Grade 6 Weekly Newsletter: May 3

Grade 6 Weekly News

May 3, 2011

A big thank you to all who attended this past Friday’s Teacher Appreciation Shabbat service and dinner. It was such a wonderful evening and celebration of this fabulous school year. I’d also like to thank all who contributed to this year’s teacher gift! Be sure to read our weekly newsletter and bookmark this class blog. These are great ways to keep up to date on assignments and important reminders about both ARS and TOS. Audio files of blessings, prayers and Trope that we are studying can also be found on our blog for reinforcement.

Jewish Studies

This week, each student presented his/her favorite Jewish hero/heroine to be inducted into the Jewish Heroes Hall of Fame. We heard how worthy Natalie Portman, Debbie Friedman, Albert Einstein, Hank Greenberg and Yitzhak Rabin (just to name a few) were to be part of our Hall of Fame.

As we transitioned to our mini-mester and the subject of the Holocaust, Hitler and Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), we had a wonderful conversation about the death of Osama Bin Laden and the Jewish perspective on rejoicing in someone's death. Click here to see the article we read as a class which sparked such a wonderful discussion. The students thought it was odd that the anniversary of Hitler's death, the death of Bin Laden and Yom HaShoah all took place within the past few days. We introduced the subject matter of our mini-mester, the Holocaust, by delving into the textbook we’ll be using during the final few weeks of school – Ten Thousand Children: True stories told by children who escaped the Holocaust on the Kindertransport. The students took their books home with them this week so parents can have a better sense of the content of the next few weeks of class. You can also view many pages of the textbook by clicking here. If at any time you’d like to discuss the content of this difficult subject we’ll be learning about as a class, please don’t hesitate to contact me or Shari in the school office.

HOMEWORK (due Tuesday, May 10):

Complete the homework about the Holocaust that was printed on the reverse of the newsletter that went home on Tuesday. If you misplaced your homework, the assignment was to write what you already know about the Holocaust.

Hebrew – B’nei Mitzvah Skills

We’re getting so close to completing our B’nei Mitzvah Checklist! Today, students perfected Av Harachamim (which can be found on page 244 in their blue folders or the siddur) and many passed their challenge! We had planned to begin reading and chanting Aleinu but our Osama Bin Laden and Holocaust conversations were so great that we got a little behind schedule. Each student took home a copy of Aleinu to practice reading at home.

Mark your calendars now for our Super Duper Rockin’ Bimah Challenge Day on Tuesday, May 17. Each student will be asked to chant our entire B’nei Mitzvah Prep Checklist from beginning to end on the bimah. It’s like a make-believe Bar/Bat Mitzvah!

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, students should practice reading Aleinu. I distributed a photocopy to each student today in class (there is also a link to the siddur page on our class blog, both a student version and a “Heblish” version so that parents who can’t read Hebrew can help their child practice). For homework, practice reading the Hebrew (or get ahead by listening to the audio file on our blog and learn the tune).

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 (and on our class blog you can find a copy of the Trope Anthem AND a link to hear it chanted!).

REMINDER:

• The BOSTY end of the year trip to Six Flags registration forms are due on Friday, May 13. The trip is taking place on Sunday, May 22! Contact Stacy in the school office with any questions: 617-739-9200.


• Our next Shabbat B’Yachad is on Saturday, May 14. Members of our TELEM Social Justice class (11 & 12 grade high school students) have been hard at work preparing to teach the community about hunger, homelessness and poverty. They would love your support!

