Dear Am Yisrael SJS Community,
The following topics are covered in this week’s Limmud/Education Update:
I. There is no SJS this Sun, Feb 19: President’s Weekend
II. Class Updates Sun, Feb 12 & Wed, Feb 15
III. Special Info for next weekend:
a) Shabbat Family Programming (SFP) is Sat, Feb 25 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (includes kiddish lunch)
b) 6th-8th Grade CHUSY Regional Kadima Day is Sun, Feb 26
c) Scouting out Intolerance is Sun, Feb 26: Scouts & Prospective Scouts (grade 3 – age 18)
IV. Hebrew Step-By-Step and Jewish Interactive Website and Ji Tap App
V. Looking Ahead
a) Gimel helps lead services combined with Siddur Ceremony is Fri, Mar 3 @ 6:00 p.m.
b) Heh Brunch & Family Ed with Rabbi Newman Kamin is Sun, Mar 5 9:50 a.m.-11:25 a.m.
c) Purim Megillah Reading and Carnival is Sun, Mar 12; AM Programming details are coming next week
d) Spring Break: No SJS Classes from Sun, Mar 26 through Sun, Apr 2 (SJS Resumes Wed, Apr 5)
VI. Calling all Purim Megillah Readers for Sun, Mar 12 and Shabbat Family Programming (SFP) Torah Readers for Sat, Apr 22
VII. SJS Tzedakah Totals 5777 through Feb 12
VIII. Mazal Tov to Ariana Freimuth as she will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah
I. There is no SJS this Sun, Feb 19: President’s Weekend
II. Class Updates: Sun, Feb 5 & Wed Feb 8
Camp Am Yisrael: Learn-By-Play (0-3 year olds)
Upcoming: There are no classes this Sun, Feb 19. Our next Camp Am Yisrael: Learn-By-Play SJS is Sun, Feb 26 beginning in Room 2 on main level of SJS building at 9:30 a.m.
We had another fantastic time with the children and their parents. Cantor Simon once again sang with the children and their parents and Mr. Marc and I led Tefillah with them. In between the singing of Jewish songs and prayers we had all kinds of toys and books available for the children. If you know of anyone who may be interested in joining our group for any of the next eight weeks, or if any of the parents (or other friends/relatives) of our new Camp Am Yisrael have a great story that they want to read to the class, they should please send me an email csherman@amyisrael.org, give me a call in the synagogue office 847-446-7215 ext. 12, or via cell phone (talk or text) 847-708-1805. As noted above we will not be in session this coming Sun, Feb 19, but very much look forward to seeing everyone on Sun, Feb 26. -Mr. Sherman
Gan (3-6 year olds)
Upcoming: There are no classes this Sun, Feb 19. Our next Gan SJS is Sun, Feb 26 beginning in Room 1 on main level of SJS building at 9:15 a.m.
We had a very thought provoking discussion on why trees are important (please see classroom door for answers). I discussed with the children how the Almond Tree is the first tree to bloom in Israel. We then made our very own tree that is in our classroom, the children did an amazing job. Tefillah and Shira were big hits as usual with the children belting out the songs and prayers they know. We also made a Thank You card to Roan Weiss for helping us at Friday night services this past Shabbat. -Morah Lynn
Aleph (1st Grade)
Upcoming: There are no classes this Sun, Feb 19. Our next Aleph SJS is Sun, Feb 26 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: Learn-By-Play class for 0-3 year olds meets in Room 2.
Bet (2nd Grade)
Upcoming: There are no classes this Sun, Feb 19. Our next Bet SJS is Sun, Feb 26 beginning in Room 8 on upper level of SJS building at 9:15 a.m. NOTE: We are moving our class to Room 8 (upstairs) for at least the next 8 weeks to make room for our new Camp Am Yisrael: Learn-By-Play class for 0-3 year olds.
This week’s lesson continued our investigation of Jewish values associated with the environment. Students can now identify both Jewish values, values בַּל תַּשְׁחִת/Do not be Wasteful or Destroy and שְׁמִירָת הָטֶבַע/Guarding the Earth/Nature Conservation. We ended our Tu B’Shvat unit with a delicious Tu B’Shvat seder. -Morah Anna
Gimel (3rd Grade)
Upcoming: There are no classes this Sun, Feb 19. Our next Gimel SJS is Wed, Feb 22 beginning in the Sanctuary in the synagogue building at 4:15 p.m.
This week we completed our unit on achrayut, with a focus on the responsibilities we have within our families. We concentrated on how best to treat our family members. We also reviewed the key concepts within the achrayut unit on the whole, to help concretize the importance of making sure that our students understand that they have the ability to make the world a better place based on the positive choices that they make within their own personal lives.
Recap:
- Students made connections from ideas learned in previous weeks to roles within their families.
- Students examined how their families function, and how everyone uses achrayutso that families work as systems.
