ECLC Weekly Update 11/17/23

Home

« Back

ECLC Weekly Update 11/17/23

11/17/2023 11:14:03 AM

Nov17

SCHOOL THIS SUNDAY 11/18 FOR K-7TH

Shalom Parents,

We've had another week full of dynamic and meaningful experiences at the ECLC, from delving into the profound lessons of our Torah to connecting with contemporary social justice themes.

7th Grade Tikkun Olam Field Trip: Immigration Justice

On Sunday, our 7th-grade class embarked on our first field trip of the year to Downtown LA, partnering with Tzedek America to explore the topic of Immigration Justice. This trip was a culmination of a thoughtful discussion held last Tuesday in class, where students were prepared by engaging with materials provided by Tzedek America.

At MacArthur Park, a hub for immigrants in LA, students began the day by sharing their own family immigration stories. This was followed by a session with Sadie Diaz, an immigration attorney from Kids in Need of Defense (KIND-LA), who illuminated the complex dynamics of immigration, focusing on the difficult situation of unaccompanied children, especially in court. The class also participated in empathy-building exercises, including reading and discussing narratives from various perspectives within the immigration system.

We then met with Miry from Miry's List, who led a visualization exercise on the concept of 'home' and shared her work in helping refugees settle in America. Our students wrote welcome letters to refugee families, an act embodying the spirit of welcoming the stranger.

Our journey continued to Seis Gallery, where Hedy Torres shared her personal story, highlighting the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants and the resilience they exhibit. The students were deeply engaged, and their participation in a portrait drawing workshop themed "helping the hidden be seen" was particularly impactful.

You can view photos from our day together HERE and read more below.

Cooking Academy with a Twist of Gratitude

On Tuesday, with Morah Shana out sick, I had the pleasure of spending time with our Cooking Academy. We focused on the themes of Giving Thanks and Gratitude (תּוֹדָה וְהוֹדָיָה) and explored the 'ripple effect' of kindness and our role and responsibility in making our environment and community better with small Acts of Kindness that we should practice all year long.

I shared a valuable life lesson to our students: Whenever you find yourself feeling sad or upset, try doing a kind deed for someone else. Not only will it lift your spirits, but you'll also be performing a mitzvah. It's amazing how a simple act of kindness can transform your mood and bring positivity to others as well.

Watch The Ripple of Kindness video with your child, click HERE

A Musical Highlight in Shira

This week, we had a special moment in Shira. Max Weissman, our talented student from the Music Academy, joined Cantor Rafii, along with the ECLC choir, to perform "Hashkivenu - הַשְׁכִּיבֵנוּ” on the piano. Witnessing Max’s playing with passion and dedication was truly inspiring, and we couldn't be prouder.

Join Our Music Academy

Does your child play an instrument? Yes/ No? Both answers are correct! Encourage them to join our Music Academy and practice their instrument with us while also learning VBS and Jewish melodies. If your child has always wanted to learn an instrument but hasn't had the opportunity, this is their chance. Our Music Academy is open to all!

It was truly a fun and engaging week, spending my time with the ECLC students in and outside of class. I look forward to having Service and Shabbat Dinner with you tonight.

FUNDING OUR SECURITY

Dear VBS Community,

We are living through an unprecedented moment as American Jews. Our world feels like a very different place than it was before October 7th. We pray for Israel’s decisive victory over Hamas, followed by lasting peace in the region. We pray that those who were kidnapped are returned safely to their families, those who fight for our Jewish State are watched over and protected, and those who lost their loved ones find strength and comfort. Our membership is playing a vital role in the support that Israel needs. We must continue to stand in solidarity with Israel each and every day. At the same time, we also need to make sure that we keep our VBS Community safe.

We are committed to safeguarding our campus so that the Jewish community can proudly express our Jewish identity in all forms without fear. As this war continues and antisemitism sentiments rear their ugly head across the larger community and country, we have significantly increased our already robust security at VBS. The increase is costing us hundreds of thousands of dollars beyond our anticipated budget, and still much more is needed. If we continue our current trajectory, we will more than triple our anticipated budget for security during this fiscal year. VBS must protect our children, members, clergy, and staff, and we need your help!

