A Message from Dr. Eliyahu Krigel

This past school year has flown by, and we have so much to celebrate. Thank you to our SULAM educators and teaching assistants for going above and beyond transforming learning into joyous study and deep reflection. Our parents continue to be supportive and engaged in our efforts to educate the next generation. KolHakavod , way to go, to all our learners for finishing the year in a strong way. Here are a few highlights from our year:

• Gesher (bridge) and Pre-Gan: These new parent and me classes are an opportunity for our youngest learners and their parents to experience the joy of learning.

• Better Together: This program will continue next year thanks to a generous grant from the Legacy Heritage Foundation.

• Interfaith Luncheon: In March, SULAM and Beth El families joined together for our first interfaith luncheon. We welcomed our Hindu neighbors with a celebratory luncheon and for us, an opportunity to learn from our non-Jewish friends.

• Build-a-Pair Contest Winners: The Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs Build-a-Pair committee has announced that Beth El Temple has been recognized for having the best wRaplyrics. Along with a $125 prize, we are proud of our leaners for winning this award for their original song called wRap It based on Queen’s song We Will Rock You!

• The Masa Program: Thanks to the Men’s Club for supporting this program for learners in grades 8-12 on our journey to NYC to learn about the Jewish immigrant experience.

• Junior Congregation: This year we held two services led by pre-b’nei mitzvah learners.

• 3 Successful Town-Wide Programs: Collaboration is strong in our community. Our 3rd and 4th graders joined together from all the area synagogues in January at Auer Farm for TuBishvat Togetherled by the West Hartford USY chapter. In March, we gathered across the city for a Unity Purim Carnival that attracted over 600 participants. In April, SULAM met at Schechter for a fun community field day based on Passover activities. May we continue to collaborate next year to plan meaningful programs for all our communities.

• Derech SULAM: We have created a new committee to help shape and guide SULAM. To join our committee or for more information, please email Janel MacDermott at swayemac@gmail.com.

Thank you all for a wonderful year. My family and I are so grateful to all of you for the meaningful interactions we have experienced. In this challenging time for Israel, we continue to rise to the occasion of meeting each moment with compassionate awareness and a strong resolve. I hope you have a fantastic summer at camp and at home full of fun adventures, meaningful opportunities to learn, and enriching experiences full of growth and development!

~Dr. Eliyahu Krigel