Education – Aleph Wednesday (Hart)

4/17: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Before class started, we joined together for an all school Tefillah, a brief service, led by Rabbi Prass. He led a discussion about who encourages us to try something new, what those new things are, and why it is important to try new things.  The students had lovely answers.  He spoke about why it is important to try new things like Passover food and religious experiences.
  2. We reviewed all past letters, vowels and key words in the yellow box on page 87. Circling the ones we don’t know.
  3. Students took an Aleph-Bet Quiz. It is the same one they took before with more Hebrew letters and vowel “saying sounds” we have covered since then. I will grade and go through them with the students, when we return to class.
  4. We performed our Passover 4- Questions in front of the other classrooms. The students did an amazing job and I am very proud of them. Rabbi Prass will be emailing you a video of what our class did.  I hope you have a chance to view the video.
  5. Lihitaot (good-bye)! Happy Passover enjoy your Seders!

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Parents, you can help your child even if they don’t know Hebrew, since the English is on the back of the flashcards.
  2. Please remember tzedakah.
  3. Bring in your pocket folder; sharpened pencils, colored pencils, or markers, flashcard container and the rest of your supplies.
  4. Keep reviewing your Hebrew letters and vowels, Key Words with their “saying sounds” we have covered so far.
  5. Parents, the student is coming home with a homework sign-off sheet).

Reminders:

  • Sunday, April 21: We have Religious School
  • Wednesday, April 24: NO Wednesday Hebrew School
  • You can always access the school calendars by clicking here.
  • You can always access the entire CBA calendar by clicking here  

4/10: Today in class we worked on:

  1. We began in an all-school t’fillah led by Rabbi Prass.  Rabbi Prass led a discussion about What were your reactions to the eclipse? How can we recreate the unique factor in the eclipse?  Why do we need to recreate these unique moments?  The learners had some wonderful answers.  We then pointed out that our Jewish calendar and stopping for moments of t’fillah help mark unique moments.
  2. We started on Lesson 18. We reviewed all past letters, vowels and key words in the yellow box on page 82.
  3. Learning Hebrew Letters FAY and FINAL FAY both with the “saying sounds” F and vowel AHV.
  4. Students read about “Vowel Hint” rule on page 82 on the vowel AHV. Made flashcards for key words ALEPH and SHOFAR.
  5. Students read Aloud page 83-84 playing the  “favorites game” using  their pointer finger .
  6. Students wrote out letters, vowels, and words on page 83.
  7. Students with a partner worked on page 84 “The Write Letter “ and “ Word Search on page 86”.
  8. We practiced the Passover 4- Questions . The students will recite and perform them at our All- School Model Seder on April 17th.       
  9. Aleph joined together for reviewing the Four Questions and Hebrew Through Movement.  If your student is going to be singing the Four Questions at your seder, encourage them to do it b’Ivrit (in Hebrew).
  10. Lihitaot (good-bye)!

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Parents, you can help your child even if they don’t know Hebrew, since the English is on the back of the flashcards.
  2. Start reviewing the 4- Questions for the Passover Seder.
  3. Keep reviewing your Hebrew letters and vowels, Key Words with their “saying sounds” we have covered so far.

4/3: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Today, we began with an all-school t’fillah in the sanctuary led by Rabbi Prass.  He pointed out that most families have that someone that repeats stories over and over.  He then led us in a discussion about Why is THAT family story, being told over and over, a good thing?  And why is that family story, something that strengthens you?  The learners had lovely responses including that the main reason we need to appreciate these stories is because they usually contain a lesson that we need to internalize. We then saw how the last section of the kedusha prayer spoke about telling of God’s greatness.
  2. We reviewed all past letters, vowels and key words in the yellow box on page 78. Circling the ones we don’t know. Started on lesson 17.
  3. Our class read “letter-vowel hint” rule on page 79.
  4. Students read Aloud page 79 playing the  “favorites game” using  their pointer finger .
  5. Students wrote out letters, vowels, and words on page 79. Read “Super Reading Secret” on page 81.
  6. Students with a partner worked on page 80 Sound Check “ and play “ Rock, Paper, Scissors”.
  7. Students made Flashcards on keywords CHAG SAMEACH (Happy Holidays), and MITZVOT (Commandments).
  8. We started to practice the Passover 4- Questions . The students will recite and perform them at our All- School Model Seder on April 17th.
  9. Aleph & Daled Students participated in Hebrew Through Movement led by our Madrich Charlie. We added some new words connected to our next holiday of Pesach.
  10. Lihitaot (good-bye)!