Grade 6 Weekly News: April 26, 2011

Grade 6 Weekly News

April 26, 2011

Welcome back from vacation! It sure was quiet around here last week. I hope you all enjoyed your Passover and break from religious school. Be sure to read our weekly newsletter and bookmark this blog. These are great ways to keep up to date on assignments and important reminders about both ARS and TOS. Audio files of blessings, prayers and Trope that we are studying can also be here on the blog for reinforcement (see the T’filah Recordings section to the right)

Jewish Studies

This week, we wrapped up our study of Jewish heroes by breaking into groups and learning about 4 Jewish values:

• 
  
  Kiddush ha-Shem – “Making the Name Holy” – through martyrdom or by living in a way that gives honor to God and the Jewish people. (Heroes - Hannah Szenes and Hank Greenberg)


• 
  
  Shiru l’Adonai – “Sing unto God” – Jews believe that music builds a holy connection and makes services more user-friendly. (Heroes - Debbie Friedman and Craig Taubman)


• 
  
  Pikuach Nefesh – “Saving a soul.” – Every Jew has an obligation to save other people’s lives and to protect their health. (Heroes – Henrietta Szold and Dr. Jonas Salk)


• 
  
  Tzedakah – “Justice” – We have an obligation to give. The highest level of tzedakah is helping people to help themselves. (Heroes – Danny Siegel and Natalie Portman)
  

We came back together as a group and each group did their own teaching of these important Jewish values.

Next week, we’ll begin a mini-mester about the Kindertransport to conclude the grade 6 year.

HOMEWORK (due Tuesday, May 3):

Complete the worksheet about Jewish values that was printed on the reverse side of the hardcopy newsletter that went home on Tuesday. You can also print out a new copy in the Homework section of our blog (to the right).

Hebrew – B’nei Mitzvah Skills

We’re getting so close to completing our B’nei Mitzvah Checklist! Today, students began learning Av Harachamim (which can be found on page 244 in their blue folders or the siddur). We also prepared for this Friday’s Shabbat service by reviewing the Amidah, Oseh Shalom and our “Don’t Stop Your Teachin’!” song.

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, students should practice reading and chanting Av Harachamim. It can be found on page 244 in the siddur and their blue folders (there is also a link to the siddur page in the Siddur Pages section to the right, both a student version and a “Heblish” version so that parents who can’t read Hebrew can help their child practice). For homework, practice reading and chanting the Hebrew by listening to the audio file on our blog. Students should also review their part in this Friday’s Shabbat service.

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 (and on our class blog you can find a copy of the Trope Anthem AND a link to hear it chanted!).

REMINDER:

• 
  
  This Friday (April 29) is our annual Teacher Appreciation Shabbat service. Grade 6 will participate in the service by leading the Amidah, Oseh Shalom and a song honoring the teachers (“Don’t Stop Your Teachin’!”). Join us for snacks in the foyer beginning at 5:45pm. I hope you’ll be able to stay after the service for dinner (RSVP required – contact the school office), the slideshow and a presentation of teacher gifts. We’re looking forward to celebrating another successful year together as a community!


• 
  
  Students took home a flyer about the upcoming Ben Adler Memorial Blood Drive being held here at TOS on Thursday, May 19. If you’re interested in donating that day, please contact the Red Cross to set up your appointment.


• 
  
  The final youth group event of the year, a trip to Six Flags New England, is coming up on Sunday, May 22. Contact Stacy for more information or complete the registration flyer that was sent home on Tuesday.

Grade 6 Weekly News: March 29, 2011

Grade 6 Weekly News

March 29, 2011

What a wonderful service the BOSTYites led this past Friday! I am so proud of everyone’s hard work. 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, prayers and Trope that we are studying can also be found on our blog for reinforcement.

Jewish Studies

This week, we returned to our study of Jewish Heroes in our textbook Eizehu Gibor: Living Jewish Values. We learned about Avanah, humility, the balance between too much and too little pride. It is a value that takes work to live well. Albert Einstein teaches us that we can be great and still live a life of avanah. Moses shows us that one can be a leader and still live a life of avanah.

HOMEWORK – due Tuesday, April 5

Answer the following questions:

• 
  
  What can good qualities do?


• 
  
  What can bad qualities do?


• 
  
  What should a person be humble about his or her good qualities?

Hebrew – B’nei Mitzvah Skills

This week, we continued along our B’nei Mitzvah Prep List with the Blessing Before the Reading of Torah.

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, students should practice reading and chanting the Blessing Before the Reading of Torah. It can be found in their blue folders (there is also a link to the siddur page on our class blog, both a student version and a “Heblish” version so that parents who can’t read Hebrew can help their child practice). For homework, practice reading and chanting the Hebrew by listening to the audio file on our blog.

