Am Yisrael SJS Highlights: Sun, Apr 23 & Wed, Apr 26

Camp Am Yisrael: Learn-By-Play (0-3 year olds)

This past week we had a room filled with our youngest children in the school and many of their parents, grandparents and special visitors. There was a lot of spirited singing and the group joined us for the annual All-SJS picture. This week Rabbi Newman Kamin will be reading a story to the class starting at 9:35 a.m. We look forward to seeing you then. -Mr. Sherman

Gan (3-6 year olds)

We took part in the all school picture in the Sanctuary today. We commemorated Yom Hashoah. The discussion was done in a very appropriate way for the young children, as we discussed the importance of treating everyone with respect. For example- I said..”I do not like you Ari (one of our Madrichim), since you are wearing a headband in your hair.” I asked the children if that was okay and they all told me no. I then asked the children what do you do if you see someone not making good choices, they said tell a Teacher, Parent or any other grown up. We colored pictures of flowers, since we give flowers to make people feel good. Shira (Music) with Cantor Simon and Tefillah with Mr. Marc and Mr. Sherman was enjoyed by all. -Morah Lynn

Aleph (1st Grade)

This week the Aleph students added two new letters from the alphabet– Mem and Tzadi. We also learned more about words that start with these letters like Mezuzot and Tzitzit. Students also discussed the importance of commemorating Yom Hashoah. They learned how this is another day in which the Jewish people had people who were mean to them, but they also learned that there were people who helped the Jewish people stay safe. They watched a short video of how in Israel a siren sounds and the country stops in of Yom Hashoah. -Mrs. Berlow

Bet (2nd Grade)

Shalom,

This week we had a very meaningful and thought provoking conversation about Yom Hashoah. The students shared amazing, age-appropriate stories of their family members who experienced the Holocaust. During the Hebrew Through Movement part of the day we reviewed old verbs and added new ones: “to read” and “to write” ( “leekro and “leekh’tov”). As always, Tefillah is one of the favorite parts of the day and students did a great job reciting the prayers. -Morah Anna

Gimel (3rd Grade)

Shalom Parents,

This week we reviewed all of the previous lessons in our ShalomLearning values curriculum. Shalom comes from the root, ש.ל.מ, meaning “complete” and we want to emphasize the importance of completing the values curriculum once we finish this final unit. As part of this process we analyzed the word Shalom and its meanings. We Googled how to say the word “Peace” in other languages. We also discussed a famous story of two brothers and the love and compassion they have for one another. The students continued their learning of the importance of creating Shalom Bayit, a peaceful home environment.

Recap:

Students reviewed the concepts and ideas learned in previous lessons.
Students learned various definitions of the word Shalom, both in English (hello, goodbye, and peace) and in other languages.
Students learned the value of Shalom Bayit, peace in the home, and where their responsibility lies to foster Shalom Bayit within their own homes.

Ivrit:

The yeladim learned about the counting of the omer, and read the blessings associated with the omer in addition to actually counting the omer. The yeladim also reviewed the following tefillot: V’Ahavta, Va’yomer, Mi Chamocha, Ahvat Olam, Hashkevaynu, and the Hatzi Kadish. The yeladim also participated in an “eye spy” game, finding and identifying Hebrew letters within each of these prayers.

Table Talk: We talked about the word Shalom in class, and some of the meanings behind it. What is one thing we can do this week to create “Shalom Bayit,” a peaceful home?

MyShalomLearning Activity for next week: 3.7.2 Shalom Week 2

Go to My.ShalomLearning.org and upload a short written description of a time when you had a conflict with someone (friend, family member), including how you felt.

Next class:

Next class we will explore the concept and task of conflict resolution and consider ways for how to resolve conflicts within the home peacefully.

Have a great week!

B’Shalom,

Mrs. Sender and Morah Myra

Dalet (4th Grade)

This week we reviewed and advanced our learning using Kahoot, a first for our class. Kahoot is a quiz and survey web site that facilitates the creation of custom educational materials. The subject matter focused on Moses’ interactions with God via the burning bush, his reluctance to lead, and the questions he poses to God. -Hazzan Szenes-Strauss (Mr. S.)

