Celebrating Shabbat with Grade One

I have always like the Family Service at Beth Miriam. To watch the kids lead the service is a joy, not only for me, but for the whole congregations. Sure, sometimes their reading is a little choppy and sometimes their voices are not quite loud enough. Those are small things when juxtaposed to what they are learning.

Like many of you, I grew up in a temple where the bima was not for children. It was a place of adult dignity only. There is something to be said for that, but I ask my self, 'at what price?' When we effectively 'close off' the bima to the children, we are doing them a disservice. We are not letting them grow in their Jewish experiences.

What do you remember from your early Jewish experiences? Undoubtedly, there are wonderful memories from when you were given a special opportunity. The feeling of joy and accomplishment are as real for a child whether on the bima or the soccer field. I and the teachers and the board encourage that growth, those feelings, and building those Jewish memories.

And so, tonight, I will kvell with the congregation as our 6 year-olds help us discover what Shabbat joy is.

Purim 2009

Once again, our Purim celebrations were simply fabulous. With Judyth Brown at the helm and with invaluable assistance from Sue Peckman and Alex Ivey, and with the enthusiasm of so many children, our Purim spiel 'The Shmoozers' (based on 'The Producers') was a smash hit. The evening began with dinner and that, too, was simply wonderful.

I love when lots of people gather together to celebrate a Jewish event as a community. There is something so strengthening and warming about it that it simply makes me smile. Another great Purim celebration at Beth Miriam. I'm smiling!