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New - POST-B’NAI MITZVAH STUDENTS …
Madrichim Program
Are you looking for a way to stay involved at the synagogue? How would you like to share your wisdom with the younger members of Agudas Achim and earn valuable experience at the same time?
Consider applying to be a part of our Madrichim program:
* Develop your skills as a teacher
* Build your college resume
* Complete Community Service Hours
* Work flexible schedules
* Have fun with other teens!
Qualifications
* Post B’nai Mitzvah
* Member of Agudas Achim
* Good work ethic
* Positive attitude
* Ongoing participation in Jewish life
We are currently accepting applications for the following positions:
Classroom Aides (Sun. 9am -12noon plus one Shabbat a month)
Tutors and Office Aides (Mon. and Wed. 4pm - 6pm plus one Shabbat a month)
Childcare Aides (Mon. and Wed. 4pm - 6pm)
Please send a letter of interest to
Kim Bodemer - Education Director
Congregation Agudas Achim
901 North Main Street
Attleboro, MA 02703
Principal@agudasma.org
Agudas Achim Religious School Wins Grant
Legacy Heritage Fund Ltd. of New York and Jerusalem awarded Congregation Agudas Achim and twenty-six other synagogues across North America and Israel, the first Legacy Heritage Innovation Project Grants from Legacy Heritage Programming.
Agudas Achim received a one year grant of $30,000 toward development and expansion of their Shabbat School program. The award brings national recognition to our Shabbat School program and other innovations that foster family worship and learning. Rabbi Elyse Wechterman instituted Shabbat School in 2003 based on a similar model she witnessed in the Philadelphia area.
Agudas Achim is now considered a leader in family-based Shabbat programming. The grant will give the synagogue an opportunity to expand its educational programming and develop richer curriculum. The grant will be used, in part, to subsidize the hiring of a new school principal, as well as the purchase of new materials for the school and classrooms.
Agudas Achim Hebrew School teachers Kim Bodemer and Annette Lawson, who spearhead the project, also received a Legacy Heritage Innovator Award, in recognition of their outstanding work. The award consists of a $5,000 grant, half of which is to be devoted to professional development relating to Jewish family education and systemic organizational change.
START YOUR CHILDREN EARLY -- TELL YOUR FRIENDS
We encourage students to begin religious school by the second grade. New students will be accepted into third grade but please be advised that students who enroll after the beginning of third grade will need private tutoring to catch up. If you have a child who will be enrolling for the first time in third grade or above, please contact the rabbi during the summer to discuss your child's learning.
FOR AND ABOUT KIDS!
Children are an important part of our synagogue life. We encourage parents to bring children to services and have several services each month geared especially for children. Family Services are held on alternating first Fridays of the month at 5:45 pm. Special holiday family programs and services are held throughout the year. Simchat Torah, Chanukah, Purim, and Pesach are celebrated as a community, as are Tu B'Shvat, Sukkot, and Shavuot.
High Holidays tend toward the traditional, and children's services are held each day. A cantor joins us for the High Holidays and at other times during the year. Our congregant choir provides musical selections for the High Holidays and other special occasions.
For Youth
Our future lies with our children. Under the leadership of our school committee, school principal Kim Boderman, and Rabbi Elyse Wechterman, students thrive in a school atmosphere which offers:
* A comprehensive curriculum of Hebrew, history, prayers, holidays, and ethics
* Creative hands-on learning using music, dance, art, drama, cooking and films
* Participation in special projects, family activities and community events
* Highly qualified and committed teachers from a variety of Judaic backgrounds
* A safe, accepting environment in which children of diverse abilities can develop a positive Jewish identity and self-image, group social skills, and the tools to make competent and compassionate ethical choices.
Sunday Preschool
Our preschool provides the first exposure to Jewish education for our youngest members. Preschoolers meet on Sunday mornings to learn about Jewish customs, holidays and rituals through stories, arts and crafts, music, and other activities. Using a hands-on approach, children are introduced to the holidays, bible stories, and Jewish values, in a nurturing and innovative environment. Small class size optimizes individual attention. Appropriate for ages 3 1/2 through 5. Membership at Agudas Achim is not required.
Sunday Lower School
Children in preschool through 3rd grade are introduced to Hebrew, Jewish holidays, the synagogue, and the fun of being Jewish, through classroom and informal family activities.
