Final Blog Post

Dear friends,

Over the last several years this blog has been a great source of reference for our families.  In the last few months it has been rarely visited.  Please consider this post the closing note on our blog.  All of our BSI information will now be included in our BSI Weekly Email.  Thank you for all of your visits to this blog over the years.

Be well,

Jason Cathcart

Question of the Week

Tu b'Shevat has gone for this year and we begin to focus on the next Jewish holiday: Purim!

This year, we'll have to wait a little longer than normal for Purim.  Why?

Announcements for the Week

Weekly Calendar Wednesday, February 3 BSI, 4:30 PM For students 1st-7th grade, ends at 6:30 PM Minyan, 6:00 PM Sunday, February 7 CJCRS, 9:30 AM BZ Super Bowl Party, 6:00 PM

Things to think about Cough and Cold and Flu, Oh my! It’s the time of year when many people are facing illness.  Please remember, if your child is sick enough to stay home from their public/private school, they should also stay home from Hebrew school.  If your child is not planning on coming to BSI this week, please let us know by clicking here.  If you have any questions, please contact Jason.   A Note About Shabbat Attendance When attending Shabbat services, BSI students should find the Shabbat Attendance box on the credenza outside the chapel.  Please move the card with your name on it from the front to the section labeled "Shabbat Attendance".  There are two cards for every student in case you are coming to services on Friday night and Saturday morning. Our Shabbat attendance program requires all students to attend a minimum of 12 Shabbat services at our synagogue in the course of any given year. These include Jr. Congregation, High Holy Days, Super-Sized Shabbat, Friday nights or Saturday mornings. Any student meeting this goal will receive the Jr. Congregation Honor Roll prize at the end of the year Ashrei and Kiddush Society Online Want to learn the Ashrei?  Ever want to lead the Kiddush on Shabbat morning? Now you can learn it online! Click below to start learning right away. Become a member of the Ashrei Society and the Kiddush Society.

Weekly Calendar Wednesday, January 27 BSI, 4:30 PM For students Pre K-K, ends 6:00 PM For students 1st-7th grade, ends at 6:30 PM Minyan, 6:00 PM Sunday, January 31 CJCRS, 9:30 AM

Things to think about A Note from Jason Cathcart, Dir. of Congregational Learning Dear friends, I am away this week (January 24-28) at the Jewish Educators Assembly Conference in New Jersey.  I look forward to sharing all the wonderful things that I learn when I return.  If you have any Hebrew school related questions while I am gone, please email me or call my cell phone.  Thank you! Cough and Cold and Flu, Oh my! It’s the time of year when many people are facing illness.  Please remember, if your child is sick enough to stay home from their public/private school, they should also stay home from Hebrew school.  If your child is not planning on coming to BSI this week, please let us know by clicking here.  If you have any questions, please contact Jason.   A Note About Shabbat Attendance When attending Shabbat services, BSI students should find the Shabbat Attendance box on the credenza outside the chapel.  Please move the card with your name on it from the front to the section labeled "Shabbat Attendance".  There are two cards for every student in case you are coming to services on Friday night and Saturday morning. Our Shabbat attendance program requires all students to attend a minimum of 12 Shabbat services at our synagogue in the course of any given year. These include Jr. Congregation, High Holy Days, Super-Sized Shabbat, Friday nights or Saturday mornings. Any student meeting this goal will receive the Jr. Congregation Honor Roll prize at the end of the year Ashrei and Kiddush Society Online Want to learn the Ashrei?  Ever want to lead the Kiddush on Shabbat morning? Now you can learn it online! Click below to start learning right away. Become a member of the Ashrei Society and the Kiddush Society.