The students learned a tremendous amount on Yom Hashoah from Dr. Lefkovitz. Following this community gathering, we practiced reading the Ashrei. We read the lines from the end to the beginning to make sure that the students were decoding the words and not simply reciting the Ashrei by memory. To access the the Ashrei on our website, please click on this link and go to the 19th prayer from the top: https://www.amyisrael.org/practicing-tefillah.html. -Mrs. Moustakis

Heh (5th Grade)

I have to say, the tefilah service led by our kids at SJS is not short of inspirational. The way they flow up and down on the bimah is seamless. Each child seems to know all the different parts and melodies. With the cantor leading and the kids joining in, the sound will bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. If you have the chance on a Sunday morning to stay for services, I would definitely encourage you to do so. -Mr. Arnet

Returning to our study of Jewish responses of food insecurity after a hiatus, we reviewed previously assembled lists of the things with which we are blessed, be they material wealth, abilities, or social and other forms of capital. We then paired off and read off our blessings to our havruta partners, who in turn suggested ways that those blessings might be brought to bear in reducing food insecurity. In the coming weeks we will work on transforming these ideas into concrete projects. -Hazzan Szenes-Strauss (Mr. S.)

The students learned a tremendous amount on Yom Hashoah from Dr. Lefkovitz. We practiced the prayers for the Friday evening service. The students look forward to helping to lead services this Friday evening. -Mrs. Moustakis

We started our session with a Yom Hashoah program lead by Dr. Lefkovitz. Students listened very intently, asked questions and shared their thoughts. Later in the room we continued the conversation about Yom Hashoah, and then moved on to a discussion about a beautiful song “Ani v’ata ne’shaneh et ha’Olam ” Me and you will change the world.” We practiced reading and singing the song in Hebrew. -Morah Anna

Vav (6th Grade)

This week our Vav students heard a presentation about the righteous among the nations. This is a fitting tie in to the Holocaust Museum field trip last Sunday and our discussions the past two Wednesdays. Last Sunday we toured the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center and had a rare privilege through modern technology to interact with a Holocaust survivor. The students had the opportunity to see a hologram and ask him pointed questions regarding his experience. From there we toured the main exhibit. We discussed the concept of choices and being an up-stander to adversity and persecution. This past Wednesday at SJS we learned about an up-stander and member of the righteous among the nations. His name was Sir Nicholas Winton. He was an English man that was able to successfully organize Kindertransport of 669 Jewish children out of Czechoslovakia to England. The assignment that was sent home and reiterated Sunday after the presentation is to pick a couple of names from the list of the Righteous among the Nations. We will be researching these individuals the next 2 weeks. -Morah Sandra

Vav students participated in the Yom Hashoa program. There was focus on heroes, people who risked their lives to save Jews. An interesting fact was disclosed during the program. There was only one country, Albania, where the Jewish population was higher after the war than before it. Albania had a significant Muslim population that was sympathetic to Jews. Thus Albania became a haven for Jews who were fleeing. -Cantor Simon

Class was devoted to practicing reading from the siddur. We emphasized relatively unfamiliar texts, such as Hallel. Students who needed to take attention breaks spent time learning conversational Hebrew using Duolingo. -Hazzan Szenes-Strauss (Mr. S.)

Zayin (7th Grade)

Zayin students participated in the Yom Hashoa program. There was focus on heroes, people who risked their lives to save Jews. An interesting fact was disclosed during the program. There was only one country, Albania, where the Jewish population was higher after the war than before it. Albania had a significant Muslim population that was sympathetic to Jews. Thus Albania became a haven for Jews who were fleeing. -Cantor Simon

Everyone worked hard during this period to finish their mitzvah project presentations. These include presentation boards and oral remarks. We are excited for Sunday! –Hazzan Szenes-Strauss (Mr. S.)

