KA CC Archive Nov 2024

Shalom, Kol Ami!

It’s hard to believe we’ve reached October, and while we haven’t yet celebrated any holidays, they are fast approaching! I’m deeply grateful that most of our congregants experienced minimal damage from Hurricane Helene. As we enter the month of Tishrei, I’m taking a moment to reflect on everything I’m thankful for and the areas in which I hope to grow in the New Year.

I am incredibly grateful to all of our Kol Yeladim families for your commitment to giving your children a meaningful Jewish education here at Kol Ami. I am also thankful for my family and friends who support and uplift me, and for my Kol Ami family, with whom I often spend as much time as my own! This New Year, 5785, I am committed to improving communication with our families, offering enriching family education programs to support our growing school, and continuing my own journey of Jewish learning.

September was a month of new beginnings! Thank you to Rabbi Chaya and Mrs. Shaina Shuford for organizing and hosting our first-ever Shalom Yeladim Program for newborns to 3-year-olds! It was a joy, and I look forward to welcoming these littles into our Religious School in the coming years. Special thanks to our Kol Yeladim teachers for leading a beautiful All-School Shabbat—the students did an outstanding job! Another heartfelt thank you to Erma Ruffkess and our Kol Yeladim families for sponsoring September’s Holy Happy Hour—the Dirt Cups were a hit! We’ve also had a wonderful turnout for Shabbat School this year, and I want to give a special shout-out to our Shabbat School tutors. Thank you to all of our parents for prioritizing your child’s Jewish education and for modeling engagement by participating in services alongside them.

October is shaping up to be a busy and exciting month for Kol Yeladim! We have plenty of opportunities for learning, celebration, and community, so be sure to mark your calendars for the following:

Key Dates to Remember:

• Junior Congregation (October 3rd, 4th, & 12th): Kids in grades 3-12 are invited to join us at 10:30 AM in the Chapel for USY-led services, followed by fun and snacks with our Kol Yeladim teachers. On the first day of Rosh Hashanah, 9th-12th graders will hear from Ofri Reiner at 11:00 AM.
• Kol Yeladim Remembers October 7th (October 6th): Rabbi Blatt will lead a family-friendly reflection at 9:15 AM in the Sanctuary to help even our youngest children connect with the remembrance in an age-appropriate way. Parents, please stay with your children to help create a supportive environment during the 30-minute program.
• Sukkah Decorating Party (October 13th): Kids of all ages can help bring our Sukkah to life with beautiful decorations and learn about the meaning of Sukkot in a hands-on, fun way! Snacks will be provided. Join us from 10:00-11:30 AM in the Boardroom.
• Spaghetti in the Sukkah (October 18th): Families with children under 8 are invited to slurp spaghetti in the Sukkah with Rabbi Blatt and Todah the Shabbat Sloth at 5:30 PM!
• Pizza in the Hut (October 20th): Right after Religious School at 12:00 PM, come shake the lulav and enjoy some pizza in the sukkah!
• Simchat Torah Program (October 24th): Kol Yeladim classes will meet in person at 5:00 PM in the Social Hall for learning and dancing—don’t miss it!
• Beginyan Returns (October 26th): 3rd-5th graders are invited to a “learning minyan” with Ms. Alissa at 10:30 AM in the Chapel, following the Torah parade in the Sanctuary.
• Shabbat School (October 26th): 6th-7th graders will meet in the Chapel Lobby at 9:30 AM and join the main service at 10:15 AM for the Torah service.

We look forward to celebrating the High Holy Days and the upcoming fall holidays with all of you, starting on Thursday, October 3rd. Be sure to visit the Kol Ami website for a full schedule of Youth Services. If you need babysitting for your 18-month to 2nd-grade children during the High Holy Days, please register here to secure your spot. We want to ensure we have enough caregivers for everyone.

Wishing you and your families a sweet and fulfilling New Year.

L'Shanah Tovah,
Jennifer West
Education Director