3rd-6th Grade Update:
Now that we have toured the coast, our class journey turned south to learn about the Negev. Easily the hottest and driest part of Israel, students were surprised to learn about the different ways Israelis have been able to sustain the Negev as a source of agriculture and historical significance. We also learned about the geography of the Negev and even saw some of the markings and relics people have found when traveling through.
Our Sunday concluded with Tefilah with Rabbi Baum. We practiced chanting the Barchu and learned the choreography. We also learned Or Chadash, complete with hand gestures. Ask your child to teach you.
In Parshat Ki Tisa, students were reminded of the story of the golden calf. When analyzing the actions of Moses and the Jewish people, the students related to the idea of taking action out of anger and why it is not normally the best course of action. This led to a discussion about actions and consequences, in which the class determined that Moses' actions were understandable, just not ideal.
In Hebrew, students are continuing to practice reading their letters and vowels and growing our Hebrew Root Tree. The older class is learning to read and chant the Shema/V'ahavta. Students should be practicing reading the prayer out loud for 5 minutes a night. The younger class began Lesson 6 in their book. Students from this class should also be practicing reading out loud for 5 minutes a night. Our goal is for students to finish learning the Alef-Bet by the end of the year so they can begin to read the prayers. Participating in Shabbat services each week, either in person or on Zoom, will help to reinforce what we learn in class.