2007 - United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

in program entitled, “A Walk Through the Gates of Jerusalem.” The Walk began by each family receiving a tour book
of the Old City of Jerusalem and her gates. The floor of the Ballroom had the outline of the Old City on it. At the
appropriate points, archways were placed and marked with: the name of the gate, a picture of the gate, a history of the
gate, and a map showing its location on the wall of the Old City. As families wandered in and out of the gates
(beginning at the Lion’s Gate) they were given the opportunity to participate in activities to enhance their knowledge of
Old City geography and the important sites and history associated with the gates.
HONORABLE MENTION
CONGREGATION OR SHALOM
250-500 Orange, CT
203-799-2341
2006-2007 marked a double celebration -- the 25th anniversary of Congregation Or Shalom and the 25th anniversary of
the tenure of Rabbi Alvin Wainhaus as spiritual leader.
The outline of this year of celebration began last Spring with the idea of several “megaprograms”-- a program
commemorating the Paper Clips Project, a concert by Debbie Friedman and the culmination of the year -- a Gala
Weekend.
Most of the work was done by a large volunteer committee which, in turn, split into several subcommittees.
Local and state-wide elected officials were invited and came to the gala dinner-dance.
This anniversary year was heavily publicized in the local media. This effort was also helped by the Rabbi’s
rather unique story (from an urban, ultra-Orthodox background to a suburban Conservative synagogue).
As a gift to the Rabbi, an Educational and Cultural Fund was established in his honor with the proceeds from
the gala weekend.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
GOLD
Over 900
B’NAI TORAH CONGREGATION
Boca Raton, FL
The Ruth and Edward Taubman Early Childhood Center at B’nai Torah Congregation is an accredited program by the
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). We are also a participant in the Model of
Excellence Program.
We have achieved laboratory status for our early childhood program and have educators spending time in our
laboratory with our staff serving as mentors. The staff has taken many hours of workshops in early childhood and Judaic
studies, as well as Torah Study with B’nai Torah’s rabbinical staff. Our intense study is ongoing.
Our philosophy has been clear. The pre-kindergarten years are a time when children need to be prepared for the
school years ahead and that best happens when we prepare them for life ahead. We teach our children to get along with
each other, we teach our children to share, and we gently guide and model them into respectful and responsible
behaviors. This is done in the loving embrace of Jewish tradition.
GOLD
BETH AHM ISRAEL
250-500 Cooper City, FL
Submitted by Laurie Berger 954-431-5118
Beth Ahm Israel’s Early Childhood Program opened its doors 29 years ago. The school has grown and flourished
through the years. Our families include children as young as 6 weeks through 5 years of age.