Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation

Beit Sefer

Beit Sefer’s Mock Kabbalat Shabbat

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After weeks of preparing blessings and ritual objects, Beit Sefer students and their parents gathered this past Sunday to stage a mock Kabbalat Shabbat. Throughout the morning, students braided miniature challah loaves, placed candles in their candlesticks, and filled plastic wine goblets with grape juice.

Rav Gavrielle was gracious enough to lead alongside Head Teacher, Morah Emma Shimovich. The pair, with Emma strumming her guitar, guided families through the blessings and various Shabbat songs and prayers.

The concluding activity allowed students to spend time crafting blessings for their parents, which they then read aloud to the group. We all swayed to our familiar priestly blessing as the morning closed out, and we continued to go about our Sundays.

Many thanks to Rav Gavrielle, Morah Emma, and all of the Beit Sefer families for making our mock Shabbat a success!

On Continuity of Care

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Young Jewish children sit at tables in the childcare center at the Joodsche Schouwburg in the Amsterdam Jewish quarter, 1942. Source: United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, courtesy of Hilde Jacobsthal Goldberg

Over the past week, I have processed the election results both privately and in community. I was especially grateful for our Second Saturday Shabbat Service, where I could connect with our community and be held by the sounds of our liturgy. As I parse through my feelings, my worries and fears always come back to the children in my life.

I spend my weekdays in the Duck Room at the JCC, a toddler classroom of 13 brilliant and beautiful souls. I feel so honored to be trusted with their care, to see them forming words and learning how to use their bodies. More than anything, I treasure the deep, loving, trusting connections I have built with them and their families. 

When the Ducks were dropped off last Wednesday, I exchanged quiet looks of sadness, anger, and fear with their parents. A few of them said they wished they could just stay home and be with their kids. I certainly hugged them extra tight throughout the day.

Although it was a sad day for many of the adults, it was business as usual for the toddlers. Their routines and rituals are what keep their world round. I was, and am, grateful to the presence that these children require. They keep me much too busy to allow my mind to wander to matters of dread and despair. 

My thoughts have also been with our class of Beit Sefer students in this time. Their relentless energy, curiosity, wit, talent, stubbornness, and playfulness give me hope and solace. 

We will be staging a mock Kabbalat Shabbat this Sunday, using ritual objects made and decorated by the students, and led by Rav Gavrielle. When the future is unknowable, I hope the practice and passing down of traditions may help us feel rooted in safety and security.

Finally, I think of my niece, at almost three months old, and what the world has in store for her. There are infinite paths of fear and doubt that I could go down. Thankfully, however, there are just as many of strength and perseverance. 

In grieving and in growing, as we stand on this precipice, I come back to the priestly blessing we sing at the end of services. May all of the children in our communities, both near and far, know safety, health, courage, and ease.

Welcoming Emma Shimovich, Beit Sefer’s New Head Teacher

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Hi, My name is Emma! I’m from Skokie, Illinois and am a senior at the University of Michigan where I am majoring in Social Theory and Practice and minoring in Judaic studies. Growing up, I spent my summers in Oconomowoc, WI at Olin Sang Ruby Union Institute (URJ OSRUI) where I have been a counselor and songleader for the past four summers! This year, I am also working at The Hebrew Day School of Ann Arbor as the music teacher. I have a passion for Jewish music and love playing guitar and singing which I plan to incorporate into our classroom at Beit Sefer! I frequently lead Shabbat services on campus and have also taken Hebrew courses throughout high school and college. 

I am so excited to join the AARC community because I can already feel the warmth and kindness that  this community has to offer. Although I grew up in the Reform community, Reconstructionist Judaism greatly appeals to me as  it allows one to make Judaism their own and gives one the opportunity to engage in practices and rituals that are meaningful to them. Additionally, as an outdoor lover, I am beyond excited to have several classes on the farm and talk about teva and Earth based Judaism. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or would like to connect: emmashim@umich.edu.

Beit Sefer Mitzvah Day at the Humane Society!

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The AARC Beit Sefer religious school spent a super fun Sunday morning at the Humane Society learning about the Jewish value of taking care of all earth’s creatures. Guided by the Humane Society staff, the students learned about the mission of the Humane Society as well as what it means to be a good caregiver to your animals. Part of the kids service project was to spend time with the animals, reading to them and keeping them company. They took turns in the cat rooms and the dog rooms sitting by the animals cages, calmly reading to them and showing them the pictures. The animals really liked it!

In preparation for this Mitzvah Day, the students baked and sold kosher style dog and cat biscuits to members of the congregation. The students used the proceeds from the sale to give a donation to the Humane Society. Families also brought blankets and towels as a donation to the facility.

It was a lovely morning and such a joy to watch the kids spread their love to all of the creatures at the Huron Valley Humane Society!

The Golem

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By: Otto Nelson

This week in Beit Sefer, students explored the Golem legend and built a snow Golem!

