Dear Am Yisrael SJS Community,
The following topics are covered in this week’s Limmud/Education Update:
I. Class Updates Sun, Jan 29 & Wed, Feb 1
II. Special Info for this weekend:
a) Mitzvah Opportunity: Please Help The Ark
b) Camp Am Yisrael 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. meets in Room 2 of the SJS building
c) Gimel (3rd) Brunch & Family Ed with Rabbi Newman Kamin, Sun, Feb 5 9:50am – 11:25am in Room 5
d) Ruach (3rd-5th Grade) Youth Group Event, Sun, Feb 5 12:15 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
III. Special Info for next weekend:
a) Gan, Aleph and Bet help lead services Fri, Feb 10 6:00 p.m.-6:40 p.m.
b) HIAS Program: The Global Refugee Crisis and the Jewish Call to Action Sun, Feb 12 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
c) Chicago Community Tu Bishvat at Rochelle Zell Jewish High School 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
IV. Looking Ahead
a) 6th-8th Grade CHUSY Regional Kadima Day is Sun, Feb 26
b) Next Shabbat Family Programming (SFP) is Sat, Feb 25 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
c) Purim Megillah Reading and Carnival is Sun, Mar 12; Details TBA
V. Calling all Purim Megillah Readers for Sun, Mar 12 and Shabbat Family Programming (SFP) Torah Readers for Sat, Feb 25 and Sat, Apr 22
VI. Mazal Tov to Michael Sherman as he is called to the Torah as Bar Mitzvah.
NOTE: Attachments that are listed below are in the weekly Limmud/Education Update email only (not in my blog).
Attachments:
Brand New Limmud Collage 2-1-17
3rd-5th Grade Youth Group Event 2-5-17
HIAS Flyer 2-12-17
Chicago Community Tu Bishvat 2-12-17
6th-8th Grade CHUSY Regional Kadima Day 2017
Funtopia Waiver Form for 6th-8th Grade Kadima Day 2017
I. Class Updates: Sun, Jan 29 & Wed Feb 1
Gan (3.5-5 year olds)
Upcoming: Our next Gan SJS is Sun, Feb 5 beginning in Room 1 on main level of SJS building at 9:15 a.m.
Highlights from the Gan…. I read to the children a snippet of a Bible story where it discussed Moses observing the slaves. I asked the children how they would feel if they were slaves and the unanimous decision was they would not like it. I told them that is exactly what Moses thought and that was why he had to help them. We began a very brief discussion of the upcoming holiday of Tu B’Shevat. The children sang all their favorite prayers today with Mr. Marc during Tefillah. The children were also treated to seeing one of our class volunteers Michael recite the prayer prior to reading the Torah. They were very impressed and wished him a Mazal Tov as he becomes a Bar Mitzvah this upcoming weekend. -Morah Lynn
Aleph (1st Grade)
Upcoming: Our next Aleph SJS is Sun, Feb 5 beginning in Room 3 on main level of SJS building at 9:15 a.m. NOTE: We are moving our class to Room 3 for at least the next 8 weeks while the Camp Am Yisrael class for 0-3 year olds meets in Room 2
Bet (2nd Grade)
Upcoming: Our next Bet SJS is Sun, Feb 5 beginning in Room 3 (with the Aleph Class) on main level of SJS building at 9:15 a.m. NOTE: Starting next week, Feb 12, we are moving our class to Room 8 (upstairs) for at least the next 8 weeks while the Camp Am Yisrael class for 0-3 year olds meets in Room 2
This week the students became familiar with some of the cultural and geographical aspects of Israel. We created a connection to the sights and sounds of Israel through music and dance and learned about some symbols of Israel and. In addition, we learned how Yaa’kov from the Torah and the State of Israel got theirs names. Last week, after the students learned about mezuzot and explored different designs, the students got excited by the idea of making their own personal mezuzot. This week the talmidim (students) used clay during the first step of the mezuzah making process.
B’Shalom,
Morah Anna
Gimel (3rd Grade)
Upcoming: Our next Gimel SJS is Sun, Feb 5 beginning in Room 5 on upper level of SJS building at 9:15 a.m.
