Gimel – Third Year – Tuesday (Kerman)

4/22: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Hello Gimmel Parents, Moreh Kerman reporting to you about our extremely talented Gimmel Class.
  2. School began with Rabbi Prass leading an all school Tefillah. He asked the group how they tell time.  They had some serious and fun answers.  Then Rabbi Prass reminded us that we can tell time by what our prayers are, specifically our Gevurot prayer which changes after Passover.
  3. When we returned to class, we talked about what we will be studying over the last three class sessions.
  4. Secondly, our students took their final Hebrew Alphabet test. Many of the results were excellent.
  5. Also, in keeping with our plan, we worked on several new prayers. The students did a great job decoding those prayers. We then worked on our individual reading by reviewing the homework and adding several new pages to what we are studying.
  6. The entire Hebrew school gathered in the sanctuary with Rabbi Prass to hear about Yom HaShoah which occurs 4/23-4/24. Rabbi Prass asked what they remembered from the Yom Hashoah station this past Sunday, and it was impressive how much they internalized. Then we stood and heard the sirens that go off in Israel to mark the moment of silence on Yom Hashoah in this Youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hDeSZoRglw. Ask your student what do the Israelis do during the moment of silence?

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Pages: pg. 86 lines 1 – 3,
  2. pg.90… lines 1 – 2,
  3. pg. 95…lines 1-3

4/15: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Hello Gimmel Parents, Moreh Kerman reporting to you about our extremely talented Gimmel Class.
  2. Today, the entire school gathered in the sanctuary, with Rabbi Prass, for Tefillah. He asked them “What counts for them?” and “How do you show that it counts?” They learned that the 50 days between Passover and Shavuot is the counting of the Omer. Today is the second day.  It is a reminder to make everyday count.
  3. When we returned to class, we talked about what we will be studying over the last four class sessions. First, next week our students will be taking their last Hebrew Alphabet test. Because everyone did so well on the last test, it is my hope that everyone scores 100% on their final test. Secondly, we reviewed our plan to finish our text by the final session.
  4. Today, in keeping with that goal, we worked on several new prayers. The students did a great job decoding those prayers.
  5. We then worked on our individual reading by reviewing the homework and adding several new pages to what we are studying.
  6. The Hebrew school students gathered in the sanctuary with Rabbi Prass. He explained more about the Omer and the traditions around when not to and when to cut hair during the Omer.  He also talked about the upcoming Lag B’Omer event to raise money for childhood cancer through St. Balderick’s.  He showed them videos of past school participants sharing their motivation for participating in the event.  There is information on the Congregational Website, school newsletter, and CBA Facebook group. It’s a fun time, for a very worthy cause.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Pages: pg, 77 1-4,
  2. page 80 all,
  3. page 83 1-5…

4/8: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Hello Gimmel Parents, Moreh Kerman reporting to you about our extremely talented Gimmel Class.
  2. School began with Rabbi Prass leading an all school Tefillah. He reminded all of us that celebrating Passover is work for the adults preparing, so he asked, “What can you do to dial down the stress of Passover Prep, and dial up the joy?”  The learners had lots of great answers.  Then Rabbi Prass reminded us that the work is worth it and connected this point to our prayer the avot v’imahot, and how Passover is a connection to our tradition.  He also connected it to our prayer the gevurot, how each of us has a special power to “Dial up the joy”
  3. When we returned to class, we worked on our Passover presentation (The 10 Plagues). Our students practiced their song written to “This Land is your Land” and coordinated the pictures they created to bring our presentation to life.
  4. We then worked on our individual reading by reviewing the homework and adding several new pages to what we are studying.
  5. Lastly, the entire school joined together to act out their assigned part of the Passover Sedar. It was a great assembly! Their work was also recorded and uploaded to the CBA Youtube account and emailed it to all Tuesday parents to see. It is currently kept private, by being “Unlisted”, only people with the video link can view it. Please enjoy and ask your child about it.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Pages: 72…1 -2,
  2. 73… all,
  3. 74… all, and
  4. 77… 1- 3

