Beth+El+Temple+(West+Hartford,+CT)

Beth El will develop an intensive track for families, creating a havurah for families with children in grades 3-5 designed to build parental confidence, provide tools for Shabbat observance, and strengthen Shabbat concepts taught in religious school. Havurah members will commit to attending monthly Shabbat family services and dinners, participating monthly in Shabbat dinners, and engaging in experiential learning at other times on Shabbat. Older, more experienced adults and families will serve as mentors to havurah members, and parents in the havurah will be offered other opportunities for learning on an adult level. The experience will culminate with a Shabbaton synthesizing the year’s learning.
 * __[[file:Mishpacha Minyan Curriculum - 12Jan08.doc]][[file:Mishpacha Minyan Curriculum - 12Jan08.doc]]Beth El Temple__****, West Hartford, CT (Conservative, 984 household units)**
 * “Shabbat Babayit Havurah”**

2626 Albany Avenue West Hartford, CT 06117

Conservative Rabbi James Rosen jrosen@bethelwh.org

Rabbi Ilana Garber igarber@bethelwh.org

Rabbi Howard Rosenbaum hrosenbaum@bethelwh.org

Handout
 * Informational and Marketing Materials**

Invitations to participate in the Shabbat Babayit Havurah: To members of the original focus group To all families with at least one child in grades 3-5, our target group

Letter welcoming families to the Shabbat Babayit Havurah Shabbat Havurah Calendar (sent to families with Welcome Letter)

"Shabbat under the Stars" Flyer

"Simchat Torah LIVE!" Flyer

"Mishpacha Minyan" Flyer

Havdallah Planetarium Program Flyer

SHABBAT KIT - This was sent to Havurah families the week before the first "Hosted Shabbat Dinner". It included challah, grape juice, candles and a dessert treat as well as resources to assist families in their celebration of Shabbat. For this dinner, Havurah families were grouped together at members homes to enjoy Shabbat dinner together. Shabbat Kit cover letter Friday night ritual guide
 * Educational Materials and Best Practices**

CD Table of Contents CD Recordings

MISHPACHA MINYAN - This is the name given to our newly reconstituted family services that meet periodically through the year on Friday night and Shabbat morning. The Shabbat morning Mishpacha Minyan, intended for families with children in grades K to 6, has prayer and study components. Students and parents study separately and then come together for a culminating activity.

Parshat Lech Lecha (10/20/07): Texts Curriculum

Parshat Vayiggash (12/15/07) Texts Curriculum

Parshat Bo (1/12/08) Curriculum

Parshat Vayakhel (3/1/08) Curriculum

Parshat Behar (5/17/08) Curriculum

LEARNING ABOUT KIDDUSH/ WINE TASTING - Following Mincha, Maariv and Havdallah, Havurah families enjoyed an evening of wine tasting and a movie. Parents learned about Kiddush - how to chant it and what it means - and learned about kosher wine and had the opportunity to sample several varieties. Children enjoyed a movie, then joined their parents for ice cream sundaes and dessert.

Israeli Wine Booklet

CHALLAH BAKING - On the THursday night before a family Shabbat dinner, several Havurah families gathered together to bake challot for the dinner. They learned how to execute the recipe as well as the Jewish laws about separating challah. Families also mixed and braided dough which they brought home to bake and enjoy with their families.

Challah recipe Photos [|P1010002.JPG]

JEWPARDY -