director of Life Long Learning Congregation Netivot Shalom
education@netivotshalom.org
510-549-9447 ext. 104
check out our new hebrew school blog! http://cnsshorashim.blogspot.com/

CNS Shorashim Newsletter - Yom Kippur Edition

2011-10-07T10:40:00.001-07:00

Upcoming Events

Yom Kippur Youth and Family Services:

Tot Kol Nidre (for those under 5)
Friday 10/8 6:30 - 6:50 pm in the Shabbat B'Yachad PreSchool Room
led by Judith Radousky and Rena Dorph
followed by YNL childcare activities - the Service is free; registration is required for the childcare

Children's Kol Nidre (K - 5th grade)
Friday 10/8 6:45 - 7:30pm in the Rimmonim Room
led by Rabbi Shalom Bochner
followed by YNL childcare activities - the Service is free; registration is required for the childcare

Yom Kippur B'Yachad (2 - 5 years olds)
Saturday 11:00 - 11:45am in the SBY Preschool Room
led by David Radwin, Tamar Fendel, and Liora Brosbe

Yom Kippur Rimmonim (K-2nd grades)
Saturday 10:30 - 11:20am in the Rimmonim Room
led by Cathy Shadd and Jonathan Stern

Yom Kippur Orah VeSimchah (3rd - 5th grades)
Saturday 10:30 - 11:20am in the Kids' Library / Room #5
led by R' Shalom Bochner

Family Neilah and Havdalah
Saturday 6:30 - 7:30pm in the Rimmonim Room
led by R' Shalom Bochner

and Sukkot is on the way:

Sukkot Dinner

Friday 10/14

6:00 Sukkot and Shabbat Services

7:00 Catered Dinner

Adults $20, Children $10; please RSVP to the office by Monday 10/10

Our Sukkah will be enlarged this year so we can fit up to 100 people; let's try to fill it up! Bring a warm jacket.

Dinner will be followed by story telling and stories led by R' Shalom Bochner.

Sukkot Movie Night

Saturday 10/15

7:30 Havdalah followed by cartoons; 8:30 "Ushpizin"

Sukkah Gathering @ CNS
for all kids 2 years old - 5th grade
Sunday October 16
10am – Noon
FREE

Kick off the year for
Shabbat B'Yachad, Rimmonim
and Orah VeSimchah!
with
Refreshments
Songs and Stories
Art / Craft Projects
Sukkot Activities / Rituals

Shorashim Sukkot Assembly

Tuesday 10/18

4:00pm

Weekly Questions
Torah Portion Discussion Question: In the Torah reading for Yom Kippur we learn about the original scapegoat.

Two goats are featured in this ancient ritual: one is offered on the altar and one is sent into the wilderness.

What do you think these goats represent in our own lives?

Jewish Identity / Calendar Question: What's one way that you would like to see the world become a better place

and what's something that you could do help make that happen?

Trivia Question: (answer next week!) Can Yom Kippur every fall on a Friday?

Last week's Question and Answer:

How many days are in a Hebrew (non-leap) year?

Answer: 354

Student Questions and Teachings
We have explored seven themes so far: The Shema, Mitzvot, Sefer Torah, TaNaCh, Rosh HaShanah, the Siddur,

and Yom Kippuyr. Here are some questions that our Giborim Group wanted to know about Yom Kippur:

- Why do we wear a tallit at night on Yom Kippur?

- Who was the first person to celebrate Yom Kippur?

- How many prayers are said on Yom Kippur?

May your Yom Kippur be meaningful and easy; gamar chatimah tovah -

may we all be fully sealed for a good year!

-Shalom

CNS Shorashim Newsletter - Rosh HaShanah Edition

2011-09-28T11:45:00.001-07:00

Shanah Tovah!! In just 7 hours it will be a new Hebrew lunar year. Goodbye to 5771 and baruch ha'bah to 5772; may it be a new, good, and sweet year for all of us, our community, and our world! Last night our entire school participated in the ancient ritual of a seder for Rosh HaShanah as we ate symbolic foods that celebrated our accomplishments of the last 12 months, looked back at our challenges, and created personal intentions for the new year. It was a very sweet, honey-filled gathering.

Group Names:
The votes have been taken and I'm very excited to let you know the new names of our groups: Our youngest participants (Kindergarten and 1st grade) are the Shofarot shel Kesem (magic shofars), our older participants (2nd-3rd grade) are now HaGiborim (the heroes, leaders, strong ones), and our oldest participants (4th-5th grade) are Ugah Chocolat (chocolate cake)!

Upcoming Events
Our High Holiday Services includes our wonderful Yamim Noraim L'yeladim program which includes Youth Services, supervised play and activities, lunch and snacks, ice-breaker games, and time in the park. It's not too late to sign up for this program for Yom Kippur which will be next Friday night and Saturday 10/7-8. You may register and also request guest high holiday tickets through Rachel in the synagogue office. Please note that the office, education office, and the school will be closed for Rosh HaShanah (tonight, Thursday 9/29 and Friday 9/30).

Orah VeSimchah, our monthly Shabbat Youth Service for 3rd-5th graders, will meet this Saturday 10/1 at 11am in the library. It meets on the first weekend of every month through May.

Sukkot is on the way! Please mark your calendars and join us for our annual Sukkot Services and catered Dinner in the new, enlarged congregational Sukkah on Friday night 10/14; Havdalah and Movie Night in the Sukkah on Saturday 10/15; our Sukkot Celebration for all kids through 5th grade on Sunday 10/16; and our Sukkot Assembly on Tuesday 10/18 at 4pm. Plus, Simchat Torah will be Thursday night 10/ 20. It's a month of holidays, celebrations, and parties!

Weekly Questions
Torah Portion Discussion Question: In Parshat Haazinu, read this Saturday on the Shabbat of Return, Moshe sings a goodbye song. Why do you think that Moshe's teachings and instructions end with a poetic song?

Jewish Identity / Calendar Question: As we start a new year, what do you hope to see happen in the next 12 months? What would really make this a "new, good and sweet" year for you? for your family? for the Jewish people? for the world?

Trivia Question: How many days are in a Hebrew (non-leap) year? (answer next week!)

Last week's Question and Answer: True or False: Rosh HaShana falls on the first day of the first Hebrew month? Answer: False Rosh HaShana (Head of the Year) is actually the new moon of the seventh month! It is one of four new years in the Hebrew lunar calendar. It's when the year changes to a new number but the first month of the year is Nisan, the month of Passover when we celebrate our people's birthday. Rosh haShanah is the birthday of the world and the anniversary of the 6th day of creation.

Student Questions and Teachings
We have explored five themes so far: The Shema, Mitzvot, Sefer Torah, TaNaCh, and Rosh HaShanah. Here are some questions that our Ugah Chocolat Group wanted to know about Rosh HaShana:

- Who invented Rosh HaShanah? (the Torah doesn't call it that)

- Why is there a custom of wearing white on this holiday?

- Why is the shofar blown 100 times on Rosh HaShanah?

Student Drop-Off and Pick-Up at the end of Hebrew School
A reminder: Our program starts promptly at 3:45 with snacks. When students arrive they should head straight into the sanctuary. Parents are always welcome to join us for the first 30 minutes of group singing, learning, praying, and studying. Following classes, students should be picked up in the lobby area near the front door. We ask that parents do not wait near the classrooms as this can be a distraction to the students. If you want to shmooze while waiting for the students, please do so near the front door or at the table at the top of the steps. Thanks for helping us start on time and end our class activities in a smooth way.

