Notes from the Cantor

Cantor Nathaniel Schudrich

As we approach the holiday of Shavuot, the day we celebrate the revelation at Mt. Sinai, I would like to share with you a story…

In the beginning, there was only G-d. The world was unformed and all was null and void. G-d was lonely and decided to bring life into this universe. Through G-d’s word, life would be formed and the world as we know it would begin. The Almighty wanted to bestow the honor of being the first letter in the act of creation to the first letter in the alephbet. G-d then went to the Aleph and asked, “would you please be the first letter as I begin this journey of creating the world?” The Aleph was so overwhelmed by this privilege and felt so humbled, that it could not speak. It stood there silently in front of the Almighty, knowing that it was not deserving of such great an honor.

The Almighty moved onto the next letter in the alephbet, the Bet, and asked, “would you please be the first letter as I begin this journey of creating the world?” The Bet turned to her left, opened wide and shouted with glee, “I would love to help you in this great endeavor! Anything that you ask of me I shall be happy to do.” G-d took the Bet in hand and with her at His side, spoke the first word in our Torah – Bereshit. And with that, G-d created this beautiful world that is ours. G-d was so happy with Bet’s willingness to serve, that He made sure that all blessings would begin with the letter Bet and that every home, bayit, would be built based on the Bet.

When all was done, and the world was completed, G-d sat back to rest and reflect on what had been done. G-d was pleased at what He saw. During this time of reflection, G-d thought back on the interaction with the letter Aleph. The Almighty realized the beauty in Aleph’s modesty and humility. G-d understood that it was not out of lack of willingness to serve, but rather out of it’s feeling of being unworthy to take on such a great task, that brought the Aleph to be dumbstruck. G-d wanted to honor Aleph for its great humility and understanding of all that is holy. And so, when it came to reveal Himself to the newly freed Children of Israel, G-d found a way to honor Aleph. With the nation gathered around Mt. Sinai, G-d began to speak the words that we know as the Ten Commandments. G-d took Aleph by the hand and spoke the first word, “Anochi, I am”. And with this, G-d rewarded Aleph as the first letter in the Ten Commandments.



As we continue our spiritual journey together on earth, and once again remember the revelation at Mt. Sinai, Melynda, David, Pam, Asher, Ezra and I would like to wish everyone a happy Shavuot

 Cantor Nathaniel Schudrich

Executive Director's Corner

Kate Rose, Executive Director

This time of year feels special to me for several reasons. I like the lead-up to Shavuot, I enjoy taking time to notice how spring wakes up the world, and I also remember the Torah portion I first chanted, Sh’lach (which usually comes around in late spring). Learning to chant Torah was a huge part of finding my own way into Jewish life.

Sh’lach is about fear and vision. Twelve scouts go out to explore the future. Most of the scouts come back feeling afraid, but two come back and feel encouraged. I’ve always found it interesting that they all saw the same land, but they all perceived it differently. To me, it’s an important message that perspective matters, and the lens through which we view a situation will alter what we see, for better or for worse.

These past few months have felt like a time of reflection and reset for many at TI. Every day, I hear many thoughts and feelings from members in our community, including hopes, questions, care, and concern for this congregation. The thread that runs through all of these conversations is how much people love this place. Not just for the services, or programs, or the building, but because of the connection they feel with others, the meaning that they find in prayer and ritual, and the tradition that lives here. I love hearing about that spark, and it’s what I’m committed to supporting and carrying forward.

I really believe that it takes patience, thoughtfulness, and care to nurture and grow a community. I also think that it takes listening, reflection, and trust. That’s the spirit I try to bring to this work, and I know I’m not alone in that. I’ve seen first-hand that every person who leads, teaches, or shows up here brings their own heart and commitment. I’m grateful to be part of that effort, and am extremely hopeful about what we can continue to create together when we stay curious and open.