Announcements for this Week

Weekly Calendar Wednesday, January 20 BSI, 4:30 PM For students 1st-7th grade, ends at 6:30 PM Minyan, 6:00 PM Saturday, January 23 Sisterhood Shabbat, 9:45 AM Jr. Congregation, 10:00 AM Sunday, January 24 CJCRS, 9:30 AM

Things to think about A Note from Jason Cathcart, Dir. of Congregational Learning Dear friends, I will be travelling to the Jewish Educators Assembly Conference in New Jersey next week: January 24-28.  I look forward to sharing all the wonderful things that I learn when I return.  If you have any Hebrew school related questions while I am gone, please email me or call my cell phone.  Thank you! Cough and Cold and Flu, Oh my! It’s the time of year when many people are facing illness.  Please remember, if your child is sick enough to stay home from their public/private school, they should also stay home from Hebrew school.  If your child is not planning on coming to BSI this week, please let us know by clicking here.  If you have any questions, please contact Jason.   A Note About Shabbat Attendance When attending Shabbat services, BSI students should find the Shabbat Attendance box on the credenza outside the chapel.  Please move the card with your name on it from the front to the section labeled "Shabbat Attendance".  There are two cards for every student in case you are coming to services on Friday night and Saturday morning. Our Shabbat attendance program requires all students to attend a minimum of 12 Shabbat services at our synagogue in the course of any given year. These include Jr. Congregation, High Holy Days, Super-Sized Shabbat, Friday nights or Saturday mornings. Any student meeting this goal will receive the Jr. Congregation Honor Roll prize at the end of the year Ashrei and Kiddush Society Online Want to learn the Ashrei?  Ever want to lead the Kiddush on Shabbat morning? Now you can learn it online! Click below to start learning right away. Become a member of the Ashrei Society and the Kiddush Society.

Question of the Week

We just began the month of Shevat.  This month we celebrate Tu b'Shevat, a holiday celebrating nature and the natural world around us.  What is the next month on the Hebrew calendar and what holiday will we celebrate in that month?

Announcements for the Week

Weekly Calendar Wednesday, January 13 BSI Resumes, 4:30 PM For students Pre K-K, ends 6:00 PM For students 1st-7th grade, ends at 6:30 PM Minyan, 6:00 PM Sunday, January 17 CJCRS, 9:30 AM

Things to think about Jewish Camp Scholarships Available: Deadline tomorrow! Scholarship money for new and returning campers at Jewish Summer Camp is available from the B’nai Zion Helen Hanan Memorial Scholarship Fund.  If you are interested, please click here to apply. Forms are due no later than January 13. Cough and Cold and Flu, Oh my! It’s the time of year when many people are facing illness.  Please remember, if your child is sick enough to stay home from their public/private school, they should also stay home from Hebrew school.  If your child is not planning on coming to BSI this week, please let us know by clicking here.  If you have any questions, please contact Jason.   A Note About Shabbat Attendance When attending Shabbat services, BSI students should find the Shabbat Attendance box on the credenza outside the chapel.  Please move the card with your name on it from the front to the section labeled "Shabbat Attendance".  There are two cards for every student in case you are coming to services on Friday night and Saturday morning. Our Shabbat attendance program requires all students to attend a minimum of 12 Shabbat services at our synagogue in the course of any given year. These include Jr. Congregation, High Holy Days, Super-Sized Shabbat, Friday nights or Saturday mornings. Any student meeting this goal will receive the Jr. Congregation Honor Roll prize at the end of the year Ashrei and Kiddush Society Online Want to learn the Ashrei?  Ever want to lead the Kiddush on Shabbat morning? Now you can learn it online! Click below to start learning right away. Become a member of the Ashrei Society and the Kiddush Society.

Announcements for this Week

Weekly Calendar Wednesday, January 6 NO BSI Minyan, 6:00 PM Saturday, January 9 Super Sized Shabbat, see below for details Sunday, January 10 CJCRS, 9:30 AM Wednesday, January 13 BSI Resumes, 4:30 PM For students Pre K-K, ends 6:00 PM For students 1st-7th grade, ends at 6:30 PM Minyan, 6:00 PM

BSI Question of the Week  The question returns with BSI next week!

