Washington DC

I spend this past Wednesday to Sunday with 15 wonderful 10th graders on our annual Washington DC trip. We visited the White House, the monuments and a whole host of museums. We saw a play, ate some good food and viewed the cherry blossoms. But the most important part of the trip, which you can see from the student's comments below is simply the chance to spend significant Jewish time together as a class. This trip is another great Pardes opportunity to form life-long friendships.

My favorite part of the trip was…

Joe: Becoming closer with everyone in the class. I had so much fun goofing off and spending time with everyone.

Gordy: Going to see Shear Madness

Seth: Visiting the Newseum. It was great to see closer into so many major events and people.

Levi: Spending time with everyone. I had a great time.

Zach: Hanging out in the hotel with everyone

Sam: Walking around DC and joking, playing, and talking with everyone. Also Walgreens!

Bekah: Spending time with everyone on the walks and going to see Shear Madness.

Paige: I had an amazing time! Shear Madness was hilarious and the Newseum was so cool! Also spending time with everyone!

Sydney: Spending time with everyone and getting to know them better! Shear Madness was really fun also.

Daniel: Getting to know everyone better and Shear Madness

Barri:  Laughing all throughout the trip and getting to know everyone so much better.

Aviva: Getting to know everyone better, meeting homeless people, drawing stuff and Shear Madness.

Samara: This trip was so much fun! I had a lot of fun getting to know everyone better.

Edan: I had a lot of favorites, I loved the protesters and the homeless but my favorite was just being with everyone.

Matanot La'evyonim

We just finished a great week of Purim celebrations at Pardes. Check out the flicker link to the right for some great pictures. On Purim, there are four main mitzvot each person is asked to perform, Matanot La'evyonim, gifts to the poor, hearing the Megillah, eating a festive meal and giving Mishloach Manot, gifts of food to friends. This year we concentrated on Matanot La'evyonim – giving gifts to the poor. This is not just any tzdekah. This is money given specifically to those people in need, on the day of Purim. Gifts typical represent at least the value of a meal. This is a special mitzvah and should not be included in the amount of money set aside for giving to charity for the rest of the year. 

This year we raised $100 for Gateway 180 and $100 for the Jewish Food Pantry. I am glad that our community will be helping these important institutions. Look out for our giving opportunity next  year. 

Now on to Pesach!!

Purim is coming!

Purim is Wednesday, March 7^th & 8^th!   

Everyone dresses up, rejoices, drinks, and enjoys themselves. It is an easy holiday to celebrate compared too many of the Jewish holidays. While we are enjoying our Purim celebration (and I hope to see you all there no matter your age – Purim is not just for kids.), remember that the laws include the giving of two Matanot – two gifts. First, everyone is obligated to give gifts to their friends. Mishloach Manot must include at least two types of ready to eat food items and must be presented to a least one friend. This is an easy way to thank those around you for simply being important in your life and include them in your Purim celebration. And second, everyone is obligated concerning Matanot Le'evyomin. Everyone must give a gift of money sufficient for one meal to at least 2 poor people. We will have a creative opportunity to perform this mitzvah at our celebration this year. 

Participate to the fullest this Purim. Dress in costume, eat Hammantaschen, attend a Purim carnival (BAUSY throws the best on in town!), hear the Megillah being read, join our community Seudah,  give Mishloach Manot and tzedekah to the poor.