There are many opportunities for families to participate together in everything from childrens services, programs and dinners. See page 7 for details.

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Karen Wells
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There are many opportunities for families to participate together in everything from childrens

1 So much happens in each session of religious school, our teachers keep things active and moving. See pages 2-6 to read all about it! There are many opportunities for families to participate together in everything from childrens services, programs and dinners. See page 7 for details. The Youth and Family Program Department has a variety of events for all ages. See page 8 for information on upcoming events.

Noah's Ark is one of my favorite lessons to teach. We learned the Hebrew words geshem (rain), chai-yote (animals) and keshet (rainbow), and also extended the unit by learning Hebrew colors.

2 JARSON EDUCATION CENTER HAPPENINGS The Teachers and Madrichim keep things moving and active in the classrooms. Take this opportunity to read about some of the things that have happened during this past month. SHERRY COHEN PRE-GAN (PRE-KINDERGARTEN) Where did Noah keep the bees? In the "ark hives". Noah's Ark is one of my favorite lessons to teach. We learned the Hebrew words geshem (rain), chai-yote (animals) and keshet (rainbow), and also extended the unit by learning Hebrew colors. Sunrock Farm came to visit, and I learned their chickens lay white and brown eggs, but some also lay green eggs! (Would you like them in a house? Would you like them with a mouse?) Actually all the eggs are exactly the same on the inside, just as people have differences on outside, but inside we are all the same. I made an Ark out of a cardboard box, and everyone spent the majority of Center time, steering the boat, or dressing up like animals. Next we learned Hebrew colors. We used Hot Wheel cars to paint a keshet, and we also painted with balloons, which mixed the colors to make new colors. If you frame this artwork it will look like you bought modern art. Bailey played the bubble gum game where she turned the knob on the gum machine, and had to match the gum (pom pom) to the bubble on picture. I sang a bubble gum song about 100 times until she retrieved every last gum ball. We ended the month with a unit on B'tzelem Elohim (In G-d's Image). We discussed that G-d gave us our bodies, and we need to take care of them by eating right, exercising, getting enough sleep, and keeping clean. Each child made an "I am Special" book with details about them. Yaeli surprised me when I asked what her favorite food was, and she replied "Salmon"! VICKI SPECTOR PRE-GAN (PRE-KINDERGARTEN) We have had a busy month as the students have been learning about Noah's Ark, the Mezuzah and tzedakah. In our Noah's Ark Unit the students learned the story of Noah and learned that G-d wants us to care for animals. Sunrock Farm came to visit us and the children really enjoyed this. Meyer loved seeing and touching the rabbit and chick, because they were so soft. The students have also been learning that a keshet or rainbow came as a promise from G-d that he would never flood the Earth again. We learned the Hebrew names for 10 colors. We also have done finger painting, mixing primary colors to make secondary colors, and doing several other art projects. Leo, Nadav and Tyler have been enjoying exploring the art materials and using their creativity. In addition, we made a mezuzah and tzedakah box and learned about the importance of giving to others. The students learned the Hebrew letters gimel, dalet, hey and vav. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! 2

CLASS HAPPENINGS DEBBIE LEMPERT GAN (KINDERGARTEN) Watching Kindergarten students learn is such a treat. They are like sponges, soaking up all their brains can hold.

The students have enjoyed making the letters in shaving cream, grabbing and identifying letters in a relay race, graphing letters, and other fun activities.

The children enjoyed making edible Torah using pretzels, fruit roll up, icing and sprinkles in honor of Simchat Torah. We continue to discuss G-d and G-d s role in our lives.

When we shared our lists, the students discovered that G-d makes things in nature and that people use G-d s creations to make new creations.

