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
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.