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Parents, you can help your child even if they don’t know Hebrew, since the English is on the back of the flashcards.
  2. Please remember tzedakah.
  3. Bring in your pocket folder; sharpened pencils, colored pencils, or markers, flashcard container and the rest of your supplies.
  4. Start reviewing the 4- Questions for the Passover Seder.
  5. Keep reviewing your Hebrew letters and vowels, Key Words with their “saying sounds” we have covered so far.

3/20: Today in class we worked on:

  1. We began the day with an all-school T’Fillah led by Rabbi Prass.  We talked about why we need “collective wins” and how we feel with ‘personal wins’.  Then we talked about the story of Purim is both a collective win for the Jewish people and a personal win for Mordechai and Esther.
  2. reviewing the Hebrew letters “nun” and “final nun”
  3. learning the sound combination “ey-chah”
  4. Students read from the Megillah in front of the whole school.  The megillah has no vowels just like the Torah! They did so awesome while performing the Mitzvah!   You can watch them on the CBA YouTube channel by clicking here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rza5PVPtMpQ    
  5. Students did a fantastic job reading!

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. practice your Hebrew letters and vowels at home

          Reminders:

  • March 24- March 31: CBA Religious School & Hebrew School Spring Break
  • April 3: Wednesday Hebrew School Resumes
  • You can always access the school calendars by clicking here.
  • You can always access the entire CBA calendar by clicking here

3/13: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Today, we began with an all-school t’fillah in the sanctuary with Rabbi Prass.  Rabbi Prass led a short discussion about “In what ways does silence makes you feel good/positive?” and “In what was does silence make you feel challenged?”  Then we talked about how each t’fillah has a silent moment for private prayer.
  2. In class we worked on learning the Hebrew letters “nun” and “final nun”
  3. Aleph, bet, gimel, daled learners met with Rabbi Prass, who lead them thru a “dress” rehearsal of reading their words from the actual Megillah.  Next week we will record their reading and share it out.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Practice your Hebrew letters and vowels at home
  2. practice reading your Megillah word in the yellow packet provided

3/6: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Today, we began with an all-school t’fillah in the sanctuary led by Rabbi Prass.  He asked the students “how can you make someone feel special?” and “Why should you make someone feel special?”  The students had lovely answers.  Then we connected this to the kedusha prayer, how we can remind God, how God is special, and God needs us.
  2. learning the Hebrew letter “pay” and vowel “eye”
  3. On Wednesday, March 20, the school will be reading words from the actual Megillah scroll. Your aleph students were assigned one word, each, to read. Have them practice their word each day, and they will be ready to read.
  4. Aleph, Bet, Gimmel students spent time with Rabbi Prass. Rabbi showed the students a slideshow of artwork that has been done in Israel since 10/7/23. There was some very nice insight from the students.
  5. Lihitaot (good-bye)!

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Practice your Hebrew letters and vowels at home.
  2. Practice reading your Megillah word in the yellow packet provided.