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 (and on our class blog you can find a copy of the Trope Anthem AND a link to hear it chanted!).

REMINDERS:

This Saturday (April 2) is our next Grade 6 B’nei Mitzvah Havurah! These special pre-Bar/Bat Mitzvah programs are required for all of the students to attend with at least one parent. We look forward to seeing you there! At 9:30am, meet in the Leibovitch Conference Room for pre-service discussion with Cantor Schloss. Bat Mitzvah of Remi Shore in the main sanctuary, followed by lunch. We will conclude around 1:30pm.

BOSTY Shabbat Prep

Grade 6 Students and Parents,

Please check out the new section of our blog (to the right) that contains everything you'll need to practice at home for our upcoming BOSTY Shabbat Service (Friday, March 25).

Find your name in the list of Service Assignment links and you'll be able to view all the prayers that you'll be leading. All of the students in grades 5 & 6 will be on the bimah for Hinei Ma Tov, Hashkiveinu, Oseh Shalom, the song grade 6 is writing and our closing song (which we'll be choosing as a group next week). There are also recordings of the tunes of each prayer in the BOSTY Shabbat section of our blog (more audio files coming soon!).

Please don't hesitate to contact me (monge.kate@gmail.com) or Shari (schurwin@ohabei.org) with any questions!

-Kate

Grade 6 Weekly News: March 1, 2011

Grade 6 Weekly News

March 1, 2011

Welcome back from vacation! It sure was quiet around here the last week! 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, prayers and Trope that we are studying can also be found on our blog for reinforcement.

BOSTY Shabbat Prep

This week, the students began preparing for BOSTY Shabbat. Grade 5 & 6 will be leading the congregation at our Erev Shabbat service on Friday, March 25. We met with the grade 5 students to pick this year’s theme and assign Hebrew & reading parts. Grade 6 had the honor of starting to write this year’s annual BOSTY song (a privilege that grade 6 gets each year). We will continue to practice and prepare each week as we approach our Shabbat service at the end of March. Please set aside that Friday evening to join us for the service. More information about registering for our community dinner following the service will be shared with you soon.

HEBREW – B’nei Mitzvah Skills
In the next few weeks, we'll be splitting our time between our B'nei Mitzvah Prep Checklist and our upcoming BOSTY Shabbat service preparations.

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 two choices for assignments:

• Students will receive their BOSTY Shabbat service assignments in class. Practice reading (or chanting, depending upon the prayer) your BOSTY Shabbat parts.

AND/OR

• Continue along on our B’nei Mitzvah Checklist – chanting the Blessing BEFORE the Reading of the Torah. It can be found on page 250 in the blue folders (there is also a link to the siddur page on our class blog, both a student version and a “Heblish” version so that parents who can’t read Hebrew can help their child practice). For homework, practice reading the Hebrew so that we can begin learning to chant it as a class.

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 (and on our class blog you can find a copy of the Trope Anthem AND a link to hear it chanted!).

REMINDERS

• BOSTY Shabbat (grades 5 & 6) is coming up soon! We have begun to prepare to lead the congregation in an Erev Shabbat service on Friday, March 25. Please put this date on hold so that you and your family can join us for the service and dinner to follow.
• PURIM CARNIVAL! Sunday, March 20 at 10:30am. Don't miss this fantastic yearly event!
• Join us at the next Grade 6 B'nei Mitzvah Havurah coming up on Saturday, APril 2 at 9:30am.
• If you need to contact me with any questions or concerns, please send a message to my new email address: monge.kate@gmail.com.
• As always, visit www.ohabei.org for more details and to see what else is going on at Temple Ohabei Shalom.

Grade 6 Weekly Newsletter: February 1

Sigh...another Snow Day! Keep practicing at home, Grade 6! We'll be having our Ein Kamocha Challenge Day the next time we see each other (Tuesday, February 8).

