Shalom!
We finally had our first full week of Religious School and are beginning to settle into our new Hebrew routine.
On Sunday, we began our day with an inspiring tefilla session, concentrating mainly on the Shacharit Service (Morning Service). We read/sang the Ashrei, Modeh Ani, Ma Tovu and Shema. We discussed the "blessing formula" of Baruch Ata Adonai Eloheynu Melech Haolam.... We, as Jews, can follow this blessing formula when wishing to bless and/or pray for anything. For example, we can say "Baruch Ata Adonai Elohaynu Melech Haolam Asher blessed us with our mother and father." In other words, we can individually insert any personally meaningful item.
Following Tefilla, we divided into our 4th-5th Grade and 6th Grade sections. All students were given individual Hebrew assessments and, with the help of our Madrichim, each student was placed into his/her appropriate reading level group.
From Hebrew, the students entered the all new, fun and exciting Chug (elective) of their own choice. Some kids made and braided challahs, some played "Gaga Ball," (similar to Dodge Ball), some decided to participate in our Teatron (Drama), while others chose to watch parts of Mulan and discuss the hidden Jewish values in the movie.
On Tuesday, we began with the 6th and 7th Graders in the small Chapel and discussed the "Torah Lab" for the year. We will be concentrating mainly on learning the ins and outs of the whole Torah Service, giving our pre-Bar/Bat Mitzvah kids a head start on learning many of the blessings and rituals needed for their upcoming simchas.
All-in-all it was a busy and very productive week. I wish everyone a Shabbat Shalom!
L'shalom
Morah Donna Katz
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