Dear Parent and Teens, 

As we hope you know from the email sent on August 19 describing the Kulanu/TLC fall 2020 reopening plan, TLC will begin the year as a hybrid model of in-person and remote programs

This hybrid learning model is based on: 
  • Recommendations by the Return to School - Kulanu/TLC Task Force
  • Guidance from medical professionals
  • Up to date CDC health guidelines
  • Commitment to meaningful Jewish engagement and helping our teens thrive

Please note: 
  • If the current health situation changes and in-person is not possible, we will still be following our existing calendar of events. 
  • If enrollment in our small groups is larger than anticipated, we may need to adapt our modality accordingly. We do not plan on changing our calendar. 
  • Whenever possible, when programs are in-person, we will strive to offer ways to connect virtually for those teens who are not able to attend periodically or all year.
TLC programs will meet as follows in 2020:
Better Together - starts Sunday, November 15, 11:30 a.m. on Zoom - Add to calendar
To protect the vulnerable in our community, Better Together will gather on Zoom all year. 

Drash with the Rabbi: Next Steps - starts Thursday, September 10, 6:15 - 7:15 p.m. in Rabbi Brusso’s driveway - Add to calendar
This small group will meet outside at the Brusso home until the weather permitting or in the Brusso family “barn.” This space has met all our health guidelines. 

Leadership Training Cohort - starts Monday, September 21, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. with David Strinkovsky on Zoom. - Add to calendar
This small group will alternate between meetings on Zoom, or at Bet Torah outside or in large spaces in 2020. 

Madrichim - first workshop on Sunday, September 13, 12:00 p.m. on Zoom. - Add to calendar
Madrichim will follow Kulanu’s schedule depending on their placement. All training workshops will take place on Zoom. 

Madrichim in Training - starts Sunday, October 4, 10:00-11:00 a.m, on Zoom. - Add to calendar
All gatherings in 2020 will take place on Zoom. 

Nosh and Drash - starts Tuesday, September 15, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Bet Torah, following sessions to alternate remote/in-person - Add to calendar
Opening session: Nosh will meet in-person outside (weather permitting), socially distanced with Robin Wald and Loen Amer. (Rain plan: together on Zoom.)
After the first week, Nosh will be divided into two groups alternating in-person and remote. 
Nosh will be divided into two sections by zip code with half the teens joining us online every week, and half in person, alternating weeks of A and B groups (following the Sunday Kulanu calendar). Robin Wald will be engaging both teens who are at Bet Torah in-person and remote online at the same time.
We plan to have periodic sessions on Zoom of all teens together to allow for the whole group to connect.
As with all programs, we will not be eating during Nosh. (See In-Person Health Protocols below)
Teens who can’t meet in person can participate in Nosh remotely each week, if prefered. 

Rosh Hodesh and Shevet powered by Moving Traditions 
These small groups will meet on Zoom or at Bet Torah outside or in large spaces, depending on the group. Most groups will gather Sunday afternoon and evening. Details to follow. 
We will not be gathering in the homes of congregants.

Occasional programs, BTUSY events, and social action programs (e.g., Midnight Run) will be planned following the guidance of the medical professionals on the Return to School - Kulanu/TLC Task Force. These programs are based on our annual schedule, but adapted to the situation. (e.g., our Sukkot event will no longer be Sushi in the Sukkah. Our teen leaders will plan a program that does not include eating, outside our small sukkah to allow for more distancing.) 

Save these dates: 
  • Opening Lounge: Movie Under the Stars - Wednesday, September 16, 7:00-9:00 p.m. (rain date: 9/23) Join us in the Bet Torah parking lot for movie night! (Seating spaces will be designated and measured out in advance to facilitate distancing.)  - Add to calendar
  • Sukkot Program - Monday, October 5, 6:30 p.m. (rain date: 10/7) Join us outdoors at the Bet Torah campus to celebrate the holiday. - Add to calendar
As at all Bet Torah programming, social distancing and mask-wearing will be required and participants will experience health screenings on arrival. (See In-Person Health Protocols below.)

International USY has announced introduced new virtual programs: #MyUSYfiFall (which will include METNY events) and USY's 70th International Convention: IC EVERYWHERE.  

Jewish Learning Fellowship - starts Wednesday, January 6, 2021.
We are thoughtfully working on developing plans for 2021.
In-person Health Protocols
Based on recommendations from the CDC, NY state guidelines, the American Pediatric Association and guidance from medical professionals, we have developed health protocols for meeting in-person. Highlights are:
  • Face masks are required for all
  • Health screening and temperature check on arrival
  • Social distancing in classrooms, hallways, dismissal, bathroom
  • No eating or serving snack or bringing food
  • Ample time for cleaning between programs.  Use of larger spaces and outdoors, when possible
  • Increased airflow and ventilation
  • Read more about Kulanu/TLC Health Protocols

Thank you, 

Gina Fass, Director of Kulanu
Andy Lupatkin, Youth Chair and the Bet Torah Youth Commission 
Loen Amer, Director of Experiential Learning for Children and Teens
Contact Us
Please do not hesitate to email with any questions or concerns. We are here to support you in this challenging time.


"Coffee" with Loen for Parents in the Class of 2025
Monday, August 24, 6:30 pm on zoom.us/j/87311481500 - Add to calendar
Other Reminders
Social Action | Calendar | Email updates: August 18, August 3, and July 7.

High Holy Day Card submission deadline: THIS MONDAY, August 24!
Adding your family to the annual Bet Torah Youth fundraiser High Holy Day Card is a wonderful tradition, and a great way to share your new year wishes to the entire congregation. The card is mailed to all our 500+ families.
Bet Torah Sisterhood is offering a series on Thursdays at 7:45 p.m for parents of school-aged children. Each discussion will be led by a panel of Bet Torah community professionals. 

8/27 - Medical Concerns About Return To School
9/3 - Setting Up A School Desk At Home, Communicating Effectively With Your Child's Teacher
9/7 - Developmental And Socialization Concerns Resulting From The Pandemic
 
RSVP to btsisterhoodprogramming@gmail.com for Zoom link.