4/1: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Hello Gimmel Parents, Moreh Kerman reporting to you about our awesome Gimmel Class.
  2. School began with Rabbi Prass leading an all school Tefillah. He started the t’fillah asking us, on the count of three to all whisper a special place we went to over spring break.  They he asked us why is it important to go to different/special/unique places? We then talked about how the Hebrew word for place, HaMakom, is also a name for God.  We then connected that to our Keduasha prayer, about calling out special things.
  3. When we returned to class, we worked on our Passover presentation (The 10 Plagues). Our students learned our song written to “This Land is your Land.” The students also brought in their artwork which will aid in our presentation.
  4. We then worked on our individual reading by reviewing the homework and adding several new pages to what we are studying.
  5. Our session concluded with Rabbi Prass leading the entire school in practicing the 4 questions in preparation for the Passover Seder.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Pages: 65… 1-3,
  2. 66… all, 68 all, and
  3. 69…1-3

3/18: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Hello Gimmel Parents, Moreh Kerman reporting to you about our super Gimmel Class.
  2. School began with Rabbi Prass leading an all school Tefillah. Rabbi Prass asked the learners “what is your superpower of giving happiness during spring break?” and “How will you marbeem b’simcha (increase happiness) for someone else over Spring Break?”  We then talked about how that is a strength liked what is talked about in the Gevurot prayer.
  3. When we returned to class, we began planning our role in the Tuesday Passover Program. The Gimmel class will be presenting the Ten Plagues, using both art and a song.
  4. We then worked on our individual reading with an emphasis on Mi Chamocha.
  5. I hope everyone has a great spring break, and returns to school on April 1st ready to work on our Passover Program and our push to finish our Hebrew Text.
  6. We concluded with an all school Hebrew thru Movement led by Rabbi Prass focusing on our word of the week, Megillah where certain students had the change to tell us “their Megillah”
  7. L’Shalom, Paul Kerman

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Homework:
    • 50- 1-6, 52, 54, and 56 (all) (Try to make some time)

3/11: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Hello Gimmel Parents, Moreh Kerman reporting to you about our amazing Gimmel Class.
  2. Today, the students gathered in the sanctuary, with Rabbi Prass, for Tefillah. As it is still Adar, and we are told that when Adar enters, joy increases, Rabbi Prass asked, what is something that has made you laugh or smile this month. We then began our t’fillah, “Adonai sefatai t’ftach, God open our lips” so that we can joyous things.
  3. When we returned to class, we began working with our Flashcards. The students are beginning to sight read the cards with skill. The results were excellent!
  4. However, the majority of our time was spent talking about Purim and practicing the words each of our Gimmel students will be reading as all of our Tuesday students combine their skills to read The Magilla. The results of this activity were so very rewarding! Each class did a great job.
  5. Each Tuesday Hebrew School Student was given a portion of the Purim Megillah, Esther Chapter 1:1 -6.  Aleph was given 1 word, Bet 2 words, Gimmel 3 words, Daled 4 words. They practiced in their respective kitot for the last 2 weeks and today they lined up and read from the actual megillah which has a different font, and has no vowels,  just like in the Torah scroll.   
  6. Today, we recorded it. And uploaded it to the CBA Youtube account and emailed it to all Tuesday parents to see. It is currently kept private, by being “Unlisted”, only people with the video link can view it. Please enjoy and ask your child about it.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Every student wrote out the homework for the week on an index card.
  2. Homework:
    • Pages: 50- 1-6, 52, 54, and 56 (all)

3/4: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Hello Gimmel Parents, Moreh Kerman reporting to you about our incredible Gimmel Class.
  2. Today, the students gathered in the sanctuary, with Rabbi Prass, for Tefillah. We looked at the words of the week “marbeem b’simcha” increasing joy in this Hebrew month of Adar.  Rabbi Prass asked us why do we need to increase joy now?  We related that to the gevuorot prayer, and how the ability to increase joy is a strength and super power.
  3. When we returned to class, we began preparing for next week’s Magilla reading. Each Gimmel student will read three words to help the entire Tuesday student body read Chapter 1 from the Magilla for Purim.
  4. Next, we reviewed our homework and spent a good deal of time working on Mi Chamocha and some basic prayers (for the wine, bread, and spices).  
  5. We concluded our class with 5 minutes of Jewish/Hebrew Trivia (with an emphasis on the upcoming holidays).
  6. We ended Hebrew today with Rabbi Prass leading the students through a practice run for next week’s reading (and recording) of the Megillat Esther, Chapter 1. The students need to be louder, but they know what they are doing. It will be a fun time!

