Englewood–More than 70 people joined together for a Family Learning Program at the East Hill Synagogue on the first day of the year. “The convergence of the New Year’s holiday with Asarah B’Tevet proved to be fortuitous,” explained Rabbi Zev Reichman, spiritual leader of East Hill Synagogue. The program began with mincha services, followed by a Family Learning Program, and ended with a pizza and ice cream break fast. “It was a special, communal evening,” Rabbi Reichman noted, “and a meaningful way to end the fast day.”
The learning program was led by Rabbi Reichman, rabbinic intern Benny Berlin, and Youth Director Avi Schwartz. After dividing the participants into three groups, the leaders used the same source sheets to foster collaborative learning discussions on the topic of Dan L’Kaf Zchut, giving others the benefit of the doubt. The facilitators tailored the discussions based on the ages of the participants in their groups.
“It was a meaningful way to spend the afternoon of New Year’s Day on Asarah B’Tevet learning about Jewish approaches to forgiveness with my family,” explained Dr. Lisa Shafer, mother of 13- and 15-year old-boys. Sam Hilbert, 11, added that “It was nice to learn about something interesting with my parents that wasn’t for homework or for a test at school, and was only for fun.”
“We are making a concerted effort to infuse more educational and spiritual activities into our youth programming arsenal,” said Zvi Rudman, President of EHS. “We strive for the shul experience for our families to transcend Shabbat and holidays, and we are trying to create an array of youth programs which strengthen their focus and connection to our shul.”
The learning event attracted families with kids of all ages, ranging from 2-year-olds to 15-year- olds. It also drew families who normally attend other local shuls.
EHS is also expanding its youth educational programming to include Family Learning on Saturday nights, beginning on January 31st. Learning will commence 45 minutes after Shabbat and will last for an hour. Pizza will be served. All are welcome.
