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NEW HOPE: Synagogue’s silent auction to benefit school

By John Tredrea, Special Writer
   NEW HOPE — Kehilat HaNahar synagogue, the “Little Shul by the River,” will hold a “Goods and Services Silent Auction” from 7-9 p.m. on March 2.
   ”The event will benefit our school programs,” said Kehilat HaNahar spokeswoman Laurie Anderson.
   Kehilat HaNahar, founded as a Reconstructionist synagogue in 1994, is located at 85 West Mechanic St. The synagogue is led by Rabbi Diane Miller. Its founding rabbi was Sandy Roth.
   More than 60 items have been contributed for the auction by members of the synagogue and local businesses.
   ”This event features something for everyone — from children to adults,” Ms. Anderson noted.
   Among the items that will go up for auction are: use of a vacation cabin in Maine; fine framed paintings, prints, posters and photographs; handmade arts and crafts, including glassware, ceramics and a quilt; gift certificates for music lessons, adult education, a children’s camp, fine dining and interior design consultation; gift baskets and merchandise from local businesses; and games and housewares.
   ”To inspire the bidding, there will be fine finger foods and a cash bar,” Ms. Anderson added.
   Cash, checks and credit cards will be accepted. Admission at the door is $10. Those who want to attend are asked to RSVP by calling 215-862-1912 by Feb. 25.
   The synagogue’s website — kehilathanahar.org — has more information about the silent auction, including preview photographs.
   ”OUR HOME is a historic former schoolhouse where our ‘Shul School” provides a warm and welcoming environment, creative curriculum and dedicated teachers to prepare children for Bar or Bat Mitzvah and Confirmation,” Ms. Anderson said. “There are opportunities for teens to help in the classrooms and community as well.”
   The Shul School serves children between 4 and 16 (pre-K through 10th grade). Its goals are “to foster a love of Judaism, encourage an enthusiasm for learning, and instill a strong sense of community and individual identity.”
   The curriculum covers holidays, prayer, Jewish culture, history ethics, Torah study, and various levels of Hebrew exposure or instruction appropriate to each age group. The program is designed so that any student who wishes to become a Bar/Bat Mitzvah will be prepared to do so.
   ”We take special care to provide a personal Bar or Bat Mitzvah experience and create a special service for each child. There is an intensified bnei mitzvah tutoring program during the year leading up to this service,” according to the website.
   The emphasis is on making children feel at home in the Synagogue and in integral part of the Shul community. Teachers “use creative approaches to bringing Jewish knowledge and yiddishkite into the lives of our children. Classroom learning is reinforced through Monthly Family Services where students take an active role, Family Education Days where parents join their children for intergenerational programming, and Continuing Education programs,” according to the website.
   Questions? Call 215-259-8420.