Masa Springs into the next trimester
03/30/2022 12:24:45 PM
Rishe Groner
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It’s hard to believe that less than six months ago we danced against a backdrop of golden leaves at the University Settlement camp, celebrating Shabbat at the first ever Masa Kehillah of the year 5782.
We’ve had two trimesters of learning, growing, connecting with our community, and learning a lot of new and fabulous things, from Hebrew letters to Jewish holidays to ethics and philosophy - and have had an incredible time doing it. And here we go - our spring trimester begins this week!
On Sundays, our Pre-Mitzvah class gathers with Cantor Ellen to practice their Hebrew, spend time together, and explore Pirkei Avot, the Ethics of our Ancestors written by Rabbis 2,000+ years ago and now being commented upon and brought to life by our future Yaldei Mitzvah here at BHA!
On Tuesdays, our 3rd-6th grade group of Rabbi Brent’s Forest Tribes are avidly discovering the ways of being outdoors in nature, learning outdoor skills while exploring the 12 Tribes of Israel.
Back at BHA, Julia Alexander’s K - 2nd grade group will do fun and creative projects to prepare for Passover, count the Omer, and journey to Shavuot. We have already created Shabbat play sets (including snuggly challot!), as well as making Hanukkah menorahs and scrolls telling the story of Esther.
On Thursdays, Rabbi Brent’s Backyard is filled with the sounds of laughter and maybe some shrieks as our K - 2nd grade journeyers jump on the trampoline, dance around the campfire, and learn Hebrew, hear stories, and chant blessings - and that’s just the first few minutes!
And over at BHA, our Education Director Rishe hangs out with the 3rd - 5th grade group of Magicians, Questioners and Storytellers, learning about the mysteries of Judaism and creating stories and videos to share with the community.
And finally, on Fridays our entire community - Kehillah! - gathers together for a lot of dancing, embodied Parshat Hashavuah activities, and finally lighting candles and singing Kabbalat Shabbat together.
Our Sunday Havayah experiences have grown into a monthly ritual we all look forward to. In the freezing cold of Shvat (in January), we gathered around the fire and jumped up and down as we celebrated the New Year for Trees and ate fruit in honor of Tu Bishvat. When we entered Adar 1 (out of two!), we celebrated Mini-Purim at BHA by baking Hamentashen and making our own courage crowns.
And just last week in Adar 2, our Masa Purim Party was of epic proportions. We danced and swapped Mishloach Manot; feasted on pizza; heard the story of Purim from an actual parchment Megillah scroll; and watched the incredible Masa Magicians Purim Shpiel video!
Coming up in Nissan, the next Hebrew month, we’ll be celebrating our Passover Havayah in April and have some special surprises for Iyar and Sivan…
Which means if your children aren’t signed up for Masa yet, now is a good time to get in on the fun!
Tue, April 22 2025
24 Nisan 5785
Celia Baczkowski, Education Director
Celia has been a member of the BHA community for ten years, and has served on the Board since 2017. She received her BA in Jewish Studies from the University of Judaism in CA, and her MA in Camp Administration and Leadership from Touro University in NV. Celia spent over 20 years as a Jewish summer camp professional in a variety of roles, and has extensive experience in administration, program and event planning, staff training and supervision. Additionally, she works as a substitute teacher in Cold Spring, and has a NYS TA certification. Celia lives in Cold Spring with her partner, daughter, two dogs, one cat, one leopard gecko, and twelve chickens.
Upcoming Masa Classes
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Wednesday ,
AprApril 23 , 2025Masa LASS Class - 5th Grade & Up
Wednesday, Apr 23rd 4:30p to 6:00p
This class is open to all Masa students in grades 5 & up, and required for B-Mitzvah students celebrating in the next 12-18 months. -
Friday ,
AprApril 25 , 2025Masa Meet-Up: All Ages & Grades
Friday, Apr 25th 4:00p to 5:30p
Join your friends and classmates and get ready for an immersive Shabbat learning experience. -
Sunday ,
AprApril 27 , 2025Masa: Volunteer Day at Surprise Lake Camp
Sunday, Apr 27th 9:30a to 3:30p
Can we put in something about Volunteer Day at Surprise Lake Camp on 4/27? Whatever we wrote last year would probably work... Join Rabbi Justin, Masa students, and other BHA Community members for a day of service at Surprise Lake Camp. Tools & lunch are provided! Just bring a water bottle, sturdy shoes, and a sense of community and camaraderie! -
Wednesday ,
AprApril 30 , 2025Masa LASS Class - 5th Grade & Up
Wednesday, Apr 30th 4:30p to 6:00p
This class is open to all Masa students in grades 5 & up, and required for B-Mitzvah students celebrating in the next 12-18 months. -
Sunday ,
MayMay 4 , 2025Masa: All Ages & Grades
Sunday, May 4th 9:30a to 12:00p
Masa is filled with Joyful Jewish experiences, including song, dance, art, food, field trips, and more! We utilize the Shalom Learning program, which includes a Values Curriculum and a Hebrew Curriculum.
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