A Note From Robin

September 5, 2019

Dear Parents:

I hope your children's transitions back to school have been smooth and filled with excitement and wonder. I've seen many photos of your kids on Facebook, and your kids look taller, tan, and happy.

I'm resending this email with back-to-religious school information for you to review. This week we are amid teaching orientation, and I have no doubt that we have the most fantastic faculty! They are working hard to get everything ready for your children, and in the next week, you should receive an email form your child's teacher.

Please be in touch with any questions and make sure that you have September 15 on your calendar. That day RS is dismissing at 11am do everyone can celebrate TI's 75th Anniversary at a Kick-Off celebration that day from 11am-12pm. It's free, and lunch will be served.

Here's some back-to-religious school information for you and your children:

1. Registration: If you have not yet registered your children, please do so as soon as possible, it helps us with planning, and the teachers are beginning to review student information about allergies and learning needs.

2. Calendar: At the bottom of this email is a list of dates for September.  Below that is a link to the Religious School Calendar for the entire year.

3. Teachers: You will also find a link to bios of all our faculty members and the grades they will be teaching. If you would like to speak with your child’s teacher (or me) before religious school begins, please let me know.

4.  Welcome: To our new students and their families:: Yuval Artzi (6); Fiona Rakhunov (PK); Sydney Spiro (K); Leo Amerikaner (K); Jordana Goldberg (K); Brandon Rich (PK)

5. More Welcomes to new members of the education team: Yahav Bel Gal, our 2019-2020 Shinshin. A video that Yahav made (with the other Greater Boston Shinshin, Maya) is on the Parent Facebook group. Orit Cohen, the new religious school office assistant, and Anna Birnholz, our new (and first-ever song leader!).

6. You can expect to receive a “welcome email” from your child’s teachers before their first day. Please watch for this email.

7. Drop-Off: Please park and walk your child into the building.

8. Dismissal
1. Sundays. Please park your car, and if your child is in grades K or 1, please meet them in their classroom. Grade 2-7 teachers will dismiss their students to the lobby. Please meet older children in the lobby.
2. Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Please park your car and come in to meet your children in the lobby.

9. What to bring:
1. Temple Israel will provide most school supplies.  If you child’s teacher has a specific need for something special, it will be in the welcome letter your get from your child’s teacher in a few weeks.
2. We encourage every student to have a designated Religious School backpack or folder. Students in grades 2-6 have a binder they are expected to bring back and forth each day.
3. Each day, please send your child with a kosher, nut-free snack.
10. Opening Days for Grades 2-7: Tuesday and Wednesday, September 10 and 11.  Special thanks to the Men’s Club for again sponsoring the ANNUAL APPLE AND HONEY OLYMPICS! All students in grades 2-7 will join in this new year fun from 5-6pm on Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon. The Apple and Honey Olympics take place outdoors (weather permitting) and involve running and an art project.  Please make sure your child is wearing shoes they can run in and clothes that can get messy. The paint is not washable.

11. Communication
1. Several times a month, we will send a newsletter with class updates. Each week you can also expect to receive a link to our blog where teachers will post information about what they have been working on and what’s coming up.
2. Each teacher will let you know the best way to reach them. Many have a google phone number, and everyone has an email. I am always available, as well.

12. Upcoming Events: Please see the list of dates below, and watch your email for specifics about our off-site Tashlich program on Sunday, October 6, at the South Natick Dam.

I can’t wait for the year to begin and to have children voices and faces filling the halls at Temple Israel. If you have any questions or concerns, please be in touch!

L’Shalom,

Robin

5-3-19

I can't believe the year is almost over! Time flies when you are having fun. Sunday, May 19 is our last day, and we have a special morning planned. The schedule for the morning is as follows:

9am

Students and Teachers will gather for end of the year activities in their classrooms.   Parents are welcome to schmooze in the lobby, and we'll have coffee.

10am

The 7th graders will lead us in tefila, and we'll have a short end of the year ceremony and a send-off for Nitzan. Following that, grades PK/K-Grade 1 will return to their classrooms. At that point we'll continue with the 7th grader Siyum, during with every 7th grader will share a reflection about their Jewish education to date and how they are going to stay involved in the Jewish community. Parents are invited, not required to attend.

11am

The Parent's Association and the 7th Grade Parents are sponsoring/organizing a community brunch in honor of our 7th graders and our faculty.   A parent or another adult must accompany each child at the brunch. Please RSVP here:  http://evite.me/4bpGk1f8WJ

I look forward to celebrating with all of you in a few weeks. We have all learned and grown so much this past year and have much to celebrate - and the learning continues over the next few busy weeks with Israel Memorial Day, Israel Independence Day and end of the year projects to complete and prepare to present.

