Rabbi Wendy Pein's Blog

Our Spring CJL 2018-2019 was filled with so many special services and programs!

• Kitah Zayin (Seventh Grade) Mitzvah projects with a family dessert reception
• Commemoration of Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) by watching a special documentary film about intellectuals who recorded the actual events of the Warsaw Ghetto
• Maccabiah games to celebrate Yom Ha-Atzmaut, Israel Independence Day
• Recognition of service of our CJL Faculty and Madrichim (Teen Aides)
• Jewpardy (Jewish Jeopardy) and CJL slide shows of photos of our students enjoying all the events and activities throughout the year

As this CJL calendar year comes to an end, you may be discussing whether or not your child/ren will continue in the CJL next year. I realize that many students may not want to. That sports and other extra-curricular activities pull you and your child/ren in many different directions.

But I want to remind you why they should…

• Their CJL time allows your children to consistently connect to the Jewish community
• Your children build new and meaningful friendships with other Jewish kids
• Your child's presence in the CJL each week links them to the chain of Jewish tradition

My guess is that when parents are asked about their hopes for their children, most respond by saying that they want their children to become good people. To become menshen, or mensches. That is what we try to cultivate among our students in the CJL each week. We also seek to help our students develop an appreciation and understanding of our rich Jewish heritage. 

We remind our students to care for others. To express gratitude. To reach out to those who are alone. To give back to the greater community.

We have exciting new initiatives as part of our CJL curriculum which include a new Hebrew Union College (HUC) educational intern who will serve as our Junior and Senior Youth Group advisor, more opportunities for our youth to participate in community service activities and a Shinshin, or young Jewish adult, who will be serving as an emissary from Israel and who will spend time in the CJL this year.

The CJL allows your child/ren to connect and engage in Jewish community and to learn and live Jewish values. We all want that for our children. Which is why I hope your children will continue their Jewish journey with us next year.

L'shalom,

Rabbi Wendy Pein