GCJC To Begin New Religious School Year

With the memories of the 2007-08 Religious School year beginning to fade after a wonderful summer, the students and staff of the Garden City Jewish Center are set to resume classes on Sunday, September 7th at 9:00AM. As always, students from Garden City (and many surrounding communities) enjoy this "Sundays-only" program, with its emphasis on finding fun ways to learn Jewish history, Bible, Arts & Culture, Music and Hebrew. This often include hands-on activities like art projects, playing instruments (how about the traditional ram's horn?), cooking traditional foods (like Grandma used to make!), reinforcing Hebrew with computer games, and having students help to conduct their own services each week. There is a strong focus on performing "mitzvot" - good deeds and charity in the community. The GCJC's Reform Congregation has always welcomed members from all Jewish affiliations, as well as dual faith families.

Rabbi Stephen Goodman is a wonderful teacher in the school, and takes an active role in each and every child's preparation for Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Principal Carolyn Hoera has been devoted to providing a "fun" Religious School experience for the children of the Temple for more than 20 years. She plays guitar during services, guides the teachers with curriculum and activity ideas, and leads seders, carnivals, parties and game days. Ms. Hoera will be teaching a Nursery/Pre-K class on alternate weeks (age 3-5 yrs.) this year as well.

An Open-House and Pot Luck supper will be held at 7:00PM on Friday evening, September 5th in the social hall of the Garden City Jewish Center, 168 Nassau Blvd., Garden City, NY. Shabbat Services will follow at 8:00PM. All are welcome. Regular classes begin Sunday September 7th at 9:00 AM. More information may

be found on the web site www.gardencityjewishcenter.org