3 CLASS HAPPENINGS DEBBIE LEMPERT GAN (KINDERGARTEN) Watching Kindergarten students learn is such a treat. They are like sponges, soaking up all their brains can hold. It s hard to believe that they have learned almost half of the alef bet. The students have enjoyed making the letters in shaving cream, grabbing and identifying letters in a relay race, graphing letters, and other fun activities. Shia is a pro at making and recognizing letters. Levi enjoyed getting messy and cleaning the tables after shaving cream. The children enjoyed making edible Torah using pretzels, fruit roll up, icing and sprinkles in honor of Simchat Torah. We continue to discuss G-d and G-d s role in our lives. The s t u d e n t s w e n t o n a w a l k o u t s i d e a n d m a d e a l i s t o f t h i n g s t h a t G-d makes. When we shared our lists, the students discovered that G-d makes things in nature and that people use G-d s creations to make new creations. For snack that week, the students partnered with G-d to make popcorn. Ari liked singing the popcorn song while we all waited patiently for the popcorn kernels to get hot. Joseph waited with anticipation for the popcorn volcano to flow from the popper. The students have also explored the concept of Shabbat. They enjoyed moving their bodies to upbeat music that represented our hectic weekday lives. Then they slowed down and relaxed to relaxing music to simulate Shabbat. The students also decorated Shabbat items that will go into our two class Shabbat boxes that the students will take home to their families on their assigned week. Evelyn and Ziva decorated candle holders while Remy and Meyer decorated the boxes themselves. Linus decorated a challah cover while others painted wine glass, challah plates and havdalah plates. The children are so excited to bring these treasures home. It is an exciting time in Kindergarten. DEENA ABERNATHY ALEF (FIRST GRADE) This past month, our class started going up to join the seventh grade class for prayer session. We will continue with our sessions throughout the year. The class will learn Modeh Ani, Sh ma, Barchu, Ashrei and possibly more prayers if time allows. It s so great to see the younger kids and older kids interact. I love the confidence they get from having a buddy to chant the prayers with. Andrew often raises his hand to say the prayers out loud and does an awesome job! We have also been focusing on mitzvot this past month. I loved hearing about all of the mitzvot that the children did during their week. It sounded like they were all a big help around the house! It was perfect timing to start talking about Mitzvah Day. Our organization is Crayons to Computers and we will be collecting donations in the front lobby up until Mitzvah Day. 3

CLASS HAPPENINGS SCOTT KABAKOFF BET (SECOND GRADE) We have been spending more time focusing on an important part of our curriculum, Jewish values.

We learned how Jews believe that G-d made not only a covenant with the Jewish people, but that G-d also made a covenant with Noah. We read a great story called Maccabee!

In Hebrew we have continued reviewing letters like daled, koof, tzaddik, and two of the most important Hebrew letters alef.. and vav. We also learned a new vowel called the silent vowel as well.

4 CLASS HAPPENINGS SCOTT KABAKOFF BET (SECOND GRADE) We have been spending more time focusing on an important part of our curriculum, Jewish values. We have studied Emunah, belief in one G-d, and that G-d is one. In connection to that, we have also studied the value/concept of brit or covenant. We learned how Jews believe that G-d made not only a covenant with the Jewish people, but that G-d also made a covenant with Noah. We read a great story called Maccabee! The Story of Hanukkah by Tilda Balsley. Its written in rhyme, which is a fun way to learn. In Hebrew we have continued reviewing letters like daled, koof, tzaddik, and two of the most important Hebrew letters alef.. and vav. We also learned a new vowel called the silent vowel as well. We even learned an interesting new word in Hebrew too. Once the students learned the letter alef, they were able to read this word like magic- that word being abra k dabra. Yes the famous magician s command is actually a Hebrew phrase which has made its way into the English lexicon! We will be continuing to learn interesting vocabulary like this in addition to other more widely used nouns, verbs, and pronouns in the coming months. ZAHAVA RENDLER GIMEL (THIRD GRADE) Since our last letter to you, third grade has been progressing nicely in our studies. In our Hebrew script writing, the students are recognizing most of the letters, and their Hebrew reading is improving. In our Hebrew book, Welcome to Modern Hebrew, we have read three lovely stories, and learned new vocabulary words, and wrote a few sentences. We also completed several working exercises from the book. In our book prayer companion, we practice the prayer יוצר אור and studied the prayer dictionary, and completed the prayer phrases with Hebrew words from the missing sentence. We also discussed several portions of the Torah readings. In our history book, Yisroel Sheli, we completed the study about David Ben Gurion, and his contribution to the state of Israel. The students did very well on their test. BENNY WINKELMANN & RABBI HAVIVA HORVITZ DALED (FOURTH GRADE) This past month has been a great one for the 4th grade! We have started our classes with the parsha every week and the kids are really internalizing the information and the lessons to be learned. We played parsha jeopardy with the 5th grade. They blew it out of the water! We also learned about the history of Jewish veterans in America on veterans weekend. Most recently we had some fun playing the Newly-weds game. We paired up with different classmates to see how well we knew each other like the twins Asuv and Yaakov. 4th grade is gearing up for Mitzvah Day and looking forward to making the difference and practicing Tikuun Olam! 4

CLASS HAPPENINGS BAILEY ROMANO: HEI (FIFTH GRADE) This month our class has been exploring new ways to learn Hebrew, prayers, trope, and Torah.

Some students have been working on their Modern Hebrew by learning words that are connected to one of their favorite hobbies.

