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CANDLESTICK ARTICLE – FEBRUARY 2010 Unlike other Candlestick articles that provide a forward looking perspective of upcoming Religious School events, I have decided to break tradition by dedicating this article to the Kitah Dalet students, all of whom participated in our first Shabbaton in early December 2009 that included a sleepover at the Pine Brook Jewish Center. Our program began with a family dinner organized by class parents; our Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv Services were led by the Dalet students and our Bat Mitzvah, Ariel Ziegler. To the best of my knowledge, this was the first time a Kabbalat Shabbat service at the Pine Brook Jewish Center was led by students. The Congregation was introduced to Shahar Cohen, an eighteen year old Israeli educational emissary, (sponsored by our MetroWest Federation), who later that evening conducted an Israeli based program with the students. The doors to PBJC were locked at 11:30 p.m. and thus began what I hoped to be a restful night of slumber with twenty-five young adults. In actuality what did occur during the next eight hours was a true sense of the prayer, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is for friends to dwell together in unity.” Friendships were solidified and strengthened and I was honored to be a part of it. Wake up, clean up, and breakfast ensued; the rest of the class who didn’t sleep over came back in the morning and everyone attended Junior Congregation services. Following services, a delicious luncheon was served, the camaraderie that permeated during the preceding hours was again portrayed with the robust Birkat Hamazon and Shabbat Zmirot led by Rabbi Finkel. Our Shabbat festivities continued with “Mrs. Sheydwasser’s Dalet Extravaganza” which included, Bible Idol, Olympics, and Memory Game. Rabbi Finkel was selfless by coming back to lead an excellent shiur (study session) with us that gave the meaning behind the giving of Chanukah Gelt. Parents were asked to join us at 4:00 p.m. where Rabbi explained and conducted Mincha, Maariv and Havdallah services. There were more than 15 students and parents to end this Shabbat experience at 5:30. Honoring the Shabbat was the first commandment given to the Jewish nation upon leaving Egypt. Shabbat is a day of rest; it is the break from the work week, and it is the time when relationships are solidified and revitalized. Our students took on the full traditions of this mitzvah and truly made it a memorable one. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank the following teens who spent the night with us and certainly helped to create the memories that will, without a doubt, remain with us: Halli Goldsmith, Rachel Resnick, Nathan Lichtenstein, Gabe Weiss and Andrew Mallen. Kol Hakavod to all of you and I do look forward to another Shabbaton next year (only if I can bring an air mattress)! Special thanks to Meryle Handler, Harvey Jaffe and Randi Kruger for helping throughout the program.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, the parents, for entrusting your children into my care. These young adults are who they are because of your commitment and dedication to our program. Thank you for believing in us, thank you for your support! Todah Rabah for your lovely emails regarding the Shabbaton, they are truly appreciated and cherished, (and will be read over and over again, especially when I am having a particularly hard day!) Your children were amazing, respectful at all times, and looked upon the Shabbaton as a privilege, and realized that they were the pioneers of a very important program and took ownership and responsibility! We are very fortunate at PBJC to have such a devoted and caring staff of professionals who not only prepared our students for the service but who helped me throughout the Shabbaton. A team is defined as a group, a working party, and we are privileged to have a President with vision, (Alan, thank you for allowing us to sleep over), a clergy who supports the Religious School with enthusiasm and vigor, and all of you, the parents, who allow us to allow us to be. a part of your child’s Jewish education. We will work very hard to not let you down. Exciting events took place in the month of January that I will share with you over the following months: Hebrew High trip to Philadelphia – January 17th through the 18th. Kitah Gimel Kabbalat Shabbat Service and Shabbaton – January 22 – 23 (no sleepover) Please mark your calendar and save the date of celebrating Shabbat with our Kitah Bet students and Shabbat across America on Friday, March 5th. More information will be forthcoming. As always, my door is always open to your suggestions, comments and ideas. B’Shalom, Mrs. Mary Sheydwasser
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