Feedback, Questions, Concerns, and Comments?!
I want to hear from you! Let us know how we are doing. Please share your thoughts. I am available to talk or to have a meeting and always interested in getting your e-mails.

all the best and shana tovah,

-Shalom

--
R' Shalom Bochner
Director of Life Long Learning Congregation Netivot Shalom
education@netivotshalom.org
510-549-9447 ext. 104
check out our new hebrew school blog! http://cnsshorashim.blogspot.com/

CNS Shorashim Newsletter and IMPORTANT INFORMATION

2011-09-21T17:07:00.001-07:00

Rabbi Shalom Bochner

Shalom!! It's a new school year and in just 7 days it will be a new Hebrew lunar year. Goodbye to 5771 and baruch ha'bah to 5772. Our school has been filled with the sounds of singing, shofar blasts, stories, games, Hebrew lessons, themes of the day, and lots of other wonderful learning. It's been a busy first two weeks of school and a fantastic start to the year.

Handouts / Calendar / Roster
In a separate e-mail I will be sending out all the materials from Back-to-School night including the school roster, calendar, schedule, themes, faculty info. etc. Please let me know if you would like to receive any of these materials as a hard-copy in the snail-mail. We want to ensure that everyone has all the information so they can get the most out of the CNS Shorashim Program.

Bridge Care
We have responded to parent requests and are arranging for bridge care between school and the start of Hebrew School. We are currently offering this from 3:00 - 3:45pm for $6 a day per child. Discounts are available for siblings. Our Bridge Care program will include supervised play, a space to work on homework or read, and will be staffed by a highly experienced childcare professional. We are also exploring options with the Berkeley Unified School District to provide transportation from school. If you are interested in the Bridge Care, please respond as soon as possible to me at: education@netivotshalom.org with your answers to these questions:

1. Name and grade of student
2. Do you want Bridge Care on Tuesdays, Thursdays, or both
3. If you are interested in the bus transportation possibilities, please let us know which Berkeley School they would be coming from.

We hope to be able to launch this program as soon as tomorrow or next week depending on interest.

Carpools
Are you able to give someone a ride here? Are you looking for a ride here? How can we help facilitate everyone arriving here safely and getting back home safely? We are currently looking for a ride to CNS from John Muir Elementary. Please let me know the following:

A. I have room in my car for ___ people leaving from _____ around this time:_______.
B. I have room in my car for ___ people heading to _______ after Hebrew School.
C. We need a ride for ___ people leaving from____ around this time:____.
D. We need a ride back home after Hebrew School; we live in the ______ neighborhood.

ACH payment plan
We offer a number of payment options for tuition: credit cards, check (with various payment schedules), or ACH automatic bank withdrawals. If you have signed up for ACH please note that payments will be processed around the middle of the month, every month, between September through May (the period of time that we are in session).

Student Drop-Off and Pick-Up at the end of Hebrew School
Our program starts promptly at 3:45 with snacks. When students arrive they should head straight into the sanctuary. Parents are always welcome to join us for the first 30 minutes of group singing, learning, praying, and studying. Following classes, students should be picked up in the lobby area near the front door. We ask that parents do not hover near the classrooms as this can be a distraction to the students. If you want to shmooze while waiting for the students, please do so near the front door or at the table at the top of the steps. Thanks for helping us start on time and end our class activities in a smooth way.

Kvod
Respect is the glue that holds our program together. We ask that all students show respect to their teachers, to each other, to our limited time together, to the building, and to themselves. Please reinforce this very important middah at home. Only with appropriate respect can we enjoy the fun activities we have planned and have the students learn as much as we know they can.

Weekly Questions
Every week I plan to send home at least two discussion questions for your family to explore at home, possibly during a Shabbat family meal. There will also be a weekly trivia question. Here are the first installments:

Torah Portion Discussion Question: In Parshat Nitzavim it says that God made an agreement with "all of you who are standing here today and those who are not [yet] here". What do you think this means?

Jewish Identity / Calendar Question: It's the time of year for Cheshbon HaNefesh, taking a personal account of one's soul and actions. What have been your accomplishments of the past year? What have been your challenges? What is one area that you want to focus on making progress with this next year?

Trivia Question: True or False: Rosh HaShana falls on the first day of the first Hebrew month? (answer next week!)

Student Questions and Teachings
We have explored three themes so far: The Shema, Mitzvot, and Sefer Torah. Here are some questions that our Giborim Group (of 2nd and 3rd graders) wanted to know about a Sefer Torah:

- Has anyone ever read it all the way through?

- Why can't you just read it anywhere, or can you?

- Are there really 1,055 paragraphs in the Torah?

Feedback, Questions, Concerns, and Comments?!
I want to hear from you! Let us know how we are doing. Please share your thoughts. I am available to talk or to have a meeting and always interested in getting your e-mails.

all the best and shana tovah,

-Shalom

--
R' Shalom Bochner
Director of Life Long Learning Congregation Netivot Shalom
education@netivotshalom.org
510-549-9447 ext. 104
check out our new hebrew school blog! http://cnsshorashim.blogspot.com/

Pride and Purpose: A LifeLong Learning Update

2011-09-11T13:09:00.001-07:00

A Note from Rabbi Shalom Bochner

Pride and Purpose: A LifeLong Learning Update

8 Elul , 5771

September 7, 2011

Last night we officially kicked off our Hebrew School year with our annual Back-To-School gathering. New this year was a family dinner prepared by our staff that was attended by

more than 80 parents and students who filled the social hall with lively conversation. Among the attendees were four new families, two of which have already completed their CNS Shorashim Hebrew School student registration forms. Our Hebrew School continues to grow by leaps and bounds!

We currently have 63 students enrolled in our Kindergarten through 7th grade Amitim programs and are expecting that number to grow even before classes start next week. The word is out that our school is a prime venue for meaningful Jewish learning and a serious commitment to making our educational experiences fun! Music, words of Torah, deep questions, conversations with our incredible faculty who serve as inspiring Jewish role models, and laughter filled the rooms and halls last night as they do every day that our school is in session. There was a power in our event last night, a welcoming friendly atmosphere, and a deep spirit of community and joy.

This summer was spent readying our building and our programs. To successfully host the Shu-Ren Chinese School and the Berkeley Russion School, our classrooms received a massive cleaning and re-organizing. Beyond fresh paint and our clean re-decorated rooms with bright Hebrew posters and pictures from Israeli, there is a shared creative vision of how we can maximize the multiple uses of the rooms, assist with the overall budget and finances of the congregation, and live up to the prophet's dream that we yearn to be a "house for all peoples." What a pleasant experience to hear and see Chinese, Russian, Spanish classes from The Berkeley School, sharing space with our Hebrew classes. It's a virtual United Nations and it speaks volumes about our creativity and hard work as a congregation. This was only possible through the hard work of parent volunteers and staff and it's with great pleasure that I report that all of these programs are off and running in our building without a hitch.

As our building was over-hauled, so was our educational program and our recruitment efforts. We have worked extremely hard to live up to our new school slogan: "Shorashim: The best of Jewish summer camp all year-round!". We have added elective chugim,exciting daily themes, new workbooks that teach Siddur Hebrew through cartoons, music sessions, arts and crafts activities, and a new focus on Jewish identity beyond ritual leadership and synagogue skills. We have placed our new Shorashim posters all over the East Bay and have had a number of new families join the school and the congregation.

In the next few weeks we'll have our Amitim Participant Camping Retreat and our 7th grade Amitim Family Retreat. We are not just an after-school program; we are proud provider of LifeLong Learning opportunities. We are not in the business of just teaching kids, we have a goal to positively impact the lives of our families, to enhance our sense of community, to offer educational opportunities for everyone, from babies to bubbies. Join us for an adult ed class, a camping trip, a catered dinner in the Sukkah (October 14) and/ or Havdalah and movie night in the Sukkah (October 15). There is a tremendous amount of activities and program to chose from and we offer all of these with deep pride and purpose!

kol tuv / all the best,

R' Shalom Bochner, Director of LifeLong Learning

p.s.: check out our new Shorashim Hebrew School Blog! -- http://cnsshorashim.blogspot.com/

2011-08-03T15:28:00.000-07:00

Care about your child's Jewish identity?