Another group has been reading the book of Exodus, and creating a slideshow for their fellow students. We continue to explore the weekly parsha with the 4th grade.

5 CLASS HAPPENINGS BAILEY ROMANO: HEI (FIFTH GRADE) This month our class has been exploring new ways to learn Hebrew, prayers, trope, and Torah. Students have had the opportunity to spend time focusing on a topic of their choice. Some students have been working on their Modern Hebrew by learning words that are connected to one of their favorite hobbies. Other students have been working on fun ways to remember Torah trope, creating a poster where two sets of tropes create a face. Another group has been reading the book of Exodus, and creating a slideshow for their fellow students. We continue to explore the weekly parsha with the 4th grade. When learning about Parshat Noach, the students read the story of the Tower of Babel and built their own tower. They also learned about Parshat Vaera by performing a skit. Philip, Jacob, and Sam had a great time acting out the angels and Abraham. For Hebrew vocab, we played Hebrew Pictionary. We also took a field trip to the community garden to learn about where our food comes from. The students worked together to determine how we make challah; from planting the seeds of wheat, to when we eat it after Motzi. We learned that the 4th/5th grades will be serving Lighthouse Youth Services and Shelterhouse for Mitzvah Day. We are gathering items for these organizations. We anticipate another exciting month of learning, exploration, and tzedakah! LESLEE LISNEK & TAYLOR BARUCHEL: VAV (SIXTH GRADE) We've had an exciting three weeks delving further into the history and ethics of our Sifrei Kodesh; Torah, Mishnah, Talmud, and Shulchan Aruch. Students showed off their knowledge through activities like Review Bingo and making posters. Recently, Sunday lessons have shifted format into Challenge Mode, wherein students complete self-selected projects to earn points as a class. Students have demonstrated great work in a variety of subjects, including the class's latest unit, Friendship. During the first challenge session, Kitah Vav took off with great momentum, earning 23 points for the class and a Diamond rating, surpassing teacher expectations of the lower Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum ratings. The next Sunday however, students got a little too comfortable in the freedom afforded to them by the less-structured format, and earned only 6 points for the class, one shy from their next tier, Ruby. After discussing as a class ways to improve our performance, Kitah Vav is back on track to big learning success. BRETT SCHWARTZ: ZAYIN (SEVENTH GRADE) As a seventh grade class we start looking at our obligations, and one of those obligations is Pidyon Shvuyim, the obligation of Redeeming Captives. To understand this obligation better we discussed the Jews who were held captive in the Soviet Union and the SSSJ s (Student Struggle For Soviet Jewry) advocacy efforts to help their fellow brothers and sisters in need. We then looked back at the Diaspora, studied how Jews were treated in the Middle Ages, and began to look at the texts to see what they have to say about this obligation. Finally, to end the unit, the students worked in small groups to look at real work examples of the mitzvah of Pidyon Shvuym. They researched their topic, created a poster, and presented/taught the class. It was really amazing to see the students teach their peers. Along with our in class studies we have continued our Mitzvah projects. We made crib sized blankets for the Bethany House, volunteered at French Park, and volunteered our time at Crayons to Computers. It is really nice to see the students beginning to really think how they can support their community. 5

CLASS HAPPENINGS TOBY SAMET HEBREW RESOURCE ROOM Resource Room: Students are moving into higher levels of progress with the many varieties of learning opportunities.

phrases of prayers, all by using the many exciting games, creative activities and choices.

! CHANA WOLFSON HEBREW RESOURCE ROOM Mazal tov to fourth graders Ella, Elijah, and Noah for making amazing progress this past month.

