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ECLC Weekly Update 02/06/25

02/06/2025 09:51:54 AM

Feb6

This week at ECLC was bustling and educational. On Sunday, our 7th graders went on their first Social Action field trip of the year with Tzedek America, focusing on Racial Justice within Santa Monica's African American community. They delved into historical issues like red zoning and the erosion of generational wealth, which deeply affected this community. This trip offered our students critical insights into historical injustices through compelling narratives from our speakers. It was a profound learning opportunity that highlighted the importance of remembering past challenges to build a more just and equitable future. Our students left the session inspired, armed with a deeper understanding of the role they can play in fostering positive social change.

 

Celebrating Tu B'Shvat and Creative Learning

As we dive into the semester, our passion for hands-on, experiential learning shines brightly, particularly as we gear up for Tu B'Shvat, the New Year for Trees. This week's staff meeting was brimming with creativity, aligning with our school's commitment to experiential education. We not only crafted edible trees using a popular Israeli chocolate ball recipe but also planned a Tu B'Shvat Seder. These activities are designed to make learning both delicious and meaningful.

 

In preparation for Tu B'Shvat, celebrated on the 15th of Shvat, we explored various creative and engaging ways to teach about this special day, both inside and outside the classroom. Our discussion extended to the significance of Tu B'Shvat as more than just a holiday—it's a reflection of the cycles in the Jewish lunar calendar. This approach helps our students appreciate the timing and beauty of Jewish traditions, where even the holiday's name Tu B’Shvat - ט״ו בשבט - marks its date, enriching our understanding of Jewish life. Our dedicated team of teachers constantly innovate to ensure that every lesson is not only educational but also deeply engaging and also fun!

 

Special Pancake Day: In honor of Keith Seigel

Adding a personal touch to our week, I visited the Cooking Academy on Tuesday to celebrate a very special occasion - the recent release of Keith Seigel, an American-Israeli hostage. In honor of Keith and in response to his family’s request, we prepared his favorite pancake recipe. This was not only a moment to celebrate his return but also an opportunity to remind our students about the ongoing situation in Israel. The joy was visible in the classroom when I shared that Keith, along with Ofer Calderon and Yarden Bibas, had returned home safely last Saturday - the entire class erupted in applause, touched by the good news.

 

One student even exclaimed, "This is the best pancake I ever ate!". Sharing Keith Seigel’s pancake recipe, I encourage you to try this at home with your family.

 

World Wide Wrap: T'fillah and T'fillin Workshop Schedule

 

This Sunday, we invite all 5th, 6th, and 7th graders along with their families to join us for the World Wide Wrap T'fillah and T'fillin Workshop. Learn the significance of donning a Talit, reciting its blessings, and wrapping T'fillin. More details below but here is a quick schedule of the day:

 

9:15 AM - 9:40 AM: Welcome and Gathering

9:45 AM - 10:00 AM: T'fillin Workshop

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Service with Shacharit

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Free Breakfast and Community Time

11:00 AM - 11:15 AM: Card Making Activity and Shira/T'fillah

 

A breakfast will follow the workshop and morning T'fillah, providing a perfect end to a spiritually enriching morning.

Thank you all for being an integral part of our vibrant ECLC community. Your engagement and support make these enriching experiences possible, continually enhancing the educational journey of our students.

This Sunday - 5th-7th Grade T’fillah & Tfillig Workshop for students and their families

This Sunday, we have the incredible opportunity to connect our students and families to a powerful mitzvah that is deeply rooted in this week’s Torah portion, Parashat Bo. In this parashah, we read one of the first commandments given to the Jewish people after the Exodus—the mitzvah of Tefillin:

 

"And it shall be a sign upon your hand and as a reminder between your eyes, so that the teachings of God may be in your mouth; for with a strong hand, God brought you out of Egypt.