2011-08-03T14:59:00.001-07:00

Shorashim: The best of Jewish summer camp all year-round!

Join the Shorashim Hebrew School at Netivot Shalom, an affordable and meaningful Jewish experience for children K-7. We offer an after-school program based on authentic Jewish traditions, music, hands-on learning, and celebrating Jewish pride:

creative and play based, student-directed
electives: music, storytelling, crafts, cooking, drama
healthy, nutritious snacks
inspiring staff serve as amazing role models
family retreats, camping trips
programs costs less than $12/hour
Shorashim meets on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons September – May.
Ask us about our popular Amitim Bar and Bat Mitzvah program!

For more information, please contact Rabbi Shalom Bochner at education@netivotshalom.org or 510-549-9447, ext 104.

Care about your child's Jewish identity?

2011-08-03T14:57:00.001-07:00

Care about your child's Jewish identity?

Shorashim: The best of Jewish summer camp all year-round!

Join the Shorashim Hebrew School at Netivot Shalom, an affordable and meaningful Jewish experience for children K-7.

We offer an after-school program based on authentic Jewish traditions, music, hands-on learning, and celebrating Jewish pride:

· creative and play based, student-directed

· electives: music, storytelling, crafts, cooking, drama

· healthy, nutritious snacks

· inspiring staff serve as amazing role models

· family retreats, camping trips

· programs costs less than $12/hour

· Shorashim meets on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons September – May.

· Ask us about our popular Amitim Bar and Bat Mitzvah program!

For more information, please contact Rabbi Shalom Bochner at education@netivotshalom.org or 510-549-9447, ext 104.

Care about your child's Jewish identity?

2011-08-03T14:06:00.001-07:00

Care about your child's Jewish identity?

Shorashim: The best of Jewish summer camp all year-round!

Join the Shorashim Hebrew School at Netivot Shalom, an affordable and meaningful Jewish experience for children K-7.

We offer an after-school program based on authentic Jewish traditions, music, hands-on learning, and celebrating Jewish pride:

creative and play based, student-directed
electives: music, storytelling, crafts, cooking, drama
healthy, nutritious snacks
inspiring staff serve as amazing role models
family retreats, camping trips
programs costs less than $12/hour
Shorashim meets on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons September – May.
Ask us about our popular Amitim Bar and Bat Mitzvah program!

For more information, please contact Rabbi Shalom Bochner at education@netivotshalom.org or 510-549-9447, ext 104.

cnsshorashim.blogspot.com

Siyyum photos and Registration Reminder

2011-06-14T15:23:00.000-07:00

Hi!

I hope that everyone's summer is off to a great start even though it's not yet officially summer!

I wanted to make sure that everyone saw the wonderful pictures of our incredible end-of-the-year Siyyum Celebration:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.173954569328827

(The pics are also on our blog; you can use the link below.)

Registration for next year's Hebrew School program is underway; the early-bird discount is available through the end of this month. Please let me know if you have any questions or need an additional copy of the registration materials.

all the best,

-Shalom

--
R' Shalom Bochner
Director of Life Long Learning Congregation Netivot Shalom
education@netivotshalom.org
510-549-9447 ext. 104
check out our new hebrew school blog! http://cnsshorashim.blogspot.com/

Shavuot Kids Program at the Community Tikkun Leil Shavuot at the JCC!

2011-06-03T13:34:00.001-07:00

Hi.

The Hebrew School year is over, but the learning continues!

Next week is Shavuot, the festival of first fruits and the celebration of receiving the 10 commandments at Mount Sinai and Torah wisdom. There will again be an amazing community-wide all-night study session hosted at the JCC of the East Bay starting at 6:45pm on Tuesday June 7th and continuing through sunrise on Wednesday morning.

This year there will also be an all-ages kids program on Tuesday 6/7 starting at 6:45 pm including activities, kid's classes, childcare and supervised sleep-over. Check our the details in the attached fliers. There are two files attached, the Final Tikkun 2011 Adult Programs and the Childcare/Family Programming Information.

You can also find the information on the JCC East Bay website at http://prod.jcceastbay.org/jewish_life/docs/Tikkun_2011_Program.pdf

shabat shalom,

-Shalom

p.s. Also mark your calendars for our CNS Camping Trip to Pinnacles National Monument on August 19 - 21!

REGISTRATION PACKET for Hebrew School Next Year!

2011-05-25T17:11:00.001-07:00

Hello!

Attached (as a word.doc and PDF) are the new and improved Registration Forms for next year's Hebrew School programs. We have worked hard to make this much easier and faster!

If you are the parents of a returning student who submitted their forms last year electronically, all you need to do is fill out page 4 (Registration Form / Payment Options and Contract). This one page can be returned electronically or as a hard copy in the "snail mail". If you do not know if you submited your paperwork electronically last year, e-mail me and I can double check for you. If any information has changed, such as phone numbers, emergency contact information, e-mail addresses, mailing addresses, etc, please fill out those pages and return.

If you are the parent of a new student, please fill out the entire form and send it back as an e-mail attachment and we will keep this information for future years.

Please note that there is an Early Bird discount for all students who are registered by July 1st. A late fee will apply after August 19th. This pricing schedule is to encourage early registration so we can confirm the class sizes and faculty as soon as possible. We also plan to start the school year with all of the books and curriculum materials ordered and received.

Our tuition was increased by a small percentage for the new year. Even with these minor increases, most of our Hebrew School programs cost significantly less than $15/hour and include a full and healthy snack in addition to fantastic teachers and wonderful books and materials! I am very proud of our program and excited for the new year which will include new faculty, improvements to the schedule and program, and new activities.

Please note that the Edah after-school program will be administered next year as a community-based program. Students are encouraged to be enrolled in Edah and in the Shorashim Hebrew School programs. For registration and information about Edah, please contact the Interim Director:

	Rena Dorph Invited
	♫ rdorph@berkeley.edu

Last of all, please help spread the word about our wonderful school programs! I am happy to follow up with any interested parents and have students audit the program for free for a few weeks to determine if it's the right fit. As always, let me know if you have any questions.

Have a wonderful summer,

-Shalom

--
R' Shalom Bochner
Director of Life Long Learning Congregation Netivot Shalom
education@netivotshalom.org
510-549-9447 ext. 104
check out our new hebrew school blog! http://cnsshorashim.blogspot.com/

CNS Shorashim Siyyum photos

2011-05-19T16:09:00.001-07:00

enjoy!
--
R' Shalom Bochner
Director of Life Long Learning Congregation Netivot Shalom
education@netivotshalom.org
510-549-9447 ext. 104
check out our new hebrew school blog! http://cnsshorashim.blogspot.com/

Netivot Shalom PreSchool Auction

2011-05-10T15:02:00.001-07:00

YOU ARE ALL INVITED TO BID ON THE WONDERFUL ITEMS IN OUR FIRST EVER
PRESCHOOL AUCTION!

Help us raise money for our preschool scholarship fund by bidding on
the fabulous items, many of which come from the hands of our own very
talented preschool families.

Please see the attached list of items and starting bids - to bid on an
item, please e-mail your name, the item number and your bid amount to
elanank@gmail.com. You will be notified via e-mail if you get out-bid
on any item.

Thanks in advance for your help supporting our preschool community!
--
R' Shalom Bochner
Director of Life Long Learning Congregation Netivot Shalom
education@netivotshalom.org
510-549-9447 ext. 104
check out our new hebrew school blog! http://cnsshorashim.blogspot.com/

Length of Hebrew School Year and Torah Mystery

2011-05-03T10:43:00.001-07:00

Dear Parents,

It's hard to believe how fast the school year has gone. While this has been a challenging year for me personally, it has been a smooth and successful year for the Shorashim Hebrew School as we welcomed many new teachers, purchased new Hebrew books, created innovative programs such as our all-school snack, Hebrew Yoga, Shimon Omeir, Song Sessions, Torah Mysteries, and Park (recess) Time. I have begun working on next year's program which will include welcoming two new teachers and expanding our all-school activities to include more holiday celebrations. Registration forms for next year will be available shortly.

