This week we hear from board member Adam Brownstein. Here’s from Adam:
I’m Adam Brownstein, and I’ve had the honor of serving on the JCJ Board since 2017. My wife, Megumu, our children, Emma (11), Ari (8) and Yuki (2) live near Komazawa Park, and we’ve been proud members of the Community since returning to Japan in 2016. We love living in Tokyo, as it’s not only one of the finest cities on the planet, but also home to the great programs and ruach of the JCJ!
As we round out an eventful and character-revealing 2021, it’s a pleasure to share some reflections this month. One of the features of Jewish life in Tokyo is the remarkable educational programs we provide at the JCJ. Our Religious School Program is enjoying enrollment that is unprecedented in recent years with our classes filled from Aleph to B’nei Mitzot. When Megumu and I returned back to Japan, joining the JCJ was a Jordan-layup decision just for Sunday School alone. Over the past five years under the outstanding leadership of Marsha and Jerry Rosenberg, we’ve been privileged to be a part of the learning, laughing and leaning in for Religious School. I personally loved being a Dalat class Teacher 2020-2021 (much to Emma’s chagrin!) and I would encourage other parents and Community members to get involved. As a family, we’re excited to get Baby Yuyu (2) into the Tot mix in the years ahead! We will be resuming our Religious School in January 2022, and I’m personally excited to see what our children teach us. On a final note, I’m particularly grateful to the wonderful Teaching Assistants who help to shape and lead the school. They are outstanding young people, and their commitment to our Community makes me proud.
Services
In person services are happening! On December 25 Saturday morning service we begin reading the book of Exodus. During the service we will study the 1st chapter session of Exodus (whether we have a “minyan” or not). We look forward to seeing you.
Events
Yiddish Club with Jack Halpern
Started meeting monthly in person at the JCJ. Please contact Jack at jack@cjki.org if you are interested to join. All levels are welcome, from beginner to advanced. Much more than just language, the club enjoys exploring Yiddish culture as well.
Lehrhaus Lecture Series presented by Jerry Rosenberg
The History of Jews in Japan
Thursday, January 13th
Time: 7:30 – 8:30pm
Venue: Zoom
Meeting ID: 81297421327
Passcode: 18
Other events are in the works! Jack Halpern will do an in-person talk on language acquisition in February and in March a big Purim bash is being planned complete with megillah-reading, food, and live klezmer music. Save the date: March 16, 2022!
If you have an idea for an event or a topic you would like to share with others, please reach out to Events chair Sherry Greenfield at sherry@greenfield.net
Announcements
Rabbi Andrew, Tali and Asher will be away 11/22-1/20. We miss them, although not as much as their families have missed meeting their newest grandson.
Shabbat Parshat Shemot
Candle Lighting: 4:15 pm
Havdala: 5:16pm