By Ramona L. Brand,Director of Youth Learning
For, lo, the winter is past,
the rain is over and gone;
The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come,
And the voice of the turtle
is heard in our land
Song of Solomon 2:11-12
The earth is finally waking up after a long (and rather rainy) winter and we are looking forward to being outside as much as possible, particularly in our Nature Center.
Much needed maintenance and renovations have been going on under the able direction of Jordan Wilburn, former Beth-El teacher, who assisted students in building our low-ropes course six years ago.
In addition to clearing downed trees and freshening several of the climbing structures, Jordan is planning an additional brand-new climbing station!
In the Nature center, students connect with Jewish Texts as they look for signs of spring. They wrestle with the meaning of stories from the Torah as they make their way through the low-ropes course. They find moments of reflection in prayers and psalms as buds open and the leafy green canopy shades them.
A Wednesday sunset service brings new meaning to chanting and understanding Ma’ariv Aravim as they watch the shadows lengthen and the sun sets.
As Passover, with its spring themed rituals, approaches, our students will reconnect with nature as our ancestors did so many years ago. We are reminded that our first home was a garden and we are responsible for preserving our gift of the natural world.
Young Family Shabbat:
Saturday, April 13
For families with young children / Open to the entire community
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Our newly renovated Okun Chapel at Temple Beth-El, Grove Avenue
Families are invited to a delightful Shabbat service with Ramona and Ally. Experience the meaning of Shabbat through songs, movement, stories and activities.
From Friday night blessings through the sweet Havdallah farewell of Shabbat we’ll use all our senses to travel through a Shabbat day. Enjoy a Shabbat nosh of Challah and Grape Juice!
April Religious School
Calendar
Wednesdays: April 10 & 24
Sundays: April 7,14, 28
Pre-K meets: April 7 & 28
Teen Program: April 7 & 28
Better Together Shabbat program: April 14
For any questions about Religious School, Young Family, Teen, and Better Together Programs Contact Ramona Brand, r.brand@bethelrichmond.org