In the meantime, you can find the NEXT prayer we'll be studing in the Siddur Pages section of our blog. Click on "Ki Mitziyon (student version)" and practice reading the 4 lines of Hebrew text that make up this prayer. The four lines consist of the top two lines on page 246 as well as the top two lines on page 248. Read them over and over so that they are super smooth and we'll be ready to learn the tune together!

I miss you all and am hoping to get a break from this crazy weather so we can see each other in person next week!

-Kate

Grade 6 Weekly Newsletter: January 25

Grade 6 Weekly News

January 25, 2011

Don't be confused by the hardcopy newsletter that went home with the students this week! Due to last week's Snow/Ice Day, we reused what would have gone home last week (instead of wasting paper to print a new newsletter with the correct date at the top). All the information in the newsletter is correct except for the date that the homework is due). We had originally planned to make next week a Challenge Day to show off our Ein Kamocha skills and, even with the missed class last week, the students decided that want to keep that as the plan. Next week, we'll spend our Hebrew time perfecting Ein Kamocha and then all of the students will attempt to pass the challenge at the end of class.

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, prayers and Trope that we are studying can also be found on this blog for reinforcement.

JEWISH STUDIES

This week, we started class by reviewing last week’s homework and discussing the ethical dilemma that Rabbi Leo Baeck faced while in Theresienstadt. We then moved onto our next Jewish Value, Tzedek tzedek tirdof (“Justice, justice shall you pursue,” Deuteronomy 16:20). Tzedek is a core Jewish value that not only has to do with courts but with the way we treat each other. Justice doesn’t just happen; it needs to be chased and pursued. Students were given the opportunity to be the judge in various social, ethical, political and crime situations to determine which response would be most just. Our textbook introduced two Tzedek heroes: Justice Louis Brandeis (who showed us how to use the law to create justice) and Abraham Joshua Heschel (a rabbi and teacher who balanced his academic work with a public stance for justice in social movements. He taught that religion comes with obligations to live a just life).

JEWISH STUDIES HOMEWORK (due Tuesday, February 1):

Complete the worksheet on the reverse of the hardcopy newsletter and be ready to discuss your answers. If you have misplaced your newsletter from this week (or missed class), a copy of the homework can be found on the right side of this blog.

HEBREW – B’nei Mitzvah Skills
This week, we continued to practice chanting Ein Kamocha (the first part of the weekly Torah service that each student will chant at his/her Bar/Bat Mitzvah). Even though we missed a week of class due to the weather, our next Challenge Day will be on Tuesday, February 1!

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, all students should be working on chanting Ein Kamocha which can be found on page 244 in their blue folders. For homework, practice chanting all of Ein Kamocha to prepare for our Challenge Day. A copy of the text and an audio file of Cantor Schloss chanting Ein Kamocha can be found on the right side of this blog.

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 (and on our class blog you can find a copy of the Trope Anthem AND a link to hear it chanted!).

REMINDERS:

• Our Grade 6 B’nei Mitzvah Havurah meetings are coming up this winter and spring. These Shabbat morning meetings are vital to each student’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparations. Information about these events have been emailed to families. Please be sure to attend on the following dates: Saturday, February 12 at 9:30am and Saturday, April 2 at 9:30am. The February date is also our exciting Building Blocks Workshop Lego event!! It's a morning not to be missed!
• If you need to contact me with any questions or concerns, please send a message to my new email address: monge.kate@gmail.com.
• As always, visit www.ohabei.org for more details and to see what else is going on at Temple Ohabei Shalom.

Grade 6 Weekly News: January 18, 2011

Today was a Snow (or, ice) Day! I'm sorry we didn't get a chance to spend a few fabulous hours together as a class this week. Keep practicing Ein Kamocha at home and be ready to kick it into high gear when we meet for class next week!

-Kate

Grade 6 Weekly News: January 11, 2011

Grade 6 Weekly News

January 11, 2011

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, prayers and Trope that we are studying can also be found on our blog for reinforcement.