Prozdor (8th Grade)

Prozdor students participated in the Yom Hashoa program. There was focus on heroes, people who risked their lives to save Jews. An interesting fact was disclosed during the program. There was only one country, Albania, where the Jewish population was higher after the war than before it. Albania had a significant Muslim population that was sympathetic to Jews. Thus Albania became a haven for Jews who were fleeing. -Cantor Simon

Pardes (9th & 10th Grades)

Pardes students participated in the Yom Hashoa program by reading appropriate passages. There was focus on heroes, people who risked their lives to save Jews. An interesting fact was disclosed during the program. There was only one country, Albania, where the Jewish population was higher after the war than before it. Albania had a significant Muslim population that was sympathetic to Jews. Thus Albania became a haven for Jews who were fleeing. -Cantor Simon

April 28, 2017 0

Am Yisrael SJS Highlights: Sun, Apr 16 & Wed Apr 19

Class Updates: Sun, Apr 16 & Wed, Apr 19

Camp Am Yisrael: Learn-By-Play (0-3 year olds)

We are very excited to see the Grandparents and Special Visitors at Camp Am Yisrael this Sunday. Parents are always welcome to join, in the case that a grandparent or special visitor is unable to attend. The joy that the 0-3 year olds bring to our building is phenomenal and we are thrilled that the adults in the room get this time to spend together as well. -Mr. Sherman

Gan (3-6 year olds)

I asked the children what their favorite part of the Seder was…..and no big surprise it was finding the Afikomen. We created a little workbook on the letter “Heh.” After doing that, we worked on some Hebrew letter recognition. Tefillah with Mr. Sherman and Mr. Marc was a big hit as always. -Morah Lynn

Aleph (1st Grade)

This week the Aleph students got back to some serious Hebrew review. We reviewed the alphabet we have learned so far and added two new letters “Koof” and “Tav.” We also learned words for sister (achot), brother (ach), grandma (safta), grandpa (sabba), and even dog (kelev). Students also learned about Tefillin and how we wrap it around our arms and hand so that we write the name of G-d on our hand in Hebrew letters. -Mrs. Berlow

Bet (2nd Grade)

Shalom,

This week we talked about events that followed after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea. Students learned about revelation at Sinai and the first prayer and first song that the Israelites recited after becoming free. We discussed why the Ten Commandments were given twice and the origins of the “Shema.” We learned how Moses passed on the leadership of the Israelites to Joshua, who then led the Israelite people to the Promised Land. -Morah Anna

Gimel (3rd Grade)

Shalom Parents,

This week we examined modern leaders and communicators through a Jewish lens, and how they create positive change in the world through the power of their words. Additionally, we centered our focus on how we can use the power of speech within our families to create Shalom Bayit, translated as peace in our home. As we have now completed the sixth out of seven units in this year’s ShalomLearning values curriculum, this lesson served as the perfect segue into our final unit entitled Shalom, peace.

Recap:

Students learned that leaders throughout history have used speech to create real change.
Students explored the importance of body language in the ways that we communicate.
Students learned about the ways in which speech creates change in the modern world, and made personal connections to these stories.
Students learned that our speech has a major impact on our ability to create peace at home with our family members.
Students discussed how developing effective communication skills is a crucial component to this process.
Students explored ways in which they can maintain open communication with their family members.

Table Talk: What do we tend to debate about in our family? Who usually wins those debates? Also, what can we do as a family to increase our communication so we can create Shalom Bayit (“Peace in the Home”)?

MyShalomLearning Activity for next week: 3.6.4 Koach HaDibur Week 4

OSEH SHALOM

Oseh shalom bimromav
Hu ya’aseh shalom aleynu
Ve’al kol yisrael
Ve’imru Amen

HE WHO MAKES PEACE

He who makes peace in his high places
He shall make peace upon us
And upon all of Israel
And say Amen

What is the Oseh Shalom prayer talking about? Write about a time you made peace somewhere (i.e. stopped an argument, compromised, did something for someone else even if you didn’t want to, etc.). Please upload a picture of you re-enacting making peace to My.ShalomLearning.org. Additionally, take the wrap-up questions for Koach HaDibbur and the kick-off questions for Shalom, Week 1. Take a picture of your “Guide to Koach HaDibbur” and and upload it to My.ShalomLearning.org and/or email it to your teacher.

Ivrit:

Next week:

Next week we will review all of the previous lessons!

* A special note about “fidgets” in class. As an educator, I can see the great value a “fidget” can provide to a student in class, helping them to focus in class while providing their hand’s with a focused-distraction. These tools can serve as a very positive aid in the classroom setting. Additionally, I would be remiss to recognize the length of an SJS student’s day and just how busy their lives are at such a young age. With that stated, I have found over the past few months that the use of such tools in class have become more of a distraction rather than a useful learning tool. As a parent, you know your child best. I am asking for your assistance with the “fidgets”: if your child truly does need these tools to help them focus in class, please continue to allow your student to have them at SJS. If that is not the case, however, I am asking for your help in not sending these with them.