Things to think about .  THIS SATURDAY, JANUARY 9 Mini-Minyan, 10:30-11:15 am (for Pre-K to 2nd grade) Jr. Congregation, 10:00 am-12:00 pm (for 3rd to 6th grade) Bagrut, 10:00 am-12:00 pm (for 8th-10th grade) We will celebrate Shabbat through tefillah,hands-on learning, mentoring, study and games! BSI Winter Break We hope everyone had a safe and fun winter break.  We look forward to seeing you at BSI next week on January 13! Jewish Camp Scholarships Available Scholarship money for new and returning campers at Jewish Summer Camp is available from the B’nai Zion Helen Hanan Memorial Scholarship Fund.  If you are interested, please click here to apply. Forms are due no later than January 13. Cough and Cold and Flu, Oh my! It’s the time of year when many people are facing illness.  Please remember, if your child is sick enough to stay home from their public/private school, they should also stay home from Hebrew school.  If your child is not planning on coming to BSI this week, please let us know by clicking here.  If you have any questions, please contact Jason.   Our Shabbat attendance program requires all students to attend a minimum of 12 Shabbat services at our synagogue in the course of any given year. These include Jr. Congregation, High Holy Days, Super-Sized Shabbat, Friday nights or Saturday mornings. Any student meeting this goal will receive the Jr. Congregation Honor Roll prize at the end of the year Ashrei and Kiddush Society Online Want to learn the Ashrei?  Ever want to lead the Kiddush on Shabbat morning? Now you can learn it online! Click below to start learning right away. Become a member of the Ashrei Society and the Kiddush Society.

Question of the Week

It's winter time and everyone is hoping to see some snow in 2016.

What is the Hebrew word for snow?

Announcements for the Week

Weekly Calendar Wednesday, December 16 BSI, 4:30 PM For students Pre K-K, ends 6:00 PM For students 1st-7th grade, ends at 6:30 PM Minyan, 6:00 PM Sunday, December 20 NO CJCRS

Things to think about BSI Winter Break We hope everyone has a safe and fun winter break.  We look forward to the return of BSI on January 13! Jewish Camp Scholarships Available Scholarship money for new and returning campers at Jewish Summer Camp is available from the B’nai Zion Helen Hanan Memorial Scholarship Fund.  If you are interested, please click here to apply. Forms are due no later than January 13. Cough and Cold and Flu, Oh my! It’s the time of year when many people are facing illness.  Please remember, if your child is sick enough to stay home from their public/private school, they should also stay home from Hebrew school.  If your child is not planning on coming to BSI this week, please let us know by clicking here.  If you have any questions, please contact Jason.   Our Shabbat attendance program requires all students to attend a minimum of 12 Shabbat services at our synagogue in the course of any given year. These include Jr. Congregation, High Holy Days, Super-Sized Shabbat, Friday nights or Saturday mornings. Any student meeting this goal will receive the Jr. Congregation Honor Roll prize at the end of the year Ashrei and Kiddush Society Online Want to learn the Ashrei?  Ever want to lead the Kiddush on Shabbat morning? Now you can learn it online! Click below to start learning right away. Become a member of the Ashrei Society and the Kiddush Society.

Question of the Week

Mattathias and his sons (most famously Judah Maccabee) led the Jewish revolt against a stronger and larger Greek army.  How many sons did Mattathias have?

Announcements for the Week

Weekly Calendar Wednesday, December 9 BSI, 4:30 PM For students 1st-7th grade, ends at 6:30 PM Chanukah Menorah lighting and singing, 5:45 PM Minyan, 6:00 PM Bagrut Webinar: What's Jewish about Pop Music?, 7:00 PM Sunday, December 13 CJCRS, 9:30 AM Kadima Chanukah Party @ BZ, 12:30 PM