- Students used the Jewish concept of achrayut to feel comfortable approaching difficult situations with their families and peers
Table Talk: Next week we begin a new unit: Hakarat HaTov, “Gratitude.” What are some things for which you are grateful? How do you show that you are grateful?
MyShalomLearning Activity for next week: 3.5.1 Hakarat HaTov Week 1
Login to My.ShalomLearning.org. Take the Wrap-Up questions for Achrayut and the Kick-Off questions in Hakarat Hatov: Week 1. In preparation for Hakarat HaTov Week 1, please watch the video, Aladdin- “A Whole New World” and keep these two questions in mind: (a) What are some sights/scenes that you notice during the carpet ride? (b) Which of these are new places/things you have not seen in your own life?
Hebrew (Ivrit):
This week the yeladim worked on the V’Ahavta prayer, the part that immediately follows the first two lines of the Shema. The yeladim learned about the meaning behind the prayer – and it’s roots taken from the Torah.
Next week:
Next week the students will be introduced to the value of hakarat hatov, translated as “recognizing the good.”
Have a great week!
B’Shalom,
Mrs. Sender and Morah Myra
This week Kitah Gimel continued to study Achrayut. After reviewing how Shmirat Haguf relates to value of Achrayut, we talked about Achraut can also mean doing something so that others can benefit. We watched video on how people in Israel have created different kinds of technology and how people can benefit from them. We discussed what is one thing we can do this week to have a healthy mind and body. In Ivrit, the yeladim continued working in the Hebrew workbook and practiced writing skills in the notebook. We also played “Last reader standing” – a game that helps us practice Alef-bet and reading skills. -Morah Anna
Dalet (4th Grade)
Upcoming: There are no classes this Sun, Feb 19. Our next Dalet SJS is Wed, Feb 22 beginning in the Sanctuary in the synagogue building at 4:15 p.m.
Heh (5th Grade)
Upcoming: There are no classes this Sun, Feb 19. Our next Heh SJS is Wed, Feb 22 beginning in the Sanctuary in the synagogue building at 4:15 p.m.
Our study of the mitzvah of feeding the poor, which has focused so far on the facts of food insecurity in the United States, turned this week to Jewish tradition and history. As a class we read through a scripted version of the story of Ruth, the Moabite woman who migrates to Israel to escape a local famine and eventually becomes the great-grandmother of King David. One major theme of Ruth’s story is the generosity of Boaz, who instructs his farm workers to ensure that Ruth, who is landless and forced to gather gleanings from other farmers’ fields, always has enough to feed herself and her mother-in-law Naomi. -Hazzan Szenes-Strauss (Mr. S.)
Shalom, We started our day by reviewing letters and the sounds they make. We then continued to work on reading skills and played a “Capture the Flag” Hebrew reading game. For the next class students were asked to review letters, final letters and vowels for the ‘Aleph Bet Challenge.” For the easiest access to review for the ‘Aleph Bet Challenge,’ please go to the Hebrew Step-By-Step page of our website: https://www.amyisrael.org/hebrew-step-by-step.html Thank you, Morah Anna & Ms. Rosenfeld
Morah Anna & Ms. Rosenfeld
This past week in Torah Trope, the Heh students reviewed the main trope melodies and began to look at the third paragraph of the Sh’ma. In addition, we discussed the difference between the Torah/Chumash and the Tanakh. -Mr. Lerner
Vav (6th Grade)
Upcoming: There are no classes this Sun, Feb 19. Our next Vav SJS is Wed, Feb 22 beginning in Room 10 on the upper level of the SJS building at 4:15 p.m.
Zayin (7th Grade)
Upcoming: There are no classes this Sun, Feb 19. Our next Zayin SJS is Wed, Feb 22 beginning in Room 9 on the upper level of the SJS building at 4:15 p.m.
Prozdor (8th Grade)
Upcoming: There are no classes this Sun, Feb 19. Our next Prozdor SJS is Sun, Feb 26 beginning in Room 9 on upper level of SJS building at 10:30 a.m. (one hour later than the majority of the classes in SJS).
Pardes (9th-10th Grades)
Upcoming: There are no classes this Sun, Feb 19. Our next Pardes SJS is Sun, Feb 26 beginning in Room 9 on upper level of SJS building at 10:30 a.m. (one hour later than the majority of the classes in SJS).
