Dear Am Yisrael SJS Community,
The following topics are covered in this week’s Limmud/Education Update:
I. Shabbat Family Programming (SFP) is this Shabbat, Sat, Jan 21 at 9:30 a.m.
II. II. Class Updates Sun, Jan 15 & Wed, Jan 18
III. Mitzvah Opportunity: Please Help The Ark
IV. Policy Reminders: Snack and Electronics Policies
V. Calling all Megillah Readers for Sun, Mar 12 and Shabbat Family Programming (SFP) Torah Readers for Sat, Feb 25 and Sat, Apr 22
VI. Kadima & USY (6th-12th Grade) Event Sun, Jan 22 12:15 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
VII. Young Family Havurah Havdalah Get Together Sat, Jan 28 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
I. Shabbat Family Programming (SFP)
Sat, Jan 21 @ 9:30 a.m.
We hope that you join us to celebrate Shabbat for our third SFP of the academic year on Sat, Jan 21 beginning at 9:30 a.m. We look forward to a morning with spirited Tefillah (prayer), Torah reading and learning, youth leadership and active participation, followed by kiddish lunch. As always with SFP, we welcome our Day School families to join our School of Jewish Studies (SJS) families for this festive celebration of Shabbat, which includes our early childhood through B’nai Mitzvah students and several of our Teachers and Madrichim. The schedule in the attached SFP grid outlines a meaningful way for us to conclude our week with our congregational family.
The following students and madrichim will be chanting from the Torah scroll: Sammy Froum (Heh), Rachel Gordon (Bet), Jack Himmelfarb (Gimel), Hallie Horwich (Bet), Levi Jagher (Gimel), Zoe Jagher (Vav), Jordan Kreiner (Gimel), Rachel Kreiner (Heh), Esther Loewenthal (Heh), Greta Loewenthal (Pardes), Jamie Loewenthal (Bet), Ben Legator (Dalet), Etai Weisberg (Vav), Noam Weisberg (Dalet), Henry Weller (Dalet) and Marcus Weller (Gimel).
II. Class Updates: Sun, Jan 15 & Wed, Jan 18
Gan (3.5-5 year olds)
Upcoming: SFP is Sat, Jan 21 beginning in Room 1 on main level of SJS building at 9:30 a.m. (Please be sure to pick up SFP name tags in the school building lobby) and next SJS is Sun, Jan 22 Gan SJS begins in Room 1 on main level of SJS building at 9:15 a.m.
We talked about ways we show chesed (kindness) at home. The children heard a Bible story which talked about the value of kindness which prompted another discussion about this important topic. We enjoyed Shira (Music) with our fellow classmates. The children decorated a poster that says Chesed Matters. -Morah Lynn
Aleph (1st Grade)
Upcoming: SFP is Sat, Jan 21 beginning in Room 1 on main level of SJS building at 9:30 a.m. (Please be sure to pick up SFP name tags in the school building lobby) and next SJS is Sun, Jan 22 Aleph SJS begins in Room 2 on main level of SJS building at 9:15 a.m.
-Mrs. Berlow
Bet (2nd Grade)
Upcoming: SFP is Sat, Jan 21 beginning in Room 4 on main level of SJS building at 9:30 a.m. (Please be sure to pick up SFP name tags in the school building lobby) and next SJS is Sun, Jan 22 Bet SJS begins in Room 3 on main level of SJS building at 9:15 a.m.
Gimel (3rd Grade)
Upcoming: SFP is Sat, Jan 21 beginning in Room 4 on main level of SJS building at 9:30 a.m. (Please be sure to pick up SFP name tags in the school building lobby) and next SJS is Sun, Jan 22 Gimel SJS begins in Room 5 on upper level of SJS building at 9:15 a.m.
This week’s session was our introduction to achrayut, and all of the different types of roles and responsibilities we have in our lives. The students related this to the idea that each person is important. We started out with an activity that illustrated the many roles we have in our own lives within our community and at home. We will also learn what happens when the opposite occurs and how easily everything can fall apart.
Recap:
- Students learned that we all have different roles and responsibilities for different parts of our lives.
- Students explored the notion that If we all do our own part well that life runs more smoothly
- Students learned about the importance of achrayut within a Jewish context.