2/28: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Today, we began with an all-school t’fillah in the sanctuary with Rabbi Prass.   He led a discussion on things that ‘lift us up.’  Then we looked at the line in the kedusha prayer “kadosh, kadosh, kadosh” which has us act like the angels, lifting us higher, closer to God’s throne.
  2. Today we had PERFECT ATTENDANCE!!!!!!
  3. We learned the Hebrew letters “chet”, “chaf”, and “final chaf”
  4. Alef, Bet, Gimmel students joined our Madrich Charlie for Hebrew through movement, adding on new words.
  5. Lihitaot (good-bye)!

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. practice your Hebrew letters and vowels at home

2/21: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Before class started, we attended Tefillah, led by Rabbi Prass. He led a discussion about the reality that we all have felt ‘low’ at least point in our lives.  Then we shared someone who has helped lift us up.  Then Rabbi Prass pointed out that in our prayer Gevurot, it praises God for being the source/inspiration for lifting up “those who sleep in the dust.” The students contributed some interesting answers.
  2. We reviewed
  3. Aleph, Bet, Gimmel students joined with Madrich Charlie in Hebrew thru Movement.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Review the pages we have worked on

2/14: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Before class started, we attended an all-school Tefillah, led by Rabbi Prass. He talked asked all of us to share a strength we all admire/aspire to and why.  The students contributed some interesting answers.  Then we talked about how the prayer Gevurot talks about God’s strength of helping others.
  2. In class, we worked on: reading Hebrew letters and vowel sounds we already know
  3. Alef, Bet, and Gimmel students joined Rabbi Prass and Madrich Charlie, leading Hebrew through movement and adding on even more words.  They also had a chance for a Hebrew debate using the word of the week: מַחֲצִית הוֹפָעַת [Ho-fa-at ma-cha-tzit] (Halftime show). Each student was invited to stand up and tell us their favorite מַחֲצִית הוֹפָעַת.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. practice your Hebrew letters and vowels at home, especially the “oo” and “oh” vowels

2/7: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Before class started, we attended Tefillah, a brief service, led by Rabbi Prass. He talked about who/what makes us feel protected, why that is such a special feeling, and how we feel when we don’t feel protected.  Then we looked at the last line of the Avot v’imahot which Blesses God for the being the “Shield of Abraham and Help of Sarah”
  2. reviewing letters and vowels we already learned including the “oo” and “ay” vowels, and letters zayin, sin, samech, koof, and kaf
  3. Aleph, Bet, and Gimmel joined together for our weekly round of “Hebrew Through Movement” led by Moreh Charlie where we keep adding in new words each week, including the word of the week, “אַלּוּפִים /Champion” where we debated who/what would be the אַלּוּפִים at the Super Bowl (halftime, 49ers, vs Chiefs, vs the food)

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. complete the reading practices on page 60 and 61

1/31: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Before we went to our classroom, we attended an all-school Tefillah, a brief service, led by Rabbi Prass. We discussed what it means to know someone who has a WOW Factor, and how God is the ultimate example of one having a Wow Factor in our prayer, Avot V’imahot
  2. Today in class we worked on: reviewing letters and vowels. We already learned and learned the letter zayin
  3. Aleph, Bet, Gimmel students did Hebrew through movement with Charlie. Today, the students learned some colors and placement words.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. practice your Hebrew letters and vowels at home

1/24: Today in class we worked on:

  1. At the beginning of the session, we attended an all-school Tefillah, led by Rabbi Prass. He led a discussion about who has our back and what it feels like to have someone’s back.  This led us to see how the opening lines of the avot v’imahot talk about God having our back due to the individual relationship God has with our ancestors and us. It was a very interesting conversation.
  2. learned the letters kaf and koof and the “oo” vowel
  3. The aleph, bet, gimmel classes joined together for our weekly round of Hebrew Through Motion, led by Charlie, where we continue to add on Hebrew words for trees in preparation for Tu Bishvat

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. practice your Hebrew letters and vowels at home

1/17: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Our day began with an all school Tefillah, a brief service, led by Rabbi Prass. We talked about times “When I a time you have not been able/allowed to speak? And “What bothered you about that?  How did that feel?”  That was our segue into the first prayer, ‘adonai sifatai” God open up my lips. 
  2. Learned the letters sin and samech and the “ay” vowel
  3. Aleph, bet, Gimmel classes participated in Hebrew thru Movement, led by Rabbi Prass, where we added on Hebrew words for trees in preparation for Tu Bishvat.  