I have started a new policy in my classroom that those students who are becoming distracted with their “fidgets” or who are sharing them and playing with them and with their classmates are simply asked to put the “fidgets” on the side counter for the duration of class and they can retrieve them at the end of class.

I thank you for your cooperation with this. Please, if you have any questions/concerns/suggestions please do not hesitate to contact me.

B’Shalom,

Mrs. Sender & Morah Myra

Dalet (4th Grade)

We began with studying about Pesach and the importance of the holiday and of passing it from generation to generation, L’Dor Va’Dor.

והגדת לבנך ביום ההוא

We worked on reading the Ashrei and put emphasis on correctly reading it. We then focused on praising G-d and G-d’s Middot (ethics/values) such as having kindness and mercy. Finally, we reviewed correctly reading the rest of the Tefillot that we have been learning throughout the year. To access the prayers on our website, please click on this link: https://www.amyisrael.org/practicing-tefillah.html.

-Mrs. Moustakis

Heh (5th Grade)

It was such a pleasure teaching Heh this past Sunday. We reviewed the four children and what each one is meant to symbolize. One of the kids commented that in actuality, we each have some characteristics of each of the four children in each one of us. I thought that was a very profound thought. -Mr. Arnet

We reviewed most of the Tefillot (payers) as we continue to get ready to help lead the congregation the end of this month. We continue to work on the concept of Derech Eretz, as we reinforce the importance of how to treat our fellow human beings through a Jewish lens. Finally we are concentrating on three songs which we will be singing at this year’s closing assembly: 1. Rabbi Akiva who said ” love your fellow man as yourself I connected to אחריות responsibility; 2. Gesher Tzar Meod- the world is like a narrow bridge so is our life, and we can not be fanatic and we must find the balance so we will not fail; 3. Ani V’Atta, “You and I will change the world”- our responsibility to each other and to the world. -Mrs. Moustakis

Shalom, this week time flew faster then i hoped. students worked on a beautiful song ” Kol ha Olam kulo, Gesher tzar meod” (world is a very narrow bridge). We discussed the origins and the meanings of the song and practiced reading and singing it. -Morah Anna

This past week in Torah Trope the Heh class looked closely at the Torah reading for SFP this coming Shabbat. Please note that I will not be at SJS for the next two weeks. -Mr. Lerner

Vav (6th Grade)

We spent our class time with students coaching each other on various prayers from the SJS siddur. Our students are doing a great job at peer coaching, and the classroom is really shaping up as a learning community! With many bat and bar mitzvah celebrations coming up, that atmosphere is beginning to feel quite busy. -Hazzan Szenes-Strauss (Mr. S.)

The Vav students took a field trip to the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center this past Sunday. It was a culmination of a few months of study. Special thanks to Sandra Mieli Kamm for preparing the students for this experience and to the parents who chaperoned and drove carpool. -Mr. Sherman

Zayin (7th Grade)

We took a break from our usual curriculum to focus on the completion of everyone’s mitzvah project presentations. Students worked with biblical source sheets, a guide to the mitzvah project concept, and a detailed checklist to ensure that nothing is overlooked. Everyone is looking forward to seeing these completed and presented at the end of the month. -Hazzan Szenes-Strauss (Mr. S.)

We reviewed the four children and what each one is meant to symbolize. One of the kids commented that in actuality, we each have some characteristics of each of the four children in each one of us. I thought that was a very profound thought. We also continued in our Israel unit and started to talk about proroms, what they were and how it effected the Jews. We will continue this topic on Sunday. -Mr. Arnet

Prozdor (8th Grade)

Pardes & Tichon (9th-12th Grades)

Students in grades 9 thru 12 participated in an engaging presentation from the ADL. With the rise in antisemitism and nationalism both domestically and globally, students are likely to encounter sentiments that make them very uncomfortable. The ADL representative discussed these issues in detail and led an interactive program which guided students regarding appropriate reactions and responses. -Cantor Simon

April 21, 2017 0

Am Yisrael SJS Highlights: Sun, Apr 9, 2017

Class Updates: Sun, Apr 9

Camp Am Yisrael: Learn-By-Play (0-3 year olds)

