The Charlotte Jewish News- December 2025- Page 12

By Rabbi Beth Nichols

Temple Beth El Religious School’ s( TBERS) year launched on September 14 with a celebration of being together. We focused our opening day activities on the idea of building a kehillah kedoshah, a holy community. To be a holy community, we agreed that we need to work together to create an environment where each person feels valued.

Before students arrived that morning with their families, dozens of adults and teens moved through the hallways hanging signs, organizing tables, and laying out nametags. This scene made it abundantly clear that it takes a community of people to build community. It takes a dedicated group of role models to help children find their place in our Jewish community. In fact, our Religious School staff this year includes over ninety adults and teens!

Religious School teachers do not fit into a single mold – they represent the full breadth of our Jewish community. The diversity of our teaching staff is an advantage because it reminds our students that our Jewish community is for everyone. This year, four of our teachers were born in Israel and five of our teachers are Jews by choice. Ten teachers raised their children at Temple Beth

El, six teachers have children currently in our programs, and five teachers were themselves students at Temple Beth El. Ten work in schools during the week and five work at other Jewish institutions, while the remainder work in other professional settings, doing everything from social work to scientific research.

We are blessed to have a teaching staff that demonstrates to all of us that influencing the next generation of Jews is a responsibility for each of us. It is not the exclusive job of the clergy. It is not the exclusive job of parents. Rather, it is a commitment that is built into our very identity as the Jewish people and our eternal covenant with God. Each of us is a link in the chain of tradition.

If you are interested in joining our community of teachers, please reach out to me( rabbinichols @ templebethel. org). As our school grows, we are always looking for adults who are interested in sharing their love of Judaism with our children, either as teachers or substitutes.

On the opening day of Religious School, each person decorated a wooden square with their first initial. We brought these hundreds of squares together to form a frame around a large mirror that says,“ I am part of this Kehillah K’ doshah( holy community).” We hope that each staff member and student will look in the mirror and feel the truth of that statement in their hearts.

As the candles of Hanukkah glow, we’ re reminded that every day is a gift to be celebrated. At Waltonwood, seniors can enjoy the warmth of community, the comfort of support, and the joy of connection. With fewer daily responsibilities and more time for what truly matters, every moment shines a little brighter in the season of light, and all year long.

Find warmth, joy, and peace-of-mind at Waltonwood.

Schedule a tour today.

Exciting community renovations are underway at both communities!

Call and schedule a tour today.

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