education – daled wed

5/17: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Our kitah (class) had t’fillot time with Rabbi Prass. Each student had a chance to hold the Torah as we talked about inheriting the tradition we have been studying.  We also said the blessing over the omer and counted today, the 41st day of the Omer.
  2. Students reread aloud Page 86.
  3. We continued on page 88 to go over vocabulary from last week. On page 88 there is a brief paragraph about the legend of the hymn . It is interesting.
  4. Page 94 we discussed the idea of Tzedakah. Discussed that is is not only about money. It’s about helping people who are lonely and need community, people who are poor and embarrassed to ask for help, and support to schools and other funds in the communities.
  5. Page 95  last prayer. Each student read a line and did a great job.
  6. Rabbi Prass came into our class and led us thru a self-evaluation where we wrote down:
    1. 4 things we learned on Wednesdays this year
    1. 2 reasons the things we learned on Wednesdays are important
    1. 1 bit of advice for next year’s Daled students
  7. Ended with a pizza party where we enjoyed each others company and yummy pizza.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Don’t forget to register for the 2023-2024 school year.
  2. There are lots of Beth Am events happening over the summer.  You can find them all here.
  3. Have a great summer! Try to attend at least 3 shabbat services before the next school year. It’s a great way to review your Hebrew.
  4. Dear Parents, It was a pleasure working with your children this year.  They really made me feel my teaching career was a great choice.  I loved every moment with them. You should all be proud of your kiddos. Remember to have them practice reading over the summer. Morah Fox

5/10 : Today in class we worked on:

  1. We enjoyed a great afternoon having T’Fillah all grades with Rabbi Prass in the Sanctuary.Rabbi Prass told the students that today is Lag BaOmer, which is the 33 day of the counting of the Omer. Ask your student what makes this day special.  Rabbi then discussed with the students, “what gets you fired up or excited” because one way the holiday is celebrated is with bon fires. The students then shared their thoughts on this subject.
  2. We worked on V’Shamroo prayer on page 84
  3. We read practicing homework on page 85
  4. We discussed that this prayer is in the Torah, in Exodus 31:14-18, so we looked for it in the Chumash.
  5. We played a vocabulary game using words from the prayer

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Students will work on page 85, each student choosing different lines than last week, to read for next class.

5/3 : Today in class we worked on:

  1.  We began with Tefillah. Today, we all stood in front of the open Ark while we prayed as a congregation. It was a very moving experience.
  2. We reviewed our new prayer V’Sham’roo that we sing on Friday night to welcome the Sabbath on page 76.
  3. We graded the homework on page 76. This was not completed by most students.
  4. Students worked together on pages 77-80 and discussed the topics on those pages. Very interesting comments. Maybe they will want to share those English paragraphs with you.
  5. Next week we will discuss where V’Shamroo is located in the Torah.

 Homework:

  1. Students will work on page 85 each student choose lines to read for next class.

4/26: Today in class we worked on:

  1.  Our kitah (class) had all school t’fillot led by Rabbi Prass. The students learned about Israel’s Memorial Day (Yom hazikaron) and Israel’s Independence Day (Yom Ha’atzmaut).In class we read pages 60 -66 in our textbook (both the Hebrew and English) We counted the 20th Day of the Omer, and joined in Hatikvah.
  2. We began a new prayer V’Sham’roo that we sing on Friday night to welcome the Sabbath on page 76.
  3. We had a guest speaker who was a survivor of the Holocaust. It was extremely important to hear her experiences. Lots of good questions were discussed.
    1. Yvonne Aaronson is a Survivor of the Shoah and spoke about her unique experiences during the war. She was very young and her family went to Belgium from Austria, which was neutral. She hid with her mother in a convent and later went to live with a widow in the suburbs of Brussels for the duration of the war. Her personal account of her experiences provided a tangible connection to the materials we have been studying this semester, giving students a new perspective of what the Shoah meant, beyond the camps and genocide. We are grateful she was able to join us and allow us to witness her story.

