Kicking off the Academic Year at Congregation Agudas Achim

This fall is fast approaching and Congregation Agudas Achim continues to find innovative ways to encourage the community to be together and feel supported during this pandemic.

For students entering Kindergarten through 2nd Grade, an extension of Heintz Preschool called Chaverim Gedolim is opening to assist students with virtual learning and to provide a safe space while maintaining the normalcy of being in a Jewish space with friends. These students will be helped to log onto classes and supervised to stay focused and complete their work. Socially distance activities and Jewish integration will be provided when students are not participating in their virtual classes. This program begins on the same day that Heintz Preschool opens for the academic year on Monday, August 17th.

There are spots left for preschoolers (6 weeks – 5 years old) at Heintz Preschool as well. In order to get more info about these programs, please contact Heintz Preschool Director, Taryn Bretado at t.bretado@agudas-achim.org.

On Sunday, August 23rd at 10am sharp, all students, no matter the age, may join clergy and staff in the parking lot for a special “Backpack Blessing.” All in attendance will receive a special gift to kick off their school year and a cold treat too! RSVPs are required at rsvp@agudas-achim.org or you may call the office at (210) 479-2689.

Registration for Inda Posner Religious School for students in Pre-K through 7th grade has begun as well. Connection to community, developing a Jewish identity, Hebrew reading skills, Jewish studies, and prayer are integral parts of learning while using the Institute of Southern Jewish Life’s curriculum and program development by Agudas Achim’s Clergy and Education Director. For more questions please contact Samantha Mazuz at s.mazuz@agudas-achim.org.

For adults, the month of Elul offers weekly study opportunities taught by clergy and staff. High Holiday Prep classes are meeting virtually on Wednesday evenings at 7pm. The classes include; Women’s Rosh Chodesh, Shofar Laws, Ayeka- Where are you?, Piyutim- Liturgical Poems for the Holidays, and The Psychology of Forgiveness. For more information, or to sign up, please email rsvp@agudas-achim.org.

We hope to see members of our community during the High Holidays and please visit our website agudas-achim.org to see service schedules and program information, too.