Welcome Back!

Kehilla – community – kehilla *clap*

This is an example of the sandwich method that our regional Union for Reform Judaism camp, Olin Sang Ruby Union Institute (OSRUI), uses to teach campers new Hebrew words. OSRUI, and many of our nation-wide Jewish camps, integrate Hebrew seamlessly into everyday life. Through methods such as the sandwich method above, campers quickly and naturally begin using Hebrew words in their day-to-day conversations to refer to the destinations and times that mark their days. Campers go to their tzrifim - cabins - tzrifim *clap* or to the breycha - pool - breycha *clap*.

Yesterday, Sunday, September 26, we kicked off our 2021-2022 ECRS school year. It was a great day and so special to have everyone back together in the building. We sang, we prayed, we celebrated, we built community, we visited the Sukkah, and we used Hebrew! Our teachers this year are prepared to infuse Jewish Life Vocabulary - common Hebrew words - into the school day for our religious school students of all ages. Instead of visiting the office, our students will come to the misrad. Instead of going to music, our students will be going to shira. Many of our classrooms will have labels attached to various items that say it’s Hebrew name - chairs, pencils, computers, etc. At the end of the day, many of our students will be choosing chuggim, electives, which will allow them to experience Judaism through various lenses of their choosing.

I am so excited for all that we have in store for the coming year. And to each of you, l’hitraot - see you soon - l’hitraot *clap*!

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Mandy Herlich, RJE

Director of Religious School