By Ramona L. Brand, Director of Youth Learning
We are Better Together!
Temple Beth-El Religious School is thrilled to announce that we have been selected to participate in the national Better Together Program.
This four-year program is designed to encourage meaningful interaction between generations. We are grateful for this opportunity to strengthen relationships L’Dor v’Dor between our students and seniors.
Who says Senior Citizens and Teens have nothing in common? We bring them together to forge new connections through Jewish traditions, deep conversations, shared wisdom and hands-on learning.
Under the direction of our Teen Teacher and Better Together Coordinator, Ben Nachman, our 8th through 12th-grade students have been busily planning meaningful programs to enjoy together with seniors in our congregation.
Jean Greenberg, our Silver Liners Senior Coordinator brings seniors into the mix who are excited to participate in intergenerational programming.
The program began with teens actively engaged in planning details for this semester’s events. Each session includes a meaningful teen learning session, followed by a combined teen/senior learning session with activities.
In October, the focus was on Chochma, (Wisdom) and getting to know each other. Design and computer skills were combined to create a T-shirt showing our Better Together pride! We can’t wait for them to arrive.
On November 12th the session focused on Learning to Listen through stories of food that evoke memories of family and Jewish celebration.
In December we will turn those stories into delicious cuisine and create a Family Memories Cookbook. Participants can look forward to a yearlong series of enriching programs powered by your ideas and geared toward fun and learning!
We gratefully acknowledge Better Together for selecting us to participate in the exciting program.
Supporting our Friends in Israel
In response to the terrible events in Israel. our Religious school professionals worked with our students to help them navigate understanding this painful and difficult situation.
We worked carefully to allow space for our students’ questions and concerns, with clergy and educators being on hand to support our children’s feelings and find age–appropriate means to express them.
On Sunday, October 15th we ended our school day with a Songs for Peace and Healing program. Our students made pictures, sang songs, prayed for peace and donated their weekly Tzedakah to our sister region Hadera, to help them financially as they assist with housing and other needs for families that were displaced from their homes in the areas that experienced violence.
With additional generous contributions from teachers and parents the school donated over $300. In Tzedakah. Are hearts and prayers remains with our friends in Israel.
November Religious School Calendar
Wednesdays: 1,8,15,29; Sundays: 5,12,19
Virtual Hebrew: Mondays: 6,13,20 / Thursdays: 2, 9, 16, 30
It’s Not Too Late to Register for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
Twice monthly Pre-School classes available for children ages 3 and 4 and Teens Grades 8-10
Kindergarten – Grade 7 meet every Sunday
Grades 3-7- Midweek classes on Wednesday
To register or for more information https://www.bethelrichmond.org/school
Contact Ramona Brand at r.brand@bethelrichmond.org for more details
See Better Together Flyer below