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Please help your child practice their three words for our Megllah reading.
  2. Also, please study page 50  lines 1-6

2/25: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Hello Gimmel Parents, Moreh Kerman reporting to you about our incredible Gimmel Class.
  2. Today, the entire school gathered in the sanctuary, with Rabbi Prass, for Tefillah. Rabbi Prass asked what is something they like to put on and why?  Students shared some lovely answers.  Then he explained how many Jews like to put on a kippah. Students are still wearing kippot. It’s been a nice thing so see.
  3. When we returned to class, we began working with our Flashcards. The students are beginning to sight read the cards with skill. Today, I added eight new cards to the pack and the results we excellent.
  4. Next, we had our second individual prayer reading experience. We will be using this activity on a regular basis as we get closer to the end of the school year.
  5. Next, we reviewed our homework and spent a good deal of time working on Mi Chamocha and the V’Ahavta.
  6. We concluded our class with 5 minutes of Jewish/Hebrew Trivia (with an emphasis on the upcoming holidays).
  7. Today, the students received the words they will be reading from the Megillat Esther. Each student in Kitah Gimmel received 3 words to read. We went over the words, and they read them wonderfully! I know there is a bit of hesitation over having to read them without the nikkud/vowel markings, but I showed them that it is easier than they realized.
  8. We ended Hebrew today with Rabbi Prass talking about the Bibas family. Then each student was given an orange balloon and asked to write a message to the Bibas family on the balloon.  While they wrote we listened to this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=wId08EiSIkA&fbclid=IwY2xjawIrLKRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHbfrppFiMkRySArZU48RRZcNYdfYVec-BYZem5HyjAP8g0l4fzSfre9qNA_aem_N8zMxdioHjMnuvI7GMbn7Q  They were given the option of taking their balloon home or releasing it outside.  Ask your student about this.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Every student wrote out the homework for the week on an index card.
  2. Homework:
    • Page 42 all
    • page 50 lines 1-5

2/18: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Hello Gimmel Parents, Moreh Kerman reporting to you about our talented Gimmel Class.
  2. School began with Rabbi Prass leading Tefillah. We asked the students to wear kippot for at least the next few weeks in t’fillot.  Rabbi Prass explained that one reason why we were asking all to wear kippot is to try something you wouldn’t otherwise try unless the adults requested.  Then he led a conversation around the question, “Why do you wear team swag/logos? What does it say about YOU?”  As always our learners had great things to offer.
  3. When we returned to class, we began working with our Flashcards.
  4.  Next, we had our first individual prayer reading experience. We will be using this activity on a regular basis as we get closer to the end of the school year.
  5. Next, we reviewed our homework and spent a good deal of time working on Mi Chamocha and the V’Ahavta.
  6. We concluded our class with 5 minutes of Jewish/Hebrew Trivia (with an emphasis on the upcoming holidays).
  7. We ended Hebrew School today with Rabbi Prass discussing the most recent release of Israeli hostages with the entire Hebrew School.  These discussions lead to thoughtful questions. The Rabbi’s talks are never meant to frighten, but to enlighten.  

