Long Island's Oldest Reform Congregation
140 Central Avenue - Lawrence, NY 11559
(516) 239-1140

David Woolfe

Although February is a “short” month at Religious School this year (President’s Week takes a big chunk out of our schedule), it is still a month packed with Jewish learning and activities.

I should note that we had a wonderful Saturday morning program on January 15th. On that morning, the Rabbi, Cantor, President Hartstein and I met with the families of Fall Bar/Bat Mitzvah families to share with them the intricacies of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah process. After breakfast and discussion, we joined the 4th grade students and their families in the Sanctuary for a “teaching” service and siddur presentation.

Some students could not be present because the 15th was the first day of a three-day weekend. (We chose that Saturday because there was no Bar or Bat Mitzvah.) Students who were not present will receive their siddurim at a special Junior Congregation service the week of January 23rd.

February promises to be a wonderful celebratory month as we begin with our Rabbi’s List Family Shabbat dinner and service. We hope the families of all the students honored by placement on the Rabbi’s List will be with us that evening.

Youth events will continue during February. Students, please plan to participate in Youth events. They are wonderful opportunities to be at Temple with your friends — and to make new friends in other classes and other grades.

Finally, to all the K-3 participants in the Super Wacky Macabees — congratulations. Once again, this event was a tremendous success! Thank you to Neil Sutter and Joel Charleston and to Aaron Phillipson and Larry Abrams for your devotion and enthusiasm. You help make the best things at Temple Israel happen for our children.

A special thank you to our anonymous donor who provided the Religious School with a brand new video camera. Your mitzvah is greatly appreciated!