Scroll - Congregation Beth El

Youth ActivitiesKindergarten ConsecrationBy Robin Rosen SpectorTo celebrate the beginning of their formal Jewish education,44 children participated in the Kindergarten Consecrationand B’nai Torah Ceremony in December. Before theceremony, Rabbi Greg Harris led a program for thechildren’s parents. The rabbi discussed the role of parentsin their children’s Jewish education and stressed that thesynagogue and religious school hope to serve as partnerswith parents in this important endeavor. Rabbi Harriscounseled parents to nurture their children’s dreams andDor L’DorThe Beth El Preschool Fours Class and a group ofBeth El seniors blend together naturally to formDor L’Dor, a special intergenerational program connectingchildren with seniors, as in these photosfrom a recent event. The next Dor L’Dor is Thursday,February 5, at noon, in the Zahler Social Hall.To participate and share some delicious pizza withthe preschoolers, RSVP to Audrey Berger or RicardoMunster at 301-652-2606, ext. 316, or rmunster@bethelmc.org.Dor L’Dor is co-sponsored byBEPS, Vatikkim, and the Senior Caucus. •Youth Committee Seeks MembersJoin the Beth El Youth Committee, and have a hand in shaping the mission,goals, and direction of our Youth Department. The committee meets once amonth, usually on Sundays during Religious School. Committee membershelp hire and supervise the youth staff. Occasionally, we need an errand to berun or an extra chaperone at an event. If you love children (not just yours) andcan serve on the Youth Committee, please contact, Adam Zeren, at 301-652-2606, or azeren@bethelmc.org.encourage their probing questions about their faith. Afterhis brief talk, Rabbi Harris left the parents to schmooze,reminding everyone that in just five years, they would all begathered in the same room to choose b’nai mitzvah dates forthese same children.At the ceremony, the children sang a repertoire of songsand prayers, choreographed with hand gestures, including“Hatikva,” “Every Morning As I Awaken,” “Modeh Ani,”“Am Yisrael Chai,” “Torah Tzivah Lanu Moshe,” “You AreMy Torah,” and the Shema. Abygail Rubin, Edith Sievers,Sharon Strauss, and Laurie Mackey deserve a todah rabah forputting the program together.After the songs, Louis Nagel, Beth El’s Religious Schooldirector, presented each child with a small Torah scroll.Hazzan Abe Lubin then chanted the Shehecheyanu andHaMotzi. Afterwards, the group adjourned to the BenderSocial Hall for a celebratory brunch. •Look for more profiles of Religious Schoolfaculty in the next Scroll.BEPS BigEventEnjoy an evening of fun, food, andfriends at the Beth El Preschoolannual fundraiser on Sunday,March 1, from 6:30 to 9:30 pm,at Union Jack’s, 4915 St. ElmoAvenue, in Bethesda. The event isopen to preschool families, BethEl families, friends, and relativesand will feature games and a notto-be-missedsilent auction. Ticketsare $75. Checks payable toBEPS can be dropped off in anenvelope on the Preschool bulletinboard. For questions or formore information, contact RisaElias or Jen Nordheimer atinfo@bethelmc.org.5