Come and celebrate Shabbat with the ACI community during May's Kabbalat Shabbat service. Join us for a service in the sanctuary, followed by a Yom Ha'atzmaut-themed Oneg and a social gathering in ACI's lobby. Whether you're coming alone, with friends, or with the whole family, this evening promises to be a great way to celebrate Shabbat and spend time together.

 

ACI Tot Shabbat, Junior Congregation, and Hebrew School families are highly encouraged to attend - we'd love to see you there!

 

 

RSVPs not required, but feel free to let us know you're coming by writing to [email protected].

 

First time visitors to ACI can RSVP here.

Join the ACI community for a film night ideal for the entire family! Perfectly timed with several B'nai Mitzvot at the center - we'll be screening the film You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah, starring Adam Sandler and Idina Menzel.

 

Join us for the movie and snacks at 6 PM and Shabbat candle lighting immediately following the film.

In Music & Art, students reviewed the blessings said Friday nights over the Shabbat candles, Kiddush wine, and the challah, learned some lively Shabbat songs, and reviewed the "Shema" prayer. Then students continued adding to their Shabbat box projects by painting and decorating their wood Shabbat candle holders.

 

In Hebrew language class, students played the movement game and reinforced the words they learned before Spring break. Kitah Bet and Gimmel learned words related to Israel's independence while Kitah Aleph continued working on their language books. Some students finished their second books, thereby completing the entire Hebrew alphabet.

 

In Judaic Studies, in commemoration of Israel Independence Day, Kitah Aleph learned that Israel is where Abraham first settled over 4,000 years ago but that today it is a modern country that was granted independence in 1948. We learned that Israel celebrates its 76th birthday, that the Israeli flag, containing 2 blue stripes and one white stripe, is modeled after the traditional tallit, or prayer shawl, that was used in biblical times. Next week, students will learn more about Israel’s geography, climate, and landmarks.

 

Kitah Bet and Gimmel had a meaningful discussion in commemoration of Holocaust Memorial Day. We started our discussions by asking students what they knew about the Holocaust, and many shared what they’d learned either in school or from their relatives about this tragic period in Jewish history.

 

We also had a discussion about the life of Anne Frank and were pleased to discover that most of our students were familiar with her story. They knew that she, along with her family, hid during the war and that she kept a diary which was eventually published by her father, Otto Frank, who was the sole family survivor.

 

It was heartening to recognize their awareness of Anne Frank's legacy, including the fact that her diary has been translated into more than 60 languages, has sold over 30 million copies worldwide, and has been incorporated into the 8th-grade curriculum in many schools.

 

We strongly believe that our students must understand the importance of remembering the events of the Holocaust, the lessons it teaches us about tolerance and empathy, and the consequences of ignorance and discrimination.

 

Finally, students gathered in the main sanctuary with Rabbi Josh, who taught them a new song before we all sang "Hatikvah."

 

Thank you for your continued support in our educational journey.