Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023: Opening day of the shul’s new Hebrew School. But wait! At the Board of Directors meeting last Sunday, Ann Hurwitz, coordinator of the program, referred to the Hebrew School as Shabbat Hebrew School. So that’s it then.

Ah, maybe not. A small voice expressed an opposing thought: “School is where we go during the week,” it said. “This is a kids’ service.” And all nodded in agreement. And so it came to be that the Hebrew School, having passed through several iterations is, indeed, the Kids’ Service. In fact, Rabbi Gadi had been saying in the sanctuary that morning that the week’s Torah portion talks about working together to build community, and it seems the youngsters showed us the way.

The children’s gathering having been properly named, Dawn Teyuca, the teacher directing the morning’s program, introduced a discussion among her charges about Hebrew letters that spell Hebrew names and about the upcoming holiday of Purim. In the sanctuary, we could hear the children giggling and practicing with their groggers

The highlight of the morning, for youngsters and adults alike, occurred at the time of the sixth Aliyah in the Torah service, traditionally recited by children. And so it was. And when last did the blessing sound so sweet? Similarly for the kiddush, young voices elevated the blessing, which was followed by closing prayers, a closing song and, of course, a tray of snacks, having already been eyed by the young visitors.

You can call it Hebrew School. You can call it Shabbat Hebrew School. You can call it a Kids’ Service. Observing these personalities bubbling with joy in their Jewishness, this observer calls it a delight. Thank you, Rabbi Gadi. Thank you, Ann Hurwitz. Thank you, Dawn Teyuca. Thank you, children. Thank you Ha Shem for this blessing in our shul.

Parents and grandparents interested in enrolling the youngsters in their families are invited to speak with Rabbi Gadi. Email him at ctigreenport@gmail.com to request an interview.

—SMB