A reminder that we have two wonderful events coming up:

Our End-of-the-year Siyyum Celebration will be Thursday 5/12 from 5 - 6 pm in the Sanctuary. All parents and friends are encouraged to join us as we celebrate an incredible year of learning with songs, class presentations, and refreshments.

We are off to the A's Baseball game on Sunday 5/15 at 1:00pm. It's not too late to RSVP to join us.

I heard that some parents were wondering why the Hebrew School year concludes before the end of public school. Our Hebrew School calendar includes 60 days of instructions (about 30 weeks). This has been the length of the school year for at least the last five or more years. I am open to exploring lengthening the school year starting next year. This would involve increasing the tuition to cover the additional expenses of adding sessions. Please e-mail me or be in touch with me if this interests you so I can gauge the interest in this. As always, please don't hesitate to pass on to me directly your questions, concerns and suggestions. I pride myself on always being interested in parent feedback as we continue to improve our school, curriculum, and activities. Feel free to e-mail or call so we can talk or set up a time to meet in person. It's only with parent involvement that we can grow and improve.

Below is a sample of our weekly Torah Mystery Beit Midrash activity that I lead every Thursday for K - 5th grade. Many thanks to Hannah Feiner, our wonderful Kitah Alef-Bet Assistant Teacher for typing this up and keeping careful notes about every week's Torah Mystery discussion. Every Thursday at 4:10 we explore a section of the week's Torah reading that includes a strange verse, word or concept. We then brainstorm explanations that we think make sense and compare these to traditional commentary through the ages. Parents are always welcome to join us - it's a real highlight of the week! Here is last week's Torah Mystery and the answers that you daughter / son provided:

Parshat Kedoshim- Torah Mystery 4/28/11

Question/Mystery:

Vayikra 19:3 says: "Every person should have awe of their mother and father and guard my Shabbatot (Sabbaths); I am God your God"

Why do you think that these three topics are all mixed into one sentence in the Torah? How are they related to each other?

Student Answers:

1. The Torah wanted to save space.
2. They are related because they all show how to honor your parents, because your parents keep shabbat.
3. Awe is listening to your parents: meaning keep Shabbat
4. Especially have awe of your parents on Shabbat
5. Both points (honor your parents and keep Shabbat) are showing how G-d is saying "I'm G-d and this is what you need to do"
6. They are both related with love
7. If there is no respect for your parents then it means that you will not have a restful Shabbat

Traditional Commentary:

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) says that this verse is addressing the question of what to do when there is a conflict between two different mitzvot. The two commandments in this verse are: Honor your parents and keep Shabbat. What should you do if your parents tell you not to keep Shabbat? The way this verse is written teaches us that we should honor our parents, but if they tell us to violate Shabbat, we don't need to do so. The Talmud in Bava Metzia expands to include all of the mitzvot. There are other times that mitzvot could be in conflict. What do you do if you are dieing of starvation and all there is an un-kosher food and it's Yom Kippur? The answer is we eat the un-kosher food on Yom Kippur! To save a life (P'kuach Nefesh) almost every mitzvah is dropped since there is a more important mitzvah to do: keep yourself alive. In fact, it becomes a mitzvah to eat un-kosher food on Yom Kippur in this situation.

kol tuv,

-Shalom

--
R' Shalom Bochner
Director of Life Long Learning Congregation Netivot Shalom
education@netivotshalom.org
510-549-9447 ext. 104
check out our new hebrew school blog! http://cnsshorashim.blogspot.com/

CNS Shorashim Hebrew School & Amitim are off to the baseball game!

2011-04-15T15:28:00.001-07:00

As a celebration of a year of incredible learning and growing, we'll be marking the end of the school year with a trip to the Oakland A's on Sunday May 15th!

It's a 1pm game against the White Socks. We have reserved seats with a special rate of just $15/person. The stadium opens at 11am - we'll gather at 12 with a bring-you-own-lunch party in the seats.

Please RSVP by Thursday 4/28 to save your spot.

Let me know if you have any questions. I'm really excited for this special event.

Also mark your calendars for our end-of-the-year Siyyum Celebration on Thursday May 12th at 5:00 - 6:00 pm for Kindergarten through 5th grade. All of the students will be presenting and singing.

shabbat shalom!

-Shalom

--
R' Shalom Bochner
Director of Life Long Learning Congregation Netivot Shalom
education@netivotshalom.org
510-549-9447 ext. 104
check out our new hebrew school blog! http://cnsshorashim.blogspot.com/

CNS Shorashim Hebrew School & Amitim Newsletter IMPORTANT INFORMATION

2011-04-08T14:54:00.001-07:00

Hi - Happy Spring, Shabbat Shalom and Eleven Days until Passover!

Here is some important information about Passover Seders, Passover Vacation and end-of-year dates, and the Congregational Retreat:

We'll be having Two Passover Seders on the 2nd Night of Passover (April 19th): 5 - 7pm for our Kids Seder (for those 2 - 8 years old and their siblings, parents, friends, and relatives) and our Congregational Seder at 7:30pm with an adult focus, families are welcome, (and child-care will be provided 7:30 - 10:00pm.) Please RSVP by early next week - more information is below!

There will be no classes on Tuesday 4/19, Thursday 4/21, and Tuesday 4/26 due to the Passover Holiday.

Classes will resume on Thursday 4/28 (for K - 5th grade) and on Tuesday 5/3 (for Amitim).

The last day of classes for this year will be on Tuesday 5/10 (for Amitim) and 5/12 (for K - 5th grade)

We are planning an end-of-the year picnic on Sunday 5/15 at 1:00pm - more details to follow shortly.

Registration Forms for next year's classes will be available before the end of April. There will be early-bird discounts for those who enroll for next year's classes before the end of this year!

Spots are filling up fast for the 4^th Biennial Retreat, at Camp Newman near Santa Rosa on May 20-22, 2011 (the weekend before Memorial Day weekend)!

A detailed retreat schedule is available on the CNS website at http://netivotshalom.org/retreat_schedule_2011

The registration form is available at

http://netivotshalom.org/Netivot_files/2011RetreatReg.pdf

The registration deadline is April 15. However, you are encouraged to register immediately (by mailing in your form and deposit to the Netivot Shalom office) in order to help the planning process, to get the best housing, and to spread out your registration fee payments.

The retreat theme is "Lag B'Omer: Strengthening Our Community." This retreat should be the best one yet, with extensive programming for both adults and youth that emphasizes community bonding. You will feel closer to not only many more individuals, but also a stronger part of our Netivot Shalom community. Retreat events will mostly be led by our own talented community members.

Activity options include: tefilah outdoors, a wide range of study sessions, staffed preschhol, youth & teen programming, community bonding workshops, swimming, nature hikes, sports/games, circus arts, stargazing, singing, talent show, drama games, Lag B'Omer bonfire, poolside social, yoga classes, meditation, and evening 'shmira' babysitting.

Pesach Classes and 2 Second Night Seders @ CNS!

Passover related classes:

Sunday, April 10 - Passover University at Congregation Beth El, 1301 Oxford Street, Berkeley - a community multi-generations event to help us prepare for Passover, 10:00 am - 12:45 pm.
Tuesday April 12, 7:00 - 9:30pm - Get Ready for Passover with a movie, "When Do We Eat-Sex, Drugs & Matzoh Ball Soup" and discussion with Rabbi Bochner. Please note that while very funny this movie is rated "R" due to drug use, language and sexual content.
Thursday, April 14, at 7:30 pm. "Passover Prep Q & A" with Rabbi Creditor

Second Night Seders, Tuesday, April 19

Delicious meals catered by Kosher Craft (Janice MacMillan)

Kids Seder, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Led by Rabbis Daniel Kohn & Shalom Bochner

For children ages 2 - 8 and their families.

