Education – Daled Wednesday (Fox)

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. I can see and hear the students really participating.
  2. Students finished their Peach presentations. Good job done by all. The wonderful and meaningful learning experience from the preparation and presentation was the shared ideas and the way the students worked together to help each other.
  3. We discussed the many morals of the Passover story and related them to today’s world. The one moral of the story, that the students voted on to present, was the need to have faith in G-D despite a difficult situation.
  4. Students took their Aleph-Bet quiz.
  5. Participated in our all-school model Passover Seder. Rabbi Prass will be emailing you a video of what our class did.  I hope you have a chance to view the video.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Students will share what they learned about Peach at their Sedar.
  2. Have a joyous and meaningful Passover.

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 went to T”fillah and I can see and hear the students really participating. The all-school t’fillah was 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 began class by reviewing the Passover story. Discussing students’ parts for presentation and how they decided to present.
  3. Students worked on their part and discussed with each other the order of the story. Students were very much involved. Next week we will have our presentations.
  4. We reviewed the reading at the end of the chapter on L’ Cha Dodi. Beautiful prayer.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Let them share what they learned today about Passover and our history.

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 began by discussing the Passover story. We played a game to remember what Passover is all about. The history through today’s story that one day will be shared in a classroom of the future. Just like we remember every year, the history of Passover at our Sedar.
  3. Parts for our school Passover Sedar “skits” were divided and discussed. Students will tell the story creatively in an assembly of classes on April 17th so all can remember and be prepared for their Sedar at home.
  4. We played question /answer quiz game about Passover questions in particular and Jewish questions in general.
  5. Daled & Aleph Students participated in Hebrew Through Movement led by our Madrich Charlie. We added some new words connected to our next holiday of Pesach.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Please have students bring supplies to class next week for their project. Let them share what they learned today about Passover and our history.

3/20: Today in class we worked on:

  1. We reviewed the prayer L’Cha Dodi first 2 lines. We read this prayer’s background. We learned some of the history to L’Cha Dodi by reading about Rabbi Shlomo Halevi. Students who have participated in a Friday night service, recognized this prayer.
  2. 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.
  3. We shared a wonderful article about our hero Queen Esther and how she had strength and courage to lead the battle against Haman.
  4. Each student practiced their part that they will read from the Megillah today. A great job by all!!!
  5. 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   
  6. Happy Purim!!!

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Please have students practice reading L’Cha Dodi

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. We reviewed the prayer L’Cha Dodi
  3. Each student practiced their part that they will have in reading from the Megillah next week.  It’s a great opportunity.
  4. We played a game with facts about Purim.
  5. 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.
  6. Daled participated in Hebrew thru Movement led by our Madrich Charlie

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Please have students practice reading L’Cha Dodi

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. We began a new prayer L’Cha Dodi said on Friday night to welcome the Sabbath. Some of the students were familiar with this hymn which was written about 500 years ago.
  3. We discussed the background of this prayer and how a bride is prepared before her wedding.  Students learned the dressing of a bride, setting the scene for the bride, and the ceremony. We compared that to Erev Sabbath and how we welcome in the Sabbath bride.
  4. Each student read the prayer in Hebrew and we discussed its translation. Next students used the new vocabulary to do a word match from Hebrew to English.
  5. Students were given lines to practice from the Megillah scroll. Each student will have a turn to read from the Megillah before Purim. It’s a great opportunity. 
  6. Daled 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 by the students.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Please have students practice reading L’Cha Dodi
  2. Practice reading your Megillah words 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 began class by reviewing peace around the world. Students reviewed the Oseh Shalom prayer.
  4. We discussed how we can make peace in and out of our homes. Students shared how their families make peace and show respect in their homes and at school. In Hebrew we say Shalom Bayit.
  5. We read a very interesting page on celebrating the Shabbat at the Friday night service. Discussion was held.
  6. Students started practicing reading page 66.  Each student has a few lines to read next week.
  7. Daled students joined our Madrich Charlie for Hebrew through movement, adding on new words.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Review notes taken in class from last week and practice reading.

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 began class by discussing peace and the Jewish people around the world. Why is Shalom important to us? And, why are we always still striving for world peace. Great discussions.
  3. On page 63, students learned what the Tanach* meant. It is a Hebrew acronym for the Torah, Prophets, and Writings. We talked in great detail about peace.
  4. * Tanach, which includes the Torah (5 Books), Neviim (Prophets) and Writings( ie, Proverbs, Psalms, Megillat Esther) Students were to take notes and review.
  5. The students finished the day with Madrich Charlie in Hebrew thru Movement.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1.  Review notes taken in class for next week.
  2. Please remind students to bring all supplies to class… (notebook, pencils, markers, colored pencils and their book)

