Nov Bulletin 09.indd - Temple Beth El

eligious school
SOMETHING NEW AT SERVICES THIS YEAR
by Arlene Keller, Religious School Principal
For many years, the two High Holy Day
services for the younger and older children
were held at the same time. I remember that,
as own two daughters were growing up, my
husband and I would alternate as to who
would take which child to the children’s
service and who would take the other to the
youth service until they were of age to be at
the same service.
To eliminate the issue for parents this
year, services for the two age groups were held at different times;
the “little kids” service” at 1:30 pm and “the big kids“ or youth
service at 2:15 pm. This gave parents a few different options. If a
family had children in different age groups, they could bring the
whole family to whichever service they chose or to both. The best
part was that families didn’t have to split up.
Having separate services means that all the staff can be at both
as well. Rabbi Syme and Cantor Kalmowitz were traditionally at
the children’s service; this year they were able to be a part of the
youth service too.
Another change that happened this year was that both services
took place in Handleman Hall. Even though the Sanctuary is
awe inspiring and majestic for the younger set, the decision to use
Handleman Hall this year made the service more intimate and
family friendly. All the children came and sat on floor to hear the
story Keren Alpert told. In Handleman Hall, there was no problem
having the children up close and personal as the three Torahs were
carried around the room. There was no shortage of children who
brought their own shofars (many purchased at the Sisterhood Gift
Shop) and blew them along with Cantor Kalmowitz The third to
sixth grader’s service was much the same as it had been in the past,
but with the addition of Rabbi Syme and Cantor Kalmowitz.
Whatever service you and your family attended, I truly hope
that you felt the meaning of the High Holidays and a close
connection with Temple Beth El.
WE WON!
Winners of the
“SO YOU THINK
YOU CAN BLOW
THE SHOFAR:
contest:
Ilissa Chasnick,
Daniel Ackerman,
& Scott Sills.
MY APOLOGIES…
Omitted from the list of S.E.E.D.S.
participants was Alan Lowen, our
B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator.
Thank you to Mr. Joe’s & Mike Abrams for their generous support!
Our Fourth Annual Dinner at Mr. Joe’s!
26077 West 12 Mile Road
Come out to eat & support the religious school, too!
Tuesday, November 10 6:00-8:00 pm
Music & family-friendly fun!
Cost: Only $10 per person for dinner & non-alcoholic drinks.
All proceeds benefit the religious school family & holiday education programs.
RSVP to 248.865.0612 by Sunday, November 8
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