4-10-19

So much happened this week:

• We continued listening to and living Josh Warshawsky's music!
• Grade 3-5 Spring Electives about the Four Children in the Haggadah wrapped. All 3rd-5th graders have framed art representations of the Four Children.  Check out our FB group for lots of photos.
• Grades 6 and 7, along with students from Beth Am in Framingham, met with Mayor Spicer of Framingham, David Fishman, a member of Natick Town Meeting, and Adam Freudberg, a member of the Framingham school committee.  Students learned about the importance of advocacy, leadership and getting involved in the local community.  The students are now working on letters to local representatives and leaders in which they are sharing concerns.
• Grades PK-2 sang Passover songs with Cantor Ken. Everyone worked on the Four Questions.

3-27-19

It was a busy week at TI!  Electives for grades 3-5 got started.  We are focusing on the Four Children and Art in the Haggadah.  In the Haggadah each of the children asks a different question. Commentators describe the Wicked Child's question as provocative.  Our students told me that examples of provoking questions are the questions that make their teachers and parents mad.  Whether in "Collage, Watercolor or "Black & White," student began experimenting with the materials and it was great to see their creativity flourish as they interpreted the Haggadah.  Our grade 2 students are ready for Kabbalat Siddur this coming Shabbat and their wimpels are hanging and look fabulous!  Grades K and 1 are hard at work reviewing the Four Question, and our 6th and 7th graders are engaged in some projects related to Jewish advocates throughout history, Haifa and the 7th graders will soon be preparing for their Siyum.

3-21-19

Last week Purim was upon us, and this week Passover is upon us.  This week grades 3-5 will begin Passover Electives focusing on the Four Children in the Haggadah, and all grades will start Passover prep.  Next weekend our artist-in-residence, Josh  Warshawsky, will be at Temple Israel.   Please sign up for Shabbat Dinner on Friday night, sponsored by the RSPA.  Friday night we'll get a preview of Josh's music.  Shabbat morning Josh will lead a Family service in the Sanctuary, and we'll celebrate Kabbalat Siddur with our Kitah Bet/Grade 2 students.


This weekend a few special programs: Grades 6-7 have a special program related to their advocacy unit on standing up to bullies.  Grade 2 has a special program on inclusion based that is STEM-based.


3-10-19

Purim is upon us!

Please remember to sign up for our Purim Dinner on Wednesday, March 21 and our religious school Shabbat dinner on Friday Night, March 29.  The Purim Dinner includes an interactive mad-libs Purim Spiel, and the religious school Shabbat dinner coincides with our visiting artist-in-residence weekend, with Josh Warshawsky.  Throughout the weekend, Josh will be leading tefila for the community, teaching in the religious school and performing for students and at Cafe Acshav. You won’t want to miss either of these events.

Enjoy these Purim videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMIEFlwzj5s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_buL-vcuvvw&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYGqOMe-DqQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgJInVvJSZg

--

Robin Kahn

Welcome Back! Religious School Info!

Dear Parents:

This email contains much information you need about the coming week.  Please review it carefully.

We are so excited to welcome your children to Temple Israel of Natick this coming week!  

This past week, and again this coming Sunday, our staff has been meeting, orientating, sharing and preparing for your children’s arrival.  Bulletin boards are going up and when your children arrive they will be able to find their name in their own classroom.  We want every student to know they belong!  Most classrooms this year, especially on Sundays, have classroom aides to support your children.  Lead teachers have been working closely with their aides and madrichim (teen volunteers).  One of the things I am most excited about this year is our Israeli Shinshin who will be travelling classrooms each week to share his love of Israel with our students.

As you begin to prepare you kids for the opening of school a few items to highlight:

1.     You can expect to receive a “welcome email” from your child’s teachers before their first day.  Please watch for this email.

2.     Drop-Off: Please park and walk your child into the building.

3.     Dismissal.

a.     Sundays.  Please park your car and if your child is in grades K or 1, please meet them in their classroom.  Grade 2-7 teachers will dismiss their students to the lobby.  Please meet older children in the lobby.

b.     Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  Please park your car and come in to meet your children in the lobby.

4.     What to bring:

a.      “Special items” needed will be in the welcome letter your get from your child’s teacher.  We will provide all school supplies.

b.     We encourage every student to have a designated Hebrew School bag or folder.  Students in grades 2-6 have a binder they are expected to bring back and forth each day.

c.      Each day, please send your child with a kosher, nut-free snack.  

