Kitah Zayin Updates 2025-2026, revised 2-13-26

Teacher: Mr. Dennis Gelbart dennisgelbart@hotmail.com

Please note that the latest class update is always at the top of the page

2–11–26
24 Sh’vat 5786

Today we were in individual Hebrew learning. It is wonderful to see each student make progress during these sessions and for me to help them understand what their learning means.

We also began exploring the story of Purim, starting with what the students already know and what they understand about the time period. We looked at a timeline to see where Purim fits into Jewish history.

In addition, we learned what Tanach is, including the names and meanings of each of its three sections.

2–8–26
21 Sh’vat 5786

In Zayin today, we began learning what the expression “from the river to the sea” means, the geographic area it refers to, and what happened in 1948 when Israel became a state, particularly regarding the experiences of Arab populations across the region.

We also learned the four mitzvot of Purim, what each one means and why they are part of our celebration.

2–4–26
17 Sh’vat 5786

Today we learned about the Five Books of Moses, the Prophets, and how these texts connect to the Haftarah portions. We explained the tri‑annual Torah cycle used in the Conservative movement. We then discussed what the Haftarah is, what the word means (and that it is not from the Torah), and how it relates to Shabbat and the weekly Torah portion.

We also spoke about the funeral of Ran Gvili, of blessed memory, the last hostage to return home to Israel. The students asked thoughtful and important questions. We reviewed how the events of October 7 began, what happened that day, and the story of the Bibas family, including how two very young children were taken captive. We looked at pictures of who they were and discussed what happened to them.

1–28–26
10 Sh’vat 5786

My name is Mr. Dennis Gelbart, and I will be teaching Kitah Zayin on Wednesdays and Sundays for the remainder of the school year. I have been a teacher at Am Yisrael SJS for nearly a decade and have taught most of our students and madrichim.

Today we had an engaging discussion about the concept of Shabbat: what is considered work, how these ideas developed, and how they relate to our lives today. We also explored the rhythm of six days of work followed by one day of rest.

In addition, I introduced the holiday of Tu Bishvat, which arrives on the Hebrew calendar in five days

Teacher: Morah Roxi Kropveld rkropveld@amyisrael.org

December 5, 2025; 15 Kislev 5786