Shavuot Learning and Ice Cream

This year we had learning opportunities for both 4th-6th grade boys as well as 4th-6th grade girls (and their mothers) on the first night of Shavuot. The reports from everyone were that both shiurim were highly successful and well attended. I want to first and foremost thank Rabbi Rosenbaum and Allison Ginsburg for their inspirational speaking, and also to thank the shul staff and youth staff for all of their efforts in helping to coordinate these activities. Between the two shiurim, I am told that we had roughly 70 4th-6th graders stay up to learn. This showing was a great turnout from students representing a variety of schools and a great opportunity to be together as a community.

On Monday afternoon, the YISE youth department had its annual ice cream social. "A Sundae on Monday" was attended by parents as well as children from nursery through high school. In addition to an open toppings bar, the roughly 100 participants were also surprised with delicious cheesecake. Truly enhancing the fun at this event was the opportunity to see people both new to our community as well as long standing members interacting with each other and greeting new families. On a chag such as Shavuot, when B'nai Yisroel came together as a nation, it is always a pleasure to see both of these events bringing people together in times of celebration! Thank you as well to Adam Bashein and the other anonymous donors who sponsored this event!

Lag Ba'Omer at Sandy Spring Adventure Park

Lag Ba'Omer is meant to be spent outdoors enjoying nature, trees, and bonfires. Our Lag Ba'Omer at The Sandy Spring Adventure Park was nothing short of spectacular! Once harnessed, parents and children alike listened intently as the guides explained the process of how the equipment worked. After a brief tutorial and test run, everyone took to the sky to try out the 13 different courses available.

Children as young as 5 years old were seen high above the ground, maneuvering through cargo nets, across wood beams, and zip lining from tree to tree. Adults and older children climbed as high as 65 feet off the ground, tackling some of the more challenging courses which included climbing up to different levels in the middle of the course. A lot of effort and hard work helped everyone feel a sense of accomplishment as they completed their respective courses.

 

Once families finished their 2 hours of climbing, we all gathered together around the bonfire and listened to songs about Rabbi Akiva and Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai as we toasted marshmallows. The youth had a look of accomplishment on their faces, and several parents expressed that it was the most fun that they had experienced in a long time. One participant said that they felt like they were "on vacation", while another shared that "This is what Lag Ba'Omer is all about!"I am grateful to everyone who was able to come out and partake in the festivities.