VTS & Jewish Experiential Learning

Dear VTS, TNT & USY families, 

We are making a lot of exciting plans for your students to return to Viterbi Torah School and the Congregation Beth El campus. I am honored to take a proactive daily role in directing and guiding the Viterbi Torah School. I am also extremely excited to welcome Craig Parks as the newest member of our synagogue staff.  Craig has a long history at Beth El, having co-created many wonderful programs with me over the years.  Craig’s focus will be facilitating a comprehensive music program for our community as well as informal family engagement programming during the academic year.  You can read his statement below. Please join me in welcoming Craig and his family to our community on Friday, July 28, during the Plaza Prayer Friday night Shabbat service. 

In addition to Craig’s arrival, many of our dedicated and talented staff will return along with one or two new staff members. While we are busy creating a loving, safe, and nurturing learning environment we will continue to communicate our plans in the weeks ahead.  I am also grateful to Cheryl Katz for her care and commitment.  Cheryl has moved on from the Beth El family and we all wish her good luck on her new journey.   

There are a lot of exciting plans being prepared for the school year, and I invite you to re-enroll your child/ren in our programming.  Please use the following links for registration and for the 2023-24 school calendar. 

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns and I look forward to seeing all of you on Sunday, September 10 for our first day of classes. 
Todah Rabbah! 
Rabbi Avi Libman 

Contact Rabbi Avi Libman with any questions Rabbiavi@cbe.org
 

Dear Congregation Beth El family, 

I am thrilled to become part of the dynamic team at Congregation Beth El as the Assistant Director of Jewish Learning for Music and Experiential Education.  I want to share the wise words of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov.  He reminded us that "Joy is not merely incidental to your spiritual quest.  It is vital."  He also taught that "the most direct means for attaching ourselves to God from this material world is through music and song."  I aspire to be a source of joy, connection, and comfort through music and creative modes of Jewish expression.   
 
I have been a part of the San Diego Jewish community for thirty years and some of that time has been at Beth El part time leading music at the Viterbi Torah School, leading Pajama Shabbat for young families with Rabbi Avi for several years, and leading Shabbat with the Chofesh band for young adults several years ago.  I have found the Beth El community to be warm, inclusive, and spirited.  I am incredibly excited to reconnect with those of you I know and to connect with those of you I have yet to meet.   
 
I have a real passion for Jewish music, education, Jewish meditation, and meaningful connection.  I hope you will come out on July 28 where I will be co-leading with the clergy that evening with guitar in hands!  It will be the first of many opportunities for us to sing together, create harmony, and celebrate the beauty and wisdom of our Jewish tradition.   

B'Shalom

Craig Parks