Things to think about   Bring you Chanukah Menorah to BSI this week! Help us light up the BZ lobby with the glowing lights of our chanukiyot.  All of BSI will join the entire congregation is invited to join us for this festive event at 5:45 PM.  Candle lighting, singing and snacks for all!  We can’t wait for you to join us. Kadima Chanukah Party, 12/13 - 12:30 PM at BZ Games, prizes, food and fun.  It’s what we do at Kadima.  Join us for the Chanukah festivities.  RSVP to Jason.  Jewish Camp Scholarships Available Scholarship money for new and returning campers at Jewish Summer Camp is available from the B’nai Zion Helen Hanan Memorial Scholarship Fund.  If you are interested, please click here to apply. Forms are due no later than January 13. Cough and Cold and Flu, Oh my! It’s the time of year when many people are facing illness.  Please remember, if your child is sick enough to stay home from their public/private school, they should also stay home from Hebrew school.  If your child is not planning on coming to BSI this week, please let us know by clicking here.  If you have any questions, please contact Jason.   Our Shabbat attendance program requires all students to attend a minimum of 12 Shabbat services at our synagogue in the course of any given year. These include Jr. Congregation, High Holy Days, Super-Sized Shabbat, Friday nights or Saturday mornings. Any student meeting this goal will receive the Jr. Congregation Honor Roll prize at the end of the year Ashrei and Kiddush Society Online Want to learn the Ashrei?  Ever want to lead the Kiddush on Shabbat morning? Now you can learn it online! Click below to start learning right away. Become a member of the Ashrei Society and the Kiddush Society.

Question of the Week

We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Barnes & Noble.  How many years have we been having BSI @ Barnes & Noble (including this year)?

Announcements for the Week

Weekly Calendar Wednesday, December 2 BSI at Barnes & Noble, 4:30 PM (see below) For ALL students Pre K-7 grade, ends 5:45 PM Chanukah Menorah Lighting & Singing, 5:45 PM Saturday, Decemebr 5 Jr. Congregation, 10:00 AM Sunday, December 6 CJCRS, 9:30 AM Community Chanukah Party and Candle Lighting, 5:30 at the JCC.

Things to think about   BSI at Barnes & Noble, December 2, 4:30 PM Our Fourth Annual trip to Barnes & Noble for Hebrew S chool.  There will be Chanukah activities, games, crafts for all the students.  A special student Chanukah menorah lighting &  concert will conclude the evening at 5:45 PM.  Plan on doing your Chanukah shopping and earn money for BZ at the same time.  Plus, earn money for BZ by using our Book fair code, 11719689, when shopping in-store  Dec. 2-4) or online (Dec. 2-9)! Community Chanukah Party and Candle Lighting, Sunday, Dec. 6 at 5:30 at the JCC. Come light the first candle of Chanukah!  In addition there will be a mime, a magician, and a musical comedienne.  All of our local Hebrew Schools will be signing different songs.  BSI students will lead the community in "Lots Of Latkes".  Please let Jason know if you can attend by emailing him here. Jewish Camp Scholarships Available Scholarship money for new and returning campers at Jewish Summer Camp is available from the B’nai Zion Helen Hanan Memorial Scholarship Fund.  If you are interested, please click here to apply. Forms are due no later than January 13. Cough and Cold and Flu, Oh my! It’s the time of year when many people are facing illness.  Please remember, if your child is sick enough to stay home from their public/private school, they should also stay home from Hebrew school.  If your child is not planning on coming to BSI this week, please let us know by clicking here.  If you have any questions, please contact Jason.   Our Shabbat attendance program requires all students to attend a minimum of 12 Shabbat services at our synagogue in the course of any given year. These include Jr. Congregation, High Holy Days, Super-Sized Shabbat, Friday nights or Saturday mornings. Any student meeting this goal will receive the Jr. Congregation Honor Roll prize at the end of the year Ashrei and Kiddush Society Online Want to learn the Ashrei?  Ever want to lead the Kiddush on Shabbat morning? Now you can learn it online! Click below to start learning right away. Become a member of the Ashrei Society and the Kiddush Society.

