Well, it is that time of year again. Religious School ends this month, and summer is almost upon us. I find myself saying each year at this time, “I can’t believe how fast the year went by,” and each time I say it, I really mean it. Th is year has gone by quickly, at least for me, and this May is especially poignant because we are saying good bye to three of our long time and most valued teachers: Betsy Stone, Alix Brown and Huguette Rosenthal. Betsy said to me, “...after nine years of teaching seventh graders, it’s time...” And as much as we don’t want to lose Betsy as a classroom teacher and leader of our annual seventh grade retreat, Betsy promises that she will still be around and active in other areas of Temple life. Alix Brown moved with her family to Scarsdale this past year, and she plans to continue her teaching and work in Jewish education in Westchester during the coming years. Alix will be teaching at Congregation Bet Am Shalom and Congregation Kol Ami, both in White Plains, New York. Alix will also be assisting the Educator at Kol Ami in the office during the week. Mazal Tov Alix on your new positions! Huguette has moved to New Jersey, and she will also continue her teaching in the field of Jewish Education in her new neighborhood.

At the same time, we welcome two new teachers to our staff for the coming year. Cantor Kerry Ben David, formerly of Scarsdale Synagogue, will teach Hebrew to our sixth graders on Monday and Wednesday afternoons, and Scott Newman, the former full-time Youth Director of Woodlands Community Temple, will teach Hebrew to our fourth graders on Monday and Wednesday afternoons.

Next year’s program is also beginning to come together, and I promise that there will be some exciting new opportunities for our religious school children and families in the 2008-09 school year.

I want to also take this opportunity to thank all of our dedicated Religious School teachers from this year: Lisa Slen, Bonnie Blank, Debbie Morgenthaler, Alix Brown, Doron Kathein, Rafael Carruthers, Huguette Rosenthal, Bob Schechter, Betsy Stone, Jessica Nanus, Fran Schechter, Ora Navok, Sonia Avny, Lynn Poldolsky, Marjorie Dashow, Emily Watson, Eliram Nof.

It is currently registration time for Religious School for the 2008-09 school year. If you have not received information in the mail, please contact the office and we will get the registration information out to you right away! I wish all of you a relaxing summer!