Shalom ECLC Families,
I hope this message finds you well-rested and rejuvenated after the Thanksgiving break. It was wonderful to see everyone this Tuesday and to hear all about your Thanksgiving gatherings—filled with delicious meals and cherished family stories. For me, such gatherings hold a special place in my heart as I cherish the times spent over a cup of tea after Shabbat and Holiday meals, listening intently as my aunts shared tales of their first years in Israel of their 'Aliyah' (Immigration to Israel) and first years in Israel in 'Ma-abarot' (Immigration Camps), spiced with funny family stories throughout the years of all our cousins and extended family. Those moments of connection and storytelling are some of the things I miss most and are a significant reason why I value our family traditions so deeply.
Join Us for Our First ECLC Shabbat Dinner!
Don’t miss another opportunity to embed family, Jewish tradition, and friendship into your lives - join us for our first ECLC-only Shabbat Dinner next Friday, December 13th. We are thrilled to invite you, your friends, and extended family to celebrate Shabbat with us. The evening will feature a family-style service led by Cantor Rafii and Daniel Raijman, with special guest appearances by the VBS Youth Choir and a showcase of our Music Academy students. Rabbi Feinstein will lead us in Kiddush, followed by a delicious Shabbat dinner where we can all create new memories together.
RSVP by Monday, December 9. RSVP HERE
A Heartfelt Thank You
A special thanks goes out to the Moss family and Charnelle family for their generous donations, which have made this Shabbat dinner affordable for all, and sponsoring 'Halleli Nafshi' Kids Sidurim for our 3rd grade. Your commitment to Jewish education and our community helps ECLC thrive and we apprecite your support and believe in the ECLC.
It’s Not Too Late to Support ECLC
If you missed out on this opportunity to spread love, it's not too late! Please consider making a donation to help us continue providing memorable programs for our children and families, both inside and outside the classroom.
We look forward to seeing you next Friday and are excited to build more precious moments together. Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement in our vibrant ECLC community.
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1. Enriching Our Core Programs: Your support helps us maintain and expand our unique educational offerings. From the youngest learners in our early childhood programs to our pioneering 7th graders, every dollar enhances our ability to provide a hands-on, engaging curriculum that includes technology, arts, and a new sports module. These programs are vital in cultivating a strong Jewish identity and connection to Israel among our students.
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2. "Halleli Nafshi" Kids Sidurim - Spiritual Enrichment: Investing in our "Halleli Nafshi" Kids Sidurim brings the vibrancy of Jewish prayer and tradition directly to our students’ hands. These beautifully designed prayer books make our daily Shira and T’fillah sessions come alive, fostering a personal and engaging spiritual experience.
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3. Tikkun Olam in Action - 7th Grade Initiatives: Our 7th graders are leading the way in putting the Jewish value of 'Tikkun Olam - Repair the World' into action. Through partnerships with organizations like AKLA & Tzedek America, they tackle real-world issues with hands-on projects that extend beyond the classroom into impactful community service. Your support here is crucial as these young leaders explore and address significant social issues, preparing them for meaningful B'nai Mitzvah projects and lifelong active citizenship.
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RSVP NOW FOR ECLC SHABBAT DINNER!
DEADLINE IS MONDAY, DECEMBER 9TH!
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ECLC CLASS WEEKLY UPDATES
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SPECIAL ECLC OFFER - LEFT COAST SPORTS ACADEMY: WINTER BASKETBALL
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THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8TH! VBS COMMUNITY
ALMOST HANUKKAH PARTY
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Almost Hanukkah Party
Sunday, December 8 at 3:00 pm
Fun for all ages! Bounce Houses, Obstacle Course, Hanukkah Crafts, Dancing, Games, Latke Bar & More!
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JNF-USA B'NAI MITZVAH TZEDAKAH PROJECT SHOWCASE COMING UP!
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VBS - ON THE RECORD:
Candid Conversations with Elected Officials
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During the High Holidays, Rabbi Lebovitz and VBS president Eric Kingsley both stressed the significance of our renewed engagement with the community outside of our walls and with our own elected officials.
This process of engagement begins next Thursday night,
December 12 at 7:30pm, with On the Record: Candid Conversations with Elected Officials as we welcome two California State Legislature's Jewish Caucus members, State Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel and State Senator Henry Stern.
This conversation will be especially meaningful as Assemblymember Gabriel is a VBS congregant and parent in our religious and ECC schools. We sincerely hope that you RSVP and attend on December 12.
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SHALOM INSTITUTE HANUKKAH CELEBRATION
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Hanukkah Family Fun Day!
