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Shannah Tovah, Shalom and Greetings from the new Rego Park Jewish Center Religious School Principal & Youth Director. Once again I cannot express how pleased I am to be a part of the RPJC family. Having already had the privilege of meeting so many wonderful congregants during the summer months, I eagerly look forward to meeting the rest of you during this High Holiday Season.

As the new Jewish Year approaches, and as we all examine ourselves in an attempt to change our behavior that we might all come closer to our families, to our fellow Jews and of course to Hashem, I am committed to developing the best Religious School, Youth & Family Shabbos Program and Youth Program for the youngsters and families of RPJC. Our first day of classes will be on Wednesday afternoon, September 9th, from 4:00 to 6:30 P.M. Beginning with the following Monday, September 14th, our classes will meet every Monday afternoon again from 4:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M.

Our weekly classes will focus on Shabbat, holidays, customs and ceremonies, Torah stories, beginning Hebrew reading and Brachot (Blessings). The main emphases will be on demonstrating to our youngsters, and to their families, what a beautiful, meaningful and “fun” religion that is our four thousand year old heritage. Among the many learning tools to be utilized will include arts and crafts, games, stories, plays and contests. This should make for many entertaining, enjoyable and most importantly educational afternoons for our youngsters.

In addition to the Monday afternoon weekly classes, our new program will also feature a Youth & Family Shabbos Program & Luncheon which will meet every other Saturday beginning on September 12th at 10:30 A.M. Each Saturday morning we will introduce our students, their families and any “beginners” who wish to join us, to participate in the prayers, songs and beauty of Shabbat. We will learn about the special meanings behind our prayers, where they come from and why they are recited and we will also review the weekly Torah sedra. Following every exciting Shabbos program, we will all enjoy a “Delicious Shabbos Luncheon” complete with great food, kiddush, Shabbos songs and Birkat HaMazon, the grace after meals. Please feel free to stop in and visit with us as often as you can.

Finally, I ask that all of you please offer your assistance to insure the success of our new Religious School and Shabbos Program. Please spread the word to any families, regardless of their background, that might be interested in a very “Family Friendly Program” for the Jewish Education of their children. In this way we will all be working together to bring a most beautiful change to not only Rego Park Jewish Center but also to our Jewish Community at large. What a great way for all of us to begin this new year.

Shannah Tovah,
Jeff Kelman
Religious School Principal & Youth Director



For additional information, please call our Center at 718.459.1000.