Dear Am Yisrael SJS Community,
The following topics are covered in this week’s Limmud/Education Update:
I. Costumes for Purim and programming extended by 45 minutes on Sun, Mar 12
II. Class Updates Wed, Feb 22
III. Special Info for this 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. Special Info for next weekend:
a) Gimel helps lead services combined with Siddur Ceremony is Fri, Mar 3 @ 6:00 p.m. (service and siddur ceremony last a total of about 60 minutes and is followed by a light oneg)
b) Heh Brunch & Family Ed with Rabbi Newman Kamin is Sun, Mar 5 9:50 a.m.-11:25 a.m.
V. In Case You Missed It
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) Hebrew Step-By-Step and Jewish Interactive Website and Ji Tap App
VI. Looking Ahead
a) Purim Megillah Reading and Carnival is Sun, Mar 12; 9:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (Please come dressed in costume)
b) JUF Brunch is Sun, Mar 19 at 9:45 a.m. featuring Jane Eisner, acclaimed journalist “The Changing Role of Jews in Politics;” $15 per person; JUF.org to respond
c) Spring Break: No SJS Classes from Sun, Mar 26 through Sun, Apr 2 (SJS Resumes Wed, Apr 5)
d) Maot Chitim delivery to our assigned building on Sheridan Road in Chicago
e) Sat, Apr 8 Pardes (9th & 10th) to Beth Shalom B’nai Zaken (BSBZ) Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation — Meet at BSBZ at 11:00 am and leave South Side after Kiddush at 2pm
f) Vav, Zayin & Prozdor (and Families) Free the Slaves Program: Sun, Apr 9 10:00 a.m.-11:25 a.m.
VII. Calling all Purim Megillah Readers for Sun, Mar 12, Intergenerational Torah Readers for Sat, Apr 15 and Shabbat Family Programming (SFP) Torah Readers for Sat, Apr 22
VIII. SJS Tzedakah Totals 5777 through Feb 12
I. Costumes for Purim and programming extended by 45 minutes on Sun, Mar 12
Purim only comes once a year and is one of the most joyous days on the Jewish calendar. We want to give our community a little extra time for the merrymaking and will be open for programming until 1:00 p.m. instead of the regular 12:15 p.m. time-slot. If students need to leave at the regular time of 12:15 p.m., parents can sign them out at the security desk in the SJS lobby. Thank you.
II. Class Updates: Wed, Feb 22
Camp Am Yisrael: Learn-By-Play (0-3 year olds)
Upcoming: Shabbat Family Programming (SFP) is Sat, Feb 25 beginning in Room 2 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). 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.
Gan (3-6 year olds)
Upcoming: Shabbat Family Programming (SFP) is Sat, Feb 25 beginning in Room 2 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). Our next Gan SJS is Sun, Feb 26 beginning in Room 1 on main level of SJS building at 9:15 a.m.
Aleph (1st Grade)
Upcoming: Shabbat Family Programming (SFP) is Sat, Feb 25 beginning in Room 2 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). 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: Shabbat Family Programming (SFP) is Sat, Feb 25 beginning in Room 7 on upper level of SJS building at 9:30 a.m. (Please be sure to pick up SFP name tags in the school building lobby). 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.
Gimel (3rd Grade)
Upcoming: Shabbat Family Programming (SFP) is Sat, Feb 25 beginning in Room 7 on upper level of SJS building at 9:30 a.m. (Please be sure to pick up SFP name tags in the school building lobby). Our next Gimel SJS is Sun, Feb 26 beginning in Room 5 on the upper level of the SJS building at 9:15 a.m.
This week we started the unit for Hakarat HaTov, the 5th unit in the ShalomLearning curriculum. As we looked at the value of Hakarat Hatov, we wanted our students to find specific quirks or character traits that wouldn’t necessarily be noticed as “good” unless we call them out.
Recap:
· Students learned the value of Hakarat HaTov, translated as “recognizing the good.”
· Students connected the past value of Achrayut to our current value, using the power of meditation to calm their minds and focus on what is good around them right now.
· Students discovered that as God created the world, “God saw that it was Good.” This is a good foundation for text study.
Table Talk: How does recognizing the good in others help us to learn more about ourselves? How can meditation help us to recognize the good around us?
MyShalomLearning Activity: 3.5.2 for next week Hakarat Hatov Week 2
Time to meditate: Some people share what they are thinking either in poems, stories, songs, or conversations. Try to meditate now and share what you are grateful for in any kind of form you prefer. You can record yourself in a video and upload it, you can write a poem, a song, or even a short story. Upload your work to My.ShalomLearning.org!
Ivrit:
This week the Gimel class focused their attention on the V’ahavta (the first paragraph of the Shema). The yeladim also engaged in Hebrew letter – yoga, shaping their bodies into our Hebrew letters!
Next week:
We will talk about Jewish rituals and texts that discuss showing gratitude for ourselves and for our families. We will start with the ritual of saying a bracha or blessing after reaching a special event – the Shehecheyanu.
Have a great week!