Table Talk: Discuss the various roles you have within your family. Does everyone always do his or her own share? What can you do to make sure everyone within our family works together?
MyShalomLearning Activity for next week: 3.4.2 Achrayut Week 2
Login to My.ShalomLearning.org and share the two activities for students to complete prior to the next class:
1) We all have responsibilities, and sometimes that means helping others, just like the Kid President said. For the next few weeks, I’d like you all to think of a place to volunteer to help someone else. Talk with your family and come up with a place you can go on a normal basis. Please post some places where you will commit to volunteering with your family!
2) Please watch: “Rosa Learns to be Responsible” and respond to the question in the discussion thread!
Next week:
In next week’s session we will tackle the concept of responsibility from a Jewish perspective.
In Ivrit, the yeladim continued to work on their writing skills by writing in their notebooks, letters previously learned in class. The yeladim also focused their attention on final letters, and similar sounding letters (i.e. samech and sin, kaf and koof, etc). Please make sure that your student is practicing his/her Hebrew every day for at least 15 minutes.
Have a great week!
B’Shalom,
Mrs. Sender and Morah Myra
Dalet (4th Grade)
Upcoming: SFP is Sat, Jan 21 beginning in Room 4 on main level of SJS building at 9:30 a.m. (Please be sure to pick up SFP name tags in the school building lobby) and next SJS is Sun, Jan 22 Gimel SJS begins in Room 7 on upper level of SJS building at 9:15 a.m.
Dear Parents,
This week we began our unit on Achrayut and started to examine our responsibilities to the previous generations who thought ahead for our benefit.
Recap:
- We discussed why we use trees to represent a family map. We talked about the roots being our ancestors and how we cannot survive without the roots.
- We watched a G-dcast video about Honi and looked at the lesson he learned about his responsibility to help the future generations through planting trees and in other ways
Table Talk: Discuss the notes the parents hung on the trees. How will we follow through on these during the year? Make a plan for this follow through.
My.ShalomLearning.org Activity for next week: 4.4.2 Achrayut Week 2
Next week:
Next week our students will learn about the mitzvah of “v’ahavta l’reyacha kamocha” (loving others as ourselves) as a responsibility toward others.
Have a great week!
Sincerely,
Marc Sender
-Mrs. Moustakis
Heh (5th Grade)
Upcoming: SFP is Sat, Jan 21 beginning in Sanctuary of synagogue building at 9:30 a.m. (Please be sure to pick up SFP name tags in the school building lobby) and next SJS is Sun, Jan 22 Heh SJS begins in Sanctuary in the synagogue building at 9:15 a.m.
Our class was a bit shorter than usual due to preparations for the chugim open house. We began a new unit: ma’akhil re’evim, “feeding the hungry.” As an introduction to this topic we watched a news report about food insecurity in the United States, and learned about both the large fraction of our population that is food-insecure and what people are doing to help. This unit will include personal involvement in a program to help alleviate hunger in the Chicago area. -Hazzan Szenes-Strauss (Mr. S)
Dear Parents,
Today in our first lesson of Achrayut, we discussed our responsibility to other people.
- Recap:
- Students learned various types of achrayut and what they owe to others and why.
- Students discussed the root word of Achrayut that means other.
- Students brainstormed who is meant by other
- Students completed class by creating a slogan of how we should treat others
Table Talk: How do you think you can help the world recognize the value of achrayut?
MyShalomLearning Activity: 5.4.2
Next Week: Joseph and his brothers and their connection to how to treat others
Have a great week!
Sincerely,
Marc Sender
Kitah Heh had an awesome time playing “Last reader standing,” and at the same time practicing their Hebrew reading. We worked on reading prayers and talked about why and how we move our bodies during Tefillah. -Morah Anna
This past week in Ta’amei haMiqra (Torah Trope), the Heh students learned three new trope melodies: R’via, T’vir, and Gershayim. -Mr. Lerner
On Sunday we began discussing Tu B’Shevat. We discussed the importance of celebrating and honoring nature, specifically trees. Through our discussion we identified many important contributions that trees provide to our daily lives. We then distributed quotes about trees taken from different Jewish sources and analyzed them to come up with either the question one would ask to elicit the quoted response or create a song to present to the class. I look forward to next Sunday when our students share their quotes and responses. -Morah Sandra
Vav (6th Grade)
Upcoming: SFP is Sat, Jan 21 beginning in Sanctuary of synagogue building at 9:30 a.m. (Please be sure to pick up SFP name tags in the school building lobby) and next SJS is Sun, Jan 22 Vav SJS begins in Sanctuary in the synagogue building at 9:15 a.m.
