This Sunday marked our first full week back after winter break and our unexpected school closure due to the LA fires. It was wonderful to see everyone’s smiling faces, reconnect as a community, and dive back into meaningful learning!
Each class explored different themes this week—some focused on Shabbat, others on Tzedakah, Israel, and Tikkun Olam, while some classes engaged in learning about this week’s Torah portion, Parashat Va’era.
In Parashat Va’era, we read about Moses and Aaron standing before Pharaoh, demanding the release of the Israelites from slavery. Pharaoh refuses, and God brings the first seven plagues upon Egypt—turning the Nile to blood, sending swarms of frogs, lice, wild animals, livestock disease, boils, and fiery hail. Yet despite the suffering, Pharaoh’s heart remains hardened, and he refuses to set the Israelites free. This story of oppression, perseverance, and redemption is one we retell every year, remembering the pain of captivity and the joy of liberation.
This week, we witnessed a modern-day moment of redemption—the return of seven Israeli hostages who were held captive by Hamas for 15 months. Liri, Karina, Daniella, and Naama were rescued on Saturday, followed by Arbel, Agam, and 81-year-old Gadi Moses on Thursday, along with 5 Thai citizens who were held in captivity for 15 months as well. Their safe return after months of unimaginable suffering reminds us of the deep yearning for freedom, the resilience of the Jewish people, and the commitment to bring every hostage home. Just as Moses refused to give up on the Israelites, Israel has remained committed in its mission to bring its citizens back.
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As we study the Exodus story and celebrate these moments of liberation, we continue to pray for the safe return of 82 those still in captivity and hold close the values of freedom, justice, and unwavering hope that have sustained the Jewish people for generations. This Saturday we look forward to the release of 3 male hostages among them Rarden Bibas (Shiri’s husbad and father of Kfir &Ariel whoa all 3 are still in captivity), Ofer Kalderon and Keith Siegal, an American citizen, and we can't wait to have them home.
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It has been 483 days since the horrific attack on Israel occurred.
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.
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With Agam, Arbel, and Gadi home, we still have 82 hostages to bring home.
Please keep them and all hostages in your prayers.
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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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VBS LA FIRES RESOURCE PAGE
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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:
VBS - 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.
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ECLC AFTERHOURS KID'S MOVIE NIGHT
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Let's Celebrate Tu B'Shevat and watch Dr. Seuss's classic story come to life on the big screen!
Drop off for regular school and come back at 8pm.
TK- 7th-grade students are all welcome! Pizza dinner included $25 per child!
Sibling discount available:
$45 for two children
$55 for three children
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SEPHARDIC COOKING WITH YIFAT THIS FEBRUARY
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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!
Sign up today, HERE!
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ECLC CLASS WEEKLY UPDATES
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VBS CANTOR RAFII & FRIENDS CONCERT:
A Whole New World of Broadway
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A Whole New World of Broadway
Sunday, February 2 at 4:00pm
Last chance to get your tickets!
You are invited to attend a special night of beautiful Disney and Broadway music, performed by our own cantors and cantors and musicians from the LA Jewish community, bringing us all together to uplift our spirits and fill our hearts.
If you are a firefighter or first responder
(THANK YOU), or if you suffered any loss from the wildfires, we would love to offer you a free ticket to the concert. Please contact Lisa Leib (lleib@vbs.org) if this is you.
A portion of the proceeds from the concert will be directed to the VBS Wildfire Relief & Firefighters Fund.
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CANTOR RAFII FEATURED IN THE JEWISH JOURNAL
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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
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WIN A CHANCE TO ISRAEL THROUGH JNF!
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Your Chance to Win a Trip to Israel
In celebration of Tu BiShvat, the original Earth Day, every tree you plant is a chance to win. The more trees you plant, the greater your chances!
2 Grand Prize Winners will each receive:
• Voucher for a flight to Israel on El Al Airlines
• Spot on a Jewish National Fund-USA Volunteer Mission
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VBS WORLD WIDE WRAP NEXT SUNDAY
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Dear B'nai Mitzvah Families,
Please mark your calendars for your next Cohort meeting! Your child's B'nai Mitzvah Cohort is invited to the World Wide Wrap, including the . Students will learn essential skills for their B'nai Mitzvah from our VBS clergy and lay leaders, including how to wrap Tefillin (both boys and girls are encouraged to learn!), and we will review B'nai Mitzvah prayers as part of the preparation process. This is a student-only workshop, but parent attendance is welcome - please just let us know how many people from your family plan to attend when you RSVP to Lisa Leib at lleib@vbs.org by 1/27.
This will be a wonderful, informative, and fun workshop, and we hope to see your child there!
B’shalom,
Cantor Jackie Rafii & Lisa Leib
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VBS ANNUAL ALL-SCHOOLS CHALLAH BAKE
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SHALOM INSTITUTE TU'BHVAT FAMILY FUN DAY
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Join us for Tu B’Shvat 2025 – the Jewish New Year for the trees. This family fun day brings together Jewish learning, outdoor adventures, and eco-friendly activities at Shalom Institute’s beautiful Malibu campus. Enjoy our new Climbing Wall & Ropes Course up in the trees and experience Tu B’Shvat-themed activities. Note: due to limited capacity, we cannot guarantee Climbing Wall & Ropes Course spots for participants arriving after 2:30 PM. Bring your own lunch to enjoy under our trees. Please leave your pets at home.
Schedule:
10:30am -12:00pm – Teen Service Day ( a pre-event for teens in grades 8-11)
12:00pm – 4:00 pm – Family Fun Day
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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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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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