B’Shalom,
Mrs. Sender and Morah Myra
Dalet (4th Grade)
Upcoming: Shabbat Family Programming (SFP) is Sat, Feb 25 beginning in Room 7 on upper level of SJS building at 9:30 a.m. (Please be sure to pick up SFP name tags in the school building lobby). Our next Dalet SJS is Sun, Feb 26 beginning in Room 7 on the upper level of the SJS building at 9:15 a.m.
Heh (5th Grade)
Upcoming: Shabbat Family Programming (SFP) is Sat, Feb 25 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, Feb 26 Heh SJS beginning in Room 6 on the upper level of the SJS building at 9:15 a.m.
Shalom, We started our class by reviewing letters and sounds during ‘Aleph Bet challenge.’ Then we worked on reading and understanding the prayer “Maariv Araviim.” For the easiest access to review the Hebrew letters and sounds, 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
Vav (6th Grade)
Upcoming: Shabbat Family Programming (SFP) is Sat, Feb 25 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, Feb 26 Vav SJS beginning in Room 6 on the upper level of the SJS building at 9:15 a.m.
We combined classes for a special Purim-planning session. Students took inventory of the games and other supplies that we already have at our disposal. This was followed by a very productive and thoughtful conversation about how we could expand this year’s Purim carnival programming to ensure that it is a fun, educational, and overall positive experience for as many members of our community as possible.-Hazzan Szenes-Strauss (Mr. S.)
Zayin (7th Grade)
Upcoming: Shabbat Family Programming (SFP) is Sat, Feb 25 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, Feb 26 Zayin SJS beginning in Room 6 on the upper level of the SJS building at 9:15 a.m.
The class watched a video introduction to the Jewish partisans of World War II, their accomplishments, their sacrifices, and their culture. This fed our discussion of the nature of gevurah, heroism, and the ways in which Jews engage with this idea. Many students were unaware that there had been significant organized Jewish resistance to the Nazi regime, and the resulting conversation opened many aspects of the Holocaust that students had never previously explored or encountered. We combined classes for a special Purim-planning session. Students took inventory of the games and other supplies that we already have at our disposal. This was followed by a very productive and thoughtful conversation about how we could expand this year’s Purim carnival programming to ensure that it is a fun, educational, and overall positive experience for as many members of our community as possible.-Hazzan Szenes-Strauss (Mr. S.)
Prozdor (8th Grade)
Upcoming: Shabbat Family Programming (SFP) is Sat, Feb 25 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 Prozdor SJS is Sun, Feb 26 beginning in Room 9 on upper level of SJS building at 10:30 a.m. (one hour and fifteen minutes later than the majority of the classes in SJS).
Pardes (9th-10th Grades)
Upcoming:Shabbat Family Programming (SFP) is Sat, Feb 25 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 Pardes SJS is Sun, Feb 26 beginning in Room 9 on upper level of SJS building at 10:30 a.m. (one hour and fifteen minutes later than the majority of the classes in SJS).
III. Special Info for this 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: Derek Ball (Pardes/Madrich), 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 (Aleph), 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 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 2-24-17.
IV. Special Info for next weekend:
a) Gimel helps lead services combined with Siddur Ceremony is Fri, Mar 3 @ 6:00 p.m. (service and siddur ceremony last a total of about 60 minutes and is followed by a light oneg)
b) Heh Brunch & Family Ed with Rabbi Newman Kamin is Sun, Mar 5 9:50 a.m.-11:25 a.m.
V. 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
VI. Looking Ahead
a) Purim Megillah Reading and Carnival is Sun, Mar 12
Megillah reading begins immediately following Sunday Morning Minyan. We will gather dressed in costume at 9:45 a.m. Our teachers and students are working together to prepare fun games for our carnival, which begins after our approximately one hour megillah reading. The carnival should go from around 10:45 a.m. and wrap up around 1:00 p.m.
b) JUF Brunch is Sun, Mar 19 at 9:45 a.m.
Featuring Jane Eisner, acclaimed journalist “The Changing Role of Jews in Politics”; $15 per person; JUF.org to respond
c) Spring Break: No SJS Classes from Sun, Mar 26 through Sun, Apr 2 (SJS Resumes Wed, Apr 5)
d) Maot Chitim delivery is Sun, Apr 2 from 9:45 a.m.-11:15 a.m.
Delivery to our assigned building on Sheridan Road in Chicago. As usual, our Am Yisrael volunteers will meet at the building on Sheridan Avenue. Volunteers should please contact me as soon as possible csherman@amyisrael.org, by calling the synagogue office 847-446-7215 or call or text my cell phone at 847-708-1805.
e) Sat, Apr 8 Pardes (9th & 10th) to Beth Shalom B’nai Zaken (BSBZ) Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation
Meet at BSBZ at 11:00 am and leave South Side after Kiddush at 2pm
f) Vav, Zayin & Prozdor (and Families) Free the Slaves Program: Sun, Apr 9 10:00 a.m.-11:25 a.m.
Families involved were emailed directly. The Vav field trip to the Holocaust Museum originally scheduled for that date is being moved to a date later in the spring. Details will be posted next week.
VII. Calling all Purim Megillah Readers for Sun, Mar 12, Intergenerational Torah Readers for Sat, Apr 15 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 Intergenerational Torah Reading on Sat, Apr 15 and 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.
VIII. 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
Shabbat Shalom,
Charlie Sherman
Mr. Sherman’s Blog 