Shalom Parents,
This week we examined the concept of responsibility from a Jewish perspective. Not only is it important to fulfill our responsibilities within our secular communities; we also have responsibilities as Jews. Some of these responsibilities come in the form of performing mitzvot (commandments from the Torah), and others come from Jewish values and being a part of the Jewish community.
We studied the Ten Commandments as a list of “rules” for how to live according to Jewish law. We expanded this idea and discussed how we can follow our “own commandments” and make the world a better place. On Wednesday, we learned about the celebration of Shabbat as a Jewish responsibility. We will conclude with the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam, “healing the world.”
Recap:
- Students learned that Judaism gives us different things for which to be responsible.
- Students explored areas of responsibility within Judaism.
- Students learned how they can help their family members to be Jewishly responsible.
Table Talk: How will you follow the Ten Commandments this week?
MyShalomLearning Activity for next week: 3.4.3 Achrayut Week 3
Login to My.ShalomLearning.org and upload a photo of you doing something that is responsible. It can be at school, at home, at your volunteer place, or anywhere else!
Ivrit:
In Ivrit this week, the yeladim continued to practice their Hebrew writing using both Hebrew letters and the appropriate vowels. The yeladim learned about the special vowels: kammatz katan and hataf vowels. Additionally, the yeladim learned about Hebrew pre-fixes and suffixes, the double-duty dot, and the dagesh. Lastly, the yeladim are learning about the V’ahavta prayer (the meaning of the prayer as well as how to read and sing the prayer). The yeladim concluded class by playing a Hebrew letter review game!
Please make sure that your student is practicing their Hebrew at least 15 minutes per evening as well as practicing with their Hebrew flashcards.
Next week:
In next week’s Achrayut lesson we will look inward. We must realize that even though we have responsibilities toward others, we must be physically and spiritually healthy in order to fulfill these responsibilities. We will explore the Jewish value of Sh’mirat HaGuf, literally translated as “guarding the body” or “taking care of the body.” We will also explore the laws of Kashrut (Jewish dietary laws) and learn why these laws are followed.
Have a great week!
B’Shalom,
Mrs. Sender and Morah Myra
Dalet (4th Grade)
Upcoming: Our next Dalet SJS is Sun, Feb 5 beginning in Room 7 on upper level of SJS building at 9:15 a.m.
Dear Parents,
This week the students began to understand the mitzvah of “v’ahavta l’reyacha kamocha” (loving others as ourselves) as a responsibility toward others.
Recap:
- Students analyzed pop culture through a Jewish lens.
- Students incorporated “v’ahavta l’reyacha kamocha”behaviors into their daily lives.
Table Talk: Discuss with the responses in Rabbi Manis Friedman’s video “Why Do You Give?” and in your own video. Which answers did you find the most interesting? Has this project changed why or how much you would give? In your opinion, which charities should we give to? Do you believe in the idea that everything in the world belongs to God, and that it is our responsibility, therefore, to share what we have with others?
My.ShalomLearning.org Activity for next week: 4.4.3 Achrayut Week 3
Next week:
Next week the students will examine the concept that we are responsible to give of our time and money to others in need.
Have a great week!
Sincerely,
Marc Sender
Heh (5th Grade)
Upcoming: Our next Heh SJS is Sun, Feb 5 beginning in the Sanctuary in the synagogue building at 9:15 a.m.
The class continued its discussion on feeding the hungry. With an average of $6.33 per meal on government support, the class looked through grocery advertisements to find healthy meal ideas that will feed four people within this budget. It was a great exercise and helped build empathy for those who can’t afford complete meals. -Mr. Dallal
We had a short review of the prayers in the student’s folders and read a simple Hebrew story. In addition, we played a tic tac toe game with teams using words from the siddur. -Ms. Rosenfeld
This past week, the Heh students continued to work on Torah Trope. -Mr. Lerner
On Sunday we began discussing the question from the Torah “Am I my brother’s keeper?” We separated into small groups and each group discussed a different Jewish text regarding refugees and our responsibilities to help. We will be continuing the discussion this coming Sunday when each group will share their texts and the answers to the questions. -Morah Sandra
Dear Parents,
Today we worked on the second lesson of Achrayut, responsibility.