We'll re-create a desert encampment in our Sanctuary for a family seder experience on a picnic blanket! The Kid's seder this year will feature a catered feast and the "greatest hits" of the Haggadah. Join us for a meaningful family Passover celebration of freedom and matzah!

$36/adult; $10/ ages 2 and under; and $18/ 2yrs - 10yrs; $96 /maximum per Family

Community Seder, 7:30 pm

Led by Rabbis Menachem Creditor and Shalom Bochner

Join together as we leave the narrows and celebrate our expansive freedom with a Seder! We'll enjoy a catered feast, fine kosher wines, and deep teachings and conversations about the Exodus and it's meanings for us today on this birthday of the Jewish people.

$50/adult; $12/ ages 2 and under; $36 / ages 2 yrs-10 yrs; $150 maximum per Family

RSVP for your choice of Seder by Monday, April 11 to office@netivotshalom.org. There are 2 options to make payment- either pay online at www.netivotshalom.org and use the "Make a Donation" tab and enter "Kids Seder" or "Adult Seder" in the description field or send your check to Congregation Netivot Shalom and write "Kids Seder" or "Adult Seder" on the memo line.

Passover Services*

Shacharit - Siyyum for the Fast of the Firstborn - Monday, April 18, 7:15 am
Shacharit Services on Tuesday, April 19, Wednesday April 20, Monday, April 25 and Tuesday, April 26 (with Yizkor): 9:30 am - 12:00pm

*Please Note: CNS office will be closed on these dates

Holiday Drive Update:

On behalf of Bay Area food banks, Dan and I want to thank Netivot Shalom for your great participation again in 2010. Fifteen congregations in San Francisco, Alameda and Contra Costa counties combined to raise over $78,000 for our local food banks. It was a tremendous effort during this recession that has affected so many congregants. The food banks were truly grateful for your help.

We are looking forward to working with you this fall.

Best wishes

- Richard Hart and Dan McClosky, Co-chairs of Holiday Dinner Drive

Congregational Retreat!

2011-03-23T11:26:00.001-07:00

Dear Hebrew School and Amitim Parents,

Please join us for our incredible Congregational Retreat! It's a wonderful chance to meet new people, connect with friends, swim, hike, learn, pray, sing, shmooze, eat and enjoy! Below is a letter from Rabbi Menachem Creditor about the program. Please let me or Dan Siegal know if you have any questions about the retreat.

kol tuv,

-Shalom

Dear Chevreh,

I'm writing to those who have already registered for the upcoming CNS Retreat over Shabbat and Lag Ba'Omer (May 20-22) - it's going to be amazing! A chance to breathe in the spiritual community we are, make new friends, eat, daven, learn, and play. The newer and veteran members of our community have the chance to truly connect, every age has organized activities. The truth is, as we experience more and more at shul, that we are constantly in motion. Music programs, Adult Education, preschool and amitim - the chance to refresh our souls on a shul retreat is just incomparable.

I hope you'll bring not just your Kippot, Tallit, and Tefilin, but also your sense of wonder.

Rabbi Bochner and I are proud to partner with Dan Siegel, Josh Gressel, Reva Fabricant, and many others on the Retreat steering committee to deepen the experience with our community's heart and soul clearly in mind. We are Netivot Shalom wherever we are, and we are committed to supporting every member's Jewish journey in the world - what a great opportunity awaits!

There are still spaces open for people to register, and if you'd like to reach out to a friend, a new member, perhaps even someone who has considered joining our community but hasn't stepped in with both feet yet - please have them visit the shul website at www.netivotshalom.org where the draft retreat schedule and registration forms are available.

Looking forward to breathing deeply and sharing this with you all,

Rabbi Creditor

--
R' Shalom Bochner
Director of Life Long Learning Congregation Netivot Shalom
education@netivotshalom.org
510-549-9447 ext. 104
check out our new hebrew school blog! http://cnsshorashim.blogspot.com/

Purim Davening and Carnival Schedule!

2011-03-18T09:48:00.001-07:00

It's almost Purim! Please click below for all the information about our Megillah reading on Saturday night at 8:30pm, Sunday morning at 9:30am, and our wonderful Purim Carnival on Sunday 11am - 2pm!! The Carnival is a fund-raiser for LifeLong Learning programs here at CNS such as the Edah, Shorashim Hebrew School, Amitim, and Adult Ed so please come and enjoy. We could also use some parent help with some of the carnival booths.

Purim is fun-filled upside down day where we dress in costumes, make noise, eat sweets, and celebrate Jewish life. The mitzvot of the day are to hear the Story of Esther, send food gifts to friends, give help to those in need, and to have a feast (and some drinks too)! Come to our Carnival and partake in all these mitzvot and the most essential one: be happy!

shabbat shalom,

-Shalom

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PURIM CARNIVAL! Sunday, March 20th 11am-2pm

2011-03-10T09:14:00.001-08:00

PuRim @ CNS 5771!

PuRim this year falls on

Saturday Evening, March 19th

& Sunday March 20^th!

Since Shabbat ends at 8PM, our Ma'ariv and Megillah service that night will begin at 8:30pm, and will be a traditional reading without kids' programming. Minyan the next morning will begin at 9:30am, including the daytime Megillah reading.

Our free-wheeling, festivity-full, family-friendly, food-for-feasting Purim Day, Sunday 11am-2pm - featuring our annual

PURIM CARNIVAL!

March 20th, 11am-2pm

Congregation Netivot Shalom // 1316 University Ave, Berkeley // netivotshalom.org

Come join the fun! Face-painting, Bouncy House, carnival games, pretend tattoos, raffles, and a hair-coloring "Shushan Salon!" There will be a "Morning After Café" with food and drink for purchase, t-shirts and more for sale, and lots of fun!

ALSO, don't miss the:

· 11:30-12: abridged kids' Megillah-reading for grades 3 and up

· 12:15-12:45: abridged kids' Megillah-reading for Preschool-2^nd Grade

Here's to an awesome Purim 5771!

---
Rabbi Menachem Creditor
Congregation Netivot Shalom || Bay Area Masorti || ShefaNetwork.org

Rabbis for Women of the Wall || menachemcreditor.org

To join Rabbi Creditor's email list, send a blank email to thetisch-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Purim Carnival!

2011-03-09T09:05:00.001-08:00

Dear Hebrew School Families,

The second month of Adar is almost upon us and our Purim Carnival fund-raiser is fast approaching. The carnival is planned for Purim day, Sunday, March 20th from 11am to 2pm and we still need folks to "person" the various games, paint faces, make balloon "art", help set up, etc. If you have not yet volunteered to help with the festivities there is still time to do so! Rabbi Creditor and Cathy Shadd, along with Rabbi Bochner, have graciously stepped in to help organize the event in my stead. I have a pressing parental "Family Care" situation which has suddenly come up and to which I must attend.

Please email Rabbi Creditor at cnspurim@gmail.com to let him know how you can help! For those of you who already contacted me about volunteering, thank you and I have passed that information along to Rabbis Creditor and Bochner.

Wishing you all a joyful Adar and Purim filled with the gifts of friendship, community, chesed and tzedakah!

Lara Hornbeck

Youth Ed. Chair

--
R' Shalom Bochner
Director of Life Long Learning Congregation Netivot Shalom
education@netivotshalom.org
510-549-9447 ext. 104
check out our new hebrew school blog! http://cnsshorashim.blogspot.com/

Urban Adamah Summer Camp

2011-03-02T16:32:00.001-08:00

Hi All,

I am excited to announce that Edah will be going to camp at Urban Adamah for one week this summer: June 20-24, 2011.

