Thank You, Leah!

Last Sunday, some of our long-standing Hebrew School teachers, helpers and Rabbi Harry gathered on Zoom to watch as a parcel was delivered, and to say thank you to our dear Leah Levi for her 30 years of dedicated and loving leadership of the Congregation Emanu-El Hebrew School.

Leah knew something was happening—we had to make sure she’d be at home—but she had no idea what. Her face, as she unwrapped the parcel, read the words of the dedication and saw Noga’s beautiful calligraphy, was alive with delight.  It was evident she was deeply moved.

Even though we could not hug her as we longed to do, we had the pleasure of seeing the love and appreciation in her eyes. Thank you, Leah, for all you have given us.

Simcha Gift Shop is having a HUGE Sale

• 50% off selected jewelry
• Most Books $2-$5
• 25% off Shabbat ritual objects
• 50% off Passover items except Haggadot

To book an appointment contact Amber Woods at: SimchaGiftShop@gmail.com 

All proceeds go to supporting our Hebrew School.

Good News from CEE President Sam Godfrey

Dear Congregants,
I’m writing to share three pieces of good news.

Pesach Market

March 29 to April 1, 2020—Please support Congregation Emanu-El’s Hebrew School fundraiser by shopping for your Kosher for Passover supplies. We offer a wide selection of goods for Kosher for Passover Dry Goods and Frozen Food.

Market dates:

• Sunday, March 29   1 to 4 pm
• Monday, March 30   4 to 8 pm
• Tuesday, March 31  10 am to 3 pm
• Wednesday, April 1 4 to 8 pm

If you are going to be away, place your order with Leah Levi at 250-370-1246.

Simcha Gift Shop will be open during Pesach Market hours.
Cash and cheques only.
Please bring your own bags.

Tinokot (Baby) Time

Sunday, February 23, 2020 9:30 – 10:30 am—Have children under three-years-old? Let’s get together! You and your little ones are invited to our first Tinokot Time for singing, playing and schmoozing from 9:30am-10:30am on Sunday, February 23rd.

We will join the Hebrew School families for their regular Havdallah from 9:30am-10am and then go up to the Shalom Daycare for our own toddler-centered song circle and free play until 10:30 am. No need to RSVP. Contact Jen Karmona (jkarmo@gmail.com) or Melina Ponak (melinaclaire@gmail.com) with questions.

Hebrew School Director plans resignation

February 7, 2020

Dear Congregants,

Our beloved Hebrew School Director, Leah Levi, has let us know that she will resign from her position at the end of the 2019-2020 school year. While we are glad that she will have the freedom and flexibility to enjoy visiting with family and friends from around the globe, we will miss her dearly.

Leah has been teaching at Congregation Emanu-El’s Hebrew School for over 30 years and has been the school’s director for the last 20 of those years. The dedication that Leah has shown to the children and families has been nothing short of inspiring. She has a deep love for this community that is expressed through everything she does. We are very grateful for Leah’s strong, thoughtful and caring leadership over these many years. Leah has shared that she will be continuing in her role as the Camp Miriam Registrar, ensuring that our kids have a nurturing and fun camp environment to return to each summer.

As a result of this information, a hiring committee has been formed to work on recruiting a new director. To start this process, we thought it would be a good idea to reach out to our congregants. We need your help!  If you know of anyone that has experience and may be interested in filling the Hebrew School Director position, please email Avishai at avishai.gilad@gmail.com by Feb 28^th. We appreciate your help.

Sincerely,

The Hebrew School Committee

Kafe & Kibitz resumes

Sunday, January 19, 2020, 10:15 am to noon,  710 Pandora Avenue lobby—Kafe & Kibitz is back! Come schmooze with other parents in a warm & welcoming environment. For January 19, the theme is “Judaism and the Environment.” Dr. Rick Kool, who teaches at Royal Roads University in the School of Environment and Sustainability will join us. Parents are welcome to bring young children along. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Karmona at (jkarmo@gmail.com). We look forward to engaging conversation, laughter, reflection, support, and, of course, caffeine. Everyone is welcome, including  non-members—feel free to spread the word. Find us online at the Jewish Families Greater Victoria Facebook group.

Kiddush Honoring Leah Levi

On Saturday, November 30, 2019 following services, the Reznick family invites the congregation to attend a kiddush luncheon in honour of our wonderful Leah Levi. With deepest gratitude and appreciation for all of her years running the best Hebrew School this side of the Rockies, for her dedication to Camp Miriam, and for making warm nurturing educational environments for our children.

Hebrew School Fundraiser Apple Juice Still Available

Last Sunday Pardes Farm sold 29 two-liter jugs of organic Gravenstein juice in support of our wonderful Hebrew school. The juice disappeared so quickly that we’ve added 21 more bottles for sale.
There’s no more juice at the synagogue, so please contact Jill at jillswartz@gmail.com to snag your own supply of this rich-tasting organic juice ($10 per 2 liter jug) while making a contribution to the Hebrew school at the same time.

Organic Gravenstein Apple Juice Sale: Hebrew School Fundraiser

Sunday, September 15, 2019 at 12 pm —Organic Gravenstein apple juice grown at Pardes Farm in Saanich! $10 for 2 litres.

• Usually we have a mix of apples in our juice, but this year, the Gravensteins were plentiful, so we’ve pressed an early batch of juice solely made up of our prize-winning Gravensteins.
• Come out and try it. Support the Hebrew school. You can also write to Jillswartz@gmail.com and we’ll set aside some bottles of juice for you to pick up at the Hebrew School sale, Sunday, September 15 at noon.