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1.   Homework:
    • Page 33… 1-6,  
    • pg.34… 1 -5,  
    • pg. 41 1-2 and
    • pg,42  1,2 & 3.
  2.  L’Shalom, Paul Kerman

2/11: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Hello Gimmel Parents, Moreh Kerman reporting to you about our incredible Gimmel Class.
  2. Today, the students gathered in the sanctuary, with Rabbi Prass, for an all school Tefillah. We asked the students to wear kippot for at least the next few weeks in t’fillot. The congregation provides clean kippot, but if your student has a kippah they would like to bring from home, by all means, send it along.  Rabbi Prass led a discussion about kippot.
  3. When we returned to class, we began working with our Flashcards.
  4. Next, we had our fifth “Flashcard Test.” I showed the students 5 different Hebrew words, and the students translated each word, and gave a definition for each term. We also had an Extra Credit (10pts) word which 3 out of the four students were able to answer.
  5. Next, we reviewed our homework and spent a good deal of time working on Mi Chamocha.
  6. We concluded our class with 5 minutes of Jewish/Hebrew Trivia (with an emphasis on Israel).
  7. We ended Hebrew today with the entire school gathering in the sanctuary with Rabbi Prass and discussing recent antisemitic events which happened during the Super Bowl. This led to some very intelligent questions from the students.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Every student wrote out the homework for the week on an index card.
  2. Homework:
    • Page 33… 1-6,  
    • pg.34… 1 -5,  
    • pg. 41 1-2
    • pg,42  1,2 & 3.

2/4: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Hello Gimmel Parents, Moreh Kerman reporting to you about our amazing Gimmel Class.
  2. School began with Rabbi Prass leading Tefillah. Rabbi always discusses an aspect of one of the prayers we say. Rabbi asked us who are creators/makers we like/respect and why? He then pointed out that in the Aleinu prayer, we see the words לְיוֹצֵר בְּרֵאשִׁית (God, the Creator of all things).  We are praising God because God creates all things.
  3. When we returned to class, we began working with our Flashcards.
  4. Next, we had our fourth “Flashcard Test.” I showed the students 6 different Hebrew words, and the students translated each word into English and gave a definition for each term. We also had an Extra Credit (10pts) word which all students were able to earn. We then reviewed our homework and spent a good deal of time working on learning the V’Ahavta. We concluded our class session with 5 minutes of Jewish/Hebrew Trivia.
  5. We ended the session with all-school Hebrew Thru Movement led by Rabbi Prass.  He introduced new words for Tu Bishvat.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Every student wrote out the homework for the week on an index card.
  2. Homework:
    • Page 33… 1-6,
    • pg.34… 1 -3,  
    • pg.36… 1-3
    • pg,38…i-2

1/28: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Hello Gimmel Parents, Moreh Kerman reporting to you about our awesome Gimmel Class.
  2. School began with Rabbi Prass leading Tefillah. Rabbi always discusses an aspect of one of the prayers we say.  Today we looked at the Aleinu, and how the 4th line uses the word mishpachot as tribes. Rabbi Prass asked us for examples of good and bad mishpachot in our lives.  Then he showed us how the aleinu thanks God for putting us with the good families and tribes.
  3. When we returned to class, we began working with our Flashcards.
  4. Next, we had our third “Flashcard Test.” I showed the students 5 different Hebrew words, and the students translated each word into English, and gave a definition for each term. We also had an Extra Credit word which all  students were able to define.
  5. We then reviewed our homework and spent a good deal of time working on learning the V’Ahavta. ‘We concluded our class session with 5 minutes of Jewish/Hebrew Trivia.
  6. Lastly, all classes joined together for a discussion about several geographically incorrect displays at Stevenson High School’s World Fair this past weekend which seemed to be ignored by the school’s administration.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Every student wrote out the homework for the week on an index card.
  2. Homework:
    • Page 33… 1-6,
    • Page 34… 1 -3  
    • Page 36… 1-3
    • Page 38…i-2
  3. L’Shalom, Paul Kerman

