“V’shinantam l’vanecha” (Deut 6:7)

“And you shall teach it diligently to your children”. This is not only the motto of Bet Sefer Solel, it is an imperative, a privilege, an obligation for all parents.

At Bet Sefer Solel, the teachers (who are all Solel parents) have, over the past year, been the teachers, fulfilling the mitzvah of teaching the next generation of Jews. Now the teachers will be stepping back over the 3 month school break and we – all the parents and grandparents – have the opportunity to continue to teach.

And you do not need any specific curriculum. You just have to maintain, to the best of your ability, your Jewish home. Have the children join with you in reciting the Shabbat blessings before your Friday evening meal. Perhaps you could consider a short version of the Blessing after meals. When the little ones go to sleep, join with them as they the first 2 lines of The Shma (as we are commanded to say when we rise up and when we lie down).

Encourage the reading of Jewish themed books. There are numerous choices for various age ranges.

Come to Solel for services when you can, so that the children have a comfort level with pulpit decorum and choreography and hear the prayers that they practice so diligently in Hebrew school (a skill that will be most valuable to them as they begin to prepare for Bar/Bat Mitzvah).

Look to the summer months as a break from organized learning but not as a break from continuing to learn.

Bet Sefer Solel says Shalom (goodbye) to your children on Sunday, June 7th, and Shalom (hello) again on Sunday Sept. 20th.

 

Filed under: Educator's Message

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