We need your help to raise $1 million dollars. The portion of security charged to each membership this year was $610 per family. We ask every member family to participate in this effort with a minimum expectation of an additional $610 to help with the additional security costs. As you can imagine, this minimum expectation will not result in enough money raised to meet our goal.

If you can, we ask that you contribute above and beyond the minimum expectation. We rely on our collective generosity and responsibility to protect our community.

Support Our Security Fund Today

We are so grateful to everyone who has already generously supported our Security Fund! Since we sent the email below one week ago today, we have reached close to 35% of our goal!

In moments like these, community becomes crucial. We have endeavored to create spaces for processing these events. We continue to welcome greater attendance at services and events on our campus. As much as Israel needs to be protected, we also need to sustain and protect our own community and schools to ensure that Judaism can be practiced and Zionism can be taught without trepidation.

The value of a strong, local Jewish community at VBS protects the next generation of Jewish life. We must not hide or live in fear. We must rise to meet the challenge of this moment and protect ourselves. In safeguarding our synagogue, we preserve our Jewish community, our Jewish learning, and our Jewish life.

Thank you for being part of our community. Thank you for your commitment to VBS.

B’Shalom,

Yifat Mukades, Etz Chaim Learning Center School Director

Rabbi Nolan Lebovitz

Dr. Larry Kutler, VBS Day School Interim Head of School

Rabbi Ed Feinstein

Abby Andiman Mars, Early Childhood Center Director

Ilene Berman, VBS President

Matt Weintraub, Executive Director

Judy Feldman, Director of Development

SUPPORTING ISRAEL AND STANDING IN SOLIDARITY

As the death toll in Israel tops 1400, with thousands injured, more than 229 taken hostage, and 100 still missing, our hearts are truly broken. We pray for those held captive and for the wounded throughout Israel. We pray for the IDF troops protecting our land and our people. Now and always, Valley Beth Shalom stands in solidarity with Israel.

Click Here to Donate to the VBS Israel Emergency Fund

TOT SHABBAT NOVEMBER 18TH!

Join the VBS community as we pray, play, and make music together!

Saturday, November 18th

Suggested for ages 2 -5yrs and their families--all families are welcome.

Email Emily to RSVP!

ECLC CLASSROOM WEEKLY UPDATES

Kitah TK Weekly Update with Morah Jessica

TK PHOTO ALBUM

Kitah Kinder Weekly Update with Morah Nina

KINDER PHOTO ALBUM

Kitah Alef Weekly Update with Morah Shira

ALEF PHOTO ALBUM

Kitah Bet Weekly Update with Morah Lauren and Ilana

BET PHOTO ALBUM

Kitah Gimmel Weekly Update with Morah Yonit

GIMMEL PHOTO ALBUM

Kitah Dalet with Rabbi Yael and Morah Roni

DALET PHOTO ALBUM

Tech Academy Weekly Update Morah with Limor and Laura

TECH ACADEMY PHOTO ALBUM

Music Academy Weekly Update with Moreh Daniel

MUSIC ACADEMY PHOTO ALBUM

Cooking Academy Weekly Update with Morah Shana

COOKING ACADEMY PHOTO ALBUM

Kitah Zayin with Rabbi Jared and Rabbi Jacob

ZAYIN PHOTO ALBUM

SPREAD THE WORD AND SAVE 10%

ON TUITION WITH ECLC REFERRALS!

Dear ECLC Families,

We are excited to announce our new Referral Program! If you're enjoying your experience with us and know other families who would benefit from our enriching environment, now is the perfect time to spread the word.

For every new family that you refer to ECLC and who enrolls, you'll receive a 10% discount on your tuition. It's our way of saying "thank you" for helping our community grow.

Please note that the discount applies to one family per referral and can accumulate up to a maximum of 15% off your family's tuition.

Start sharing the joy of ECLC today and enjoy the rewards!

CLICK HERE to learn more!

ALL ECLC FAMILIES INVITED TO SUPER MACCABEE WORLD