34342 Mulholland Hwy, Malibu, CA
December 29, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Please Join Us to Celebrate Hanukkah - the Festival of Light!
Experience Our New Rock Wall & Ropes Course! Enjoy Hanukkah-themed activities including: Maccabee archery, beeswax candle making, apple cider press, fresh pita and jam (camp Sufganiyot) and more!
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VBS Hanukkah Chesed: HELP WHERE YOU CAN
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Shalom VBS Community,
Valley Beth Shalom is proud to announce our Chesed (acts of loving kindness) initiatives for this Hanukkah season! Thank you for your kindness and generosity as we help those in need this Holiday season! Please read about our 4 initiatives below.
Chai Lifeline: Hanukkah Angels
Last year, Rabbi Nolan and Blair Lebovitz and the VBS Chesed committee launched an important partnership between VBS and the Hanukkah Angels program through Chai Lifeline. Hanukkah Angels supports Jewish families who face serious chronic and life-threatening illnesses. For children and their families who are faced with these medical challenges and expenses, Hanukkah can be a very lonely and disappointing experience.
As Hanukkah Angels, we arrive to help. "Hanukkah Angels" are community members who "adopt" a Chai Lifeline child -- a patient, a child of a patient or a sibling -- and shop for special gifts on their wish list.
VBS has committed to being a Hanukkah Angel for TEN Jewish children from the Chai Lifeline community. CLICK HERE to read their bios!
How to participate in Hanukkah Angels:
- Purchase a gift from our Hanukkah Angels Amazon wish list (Anything purchased from this wish list will be shipped directly to VBS. If the shipping address does not autopopulate at checkout, please ship to: VBS Chesed: Hanukkah Angels, Attn: Maya Aharon, 15739 Ventura Blvd. Encino, CA 91436)
- Donate to the Hanukkah Angels wish list fund and we will purchase gift(s) from the child/ren's wish lists on your behalf - Hanukkah Angels Monetary Donation Form
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ESEK - Give the gift of hope and resilience to evacuated families in Israel. Contribute funds to help purchase custom boxes of beautiful, handcrafted items tailored to the family’s needs, including Judaica, ritual items, Chanukiyot, family games, etc. -- all made by Israeli artists and small businesses. Gift boxes will be delivered to families across Israel during Hanukkah, helping to bring light and joy into their new homes.
How to participate in the ESEK Initiative:
- Donate to the ESEK fund to help VBS purchase as many boxes as possible for evacuated Israeli families. Each box costs $180 and all funds raised will go directly to this initiative. Stay tuned for an update as to how many gift boxes VBS sends! - ESEK Initiative Donation Form
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Toy Drive Benefiting LA Family Housing - We are collecting NEW, unwrapped toys for all ages and/or a gift card (Amazon/Target) for older kids to be donated to LA Family Housing.
How to participate in the LAFH Toy Drive:
- Drop off NEW, unwrapped toys for all ages in the designated collection bins (near security) at VBS. Please, NO toys that resemble weapons.
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VBS Food Bank - The VBS Food Bank annually distributes over 1,100 bags of food to clients experiencing food insecurity.
Urgently needed items: Mac & Cheese • Peanut Butter (16 oz) • Canned Vegetables • Canned Beans • Canned Tuna • Canned Tomato Sauce • Canned Fruit • Pasta (16 oz) • Top Ramen (3 oz packs)
How to support the VBS Food Bank:
- Drop off non-expired canned/dried food (preferably packaged in individual units) in the designated collection bins at VBS. Please no glass containers.
- Purchase items from the VBS Food Bank Amazon wish list. All items purchased from the wishlist will be shipped directly to VBS - VBS Food Bank Amazon Wish List
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TAKE A LOOK AT THE YEAR AHEAD
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This year is jam-packed with fun events for the whole family!
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Enjoyed Your Experience at the ECLC This Year? Help Us Continue to Grow
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We have big dreams! Just like the 7th-grade curriculum was able to grow, we know we can expand the rest of our classes! VR goggles in Tech, Sports Academy tournaments, and ECLC band, and many social programs for both students and parents, just to name a few! Help us accomplish those goals quicker! Every little bit helps!
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Today marks 427 days.
There are still 101 Israeli men, women, and children being held captive.
#BringThemHomeNow
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The Click HERE for the official The Hostage and Missing Families Forum website
Help bring them home.
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STAY IN TOUCH WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
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Stay Connected on Facebook and Instagram
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15739 Ventura Boulevard, Encino CA 91436
(818) 530-4043 | etzchaim@vbs.org
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ECLC | 15739 Ventura Boulevard | Encino, CA 91436 US
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