A hulking humanoid created by mystical Kabbalistic ritual, the Golem is a product of ancient Jewish folklore. It’s a being of the earth, constructed of mud, dirt, or most often clay in the shape of a human, and often made animate by a Hebrew word carved upon its forehead; Emet, meaning Truth. It’s sometimes described as a monster or fantastical creature, but, in fact, it is neither.

The Golem is an automation… not truly alive, and often as mindless and soulless as a machine, bound entirely to the commands of its creator. This mindless, unceasing loyalty is precisely where its danger arises… stories of the Golem tell of how it collected firewood until it chopped down a forest – brought water to a synagogue until it flooded – fried latkes until they filled a house! Moreso, many stories describe an inexplicable growth, of the Golem growing ever larger, ever stronger, and ever more unintentionally dangerous as time passes. But these stories have one end… the Golem’s creator, deciding it must be stopped, swipes a letter from the animating word. Emet, Truth, becomes Met, Death. And many tales end there, the Golem crumbling apart, reduced to earth again.

Regardless of their precise origins and details, the stories of the Golem have inspired important works such as Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, and continue to make a mark in popular culture today, a strange ancient connection to a modern world shaped increasingly by automation. Essentially, they all hold a few important morals… a warning of the risks of hubris in creation, an assertion that power without a heart and mind is dangerous, and a message that strength must be tempered always with wisdom.

Introducing Beit Sefer’s New Teacher: Evan Friedman!

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Hi, I’m Evan! I’m from Oak Park, Illinois, and recently finished my undergraduate degree in International Relations at the University of Michigan, where I also studied Hebrew for 3 years. Growing up, I was an active member of my home congregation, Oak Park Temple, where I was a bar mitzvah and confirmation student, teacher’s assistant, summer camp counselor, and eventually taught a Hebrew/early b’nai mitzvah class. I was also a camper and staff member at Olin Sang Ruby Union Institute summer camp (URJ OSRUI) in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin for years. 

I wanted to join Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation because it is clear to me that, much like the congregation that I grew up with, this is a wonderful community that values togetherness, learning, and an openness of spirit and thought. I’ve found a home in Ann Arbor over the past few years and my fortune continues in finding AARC, where I hope to keep learning, growing, and connecting with my Judaism. 

I’ve had an awesome first two weeks and am looking forward to more!

Thanks, 

Evan

Beit Sefer is Off To a Fantastic Start!

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Marcy Epstein sure has hit the ground running as the new director of Beit Sefer! Every week has been packed full of thoughtful, intentional, rich Jewish learning and lots of Jewish food!

So far our school has gone on a Sukkot campout, learned to make Challah, practiced Jewish dancing, and celebrated Simchat Torah! This is all in addition to spending time at the JCC learning Hebrew with Shani and studying Torah. This upcoming weekend we will be headed out to Wasem Orchards to pick apples while learning about the Garden of Eden and Abraham’s journey to Canaan!

Enjoy the pictures from the year so far and spread the word about our new robust Beit Sefer programming, its tons of fun!

Photo Credit to many members of the Beit Sefer Mom Squad (Tara Cohen, Naomi Levin, Brenna Reichman, Carol Levin, Gillian Jackson, and Marcy Epstein!)

Hakhel: A Shmita Sukkot Gathering at the Farm on Jennings and Beit Sefer Campout Mashup!

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It’s the end of the Shmita year, the 7th year in the ancient Jewish agricultural justice tradition in which  debts are forgiven, the enslaved are released, and our fields are released from cultivation. Traditionally we gather at Sukkot to conclude the year, and begin a new cycle full of intent for growing justice, solidarity and community resilience.  Join us on Saturday October 8 at the beautiful Farm On Jennings for study, imagining your personal and communal next 7 year cycle, and to volunteer in the fields for a fall farm cleanup. 

 The Farm on Jennings has been fallow all season, due to illness in the family, and our work will assist the farmers in re-gathering all the pieces of the farm that were released this year. We’ll weed the perennial food forest, harvest pears, and weed the hoop house.  This is  a unique opportunity to actually see what it must have been like to reclaim food-growing and cultivation after a year in which farming was not done.  RSVP Required.  

This event is not for families with children younger than 15 due to farm safety issues, and please do leave your beloved dogs at home for this!

Where:  The Farm on Jennings  6900 Jennings Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105

Dates:  Study and Farm Re-Cultivation:  Saturday, October 8.

             Shmita program 9:30 – 10:45; Farm Volunteering 11 – 3. 

 Farm Volunteering Only:  Sunday, October 9, 10 – 2.

Please wear waterproof boots, long pants and long-sleeved shirt, bring a hat, and gloves if you want to wear them while working.  Please bring a journal and one personal object meaningful to you in this past year for the study/visioning session.

Parking is available in the circular driveway and along Jennings Road. Simple Farm lunch provided.

