Normally, this email would be welcoming you back to a new term at Religion School; sadly, however, so much has been different this year.....and we want to acknowledge how challenging this time has been for all families, whatever your circumstances.
As you will already know, Sinai, as a member of Reform Judaism, has made the decision not to reopen the building for synagogue services just yet, and will not be opening for the High Holy Days either. We have also made the difficult decision not to re-start Religion School until at least January; as such, there will be no charges for this term.
This decision has been made to allow you to focus on helping your children to adapt and adjust back to secular school routines, which of course, must be prioritised after such a long absence. After discussion with teachers, we all agree that online learning is not well enough suited to keep our young people excited and inspired by their Jewish learning and identity.
Instead, our youth and early years worked, Naomi Goldman will be sending a pack of ideas to encourage you as a family to think and learn about the upcoming Jewish festivals whilst having some fun!
If you are worried about their child keeping up their Hebrew, please dig out their Ezeih Kef folders and encourage them to practise using the words they learnt last year so they don't forget it all! If you have misplaced this, or want further ideas or support, please contact Helen Michael who will be able to help.
You might also want to take a look at https://www.reformjudaism.org.uk/covid-19-information/ then click on Youth - RSY Netzer, Chederim and Resources for a great range of materials to support your learning at home.
Also take a look at PJ Library for some great resources for the High Holy Days!
Do you have a child aged under eight years old?
PJ Library sends high-quality, Jewish books to families with children aged between six months and eight years old, every month. The award-winning books celebrate Jewish culture, values and traditions through a wide range of stories and beautiful illustrations. PJ Library books are FREE and posted directly to families raising Jewish children, so they can build their own Jewish bedtime libraries. Over 8,000 children receive these books throughout the UK. Sign up your child TODAY at pjlibrary.org.uk
Watch out too for opportunities to "get together" either virtually or in a socially distanced way to ensure our young people continue to feel part of the Sinai family. The first of these is a honey cake baking session on Sunday 13th September at 11:30am, please Naomi Goldman for the ingredients list and password.
Wishing you all a sweet, happy and healthy new year
The Trustees, Sinai Synagogue