Students had the opportunity to see a Sefer Torah (Torah scroll) up close in honor of Simchat Torah.
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Simchat Torah 5782: B'reishit
On Simchat Torah we read V’zot Habracha, the closing parasha (portion) of the Torah. It ends by describing the miracles Moses performed, “... l’einei kol yisrael, before the eyes of all of Israel” (Deut. 34:12). Rabbi David Feinstein (1929-2020; scholar and leading rabbinic authority in the US) interprets this to mean each individual finds their own meaning in the miracles. This is a pluralistic, inclusive, and constructivist approach to making meaning.
We return immediately to B’reishit, which presents the creation of the world and, through it, the foundation stone of the Jewish interpretive tradition. An omnipotent God could create the world in any number of ways: with a mere thought or through a specific movement. But God chooses to create through language: “God said, vayehi, or, let there be light. Vayehi, or, and there was light” (Gen. 1:3). Because those words are God’s, Hebrew is imbued with k’dusha (sanctity). This means each word (and letter!) of the Torah contains infinite meanings. No interpretation is ever the final word.
This is why commentators can read the same Biblical text and come up with completely divergent interpretations. So when God says, “It is not good for man to be alone …” (Gen 2:18), the Babylonian Talmud says it refers to needing help in managing the practical difficulties of life (Yevamot 63a). Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki, the pre-eminent 11th century Jewish commentator), however, reads the verse theologically: if God is alone in the heavens, it is not good for humans to be alone on earth, lest they be thought Gods, too. Both readings are true; but they are just two truths among many.
Doc
Director of Jewish Living and Learning
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Mark Your Calendars!
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Tuesday, October 12 - FREE virtual parent education event: A Taste of the Peaceful Parent Project (more info below)
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Thursday, October 21 - No School: Heilicher Zoom Conferences (sign-up information in next week's Roar)
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Friday, October 22 - No School: MEA
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Tardiness Reminder
As we are getting back into our regular schedule, please keep in mind the importance of students getting to school on time. Students arriving after 8:15 a.m. will be marked tardy.
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Free Parent Education Opportunity: Peaceful Parent Project
Heilicher is excited to partner with Orot educator Rebecca Minkus-Lieberman for a free virtual presentation about mindful parenting on Tuesday, October 12, at 8 p.m.
At the event, Finding Resilience through Compassion: How to Stay Connected through Difficulty, Rebecca will also answer questions and introduce the Peaceful Parent Project, a program Heilicher parents can register to participate in during the months of November and December. Additional information including pricing is linked below.
RSVP for this free presentation, and attend via Zoom.
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HaBonim is Hiring
Heilicher's after-school care program has a paid opportunity for those 16+ to build relationships with students in a fun, active, and meaningful way. Check out the job description, and email Evelyn Sadlowski to apply.
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Looking for Room Parents!
We are looking for room parents this year. The role of the room parent is to be the liaison between the class and the school. Throughout the year you may be asked send out a few emails, organize teacher gifts, and help find volunteers.
We hope to have one room parent per K-5 class and one room parent per 6-8 grade. Please email Ali Berdass if you are interested and include the class/grade you would like to help in.
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Register for Band for Grades 4-8
Every student in Grades 4-8 is invited to join band! No prior music experience is required. Encore Ensembles' Mr. Sean Prichard is returning to teach lessons and direct the bands. Fourth graders will have the opportunity to meet Mr. Prichard and learn about the different instruments during music class on September 27.
Returners and newcomers should register by Monday, October 4. Band lessons will begin October 5 for returning students and October 12 and 13 for beginning students. Feel free to contact Mr. Prichard with any questions. Note: This is a fee-for-service program and tuition is paid by parents directly to Encore Ensembles. There are also fees for materials.
Following Minnesota Department of Health guidelines for music activities and performances, students will use playing masks and instrument covers to contain aerosols. Ensembles will also be separated by grade: 4, 5, and 6-8.
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Family Directory in Sycamore
Use Sycamore online or through the app to access the school directory, which can be found under "Front Desk" in the left sidebar.
Please do not use the directory list for business promotion. Acceptable uses of the directory include communicating about school and planning get-togethers outside of school.
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Heilicher Communication Center Reminder
Please use the Heilicher Communication Center to report absences, late arrivals, and early pick-ups from HaBonim, Athletics, and After-School Activities. The Communication Center is accessible through the top right corner of our website, and the after-school reporting forms are then available in the left sidebar. Please continue to use the Communication Center for all reporting related to attendance and heath, including COVID-19 diagnosis or exposure.
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Mazel Tov!
Mazel Tov to Heilicher student Eliora Estrin on her upcoming Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, October 2, at Beth El Synagogue.
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Heilicher Minneapolis Jewish Day School
STAY CONNECTED
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