It has been a pleasure working at the Spanish these last few months with a team of wonderful volunteers and professionals. We have succeeded in implementing countless events, including our widely attended Shabbat Morning program – SSTAMP (Spanish Shabbat Themed Amazing Morning Program). The kids look forward to coming Saturday mornings and have even begun singing Adon Olam in the sanctuary. Following services they join the congregation for Kiddush at their special Kids only Kiddush table.

Some examples of programming for the youth, SPY (Spanish and Portuguese Youth), include our spectacular Hanuka party. It was attended by over 200 people and we joined forces with UTT, Garderie Orsheli and EEIC (scouts). It was an event enjoyed by all. Another spectacular event was our Tu Bishvat Shabbat Dinner. We had 150 young parents and their children at the Spanish for beautiful Shabbat services and Tu Bishvat Kiddush seder. We also held our Purim Bash and Megilla reading. The kids listened to the megilla, were entertained by Mr. Music and there were fun filled surprises for the whole family. Please stay tuned for more fantastic events including a Shabbat Hagadol Dinner for young families.

Our Young Adult events are currently the best and most well attended in the city. Our Tu Bishvat Seder had almost 200 people who braved the cold and celebrated the wonderful holiday together. We have also started a post Kiddush Discussion for members at the synagogue on Shabbat with Rabbi Orenstein and our young members. The Young Adults have also initiated a lecture series every Tuesday night, with Rabbi Orenstein, with an average attendance of 65 people.

With the goal of filling the age gap for university students and encouraging participation of the children of our members, we have formed a Spanish and Portuguese University Students Committee. We are just at the beginning stages, but we have a superb team, including Joseph Abdulezer and Annalie Shahin, who have both jumped on board and are enthusiastic and passionate about creating rich programming for their peers.

Part of my goal in all areas of youth development is to enrich our programming, increase participation of our members and their children and to gather new recruits through our fabulous events.

Your feedback is very important to me. Please feel free to call or email me with ideas or comments. You are also welcome to inquire about joining our young adult, youth and young families or university student’s committee boards.

Thank you and Hag Sameah,

Tania Korin
Taniaspanish@gmail.com