November is my favorite month of the year. Not just because it’s my birthday month, but also because as Jews and Americans we are asked to be more aware of the abundance in our lives through the lens of gratitude.
One of the most authentic ways I know how to live as a Jew and human being is in gratitude: thankful for the roof over my head, the food in my kitchen, the community I’m a part of, and for the abundance I receive. I can sense many of you are grateful for these things as well.
The Hebrew term for gratitude is hakarat hatov, which literally means “recognizing the good.” The practice in our lives is to focus our attention on recognizing the good that is already here.
My blessing for our community is that we can take a moment, at least once a day, and observe what we actually have in our lives and find gratitude, hakarat hatov.
I know many of us are recognizing the good of what is happening at Midrasha, and for that we are grateful.
Have a wonderful Shabbat!
Day Schildkret
TV/TC Midrasha Director
Teens and Parents: Come learn about LET’S GO ISRAEL (LGI), an East Bay Federation-sponsored summer Israel experience for teens in grades 10 & 11. This will be an opportunity to meet the trip directors, watch the recruitment video, hear testimonials from LGI alumni and have all your questions answered.
RSVP to Day if you’re planning to attend.
A Tasty Backwards Adventure … with Burritos, Blindfolds and the Beastie Boys!
8th graders have an opportunity to get a “taste” of the Midrasha retreats on this afternoon adventure. Eat s’mores around a campfire, enjoy the talents of your fellow 8th graders, take a nature hike, and munch on a tasty snack while the Beastie Boys play. Not only will your 8th grade teen have a “mini” retreat experience, they will also meet other 8th graders from all four East Bay Midrasha campuses.
RSVP now to confirm your attendance at the 8th grade sneak-peek adventure, which takes place in and around Berkeley. Bus transportation is available from Beth Chaim Congregation in Danville (pick-up at 12:30p, return at 6:30p). For more information, contact Day Schildkret (925.549.1664).
The RSVP link for the Fall retreat weekend is now OPEN for 9th through 12th graders who are planning to attend. Even if you signed up for the Fall retreat when you initially enrolled, you must RSVP “yes” or “no” by November 21 to confirm your attendance.
Additionally, if your teen needs financial aid for this retreat and you haven’t already submitted a financial aid application, please contact Day Schildkret with the specific request before November 21st.
Midrasha TV/TC is sponsored by Congregation Beth Emek (Pleasanton), Temple Beth Torah (Fremont), and Congregation Shir Ami (Castro Valley), and is a beneficiary of The Jewish Federation of the East Bay and The Jewish Community Foundation.