Using our New Aron Kodesh for the First Time

We had a ceremony in the classroom to celebrate the first use of our new Aron Kodesh and having a community gathering with our families.
The "Shehecheyanu" blessing (Hebrew: שהחינו‎, "Who has given us life") is a common Jewish prayer said to celebrate special occasions. It is said to be thankful for new and unusual experiences.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ
אֶלוֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הַעוֹלָם
שֵהֵחְיָנוּ וְקִיְמָנוּ
וְהִגִיעָנוּ לַזְמַן הַזֶה" Praised are you, Lord, our G-d, King
of the Universe, who has kept us,
watched over us, and helped us to
reach this special time."

"Ba-ruh a-tha, A-do-nai, E-lo-hey-nu,
Me-leh-ha-o-lam, sheh-heh-he-yanu
v'kee-ma-nu v'hee-gee-a-nu lazman
ha-zeh."

We said the shema blessing: Sh-ma
Sh’-ma yis-ra-eil a-do-nai e-lo-heinu,
a-do-nai e-chad.
Ba-ruch shem k’-vod mal-chu-to l’-
o-lam va-ed.

We sang Shabbat songs, learned a new dance and ate our Challah together. It was great to have you all with us. Thank you everyone for making our new Aron Kodesh possible!
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