" וְהָיָה֩ לְךָ֨ לְא֜וֹת עַל־יָדְךָ֗ וּלְזִכָּרוֹן֙ בֵּ֣ין עֵינֶ֔יךָ לְמַ֗עַן תִּהְיֶ֛ה תּוֹרַ֥ת יְהֹוָ֖ה בְּפִ֑יךָ כִּ֚י בְּיָ֣ד חֲזָקָ֔ה הוֹצִֽאֲךָ֥ יְהֹוָ֖ה מִמִּצְרָֽיִם׃"

(שמות י"ג:ט)

 

Tefillin serves as a physical and spiritual reminder of our connection to the Torah, mitzvot, and the values we carry with us daily. Just as the Israelites prepared for their journey into freedom, our students are preparing for their Jewish journey—toward their B’nai Mitzvah and beyond.

 

As part of the World Wide Wrap, we invite all 5th, 6th, and 7th-grade students and families to join us for this meaningful event. Our clergy and lay leaders will guide our students in learning how to wrap Tallit and Tefillin, explore its significance, and review essential B’nai Mitzvah prayers.

 

When: Sunday, February 9

Time: 9:30 AM

 

We strongly encourage parents to attend alongside their children to experience this beautiful mitzvah together as a family.

This is more than a workshop—it’s an opportunity to bring our ancient traditions to life and create a moment of connection, learning, and shared Jewish experience with your child.

We hope to see you there!

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:
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.

 

ECLC AFTERHOURS KID'S MOVIE NIGHT

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

Click Here to RSVP

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!

Sign up today, HERE!

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP NOW!

Shiru Shabbat Friday 2/28 - Discounted Rate for ECLC Families!

Shiru Shabbat

Friday, February 28

With Guest Speaker Pastor Dumisani Washington, Founder and CEO of the Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel

 

Join us to learn more about a path forward for the Jewish-Black relationship in America and to show solidarity with a leading friend of Israel.

 

 

 

5:30pm: Dinner (Reservations Required by Tuesday, February 25 at Noon)

7:00pm: Shiru Shabbat Service and Guest Speaker Dumisani Washington (Open to All)

 

Special discounted rate for ECLC families!

$25 per adult

$15 per child

Click Here to RSVP Now

ECLC CLASS WEEKLY UPDATES

TK Weekly Update w/ Jessica

Kinder Weekly Update w/ Nina

1st Grade Weekly Update w/ Shira & Jandira

2nd Grade Weekly Update w/ Lauren

3rd Grade Weekly Update w/ Yonit

4th Grade Weekly Update w/ Aliza

Cooking Academy Weekly Update w/ Shana & Sharelle

Technology Academy Weekly Update w/ Limor & Laura

Music Academy w/ Daniel

Sports Academy w/ Michael

7th Grade w/ Rabbi Avi & Rabbi Yael

 

ECLC CLASS PHOTO ALBUMS

TK Photo Album

Kindergarden Photo Album

1st Grade Photo Album

2nd Grade Photo Album

3rd Grade Photo Album

4th Grade Photo Album

Technology Academy Photo Album

Cooking Academy Photo Album

Music Academy Photo Album

Sports Academy Photo Album

7th Grade Photo Album at VBS

7th Grade Photo Album for AKLA

 

PLANT A TREE IN ISRAEL AND WIN A CHANCE TO FLY TO ISRAEL AND PARTICIPATE IN A VOLUNTEER MISSION THROUGH JNF-USA!

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

Click Here to Enter Now

FREE CULINARY JUDAICS ACADEMY

COOKING WORKSHOP THIS SUNDAY, 2/9

Click Here to Sign Up Now

SHALOM INSTITUTE TU'BHVAT FAMILY FUN DAY - 2/16

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

 

Click Here to RSVP

ISRAEL AT WAR

It has been 491 days since the horrific attack on Israel occurred.

If all goes well, we have Eli Sharabi, Or Levy and Ohad Ben Ami released on Saturday.

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. 

Came Home Last Week:

Coming Home Tomorrow:

With Eli, Or, and Ohad home, we still have 79 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.

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
ECLC 7th Grade Program

STAY IN TOUCH WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

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Having fun at Shira? Tag us at: @VBSECLC

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15739 Ventura Boulevard, Encino CA 91436 

(818) 530-4043 | etzchaim@vbs.org

ECLC | 15739 Ventura Boulevard | Encino, CA 91436 US

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Fri, April 18 2025 20 Nisan 5785