14A
Federation Star
FOCUS ON YOUTH
October 2021
TEMPLE SHALOM PRESCHOOL
www.naplestemple.org / 239.455.3030
Strengthening community through relational Judaism By Rabbi Ariel Boxman, Director of Lifelong Learning
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few years ago, I read a book by Dr. Ron Wolfson, titled, “Relational Judaism: Using the Power of Relationships to Transform the Jewish Community,” and I still can’t seem to get it out of my head. In the book, Wolfson presents a new philosophy of Jewish engagement based on extensive field research (including observations within megachurches) and experience in the Jewish community. Wolfson’s philosophy identifies nine levels of relationship that s t re n g t h e n i n d i v i d u a l Jewish identity and commitment to the Jewish world. These range from “bein adam l’atzmo” (a relationship with oneself ) to “bein adam l’makom” (a relationship with God). In accessing these nine levels of relationship, Wolfson argues that Jewish organizations can begin to form meaningful relationships Snacks served at our first park play date with those in their Jewish community, becoming visionary and restarted monthly POTS (Parents of engaging places of worship and learning. Temple Shalom) committee meetings in Ever since reading this book and meetorder to engage parents in the planning ing Dr. Wolfson last spring, I have been of school events and fundraisers. committed to not only speaking about In the month of September, we kicked relational Judaism but doing relational off our Shabbat ShaPLAY series, in which Judaism. Within the school walls, we do we invite all families to join us at Sea Gate a wonderful job fostering meaningful Park on Shabbat morning for singing, relationships among students and staff dancing and delicious Shabbat treats. members. Relational Judaism makes its Finally, this month, we will be inviting way into every activity and lesson we do as young Jewish families to participate in we teach children the value of friendship, our Shalom Yeladim program on Sunday kindness and inclusiveness. However, mornings at Temple Shalom, joining us this year, my goal has been to expand as we learn about the Jewish holidays, our emphasis on relationship buildsing with Miss Jane and socialize. ing to parents and families of Temple As we engage with one another and Shalom Preschool. increase relationships among preschool In an effort to strengthen the bonds families, our Jewish community will among our school parents, we have implebe strengthened. mented a few new programs, including a From all of us at Temple Shalom Premonthly Moms Night Out and weekend school, we wish you a Shana Tova! May it family play dates (offsite). We have also be a year of growth, health and peace!
Temple Shalom Preschool kids enjoying a play date at Baker Park
Candle lighting times Oct. 1: Oct. 8: Oct. 15: Oct. 22: Oct. 29:
6:54 p.m. 6:47 p.m. 6:40 p.m. 6:34 p.m. 6:28 p.m.
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