30 APRIL 2020
This week was all about Israel! Yesterday, as a community of over 200 participants, we observed Yom Ha'atzmaut - Israel's Independence Day. It was heartwarming to see so many faces for this joyous occasion. The morning started with a story from Lisa Levy, our incredible Israeli art and culture teacher, about her experience last year in Jerusalem at the moment that Yom Hazikaron transitioned from mourning into the jubilance of Yom Ha'atzmaut:
"... Later that evening, before dark, I attended a communal Jewish prayer service. The gathering was in Teddy Park overlooking the massive walls of the Old City of Jerusalem.
There was a moment that has stayed with me ever since...it was dark and I am surrounded by literally thousands of people singing and dancing, so many people that there is no way to fall. I am being held up by people. Just a few feet away a man holds up a huge Israeli flag that comes in and out of my field of vision and literally right in front of me is the exquisite, lit up walls of the old city of Jerusalem. At that moment I had a deep realization that what I was feeling was the deeply rooted, not always obvious, bond of support between many people. I was witnessing the giant family of Israel holding each other up as they collectively transitioned from mourning, into celebrating life."
Events? Save the dates? YES! Let's get together - to learn, celebrate, and laugh! Mark your calendar and join us - next up...a Milestone Year Workshop!
TOMORROW! 5/1: Milestone Year Workshop w/ Peg 8:15am 5/7: TEFILLAH...Live! 8:05am 5/7: Part Two: The Art of Parenting in a Pandemic w/ Diane Provo - Your Questions Answered - 7pm 5/15: PA Mtg 8:15am 5/25: NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day 5/29: NO SCHOOL - Shavuot
And, here's your list of important dates - first day, holidays, etc. - for the 2020/2021 school year! Do you have a Milestone Year coming up? Are you considering the options for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah that fits with your family's values and lifestyle, but you don't know where to start? Join Peg tomorrow morning, Friday, May 1, for a Milestone Year Parent's Workshop. You can find some of the resources you need to get started in the parent portal, on the Milestone Year page, now!
Tomorrow - 8:15am Meeting ID: 360 428 8483
Next week, Thursday, May 7, we'll have a LIVE TEFILLAH! Tune in with your family AT 8:05am - it's the next best thing!
Meeting ID: 360 428 8483 Password: 188073
RESILIENCE • PERSEVERANCE • CURIOSITY • RISK-TAKING • COLLABORATION
In Part Two of The Art of Parenting in a Pandemic, Diane will be answering your questions as she helps us to lighten up and look forward to the future. Are you wrestling with the pressures of parenting, distance-learning, and just keeping it all together with your family right now? Do you have a burning question for one of the Bay Area's top educational consultants and parenting gurus? We want to hear from you! Please submit your question/s by Monday, May 4th - and TUNE IN for Part Two on Thursday, May 7th!
Do you need a mental health break at 3pm? Are your K-5th graders begging for some after school fun? Arie and Alissa to the rescue! The dynamic duo are available from 3-4pm on select days to offer drawing lessons, play dates, magic gatherings, and more! To get on their Zoom meetings, email Arie or Alissa today - you'll be glad you did!
We're not sure if Yohan was working on a PE assignment or if Nataan was just practicing his video editing, but either way, we like it! Keep sharing your fun #brandeisathome adventures - you can submit stories, deep thoughts, videos, or whatever - right HERE!
AMAZONSMILE...If Not Now, When?
The Jewish Community Federation has created an extensive source list for those in need (as well as those who are able to give) during this pandemic. For the big picture of the JCF Covid-19 resources, visit the home page by clicking the banner above, or check out the short list of support resources below:
Get Support
Bay Area Jewish Healing Center is responding to this pandemic by creating spiritual care resources that can be accessed from home or phone to address the current situation. Additional assistance lines: Parents – call 415.359.2443
Calling all parents! This is the perfect time to catch up on the latest fiction. It's also the perfect time to set a date to finish a book (hurray for deadlines and structure!) and get together with friends. So, whether you're a regular in the Brandeis Parents Book Club, or you've never been - pick up The Testaments by Margaret Atwood (winner of The Booker Prize and sequel to The Handmaid's Tale) and pencil in MAY 27 to discuss the book with your buddies (meeting deets TBD). Why not buy it on AMAZON SMILE and support your school while you're at it!
THURSDAY, MAY 12: Join Jewish Learning Works to celebrate M. Evan Wolkenstein's celebrated debut young adult novel Turtle Boy. In conversation with JCHS librarian Robin Gluck, Wolkenstein will discuss his writing process and reflect on some of the book's themes.
Co-sponsored by the Jewish Community High School of the Bay , the JCHS Parents Association, and PJ Our Way in the Bay Area. Program made possible, in part, by Marc and Marci Dollinger.
Rodef Sholom is organizing (safe) opportunities to help your community, and providing resources for our friends in need. Click here for more information!
Need some ideas and inspiration for your new job as an at-home Teaching Assistant? Need a smile or some new tunes? Looking for a voice of reason to help calm the worries? Here are some links and resources to help get you through the days ahead.
180 North San Pedro Road • San Rafael, CA • 94903 415-472-1833 • www.brandeismarin.org |