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Hi TNS families and friends - 

Todah rabah for a great Sunday school session yesterday.  Now that we are post High Holidays, we were able to resume our "regular" schedule of Torah Talk, class time, kiddush snack, and kids service (with Hebrew tutoring abound).  We did have a special version of Torah talk, though, with Kristin facilitating time with the animals on our property.

This week we discussed "Bereishit" - or in the beginning.  We reviewed the Torah's description of the first days of life and the concept of "b'tzelem elohim," that G-d is made in the image of humans and we must treat ourselves, our neighbors, and our planet with respect.  We talked about how we don't necessarily have all the answers as to how life actually started, but we do know that thousands of years ago people observed and wrote down the details of light, darkness, sun, moon, stars, big sea creatures, creepy crawly things, vegetation, and so much more.  We ended the discussion with the holiness and importance of Shabbat, a day of rest, and of no work.  Our teacher, Michal, taught us that the word "strike" (like a labor strike) is "shvat," which is akin to Shabbat and the concept of not working to fight for a better life.  Very fitting :)


In our classes, our teachers went into more detail with projects and discussions, while many of the students were pulled for Hebrew reading and writing practice.  Michal sent her class home with Hebrew words for all the body parts, and Amber made beautiful drawings with the Gan class that depict Bereishit.  Joel led a lively discussion on B'tzelem Elohim.  Thank you to the Frimmers for providing snack - please check the Parent Sign Up sheet for available Sundays to help out!  Also a shout out to our TAs - Naama, Zoe, and Rubi - who are doing a great job supporting our students!

Looking at the calendar....

• I'm leading services this Friday, please come if you can.  
• Make sure to mark November 4-6 for our next Rabbi Sammy weekend!  We will have Family Services (with guitar) on Friday night and traditional Saturday morning services with taking out the Torah.  We will need potluck and kiddush help so please be in touch!
• Sunday school is every week until Thanksgiving.  We will be off November 27

As always, please be in touch with any questions, concerns, etc.  We are a very "dyi" group - I see us like a co-op of sorts.  So, any piece you are able to focus on and help out with is what makes all this work!  Also simply entrusting our TNS team with your children is an honor and privilege - we really do learn lots each week, and I love my connection with each and every one of our kids at TNS!

All my best
Lauren