The JLC’s logo, “Deep Roots, New Sprouts,” has never seemed more applicable. While our vision of transforming the JLC is finally a reality, our school is an ever-evolving learning lab.

Students who attend on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings are learning practical, hands-on Judaism with their enthusiastic teachers. One of my favorite aspects of the new curriculum is seeing our students putting their classroom skills to use in the sanctuary on Shabbat.

This past Saturday, families came together for our first Hinei Mah Tov (HMT) service of the year. The title of Hinei Mah Tov literally means, “How Good it Is!” and I could not agree more. There is tremendous power in having children join together with their parents to pray, ask questions, and to wrestle with Jewish liturgy, words of Torah, and ethical concepts. Children begin to see the power of their Jewish education, when they engage with their parents in an authentic service and celebrate Shabbat together as a family.

Without parent involvement, children get the message that what they are learning in the classrooms is of little value. Our new school model embraces families learning together, in addition to honoring time for students and parents to learn with their peers. For adults, on certain weeks, they are offered a variety of learning topics, via @Nourish. At the same time, JLC students engage in curriculum in their classrooms, driven by their own personal interests.

We are truly creating deep roots, as families make time to strengthen their connection to Judaism and carve out what it means for their family to be Jewish. We are blessed to see new sprouts every time a question leads to an exploration in a JLC classroom, or we try a new way of praying in a Hinei Mah Tov Family service. In this new year, we hope you will join us in supporting this exciting venture. L’Shanah Tovah, a good new year to all of you!

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Heather Brown

Heather feels right at home at Shomrei, having served as the Preschool Director since 2013.With a Masters Degree in Jewish Education, Heather has worked for over 10 years with everyone from toddlers to adults and most enjoys connecting with families and building relationships.Heather lives in West Orange with her husband Seth and their children Dov and Batya, where they can often be found hiking and exploring the great outdoors.

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