Dear Religious School Families,

This week, we read Vayekhel-Pekudei, the final two parashiyot , or portions, of the book of Exodus. We read about the creation of the Mishkan , the tabernacle that the Israelites built and rebuilt during their journey through the desert.

While the Israelites were traveling through the desert, they could not have possibly known what was ahead of them. Would there be an end? Would they see stability? Would they ever get time away time from their annoying younger siblings?

In our new reality, in some ways, we have become the Israelites. We are all in this together, forging our way through a new virtual "desert" by re-creating the ways we connect and learn.

Our teachers have compiled virtual learning activities and resources below to help keep your children connected to Judaism. As an extra challenge, have them try other grades' activities!

Teachers will be reaching out in the near future to connect with each family. They will be calling to say hi, check in on how your family is doing, and for feedback on the online learning, as well as to see what other resources might be needed to best support your students' continued learning at home.

As always, please reach out to me with any questions or concerns.

Labriyut - wishing you health and safety,
Virtual Learning Schedule
Grades K-5 on March 23:
I am excited to be leading two virtual learning sessions for our community next Monday, March 23! The details are as follows:

1:00 - 1:30 p.m.: Kindergarten-Grade 2
1:45 - 2:15 p.m.: Grades 3-5

Click here to access the K-2 session and here for the 3-5 session.

Grades 3-5 beginning on March 24:
Attached here is a schedule for virtual Hebrew learning beginning March 24. Sessions will be via Zoom. The invitation will be from one of three email addresses: matkind@bethavodah.org , virtualclassroom@bethavodah.org , or onlineclassroom@bethavodah.org (we can only do so many calls on one account at once!).

We encourage all of you to help your children attend. That being said, we understand that this is not always possible. If you need to hold off a week or need to arrange an alternate time, please let me know.

Grade 6:
Take this time to focus on your Hebrew and do your best to make it to Bootcamp. Iris will send out additional information as necessary.

Grade 7 on March 23:
Myriam, Hope, and Roberta will be holding a virtual class session next Monday, March 23 at 4:00 p.m. Please read this article before the call, which you can access here at that time. The following week, join us for a virtual step-up day to hear from some of our high schoolers about all of the opportunities for Grades 8-12 at TBA!
Zoom How-To
Please make sure to have Zoom set up on your computer, phone, or tablet before your child's first learning session. For information on setting up Zoom on Windows or Mac, click here . For information on the Zoom web client, click here . Please note that the Zoom web client only works on Chrome.
Activities by Grade
Kindergarten
Celebrate Passover with this printable coloring page board game ! Print out the pages, color in the board, cut out the game pieces, and play with your family. The first one to cross the parted Red Sea wins!
Grade 1
Here's an assortment of activities:
Grade 2
With school and activities on hold, we are all unsure of what to do with our time. Remember, this is difficult for not just you, but for your whole family. It is normal to be overwhelmed and become easily frustrated with those at home with you. This is a good time to think back to our lesson about Keeping Peace in the Home - Shalom Bayit.

  1. Rewatch the BimBam video we watched in class on Shalom Bayit.
  2. Write down two things you can do every day during this time to help keep peace in your home. (Examples: help cook meals, listen to directions the first time, watch younger siblings, empty dishwasher...)
  3. Write down one thing that you can do each week to help keep peace in your home. (Examples: take out trash barrels on trash day, organize your room, vacuum the floor...)
  4. Write down a few ideas of something you can do with those in your home at least 3 days a week. (Examples: read together, art projects, puzzles, watch an episode of a show or movie together...)
Grade 3
We have been learning about Koach HaDibbur - the power of words. Especially in a time of isolation, words can mean so much to someone.

Places like senior living facilities are currently closed off to visitors, so create a card to send to one of the residents of Newbridge on the Charles. It can be made of any materials and should contain kind and loving words, such as "Thinking of you," "Wishing you happiness," and "Have a great day!". You can mail your card independently to 3000 Great Meadow Road, Dedham, MA 02026 , or bring them once we're back together and Heather will send them out.
Grade 4
Our current value is Koach HaDibbur , the power of words. Complete this activity via video chat, text, or in person.

Step 1: 
Set a timer for one minute and write down all the positive words and phrases of encouragement you can think of. Then do the same with negative ones. Put this away for the next step.

Step 2:
Interview as many family members and friends as you can (FaceTime and Skype are great for this). Ask them for the three most powerful phrases they can think of and write down their responses.

Step 3: 
Answer the following questions and share your answers with a parent:
  1. Did you notice anything interesting about the answers you (and others) gave? Were there any repeats?
  2. Were the words/phrases mostly positive? Negative? Evenly split?
  3. What are the most common situations you find yourself in in which you notice your words are the same or similar to those on this list?
  4. Do we always use the power of words for good? How can you think about encouraging more positive language in our classroom and with your family and friends?
  5. What did you think of this activity? Fun? Boring? Random? (Be honest!)
Grade 5
Integral to the Jewish understanding of the human body is that the human body was created B ’tzelem Elohim - in the image of G-d (Genesis 9:6). As such, there is something holy and uniquely special about us. Our tradition would assert that our bodies house an aspect of the Divine within. Therefore, we each must care for our body as if it were the very body of G-d.The Jewish value sh’mirat ha-guf encompasses the idea that we must show the utmost respect and care for our bodies.

Showing respect for and caring for our bodies encompasses a variety of different things, such as bathing regularly, brushing our teeth, eating healthy, exercising, and getting an adequate amount of sleep. When we do these things, we are protecting our bodies from ailments and, in a spiritual sense, protecting the Divine spark within. Taking care of ourselves brings out
the best in us and allows us to do our best. We learn from the virtue of sh’mirat ha-guf what it means to be responsible for our actions, appreciate ourselves and our bodies, and lovingly care for this gift that we have been given.

Another way to understand the value of sh’mirat ha-guf is that we are to guard our bodies (Deuteronomy 4:9). Medieval philosophers would explain that we need to protect our body as if it were on loan from G-d. How we use our bodies is our choice. Taking care of our bodies is as if we are taking care of the Torah. We dress the Torah ornately to both symbolize how majestic it is and to guard its teachings. We say blessings when we are about to learn from and teach the Torah as a means of sanctifying its specialness. Like the Torah, We wear clothes on a regular basis as a way to respect our personal selves and as a way to keep our bodies cool or warm. We say blessings on a regular basis as a way to show our understanding of our actions but also to celebrate who we are and what we can become.

Watch this video and then discuss these questions with a parent:
  • What things can you to do become more aware of the Divine within?
  • How can we both be and act B’tzelem Elohim - created in the image of G-d?
  • If you were to more effectively take care of your body, what types of things would you do? What are you doing differently now, based on current Coronavirus issue?
  • After watching the music video, think about which body part you are most thankful for and why!
Record your response to that final question here !