1/21: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Hello Gimmel Parents, Moreh Kerman reporting to you about our terrific Gimmel Class.
  2. School began with Rabbi Prass discussing the freeing of three hostages by Hamas this past Sunday.  He shared the video in this article which allowed us to witness the happier chapter of the 3 ex-hostages being reunited with their families back in Israel.   The students asked several amazing questions and eagerly participated in a wide-ranging discussion on the topic.
  3. When we returned to class, we finished up the discussion with a summary of the events thus far.
  4. Next, we had our second “Flashcard Test.” I showed the students 6 different Hebrew words, and the students translated each word into English and gave a definition for each term. We will be adding this activity to our class schedule on a weekly basis.
  5. We then reviewed our homework and spent a good deal of time working on learning the V’Ahavta.
  6. We concluded our class session with 5 minutes of Jewish/Hebrew Trivia.
  7. Lastly, all class joined together for our weekly Hebrew Thru movement Experience.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Every student wrote out the homework for the week on a sheet of paper. I would appreciate it if you would sign that assignment sheet,
  2. Homework:
    • Page 33… 1-4,
    • pg.36… 1 -2
    • pg.37…fill-in the answers
    • pg. 23…4,8 & 9

1/14: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Hello Gimmel Parents, Moreh Kerman reporting to you about our terrific Gimmel Class.
  2. School began with all school Tefillah and with Rabbi Prass asking us “what are some things we have to do?” and then asking us what “Which of those things are actually important?” The students responded with many excellent answers. Rabbi then asked us to look at the Aleinu prayer which literally means “We have to” and gives us a list of things we have to do as Jews.  We had quite an in-depth discussion on this topic.
  3. Upon returning to class, we had our first “Flashcard Test.” I showed the students 7 different Hebrew words, and the students translated each word into English and gave a definition for each term. We will be adding this activity to our class schedule on a biweekly schedule.
  4. We then reviewed our homework and spent a good deal of time working on learning the V’Ahavta.
  5. We concluded our class session with 5 minutes of Jewish/Hebrew Trivia.
  6. Lastly, all of the classes joined together for our weekly Hebrew Thru Movement.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Every student wrote out the homework for the week on a sheet of paper. I would appreciate it if you would sign that assignment sheet,
  2. Homework: Page 33, 1-3… pg. 34… 1-3 and pg. 18… All

1/7: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Hello Gimmel Parents, Moreh Kerman reporting to you about our terrific Gimmel Class.
  2. Our day began with Tefillah. Rabbi asked the question, “what makes something special?” The students contributed many excellent answers.
  3. Upon returning to class, each student shared a one sentence summary of their activities over break.
  4. We then worked with our flashcards. This week I introduced several more difficult words to the mix. Our students were able to decode these words.
  5. Next, we worked in our text. We spent the bulk of the time working on the Shema and V’.Ahavta.
  6. Lastly, we played a ten-minute round of Jewish Trivia
  7. We ended with an all school Hebrew thru movement led by Rabbi Prass.  We added on some new words which we will reinforce for the next few weeks.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Every student wrote out the homework for the week on an index card. I would appreciate it if you would sign that assignment sheet.
  2. Homework: Page33… lines 1 – 5, page 34… lines 1-3, and page 18… all

12/17: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Today, the students gathered in the sanctuary, with Rabbi Prass, for tefillah. He pointed out that at this time of year in Chicago, the amount of sunlight is less and less, and asked the students what they do to feel the light and find the light.  They shared some lovely ideas.  He pointed out that one source of light for all of us is how much the students are able to participate more and more confidently in our t’fillah.
  2. We reviewed their homework. We reviewed the ‘double duty dot’ (cholam & shin/sin) reviewed what a shoresh is, and practiced reading aloud.
  3. We worked on the next chapter of the V’Ahavta, at least the first 2 sentences, as well as meaning.
  4. The entire school gathered in the main area for a festive Hanukkah dinner and end of semester celebration of pizza. A good time was had by all.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Review reading the v’ahavta

12/10: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Hello Gimmel Parents, Moreh Kerman reporting to you about our terrific Gimmel Class.
  2. School began with an all school Tefiilah led by Rabbi Prass.  He started asking us who and what makes you feel safe? We then looked at our prayer avot v’imahot, and how the last line talks about God being the “Shield of Abraham and the Help of Sarah”, or in other words make us feel safe.  We also talked about how the Maccabees fought to make our ancestors feel safe.
  3.  Upon returning to class, the students each took their Hebrew Alphabet assessment. The results showed that each student is making progress.
  4. We then reviewed the homework and began studying the Shema.
  5. We then played a quick round of Jewish Trivia.
  6. We closed the session by joining all of the other classes to play Hebrew-Thru-Movement, Chanukah Style, led by Rabbi Prass.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Review pg.14…all,  pg. 18. all, pg. 23. 1-4. Pages 25-25 all and pg. 26 line 1&2

