Yom Hashoah

​Hi friends

I do hope your kids mentioned yesterday's content at TNS school, as it was much to process after spending our first 45 minutes on the Holocaust.  First of all - the kids did amazingly well.  They were respectful, attentive, and inquisitive around such a serious matter.  All took in the movie we screened (The Number on Great Grandpa's Arm) and engaged with Phylissa's presentation on her experiences with the March of the Living.  Phylissa was inspiring and heartfelt as she spoke of her time with survivors who she marched alongside, and even dug out the coat to wear that all her fellow marchers did - not just to honor the memory of the Holocaust, but to show unity and pride in carrying on the Jewish people.  
As you'll see in the pictures below - we also engaged our students in lighting candles and reading poetry.  We had 6 yellow candles to represent the 6M Jews who perished, and each child had a chance to light their own candle to remember, honor, and hold the moment.  Amber and Levi M. read outloud the "Butterfly" poem that many students did art projects on during class time; I read a Hannah Sennesh poem and explained her backstory.
  

            


I also want to thank the Bnei Mitzvah boys who attended this past Saturday's Shabbat service - Arie Bandari and Atticus Feldman.  Seeing the two of them with their kippot and tallises on, both opening and closing the ark together, and being called up for an aliyah, was exemplary in how we carry on our traditions - and how our children learn to do so.  Rabbi Micah certainly played a role in integrating them into the service.  I'll continue to remind all about our Saturday services and look forward to ones to come.

In the meantime, there is much to put on your calendar for a community Yom HaShoah program, Friday Family services, our next Community School Session, and a TNS Family Campout!  Here's the rundown:

• THIS Wednesday, April 27 -  Holocaust Remembrance Service at Congregation Beth David.  Rabbi Micah will be leading the liturgy, Paul Wolff will be speaking.  SLO Youth Symphony will be performing "Hatikvah" and "Mi Ma'amin" - Isaac Bandari will be one of the violinists!  
• Friday, May 6 - Family/Tot Shabbat Service AND new TNS Member Dinner.  Come for a lovely night with Rabbi Micah leading the service part and our TNS family honoring new members with a special Shabbat dinner at the synagogue.  Evite forthcoming!
• Sunday, May 15 - Community School Session - Israel.  Our final session that combines all area Hebrew schools will be at CBD and focus on lessons celebrating the modern state of Israel.  We will need parent help - including to manage our snack "shuk" and other elements.  Rabbi Micah will be leading a parent talk too.  Be in touch with me if you can help out for this day - or sign up on our Parent Sign-Up form.
• Saturday, May 21 - Lag B'omer Havdalah and Family Campout! - come for dinner and Havdalah, stay for the campout if you can!  Hosted by the Leva Family - see all details, including camping gear needs on our Evite at  http://evite.me/6HYrb3gYyd.  

Lastly - I still have a lot of briskets in my fridge waiting to be cooked for anyone who likes....so who wants to do Shabbat dinner together?  Just text me :).  xoxo, Lauren

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