Author Archives: Aylah Winter

JLC Shabbaton

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This past Shabbat, students in grades 5-7 had the unique opportunity to spend the weekend at the Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center in Falls Village, CT. Thanks to a generous grant from the Greater MetroWest Federation, JLC students departed Montclair on Friday afternoon and enjoyed a Shabbat retreat amidst the serene beauty of the Berkshire Mountains, fully immersed in nature. Accompanied by JLC staff members Sarah Kamenetsky and Orli Pinsberg, as well as Madrichim Eva Halbfinger and Gabe Delaney, the group embarked on a memorable and enriching experience.

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Passover Resources For Families

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Dear Shomrei Families,

I can hardly believe that Passover is a little more than a week away. As we prepare for Passover, we are reminded of the power of storytelling, tradition, and togetherness. The Seder is more than just a meal—it is an opportunity to pass down our history, values, and dreams from generation to generation. Each year, we gather around the table to retell the story of our ancestors’ journey from slavery to freedom, connecting our past to our present in meaningful ways. Passover is also a time to reflect on the traditions that make our families unique. Whether it’s a beloved family recipe, a creative way to search for the Afikomen, or a favorite song during the Seder, these customs help shape our Jewish identity and bring us closer together. Continue reading →

JLC Prayer for Our Country

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Stuart Green and Jennifer Moses fly the colors on inauguration

Stuart Green and Jennifer Moses fly the colors on inauguration day.

Each week during JLC our students begin with community time led by Morah Lily. This week on Wednesday, following a historic inauguration we asked our JLC students to look towards the future and help create a prayer for our country. These are their beautiful worlds full of hope and light. Continue reading →

STOM – Untying the Knot

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Old metal box for donations in a Jewish synagogue

Tzedakah and acts of kindness are the equivalent of all the mitzvot of the Torah” – Jerusalem Talmud, Pe’ah1:1. Over the next year STOM, Shomrei Teens of Montclair, will have the opportunity to create their own organization from start to finish. We will name our organization, write a mission statement, choose where our money will go and decide just how we are going to raise that money or how we will become change makers.

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Shomrei Teens to Create Their Own Charity

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STOM Kids (Shomrei Teens of Montclair) prepare cookies for MESH Cafe, (Montclair Emergency Services for the Homeless)

STOM Kids (Shomrei Teens of Montclair) prepare cookies for MESH Cafe, (Montclair Emergency Services for the Homeless)

STOM or Shomrei Teens of Montclair, is a comprehensive program for students in grades 8-12. STOM builds a community of like-minded Jewish teens, as they meet weekly to connect socially and by developing and building on social-justice and leadership goals.

This year STOM will focus on philanthropy programs that will introduce teens to collective fundraising. This group process is guided by Jewish values and provides teen philanthropists-in-training with opportunities to gain new leadership skills. We hope that this early experience with philanthropy will not only strengthen their engagement with Jewish life but also ensure their commitment to lifelong giving based on Jewish values. Continue reading →