12/3: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Hello Gimmel Parents, Moreh Kerman reporting to you about our terrific Gimmel Class.
  2. School began with an all-school Tefillah.  Rabbi Prass asked the students “What is something positive you caused to happen over Thanksgiving?” and “What is something good you did?” The students provided many excellent answers and examples to further our learning.  We then connected this to the gevuorot prayer and specifically the word “mechaye” which means “the one who causes..” and talked about the good things mentioned in the prayer.
  3. Upon returning to class, we reviewed the Hebrew Alphabet and began to work with our Flashcards. We are not only reading each word but defining them as well. We then read and discussed our homework.
  4. Lastly, we played a short round of Jewish Trivia.
  5. We concluded by joining the entire school for Hebrew thru Movment led by Rabbi Prass where we added on new verbs and vocabulary centered around Chanukah.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Every student wrote out the homework for the week on a sheet of paper. I would appreciate it if you would sign that assignment sheet
  2. Homework:
  3. Continue reviewing the Hebrew Alphabet…   pg, 13… 1-4, pg. 14… all pg. 18… all,  and pg. 23…1-4…

11/19: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Hello Gimmel Parents, Moreh Kerman reporting to you about our terrific Gimmel Class.
  2. School began with Tefillah and with Rabbi Bellows leading the all-school t’fillah. We discussed several prayers and sang Hatikvah.
  3.  Upon returning to class, we reviewed the Hebrew Alphabet and began to work with our Flashcards. We are not only reading each word but defining it as well.
  4. We then discussed our homework.
  5. Lastly, we played a ten-minute round of Jewish Trivia.
  6. We then joined Rabbi Bellows for our Hebrew Thru Movement experience which was led by the students.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Every student wrote out the homework for the week on a sheet of paper.I would appreciate it if you would sign that assignment sheet
  2. Continue reviewing the Hebrew Alphabet…
  3. Page 10…1 -5, pg.13 lines 5-9, pg.14 all and pg.18-all
  4. My family and I want to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

11/12: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Hello Gimmel Parents, Moreh Kerman reporting to you about our terrific Gimmel Class.
  2. School began with an all school Tefillah. Rabbi Prass led a discussion, asking the students how the word awesome can have both positive and negative attributes. Our students presented many thoughtful ideas and understood the complexities of the question.  He then pointed out that the word Hanorah, or Awesone One is in the Avot V’imahot prayer, and teaches us to praise those awesome things which are positive, holy, and beautiful.  We also talked about the word of the week, “eezoon” which means balance, and we shared the good and challenging things in our lives which balance our days.
  3.  After returning to class, we began working on a new group of flashcards. These words were more sophisticated than the previous set we have been using. Our students accepted this challenge and did an excellent job.  
  4. Next, we spent the majority of the time reading and practicing one review prayer and two new prayers.
  5. Lastly, we played a short round of Jewish Trivia.
  6. Then we joined the entire Hebrew school for Hebrew thru movement, where we reviewed the words we learned last week, the body part words, by playing “Simon Says” and sharing personal “human tricks” in Hebrew to reinforce these words.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Review pages 4 & 5 all Hebrew, page 10 -all page. 11 – 1&2 and 5 and 6,
  2. Page 13 lines 6,7,8,9  page 14 all and page 18 lines 1&2
  3. Every student wrote out the homework for the week on a sheet of paper. I would appreciate it if you would sign that card if you see this post.

