Temple Beth Sholom Gersten School

May 19, 2018

Dear Families and Students, Temple Beth Sholom Gersten School 642 Dolores Avenue, San Leandro, CA 94577 Tel: (510) 357-8505 Fax: (510) 357-1375 Director Rinat Manhoff – [email protected]

Shalom, Shalom!! I hope that you are having a magnificent summer and are looking forward to another enticing year of Torah and Hebrew School. This year, we will be focusing on Jewish history and Jews around the world at the Gersten School. I am excited by the opportunities these topics bring for growth and connection. Specifically, I anticipate wonderful occasions when members of the TBS adult community will be able to share with the Gersten students about personal, family, and synagogue history. We will begin this process with a Family Learning Day on Sunday, August 30th at 10:00am. More details about this event will follow soon.

Torah School will begin on Sunday, September 30th at 9:30am. I ask that all students, pre- school through high school join me in the sanctuary upon arrival. You will “meet” your teachers and learn about the fascinating year ahead. Again, our Gersten graduates are serving as Teacher Assistants on Sunday mornings. I am so grateful for their continued commitment and help.

Hebrew School will begin on Tuesday, October 13th at 4pm. I look forward to seeing all students fourth grade to those preparing to become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah that day. Students may also begin Hebrew School in third grade. Because we cannot begin Hebrew School until mid- October, I am asking ALL Hebrew School students to attend Family Shabbat services in September and October.

This year, three Family Shabbat services will be led by Gersten students. The December 4th service will be led by all returning Hebrew School students. The March 4th service will be led by all Hebrew School students. And the June 3rd service will be led by the entire Gersten School. I am looking for someone to coordinate a family potluck for the March service; please contact me if you are willing and able. The Hebrew School students will make dinner for the June service.

We look forward to seeing all families for every Family Shabbat throughout the year. If you are willing to host any Family Shabbat dinner, please contact Rita Cohen – [email protected] or 510- 523-5180. Specifically, we are hoping that some families will help host an Independence Day BBQ in July.

A Gersten School Calendar will again be available at the end of the summer. Get yourself a 5775 calendar, with Gersten students on every page, and support the school at the same time. You can reserve your calendar now by contacting Christina in the TBS office – 510-357-8505 or by emailing Rinat – [email protected]. Keep your eyes on your inbox for more information.

I am excited about beginning another year of learning and growing with everyone and look forward to seeing each one of you very soon.

L’Shalom, Rinat Manhoff TBS Gersten Torah and Hebrew School Enrollment Form

PLEASE NOTE: ALL TORAH AND HEBREW SCHOOL FEES MUST BE PAID PRIOR TO SEPTEMBER 15 th . (If you need to discuss a payment plan, please contact Rabbi Manhoff – [email protected] or 510-357-8505 or Rinat Manhoff – [email protected].) Families should be members in good standing with all dues current to qualify for member tuition rates. Please complete the online registration form and send your payment to the TBS office.

Name of Child Date of Birth Grade in Fall 2015 Tuition*

1. ______

2. ______

3. ______

4. ______

5. ______

6. ______

Total Tuition ______

*TUITION FEES: GRADES PK – 3: Members -- $325.00/year Non-members -- $450.00/year GRADES 4 – 7: Members -- $425.00/year Non-members -- $575.00/year

The maximum yearly fees for a member family’s children’s combined tuition in grades PK to 7 shall not exceed $1000.00.

GERSTEN TUITION ASSISTANCE GRANT**

If you would like to apply for a Tuition Assistance Grant, please indicate so contacting Rabbi Manhoff directly. This year, we are asking that all families that receive tuition assistance complete volunteer hours at Temple Beth Sholom throughout the course of the year. Specifics will be explained during your communication with Rabbi Manhoff.