Announcements for the Week

Weekly Calendar Wednesday, November 25 NO BSI Minyan, 6:00 PM Thursday, November 26 Happy Thanksgiving! Sunday, November 29 NO CJCRS Wednesday, December 2 BSI at Barnes and Noble, 4:30 PM For students Pre K-7th grade Chanukah Menorah lighting and singing, 5:45 PM

Things to think about   BSI at Barnes & Noble, December 2, 4:30 PM Our Fourth Annual trip to Barnes & Noble for Hebrew School.  There will be Chanukah activities, games, crafts for all the students.  A special Chanukah menorah lighting &  singing will conclude the evening at 5:45 PM.  Plan on doing your Chanukah shopping and earn money for BZ at the same time.  Plus, earn money for BZ by using our Book fair code, 11719689, when shopping in-store  (Dec. 2-4) or online (Dec. 2-9)! Jewish Camp Scholarships Available Scholarship money for new and returning campers at Jewish Summer Camp is available from the B’nai Zion Helen Hanan Memorial Scholarship Fund.  If you are interested, please click here to apply. Forms are due no later than January 13. Cough and Cold and Flu, Oh my! It’s the time of year when many people are facing illness.  Please remember, if your child is sick enough to stay home from their public/private school, they should also stay home from Hebrew school.  If your child is not planning on coming to BSI this week, please let us know by clicking here.  If you have any questions, please contact Jason.   Our Shabbat attendance program requires all students to attend a minimum of 12 Shabbat services at our synagogue in the course of any given year. These include Jr. Congregation, High Holy Days, Super-Sized Shabbat, Friday nights or Saturday mornings. Any student meeting this goal will receive the Jr. Congregation Honor Roll prize at the end of the year Ashrei and Kiddush Society Online Want to learn the Ashrei?  Ever want to lead the Kiddush on Shabbat morning? Now you can learn it online! Click below to start learning right away. Become a member of the Ashrei Society and the Kiddush Society.

Announcements for the Week

Weekly Calendar Wednesday, November 18 BSI, 4:30 PM For students 1st-7th grade, ends at 6:30 PM Minyan, 6:00 PM Sunday, November 22 NO CJCRS

Things to think about   A Note From Jason This week I am away at the Mandel Teacher Educator Institute (MTEI) held in Chicago.  I am greatly honored to be a part of their seventh cohort.  We engage in lots of text study, learning new and effective classroom skills, protocols to enhance the learning in our school and much more.  I hope you all have a great class this week and I look forward to seeing all of our students when we return from Thanksgiving break at Barnes & Noble (see below). BSI at Barnes & Noble, December 2, 4:30 PM Our Fourth Annual trip to Barnes & Noble for Hebrew School.  There will be Chanukah activities, games, crafts for all the students.  A special student Chanukah menorah lighting &  concert will conclude the evening at 5:45 PM.  Plan on doing your Chanukah shopping and earn money for BZ at the same time.  Plus, earn money for BZ by using our Book fair code, 11719689, when shopping in-store  Dec. 2-4) or online (Dec. 2-9)! Jewish Camp Scholarships Available Scholarship money for new and returning campers at Jewish Summer Camp is available from the B’nai Zion Helen Hanan Memorial Scholarship Fund.  If you are interested, please click here to apply. Forms are due no later than January 13. Cough and Cold and Flu, Oh my! It’s the time of year when many people are facing illness.  Please remember, if your child is sick enough to stay home from their public/private school, they should also stay home from Hebrew school.  If your child is not planning on coming to BSI this week, please let us know by clicking here.  If you have any questions, please contact Jason.   Our Shabbat attendance program requires all students to attend a minimum of 12 Shabbat services at our synagogue in the course of any given year. These include Jr. Congregation, High Holy Days, Super-Sized Shabbat, Friday nights or Saturday mornings. Any student meeting this goal will receive the Jr. Congregation Honor Roll prize at the end of the year Ashrei and Kiddush Society Online Want to learn the Ashrei?  Ever want to lead the Kiddush on Shabbat morning? Now you can learn it online! Click below to start learning right away. Become a member of the Ashrei Society and the Kiddush Society.