Many of us, I know, had excellent Jewish educations. Some, like myself, had fair to middling educations, with well-meaning teachers who had little idea of how to reach children living in largely secular worlds. And, unfortunately, others among us had sparse to no Jewish educations growing up.
Here at Congregation Shir Libeynu, we are trying to do it better. We have hired a group of smart, energetic young teachers with a passion for Jewish life and for reaching the children where they live. All of us working on the new and continuing initiatives are committed to creating an engaging curriculum that will welcome children into a life of learning about their Jewish heritage and its relevance to the challenges that they face in their everyday worlds. As well, we will work together to continually revise and re-examine the program as we receive feedback from children and families.
Second, tell your neighbours and friends about the new programs. Invite them to attend services with you and get to know us. This kind of outreach is the surest way of building a strong synagogue.
Third, keep in mind that education is a community responsibility that adheres to all of us whether we have children or not; whether we attend services all the time or some of the time; and whether we are focused on the past, present or future of Jewish life. There's something for everyone to learn from helping to educate others!
I am looking forward to seeing you in September.
Toda raba,
Jonathan Silin, Education Director and Long-time Member, Congregation Shir Libeynu