Recently I’ve been reading about servant leadership, which focuses on the idea that leadership isn’t about authority but about service. That idea rings true for me, and it resonates with what I’ve learned from music, from teaching, and from friendship. It’s also an idea that you can find in the Torah: that being present with people, meeting others where they are, and helping them grow is what makes work and life meaningful.

There’s already so much to be proud of in our programs and traditions, and I’m excited about the possibilities ahead.

With respect,

Kate Rose

Executive Director

Educationally Speaking

Melynda Schudrich, Education Director

Hebrew School Year in Review: A Year of Growth, Joy, and Jewish Learning

As we wrap up another incredible year of Hebrew School, we’re filled with pride and gratitude for the growth, connection, and joy that have defined our time together. From our youngest learners in the Nitzanim class, to our pre-teens preparing for Bar and Bat Mitzvah, this year has been a journey of meaningful Jewish education and vibrant community experiences.

Our Nitzanim class, led by the ever-creative Pamela DaCosta Muller, blossomed beautifully throughout the year. Each month, preschoolers and their families came together for engaging themed sessions that brought Jewish traditions to life. Whether we were singing songs in Hebrew, dancing with joy, listening to captivating stories, or diving into hands-on art projects, each gathering was filled with excitement and discovery. The year culminated in our much-anticipated annual trip to the zoo—a highlight for students and parents alike. The turnout was fantastic, and the energy was infectious!

In our third and fourth grade classroom, led by the dedicated Abrah Zion, students took big steps in their Hebrew learning. They worked hard throughout the year to recognize and read the letters of the Hebrew alphabet, while also expressing themselves through beautiful, Jewish-themed artwork. These creations often adorned the walls outside the school office, bringing color and inspiration to everyone who passed by. In addition to literacy and art, Abrah introduced students to a variety of Jewish games, which quickly became a favorite part of their week—learning while playing is always a win!

Meanwhile, our fifth through seventh grade students were guided by the talented Abby Casey. Located just outside the school office, Abby’s classroom echoed weekly with spirited singing—Jewish prayers, melodies, and meaningful discussions were the soundtrack of their year. Abby’s curriculum emphasized not just the "how" of prayer, but the "why"—helping students build a personal and emotional connection to the prayers they will soon lead during their Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremonies.

Some of the highlights from Abby’s class included:

• A simulated exploration of Israeli/Palestinian conflict resolution and a dive into Israeli culture
• A timely review of the Ten Commandments and B’reishit during Simchat Torah
• Hebrew literacy refreshers, including vowel and alef-bet review
• An in-depth look at key prayers such as Adon Olam and Ain Camocha, part of the Torah service
• Hands-on Bar/Bat Mitzvah walkthroughs—guiding students through the rituals, expectations, and roles involved in leading their service

One of the most engaging parts of the year was a series of discussions based on the book You Be the Judge. These real-life ethical dilemmas challenged students to think critically and apply Jewish legal wisdom from the Talmud and Halachic sources. These thought-provoking sessions encouraged students to explore Jewish values in a modern context, sparking dialogue about justice, fairness, and personal responsibility.

Even a rainy day couldn’t dampen our spirits for the final class celebration! Families gathered for an evening of fun and community. Thanks to Liz and Ken Ackerman’s food truck, The Ox Cart, everyone enjoyed a delicious meal while huddled under umbrellas. Indoors, laughter echoed through the building as students and families played Gaga ball, mini-golf, and participated in planting activities that celebrated the spring season and our connection to the earth.

This year also marked an exciting change—Hebrew School transitioned to Shabbat programming. Holding class on Saturday has created opportunities for families to attend services together, engage in Jewish learning as a community, and truly live the rhythm of Jewish time.



As we close out the year, we are filled with gratitude—for our amazing educators, our supportive families, and our enthusiastic, curious students. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. We can’t wait to see what next year will bring. Here's to another year of growth, joy, and meaningful Jewish connection!

Melynda Schudrich

Education Director