Religious School Overnights and Retreats

In the Temple Emanu-El Religious School we strongly believe in supplementing our formal classroom programs with informal educational opportunities. To support this belief we plan overnights, off-sites, and retreats. These events are opportunities for our students, teachers, and clergy to get to know each other in a more relaxed setting. Each one of these programs is carefully planed with a blend of educational and social components. Whether it is sleeping here in the temple, visiting a nature center, or spending time a URJ camp it is time for everyone to build Jewish memories that will last a lifetime.

4^th Grade Shul-In

We start our overnight programs with our 4^th graders here at the temple for a Shul-In. The theme for this event is “Shabbat.” We invite all of our 4^th Grade families for a Shabbat dinner with all of the traditional blessings. After dinner we head quickly into a Shabbat Hallelu. There is no better way to begin Shabbat than with eating, singing, and dancing. After services, when the parents leave, the 4^th grade students and teachers join with other staff members for some get to know each other games. Then after a brief discussion about the symbols of Shabbat, we break into small groups and design Shabbat cakes. There is always plenty of icing, sprinkles, and creativity to go around. After cleaning up washing up we settle into sleeping bags, watch a movie, and fall asleep. In the morning we wake, wash, enjoy breakfast and then one of our clergy joins us for a Shabbat morning service. This is when parents start to arrive and take everyone home. We all leave for home tired but with memories that will last a lifetime.

5^th Grade Retreat

In the 5^th Grade we head to the URJ Camp Harlam in Kunkletown, PA deep in the heart of the Pocono Mountains for a one night retreat. Our theme for this retreat is “100 Blessings a Day.” Here our students, teachers, and clergy come together for an overnight adventure. We spend the weekend learning, praying and eating together. We also learn about the traditional blessings we say when we see a rainbow or wear a new article of clothing. After we learn about a blessing in our own small groups we teach our blessings to the other groups. We also share late night stories and play intense rounds of Gaga. Avi Zuckerman from ArtwithAvi.com joins us for a fantastic art project. This retreat is filled with lots of learning, games, and fun.

6^th Grade Shabbaton

In the 6^th Grade we ask our families to join together at the Trailside Nature and Science Center in the Watchung Reservation. The theme for this event is “What Does My Bar/Bat Mitzvah Mean to Me and My Family.” We begin the Shabbaton with a “worship walk.” This is a self guided Shabbat morning worship experience. As families or small groups we go for a walk through the trails saying our Shabbat morning prayers and asking and answering questions about the words and meaning of these prayers. After our walk we regroup and watch a brief video about one family’s morning preparation for their youngest child’s Bar Mitzvah. A brief discussion follows about how one person’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah affects the entire family. Then every 6^th Grade student has the opportunity to make a sterling silver yad with his or her Hebrew name on it. This yad has become a personal treasure to be used when our students read from the Torah at their own Bar/Bat Mitzvah. This is all followed by a delicious lunch and informal discussions about the meaning of Shabbat in our lives.

7^th Grade Retreat

The 7^th Graders have a two night retreat at the URJ Camp Harlam in the Pocono Mountains in PA. “Modern Israel” is the theme for this weekend. Teachers, clergy, student aids, and parent chaperones join us for this fun weekend. During our time together we learn about the culture and politics of Israel. We break into small groups and each group becomes an Israeli political party. They learn about the party’s platforms and histories. They write slogans, make posters, and prepare presentations. In the evening all the parties join together for our own Knesset. Here we share what we have learned about each party and try to from our own government. Avi Zukerman from ArtwithAvi.com joins us to make a Mizrach.  A mizrach is a decorative wall hanging that hangs on the eastern wall of our homes to remind us of the direction of Jerusalem. In between all of this exciting programming there is plenty of free time for games, socializing, and Gaga. Now that we have learned about modern Israel we end the weekend with Gadna (basic army) training.

8^th & 9^th Grade Retreat

Our 8^th and 9^th grade retreat is titled “613 Mitzvot.” Here again our students are joined by teachers, clergy, student aids, and other staff members for the weekend. Our students read all 613 commandments and decide which ones they believe are the most important, which ones are the strangest, and which ones they would add. During this weekend there are always plenty of discussions about what Judaism means to each of us and how Judaism affects their daily lives. We sing, eat, learn, worship, and play games together. This is a time for our older students to bond with our clergy and each other as they continue to build memories that will last a lifetime.