11/5: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Hello Gimmel Parents, Moreh Kerman reporting to you about our terrific Gimmel Class.
  2. School began with an all school Tefillah and a Rabbi led discussion about who is the stronger person, someone who is kind or someone who is mean. Our students presented many thoughtful ideas and understood the complexities of the question. Rabbi Prass connected this to the prayer in our amidah, the gevurot, which means strength.  It praises the type of strength which helps others, and gives several specifics. Rabbi Prass also connected this to the word(s) of the week “derech eretz”, and how our political climate is one demonstration of how we need more “derech eretz” Ask your student to explain it to you.
  3.  After returning to class, we reviewed the Hebrew Alphabet quiz from last week. The results were quite good.
  4. We then worked with our Flashcards, and reviewed our homework.
  5. Next, we moved on to two new prayers in our text. Our students did an excellent job of sightreading those prayers.
  6. Lastly, we played a five-minute round of Jewish Trivia
  7. Then we joined the entire school for Hebrew Thru Movement led by Rabbi Prass and Ben G. Rabbi Prass introduced some new Ivrit vocabulary for body parts.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Every student wrote out the homework for the week on a sheet of paper.
  2. I would appreciate it if you would sign that card if you see this post.
  3. Continue reviewing the Hebrew Alphabet…
  4.  Page 16 both lines, pg. 18 lines 1 & 2, pg. 13 all 9 lines…

10/29: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Hello Gimmel Parents, Moreh Kerman reporting to you about our terrific Gimmel Class.
  2. School began with an all-school Tefillah and the Rabbi led a discussion asking the learners how they tell time.  They had an amazing variety of answers.  We then learned how Jewish prayer also helps us tell time including in our Gevurot prayer where the words change during the summer and the winter.
  3. After returning to class, we reviewed Simchat Torah.
  4. We then worked on sight reading our flashcards.
  5. Next, Kitah Gimmel & Kitah Daled joined Rabbi Prass in the sanctuary for a discussion on Simchat Torah, and coming close to inspect the Torah scroll and ask questions about it. Finally, the students had an opportunity to taste a piece of the Etrog. Most of our students like its taste. ( to my surprise)
  6. Upon returning to class, we reviewed our homework from last week, and moved on to a new topic in our text. Finally, we spent the last five minutes of class playing our trivia game and reviewing this week’s homework.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Every student wrote out the homework for the week on a sheet of paper. I would appreciate it if you would sign that card if you see this post.
  2. Continue reviewing the Hebrew Alphabet
  3. Please Study: page 13, lines 1,2,3, & 5… page 14 complete the English matching exercise…

10/22: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Hello Gimmel Parents, Moreh. Kerman reporting to you about our terrific  Gimmel Class.
  2. We enjoyed all-school T’Fillah with Rabbi Prass.  He showed us his ‘collection’ of an etrog from CBA over the last 18 Sukkot.  We also talked about the sounds and sights of sukkot from day 1 – day 8.
  3. After returning to class, we continued a brief conversation about Sukkot and then worked on sight reading our flashcards.
  4. Students participated with the Daled class outside to enjoy Hebrew Through Movement.  There we talked about what we can do and feel with our eyes, mouths backs, and heart.  We shook the etrog/lulav and the teaching that they symbolism the human heart, eyes, mouth, and spine.
  5. Upon returning to class, we reviewed our homework from last week, and moved on to a new topic in our text.
  6. Finally, we spent the last five minutes of class playing our trivia game and reviewing this week’s homework.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Continue reviewing the Hebrew Alphabet
  2. Read the top of page 11, and then read lines 1,2 and 5 on page 11 as well
  3. Complete page 12
  4. Read lines 1,2,3, on page 13

Every student wrote out the homework for the week on a sheet of paper. I would appreciate it if you would sign that card if you see this post.

