ECLC Weekly Update 01/24/25

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ECLC Weekly Update 01/24/25

01/24/2025 09:45:13 AM

Jan24

This past Sunday was a heartwarming display of community and generosity as members of VBS, along with several ECLC families, gathered at @Our Big Kitchen LA. Together, we prepared 300 meals—and yes, cookies too!—for our dedicated LA firefighters. It was a wonderful initiative that brought parents and children together for a meaningful cause. Inspired by this success, I'm excited to announce that we are planning an ECLC-only program with Our Big Kitchen LA in March. Stay tuned for more details! See more Here and Here.

Celebrating National Hebrew Day

On Tuesday, we celebrated National Hebrew Day, commemorating Eliezer Ben Yehuda's pivotal role in reviving Hebrew as a modern spoken language. Our students engaged in crafts and fun Hebrew games, learning about the words Ben Yehuda invented, such as G'lida (Ice Cream), Rakevet (Train), and Bubba (Doll). The enthusiasm was visible—students were having so much fun they stayed well beyond the usual ending time. It's moments like these that underscore the power of experiential learning: when children are so engaged, they don't even realize they're learning. For me, this is the ultimate way to learn.

As we continue to build a vibrant community and enrich our children's lives with deep cultural connections, your support and participation make all the difference. Thank you for being an integral part of our ECLC family. Click Here for Photos & Videos of our special day!

ISRAEL AT WAR

In a series of heartening developments, Israel has welcomed back several of its kidnapped women citizens after prolonged periods of captivity by Hamas. This past Sunday, three civilian hostages, Emily, Romi, and Doron, returned home after 371 days as part of an ongoing hostage deal aimed at releasing 33 hostages. In further affirming news, it was announced today that four young women soldiers - Liri, Daniella, Karina, and Naama - who were kidnapped from their beds in their base, are scheduled to be released tomorrow after 476 days in captivity.

Amid these joyful reunions, Israel has also successfully returned the body of Oron Shaul z"l body, a soldier who tragically lost his life 10.5 years ago in the battle of Shuja’iyya. His remains were brought back to Israel for burial after an extensive and secretive operation by the Israeli army and secret services.

These events underscore the enduring principle of 'Kol Israel Arevim Zeh La'Zeh'—all of Israel is responsible for one another—reaffirming the nation's steadfast commitment to never leave anyone behind. Each return is a poignant reminder of the unity and resolve that define our community.

With Emily, Romi, and Doron back home, we still have 94 hostages to bring home. If all goes well tomorrow and Daniella, Karina, and Naama will come home, we will still have 90 hostages to bring home. Please keep them and all hostages in your prayers.

The Click HERE for the official The Hostage and Missing Families Forum website

Help bring them home.

VBS LA FIRES RESOURCE PAGE

Valley Beth Shalom cares deeply about you and your family. We’ve created a dedicated resource page to provide support for those affected by the fires. This page offers helpful information and tools for both parents and students, as well as ways to get involved and lend a hand during this challenging time. You can access it here:

V BS - Los Angeles Fires Resource Page

If your family has been directly impacted by the fires, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Emily or me, or any of the VBS clergy or administrative staff. We are here to support you during this time.

SEPHARDIC COOKING WITH YIFAT THIS FEBRUARY

Join Yifat’s 4-session cooking workshop and experience the rich culinary traditions of Mizrachi and Iraqi cuisine.

Passed down through generations, these cherished family recipes—like Kubbah in sweet & sour soups, fried Kubbah, Sambusak, and hearty comfort food—bring the heart of the Mizrachi culture to life. Each session is more than cooking; it’s a journey through stories, flavors, and history that connect us to our roots.

Only $60 per session, 2/27, 3/6, 3/20 & 3/27.

Classes are conducted at VBS!

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP NOW!

CANTOR RAFII FEATURED IN THE JEWISH JOURNAL

Cantor Jacqueline Rafii Brings Music, Community and Culture to Valley Beth Shalom. “We want to celebrate Jewish culture and its richness, bring the community together and uplift it.”– Jacqueline Rafii

Click HERE to read more

Click Here to Read the Full Article

VBS YOUTH DEPARTMENT

Click Here to Sign up With Maddy Now!

LEARN MORE ABOUT CAMP RAMAH!

It's time to welcome more wonderful VBS families into the Ramah kehillah!

Our next virtual info session is Thursday, January 30 at 5:30pm and we hope you'll consider sharing the attached flyer with your community. We want to ensure more families know about Camp Ramah and more kids have a meaningful, joyful Jewish summer experience!

Our next tour is scheduled for Sunday, February 2 at 11:00am.

This is the perfect opportunity for prospective and first-time families to see camp and meet our team.

Here is the link to RSVP.

Click Here to RSVP

TAKE A LOOK AT THE YEAR AHEAD

This year is jam-packed with fun events for the whole family!

Enjoyed Your Experience at the ECLC This Year? Help Us Continue to Grow

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!

ECLC General Fund