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. We began class by reviewing Oseh Shalom prayer on page 58 and singing the prayer with meaning and understanding in today’s world of conflict.
  3. We worked on page 60, a word study for the word Aliyah.  We discussed the meaning of the root word (ayin, lamed, hey) when immigrants came to Israel and the honor of them going up to Torah.
  4. Students read 2-3 lines of a prayer of their choice out loud.  This was practice homework from last week.
  5. Students drew the Western Wall, and then we pretended to be standing in front of it with a written note for peace. Shared in class.
  6. Daled 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 reading
  2. Please have students bring all supplies to class. (notebook, pencils, markers, colored pencils and their book)

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. We began class by reviewing Sim Shalom and Shalom Rav and Oseh Shalom our new prayer and discussed the meaning of the new prayer. Question posed was …How can we make more peace in the world. Also, how can we keep peace at home and school ?
  3. Students worked on page 59 we discussed their answers.     
  4. Played a vocabulary game
  5. We played 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. Choose a prayer that we studied to read in class next week
  2. Please have students bring all supplies to class. (notebook, pencils, markers, colored pencils, and their book)

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  pages 53 & 54 in our book concentrating more on the meanings of the prayer from last week, Sim Shalom. We delved into the meaning and related it to making peace around the world, especially in Israel. How can we as Jews continue to make peace in our own lives? Great discussions and answers.
  3. Page 55 has the Torah blessings which we practiced. Students did a great job.
  4. Played a vocabulary game
  5. Daled 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 pages 56 & 57 to read aloud for next class

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. We began a new prayer for peace today, Sim Shalom. the same theme as last weeks prayer Shalom Rav
  3. We discussed what is peace and why is it important to read these prayers…especially today .
  4. We worked on page 53 vocabulary and meaning.
  5. We had lots of discussion about peace with our families especially parents.
  6. Played a vocabulary game
  7. The daled and hey 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.  Students need to practice reading. Please have them read a loud to you on page 50. They have assigned lines.

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. Each student read lines from home work prayer on page 45 the Hoda’ah
  3. We began a new prayer today, the Berchat Shalom, which consists of Shalom Rav and Sim Shalom
  4. We discussed what is peace and why is it important to read these prayers…especially today .
  5. We worked on page 47 vocabulary.
  6. Played a vocabulary game 
  7. Daled & Hey classes participated in Hebrew thru Movement, led by Rabbi Prass, where we added on Hebrew words for trees in preparation for Tu Bishvat.  

Homework: 

  1. Students need to practice reading. Please have them read a loud to you.

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. Worked on vocabulary in the Hallel prayer and talked about what is praise. Practiced reading out loud and discussed emet (truth).
  3. Students are improving their Hebrew reading.
  4. Played a Hebrew game
  5. The students enjoyed being together with an all-school pizza dinner.
  6. Lihitaot (good-bye)! See you back on Wednesday, January 17th.
  7. Have a wonderful Winter break and a Happy New Year!

Homework to be completed by the next class:

  1.  Practice reading Hebrew a few times during break.

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. Students took an alef- bet quiz
  3. Students worked and reviewed fluent reading of the Modeem Anachnu prayer
  4. Chanukah was the theme for today:  Continued reviewing blessings for Chanukah.
  5. Reviewed more of the the history of Chanukah and discussed what lead to our way of celebrating
  6. Partners worked on a crossword puzzle with clues from the history and customs of Chanukah
  7. Daled and Hey students were able to enjoy Hebrew thru Movement led by Madrich Charlie.

Homework to be completed by the next class:

  1. Come to class with a memory of your first Chanukah and a memory from this years’ celebration

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 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. Students took an alef bet quiz
  3. Chanukah was the theme for today. 
  4. Continued reviewing blessings for Chanukah.
  5. Went through the ritual of lighting the candles and why they are put in the Menorah and lit in a specific way.
  6. Reviewed the history of Chanukah and discussed what lead to our way of celebrating.
  7. Ended by playing dreidle.
  8. The last ten minutes of class were spent playing “Hebrew Through Movement.” Kitot daled and hey 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 the next class:

  1. Come to class with a memory of your first Chanukah and a memory from this year’s celebration
  2. Practice the Chanukah Blessings

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. Began with fluent reading page 35 in the text. (Students were to practice their lines over last week and be prepared for today.)
  3. Began page 36 the Hoda’ah which is the next to last part of the Amidah. Read the Modeem Anach’nu, we give thanks is the last blessing of the Amidah. Discussed respect and appreciation.
  4. Worked own page 37, vocabulary
  5. Began reviewing blessings for Hanukah
  6. Daled & Hey students participated in Hebrew through Movement led by our madrich Charlie.

Homework to be completed by the next class:

  1. Review  page 36

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. Continued work on Kiddusha to understand why it is an important part of the Amidah
  3. Please ask to see all the work your students did to understand why this part of the Amidah is so important
  4. Next week we will work on fluent reading on page 35
  5. Hopefully next time we meet we will watch a wonderful You Tube video: Interview with Scribe Julie Seltzer – YouTube https://www.youtube.com › watch
  6. Have a wonderful and fun Thanksgiving break.

