For those of you that could not come to this "special" ceremony, I want to share the highlights of the day. On Wednesdays, our students start off the day with 30 minutes of community (kehillah) time. This time allows us to foster connections amongst our students. On the first two Wednesdays of the year we did team building exercises as a whole group.

On October 17, we started a new phase and we began with an opening ceremony. The students gathered in the sanctuary. The shofar blasted and in walked four familiar adults but they weren't dressed as usual. As many perplexed faces looked towards the bema, I introduced the four headmasters of Kehillah time. Wearing his trademark hat and carrying a big walking stick, headmaster Indiana Fine was introduced. He is the head of Bet Haifa. Those chosen for this bayit (house) are Bnai Tzedek v Rachamin- people of justice & mercy. These house members treat everyone with fairness. They are seekers of truth, emet and they always offer kavod, honor to all they meet.

Next to be introduced was headmistress Rennana the Rebel. Rennana heads Bet Elat whose members are Rodfei Shalom- pursuers of peace. Peace in the home, Shalom Bayit, peace in our learning center, peace in our community and peace in our world. Members of Bet Elat possess strong people skills that are necessary for listening and communicating with different types of people with many points of view.

The next headmistress, Morah Minerva, sporting her bright red robe with stars and regal hat will lead Bet Beersheva. These members are described as Anshe Ometz Lev v Lev Tov- people with courageous and good hearts. These house members treat everyone with kindness. They are careful not to gossip or to embarrass people. They are quick to perform many acts of loving kindness- gemilut hasadim.

Lastly, Ms. Mina Helet introduced her bayit, Bet Tsfat. Members of this bayit are Ohavei HaBriot- lovers of all creatures. They are appreciative of all of God's creations. Kindness to animals (tzaar ba'alei hayyim) and welcoming of guests (hachnasat orchim) are mitzvot that rank high on their list of priorities.

After the introductions the students were curious about what was hiding under the blanket on the podium. Morah Minerva unveiled her star creature- Tzedkiyahu. He is a perpetually hungry dragon that loves to be stuffed with coins. He will have feeding time each Wednesday where the children can feed him tzedakah. Please come visit him in the Learning Center office. Tzedkiyahu is a magnificent creature, an amazing work of art and a labor of love. Yishar Hokech, Morah Minerva (aka Nikki Pusin)!!

Students were called up one by one. First they received a coin to feed Tzedkiyahu. Then they sat in a chair as the four headmasters held the sorting kippah over their head. Based on their characteristics, the kippah announced their bayit and they received a colored kippah. Each bayit has a different color and the students will always wear these kippot during Learning Center sessions. Over the next several weeks, each bayit will explore the history of their Israeli city and the middot (values) that represent them. Next, as a group, they will develop an emblem, banner and a kippah design that showcase what they have learned. I will keep you posted on further activities and look for the displays of their work. I have attached a few pictures for you to enjoy!

B'shalom,
Sherri Morris