Relgious Education Blog

L’Taken

Our Hebrew High class had the opportunity to partake in the Bernard and Audre Rapoport L'Taken Social Justice Seminars for teens held in Washington, DC for four days of advocacy and action from December 9–12. They discussed how the Reform Movement applies Jewish perspectives to mobilize around issues like reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, climate change, Israel, health care, and more. They were able to spend time meeting new people, exploring Washington, DC, and traveling to Capitol Hill to meet with Congress to advocate for the things that they care about. Thank you Rabbi Gorban for being a part of such an impactful event with our teens. Learn more here: www.rac.org.

Tu BiSh’vat

Join us as we celebrate the birth of the trees with a fun Tu BiSh’vat seder in the social hall on Sunday, February 5. Each Sunday school class is asked to bring something to contribute to our seder (see list below for items).

This event requires three volunteers for set up on the day of the event. If you are available and interested, please email Madeline Pimentel Diaz at madi@tbetacoma.org. Happy Birthday trees!

Student Food Assignments

l Pre-K: red and white grape juice

l K–2nd Grade: apples and oranges

l 3–4th Grade: almonds and bananas

l 5–6th Grade: pomegranates and dates or figs

l 7–8th Grade: olives and grapes

Purim Carnival and M’gillah Reading

Love the costumes? Carnival games? Hamantaschen? So do we! Purim is a time of learning and fun for all ages. Our annual Purim Carnival and Costume Parade will be held on Sunday, March 5. With planning our community event and coordination of the carnival, early planning is key! Join us at our upcoming planning team meetings, scheduled for the following dates: January 25, February 12, and February 26.

This year we will be hosting a kid’s spiel brought to you by our BETY group. Join our amazing students for a fantastic Purim production.

Beth El Temple Youth

BETY is a group of students ages 11–18 who are a part of the TBE community. We offer an array of unique events and learning opportunities for them to learn new skills, and explore their Jewish culture and identity as they grow. Our BETY President, Grey Davis, and his board are ready to plan new and exciting opportunities for Temple Beth El students to engage in. Here’s a look at upcoming BETY events: 

l Sunday, January 8, 12:00 p.m.—BETY Lunch Meeting

l Wednesday, January 25, 4:30 p.m.—Kid’s Purim Spiel planning group

Special Thank You!

A major part of our programming and event success is due to those members of our community who share their time and skills with our kids. This years’ Hanukkah Celebration was made extra sweet by the sewing skills of our amazing volunteers: Barbara Aqua, Tova Maciel, Marlene Motola, and Rae Sugerman-McGiffin. Our creative Jewish snow globes were created by our Beth El Temple Youth Group. Thank you to our Religious Education Committee for the fantastic support setting up such a fun event for the entire community!

Interested in taking a tour of our BET wing and learning more about our religious education program? Email Madeline Pimentel Diaz at madi@tbetacoma.org or call for more information.  

L’Chaim