During the month, we were privileged to host Rabbi Goren from Rockville, MD, who captivated us with his amazingly brave and interesting trips to several African Jewish communities, even one in Uganda.  He described bringing tefillin, siddurs and teaching Hebrew to the African natives in their villages. The students loved his presentation and pictures.  Students from The Kol Ami Hebrew Day School were invited to join our students during this special lecture.  We compared Rabbi Goren's outreach to the African people to the "kiruv" done by Rabbi Akiva thousands of years ago.  His genuine love for Jews could be seen throughout his work.  What a great role model!

For Mother's day, our emas received beautiful vases made of sand art. We chose the sand theme for many reasons. First, to commemorate the wandering of our ancestors in the desert prior to receiving the Torah.  Secondly, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai and his son, according to the biblical legend, hid from Roman persecution for 12 years in a cave filled with sand, while continuing to learn Torah.  Thirdly, from Genesis 22:17, we read G-d's promise, "I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is upon the seashore..."

On Sunday, May 18, in honor of Memorial Day holiday, we had an exciting and educational trip to a museum dedicated to Jewish Veterans.  We also visited a Jewish book store, ate a yummy lunch at Max's Kosher Cafe in Silver Spring.  Rabbi Weisblum accompanied us and shared the enjoyable bus ride. We celebrated Israel's 60th birthday and studied the historical timelines and accomplishments of our beloved Jewish homeland.

On behalf of Morah Ruth and Morah Chagit, we wish everyone a joyous Shavuot and Happy Spring!