 Homework:

  1. Students will work on page 77 with the vocabulary of the prayer and practice the four lines on page 76 in Hebrew.

4/19: Today in class we worked on:

  1. with Rabbi Prass in the Sanctuary.  Today was Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Memorial Day.  One student from each kitah lit a candle today in honor of the 6 Million Jews who died in Holocaust.  We counted the 14th Day of the Omer, and joined in Hatikvah.
  • We began a new prayer L’Cha Dodi said on Friday night to welcome the Sabbath.
  • We read the Hebrew of the prayer and translated it’s meaning.
  • 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.
  • We ended with Hebrew Through Movement along with the other Hebrew classes. The day ended with Rabbi Prass giving each kitah an exercise in the counting of the 50 days of the omer.  Ask your student which numbers they had.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Please have students practice lines assigned for next week.

4/12: Today in class we worked on: 

  1. We began in an all-school tfilah with Rabbi Prass in the Sanctuary.  Today we stood the entire t’fillah and walked around the sanctuary as we prayed.  The point of this was to experiment with how movement or different things might help you focus more.  
  1. Today we finished up lesson 7 – L’cha Dodi.  We started with a reading review of the blessing, followed by individual or pair work to complete pages 69 and 74 in our textbooks.   
  1. We worked on the end of the lesson review worksheet together. 
  1. With a few minutes left in class, we celebrated the (almost) end of Passover by watching a few clips of songs from the movie, The Prince of Egypt sung Hebrew (with subtitles in both Hebrew, transliteration and English).   
  1. We ended with Hebrew Through Movement along with the other Hebrew classes. We played Shimon Omer (simon says in Hebrew) 

Homework to be completed by next class:  

  • Please bring a device (cell phone, tablet, etc.) to class next week to play an online review game. 

3/22: Today we worked on:

  1. Participated in an all school T’Fillah with Rabbi Prass in the Sanctuary.  We continued discussing the 13 bakashot (request prayers) which are said every weekday, and focused on the one that asks God to grant us forgiveness. The students shared personal examples of mistakes, and how forgiveness affords them a chance to start over. 
  1. We began class by reviewing Oseh Shalom prayer  and Shalom Bayit on page 65-67. We read and discussed the Friday night service. Students read aloud a line from page 66 and are to study another 2 lines for next class. 
  1. Participated in a model seder with our school community.  Students presented their part of the Pesach story using Hebrew words that they learned. Their presentations were done with much care and fun. Our class presented on the magid section.  

Homework:  

  1. Page 66 practice your chosen lines 
  1. Have a beautiful and meaningful Passover. 
  1. Sunday, March 26 - Sunday, April 2 NO Religious & Hebrew School – Spring Break 
  1. Wednesday, April 5th: NO Wednesday Hebrew School – 1st Day Pesach 
  1. Sunday, April 9th: Religious School Resumes 
  1. Wednesday, April 12th: NO Wednesday Hebrew School – 7th Day Pesach 
  1. Wednesday, April 19th: Wednesday Hebrew School Resumes 
  1. You can always access the school calendars by clicking here. 
  1. You can always access the entire CBA calendar by clicking here. 

3/15: Today We Worked on:

  1. We had Tefillah with Rabbi Prass, and discussed one of the bakashot (request prayers) that asks God to grant us wisdom and knowledge. The students were able to explain why such a prayer is so important, even providing examples to aid in their explanations. 
  1. We began class by reviewing Oseh Shalom prayer on page 58. Also, students learned that Oseh Shalom is found in two more prayers, the Birkot Hamazon (Grace after meals )  and the Kaddish.  
  1. Reviewed students’ parts of the Passover story to present our part on March 22 
  1. Student prepared they presentation with Hebrew vocabulary. It was interesting how much they enjoyed finding Hebrew words for their part and helping each other. 
  1. We attended a whole school assembly with Rabbi Prass focusing on The Four Questions and Hebrew Through Movement. 