Recap: Achrayut requires that we ‘step up’ and ‘stand up’ when we are confronted with an injustice to ourselves or to another person. The biblical prophet is a prime exemplar of a person who calls out for justice no matter the cost. The prophets spoke truth to power, defended the vulnerable, and did so publically at great personal risk. A goal of Jewish enculturation must be to empower another generation of passionate defenders of justice who take the responsibility to act as a moral imperative. To help understand this responsibility we watched a video about a boy and a rock. The entire town kept leaving the rock in the middle of road and walking around it preventing others from getting through. Only the boy decided to stop and help move the rock. He felt it was his responsibility.
Table Talk: In what ways can you stand up to injustice?
MyShalomLearning Activity:
People who act like prophets aren’t always adults.
Watch this video about the girl who silenced the UN to see an example.
Find it on My.ShalomLearning.org Achrayut week 3
Next Week: Sometimes you need to act even when others tell you it is none of your business.
Have a great week!
Sincerely,
Marc Sender
Vav (6th Grade)
Upcoming: Our next Vav SJS is Sun, Feb 5 beginning in the Sanctuary in the synagogue building at 9:15 a.m.
In class we are continuing our unit on Israel. We learned about the oneness of G-d and the oneness of B’nai Yisrael (the Jewish people) as we say in the Shema prayer. We did an experiment in class to help demonstrate what happens when we act as a group verses an individual. We took an object that was impossible to balance on an individual’s one finger. However, when each member of the group used only one finger, now you have 5 fingers balancing the item. Teaching us that when we come together and act as one nation, we are much stronger then standing alone. -Mr. Arnet
Zayin (7th Grade)
Upcoming: Our next Zayin SJS is Sun, Feb 5 beginning in the Sanctuary in the synagogue building at 9:15 a.m.
This week the yeladim engaged in an interesting discussion based on the text Tough Questions that Jews Ask. Together, we looked at all of the “rules” Jews should abide by, and questioned why those rules exist in the first place (also, why are there so many – 613 to be exact). The students explored the function of such rules (i.e. kashrut – Jewish dietary laws) and questioned what the world might be like if we had no rules. Going along with that thought, the students questioned what might happen in instances of killing another individual (murder) or self-defense. The Jewish values of Rodef Shalom (pursuing peace) and Pikuach Nefesh (the importance of saving a life) were discussed as it relates to this thought. B’Shalom, Mrs. Sender
In class we are continuing our unit on Israel. We learned about the oneness of G-d and the oneness of beni Yisroel (the Jewish people) as we say in the Shema prayer. We did an experiment in class to help demonstrate what happens when we act as a group verses an individual. We took an object that was impossible to balance on an individual’s one finger. However, when each member of the group used only one finger, now you have 5 fingers balancing the item. Teaching us that when we come together and act as one nation, we are much stronger then standing alone. -Mr. Arnet
On Sunday we began discussing the question of “Am I my brother’s keeper?” We separated into small groups and each group discussed a different Jewish text regarding refugees and our responsibilities to help. We will be continuing the discussion on Sunday where each group will share their text and answers to the questions that went along with each. -Morah Sandra
Prozdor (8th Grade)
Upcoming: Our next Prozdor SJS is Sun, Feb 5 beginning 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)
Pardes (9th-10th Grades)
Upcoming: Our next Pardes SJS is Sun, Feb 5 beginning in Room 6 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 Shabbat morning, Pardes students were inspired by the words of Tamar Manasseh, founder of M.A.S.K., Mothers Against Senseless Killings. Hearing her personal story, growing up in Englewood, witnessing the killings of close personal friends, left a profound impact on everyone. As we focus on Tikkun Olam, repairing our broken world, who couldn’t be impressed by someone who at personal risk, acts to curb violence in the community in which she has lived? Our students now know first hand what it takes to be an activist. -Cantor Stuart Simon
II. Special Info for this Weekend:
a) 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
b) Camp Am Yisrael 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. meets in Room 2 of the SJS building
Several parents were interested in having a Sunday morning class introducing the kids to Shabbat, the holidays and with plenty of play. Am Yisrael in Northfield is re-starting its Camp Am Yisrael initiative. The class will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings and will focus on kids ages 0-3. This is not a regular structured class, but rather a learn-by-play style class. A sample Sunday might look like this:
9:30 – 9:40 Families arrive, kids can play freely
9:40 – 9:50 Story about Shabbat
9:50 – 10:00 Play pretend Shabbat dinner (using a Shabbat playset to do candles, wine, motzi, etc.)
