Religious School is out for the summer!

We had a great Closing Day last Sunday.  We enjoyed singing our favorite songs, sharing memories, playing Jewpardy, having Kona Ice, and eating hot dogs.

A big thank you to all our teachers, parents, and students for a wonderful year! A special thanks goes to Ilene Kaye for teaching songs to our students and helping with our family events. Also, thanks to our maintenance men and Jill Purvin for helping at all our events.

Lots of well wishes for Jenna Mussar and Dara Turnball, as they step down from teaching. Jenna plans to teach in Korea next year, and Dara is going back to school.

If you know of anyone who may be interested in teaching next year, have them email their inquiry to school@mcjconline.org for more information.

Please don’t be a stranger to MCJC during the summer. Attend a Friday night Shabbat, come to a Saturday morning service, join a committee, or help at a clean-up day.

Have a wonderful summer!

Don’t miss the Annual Meeting & School Closing Day Picnic!

Grades 4-7 finished their Jewish values film. Our “Jewish Values” video will make it’s debut during Closing Day activities. Don’t miss it!

Wednesday, May 15: Religious school for grades 3-7

Sunday, May 19-: Religious School Closing Day

Please join us as we wrap up our school year with student memories, Havdalah, singing, kids vs. adult Jewpardy, Kona Ice, games for the kids (during the Annual Meeting) and of course a hot dog lunch (with sides) for everyone at the MCJC Annual Closing Day Picnic.

By Davina Kelly

The end of the year is fast approaching. K-1 finished learning the Aleph/Bet. Grades 2-3 practiced Hebrew reading, and reviewed the Winter and Spring holidays. Finally, Grades 4-7 continued learning Hebrew prayers, and worked on their value film.

Wednesday, May 1: Religious School for grades 3-7.

Sunday, May 5: Religious School for all grades.

Sunday afternoon, April 28, was beautiful in Spring Grove, Illinois when MCJC visited the only Holocaust Memorial in McHenry County.

Storyteller Jim May and MCJC member Nancy Wicker lovingly created the bas relief as a tribute to survivor Lisa Derman, who died at the Storytelling Festival in Spring Grove Park, while she was sharing her experiences during the Holocaust.

Speaking at the event were Jim May; Al Gimpel, whose father wrote the Hebrew on the monument; Ellen Levy, who shared her tribute to Lisa; Storyteller Carol Kerman, a docent at the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, who explained the Terezin saplings fundraiser; and Rabbi Tom, who led the group in saying Kaddish to remember Lisa and all those who were lost during the Holocaust.

MCJC plans to make this an annual event to remember Lisa and learn about the Holocaust.

It was good to see everyone back from Spring Break, and now that we’re beginning to feel a little warmth in the air, our thoughts turn to Passover and other Spring holidays.

Wednesday, April 10 – Religious School for grades 3-7.

Sunday, April 14 – Religious School for all grades. A special Passover activity will surprise and delight you.

While you’re there on the 14th . . .
Check out MCJC’s

Mother’s Day Gift Boutique

10:30 am to 1:30 pm

There will be jewelry, handmade Kippot, woodwork, and an assortment of other beautiful items.

Vendors will provide raffle prizes, so plan to take your chances to win one! Raffle tickets are $1 each, 6 tickets for $5.

If you can volunteer some time, please get in touch with Linda Blatchford at membership@mcjconline.org.

Would you like to be a vendor? It’s not too late if you act quickly. Visit this page, sign up and pay your vendor fee.

On Sunday, April 28, MCJC will observe Yom HaShoah.  After Religious School for all grades, families will meet at 1:30 at Spring Grove Park to hear storyteller Jim May talk about McHenry County’s only Holocaust Memorial.  MCJC has a strong connection with the Memorial since member Nancy Deborah Wicker and Max Gimpel, father of Al Gimpel, helped to create this beautiful tribute to survivor Lisa Derman.  Please join us for a memorable afternoon.  The flyer and directions are located just outside the sanctuary.

What a fun family day at MCJC!  Last Sunday, everyone enjoyed making Hamantaschen, creating graggers, making cards, and putting together Blessing Bags. Of course, the carnival and lunch were also enjoyed by all.  Many thanks to the faculty, Ilene Kaye, the maintenance committee, and Rabbi Tom.

SPRING BREAK IS COMING! Sunday, March 24 through Sunday, March 31. That means . . . wait for it . . . NO Religious School March 24, 27, or 31!

Upcoming Special Events

PURIM 2019 –Costumes are encouraged!

Wednesday, March 20 –More Purim Fun: Megillah Shpiel Night. The fun starts at 5:00 pm.

The MCJC Purim Shpiel is back by popular demand.  We come together to enjoy a pizza dinner from 5:00 – 6:00 pm, followed by a “Wizard of Oz” themed Shpiel.  This will be in place of Religious School.

Important Request: If you plan to attend the pizza dinner from 5:00 – 6:00 pm and/or can bring some Hamantaschen, please RSVP to school@mcjconline.org and let us know your plan. Hope to see you there!

And remember: NO Religious School March 24, 27, or 31.  Enjoy Spring Break!