Homework to be completed by next class: 

  1. Practice your Hebrew letters and vowels at home

12/20: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Our day began with an all-school Tefillah, led by Rabbi Prass.  We talked about the success of the Israel Art Fair CBA co-sponsored and how we helped them. We also talked about ways we can bring light during these days of less sunlight.
  2. Practiced all the letters and vowels we have learned so far
  3. The students enjoyed being together with an all-school pizza dinner.
  4. Lihitaot (good-bye)! See you back on Wednesday, January 17th.
  5. Have a wonderful Winter break and a Happy New Year!

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Review the letters we have worked on so far

Reminders:

  • December 24th: CBA Religious School & Hebrew School Winter Break Begins
  • January 14th: Religious School Resumes
  • January 17th: Wednesday Hebrew School Resumes
  • You can always access the school calendars by clicking here.
  • You can always access the entire CBA calendar by clicking here.

12/13: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Our day began with an all-school Tefillah, a brief service, led by Rabbi Prass. We also lit the Chanukah candles and discussed miracles that happen in our lives.
  2. Learned vet, vav, and a new vowel
  3. Aleph, bet, and gimmel students were able to enjoy Hebrew thru Movement led by Madrich Charlie.
  4. Lihitaot (good-bye)!

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Enjoy Chanukah
  2. Review the letters we have covered.

12/6: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Our day began with an all-school Tefillah in the sanctuary, a brief service, led by Rabbi Prass. Hailey H and Ashley B. helped lead. We also talked about two things going on in Israel: The first was the good news of how many hostages have been released, AND the work of how many hostages still need to be released.  Secondly, we also watched a video about, sufganiyot, the special Chanukah jelly doughnuts. That was a delicious experience!
  2. Celebrated Chanukah by learning about which Hebrew letters are written on the dreidel and creating our own!
  3. The last ten minutes of class were spent playing “Hebrew Through Movement.” Kitot aleph, bet, and gimmel joined together and were led by Charlie. Several of our students were able to lead the group in this activity today.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Enjoy Chanukah and play dreidel with your new dreidel.   Reinforce our Hebrew learning, by asking your learners the names of the letters.

11/29: Today in class we worked on:

  1. our day began with an all-school Tefillah, a brief service, led by Rabbi Prass.  We discussed the recent ‘better’ news coming out of Israel regarding the hostages being released.
  2. Learned the letters Taf and Tet
  3. Aleph, Bet, and gimmel students participated in Hebrew through Movement led by our madrich Charlie.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Get excited for Hannukah

11/15: Today in class we worked on:

  1. We had an all-school t’fillah led by Rabbi Prass.  We talked about the Rally for Israel in Washington DC (https://www.marchforisrael.org/ ) where Rabbi Prass and 5 other members of CBA attended in person.
  2. Learned raysh and the ay vowel.
  3. We ended the day with an all-school Hebrew thru Movement led by Charlie.
  4. I really enjoyed meeting our parents yesterday.  Thank you for coming.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Practice the reading from this week.