5.    Opening Days: Tuesday and Wednesday September 12 and 13

a.     Grades 2-5: Special thanks to the Men’s Club for again sponsoring the ANNUAL APPLE AND HONEY OLYMPICS!  All students in grades 2-5 will join in this new year fun from 5-6pm on Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon.  As you can imagine the Olympics include being outdoors and some running.  This year our “Apple and Honey”Olympics include a painting project.  Please make sure your child is wearing shoes they can run in and clothes that can get messy.  The paint is not washable.

b.     Grade 6&7: Pre-teens in grade 6 and 7 will have an orientation to the new social justice program they will be participating in this year.  The orientation will take place at the Natick Community Garden located up the street at the Presbyterian Street Church (99 Hartford Street).  There students will have the opportunity to begin exploring how a small community garden can have a huge impact on many individuals and bring a community together.  The pre-teens will get to be in the garden.  Please make sure your pre-teens wear’s comfortable walking shoes and clothes to wear in a garden.

6.    Communication

a.     Several times a month we will send a newsletter with class updates.  Each week you can also expect to receive a link to our blog where teachers will post information about what they have been working on and what’s coming up.

b.     Each teacher will let you know the best way to reach them.  Many have a google phone number and everyone has an email.  I am ALWAYS available as well.  My contact information is below.

7.     Class Lists: At the end of next week we will send class lists.

8.     Upcoming Events: Please see them list of dates below, and watch your email for specifics on our Tashlich program on September 24^th.  This Sudnay is the PA’s welcome back picnic at John Lane Park!

I can’t wait for the year to begin and to have children voices and faces filling the halls at Temple Israel. If you have any questions or concerns, please be in touch!

Shabbat Shalom!

Robin

--

Robin Kahn

Temple Israel of Natick

Director of Education and Teen Engagement

617.823.1312

Upcoming Dates to Note:

September 5 - Grade 7 Parent Meeting with R. Liben and Cantor Ken (8pm)

September 10 - Religious School Meet up at John Lane Park (10am)

September 10 - Grade 6-12 Youth Event (TBA) - afternoon

September 10 - Taste of Rosh Hodesh (Grade 6 & 7 Girls, 6pm)

September 12 - Opening Tuesday

September 13 - Opening Wednesday

September 17 - Opening Sunday*

September 17 - Grade 3-5 Youth Event (TBA) - afternoon

September 24 - Community Tashlich at Cochituate State Park

Education Program Calendar

*Opening Sunday Includes: Welcome Program at 9am followed by a nosh for parents, a K parent meeting with Rabbi Dan and Robin at 11am)

TIRS THANKSGIVING CAMPAIGN: HUGE SUCCESS!!!!

I am thankful for the Temple Israel of Natick community.

I am thankful to be part of this generous, caring and compassionate

community.

I am thankful to the Gesher (7^th grade) students for enthusiastically leading

our Thanksgiving campaign.

I am thankful to the teachers who provided time and space in their classes and encouraged their students and families to support this campaign.

I am thankful to all the students and parents who gave so generously to our

Thanksgiving campaign.

I am thankful that we met our goal and then some!!!

We succeeded in gathering food to provide eight families with Thanksgiving feasts.  We also donated additional funds, stuffing and quick bread mixes.

With your help, WE DID IT!!!

TI Family Meet Up Sept. 11 @ John Lane Park

Education Calendar

Shalom!  Shalom!  Shalom!  

I am pleased to share with you the TI Education Calendar (as of 8.15.16) for this coming year:

http://tinyurl.com/tiedcal1617

We have worked together to place all events: Grade Level, Youth Programming, Shabbat, School Days, Holidays etc. in one place with the hopes that this will be a useful reference throughout the year.  

Of course, sometimes plans change.  Please always watch for emails with updated information.  Publicity about each program will arrive in our weekly constant contact and in an email 2-4 weeks prior to an event.   My emails always contain up to date information and coming events.  Anything in yellow on the calendar means it's been updated since we initially put it on the calendar.

We're about to kick-off an exciting year.  We're continuing to pilot new programming with the arts in the fall and in the spring and I am thrilled to introduce you to several new faculty members and welcome back many familiar faces.  Bios coming soon and letters arriving soon by mail to the kids.

Our year kick's off for Kitah Bet-Zayin/Grades 2-7 on September 13 and 14 with outdoor fun (thank you to the Men's Club). Kitah Gan and Kitah Alef/Grades K-1 we will greet you on Sunday morning, August 18.