It was so much fun sharing a story with the children and their parents about my first memories of Passover. Cantor Simon sang with the group and the kids had an opportunity to strum on his guitar. We used a seder plate and sang songs together and Mr. Marc shared Passover parodies. The families read Passover stories. We look forward to our Grandparents/Special Visitor Day coming soon. A separate email will be sent to the Camp Am Yisrael families. -Mr. Sherman

Gan (3-6 year olds)

We read the story “Sammy Spider’s First Haggadah “ which sparked some questions from the children…..What does when G- d look like , Who is Elijah ? and finally When is Elijah coming. We decorated some very pretty Elijah cups to go on your Seder tables. We also did a taste test of the following types of Matzah- egg, plain and wheat. After tasting each one we took a poll of the children on which was their favorite and the winner is……egg/wheat tied. -Morah Lynn

Aleph (1st Grade)

This week the Aleph students concentrated on the Passover Seder. Students learned the 4 questions in Hebrew, and we discussed what they meant in English. After reading this, don’t be surprised if someone came to your Seder with a pillow! We also went over the 10 plagues and talked about how we put our pinky into the wine or grape juice and put a drop on our plate for each plague. Students also listened to the Dayeinu and discussed all the things that G-d provided that would have ‘been enough for us.” -Mrs. Berlow

Bet (2nd Grade)

Shalom, This week Kitah Bet learned about Passover. We discussed why this holiday has 4 different names and had a conversation about the Seder Plate and the symbolism of the food on it. During Shira (Music), along with our regular songs, we sang “Ma Nishtanah” and back in the classroom we talked about the meaning of the 4 Questions. During Tefillah we talked about the prayer “Mi Chamocha,” who is holy and how we treat G-d with kindness and respect. Have a happy holidays, Chag Sameah! -Morah Anna

Gimel (3rd Grade)

I had the opportunity to fill in as the Gimel Teacher this week. In Kitah Gimel we reviewed the “who knows one song” and how it applies to the seder. Hopefully you had a chance to sing and review the song with your child. We also continued on with our lesson on how powerful speech can be. Something without any physical attribute, yet so powerful. -Mr. Arnet

Dalet (4th Grade)

Through a video clip and direct reading of the text from Exodus, we examined the questions that Moses asks God during their initial encounter at the burning bush. Students then broke into havruta pairs to consider what questions they might want to ask God, and how they would react if so confronted. Finally, the students filled out a worksheet on questions for God that served as a guide for an art project during the following period in Omanut (Art). -Hazzan Szenes-Strauss (Mr. S.)

Heh (5th Grade)

This week in Torah Trope, we looked closely at the Passover Seder song Echad Mi Yodei-ah, studying closely the number 13 (the Attributes of God) and 12 and 11 (answering the question: are the twelve sons of Jacob/Israel the same as the twelve tribes of Israel?) -Mr. Lerner

On April 9, the students met with Maurice Middleberg of Free the Slaves. It was hard for students to imagine that slavery still exists in various parts of the world. With the Passover holiday, we remember the evils of slavery inflicted upon our own people. In the spirit of Tikkun Olam, Mr. Middleberg asked students to discuss the issue they learned about and incorporate it into their individual Seders. -Cantor Simon

Vav (6th Grade)

Zayin (7th Grade)

Prozdor (8th Grade)

Pardes (9th Grade)

On April 9, Pardes students met with Maurice Middleberg of Free the Slaves. It was hard for students to imagine that slavery still exists in various parts of the world. With the Passover holiday, we remember the evils of slavery inflicted upon our own people. In the spirit of Tikkun Olam, Mr. Middleberg asked students to discuss the issue they learned about and incorporate it into their individual Seders. -Cantor Simon

April 14, 2017 0

Am Yisrael SJS Highlights: Wed, Apr 5, 2017

Thank you to our awesome Maot Chitim volunteers from last Sunday, who are included in the brand new collage! We hope that you will continue to sing along with our expanded repertoire of Pesach blessings and songs that we have been singing with the students at SJS: https://www.amyisrael.org/practicing-for-pesach.html.