JEWISH STUDIES

This week, we started class by reviewing last week’s homework (what Israel does for me and what I can do for Israel). We then moved onto our next Jewish Value, Ometz Lev (strength of heart, courage). We learned about Regina Jonas, a Jewish hero who should be better known. She modeled Ometz Lev by struggling to become the first woman rabbi and by being a source of comfort to many Jews during the Holocaust. Rabbi Leo Baeck is also an Ometz Lev hero from the Holocaust. He refused to leave Germany, stayed to serve as a leader of the German Jewish community and then turned to a more humble kind of service at the Theresienstadt concentration camp, where he comforted people by teaching and answering questions.

JEWISH STUDIES HOMEWORK (due Tuesday, January 18):
Complete the worksheet that was included on the reverse of the newsletter that was sent home with the students on Tuesday. If you have misplaced your homework, click on the Homework link to the right and print out a new copy.

HEBREW – B’nei Mitzvah Skills

This week, we continued to read and chant Ein Kamocha (the first part of the weekly Torah service that each student will chant at his/her Bar/Bat Mitzvah).

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, all students should be working on Ein Kamocha which can be found on page 244 in their blue folders. For homework, practice reading and chanting all of Ein Kamocha. Check out our class blog for a link to both the text and tune!

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 (and on our class blog you can find a copy of the Trope Anthem AND a link to hear it chanted!).

REMINDERS:

· MOSTY Shabbat Mishpacha is coming up on Friday, January 21! Grades 3 & 4 are excited to be leading the congregation in prayer and song that evening. Families in all grades are encouraged to attend and to stay for dinner (RSVP required for dinner). It’s a great way to fulfill a student’s Shabbat attendance requirement.

· Our Grade 6 B’nei Mitzvah Havurah meetings are coming up this winter and spring. These Shabbat morning meetings are vital to each student’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparations. Information about these events are being sent to families shortly but please mark your calendars in advance for the following dates:

o Saturday, February 12 at 9:30am

o Saturday, April 2 at 9:30am

· If you need to contact me with any questions or concerns, please send a message to my new email address: monge.kate@gmail.com.

Grade 6 Weekly News: January 4, 2011

Grade 6 Weekly News

January 4, 2011

I hope everyone had a wonderful break…I missed you! 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, prayers and Trope that we are studying can also be found on our blog for reinforcement.

Jewish Studies

This week, students learned about the Jewish value of Tzionut (Zionism – supporting and sustaining Israel, making sure there will always be an Israel). We focused on Theodor Herzl and Golda Meir and their contributions to the Jewish state.

HOMEWORK – due Tuesday, January 11

Complete the worksheet on the reverse of the newsletter that the children took home on Tuesday. If you have misplaced your homework assignment, you can print off another copy from the Homework Section of this blog.

Hebrew – B’nei Mitzvah Skills

This week, we began learning to read and chant Ein Kamocha (the first part of the weekly Torah service that each student will chant at his/her Bar/Bat Mitzvah).

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, all students should be working on Ein Kamocha which can be found on page 244 in their blue folders or in the Siddur Pages Section of this blog. For homework, practice reading and chanting what we have learned so far. An audio file of Cantor Schloss chanting Ein Kamocha can be found in the T'filah Recordings Section of this blog.

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 as in the Siddur Pages Section to the right. Listen to Cantor Schloss chanting the Anthem in the T'filah Recordings Section.

REMINDERS:

· Be sure to put Shabbat B’Yachad on your family’s calendar for THIS Saturday! Join us for any or all of this week’s offerings. Check your weekly TOS and ARS emails for more information.

· MOSTY Shabbat Mishpacha is coming up on Friday, January 21! Grades 3 & 4 are excited to be leading the congregation in prayer and song that evening. Families in all grades are encouraged to attend and to stay for dinner (RSVP required for dinner). It’s a great way to fulfill a student’s Shabbat attendance requirement.

· Our Grade 6 B’nei Mitzvah Havurah meetings are coming up this winter and spring. These Shabbat morning meetings are vital to each student’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparations. Information about these events was recently emailed to families. Please mark your calendars in advance for the following dates:

o Saturday, February 12 at 9:30am

o Saturday, April 2 at 9:30am

· If you need to contact me with any questions or concerns, please send a message to: monge.kate@gmail.com.