L'Shanah Tov

As the year comes to an end, so does our unit on Avodah, the Hebrew calendar, and the life cycle unit of Brit Milah.  Your children have a greater understanding of what if means to belong to a community, and the responsibility they must assume as they become a bar or bat mitzvah.  We have had some wonderful discussions throughout the semester and I look forward to working with your children as they continue on their path to a long, vibrant and interesting Jewish Journey.  

Shabbat School is this evening, and then classes resume Tuesday, January 4, 2011. 

Shabbat Shalom, and have a wonderful, safe winter break, and a 

Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year

HAPPY HANUKKAH!

 

 
This week, Jews around the world will gather together with family and friends and celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights, Hanukkah.  In our Kitah Vav community, we too will celebrate together as we look at the holiday from a new perspective, one of giving rather than getting.  For many families, the true meaning of the holiday is lost in the consumerism of the winter season.  In our classroom discussions we hope to reinforce the important meaning behind the celebration, religious freedom, and the right to be free.   Please help your children dig a little deeper this year and look for ways to help make the world a little bit better, and perhaps share their wealth with those less fortunate. 

THANK YOU

Dear Morah Dworin’s Tuesday Class,

Thank you very much for welcoming me into your classroom last week. It was a fine demonstration of the Jewish value hachnasat orchim, welcoming guests. I enjoyed hearing what you had to say about “doing Jewish” and learning with you.

Thank you!

Megan Topper

DOING JEWISH EVERYDAY

We have been talking about the importance of owning our Jewish Life.  By this, I mean every student is beginning to understand they are responsible for creating a comfortable place in their lives to live Jewish everyday.  In our Tuesday afternoon discussions we have been learning the way to to do this is through Avodah.  For our classroom discussions,  Avodah is the work we do by exploring our personal and communal role in Revelation, in order to find sacred connections to God, community and our self. 

We are slowly learning this relationship is ongoing and starts when we are infants.  Our families have been teaching us about this connection throughout our lives and we will continue to learn and work to build this connection.  In other words, our Jewish connection to GOD is an ongoing process we work at developing during our lifetime.  

We had a nice visit from Megan Topper this week and she joined our class for a short time this week. Our students were most gracious, and she truly appreciated the kindness and warmth demonstrated when welcoming her into our classroom.  

Have a Spectacular Shabbat, and I look forward to seeing everyone Sunday Morning. 

SHABBAT SCHOOL

This Friday night is Shabbat School.  Please remember to RSVP for this wonderful way to celebrate Shabbat with you family and Religious School Friends.

Have a great week, Barbara

FALL BACK

DON'T FORGET TO SET YOUR CLOCKS BACK ONE HOUR TONIGHT.

Tomorrow morning we will begin our Life Cycle unit on Brit Milah and Baby Naming.  If you know your Hebrew birthday, the correct spelling of your Hebrew name, and who you were named for or in honor of, please bring the information to class with you. 

If you have any extra candy to share with those less fortunate than us, please donate it to our Basket of Blessings candy collection.  All donations are appreciated.  

What did you do this week to make a difference in our community? What can you do to help make the world a little bit better?  Try to do at least one act of kindness every day...and see how you can make a difference. 

Fall Fix-Up

WOW!!! 

It was nice to see so many of our Kitah Vav students at the Fall Fix-Up Mitzvah Day.  The weather was beautiful and all of us had the opportunity to witness first hand the importance of Tikkun Olam, working together to repair the world.  Many of our classroom discussions focus on the importance of being an active member of our community, and how each of us is personally responsible for making the world a better place.  Spending time together helping others gave each of us a first hand experience and takes the lessons in the classroom out into the world.  

Thank you for helping to make this a hands on  learning experience for our students. 

Have a great week, and we will see you Tuesday afternoon. 