This camp program will be for children ages 5-9. The hours at Urban Adamah will be 9-3 (M-F) and aftercare can be arranged with Edah from 3-5 (M-Th).

The cost for the week is: $300 for year-round Edah participants and $375/week for all others.

Discounts for second child from same family are available. Additional fees may apply for aftercare arrangements.

For more information about Urban Adamah see http://urbanadamah.org/the-farm/camp-urban-adamah/#Happens

A more official flyer will be ready soon, but in the meantime, I wanted you all to be able to save the date and spread the word.

Please forward to anyone else you know who might be interested. Space is limited so feel free to contact me to reserve your space as soon as possible by letting me know the name, number, and ages of the children you wish to enroll.

B'shalom,

Rena Dorph <rdorph@berkeley.edu>

P.S. Please note that some of the information about the Edah week specifics (cost/hours) on the Urban Adamah website doesn't exactly match our plan. The information in this e-mail is the correct information re: timing and cost.

HaMakom Yenacheim: Shloshim Service for Joan Sinai, z"l (Rabbi Bochner's mother)

2011-02-23T14:34:00.000-08:00

Congregation Netivot Shalom

HaMakom Yenacheim - Shloshim Memorial

for Joan Sinai, z"l, mother of Rabbi Shalom Bochner

HaMakom Yenacheim- it was with great sadness that we shared the news of the passing of Joan Sinai, Yehudit Miryam bat Yoel veBasha z"l, mother of our teacher and friend Rabbi Shalom Bochner.

Rabbi Bochner has returned from shiva in Albany, and will be marking the Shloshim for his mother on Tuesday, March 15th, from 6-7:30. Shloshim will begin with Minchah, will continue with some light refreshments and Rabbi Bochner sharing memories of his mother, and will close with Ma'ariv.

If you'd like to bring some refreshments, please consult the CNS Kashrut Policy, available online here: http://netivotshalom.org/kashrut_policy. There will be tables set up in the back of the sanctuary for food to be placed.

It is good to welcome our friend home, and to offer the comfort in person we were sending to him and to his family while he was away.

HaMakom Yenacheim Et'chem Betoch She'ar Aveilei Tziyon VeYerushalayim. May God comfort Rabbi Bochner and his family and friends with all others who mourn Zion and Jerusalem.

Rabbi Creditor

netivotshalom.org

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CNS is looking for an experienced Hebrew teacher for our kindergarten after-school program!

2011-02-08T17:10:00.001-08:00

Congregation Netivot Shalom in Berkeley is looking for
an experienced Hebrew teacher for our kindergarten after-school program!

hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 1:15 - 5:45pm
salary: $28 - 48/hour depending on experience

We are an egalitarian, participatory, Conservative/Masorti congregation. Our school's emphasis is on Hebrew language and learning through outdoor play, games, skits, and movement. We are looking for a skilled educator with extensive experience with Kindergarten students, spoken and written Hebrew, and Judaica. Resumes and cover letters can be sent to cns.jobsearch@gmail.com.

---
Rabbi Menachem Creditor
Congregation Netivot Shalom || Bay Area Masorti || ShefaNetwork.org

Rabbis for Women of the Wall || menachemcreditor.org

To join Rabbi Creditor's email list, send a blank email to thetisch-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

photos from our Tu B'Shevat Seder last week

2011-01-25T12:51:00.001-08:00

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=274981&id=509104449&l=42809ccc61

--
R' Shalom Bochner
Director of Life Long Learning Congregation Netivot Shalom
education@netivotshalom.org
510-549-9447 ext. 104
check out our new hebrew school blog! http://cnsshorashim.blogspot.com/

CNS Shorashim Hebrew School Newsletter. Happy Tu B'Shevat!

2011-01-20T12:00:00.001-08:00

Today us Tu B'shevat - the Birthday and New Year of the trees. It's a wonderful day to take a walk among the trees, to eat nuts and fruits, drink juices and wines, hug a tree, or share a breath of fresh air with a tree. It's a day to say thanks for all that trees give us.

We'll be having a Tu B'Shevet Seder today in the Hebrew School for K - 5th grade at 4:20 - 4:45 after our weekly Beit Midrash Torah Mystery program. Please join us if you can!

There are some other exciting events coming up with more information below and in the attachments:

Jewish Disability Awareness Month events

Edah Open House and Special Day on 1/31

Holiday Gift Drive Thank You

PJ Library Havdalah (see the attachment for information about this Saturday's event)

As always, please let me know if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions. It's a true honor and pleasure to learn with and from your children. Thanks for sharing them with us!

kol tuv,

- Shalom Bochner

A month long series of wonderful events for Jewish Disabilities Awareness Month - All are free!

Faith Can Be Simple
2/2/2011, 7:30 pm
Screening and discussion of "Praying with Lior"
www.prayingwithlior.com
Temple Beth Abraham, 336 Euclid Ave., Oakland

MischakimB'Yachad: Let's Play Together!
2/4/2011, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Play group for young children with special needs and their caregivers
Come meet other families and celebrate Shabbat together
Contra Costa JCC, 2071 Tice Valley Blvd,Walnut Creek

Widening the Tent: Special Education Speaker Series
2/6/2011, 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Planning for a bar/bat mitzvah for a child with special needs
Discussion led by Vicky Kelman and Rachel Brodie
Cong. Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave., Berkeley

ShabbatMeyuchad
2/12/2011, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.:
A special Shabbat morning service for families with children with special needs
Cong. Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave., Berkeley

5x5: A Continuing Education Series for Teachers
2/13/2011, 1:30 to 3:00 pm
Differentiated instruction: How you can reach all types of learners
Led by Elana Naftalin-Kelman
Temple Isaiah, 3800 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette

Redefining Dance and Making it Accessible to All
2/13/2011, 7:00 pm
A special performance by the Axis Dance Company --
www.axisdance.org
Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland (RSVP required)

Song, Dance and Autism
2/16/2011, 6:30 pm
"Autism the Musical," a screening, talk and book signing by
Elaine Hall, founder of the Miracle Project
www.autismthemusical.com
Temple Beth El, 1301 Oxford St., Berkeley

Parents Night Out
2/22/2011, 7:00 pm
Enjoy a lovely evening with wine and cheese
Cong. Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave., Berkeley

Havdallah and musical concert with by Jonathan Bayer
2/26/2011, 7:45 pm
For children and adults of all ages and their families
Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland

For more information:
Elana Naftalin-Kelman
Director of Special Education
300 Grand Avenue, Oakland, California 94610
direct: 510.318.6426 main: 510.839.2900 fax: 510.839.3996

EDAH--a community of learning and doing
is a fun, new, innovative complementary Jewish Education program that includes: an afterschool program, family education, yom miyuchad (special day) and mini-macheh (mini-camp) offerings. The Edah after-school program includes learning experiences with several concurrent features: learner-centered; project based; experiential; individual and group activities; Hebrew, Jewish values, and Jewish text integrated throughout. Activities include: Physical activity (sports, dance, etc.), visual and performing arts, music, cooking, Hebrew language and games, Israel (culture, geography, history), Torah, tefillah, chagim, outdoor/environmental education, Shabbat preparation, and much more! The current plan is for the program to be open to children in grades K-2 next year.

Edah announces several upcoming events for prospective parents to learn more about the program for this year and beyond:

1. Yom Meyuchad - full day of Edah for children in grades K-2!
      Monday, January 31, 2011 from 9am - 5pm (Berkeley Unified School District not in session)
    Sign up now for this fun day of Edah. Call or email for more info. and to register.

2. Open Classroom for parents to catch Edah in action!
     Tuesday, February 1, 2011 from 4:00-5:15 p.m. – You can drop in at any time during this window to observe an
     afterschool program day in session. An Edah parent will be there to show you around and answer questions.

