Grade 6 Weekly News: November 9, 2010

Grade 6 Weekly News

November 9, 2010

Be sure to read our weekly newsletter and class blog (http://katemonge6thgrade.blogspot.com). These are great ways to keep up to date on assignments and important reminders about both ARS and TOS. Audio files of blessings and prayers we are studying can also be found on our blog for reinforcement (more coming soon!).

JEWISH STUDIES

This week, we focused on the Jewish value of Rodef Shalom (“chasing/pursuing peace” or “a chaser of peace”). We learned that there is a distinction between Oseh Shalom (a maker of peace) and Rodef Shalom (a seeker of peace). A Rodef Shalom acts aggressively to create opportunities for peace. Peace doesn’t just happen, it must be pursued. Our Jewish hero of the week is Nobel Peace Prize winner Yitzhak Rabin, who began the peace process with the Palestinians. He gave his life trying to solve the conflict in the Middle East. Click here to read this week's chapter (it begins on page 23).

JEWISH STUDIES HOMEWORK (due Tuesday, November 16):

Complete the worksheet on the reverse of this week's newsletter that was handed out in class. If you weren't in class (or misplaced the newsletter), the text can be found on page 24 in our textbook (see link above) and students should answer questions 1 - 3.

HEBREW – B’nei Mitzvah Skills

This week, we began our formal study of the Blessing After the Haftarah. Students learned the meaning and importance of this blessing as well practiced reading the first section. Once we’ve mastered reading the Hebrew, we’ll move onto chanting this upbeat tune!

HEBREW HOMEWORK:

Each week, students must practice reading Hebrew at least 5 minutes every night. Each student must complete and turn in a Reading Raffle Card to prove that they completed their Hebrew practice. This week, there are again TWO assignments:

• Students who did not successfully complete the Opening Haftarah Blessing Challenge must master the chanting of the blessing this week and pass the challenge at our next class.
• All students should be working on the Blessing After the Haftarah which can be found on page 254 in their blue folders. For homework, practice reading the first and second section of this blessing.

As always, students should also sing through what we know of the Trope Anthem a few times each day. A copy of the colorful Trope Anthem can be found in the blue folder as well.

An audio file of the blessings and Trope Anthem can be found to the right of this blog (see T'filah Recordings section)!

REMINDERS:

• Our next Shabbat B’Yachad is THIS Saturday, November 13. This required supplement to our weekly class time has something for all members of the family. Yoga, Torah study, games, crafts, parenting classes and more. Check out page 3 in the latest edition of Tidings (also available at www.ohabei.org) for more information.
• Join the community as JOSTY (our grade 7 & 8 youth group) leads the congregation for Erev Shabbat on Friday, November 19.
• If you need to contact me with any questions or concerns, please send a message to my new email address: monge.kate@gmail.com.