Halloween With A Jewish Twist

As whole, the Jewish community does not celebrate Halloween, but we do dress up for Purim! So, save those costumes and think about adding a Jewish twist or a tzedakah piece to your Trick or Treat Traditions.

While it is important to support our neighbors in their celebrations, and equally important to not separate ourselves from the community, there are many ways of participating in a custom without observing it the way others do. Some suggest Jewish children share in the celebration by greeting their neighbors and giving out candy. It is certainly possible for our children to get excited about giving to others, and then the underlying theme for them is that Halloween is about giving.

A noted Rabbi and educator, Rabbi Jacob J. Hecht, once noticed the similarity between Purim and Halloween. In both cases, children get dressed up and go door to door receiving gifts of food. The distinction between the two is that on Halloween, the children only receive, whereas on Purim, the emphasis is that the children learn to give. The fact that they might receive in return is of secondary importance.

To reinforce the value of giving, and to encourage the act of helping others, we will be collecting all extra wrapped candy you have on Tuesday afternoon. Please talk to your children about giving to others, and help them turn an everyday moment into a Jewish experience.

Standing at Mount Sinai

In our afternoon rotations we continue to talk about Revelation and the work we must do to build a long lasting Jewish community for generations to come. We have been writing speeches defending the public reading of Torah versus the sanctity of reading Torah in a sacred space, and debating the best way to get the word out to our community.


We will begin our Circumcision and Baby Naming Life Cycle Unit on Sunday.  Stay tuned for some very interesting tips, and some wonderful dinner table discussions.

DONT FORGET:

Family Ed Tikkun Olam program on Sunday, October 31, 2010

Please call the office to register

All Wrapped Up!

Thanks again to everyone who participated in our 

Tzitzit and Tallit Program.  

If you were unable to attend, it is not to late to make a Tallit.   

If you are interested, buy the fabric and attach the grommets or make the appropriate size holes in each of the four corners of the cloth.  Bring your fabric to class on Tuesday or Sunday and I will teach you how to tie the tzitzit . 

A Revelation

We have been talking about Revelation, private and communal prayer and the Torah Service in our Tuesday afternoon class.  We have had some wonderful discussions about our connection to the generations before us, and the importance of maintaining links to the past and creating our own personal history for the generations in the future. 

This week students had the chance to learn about our Torah Service, and many had the insight to see the similarities between our standing at Mt Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments, and our standing in the congregation on Shabbat morning, looking at the Aron HaKodesh, and watching the Torah procession. 

Thank you to all of the families who participated in our Tzitzit and Tallit program, it was wonderful to see so many of you.  If I did not get a chance to stop by and meet with you personally, please accept this note as an open invitation to visit our classroom.  You are always welcome, and we encourage your participation in our learning. 

SHABBAT SCHOOL IS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2010

NO CLASS SUNDAY,  OCTOBER 17, 2010

Have a great week, Barbara

Welcome to Kitah Vav 2010

Kitah Vav is off to a great start.  In our Sunday morning rotation we have been talking about the Hebrew year and the cycles of the moon.  On Tuesday, we have started the Chai curriculum, an all inclusive sixth grade program which is based on the understanding of revelation, and the idea that all Jews were present at Mount Sinai.  We have had some wonderful discussions about building our sixth grade community and taking personal responsibility for the future of  the Jewish people. 

Our Tzitzit and Tallit program is this Sunday, don't forget your fabric.  

The Final Stretch 2010

The students in the Kitah Vav Circle of Life rotation have completed core units on the Hebrew calendar, holiday celebrations, circumcision, Bar and Bat Mitzvah, Jewish identity and death and mourning. As the year quickly comes to an end, we will continue to explore the Jewish values and hidden meanings found in our weekly Torah portions, and introduce lessons on Jewish traditions, laws and customs concerning dating, marriage, and divorce.

