Beit Rayim Hebrew School Newsletter February 2010 Sh’vat - Adar 5770
Principal Rabbi David M. Eligberg
CO NT E NT Shalom Parents News February Birthdays Sponsoring Kabbalat Shabbat Youth Group Upcoming Events Purim Kabbalat Shabbat Youth Programs February Calendar
en Upcoming Ev
Purim: A Full Day Family Fun Day
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abbat Kabbalat Sh ta Bet Ki Grade 2 5 ry ua Febr Wrap World Wide 7 ry Februa cil Meeting School Coun February 7 eekend Family Day W No School February 14 s Family Studie Dalet ta Ki Grade 421 February m Carnival Purim - Puri February 28
To Contact your Child’s Teacher: Please call or e-mail the school office at 905-889-0276 x 32 or school@beitrayim.org
In preparation for Purim parents are asked to take the simple quiz and then check your answers below. Purim Quiz for Parents Purim is a minor holiday.
True _____
False _____
Purim is a holiday for minors.
True _____
False _____
The first statement is true. Purim is a minor holiday in the cycle of the Jewish calendar. Its annual celebration emerges from the proclamation made by Mordechai and Esther after the Jews of the Persian kingdom were spared from Haman’s evil machinations. As a result Purim has very few “mitzvot” associated with it. a fact that will be reflected in the amount of time our students will spend on studying this holiday. The four mitzvot of Purim are: 1. Hearing Megillat Esther (Sunday, February 28th, 10-11AM in the Gym) 2. Mishloach Manot – Exchanging gifts with family and friends (Thanks to all of you who have chosen to participate in our school’s program) 3. Matanot La-evyonim - Giving out gifts to the poor 4. Seudat Purim - Having a festive meal and celebrating the holiday with playfulness and joy. (Carnival in the Gym - Sunday, February 28th, beginning at 12:30 PM) That brings us to statement two. This statement is false. In many communities, the Purim observance often seems to be focused primarily on the younger element, but as with most Jewish observances it is truly a family moment. Our children need to see that we are willing to explore our lighter side, even to be silly, as an expression of our joy in celebrating our Judaism. Our youth need to be educated to the fact that Judaism is a religion of joy and is best observed in simcha - rejoicing. Purim is the extreme formulation of that idea, encouraging us to let the serious mask slip aside. Make this year’s Purim celebration a deeper, richer and funnier family experience. Don’t just find a costume for your five year old– think family– choose a theme that works for everyone. Is your family hooked on the Muppets or are you fans of Winnie the Pooh and friends? What colour Power Ranger suits you best? Do you seek wisdom from Yoda or Dumbledore? Is there a family favorite musical group? If that doesn’t work for you, have each person pick something with which they are most comfortable. Let your imagination run wild. Beit Rayim’s Purim celebration will feature a humourus power point presentation that will accompany the reading of Megillat Esther on Sunday morning. Watch for weekly e-mails for more details. I look forward to seeing, though not necessarily recognizing, you on Purim.
B’vracha, The message will be given to the teacher who will contact you.
Rabbi David M. Eligberg