Homework to be completed by the next class:

  1. Practice reading page 35

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. Began Kedusha page 28, the third part of the Amidah
  3. Read and discuss the meaning of the Kedusha and the choreography with proper posture and respect for this prayer. We practiced the proper posture.
  4. Discussed: What is a minyan?
  5. Discussed: What is a scribe and their job writing the Torah?
  6. Next week we will watch a wonderful YouTube video: Interview with Scribe Julie Seltzer – YouTube https://www.youtube.com › watch

Homework to be completed by the next class:

  1. Practice reading the Kedusha prayer on page 28

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 the people we pray for, and who do we pray for in Israel.  The learners had beautiful answers.
  2. Gimmel, Daled, and Hey Participated in Hebrew Through Movement with Rabbi Prass by doing yoga in Hebrew
  3. Students did a great job today!
  4. We talked about B’rachamim Rabim(great compassion).  We worked on pages 24 thru 26 together. Talk about a good name ….Shame Tov. And discussed What does that mean to you? How do you show compassion?
    1. We also discussed the Crown of good deeds and how we can earn the right to wear the crown by doing good deeds. We shared some of the good deeds we have done in the past 2 weeks.  Why would we have earned the Crown?  Were you a mencsh (kind good soul) this week?
    1. Performing Acts of loving kindness, G’melut Hasadim, This has much meaning in these days!
  5. We went over pages 24&25 sharing the challenge question.
  6. We worked on page 26.
  7. We concluded the day with a Hebrew game.

Homework to be completed by the next class:

  1. If they did not finish page 26 it is homework.
  2. Practice reading the G’vurot on page 16

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. Continued the G’Vurot  (powers) which gives us life and inner strength (page 21) and started page 22 …Am Israel Chai. Discussed sustaining life with kindness (chesed).
  3. We then met Rabbi Prass and Charlie to study “Hebrew thru Movement” with kitah gimmel and hey. Several students had the opportunity to lead the group in Hebrew. We always enjoy this activity!
  4. Ended class with Hangman in Hebrew.

Homework to be completed by the next class:

N/A

10/18: Today in class we worked on:

  1. We continued the next part of the Amidah, G’Vurot  (powers) which gives us life and inner strength.
  2. Discussed the theme of the G’Vurot ( G-d”s power ) and how we can use this prayer to help what is going on in Israel.
  3. Discussed the Mogen David Adom trucks (as shown in our text) that are in Israel to help the wounded
  4. Ended class with Hangman in Hebrew
  5. 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.
  6. Our class was able to enjoy going outside with Kitah gimmel and hey class and Rabbi Prass and Charlie for Hebrew thru Movement.

Homework to be completed by the next class:

  1. Students are to practice lines given to read aloud, page 16, 17 and 18 for next class session

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. We began next part of the Amidah, G’Vurot  (powers) which gives us life and inner strength. Spoke about what makes us powerful as people and individuals.
  3. We worked on the vocabulary in the G’vurot.
  4. Students read lines that they practiced from last week.
  5. Ended class with a word game in Hebrew
  6. 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 the next class:

  1. Students are to practice lines given to read aloud, page 16, for next class session

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 discussed the many names of the first prayer that we are studying (Amidah, Sh’monah Esray, Avot V’Emaot)
  3. We discussed how to act in services when saying this prayer
  4. We also are learning this prayer in T’fillah every Wednesday
  5. We had a discussion of acts of loving kindness that you do at home
  6. We went outside to work on Hebrew Through Movement with Kitah gimmel.  Also outside, Rabbi Prass demonstrated and discussed Succot and the practice of the Luluv and Etrog
  7. Ended class with a word game in Hebrew

Homework to be completed by the next class:

  1. Students need to be prepared for class with supplies from the supply list sent to all families. Especially, the text book!
  2. Students are to practice lines given to read aloud, page 15, for next class session

9/27: Today in class we worked on:

  1. We began with 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. Shared their family trees and spoke about interesting backgrounds in their families.  We will continue next week.
  3. Worked on vocabulary (Pages 6&7) of our patriarchs and matriarchs
  4. Discussion of how this prayer is the center of the service.
  5. Ended class with a word game in Hebrew
  6. Kitah gimmel & daled did Hebrew through movement with Rabbi Prass outside.

Homework to be completed by the next class:

  1. Students need to be prepared for class with supplies from the supply list sent to all families. Especially, the text book!

9/20 Today in class we worked on:

  • Getting to know you games
  • Started Avot V’Emaot prayer . This is the first part of the Amidah.
  • Discussed expectations for class, bringing their book, homework, supplies, etc.
  • Introduced and drafted our Family Tree
  • It was a pleasure to meet your children!

Homework to be completed by the next class:

  1. Students are to work on their ideas for Family Tree which will be completed in class. They also may work on this with you and use technology to help set it up. They might need your help with grandparents.