Homework:  

  1. Practice Oseh Shalom Bring supplies to work on their part for the presentation 
  1. Please have students bring all supplies to class. (notebook, pencils, markers, colored pencils and their book) 

3/8: Today We Worked on:

  1.  Participated in Tefillah with Rabbi Prass, followed by a discussion of how we balance the need to be serious with an equally important need to be funny and enjoy ourselves. The students really understood how these behaviors are found in the way we celebrate Purim.
  2. We began class by reviewing Oseh Shalom prayer on page 58
  3. We checked page 62 working on vocabulary and discussion
  4. Discussed page 63 the Tanach, which includes the Torah (5 Books), Neviim (Prophets) and Writings( ie, Proverbs, Psalms, Megillat Esther) Students were to take notes and review.
  5. Discussed and reviewed the Passover story to be prepared to present our part on March 22
  6. Students thinking about their own part for presentation
  7. Read from the Megillah with our school community. They all did an excellent job!  The video of their reading is on the CBA Facebook page.

Homework:

  1. Practice new prayer
  2. Bring supplies to work on their part for the presentation
  3. Please have students bring all supplies to class. (notebook, pencils, markers, colored pencils and their book)

3/1: Today We Worked on:

  1.  We began with Tefillah and Rabbi’s discussion of Purim and our school wide Magilla reading project. We talked about one of the bakashot (request prayers)  in the Amidah which asks God to get rid of the wicked people.  We connected this to Haman, and the upcoming holiday of Purim.
  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
  3. Students worked on page 59 last week and we discussed it this week
  4. We read page 60-62 working on vocabulary and discussion
  5. Shared Western Wall work from last week
  6. Played a vocabulary game
  7. Practiced reading from the Megillah to get ready for Purim

Homework from 3/1:

  1. Page 62 if not finished in class. Practice new prayer
  2. Please have students bring all supplies to class. (notebook, pencils, markers, colored pencils and their book)

2/22: Today We Worked on:

  1. Participated in Tefillah with Rabbi Prass and Rabbi’s discussion about the new month of Adar. As the expressions says, “It’s Adar, be happy.” We also talked about how laughter can have a positive effect on one’s mood and health.
  2. We began new chapter of Oseh Shalom page 58 in the text. Chapter is about creating peace to help make a perfect world.  (Prayer said after the Amidah.) Students discussed what they think they can do to make more peace in the world.
  3. We did page 59 Vocabulary
  4. Discussed the Western Wall
  5. Participated in Hebrew through Movement with our school community, where we added on new words for Purim.

Homework:

  1. Please have students bring all supplies to class. (notebook, pencils, markers, colored pencils and their book)
  2. Page 58 to read or sing

2/15: Today We Worked on:

  1. We enjoyed all grades T’Fillah with Rabbi Prass. 
  2. We began class with the reading the Torah blessings on page 55 and what is an Aliyah to the Torah. Bar’chu is the signal that the Torah readings to start.
  3. We discussed the Torah of love, life and kindness (Chesed)
  4. We read page 57 out loud, this was homework practice
  5. We worked on a worksheet for the prayers of this month, Sim Shalom and Shalom Rav
  6. Played a vocabulary game
  7. Participated in Hebrew through Movement with our school community, where we added on new words for Purim.

Homework:

  1. Again ….Practice page 57 to read aloud for next class
  2. Please have students bring all supplies to class. (notebook, pencils, markers, colored pencils and their book)

Today We Worked on:

2/8 –

  1. We enjoyed all grades T’Fillah with Rabbi Prass.  We connected the prayer gevurot which talks about strength with tu bishvat.  We shared where we have grown, and how we are stronger because of that.
  2. We began by reviewing the last two prayers for peace called Shalom Rav and Sim Shalom. Students took turns and read the prayers out loud.
  3. Today we did page 53 & 54 in our book working more on the meanings of the prayers.
  4. Page 54 asked the students to think about making peace in and out of their homes. Answers were very thoughtful. Maybe they will share them with you.
  5. Played a vocabulary game
  6. Participated in Hebrew through Movement with our school community. We worked on our Tu Bishvat words.  We even shared tree jokes

