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EXECUTIVE'S CORNER
There are several ways CJE establishes connections to Israel. We are continually acquiring new Israel-related materials for our Resource Center, as evidenced by the new acquisitions highlighted here. Another is the professional development programming we provide for educators — in this newsletter, we feature Rachel Korazim, who joined us from Israel to teach classroom teachers, principals, lay leaders and teens about our relationship with Israel. Of course, there is always so much happening at CJE, like our emerging educational partnership activities with our sister city, Ashkelon. At CJE, we are always exploring relationships—between us and our partner schools… between us and our sister agencies in the vibrant ASSOCIATED system…between us and the educators who attend our workshops… between us and the adults who take advantage of our resources for their own study. We explore some of these relationships in this newsletter. Note the special recognition received by several schools and congregations in our system, including two congregations chosen to expand their adult learning programming with support from CJE. As Tu B’Shevat approaches, we look forward to welcoming you at CJE. Together, we can nourish the roots and strengthen the branches of Jewish education in Baltimore. Ultimately, our community will reap the fruits of families, children and adults who are committed and learned in a uniquely Jewish way. |
Tu B’Shevat, the New Year for the trees, is heralded in Israel by the first blossoms of the almond tree, but in the height of winter, nothing is blooming in Baltimore. It gives us pause as we sit in the Diaspora, a world away, to think about our connection to Israel. Tu B’Shevat also encourages us to reflect on our relationship with the natural world around us. In this newsletter, we will do both. We will highlight some of the CJE connections to Israel, and we will explore our relationship with some of our constituents—the natural world in which CJE flourishes.