Since registration was online, our class lists are also online!  I am sharing with everyone a link through which they can open a list of the students in the grades they have children in.  Please let me know if information for your family is inaccurate or needs to be changed.

Enjoy these last weeks of summer and stay cool!

Robin

Meet Our Teachers

Welcome Back!  We are so excited to welcome everyone back in a few weeks!

SCROLL DOWN TO MEET OUR FACULTY

Jeremy Arcus-Goldberg

Kitah Dalet/Grade 4

I am looking forward to being the fourth grade Sunday teacher in my first year at Temple Israel. I love teaching in a Jewish setting because I love that Judaism can connect with every person in a different way. I enjoy teaching through hands-on experiences and I developed my philosophy while teaching Jewish environmental education and leading backpacking trips in Connecticut, California, Israel, and other places. My credentials include a Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education from Brandeis University, a Master's Degree in Jewish Studies and Spirituality from Siegal College of Cleveland, and a BA in Philosophy and Religion from Boston University. I am an active member of TI, and I enjoy sharing my interests in board games and communal singing.

Judy Azer

Kitah Alef/Grade 1

I am delighted to be teaching Alef (Grade 1) at Temple Israel.  A former history and English teacher, I am currently a substitute elementary teacher.  Keeping current on educational trends, I have taken many workshops on special education, differentiated learning, and Jewish themes.  Outside school, my husband and I enjoy traveling.  I often visit Jewish sites, most recently the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust and Harvard’s Semitic Museum.  At my synagogue, I enjoy adult education, social activities, and the book group. At my local library, I facilitate the monthly Shalom Reader’s Group.  I am also involved in several secular and volunteer activities.  I love working with young children because of their creativity and eagerness for learning.

Elana Berelowitz

Kitah Gimel/Grade 3

I have been teaching at Temple Israel of Natick for 17 years at all grade levels and am currently the teacher for the Gimel (3rd grade) class.  I am married to Saul Berelowiz and we have two boys, Adam (20) and Michael (15).  We moved here from South Africa when Adam was 3.  In addition to teaching at Temple Israel I work as a paraprofessional in the Natick Public Schools where I work with children with severe special needs.  In the summer I teach Arts and Crafts at Grossman Camp in Westwood.  In my spare time I enjoy reading, watching TV, spending time with family and friends, and going to my kids’ sports games.

Gretchen Brandt

Gesher/Grade 7

A fifth generation Californian and graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, I learned and taught in Israel for several years prior to doing graduate work at Boston University in Social Psychology with a focus on Jewish identity.  A veteran Jewish educator in the Greater Boston area, I have held leadership and teaching positions at the New Jewish Academy (formerly the Solomon Schechter Day School of Worcester), Striar Hebrew Academy and the MetroWest Jewish Day School. Most recently, I spend my time learning with students at Temple Israel of Natick, Congregation Or Atid (TELEM coordinator/educator), the Chabad Center of Natick (Family Enrichment coordinator), and Congregation Beth El. On Wednesday mornings, I can be found with my Hebrew hevruta discussing Hebrew fiction and poetry. I am the proud ima of Emma, Jacob and Aaron Brandt and Ilana and Adam Bernstein, and Aviya’s savta. A life-long learner, I share Rabbi Hanina’s reflection: I have learned much from my teachers, more from my colleagues and the most from my students. (Ta’anit 7a) My husband Stewart and I have the distinction of living the closest to Temple Israel of Natick in what is lovingly called ‘The Brandt Bed and Breakfast’ with our cat, Bucky.

Joanne Camann

Kitah Bet/Grade 2

I am so very excited about teaching Kitah Bet at Temple Israel this year.  I also teach first grade at the MetroWest Jewish Day School in Framingham and teach at Camp Yavneh in the summers. When I am not teaching, I love to sing, ride my bike and swim.  I live in a historic home on the banks of the Charles River in Needham with my husband, my two children and two pet bunnies.

Cheryl Gelfand

Kitah Alef/Grade 1 (Aide)

My name is Cheryl. I am a mother of two boys, ages 14 and 11. I worked as an attorney for many years and am now working on a mid-life career change into a middle school teacher. I enjoy spending time with children and seeing them learn and grow. Their energy is contagious and their questions are always interesting. When I am not working (as a substitute teacher, at the Religious School, or tutoring) I am usually either spending time with my children or doing my own schoolwork. I am also actively involved in Temple Israel, am on the Sisterhood board, and sing with the Chorale. When I have time, I enjoy reading and spending time with friends.