Homework:

  1. Practice page 57 to read aloud for next class

Today in class we worked on: 

2/1-

  1. Participated in Tefillah with Rabbi Prass. During silent prayer, we wrote notes which will be put in the kotel in Jerusalem by Rabbi Bellows next week when she goes there. 
  1. We began another prayer for peace called Sim Shalom. The prayers, Shalom Rav & Sim Shalom, inspire us to make peace and pray for peace in the world. 
  1. Students need to practice the prayers for next week.  
  1. We discussed Tu’Bishvat, holiday of trees, which will be celebrated on February 6 
  1. Students wrote, on a laminated tree, saying how a certain tree can make a difference and how they also can make a difference in the world. Ask them to share with you. 
  1. Played a vocabulary game 
  1. Participated in Hebrew through Movement with our school community. Today we added on Tu Bishvat words. 

Homework:  

  1. Students need to review these prayers pages 50 & 46. Please have them read aloud to you. 

Today in class we worked on: 

1/25-

  1. Our kitah (class) had t’fillot led byRabbi Prass.  We talked about who has helped us grow, and connected that to the upcoming holiday of Tu Bishvat (new year of the trees) and the prayer avot v’imahot. 
  1. We began a new prayer last week called Shalom Rav. One of the final blessings of the Amidah. We reviewed its meaning and listened to a cantor sing this prayer for peace. Students were to find all the words in Hebrew that relate to peace.  
  1. We discussed what is peace for our lives and the lives in Israel and why is it important to read these prayers. We discussed the strength the Jewish people have in U.S. and in Israel. How difficult it is to live our lives with fear and hatred. We discussed how we need to be strong and pray for peace. 
  1. We continued with the vocabulary from this prayer.  
  1. Participated in Hebrew through Movement with our school community led by Rabbi Prass.  

Homework:  

  1. Students need to review this prayer page 46. Please have them read a loud to you. 

Today in class we worked on: 

1/18-

  1. Participated in Tefillah led by Rabbi Bellows 
  1. Each student read lines from home work prayer on page 45 the Hoda’ah 
  1. We began a new prayer today, the Berchat Shalom, which consists of Shalom Rav and Sim Shalom 
  1. We discussed what is peace and why is it important to read these prayers 
  1. We started page 47 vocabulary and students will finish for next class.  We will finish the discussion next class. 
  1. Participated in Hebrew through Movement with our school community  

Homework:  

  1. Students need to finish page 47 in their workbook.  Please have them read a loud to you. 

Today in class we worked on: 

1/11-

  1. Our kitah (class) had t’fillot with Rabbi Prass where we had a discussion about how much fun everyone had on break, how we express special moments, and that t’fillah can be an opportunity to express special moments. 
  1. Had a quick review of the Hoda’ah prayer which was taught before break 
  1. Started page 42  Saying “Thank you”Ha’shem  
  1. Worked on the theme of the prayer and personal thanks,  pages 43 & 44  
  1. Played a Hebrew game using vocabulary from page 45 
  1. Participated in Hebrew through Movement with our school community 

* Enjoyed a pizza gatherin 

Homework:  

  1. Each student has 2 lines from page 45 to practice for next week.  Please have them read aloud to you. 

Today in class we worked on: 

12/21-

  1. We began in an all-school t’fillah with Rabbi Prass where we talked about heroic acts we have seen and how that connects to the heroic acts of the Maccabees in the Channukah story.   
  1.  we reviewed page 38 
  1. We discussed Hanukkah  
  1. We played a Hebrew game  
  1. Our class along with the other grades were able to enjoy a pizza dinner.  
  1. Lihitaot (good-bye). Have a wonderful Chanukah, Happy and Healthy Secular New Years! See you all back on Wednesday, January 11th. 
  1. We have two weeks vacation …see you on the 11th. Happy Hanukkah and Happy New year 