We have spent a considerable amount of time on our b'nai mitzvah unit as this unit introduces students to the b'nai mitzvah process, encourages them to begin thinking about the personal responsibilities associated with becoming a b'nai mitzvah, and provides them with an opportunity to explore the many Jewish values embraced in their specific Torah portions. Students were given handouts and a rubric in March to help them complete their mini d'var Torah and personal statements, and all papers are due this on or before May 11, 2010.

If your student has not shared this assignment with you, please contact me as soon as possible, and I will help them collect the information they need to complete this year end research project.

Have a great week, Barbara

What's Up Next

Our Life Cycle Unit on Death and Dying will begin on Sunday, April 18, 2010. In past years, this topic has been quite interesting for the students as they seem to have many questions concerning this often taboo subject. The unit is taught in a sensitive, safe and non-threatening manner, but may be an uncomfortable topic for some students. Please take a few minutes to discuss the curriculum with your children and do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions for concerns.

I hope you are enjoying your Passover break, and I look forward to seeing everyone in my Tuesday class on April 13, 2010.

So Much to Do, So Little Time

If March come in like a lion and goes out like a lamb, then April showers bring us to our Bar and Bat Mitzvah unit and the writing of our Personal statements and mini d'var Torahs. This paper, while it does seem overwhelming, is the focus of our Bar and Bat Mitzvah unit and helps students begin to see how important it is for them to begin thinking about forming their own ideas and beliefs about living a Jewish life everyday in every way. We have worked on these papers in class for several weeks, and many of the students have now brought their folders home to type their papers and save a copy for a later date. All papers are due in class the week of May 2, 2010.

If you have any questions about this assignment, or any other questions or concerns, please be sure to contact me.

THE JOURNEY

Becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is a journey which begins long before a twelfth or thirteenth birthday. As we talked about personal journeys, many students felt their path to adulthood began at the Shabbat table before learning to talk, at our Beth Hayeled Preschool, or in kindergarten of first grade. Others believe they have not started the journey to Jewish Adulthood, but are anxiously looking forward to the ride.

As our discussions progressed, many students voiced their concerns about friends who don't attend B'nai Mitzvah services, but always show up for the parties. It was surprising to hear how level headed our students were when talking about their participation in this religious right of passage, and how meaningful they felt it was.

On Sunday morning, we talked about what made us adults in the eyes of the Jewish community, and what responsibilities we are obligated to participate in as we approach adulthood. Finally, students were asked to think about what commitments they can make to themselves, their family, and the community that encourage them to take responsibility for living a Jewish life as they approach Bar or Bat Mitzvah.

In class we have started to write our Personal Commitment Statements which are the foundation for each student's D'var Torah.

All D'var Torahs are due on Sunday, May 2, 2010.

You've Gotta Have Friends

Our Rabbis and ancient Torah scholars had much to say about friendship and they have been sharing their wisdom with us for hundreds of year. In class this week we have been examining some of the ancient texts and reading quotes from Pirke Avot, the Talmud, and from our great teachers. We then began evaluating the qualities we bring into a relationship and the qualities we demand in a return. As generations before us did, we too share our advice. Enjoy.

"Friends are like salt and pepper, they spice you up, and you spice them up."

"Don't judge a friend by how they look."

"There are no best friends, just those who like and those who you don't."

"Friends aren't perfect, but each is special in his or her own way."

"Friends, never leave home without them."

"You can't have a friend unless you know them."

"If you want to know who you are, tell me who your friends are."

"Friends are like metal, if you leave them out they rust,
But if you bring them in, they will be shiny forever."

"To have a friend, you must be a friend."

"Don't judge a friend, just by the wrong choices they make."

"Nothing is worth anything until you give it currency."

"A good friend will alwys know when too much it too much,
And when he or she hasn't done enough."

"Friends are like a bag filled with socks,
They are soft, but they can hurt you."

"Friends are like a box of chocolates, there are a lot of them
And they are all good in different ways."

"One friend is better than no friend."

"A good friend is like a best friend."