We continued our Hebrew literacy practice with the prayers at the beginning of the formal Shacharit service. As in previous weeks, students focused on careful and accurate reading of the Hebrew text. This exercise is designed both to improve familiarity with the traditional liturgy and to build confidence and skill for Hebrew readers that students can apply to any future situation. -Hazzan Szenes-Strauss (Mr. S)
The class began its unit on the study of Israel. The history of the land is intrinsic to the study of Israel, so the class discussed the divine origin of the land as given by God to the Jewish people. No other nation in the history of humankind was given a land of its own by God. We discussed the difference between a reward and a gift. The curriculum for the remainder of the school year will follow the Israel Curriculum Program by the Center for Israel Education (CIE). -Mr. Dallal
Zayin (7th Grade)
Upcoming: SFP is Sat, Jan 21 beginning in Sanctuary of synagogue building at 9:30 a.m. (Please be sure to pick up SFP name tags in the school building lobby) and next SJS is Sun, Jan 22 Zayin SJS begins in Sanctuary in the synagogue building at 9:15 a.m.
We continued our exploration of gevurah (strength or heroism) with a discussion of the Maccabees and of Deborah the prophet. In what ways did they display, or not display, gevurah as well as anavah (humility)? At the end we touched on a future project, which will involve choosing a hero to present to the class on an individual basis. -Hazzan Szenes-Strauss (Mr. S)
This week’s discussion surrounding the concept of the meaning of life. Guided by the text, Tough Questions that Jews Ask, the yeladim looked at the purpose of their lives and what they regard in high value. The yeladim looked at material goods vs. friends and family vs. environment and animals, and discussed the importance all of these hold in their lives.
B’Shalom,
-Mrs. Sender
The class began its unit on the study of Israel. The history of the land is intrinsic to the study of Israel, so the class discussed the divine origin of the land as given by God to the Jewish people. No other nation in the history of humankind was given a land of its own by God. We discussed the difference between a reward and a gift. The curriculum for the remainder of the school year will follow the Israel Curriculum Program by the Center for Israel Education (CIE). -Mr. Dallal
On Sunday we began discussing Tu B’Shevat. We discussed the importance of celebrating and honoring nature, specifically trees. Through our discussion we identified many important contributions that trees provide to our daily lives. We then distributed quotes about trees taken from different Jewish sources and analyzed them to come up with either the question one would ask to elicit the quoted response or create a song to present to the class. I look forward to next Sunday when our students share their quotes and responses. -Morah Sandra
Prozdor (8th Grade)
Upcoming: SFP is Sat, Jan 21 beginning in Sanctuary of synagogue building at 9:30 a.m. (Please be sure to pick up SFP name tags in the school building lobby) and next SJS is Sun, Jan 22 Prozdor SJS begins in Room 9 on upper level of SJS building at 10:30 a.m.(one hour, 15 minutes later than the majority of the classes in SJS)
The class began its unit on the study of Israel. The history of the land is intrinsic to the study of Israel, so the class discussed the divine origin of the land as given by God to the Jewish people. No other nation in the history of man was given a land of its own by God. We discussed the difference between a reward and a gift. The curriculum for the remainder of the school year will follow the Israel Curriculum Program by the Center for Israel Education (CIE).-Mr. Dallal
Pardes (9th-10th Grades)
Upcoming: SFP is Sat, Jan 21 beginning in Sanctuary of synagogue building at 9:30 a.m. (Please be sure to pick up SFP name tags in the school building lobby) and next SJS is Sun, Jan 22 Pardes SJS begins in Room 9 on upper level of SJS building at 10:30 a.m.(one hour, 15 minutes later than the majority of the classes in SJS)
On Friday evening, January 13, students and parents from the Church of the Holy Spirit, an Episcopal Church, visited Am Yisrael, attended the Shabbat service and joined us in the social hall for dinner and a quick course on Judaism 101. Our students make me proud by providing the education to our guests, showcasing the Jewish knowledge they had acquired throughout their years at SJS. For some of our guests, this was their first experience, not only attending a Jewish service, but interacting with Jews as well. They were inquisitive, extremely respectful and thoroughly impressed with what they witnessed. -Cantor Stuart Simon
III. Mitzvah Opportunity: Please Help The Ark
The Ark is in need of items for its pantry. Please bring in the following kosher items, knowing that these are only the suggested items, as sadly there is a great need of many additional items at all times. We have a bin by the elevator off the synagogue lobby and there are additional bins in the school lobby to drop off these much needed items during regular business hours. Thank you in advance.