Beit Sefer Schedule:

Saturday:

2-4pm          Sukkot building and tent settling! (Dave and Martin) *Option to help AARC help spruce up Carol’s farm, Shmita celebration* ​Tools, more people to come learn how to set up a sukkah!​

3-4pm          Search for schach with Parents! (​snippers, any beautiful boughs from your property to share, and your children’s favorite fruits, so we can hang these from our sukkah)

4-5pm          Art and bruchot sign-making for the Sukkah! (Mollie and Marcy) ​Markers, cardstock, ​fun crafting items​​​

5-5:30pm     Dinner Prep with Marcy ​​​​compostable dishes and flatware two old tablecloths, your own mugs and bowls​

5:30-6pm     Kosher Fleshig Dinner Potluck (with hot dogs to roast, felafel, pita, salad, tahini, and homemade pumpkin muffins, apples for snack,​​​​ prepared dishes to pass, whole wheat bread with sunbutter and preserves)!

6-7pm           Active all-ages Games! (Otto and Mollie) ​a rubber ball, a kerchief​

7-8pm           Havdalah, S’mores and Jewish ghost stories (not too scary) around the campfire! (we could use parent talent for this!)​ ​Smore fixings, Bring your havdalah sets, candles, grape juice, spices, phones, cool stories

8-9pm           Flashlight reading and board games in the kids’ tents, bed!

9-10pm         Sweet shirot around the fire, with warmed wine for adults, bed! ​Box of wine, ​pot to warm it over the fire! Rise Up songbook​

Sunday:

7:00-8:30am       Early Riser Walks and Ad-hoc yoga! (Parents)​ That special morning person who would like to lead yoga ad-hoc

8:30-9:15am       Brekkie around the fire! (bring favorites– we’ll supply oatmeal, hot chocolate, (four gallons of milk and ground coffee, maple syrup, plus other goodies that can be eaten straight up or warmed over a fire in a pot that you bring )

9:15am-10am     Israeli Dancing with Drake!​ Your “dancin’ shoes”/ comfortable shoes

10am- 11am        Beit Sefer students meet in the barn! (Parents hang out, pack up, etc.) ​Pencil

11am- 11:30am   Beit Sefer kids and families decorate the sukkah! **Option to help the AARC help spruce up Carol’s farm* ​More construction paper, garlands, glue, string and tape ​​

11:30-noon          Dedication and first shake of etrog and lulav in the Sukkah! etrog and lulav

Noon                   Goodbyes! *Option to help the AARC help spruce up Carol’s farm, Shmita celebration​* ​Parents to join me in leaving 

Transitions at AARC’s Beit Sefer (Religious School)

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It is a summer of change and transition at AARC as we have said goodbye to Rabbi Ora and now our Beit Sefer Director, Clare Kinberg. As you may know, Clare is the publisher and editor of the Washtenaw Jewish News. In her short tenure as publisher and editor, Clare has taken the paper in a new direction that provides our community with critical insight into the local and wider Jewish community. In order to more fully support this effort, Clare has decided to pass on the directorship torch of the AARC’s Beit Sefer program.

But as they say, when one door closes, another one opens! The AARC leadership has encouraged us to use this year as one of growth and opportunity. Not just in terms of service leadership, but in terms of redefining what is important to us as a community and strengthening our community’s participation in their spiritual home. In line with this view, bringing in new leadership to our Beit Sefer program brings the opportunity to reinvigorate our program of learning for our young families. Although we cherished our time with Clare, we know that we will find new and bright opportunities for the years to come.

With that said, we invite you to spread the word about this job opportunity to your networks in the greater Jewish Ann Arbor area. The job posting is listed on our website HERE. As always, please let us know if you have any questions, and enjoy the photos below that spotlight the years of Clare’s heartfelt and inspiring leadership!

Beit Sefer Celebrates a Year of Resilient Nature Based Jewish Learning

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Beit Sefer wrapped up its 2021/2022 school year last weekend with a year end celebration and art show at the Farm on Jennings. The Beit Sefer program spent much of the 2021/2022 year outdoors, exploring Judaism’s relationship to nature. In addition to our traditional curriculum, the year focused on the changing of the seasons and what lessons the students can learn from nature. Some examples of this year’s lessons include blessings for harvest, Tikkun Olam and environmental stewardship, and the Jewish calendar’s relationship with agriculture. The impetus for the nature based curriculum was born out of COVID safety precautions, but served as a profound opportunity for families to explore Jewish learning in a new way.

It was a bittersweet celebration last weekend as our Beit Sefer director, Clare Kinberg, announced her retirement. Clare has brought so much to the Beit Sefer program, and she will be dearly missed. Thankfully, she remains a member of our congregation and community- so she will still be a presence in families’ lives in the future.

Please enjoy the photo collage below with some fun snapshots from the year. As you can see, it was a joyous year spent in community! If you would like to share any thoughts, memories, or gratitude for Clare, we will keep the comments open on this blog or you can email us at aarcgillian@gmail.com.