Last Sunday, Vav, Zayin, Prozdor and Pardes watched a film, Salaam Neighbor, presented by a representative of H.I.A.S. They also participated in a discussion which followed the meeting. The film clearly showed the devastation caused by the Syrian conflict, the utter hopelessness felt by Syrian refugees and urged activism and support by the Jewish and international communities to help fellow human beings in distress. -Cantor Simon
III. Special Info for next weekend:
a) Shabbat Family Programming (SFP) is Sat, Feb 25 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
b) 6th-8th Grade CHUSY Regional Kadima Day is Sun, Feb 26
c) Scouting out Intolerance is Sun, Feb 26: Scouts & Prospective Scouts (grade 3 – age 18)
a) I. Shabbat Family Programming (SFP)
Sat, Feb 25, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (includes kiddish lunch)
We hope that you join us to celebrate Shabbat for our fourth SFP of the academic year on Sat, Feb 25 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. SFP offers 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: Jacob Brodsky (Prozdor/Madrich), Erin Davis (Heh), Lyla Drapatsky (Bet), Daniel Gordon (Heh), Rachel Gordon (Bet), Mia Strubel Iram (Madricha), Ben Legator (Dalet), Stephanie Orr (Bet), Toby Lerner (Dalet), Ben Plawsky, Evan Schack (Aleph), Hannah Schoen (Pardes/Madricha), Naomi Szmuilowicz (Heh), Nate Szmuilowicz (Gimel), Etai Weisberg (Vav), Noam Weisberg (Dalet), Kate Wilson (Prozdor/Madricha), Jake Wilson (Gimel), Jessica Wilson (Heh), Marissa Youderian (Prozdor/Madricha)
b) 6th-8th Grade CHUSY Regional Kadima Day is Sun, Feb 26
Who:
Kadima 6th-8th Graders from Chicago, Milwaukee and Madison
When:
Sun, Feb 26
12:15 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
What:
CHUSY Regional Kadima Day 2017
Funtopia World at The Glen
We will be meeting in Room 10 for lunch shortly after SJS dismisses
Pickup will be at The Glen at 3:30 p.m.
Cost is $21.00 via the CHUSY website in #3 below
Additionally, please bring $5.00 for lunch at Am Yisrael to be paid either by check (made out to “Am Yisrael”) or in cash
Where:
Funtopia World
2050 Tower Drive
(Glen Town Center)
Glenview, IL
RSVP:
1. Kadima and USY Advisor, Morah Sandra Mieli Kamm via email smielikamm@amyisrael.org or cell phone (847) 721-2137 call/text to let us know that you will be joining us at Am Yisrael for lunch in advance of the program.
2. Please indicate if you are available to help drive from the synagogue to Funtopia World.
3. Please register for Kadima Day with our Regional Director Julie Marder by Fri, Feb 17 by clicking on this link: http://www.chusy.org
4. Please fill out the Funtopia Waiver by clicking on this link: http://www.chusy.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Facility-Use-Agreement.pdf
c) Scouting out Intolerance is Sun, Feb 26: Scouts & Prospective Scouts (grade 3 – age 18)
The local Jewish Boy Scout troop is having an event at the Holcaust Museum on Sunday, Feb. 26 and they have asked me to spread the word. They would love to get the word out to potential interested boys at Am Yisrael. All the details are on the flyer attached to the Limmud/Education Update 2-17-17.
IV. In Case You Missed It
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, and focuses 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. Hebrew Step-By-Step and Jewish Interactive Website and Ji Tap App
One of the most versatile tools we can provide our students to help them foster a connection to Judaism is the ability to decode (read) Hebrew words. Above each packet are the Hebrew letters and vowels introduced within that packet. Letters and vowels are reinforced through the remaining packets once they are introduced. Thank you to Rae Antonoff for teaming with us in this endeavor with the Hebrew Step-By-Step program. While some of the activities are in theory meant for writing, we recommend that while accessing this material with a screen that you use this program for reading. I can send you the PDF’s via email or printout for the writing exercises.
https://www.amyisrael.org/hebrew-step-by-step.html
In addition, there is an amazing relatively new website (can connect to the app with this website as well) that I can’t recommend highly enough. More information will be shared on this, but in the meantime, please check it out:
http://www.jewishinteractive.org
V. Looking Ahead
a) Gimel helps lead services combined with Siddur Ceremony is Fri, Mar 3 @ 6:00 p.m.
b) Heh Brunch & Family Ed with Rabbi Newman Kamin is Sun, Mar 5 9:50 a.m.-11:25 a.m.
c) Purim Megillah Reading and Carnival is Sun, Mar 12; AM Programming details are coming next week
d) Spring Break: No SJS Classes goes from Sun, Mar 26 through Sun, Apr 2 (SJS Resumes Wed, Apr 5)
VI. Calling all Purim Megillah Readers for Sun, Mar 12 and Shabbat Family Programming (SFP) Torah Readers for 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, Apr 22 SFP. 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.
VII. Tzedakah Totals 5777
Our classes in Am Yisrael SJS choose organizations to donate their Tzedakah money. As of February 12, here is how much each class has brought in so far this academic year:
Gan: $62.50
Aleph: $54.14
Bet: $119.97
Gimel: $113.97
Dalet: $91.32
Heh: $105.15
Vav: $81.16
Zayin: $57.32
Prozdor: $32.65
Pardes: $43.64
Total: $765.89
VIII. Mazal Tov to Ariana Freimuth as she will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah this Shabbat
Mazal Tov to Ariana’s parents, Wendy and Kyle, her brother, Zachary; great grandfather, Dick Sager and the entire family.
Shabbat Shalom,
Charlie Sherman
Mr. Sherman’s Blog 