What Happened in Grades 3-6 on Sunday, October 20...

Grade 3

Today, Grade 3 had Art. We made our very own Chanukiot (Chanukah menorot - "menorahs"). The first step was to sand our block of wood until it became smooth.

After that, we drew on our block with stencils in the shape of chanukiot, dreidels, and the Magen David (Star of David).

Then we got watercolor paints and added lots of color!

In Hebrew class, we learned some new Modern Hebrew words. If you want someone to come towards you, you say "bo-ee." If you want someone to give you something you say "ten-li."

We also learned how to talk about different types of candles (nerot). For example, to talk about a Chanukah candle, you would say "ner shel Chanukah." To talk about a Shabbat candle, you would say "ner shel Shabbat." Knowing this will help us with the brachah (blessing) over the candles for Chanukah and Shabbat!

Grade 4

After, a presentation by Camp Wise, Grade 4 students headed off to Judaics. In Mrs. Abrams' class, we discussed the importance of tzedakah, focusing on why everyone should bring tzedakah and how every little bit will help. Then, we did a skit where two students were chosen to play God or Abraham. The skit acted out God telling Abraham how God was going to destroy all of the people in Sodom and Gomorrah, but then Abraham begs God to find at least 10 righteous people and then all of the people can be spared. Ask your student how the story ends and how this is an example of a Lo Aleicha moment.

Mr. Feinberg’s class had a guest, Dr. Jen Glaser. Dr. Glaser and Mr. Feinberg helped us explore what makes something “good.” We considered questions like if a plane that was safe in the air is good, or if a table that is old and scratched but is just the right height at which one can sit comfortably is good.The discussion then moved into one about what makes someone good and what actions are good and not good. All of our discussions today help us better understand what is meant in parshat Bereshit when God calls creation "good."

In Hebrew with Mr. Feinberg, we read a story in our workbooks called, Benjamin the Sheppard. The story was about the Bejamin and the brachah (blessing) that he said.

The story served as an introductory activity for us to begin to learn what makes something a brachah.

  Lastly, we worked in chevrutah (pairs) on an activity in our workbook that helped us practice identifying different brachot (blessings).

Grade 5

  

 

Today, instead of T'filah, we had a special visit from Camp Wise. They taught us a song and dance called "Eyegezumba Warriors" and we watched a video all about what it is like to go to Camp Wise. For more information on Jewish summer camps or for scholarship information, contact Beth Mann.

 

In Judaics class, we started with a round of Zen Counting. This activity helps us focus on being aware of the other students around us and how we can engage in a discussion where everyone feels respected and has a chance to participate. 

 

Using Popsicle sticks as a talking tool, we continued with our exploration of parshat Bereshit. Today we tried to decide what the difference is between making something from scratch and making something new from something that has already been made.

With Ms. Silverstein in Hebrew, we continued working on the first part of the Amidah - the Avot v'Imahot. We worked on decoding and chanting the prayer and also looked at the translation to gain a better understanding of how God is described in this prayer and what God's relationship was like with our ancestors - Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah.

Grade 6

 

Today, instead of T'filah, we had a special visit from Camp Wise. They taught us a song and dance called "Eyegezumba Warriors" and we watched a video all about what it is like to go to Camp Wise. For more information on Jewish summer camps or for scholarship information, contact Beth Mann. 

 

We started Hebrew class with TPR (Total Physical Response). Mr. Solomon is teaching us different commands in Hebrew, for example, in this picture we are mastering la-rutz (run).

 

We practiced decoding phrases from the beginning of the Torah service, specifically, the part of the service where we take the Torah out of the Ark.

In Judaics, we finished up our Count Me In unit. We looked how we earn a name for ourselves through the different professions we choose and reputations earn. We are really excited for the community wide Count Me In program next Sunday, October 27 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm at Gross Schechter Day School.

Some of us got to enjoy doughnuts today and some of us got to eat ice cream cake! Why? Each class chose the treat that they wanted to celebrate having filled our marble jar. We earn marbles each week when we meet all of our classroom expectations. Fulfilling our brit (agreement) is super sweet!!