Class Updates: Wed Apr 5

Gimel (3rd Grade)

Shalom Parents,

This week, we introduced the concept of Koach HaDibbur, translated as “The power of speech”. Students learned the meaning of this Jewish value and how it relates to the previous values we have studied so far this year. Using various street signs, students examined ways we communicate with limited speech and the power that each word or symbol holds. In addition, the students studied a very famous story of a Rabbi and a pile of feathers. This story emphasized the importance of what we say and how words are forever, as we are unable to take them back. Finally, the students had a chance to create their own brit, translated as “covenant or contract” for how to use their own speech.

Recap:

Students learned that words have the power to do good in the world.
Students explored how they can use the power of speech to do good things, and avoid causing harm with speech.
Students learned the Jewish value of not speaking lashon horah, and made personal connections to understanding the negative impacts of gossip.

Table Talk: What does our family feel about gossip? When have we all encountered gossip?

MyShalomLearning Activity for next week: 3.6.2 Koach HaDibur Week 2

Take a picture of the brit (covenant) you made in class and either upload it to My.ShalomLearning.org or email it to your teacher. In addition, “Using speech to do good in the world”, Watch the Kid President video.

Write your own “pep talk” speech. What topic would you choose? Who would you give your speech to, and what would you say?

Ivrit:

This week the yeladim reviewed the Ma Nishtanah (the four questions found in the Haggadah) and the order of the Haggadah. The yeladim learned that when a chet appears at the end of a word with an “ah” vowel below it, the vowel is pronounced first and then the letter (“ach” rather than “cha”).

Next week:

Next week, we will learn about textual representations of Koach HaDibbur in the Torah and in other Jewish texts.

Have a great week!

B’Shalom,

Mrs. Sender and Morah Myra

Dalet (4th Grade)

This week we went over the Bible story focused on how we ended up becoming slaves in Egypt. We discussed what happens when we recite a blessing with candles. In addition, we discussed the words in the Kiddush for Passover that truly differentiates it from other Kiddushes: Chag Hamatzot & Z’man Cherutenu. We also learned that Ha Lachma Anya is not recited in Hebrew, rather in Aramaic. This passages teaches us about our past and how in the future we hope to be in the land of Israel in Jerusalem. The Ma Nishtana is really one big question with four answers. At the end of the seder we thank G-d by singing Hallel, or praise. -Mrs. Moustakis

Heh (5th Grade)

Shalom, After Tefillah, where we sang many blessings and prayers associated with the Pesach seder, the students went over steps of the Passover seder and we continued to study about Pesach. We did a close reading of the Ma Nishtanah and talked about the Four names of Pesach. Chag Pesach Sameach, -Morah Anna

Vav (6th Grade)

In preparation for Pesach, Vav and Zayin classes sat down for a much-anticipated candy seder! Each traditional symbolic food on the seder plate was replaced with a candy-based equivalent, and we read through a candy-themed haggadah (with occasional breaks for the traditional text of the seder). Fun was had by all. A special thank you to Morah Sandra for organizing everything! -Hazzan Szenes-Strauss (Mr. S.)

For the tremendous leadership roles that they all played during Purim and the students have been working diligently to prepare for their B’nai Mitzvah, the candy seder was our way of rewarding them in what was by far “the sweetest day” of the academic year. Thank you to Morah Sandra and Mr. S. for facilitating. We hope that all Vav students and parents who are able will all join Mr. Maurice Middleberg from the Free the Slaves program in the next session and will RSVP to me if you haven’t already. -Mr. Sherman

Zayin (7th Grade)

We began a new curricular unit, koach hadibbur (the power of speech). This unit will focus on the ability of the spoken (or written, or texted) word to affect those around us, both for good and for ill. We kicked off the unit with a study of two quotations, one from Proverbs 18:21 and one from a modern author, about the ability of words to do both harm and good. -Hazzan Szenes-Strauss (Mr. S.)

For the tremendous leadership roles that they all played during Purim and the students have been working diligently to prepare for their B’nai Mitzvah, the candy seder was our way of rewarding them in what was by far “the sweetest day” of the academic year. Thank you to Morah Sandra and Mr. S. for facilitating. We hope that all Zayin students and parents who are able will all join Mr. Maurice Middleberg from the Free the Slaves program in the next session and will RSVP to me if you haven’t already. -Mr. Sherman

April 7, 2017 0