The Neshamah Institute Hosts Its First Ever Holocaust Education Day for South Florida Community

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. - March 19, 2015 - PRLog -- To commemorate Holocaust Education Day, The Neshamah Institute, a soulful, independent, Jewish community without walls, is hosting a day of honor, memory and education on April 19, 2015 in Boca Raton, which is open to the entire community. This is the inaugural year for the organization’s Holocaust Education Day, which is being hosted in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League, Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services, Next Generations, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

The Neshamah Institute’s goal always is to bring Judaism to life for our students,” said Rabbi Amy Rader of The Neshamah Institute. “Meeting survivors and promising to remember their personal stories is an inspiring way to learn that Judaism is a precious gift for us all.”

When: Sunday, April 19, 2015; 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Where: Temple Beth Shalom, 19140 Lyons Road, Boca Raton, FL

Who: More than 50 individuals of all ages are expected, including: Rabbi Amy Rader of The Neshamah Institute; Neshamah congregants and community members; representatives from the ADL, Jewish Family Services and the United States Holocaust Museum; and five to seven survivors will be present.

The program will include:

·         Small group conversations with each of the Holocaust survivors in attendance;

·         Twinning with Holocaust children (each family/participant will receive the name and bio of a child from the Holocaust and have the opportunity to learn about the child and remember them by name during the Memorial);

·         Anti-Bias training led by the ADL, which will focus on stereotypes, hate speech, social media bullying, and tips on how to respond to anti-Semitism whether you are a child or parent; and a

·         Brief 20-30 minute memorial service with prayers, names of child victims and placing of stones on the Yizkor monument outside of Temple Beth Shalom.

Complimentary registration is required at the following link (http://niboca.org/holocaust/). This is a family education program appropriate for children elementary school age and above.

The Neshamah Institute

Rabbi Amy Rader of Delray Beach founded The Neshamah Institute four years ago after consistently hearing from community members a call for an authentic, warm, personal place for Jewish Families to feel at home, and where their children could receive a comprehensive Jewish education to thrive within. Coming from a background of many years in a typical conservative synagogue, Rabbi Rader wanted to create something different, smaller and relevant.

“Neshamah Institute does not aim to be the answer for everyone,” Rabbi Rader said. “But we do commit to meeting people where they are...and to showing them that Judaism has something to offer and can help them lead healthy, balanced lives.”

And The Neshamah Institute’s mission seems to be catching on. Currently there are 500 member families, 120 kids enrolled in the Hebrew school, and a consistent showing of about 200 individuals at Shabbat services - held every other month at the Spanish River Public Library in Boca Raton. The number of members and students has continued to grow year after year and the demographics are intergenerational - with a consistent mix of young families with elementary and high school aged children and young seniors. There are no dues, but rather a “pay for what you use” model. For example, Shabbat services are free; Shabbat dinners have a nominal fee; High Holiday tickets are available for purchase; and there is a tuition fee for Hebrew School / B’nai Mitzvah training.

According to Rader, her greatest compliment is when congregants tell her “this is what Judaism should be...this is what I’ve been missing.” She goes on to add: “I’m just so happy we are offering an alternative. We don’t want people giving up on Judaism. The synagogue doesn’t work for everyone and that’s where I hope we come in.”

About The Neshamah Institute
The Neshamah Institute is a soulful, independent, new Jewish community without walls in South Palm Beach County. Its mission is to bring the personal connection and spirituality of authentic Judaism to the unaffiliated Jewish world. Neshamah offers personalized Jewish education and B’nai Mitzvah training, inspiring Shabbat and holiday celebrations and hands-on community service. The Neshamah Institute congregants meet in living rooms, club houses, libraries, synagogues and community centers. Membership dues are not required as programs are sustained solely by donations and fees for services. The Neshamah Institute is devoted to helping all Jews grow their Jewish soul. Learn more at www.niboca.org.