Homework:  

  1. The CBA Winter Break schedule is: 
  1. Sunday, December 25 - Sunday, January 8 NO Religious & Hebrew School – Winter Break 
  1. Tuesday, January 10 - Tuesday Hebrew School Resumes 
  1. Wednesday, January 11 - Wednesday Hebrew School Resumes 
  1. Sunday, January 15 - Religious School Resumes 

Homework to be completed by next class:  

Practice the G’vurah prayer picking 2 different lines to read next week. After this practice, they should be ready to read the whole prayer. 

Today in class we worked on: 

12/14-

  1. We enjoyed all school t’fillot with Rabbi Prass where we talked about the gifts we have given and can give to our parents  
  1. Alef – Bet quiz 
  1. Discussed and read the vocabulary and the meaning of the different sentences in the new prayer we started last week…Hoda’ah, thanksgiving. 
  1. Also practiced the prayer we say when we get up in the morning for giving us life and a new day, Modeh Ani 
  1. We discussed who are the “Rocks” in their lives and listed the common characteristics 
  1. Played a Hebrew vocabulary game 
  1. Our class along with the other grades were able to enjoy learning with Rabbi Prass to learn Hebrew through Movement.  
  1. Lihitaot (good-bye). 

Homework:  

  1. Practice the Hoda’ah prayer page 36 to be ready to read to me when we return from break 

Today in class we worked on: 

12/7-

  1. We reread Kiddusha page 35, third part of the Amidah to practice reading 
  1. We began chapter 4 the Hoda’ah, sixth blessing in Amidah, by reading and discussing the meaning  
  1. Worked on fluency and choreography of the prayer 
  1. We discussed things we thank God for i.e., don’t take life and its goodness for granted, who makes a difference in our lives, what are words of appreciation 
  1. Worked on worksheet together 
  1. Played a Hebrew game and learned more Hebrew vocabulary 
  1. We also joined Rabbi Prass for tefilah and for Hebrew thru Movement. 

Homework:  

  1. Practice the Hoda’ah prayer and its meaning on page 36 

Homework to be completed by next class:  

Practice the G’vurah prayer picking 2 different lines to read next week. After this practice, they should be ready to read the whole prayer. 

Today in class we worked on: 

11/30-

  1. We continued to work on the Kiddusha page 31, third part of the Amidah 
  1. Discussed and read the vocabulary and the meaning of the different sentences in the prayer 
  1. Worked on the movement in the prayer 
  1. Discussed the meaning of G-d’s glory and greatness 
  1. Discussed the meaning of “From generation to generation we tell of your greatness” and how do we do this in everyday life?? 
  1. Worked on fluency 
  1. Worked on worksheets together 
  1. Played a Hebrew game 
  1. We also joined Rabbi Prass for tefilah and for Hebrew thru Movement. 

Homework:  

  1. Practice the Kedusha prayer page 28 to be ready to read to me next week 

Today in class we worked on: 

11/9-

  1. Continued reading practice of the G’vurot prayer 
  1. Last week, students created a fruit tree with acts of kindness that they personally do in their lives. Today, we discussed and wrote compassion and mercy on the trunk in Hebrew. 
  1. We worked on pages 24-26 and discussed what makes a good name.  We also talked about Heroes and what makes them powerful to us. 
  1. We also joined Rabbi Prass and the rest of the school for tefilot and for Hebrew Through Movement. 

Homework to be completed by next class:  

  1. Practice the G’vurah prayer picking 2 different lines to read next week.  
  1. After this practice, they should be ready to read the whole prayer. 