-vegetarian baked beans
-pineapple slices
-soups (not broth) such as chicken noodle and mushroom barley
-crunchy peanut butter
-tea, both regular and herbal
-baby wipes
-dish soap
-adult diapers
-incontinence pads
IV. Policy Reminders: Snack and Electronics Policies
Two families bring in snacks each week for the entire School of Jewish Studies. Students and Madrichim are not allowed to bring in their own food or drink during SJS or SFP hours, except for special circumstances that are approved by me. In addition, it is important to remind all students and madrichim that we have an articulated policy regarding electronics during SJS and/or SFP hours. Please review attached policy which was discussed with all students and madrichim “Cell Phone Policy 8-31-16” and remind students and madrichim of these expectations as necessary.
V. Calling all Megillah Readers for Sun, Mar 12 and Shabbat Family Programming (SFP) Torah Readers for Sat, Feb 25 and Sat, Apr 22
We are looking for Megillah readers to chant anywhere from 1, 2 or 3 verses to an entire chapter of Megillah on Sun, Mar 12. Cantor Simon or I will be sending you your readings soon after you request them. We have several students who will be chanting from the Torah scrolls at SFP on Sat, Jan 21. We are also quickly filling up our Torah reading line-ups for Sat, Feb 25 and Sat, Apr 22 SFP Torah reading line-up set. I will send one verse Torah readings for the library service or three verses of Torah readings for the Sanctuary service. While our SJS students are learning Torah trope formally starting in the Heh year, I will be sending mp3’s to all SJS and Day School students who sign up, unless families specifically request to only receive the text without the recording. Please let me know via email csherman@amyisrael.org or cell phone (847) 708-1805 call/text which date(s) work for your family and I will assign the Torah reading(s). Thank you in advance.
VI. Kadima & USY (6th-12th Grade) Event Sun, Jan 22 12:15 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Who:
Kadima & USY (6th-12th Grade) SJS & Day School Students & Madrichim
When:
Sun, Jan 22
12:15 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
What:
Color Me Mine
We will be leaving from Room 10 shortly after SJS dismisses
Pickup will be at the Glen at 3:00 p.m.
Cost is $25.00, which includes art piece, painting fee and food
Where:
1855 Tower Drive
(Glen Town Center)
Glenview, IL
NOTE:
More expensive pottery pieces can be purchased at time of program for additional cost.
RSVP:
Kadima and USY Advisor, Morah Sandra Mieli Kamm via email smielikamm@amyisrael.org or cell phone (847) 721-2137 call/text.
VII. Young Family Havurah Havdalah: Sat, Jan 28 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Please join the Young Families of Am Yisrael for a fun annual tradition as we gather at Jon and Carrie Feig’s home for a casual Havdalah service, a pot luck DAIRY dinner and a lot of laughs. This is being sent to members of the congregation who have at least one child in 5th grade or younger. Older siblings are certainly welcome to attend and we always like to have at least a few of the older siblings in the role of babysitters. Please RSVP via email csherman@amyisrael.org or the evite that was sent out and let us know what you can bring. We ask that you bring food prepared following a “Kosher Ingredient” policy in disposable containers whenever possible. We will need salads, sides, fruit, dessert, paper goods, soda and perhaps a little wine. Special thanks to the Feig Family for opening their home to all of us.
Shabbat Shalom,
Charlie Sherman
Mr. Sherman’s Blog 