"A friend is a person who helps you in times of need,
is trustworthy, compassionate and helpful."

"Don't be a friend that is a blank piece of paper,
Be one with glitter and sparkles and colors."

"Don't waste time thinking about things your friends could do or not do,
Or say better than they do, because if they were your real friend,
you would be thinking about how much fun you were having."

"Friends are the beat to the music of life."

"Friends are the water that plants need to grow."

"Friends are like a roller coaster."

"Friendship is like a sandwich, it needs two pieces of bread and
something in between that they both have in common."

"Be friends with someone woh will stick with you all the way."

Yesher Koach

Hugs, kisses, and enthusiastic handshakes, accompanied by the Hebrew greeting "Yesher Koach," is the customary expression of congratulations extended to those who have participated in the public synagogue service. Literally translated as "May your strength be firm” and most often bestowed upon those who read from the Torah, English readers, ark openers, and Torah dressers, are usually greeted similarly.

As a teacher, I am forced to ask myself, what exactly are we saying when we extend a "Yesher Koach," to our students? Are we congratulating them for the brilliance of their performance or for their commitment and participation? Do we wish to commend effort and hard work or do we only commend those that have achieved mastery? Reflecting on the recent Sunday morning Family Education programs and last week’s Shabbat School has convinced me to extend a "Yesher Koach," to all of the students who participated.

Parents and students who regularly attend and participate in our Religious school activities not only need to be congratulated for the brilliance of their personal accomplishments and achievements, but for their commitment to Jewish Education. You could have been anywhere else and you and chose to be here. So as I extend a heartfelt "Yesher Koach," to the students in Kitah Vav, I commend you for showing up, for being here, and for your brilliance in carrying on the traditions given to us by the generations before us. Your strength and commitment will indeed guarantee another generation will carry us forward. "Yesher Koach,” and May your strength be firm.

Have a great winter break, Barbara

Share A Shabbat

This week we again celebrate Shabbat together in Southfield. Shabbat School is a great way to spend time with your friends and enjoy our Shabbat morning Torah Service. Join us for a Torah Treasure hunt and Shabbat Learning in the Library. See you Saturday.

Tie One On

Thank you to all of the families who participated in our Tallit, Tzitzit, and Tefillah Family Education Program. We hope you found the morning interesting, educational and meaningful and enjoyed spending time together. Please have your children wear their tallit to Shabbat School this Saturday. Each tallit is more beautiful than the next and your students should wear them proudly.

If your child did not make a Tallit it is not too late. Please buy the fabric and we will teach them to tie the tzitzit in class. We look forward to spending Shabbat with you this week in Southfield.

Have a great week, Barbara

Tzitzit, Tallit and Tefillah

TALLIT, TZITZIT, AND TEFILLAH

FAMILY WORKSHOP

9:45am Learner’s Minyan in the Sanctuary

10:30am Tallit, Tzitzit, and Tefillah Workshop

Sunday, January 10, 2010

The students in Kitah Vav will be making their own tallit to wear during our Sunday Morning Learner’s Minyan. As our students prepare to become Bar and Bat Mitzvah, many will formally receive a special tallit presented to them by family to reinforce the concept that Judaism is passed L’dor V’dor, from Generation to Generation. The tallit we make this year will be used specifically in our Middle School Minyan, a special service where students come together as a community to learn the liturgy that connects us to Jews around the world, and from generation to generation. As we learn the melodies and explore the meaning and interpretations of the prayers, we will also learn the traditional laws and customs associated with the tallit and tzitzit.

On Sunday morning, January 10, 2010, the entire sixth grade will gather together for this very special program. Our Learner’s Minyan begins at 9:45am in the sanctuary, and the Tallit, Tzitzit, and Tefillah Program will begin promptly at 10:30am in Adler Hall. Please plan on joining us for this very rewarding Family Education Opportunity. If you cannot attend, please send a responsible adult to participate with your child.