In the fall of 2003, the twin daughters of one of our congregants began college. They had both graduated from our religious school a few months earlier and she was eager to have them maintain their connection to Temple Emanu-El, their synagogue. Her younger son was interested in some non-traditional community service and together, they devised the College Connection Program, a way for our college-aged students to be reminded that though they were out of sight and scattered on campuses around the country, they were still in our thoughts and an important part of the congregational family of Temple Emanu-El.
Hannukiah lit on the beach of the Kinneret in Israel by Alumni Connection participant
The Alumni Connection program, formerly known as the College Connection, enjoyed another banner year. Thirty-three college-age children were registered by their member parents for this program, now in it’s 9th year. By popular demand, we extended this program to young unmarried adults, age 23-29, and several were enrolled by their parents.
Participants received High Holy Day greetings and apple fruit leather and honey sticks to celebrate the season. Electronic links were sent to all so that they might be able to read Rabbi Meyer’s sermons. We initiated a new program at the Thanksgiving break and offered “Reunion with the Rabbi” on Friday morning for a casual cup of coffee and bagels and a chance to reconnect both with old friends and the synagogue. At Chanukah, hand-painted dreidels, instructions on how to play with them, chocolate gelt, candles and disposable hannukiot were sent with appropriate readings and blessings. We understand that one was lit as far away as Israel, on the beach at the Kinneret. Purim brought an entertaining version of the story behind the holiday. At Pesach, all enjoyed our annual favorite of chocolate covered matzo and Opening Day for the Red Sox gave one last opportunity for a greeting from the congregation, complete with a unique poem, “Moses at the Bat.”
Always, a voice from home telling them they are still part of our congregation.
So please, enroll your eligible child(ren) — it’s free: supported generously by Brotherhood and Sisterhood.
Send or email the following information to: collegeconnection@emanu-el.org OR
Temple Emanu-El, 393 Atlantic Avenue, Marblehead, MA 01945 ATTN: College Connection Program
STUDENT NAME COLLEGE
ADDRESS ADDRESS ADDRESS
TOWN STATE ZIP CODE
EMAIL CELL PHONE
EXPECTED YEAR OF GRADUATION
PARENT(S) NAME(S)
PARENT EMAIL (1)
PARENT EMAIL (2)
