September 10, 2023: We had a delightful opening at ICCJ for our school. We had the pleasure of meeting Moreh Marc, our new music teacher, who led the assembly in songs to usher in the upcoming New Year. Rabbi Hillel from Israel Center of Conservative Judaism and Rabbi Wise from Congregation Etz Chaim of Hollis Hills Bayside were on hand to welcome our students and their parents to the beginning of our sixteenth year of educating our students.

Rabbi Hillel greeted all those present by displaying a remarkable shofar blowing facility and an incredible lung capacity as evidenced in his Tekiah Gedolah blast. He then attempted the tricky task of blowing two shofars simultaneously. Spoiler Alert: It doesn’t work!

Rabbi Wise next extended his warm wishes of welcome and regaled the assemblage with amusing tales which brought smiles and laughter to the gathering.

Morah Marc was able to attend Morah Marina’s prayer classes and accompany the children on keyboard so they could get a feel for the traditional melodies which make our prayers so harmonious.

During the course of classes Rabbi Kogan of Hillcrest Jewish Center favored our students with his presence and was able to offer his shofar blowing expertise and his storytelling acumen, which greatly enhanced the day’s learning experience.

To conclude our first day, all the classes met in the ballroom for a special Tishrei holidays celebration, topped off by each child having apples and honey to bring added sweetness to the New Year.

Ohr Chadash Opening Day photos from Sept. 10, 2023 at Israel Center of Conservative Judaism.