Upper School
Students in grades 4 through 7 attend classes on Monday and Wednesday afternoons, 4pm - 6pm, as well as Shabbat services to develop the liturgical skills and identity that will prepare them for Bar/Bat Mitzvah and Jewish life. Every second Saturday of the month, students and parents of all grades attend Shabbat B'Yachad from 9am - 12 noon. Luncheon follows.
Teen Programming
Rabbi Elyse offers "Teen Torah Talk" monthly for students in grade 8 through high school. In addition, there is an active youth group.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Training
A special program of workshops for children and parents helps families get the most out of this important milestone in their lives. Students and parents participate in Torah study and perform mitzvot (deeds of caring) in the community. The Rabbi meets with parents and children to help create a meaningful service that meets each family's needs and expresses the child's individuality.
Students acquire valuable skills such as chanting Torah and leading services. They come to understand and appreciate their history, culture, and tradition as they move toward adult Jewish life.
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BAR/BAT MITZVAH POLICY
The Ritual Committee has recently reviewed and updated the synagogue's Bar/Bat Mitzvah Policy. A few changes have been made to increase family involvement in Bar/Bat Mitzvah training and to encourage students to demonstrate the Hebrew education they receive at our fine school. The Rabbi will oversee that all requirements of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Policy will be completed prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah date. This will ensure a successful celebration for all involved. The policy is found below. If you have any questions please contact the Ritual Committee.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a special time for Jewish children and their families. At Agudas Achim, we depend on the cooperation of students, parents, the rabbi, and the Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutor, to ensure the success of learning and celebration of Bar/Bat Mitzvah. The following requirements are designed to make Bar/Bat Mitzvah a significant and moving Jewish experience for all involved.
1. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah date is scheduled with the rabbi 18-24 months in advance. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah must be in at least the fifth year of Religious/Hebrew Education by the time of the ceremony. The student must be enrolled in Agudas Achim Religious School during the Bar/Bat Mitzvah year or have completed the Zayin class. The student must reach the age of 13 according to the Hebrew or English calendar on or before the Bar/Bat Mitzvah date.
2. The family will attend a workshop about Bar/Bat Mitzvah and a four part seminar for families during the two years prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony.
3. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah will recite a Haftarah portion and blessings and a Torah portion and blessings. He/She will also present a D'var Torah (speech) discussing either the Torah or Haftorah portion or another topic related to the service.
4. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah will know the following prayers and demonstrate ability to lead them.
Barchu
Shema and V'Ahavta
Mi Chamocha
Amidah - first three blessings and Oseh Shalom
Taking the Torah out of the Ark
Torah blessings
Haftorah blessings
Aitz Chaim Hi
Adon Olam
5. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah and his/her family are strongly encouraged to take part in the Friday night service before the ceremony. At this time, the family may receive honors in the service and well wishes from our community.
6. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah will complete a worksheet showing knowledge about the Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony and the Tanach (Bible).
7. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah will attend at least twelve (12) Sabbath services during the year prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony. At least six of these services must be Saturday morning services. It is highly recommended that the parent(s) attend with the candidate.
8. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah candidate will participate in or complete three (3) mitzvot of his/her choosing from the attached list of mitzvot. These must be completed in the 18 months prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. The candidate may choose mitzvot not on the list with prior approval from the rabbi. The candidate must choose at least one mitzvah within the synagogue and one mitzvah in the community.
9. It is expected that there may be exceptions to the guidelines above based on students' abilities or extenuating circumstances. It is anticipated that these will be handled on an individual basis by the rabbi in consultation with the Ritual Committee. Under no circumstances will a Bar/Bat Mitzvah take place for a candidate who has less than two years of Religious/Hebrew education. It is anticipated that whenever a candidate could within his/her potential comply with the aforementioned guidelines but does not, that no exceptions will be made.
10. We strongly desire that all students at Agudas Achim complete the requirements for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah service and celebration. When there is doubt about a student's preparedness or ability to prepare, the celebration may be postponed. The rabbi and Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutor will work to ensure the student's preparedness and will notify parents of any difficulties in a timely fashion. It is the student's responsibility to complete all requirements.
approved by the Board, June 2, 1997 |
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