3. Meet & Greet/Information Session
    Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. with the Edah director and current Edah parents

All events will take place at Netivot Shalom in the Edah room on the second floor. For more information or to RSVP for any of these events, please call or email Shalom Rosenberg, Edah & Youth Director: 510.549.9447 x 106 or youth@netivotshalom.org

Todah rabah to everyone who contributed to the Holiday Gift Drive! Together, families from Netivot Shalom and Beth El donated over 300 gifts that were distributed to low income families in East Oakland! Click on the link below to see photos of the gift distribution at Coliseum College Prep Academy: http://picasaweb.google.com/Abby.CCPA/GiftDrive2010?feat=directlink Your generosity is greatly appreciated!

I also have large hand written thank you notes/posters for each congregation and will get them to you this week.

Thanks so much for all your support of this project.

Abby
--
Abby Friedman
Family Resource Center Director
Coliseum College Prep Academy
http://www.coliseumcollegeprep.org

--
R' Shalom Bochner
Director of Life Long Learning Congregation Netivot Shalom
education@netivotshalom.org
510-549-9447 ext. 104
check out our new hebrew school blog! http://cnsshorashim.blogspot.com/

Purim Carnival - letter from Lara Hornbeck, CNS Youth - Ed Chair

2011-01-12T17:13:00.001-08:00

Dear Hebrew School Parents,

I hope this missive finds you all well and healthy in what my son calls the "American" New Year. As we transition back into our school and work schedules we are also in the midst of planning this year's Hebrew School fundraiser. Each year Congregation Netivot Shalom allocates tens of thousands of dollars to help subsidize the costs of educational programs at our school. As Hebrew School tuition covers only part of what it takes to make our school run, part of our school's reciprocal commitment to the shul is to raise a certain amount of additional money each year.

In the most recent past we have served an Erev Purim meal as a way to meet our fundraising goals. This has worked well when Purim falls on a week night but as our experience last year showed us, it is not so great when Erev Purim falls on a Saturday night, as it does again this year. In lieu of a meal, we've decided to host a Purim day carnival. Purim day is Sunday, March 20th and the carnival will start just after the morning's megillah reading at about 11AM until 2pm, so please mark your calendars!

We'll need lots of help to make it both fun and profitable! There are four main categories under which most of the help needed falls. They are as follows:

HELP ORGANIZING THE EVENT

-general planning of the day itself
-researching carnival game rentals

HELP WITH PUBLICITY

-publicizing both within the shul and the larger community

HOSPITALITY/DECORATING

-greeting people and selling carnival tickets at event
-help with set up and decoration
-help to "person" a booth..

FOOD

-purchasing food, we have a menu set and the amazing Deb Lewis will be your consultant!
- cooking food
-selling food at the carnival

Additional skills and needs are:

-help with face painting and hair craziness at "Salon Shushan"
-help entertaining with your juggling or acrobatic skills
-help organize tzedakah drive as part of event, we have a few organizations that we work with and can easily do a drive for one of them
-got a great Purim game you'd like to share?
-start searching your closets for useful items like bowling pins, dart sets, old pin the crown on Esther games and other carnival helpfuls!!

We are aiming for 100% participation so please let us know how you can help! Please contact me, Lara Hornbeck, at larayoga@hotmail.com or 510-524-6834.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon!
B'Shalom,
Lara Hornbeck
Youth Ed. Chair

--
R' Shalom Bochner
Director of Life Long Learning Congregation Netivot Shalom
education@netivotshalom.org
510-549-9447 ext. 104
check out our new hebrew school blog! http://cnsshorashim.blogspot.com/

CNS Shorashim Hebrew School Newsletter: Chanukah Photos, Edah Winter Camp, Israel Movie Night

2010-12-16T16:50:00.001-08:00

Hello! It's been a significant week here: Our 7th grade Amitim class completed their last formal class; in January we welcome the Amitim Class of 5772 to begin their formal Bnai Mitzvah learning. Our Beit Midrash Torah Mystery today was about the final portion of the Book of B'reishit; when we return in Januray we'll be two weeks into the Book of Shemot (Exodus). Today is the 25th day of Hebrew School; we are well passed the 1/3 point in the year.

Hebrew School will be on Winter Break for 12/21, 12/23, 12/28, and 12/30. We resume on Tuesday January 4th at 3:45 for 1st- 5th grades and 4:30 for 6th grade.

Here are some photos from our Chanukah event. Thanks to Lara and all of the other parents who came to help. It was a wonderful celebration of the Festival of Lights:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=257356&id=509104449&l=604d5110ba

If you are looking for some fun activities over the break, check out the CNS Israel Movie Night on 12/26 (flyer attached). We'll be screening "Little Heroes" at 7:00pm and offering a dinner at 6:00pm before the movie. Should be lovely family evening!

Edah, our phenomenal K-1st Grade After School Program, will be offering a Winter Camp on Monday 12/20 - Friday 12/24. (Flyer attached). You can choose individual days or the whole week of fun. REGISTER NOW for these or other dates by contacting Shalom Rosenberg (youth@netivotshalom.org; 510-549-9447 ext. 106).

Thank you for sharing your children with us. It's been an excellent four month of learning, laughing, celebrating, discussing, growing and sharing at the CNS Shorashim Hebrew School Program. Have an enjoyable winter break and a happy start to 2011. We are looking forward to seeing everyone back in a few weeks.

As always, if there are any questions, comments, or suggestions, please let me know.

kol tuv / all the best,

-Shalom

Thanks; and happy Chanukah!! The messages of today

2010-12-02T19:14:00.001-08:00

A huge THANK YOU to Lara Hornbeck, our Youth Ed Chair, and all the parents who came and helped put on such a wonderful Chanukah party this evening!

A few messages that I hope everyone took away from our gathering and my story:

- Chanukah teaches us that light is more powerful then darkness; and hope is more potent than despair. One small flame can light up an entire dark room.

- When we give of our own light to another, our own light does not diminish at all. Share your light.

- Our Chanukah candles are not just a reminder of the miracle of the Maccabbees, but a reminder of the great spiritual light that fills each of us and can fill the world. We each contain a spark of divine goodness. Pass it on like the small jar of oil was passed down in the story. Light the Chanukiah Menorah and also light up yourself. Let the light and hope increase in the world.

May we all truly have a light-filled, delightful, enlightening Chanukah!!

-Shalom

--
R' Shalom Bochner
Director of Life Long Learning Congregation Netivot Shalom
education@netivotshalom.org
510-549-9447 ext. 104
check out our new hebrew school blog! http://cnsshorashim.blogspot.com/

CNS Shorashim Hebrew School Newsletter

2010-12-01T15:02:00.001-08:00

Hello; hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving break!

This e-mail newsletter has updates on the following:

- Hebrew School snacks

- Chanukah Celebration

- Gift Drive

- Hava Nashira Family Minyan

- Orah VeSimcha Youth Services and Teffilah Times / Siddur Sessions for 3rd-5th graders

- Hebrew School snacks

We have greatly improved our snacks this year for the K - 5th graders (Amitim parents provide the snacks for the Amitim students). We have removed all sweetened and artificial foods and now provide healthy items such as cheese, fresh popped organic pop-corn (thanks to Katya Gerwein!), fruit, pretzels, corn chips, juice, and veggies. If you have specific suggestions for what we should provide (we order items in bulk from Costco), please e-mail me directly.

- Chanukah Celebration

Dear Hebrew School Parents,

Our Hebrew School Chanuakah Party is coming right up on Thursday, December 2nd from 4:45-5:45pm, please join us!

1. Two parents to help heat up latkes and serve food. If anyone really wants homemade latkes, as opposed to frozen Trader Joe's, please let me know. I can arrange to help for several hours before the party if someone else wants to take on this project with me!

2. Dreidle cookie decorating, Deb Lewis will make cookies but we'll need a parent to make the frosting(very easy- powdered sugar, color and water) and buy sprinkles. Parent to supervise activity.

