Congregation Jewish Community North - Spring, Texas

SPRIFTY is a part of the Union of Reform Judaism's North American Federation of Temple Youth. On the outside, SPRIFTY stands for Spring Federation of Temple Youth which is composed of high school students in 9^th through 12^th grades. SPRIFTY truly is Congregation Jewish Community North's high energy and creative group of teens. Together, we not only attend Temple programs, but also create and hold events of our own. We are organized just like the Sisterhood, Men's Club, or any other group in the Temple would be- by electing our own student board to discuss, plan, and lead programs. Within each program, our board is conscious to include SPRIFTY's three pillars: community service, the social aspect, and Judaism. On a wider scale, SPRIFTY gets together with 27 other local youth groups from all of Texas and Oklahoma four times a year on what is called "Kallahs" or "Conclaves" to create NFTY-TOR (North American Federation of Temple Youth- Texas and Oklahoma Region)- the regional youth group.

On the inside, SPRIFTY is a tight-knit group of friends. Together, we enjoy participating in regular community service projects and our own services simply because we are in each other's company. Some of our regular events include: Interfaith Hospitality Network, Mitzvah's of the Month concentrated on improving the Temple, Jewish Holiday related programs, Shabbats and Havdallahs held in our own homes, and lock-ins intended for pure fun. One can expect each and every one of these events to be themed and packed with teens taking part. SPRIFTY is always open to new members who are looking to find their personal Judaism, a good time, and friends that will last a lifetime. SPRIFTY is a live example of a successful youth led group- something hard to believe, but easy to see flowing anywhere in CJCN.

For more information contact sprifty@cjcn.org

Update on the URJ Art Contest - CJCN has 9 Winners!

Friday, 29 September 2006

Update on the URJ Art Contest- CJCN Has Nine Winners

During the 2006-2007 Religious School year, some of our students created entries for the Union for Reform Judaism’s Torah Cover Art Contest. Fifty-two entries were needed to be published on the cover of the URJ’s Parsahat Hashavuah (Weekly Torah Portion) Booklets. Many pictures from around the country were entered, and out of the 52 chosen, 9 of them came from the Jacques C. Shure Religious School Art Program.

Under the guidance of our art teacher, Rosanne Friedman, the students were instructed to draw something about his/her own special connection to the Torah. Many art materials were provided and each student reached into his/her own imagination, thoughts and interpretations to create enriching and original designs. We are very proud of all of our contestants.

We would like to congratulate the students whose pictures were chosen. In addition to having their pictures published the following also received a $50.00 gift certificate for URJ materials and 5 copies of that published booklet: Kelli Ewers, Maya Friedman, Erica Fuchs, Cheryl Kutcher, Rachael Kutcher, Adam Reichstein Taylor Saltzman and Ashley Saltzman. Again ,special thanks to Rosanne Friedman for her talent, and to Joan Camenson for bringing this contest to our attention.

Religious School Rosh HaShana Card

Tuesday, 26 September 2006

This beautiful and vibrant Rosh HaShana card was created by the students and teachers of the Jacques C. Shure Religious School. Our very own art teacher, the talented Rosanne Friedman, designed it and cut into the many thin shapes that you see. Each student was given their own piece the first day of classes. They were instructed to write their name on it, put on any Jewish symbol or Hebrew that they appealed to them and then to create some kind of pattern. Every piece had a background color assigned to it, so that when all of the pieces came together as one, the color order of a rainbow would be apparent. Together we wish you a Happy New Year 5657!!

Holiday Quilts

Monday, 03 July 2006
Symphonies of color and texture enrich the front stairwell up to the classrooms of the Jacques C. Shure Religious School with the hanging of the Jewish Holiday Quilts. (click on each image to view in full size glory)
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Hannukah Menorah 2005

Wednesday, 28 December 2005

Hand held torches light the names of the kids, teachers and assistants of the Jacques C. Shure Religious School, to create the Hannukah Menorah of 5766-2005. This electric menorah was designed and built by Rosanne Friedman.