IN WASHTENAW COUNTY - Washtenaw Jewish News

several different levels. The Hebrew-In-
A-Day program is a great opportunity for
those just beginning to learn Hebrew,
or for those ready for a quick refresher
course. The popular Sunday night lecture
series (generally from 7:45–9 p.m., with
refreshments) features dynamic presenters
from local universities. Many other
classes and lectures are offered throughout
the year, including a weekly Wednesday
Lunch and Learn sessions, text study
classes on the weekly Torah portion
and other topics, special holiday study
sessions, a Mussar Group, courses taught
in Hebrew for those who are fluent in
Hebrew, Passover College, a Tikkun Leil
Shavuot Study program, and educational
programs facilitated by Rabbi Dobrusin
and Rabbi Blumenthal. Beth Israel classes
are open to all, regardless of synagogue
affiliation.
BETH ISRAEL
PROGRAMS DEPARTMENT
tel: 769-1651
fax: 665-2733
email: programs@bethisrael-aa.org
The Programs Department provides high
quality, experiential, and informal Jewish
learning opportunities for youth, adults,
and families. Programming embraces
the full spectrum of Jewish life: cultural,
educational, social, religious, and spiritual.
Events are meant to reinforce and complement
Jewish experiences in the home and
beyond. To best achieve these objectives,
weekly, monthly, and annual events are
offered. These include family education
programs, adult programming, Shabbat
and holiday programming, youth groups,
and other teen programs. Alll events are
open to the community.
Outdoor Activities
Throughout the summer Beth Israel offers
many outdoor activities. Beth Israel
members maintain a community garden
at County Farm Park where they grow
flowers and vegetables. The produce
grown is used at Beth Israel kiddushes
and synagogue dinners and is donated
to Food Gatherers to help others in the
community. In July and August, Beth
Israel offers events such as Barbecue and
Barchu, The Magic of Shabbat, Shabbat
in the Park, Pet Shabbat, and Musical
Kabbalat Shabbat. In August, the Beth
Israel Fair offers a variety of great activities
for all ages including a bounce house,
face painting, card games, a hot dog
lunch, snow cones, and more. Various
celebrations on Sukkot, plus ice skating
and other outdoor events take place
throughout the rest of the year.
Quiz Night
A highlight of the programming year is
the annual multi-media Beth Israel Quiz
Night. Adults of all ages compete as
teams to answer trivia questions, audio
and video clues, and other puzzles in a
fun filled, social evening. The Quiz Night
takes place in January.
SPECIAL SHABBAT AND Holiday
Programs
Shabbat, Holiday and Other
Special Meals
Beth Israel hosts a number of Shabbat and
holiday meals as a way for members to meet
others in the synagogue community and
enhance one’s celebration of Shabbat and
holidays. Community members will be able to
snack and schmooze in nearby members’ Sukkot
during the Sukkah Hop. A Congregational Dinner
on Erev Simchat Torah will be offered. An “International
Shul of Pancakes Breakfast” is available
in between the Shaharit Service and the Torah
processionals on Simchat Torah. “Latkapalooza” is a
latke dinner and Chanukah celebration extravaganza.
“Sweatshirt Shabbat” encourages everyone
to wear a sweatshirt to a winter Shabbat morning
service, followed by Kiddush with a selection of
cholents with recipes from the around the world.
The “Annual Beth Israel Chinese Dinner at House
of Israel Kaifung” takes place on December 24.
Teen Shabbat and Kid’s Kiddush allow the congregation’s
teens to run the service, while 5th and 6th
graders plan and present the kiddush luncheon
which follows.
High Holiday Family Celebration is an Erev Rosh
Hashanah happening that is an ideal way for
families with pre-school and early elementary
school age children to learn about and celebrate
the High Holidays in a family-friendly manner.
On Rosh Hashanah morning, the Rosh Hashanah
Family Service for families with elementary school
aged children is an informal, participatory service,
usually on the second day of the holiday.
High Holy Day Jr. Congregation Programs: Special,
age-appropriate services and educational programs
are offered for almost every level at Beth
Israel, from preschoolers through 8th grade. With
special two-hour programs offered for different
age groups, the holidays are celebrated in ways
ranging from stories and hands-on activities for the
youngest kids to offering older kids opportunities
for serious discussion and service-leading. Parents
are always welcome to join these services and see
what their children are accomplishing and learning.
Programs for Tots
and Their Parents
Beth Israel offers a comprehensive program
for families with young children. Dinners
such as “Bring a Stuffed Animal Friend,” Tot
Friday Night Dinner, Tot Chanukah Party,
and a Tot Sukkot dinner include songs,
crafts, and informal educational fun while
the twice-monthly Tot Shabbat program
on Saturday mornings is a great way for the
youngest members to celebrate Shabbat
with their families.
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