School Bulletin 1.26.14

Bob Roiter (Mensch) Leading Havayah Class

Havayah Report--A special thank you goes out to Mr. Bob Roiter, Shir Hadash's Mitzvah Man. He generously donated his time (as he said--he left someone with a gaping hole in their mouth on his dentist's chair) to speak at our Havayah class Monday night. Mr. Roiter, an excellent teacher, spoke compassionately about Shiva. The students participated in a KWL--what we know, what we would like to know, and finally, what we learned, about Shiva. These post-bar/bat mitzvah students have an obligation to serve mourners. We learned about traditions, why we wait for the mourners to eat first, what prayers we say, denominational variances, and much more. Mr. Roiter stressed the most important thing to remember about Shiva is that we are there to nurture the mourners, above all else. 
Havayah is a class led by Rabbi Eitan and Education Director Emily Ascher. All 8th-12th graders should sign up for next year. This year's focus is practical Judaism. We also have pizza and a tiny bit of fun.


All Grades-- Please look in your child's Sunday school bag to retrieve a letter from the Fundraising Committee regarding grade-level baskets for the Gala Event, being held on February 22nd. The committee needs your help!


4th, 5th, and 6th Graders are preparing for their Big Night! They have the rare opportunity to lead services (with a little help from Rabbi Eitan) on Friday, February 7th, 7:30 p.m. (they should arrive at 7:00 p.m.)

Dance with Rebecca
When I heard Hava Nagila played last Friday night during the service that the seventh grade did, I knew I had to teach that dance.  So many people know a few steps but few know the whole dance, what the words mean, or the historical context.  "Rejoice, awaken brothers with a happy heart,"  make up most of the sentiment.  And what are we celebrating?  The British declaring Palestine a Jewish homeland.  Indeed, the music and dance were created before 1920!  Additionally, the students practiced Debka L'Adama, the Debka of the Earth to pay homage to Tu B'Shevat, our celebration of the birthday of the trees that happened last Wednesday.  Debkas often use music borrowed from Arabic cultures and the movements tend to have stamping and other weighted movements.  One thought is that villagers when building roofs from dirt and straw had to stomp on the materials to make them even...
Rebecca Rice
And a treat for you from our youngest treasures--

The Gan Yeladim News 

Yesterday was such a busy day!

Our lesson was all about the Jewish holiday of Tu B' Shevat.

We learned that Tu B' Shevat is the New Year or Birthday for the trees. 

Tu B' Shevat translates to the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat, which is when we celebrate this holiday. 

I asked the kids why they thought we would have a special holiday just for trees? We listed all the important things we get from trees; wood, paper, fruit, oxygen, shade, a home for certain birds and animals. Trees improve our climate and our soil.

I also introduced the mitzvah Bal tash-it, (do not destroy) this prompted a wonderful discussion. We came to the conclusion that God created our earth, and as a partner with God it is up to us to help take care of it. We listed ways we could do that; Sylvia said "no littering," Jacob said "don't cut down trees," and Jana said " we should recycle."

After our service we returned to our classroom and read Pearl Moscowitz's Last Stand. This is a wonderful story of a Bubby named Pearl who has lived on the same street her whole life. There is one tree left on her block and the city comes to cut it down, she stages a very "Bubby like protest. There is a huge meal given to the workers, family pictures and stories and other cute tricks. When the tricks stop working she chains herself to the tree and sits there until the mayor himself shows up to tell her she has saved the tree.  Pearl even convinces the mayor to plant more trees on their block.

After snack we had a Tu B Shevat seder. We learned about the three different fruits we eat from trees. Fruit you can peel and do not eat the skin. Fruit that has a pit in the middle, and fruit that is completely edible except for maybe some little seeds.

We recited blessings and then made a fruit salad with examples of all the types of fruit.

Since it is almost spring in Israel but winter here we could not plant outside like our Israeli friends can.

 We divided a house plant, and looked at the root system. The kids planted their own section of the plant and gave it some water.

We worked in our Hebrew workbooks.

Yesterday was silent letter day. We learned alef and ayin, both by themselves make no sound.

Have a great week!

CIndy Salomon

The Coffee House Night will be held on Saturday, January 25th 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

    

What is “Coffee House Night–Open Mic Style”? Picture a laid back atmosphere. Low lighting, tables, chairs...a place where friends get together and enjoy desserts, a beverage and the amazing talent of our friends.
Everyone is welcome to participate–all ages, every talent, members, non-members, and friends.
From the youngest who just wrote their first poem to the oldest–everyone will be included! Dancers, actors, musicians, storytellers, magicians, group acts–we invite you to participate. Invite your friends and family to cheer you on and support you. 

From The Vault.. Look at Young Alek and Tory!

Sunday, Feb. 2--Sunday School

Friday, Feb. 7-- Shabbat Services led by 4-6th Grades
Sunday, Feb. 9--Sunday School

Sunday, Feb. 16--NO SCHOOL (Kallah for 6th-12th Grades)
Sunday, Feb 23--Sunday School
Sunday,Mar. 2--Sunday School-- 5th Grade Parent Bar/Bat Mitzvah Meeting (During School Hours)
Sunday, Mar.9--Sunday School
Sunday, Mar. 16—Purim 11:30-12:25 Purim Shpiel, 12:25-TBD Purim Carnival

Sunday, Mar. 23--NO SCHOOL
Sunday, Mar. 30--NO SCHOOL

Sunday, Apr.6--Sunday School
Sunday, Apr.13--Yom Tikkun Olam (More Info to Follow)
Sunday, Apr.20--Sunday School
Sunday, Apr.27--Sunday School, Yom Hashoah Service
Sunday, May 4--Sunday School
Sunday, May 11--NO SCHOOL (Mother's Day)

Sunday, May 18-- Last day of school--Teacher Appreciation Breakfast