6 CLASS HAPPENINGS TOBY SAMET HEBREW RESOURCE ROOM Resource Room: Students are moving into higher levels of progress with the many varieties of learning opportunities. Our team with Hannah and Josh custom tailor each session according to the area of attention required for the student: vowel sounds, letter similarities/differences, word endings, syllable structure, phrases of prayers, all by using the many exciting games, creative activities and choices. For example, one student chooses to practice reading a Hebrew translation of a famous poem, her favorite, by an English poet. We can travel many roads to reach our destination!! CHANA WOLFSON HEBREW RESOURCE ROOM Mazal tov to fourth graders Ella, Elijah, and Noah for making amazing progress this past month. They made great progress using in class resources to support their learning: matching print and cursive Hebrew letters, writing Hebrew cursive, and blending vowels and letters for more fluent reading. The entire 7th grade class has been doing great work during our Hebrew lessons. We just finished making a Hebrew memory game to tell the stories of Chanukah and Purim. All of their hard work hard work is about to pay off: let the Chanukah games begin. (Look for chocolate gelt ahead.) Fifth and sixth grade enrichment students just started a new unit on reading comprehension. They each chose a short story to read and understand independently. Look ahead for comics, short skits, or other creative projects that demonstrate their new knowledge. MITCH COHEN MUSIC & TROPE TEACHER MUSIC: This past month is often called the "bitter" month of Cheshvan because there are no commandments or holidays for us to observe. It was definitely not bitter in music. The students enjoyed singing the popular "Unicorn" song relating to Noah's Ark. Students also sang "The Hope" that is all about the hope of our country Israel by Rick Recht, and we also learned a rock arrangement of "V'techezenna - David Melech Yisrael". We recorded ourselves on the digital recorder in our classroom for the students to listen back. K-2 tefillah students did a great job singing "Am I Awake", which is a setting for the prayer "Borechu" by Noah Aronson. At the end of the month, we sang a few Thanksgiving songs, including Debbie Friedman's "Happy Thanksgiving Horray Horray Horray, aren't you glad you're not a turkey on this thanksgiving day". TROPE: Trope students continued to build their skills this month. Both 5th and 6th graders enjoyed earning points for singing the blessings and tropes when called upon. 5th graders worked on a number of the more difficult Haftorah tropes this month, including "pazer", "gershayim", and others. Both grades worked on davening skills, including how to lead the Torah service and learning the Ashrei prayer. 6

7 UPCOMING FAMILY EVENTS 7

8 MORE YOUTH & FAMILY AIUSY presents: Shabbat in St. Eatersburg RSVP to Phylicia at: Friday December 1 6-8pm NO Cost Hosted by the Rozenson Family Address upon RSVP Enjoy an Authentic Kosher Russian Dinner surrounded by Friends! Bring anyone in 9-12th grade for a fun shabbat with great company and great food! 8

9 MITZVAH DAY KICK-OFF Each class will support an organization for Mitzvah Day Pop the balloon to find out which one! A speaker came in to teach each class more about their organization and what their needs are. Check out the bins in the school lobby to see what collections each class has organized! Bring items in to le Edib n a donate as oftenmas ke you are * a kkah! * Have fun with your friends! su able to until January 28th. *L Suk isten t kot o a Sto ry* 9

10 Picture It! 10

11 YOUTH PROGRAM PHOTOS 11

DECEMBER 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday ** USY International Convention Dec 24-28 1 6:00 USY Shabbat Around the World 2 10:30am Mini-Minyan 3 Religious School & Mercaz

s Chanukah Fair 12:30 USY Cedar Village 12:30 Jewish Stars/Atid Chanukah Party 17 Religious School & Mercaz USY Fall Kinnus 12:30 Kadima event Chanukah Day 5 24 NO Religious School or 31 Mercaz NO

12 DECEMBER 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday ** USY International Convention Dec :00 USY Shabbat Around the World 2 10:30am Mini-Minyan 3 Religious School & Mercaz *Adult Chanukah Fair Religious School 7 8 5:00 Friday Night Live & Byer Chanukah Congregational Dinner 9 7:00pm Kadima Mystery Bus Ride 10 Mercaz & Religious School 9:00 Mazel Tots 930 Children s Chanukah Fair 12:30 USY Cedar Village 12:30 Jewish Stars/Atid Chanukah Party 17 Religious School & Mercaz USY Fall Kinnus 12:30 Kadima event Chanukah Day 5 24 NO Religious School or 31 Mercaz NO Religious School or Mercaz Chanukah Day 6 Erev Chanukah First Candle 19 Chanukah Day 7 13 Religious School Chanukah Day 1 20 WINTER BREAK NO Religious School Chanukah Day NO Religious School School Resumes January 7th 14 Chanukah Day 2 15 Chanukah Day :30am Family Service Chanukah Day Spencer Kahn Bar Mitzvah DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS Name Date age Jacob Ruby 12/31/06 11 Ella Blatt 12/27/07 10 Katie Spector 12/2/07 10 Lincoln Carson 12/17/09 8 Hope Vernon 12/31/08 9 Ziva Charnay 12/5/11 6 Andrew Wade 12/4/10 7 Cody Goldstone 12/7/05 12 Tyler Wade 12/10/

The Youth and Family Program Department has a variety of events for all ages. See page 8 for information on upcoming events.

The Youth and Family Program Department has a variety of events for all ages. See page 8 for information on upcoming events. So much happens in each session of religious school, our teachers keep things active and moving. See pages 2-6 to read all about it! There are many opportunities for families to participate together in