Clean up the park this Sunday!

7th graders made posters to get as many congregants as possible to come out and clean up the park this Sunday, November 15 at 9:45, meeting at the 9th street entrance. Check out their posters - and then come join us! Snacks and mingling time will be provided. 7th graders can bring $6 for pizza in the board room afterwards (around 12:30), and bring $10 to buy an autographed copy of Johanna Reiss' book the Upstairs Room, which we will all read before our trip to the DC Holocaust Museum in March.

Choose Your Issue!

On Tuesday, December 1st parents are invited to come hear about the issue we have chosen from 6:30-7:30!

For next week, choose the one issue you will address in your Mitzvah Project. List three sources you will use to do your research (they can be links to websites, or list articles, books, people, movies, etc. you will consult).

Mitzvah Project Issues Brainstorm

What issues are you thinking about addressing? Pick three issues you are considering. For example, I am thinking about access to potable (drinkable) water, bike and pedestrian safety, and access to quality education.

7th Grade Mitzvah Corps - Fall Photos

Information for families attending Altshul this Friday

Information for families attending
Altshul this Friday, October 16 at 7pm
in the Beth Elohim rotunda

Altshul sent us this information that they would like for you to read before you attend. J

Dress and etiquette: there's a range of what people choose to wear to Altshul, and of course vistors should come in whatever they're comfortable -- but I'd say most people come more or less business casual -- women tend to wear dresses, skirts, or dress pants; most men wear khakis or dress pants and a button down.

I don't imagine the etiquette will be markedly different from what families are accustomed to at CBE, but it may be nice for families to know that one of Altshul's values is participatory davening (prayer), and that we really encourage everyone to join in singing, etc. even if they're new to a tune or prayer. It may also be useful for people to be prepared that, with 53 people, they're likely to constitute the majority of the group -- Friday nights tend to get 40-50 people; shabbat mornings are our primary service I mention this so people know that this'll be a slightly atypical service, and that if there's anyone interested in getting more of a sense of what Altshul's like, they'd be more than welcome to come any shabbat morning that we're meeting.

Since many members of our community are shabbat observant, it's our custom to maintain a shabbat observant space when we're in the building together for services. This means that most people choose to leave electronics, money, and so on at home, and those who have those things with them make sure they're away and turned off; people also refrain from writing when we're together in shul. I imagine much of this will already be intuitive to most of you, but I thought I'd mention it, just in case.

Picking a Jewish Community Study Trip

Choose one Shabbat service to attend at another Jewish community. They are all in Park Slope in easy walking distance from here. For next time, fill out the slip below and have your parent sign. Or have your parent email the info to leson@cbebk.org. Or blog your choice here!

Altshul
Friday, October 16, 7pm, Beth Elohim Rotunda

Park Slope Jewish Center
Saturday, October 10 or
Saturday October 17, 10am
8th Avenue and 14th Street

B’nai Jacob
Saturday, October 10 or
Saturday, October 17
9:15am service
401 9th Street
______________________________________________________
Name: ____________________________________

I am going to attend ___________________________ with a parent on _____________________.

My signature: ________________________________________-

My parent’s signature: __________________________________.

Jill Savitt

Jill Savitt, CBE board member and human rights activist, spoke to us about her work last week. You can read more about her work with Dreams for Darfur in the nytimes magazine here http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/30/magazine/30olympics-t.html.

This week's blog: When have you worked with others to change something?

Blog-It by 9/22: What is Mitzvah?

Interview your parents about which movement they grew up in, or if they did not grow up Jewish, what they understand the Reform movement to be about. What does mitzvah mean to them?

Reply here or email leson@cbebk.org if you are unsure how to post!

Beth Elohim Mitzvah Projects Blog!

Welcome to the Beth Elohim Mitzvah Projects Blog, where 7th graders will be blogging about the ways in which they are working to further justice in the world.

Mitzvah Project FAQ

What is a Mitzvah Project?

A Mitzvah Project is a social action project you begin during Beth Elohim's 7th grade program. You choose it based on the problems you see in the world, your understanding of Jewish values, and your own interests and skills. Mitzvah Projects typically involve at least 13 hours of hands-on service with an organization of your choice, but most importantly are meaningful and effective. Feel free to check in with your Mitzvah Mentor about your great idea!

When will I finish my Mitzvah Project?

All 7th graders are starting their Mitzvah Projects together, and sharing them at the end of the year. It is expected that work on Mitzvah Projects will continue the whole year, and possibly even into 8th grade!

What is the time requirement?

Students typically spend around13 hours of hands-on time working on their Mitzvah Project. For example, students might tutor struggling readers for thirteen hours, an hour each week, or organize a day-long used sports equipment drive. It is most important, however, that your project is effective and meaningful. Please check in with your Mitzvah Mentor.

Can I work with a friend?

Of course! Pairs and groups are welcome to create projects together.

Who can help me?

Contact Lena Eson at , 7th Grade Core Teacher, or Sarah Jacobs, Yachad Coordinator, and visit the Resources page on this website. (link)

What's the deal with this blog?

You will be blogging your thoughts about your project as the year goes on, and reading what your friends are up to.

Do I only share my project online?

No. You are encouraged to share your project in some way at your Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremony, as well as at the Mitzvah Corps Dinner on May 11.