KA CC Archive May 2024

Shalom Kol Ami,

As May unfolds, our schedules fill with school ceremonies, banquets, and the culmination of sports seasons. We find ourselves amidst these activities while also reflecting on remembrance and celebration. Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, holds particular significance this year as we witness alarming rhetoric, such as calls to "Kill all Jews," even in America's top colleges and universities. This serves as a stark reminder of the origins of the Holocaust, underscoring the importance of never forgetting. Personally, having my Jewish daughter in New York City attending college adds an extra layer of concern that many parents may relate to. Alongside honoring the memory of those lost in the Holocaust, we also remember the Israeli soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice defending our right to exist as a Jewish State. As we approach Yom Ha'atzmaut, Israeli Independence Day, our celebrations may be tinged with somberness, given the ongoing situation in Gaza, where over a hundred hostages remain captive. Despite these challenges, as we prepare for summer, let's remember that while we are busy with our lives, others are still fighting for their freedom.

At our recent All School Shabbat and Potluck Dinner on April 12th, our PreK – 5th graders led us in prayer with enthusiasm and pride. It was heartwarming to see our students sing and dance as they prayed, demonstrating their excitement to learn more about their Jewish heritage.

We also had the pleasure of presenting our 5th graders with their Bar/Bat Mitzvah dates at our Parsha Party on May 1st. Seven families are embarking on this journey, which brings me great joy. Rabbi Blatt presented each student with their Siddur, symbolizing their preparation for this significant rite of passage, while parents wrote blessings to their children, fostering connection within our Jewish community.

As we mark the close of another year of Religious School, we invite you to our End of Year Picnic on May 19th. Drop your kids off for Sunday school at 9 am and join us in the Sukkah at 11 am for some classic picnic fun, games, and food. Don't forget your towel and swimsuit!

Save the dates for our upcoming events: Pizza and PJ Shabbat on May 10th for families with children under 8, Family Shabbat and Potluck on May 17th, Holy Happy Hour sponsored by our 8th-grade Hillel families on May 24th, and the return of Shabbat Lite by popular demand on May 31st.

Looking forward to seeing you in our community as we navigate both the Jewish and secular aspects of our lives. As summer approaches, I wish you all a wonderful break filled with rest and rejuvenation for the year ahead, which promises to be a busy one for sure.

See you around the Shul,

Jennifer West