3. Candle making, need at least one other parent to supervise and help.

4. Clay play, parent to buy clay.

5. Social action project gift wrapping. We'll need a few parents to wrap gifts at party as well as purchase wrapping supplies beforehand.

6. Publicity. We also need someone to put together a flyer to hand out to kids as soon as possible! Parents are invited and encouraged to come have fun!

7. Parent to help out at a drawing/decoration making table.

8. A few more parents to help wherever it might be needed!

Many thanks for your help!

Kol Tuv

Lara Hornbeck (Youth Ed Chair)
larayoga@hotmail.com

- Gift Drive

Thank you to everyone who has already donated to the holiday gift drive! All items donated will be distributed to low-income families in East Oakland. If you haven't yet brought something to contribute, and are wondering what is most needed, we are in need of more gifts for older children (middle & high school). Some ideas would be sports equipment like soccer balls or basketballs, girly stuff like scented lotions or lip glosses, any type of college gear - notebooks, t-shirts or other colleagiate stuff, games that older kids would enjoy, clothing (new only), journals and pens or drawing pads and pencils/markers, gift cards, etc. We are looking forward to more donations coming in so that our Hebrew School students will be able to participate in this tzedakah project by donating gifts and wrapping them at the 12/2 Chanuka party. The collection basket will be in the CNS lobby until December 9th. Your generosity is truly appreciated.

Many thanks,

Abby Friedman

- Hava Nashira Family Minyan

Hava Narisha

(from the Purim song, meaning "Come, let's make noise together!"),

CNS's newest minyan,

invites you and your family to join
our traditional, innovative, minyan.

Hava Narisha will include
melodies old and new, daveners of all ages and abilities, and
opportunities for deepening community.

Come be a part of our spirited
community at our first meeting on Dec. 4th in the Library.

We will begin our morning together with an un-kiddush at 9:45in one of the classrooms and

davening will start at 10:30 in the library.

Who?
Hava Narisha will be open to everyone but is geared towards families
with young children who want to share the Shabbat morning prayer
experience with them.

For more information contact Elana Naftalin-Kelman at elanank@gmail.com

- Orah VeSimchah Youth Service and Teffilah Times / Siddur Sessions for 3rd-5th graders: will meet on Saturday 12/11 at 11:00 am in the Library and at 4pm at the home of the Gerweins.

I wish everyone a wonderful Chanukah!! As always, please be in touch if there are any questions, suggestions or concerns.

kol tuv - all the best,

-Shalom

--
R' Shalom Bochner
Director of Life Long Learning Congregation Netivot Shalom
education@netivotshalom.org
510-549-9447 ext. 104

CNS Shorashim Hebrew School Newsletter: 11/21 Pre-Chanukah Fair, Gift Drive, 12/2 Chanukah Gathering

2010-11-17T16:45:00.000-08:00

Shalom!

I hope that you are all doing well! We had a wonderful day at Hebrew School last week and took advantage of the somewhat small Veteran's Day attendance to have a special day of Israeli games and holiday activities. This weekend is the 7^th grade Amitim Family Retreat. Last weekend was the Edah Family Seudah Shlishit and Havdalah.

Please read below for important information on:

- Pre-Chanukah Fair this Sunday at Netivot Shalom

- Holiday Gift Drive

- Hebrew School Chanukah Gathering on Thursday 12/2 and a letter from our new Youth Ed Chair, Lara Hornbeck

All the best,

-Shalom

--
R' Shalom Bochner
Director of Life Long Learning Congregation Netivot Shalom
education@netivotshalom.org
510-549-9447 ext. 104

Netivot's FREE pre-Chanukah concert/fair!

Chanukah is just around the corner! You are invited to Netivot's FREE pre-Chanukah concert/fair. Food, music, shopping and fun for all ages.

Sunday, Nov. 21, 11:00-2:30
Congregation Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave., Berkeley

Live performances by Ruach U'Nishama (Spirit and Soul) featuring Rabbi Shalom Bochner and by Rabbi Menachem Creditor of Shirav
Chanukah stories performed by Maggidah Liora Brosbe

Art, crafts, and Judaica for sale by Bay Area Artists; traditional Chanukah foods; Menorahs, dreidels, candles and other Chanukah items; Children's books; handmade Judaica from China, Ghana and Uganda; and a jumpy house

FREE ADMISSION. All are welcome.

A chance to help others too: bring a smile to a child's face and ease a parent's stress by bringing toys, games, books, clothes, art supplies, sports equipment and college apparel to the event. All items should be new or used but in pristine condition, and gifts for teens are especially needed. Wrapping supplies are also appreciated. If you bring your gift wrapped, please label it for age and gender. Items will lbe distributed at a public middle school in Oakland. Thank you!

Co-sponsored by Camps Kee Tov, Ramah in California, Tawonga, URJ Newman and by Be'Chol Lashon

For more information: 510-549-9447 ext. 101 or rimmonim@netivotshjalom.org

Please contact Cathy Shadd Rosenfeld to volunteer to staff a table.

Make this holiday season a little brighter for low-income families in East Oakland. Just a few miles away, families are struggling to meet basic needs. You can help bring a smile to a child's face and ease a parent's stress by bringing toys, games, books, clothes, art supplies, sports equipment and college apparel to the pre-Hanukkah fair, or the basket in the shul lobby. All items must be new, or used but in pristine condition, and gifts for teens are especially needed. Wrapping supplies are also appreciated. If you bring your gift wrapped, it must be labeled for age and gender with the labels provided. The gifts we collect will be distributed to families at Coliseum College Prep Academy, a public middle-high school. For more information, contact Abby Friedman at 510-882-7445.

Hebrew School Chanukah Party

Dear Hebrew School Parents,

Our Hebrew School Chanukah Party is coming right up on Tuesday, December 2nd from 4:45-5:45pm, please join us!

What we need to throw a terrific party is lots of parent help. Listed below are the various tasks that need tending to, some of them require attention before the actual date and some just need folks to show up the day of the party. Please RSVP to me, Lara Hornbeck, at larayoga@hotmail.com and let me know how you can help. We have lots of supplies upstairs in the art room so parents may not need to purchase new supplies. They should check with me or Shalom about looking for supplies and also about what kind of budget we have for buying new ones.

Abby Friedman will once again be organizing a holiday social action project for our shul and our Hebrew school will be participating. So please "make this holiday season a little brighter for low-income families in East Oakland. Just a few miles away, families are struggling to meet basic needs. You can help bring a smile to a child's face and ease a parent's stress by bringing toys, games, books, clothes, art supplies, sports equipment and college apparel to our Hebrew School Chanukah Party on 12/2, or the basket that will be in the shul lobby starting Nov 15th. All items should be new, or used but in pristine condition, and gifts for teens are especially needed. Wrapping supplies are also appreciated. If you bring your gift wrapped, please label it for age and gender. The gifts we collect will be distributed to families at Coliseum College Prep Academy, a public middle-high school. For more information, contact Abby Friedman at 510-882-7445."

2. Dreidle cookie decorating, Deb Lewis will make cookies but we'll need a parent to make the frosting(very easy- powdered sugar, color and water) and buy sprinkles. Parent to supervise activity.

3. Candle making, need at least one other parent to supervise and help.

4. Clay play, parent to buy clay.

5. Social action project gift wrapping. We'll need a few parents to wrap gifts at party as well as purchase wrapping supplies beforehand.

6. Publicity. We also need someone to put together a flyer to hand out to kids on Tuesday, November 23. Parents are invited and encouraged to come have fun!

7. Parent to help out at a drawing/decoration making table.

8. A few more parents to help wherever it might be needed!

Many thanks for your help!

Kol Tuv,

Lara Hornbeck (Youth Ed Chair)
larayoga@hotmail.com