It's that time of year again! Every year as September approaches, Jewish adults all around the world start thinking about Rosh Hashannah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot. Jewish children start thinking about the new school year. Here at Tree of Life we are no different. In fact, we have been planning for the new school year even before the end of school in May.

The Religious School Committee, under the direction of committee chair Victor Mizrahi, is responding to concerns raised by Tree of Life Religious School parents. The Executive Board of Tree of Life Congregation is committed to supporting the Religious School and doing what is needed to create a vibrant, well-organized program. To this end, we welcome Shelly Schapiro who was just hired as our new Religious School principal. She is coming to us from Beth El Congregation where she served as principal for the past five years. We look forward to her energy and experience infusing a new exuberance in our Religious School.

In an effort to improve the performance of our students, the following positive changes will take place starting with the first day of school on Sunday, September 11, 2005:

• All students in pre-kindergarten through seventh grade will attend on Sundays from 9:00am to 12:15pm. This will provide 45 additional minutes for students in pre-kindergarten through second grade. This additional time will be used to introduce the primary students to Hebrew at an earlier age.

• Starting with the first Tuesday in January, second grade students will be required to attend Hebrew School. United Synagogue requires students to complete five years of Hebrew education prior to their B'nai Mitzvah celebration and many of our students have not fulfilled this requirement. Additionally, by starting their Hebrew education earlier, they will be better prepared to study for their simcha.

If your child is not a returning student from last year, please call the school office and complete registration for your child. If your child was enrolled in Religious School last school year, they will automatically be registered for this year. If there is any change in contact information, health concerns, etc. please contact the school office. We have an exciting school program planned this year and look forward to having you join us.

The Religious School Committee