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Rabbi’s wife brings warmth to Chabad
Chabad Jewish Center of Thousand Oaks Hebrew School teacher Shula Bryski feels that Jewish customs help keep family together. "Judaism is a lot more than a religion. It’s about being close to God," she said. Shula is the wife of Chabad Rabbi Chaim Bryski. The personal touch of Chabad’s congregation extends to the children’s Hebrew classes, which Bryski organizes. "I really feel this is a great way to form a community," said Bryski. "Children are more likely to get into something if it seems fun." Class attendance at Chabad speaks for itself with a 95 percent attendance rate that confirms what Bryski believes, that the kids don’t want to miss a single day. The children call Bryski "Morah Shula," "Morah" meaning teacher. Instruction normally runs from 10 a.m. to noon each Sunday. For some children, Hebrew school may be their only experience with Judaism for the week. With this in mind, Shula tries to make those two hours not only educational, but memorable. Bryski looks at the study of Jewish heritage as an expression of a person’s essence, not just one of conjugating verbs. If she hears about a child going home and looking through her kitchen cabinets for Hebrew symbols, then the day has been a success. Currently the school is teaching grades one through five, though the oldest class will always be accommodated into the next year. Chabad began last year with 10 students, and all returned to continue their Hebrew school this year, making the new total 24. Some classes are working on creating picture prayer books. Each prayer has specific characteristics, and Bryski has the students participate by taking photos. A morning prayer is illustrated by a photograph of a group of grinning, pajama-clad students. A prayer dealing with love and respect gets a photograph of students with their arms linked. Students also made their own candles during a unit that studies why Jews use candles to celebrate. "I want them to love being Jewish," she said. Morah Chanie Wachsman, who helps run the classes at Chabad, appreciates the support Bryski provides. "She’s very easy to work with. She’s always there." According to Wachsman, Bryski is constantly asking questions, searching for ways to better the curriculum. Bryski was the daughter of a Rabbi. She always knew she wanted to be part of an outreach, to help other Jews see the beauty of their heritage. Bryski used to reside in Brooklyn, N.Y., where she was a music teacher at three different schools. There she found that children seem to learn best through songs, and used music as the medium to teach her pupils Yiddish. Bryski’s students ranged from age 3 all the way through high school. Parent Lisa Klein said that Bryski has been an inspiration for her family. The Kleins are in the process of building a Jewish history for the newest adopted member of their family, a Chinese girl. Klein said that Shula and Rabbi Bryski have been very supportive in the voluntary kosher conversion of their daughter. Klein said she admires Shula Bryski’s example of family leadership. "She is one of the finest mothers, not only to her own girls, but to all the kids." The size of Chabad is what attracted the Kleins to the congregation. "Here, everyone knows who you are." Bryski contributes greatly to the personal appeal of Chabad Jewish Center of Thousand Oaks, Klein said, since she feels there is a sense of sincerity about Bryski that is quite powerful. According to Bryski, Chabad Jewish Center of Thousand Oaks has no labels. "We are unaffiliated. It’s not reform. We accept all Jews. It’s the inside that matters." The temple teaches from the Torah. Chabad Jewish Center of Thousand Oaks is planning a 6 to 8 p.m., Dec. 2 Chanukah event at the Janss Mall. The celebration will feature a juggler, hot latkes (potato pancakes), chocolate and a menorah lighting. For more information, call Chabad at (805) 493-7776. |
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