10/15: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Hello Gimmel Parents, Mr. Kerman reporting to you about our awesome Gimmel Class.
  2. Today, the students gathered in the sanctuary with Rabbi Prass for tefillah.  We talked about WHY we need to find some moments for joy.  We connected this to our upcoming holiday of Sukkot, which is called our time of joy.
  3. After returning to class, I shared the graded Hebrew Alphabet scores with our students.
  4. We agreed that an essential part of our homework profile is to continue studying the alphabet and vowels.
  5. We then worked on our flashcards
  6. Gimmel and Daled went outside for Hebrew Thru Movement.
  7. We worked on reading The Barchu and several pages associated with that prayer in our textbook.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Every student wrote out the homework for the week on an index card. I would appreciate it if you would sign that card if you see this post.
  2. Page 4… lines 1 & 2
  3. Page 5…  review vocabulary meanings
  4. Page 7… review page 7 all
  5. Page 10…lines 1 and 5 only
  6. Page 11… lines 1 and 3

10/8: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Hello Gimmel Parents, Moreh Kerman reporting to you about our awesome Gimmel Class.
  2. We began in an all-school t’fillah with Rabbi Prass during which we honored the memories of the 1200 people killed in the Hamas terror attack in Israel on Oct 7, 2023 and prayed for the release of the 100+ hostages still being held in Gaza.  We listened to songs of hope, emphasizing the resilience of the Jewish people.
  3. Back in class, we reviewed the Hebrew Alphabet and practiced our reading.
  4. We also discussed Yom Kippur. We also read and discussed a poem about Kol Nidre.
  5. Also, each class member took an evaluation on the Hebrew Alphabet. Rabbi Prass will be providing you the results after all our students have taken the test.
  6. My family and I want to wish you all Shana Tova!  May we all be inscribed in the Book of Life for a healthy and joyous 5785. L’Shalom, Moreh Paul Kerman

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Continue to review the Alphabet and Vowels
  2. Review pages 1- 10
  3. Try to read lines 1&2 on the bottom of page 11

9/24: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Hello Gimmel Parents, Mr. Kerman reporting to you about our incredible Gimmel Class. 
  2. Participated in an all school Tefillah led by Rabbi Prass.  We shared ‘noises’ that distract us and things that help us quiet and focus our brains.  We talked about how t’fillah is one Jewish language/tool for quieting and focus.
  3. We are still in review mode, and spent our time studying the Hebrew alphabet, discussing Rosh Hashanah, creating percentage formulas designed to improve the world, reading a prayer, playing Jewish trivia, and working with our Flashcards.
  4. Also, each student received a Hebrew Alphabet study sheet which they need to work with as part of their homework.
  5. We ended class with the entire Hebrew school coming together for Hebrew Through Movement led by Rabbi Prass, and one of our own Daled students, Ben G.  We also heard the calls of the Shofar in celebration of Elul, the month leading up to Rosh Hashanah and the other High Holy Days.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Our homework for the next two weeks is:
    • Studying the Hebrew Alphabet and Vowels
    • Reviewing pages 1-10 in our text. The students have circled the exercises they need to study.
  2. My family and I want to wish you all Shana Tova!  May we all be inscribed in the Book of Life for a healthy and joyous 5785.

9/17: Today in class we worked on:

  1. Hello Gimmel Parents, Moreh. Kerman reporting to you about our incredible Gimmel Class. What an awesome group of learners!
  2. We began with an all school assembly.  The 2 older grades (daled & gimmel) shared 3 things that are helpful to learn Hebrew and 3 things that used to make them nervous about learning Hebrew. 
  3. We are in review mode, and spent our time discussing the Hebrew alphabet, trying to read a new prayer, playing Jewish trivia, and working with our Flashcards. Also, each student received a Hebrew Alphabet study sheet which they need to work with as part of their homework.
  4. Our review mode should last two more weeks and will serve to get everyone “up op speed” so we can begin studying the meat of our curriculum. Of course, we will constantly review to make sure that everyone is comfortable with our pace. No worries!
  5. We ended the session with all school assembly to do Hebrew Thru Movement.  Our kitah daled students helped lead it.  Parents were invited for this first session so they could meet the teachers. It was great to see so many parents and to have almost perfect attendance at Hebrew school! We also sounded the shofar in celebration of this month of Elul.

Homework to be completed by next class:

  1. Our homework this week is:
  2. Studying the Hebrew Alphabet and Vowels
  3. Practicing lines 1 & 2 on page 4 (bottom)
  4. Page 5 matching
  5. Page 8 True or False
  6. Thank you for sending us your amazing children…