Ann Green

Kitah Gan & Bet/Grades K & 2 (Aide)

I enjoy my work as a teacher’s aide at Temple Israel, where I’ve been a member for over 30 years.  I’m also a free-lance writer for publications including Jewishboston.com, The Jewish Advocate and the Erma Bombeck Writer’s Workshop Newsletter.  My current project is a book of poems for children about the Jewish holidays. I love reading, humor, cats and having friends over for Shabbat dinners.

Sarah Korostoff

Kitah Dalet/Grade 4

Hello Families of TION! I am so excited to be a new member of your temple community! I am looking forward to working with your 4th graders, because as much as I plan to teach them, I know they’re going to teach me even more! I am originally from New Jersey, but I now love calling Boston my new home. I am a speech therapist by day, and Hebrew School teacher by night. When I am not doing either of these things, I try my best to explore Boston! Feel free to stop by my classroom and introduce yourself – I can’t wait to meet everyone!

Margie Matross

Kitah Bet/Grade 2

It's hard to believe that I'm beginning my 18th  year teaching in the Religious School at Temple Israel. I love interacting with our youth as they learn and discover their Jewish identity.  During the day when I'm not at Temple Israel I teach in the Judaic department at Solomon Schechter over the school year and at Grossman Camp in the summer. I love to read, cook (especially bake) and garden. I enjoy taking long walks to unwind.

Cindy Nelson

Kitah Hey/Grade 5

I grew up in a large and very religious family in Brookline.  My bubbe, Etta, had 11 children, her sister, Bertha had 13!  I had zillions of cousins.  Everyone of us went to Hebrew school right through high school and some through college.  I was certain most of the world was Jewish.  Mine certainly was.  I had so much to learn about the real world!  I never liked Hebrew school and I wished there could have been some fun in class- at least sometimes.  I graduated college with a degree in education, and taught for a short while. Then I had the luxury of being a stay at home mom.  I wouldn't trade those years for anything. When my own children started Hebrew school, I began to substitute in the synagogue classroom.  Ah, I had found my Jewish niche! I love everything Jewish. Judaism is my passion.  I love that I can "pay it forward"! My mother used to tell me, "someday you'll thank me".  It took a long time. But she was so right!! Thanks Mom! I became the teacher I wish I could have had.

Michelle Nelson

Kitah Gan/Kindergarten

I am so excited to be teaching the Kindergarten (Gan) Class at Temple Israel of Natick again this year.  This will be my sixth year providing students with their first taste of our Education Program and I am thrilled to again be working with the outstanding Ann Green.  In addition to teaching our youngest students, I am also the Youth Programming Coordinator at Temple Israel, providing informal educational opportunities for students in Grades K-12.  When not at Temple Israel, this year I will be teaching middle school science in Framingham and can be found enjoying the sunshine at Pilgrim Day Camp during the summer months.  In my free time, I enjoy going mini golfing, I read lots of books and love to spend time with my dog Swiffer.

Elaine Pollack

Kitah Vav/Grade 6

I am delighted to be joining the Temple Israel teaching staff. I will be teaching Grade Six this year. I am a veteran “Hebrew School” teacher, and have taught at almost every grade level, including Adult Education and Family Education.  My goals In Kitah Vav this year are to strengthen Hebrew literacy, to build on Jewish knowledge of history and Prophets, and to encourage a sense pride and belonging within our classroom community, as well as the Temple community.

I used to introduce myself to my talmidim (students) as Morah Elana, and then, in 2003, I entered the Rabbinical School of Hebrew College as a member of its first class.  So in 2008, after five years of rich and intense study, I became Rabbi Elaine. My goal in rabbinical school was to expand and deepen my understanding of Torah, Talmud, Midrash, and prayer.  With enthusiasm and caring, I share my learning with every group I teach.  

For enjoyment I am a choral singer, and have been building my singing skills since 1977. From a love of singing and Hebrew, I learned to chant Torah and Haftarah as an adult, and then to teach this skill. It is a special joy for me to empower kids and adults to leyn Torah.  I have three grown children, Lisa, Matthew, and Beth, and two grandsons, Jacob and Elijah.   I love world travel, and to do anything that involves being outdoors.

Diana Weinstein

Kitah Dalet/Grade 4 (Aide)

I am thrilled to be back at Temple Israel as a classroom aide. Having gone through the Hebrew School program at TI as a child, it has been quite an exciting experience for me to return as a faculty member. I recently received my Master's in Teaching from Simmons College and can't wait to bring what I've learned with me to the classroom. In my free time, I enjoy running, cooking, watching movies, and spending time with friends and family. Looking forward to another great year!