Hi everyone,
The time has come for Adat Shalom to be filled with the voices of our children. As the first day of Torah School's Wednesday Hebrew program comes closer, I am profoundly aware that I will soon hear the voices of children learning Hebrew. I can't wait. For me, there is nothing like having children learn together and grow together.
The first day of our Hebrew program will be on September 11th. It will be a good time for the Torah School to come together in prayer. We are all anxious and sad about the anniversary of last year's destruction, but our plan is to give our children the opportunity to come together with their friends and teachers at Adat Shalom, and Rabbi Fred and Cantor Sue Roemer. I, personally, believe that this is a good time to celebrate new beginnings. Our spirits were terribly affected by that horrible day, but they weren't broken. On September 11th, we will have the opportunity to process the horrible pain of last year's destruction and to empower our own lives as we prepare for Yom Kipper through teshuvah (asking for and giving forgiveness), tefillah (prayer), and tzedakah (charity). Activities for the first day of Hebrew School will incorporate these three components of the holiday season.
In addition to Hebrew School, we have new experiences that are evolving for our Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday evening upper school program (now known as K'nafayim). We are spreading our wings as we continue to create new ways for our school to be a creative learning environment. Being the new Education Director of the Adat Shalom Torah School is amazing. I love that the people and the environment here inspire creativity.
At the beginning of August, I was fortunate enough to attend CAJE, Conference for the Alternatives of Jewish Education, in San Antonio. As I sat among my colleagues, I realized how wonderful and healthy our community is. I had the opportunity to learn and connect with Jewish educators from all over the world. Each community offers wonderful strengths and challenges, but our community feels different. Adat Shalom includes a vibrant group of people who allow for each individual to embrace his/her own interests and spiritual growth.
May we be blessed with building a strong Torah School and Youth Program filled with love for each other and love for all Jews.
Shanah Tovah,
Toni Bloomberg Grossman