10:00 – 10:10 Songs with the Cantor
10:10 – 10: 20 Free play and snack
10:20 – 10:30 Tefillah (song-based as well)
The camp runs 9 weeks, starting February 5th, and will focus on one holiday for two weeks including an age-appropriate art project every other week. Kids will learn about Shabbat/Havdallah, Tu B’Shvat, Purim, and Passover. On the 9th week, the grandparents can come see what these kids have been up to. Please let Mr. Sherman know if you are interested.
c) Gimel (3rd) Brunch & Family Ed with Rabbi Newman Kamin, Sun, Feb 5 9:50am – 11:25am in Room 5 (upper level of the SJS building)
Mrs. Nan Naranjo has been in touch with all Gimel families. Please be sure to RSVP to her at nnaranjo@amyisrael.org or 847-446-7215 this week if you haven’t already. Thank you.
d) Ruach (3rd-5th Grade) Youth Group Event, Sun, Feb 5 12:15 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
Who:
Ruach (3rd-5th Grade) SJS & Day School Students
When:
Sun, Feb 5
12:15 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
What:
Color Me Mine at The Glen
We will meet in Room 10 after SJS dismisses to eat lunch
We will then leave the synagogue to go to Color Me Mine around 12:45 p.m.
Pick up will be at The Glen at 2:30 p.m.
Cost is $25.00 which includes art piece, painting fee and food
Checks should be made out to “Am Yisrael” (or pay in cash)
NOTE:
More expensive pottery pieces can be purchased at the time of the program for additional cost
Where: Color Me Mine: 1855 Tower Drive Glenview, IL
RSVP: Please respond directly to this email or to our Shalom Club & Ruach (Pre-K-5th Grade) Youth Group Advisor, Miss Jamie Cooper via email jcooper@amyisrael.org or 847-962-1478 call/text
Please indicate if you are available to help drive from the synagogue to Color Me Mine
III. Special Info for next weekend:
a) Gan, Aleph and Bet help lead services Fri, Feb 10 6:00 p.m.-6:40 p.m.: Please RSVP to csherman@amyisrael.org so that we know how many people to expect. Thank you.
b) HIAS Program: The Global Refugee Crisis and the Jewish Call to Action Sun, Feb 12 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. We invite everyone to attend (parents and other relatives of our students). Pardes will attend this program for the entirety of SJS on Sun, Feb 12
FILM SCREENING: SALAM NEIGHBOR Salam Neighbor is an award-winning film that connects viewers to refugees. Filmmakers Chris and Zach were the first to be registered and given a tent inside a refugee camp and through their lens, we can immerse ourselves into the life of a Syrian refugee. Discussion will follow with Jessica Schaffer, Director of HIAS Chicago.
IV. Looking Ahead
a) 6th-8th Grade CHUSY Regional Kadima Day is Sun, Feb 26
b) Next Shabbat Family Programming (SFP) is Sat, Feb 25 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
c) Purim Megillah Reading and Carnival is Sun, Mar 12; Details TBA
V. Calling all Purim 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 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. Mazal Tov to Michael Sherman as he is called to the Torah as Bar Mitzvah
Mazal Tov to my wife Laura, and to Michael’s siblings, Gabe and Amelia and the entire family.
Wishing you all an early Shabbat Shalom,
Charlie Sherman
Mr. Sherman’s Blog 