11/8: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Our day began with an all-school Tefillah, a brief service, led by Rabbi Prass. As part of the t’fillah, we read the English translation of a new song (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZHU0MfZAMw) written about Israel’s current situation and watched a video showing how Israelis from all walks of life are helping the soldiers and others who are in need.  Ask your student about the song.
  2. Learned Tzadi and Final Tzadi
  3. We, along with kitah aleph, met with Rabbi Prass for “Hebrew Through Movement.” The students had an opportunity to lead the activities today, and we had a fun time.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Practice your vowels

11/1: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Participated in Tefillah with our entire school community.  In connection to the bakasha (intermediary prayer) for Peace in Jerusalem, Rabbi Prass led us in a conversation about who are people we pray for, and who do we pray for in Israel.  The learners had beautiful answers.
  2. Aleph & Bet Participated in Hebrew Through Movement with Rabbi Prass by doing yoga in Hebrew
  3. Learned what a Bimah is
  4. Learned the ee vowel

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Review the letters we have covered so far

10/25: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Our day began with Tefillah and several videos of Israeli soldiers commenting about how happy they were to receive notes from our CBA Students. 
  2. Learned the letter Gimel and the “eh” vowel
  3. We then met Rabbi Prass and Charlie to study “Hebrew thru Movement” with kitah bet. Several students had the opportunity to lead the group in Hebrew. We always enjoy this activity!

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Help the Rain Get to Israel activity on page 24

10/18: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Our day began with Tefillah led by Rabbi Prass. As part of t’fillah, we discussed the situation in Israel, and the students expressed some interesting opinions and asked several excellent questions.
  2. Learned the letters Hay and Yud
  3. Practiced the letters and vowels we have learned so far!
  4. Our class was able to enjoy going outside with Kitah bet class and Rabbi Prass and Charlie for Hebrew thru Movement.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Review the letters we have learned so far

10/11: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Our day started with our weekly T’fillah which including Rabbi Prass leading a discussion on the the events in Israel. Our students contributed some very sophisticated ideas stressing the need for peace between all people. At the end of the t’fillah we sang hatikvah.  We also made a video which is posted (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMMdC6zEYEY  or https://fb.watch/nDL6OdZC0n/ ) so that Israelis know they are not alone.  In the video each learner was able to say, “My prayer for Israel is……….”
  2. Learned the letters Hay and Yud
  3. Learned how to say Hand in Hebrew
  4.           At the end of the day, the entire Hebrew school gathered to taste an Etrog. Why? Because every year a handful of learners ask “What does it taste like?” So now that the holiday is over, we sliced it up, and asked for a representative from each class to sample it: Here is the video of it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzSkwJl43t0    

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Sound Check activity on page 19

10/4: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Our day began with an all-school Tefillah led by Rabbi Prass.  We discussed times we personally have celebrated in the last week, and how we Jews have so many celebrations this month.
  2. We colored in all of the letters we have learned so far on the first page of our book
  3. We learned 2 more letters: Dalet and Lamed
  4. We learned the “Oh” vowel
  5. Our class was able to enjoy going outside with Rabbi Prass and Charlie, along with Kitah aleph, for Hebrew thru Movement and shaking and performing the mitzvah of Lulav in the sukkah. We combined the Hebrew thru movement vocabulary using the Sukkah.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Have a nice rest of Sukkot!
  2. Review what we have worked on

9/27: Today in class we worked on:

  1. We began the day with a community-wide Tefilla. Rabbi Prass led t’fillah and a discussion about what was one Jewish thing we did between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
  2. We reviewed letters we already learned: Shin, mem, and final mem
  3. We learned 3 more letters: Ayin, Aleph, Bet
  4. Kitah aleph & bet did Hebrew through movement with Rabbi Prass outside.

Homework to be completed by next class:

p. 12 in our textbook

9/20: Today in class we worked on:

  • In class, we get to know everyone: what do they know about Hebrew, maybe say some Hebrew words like Shabbat they may have heard 
  • We talked about languages. What languages have we heard of? Then talked about Hebrew and what makes it special
  • We learned the letters shin and mem. Goal to have everyone read one word by end of class and then celebrate that they read Hebrew!
  • Lihitaot (see you next time!).

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. No homework this week.
  2. Beginning next session, students will be assigned a workbook page to complete to reinforce what we did in class. This should take between 5-10 minutes to complete. If it ever takes longer, please have your student stop working and we will complete it together in class.