Today in class we worked on:

11/2-

  1. Participated in all school Tefillah with Rabbi Prass
  2. Continued the G’vurot prayer and it’s meaning.
  3. Talked about acts of kindness they themselves do each day.
  4. Students created a fruit tree with acts of kindness that they personally do in their lives.
  5. We had a great discussion about what are kind acts and why it is important to always be kind and how we sustain life.
  6. Practiced reading and worked on vocabulary.
  7. We ended class with the other Hebrew classes and watched a video about OSRUI summer 2023 and Rabbi Prass led Hebrew Through Movement.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Practice the G’vurah prayer picking 2 different lines to read next week.

Today in class we worked on:

10/26-

  1. Participated in all school Tefillah with Rabbi Prass
  2. Continued the G’vurot prayer and it’s meaning
  3. What makes you powerful in…. “G-d’s eyes”? Parent’s eyes?                   Teacher’s eyes?  Friends eyes?  And your eyes?
  4. Page 19 … discussion
  5. Reread page 16 lines 1-3 & 4-7
  6. Participated in Hebrew through Movement with our school community

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Practice the G’vurah prayer picking 2 different lines to read next week.
  2. For next week…come to school with a list of Acts of Kindness “With Kindness you sustain the living.”

Today in class we worked on:

10/19-

  1. Participated in all school Tefillah with Rabbi Prass
  2. Alef /Bet quiz
  3. Began reading G’vurah prayer second part of the Amidah. Students chose a line to read outloud. Nice job!
  4. We discussed the meaning of this prayer by discussing what makes one powerful
  5. Participated in Hebrew through Movement with our school community led by Rabbi Prass and had a chance to taste an etrog

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Practice the G’vurah prayer picking 2 different lines to read next week.

Today in class we worked on:

10/12-

  1. We enjoyed an all-school t’fillah with Rabbi Prass
  2. Shared their Family trees and spoke about ancestors
  3. Worked on vocabulary
  4. Worked on Torah connection
  5. Worked on Acts of loving kindness
  6. Ended class with a word game in Hebrew
  7. Talked about inviting guests to the Sukkah
  8. We visited the Sukkah for shaking the lulav & etrog, and Hebrew thru movement.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Students need to be prepared for class with supplies from the supply list sent to all families.
  2. Page 13, Families’ Acts Loving Kindness.  Students need to talk to the family to find out more information.

Today in class we worked on:

9/28-

Today in class we worked on:

  1. We enjoyed all grade T’Fillah with Rabbi Prass.
  1. Students’ family trees are wonderful
  2. Continued learning the meaning of the Avot V’Emaot prayer and its meaning
  3. Students discussed the number of blessings in the prayer and different names of this prayer
  4. We continue to work on Hebrew vocabulary
  5. We joined the 5th grade Gimmel class outside with Rabbi Prass for Hebrew Through Movement

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. No homework

Today in class we worked on:
9/21-

  1. Participated in Tefillah led by Rabbi Prass who also sounded the shofar.
  2. Continued learning the Avot V’Emaot prayer . This is the first part of the Amidah.
  3. Worked on their Family Tree and vocabulary
  4. Learned more Hebrew words from Hebrew Through
  5. Movement and enjoyed doing this outside
  6. Ended class with a word game in Hebrew
  7. Shana Tovah to all of you. Have a beautiful Rosh Hashanah
    Homework to be completed by next class:
    9/21-
    1) Students need to finish their Family Trees for next class.They might need your help with grandparents.
    2) Students need to be prepared for class with supplies from the supply list sent to all families.

Today in class we worked on:
9/14-

  1. We enjoyed an all-school assembly with Rabbi Prass where we heard the sound of the shofar for the month of Elul.
  2. Getting to know you games
  3. Started Avot V’Emaot prayer. This is the first part of the Amidah.
  4. We participated in Hebrew through movement to practice new vocabulary outside with Rabbi Prass
  5. Discussed expectations for class, bringing their book, homework, supplies, etc.
  6. It was a pleasure to meet your children
    Homework to be completed by next class:
    9/14-
    1) Students are to work on their ideas for Family Tree which will be completed in class. They might need your help with grandparents.