Congregation B nai Israel of St. Petersburg. A Year of Middot. Handbook Rabbi Jacob Luski, D.D. Ilana Dayan, Education Director

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1 Congregation B nai Israel of St. Petersburg A Year of Middot Handbook Rabbi Jacob Luski, D.D. Ilana Dayan, Education Director prttdir@cbistpete.org th Street North, St. Petersburg, Florida th Telephone: Street North, , St. Petersburg, Ext. Florida Telephone: , Ext. 310

2 June 13, 2012 Dear PRTT Parents and Students: Even during summer break, we are hard at work developing a new and exciting curriculum for the 5773 school year. We are happy to note that Janice LeVine, Debbie Marmon, Liz Sembler, Shoshana David, Pam Himmel and Cantor Schultz will be your children's educators. We realize that your child's first and most important teacher, especially for setting the example for Jewish ethical and moral values, is you! In Hebrew, the word for together is "B'Yachad," and we are looking forward to working together with you. It is our goal to partner with you to help your child be as knowledgeable about Judaism as possible while nurturing a love for our religion and Israel. The theme for PRTT this year is "Middot," which comes from the Hebrew verb "to measure." Middot stands for rules, standards, attributes or values. We will be studying the insights of past and present Rabbis on such topics as the attributes of a good person or student and how we assess a good friend, as well as discovering ways to find the best within ourselves. Our staff will lead stimulating discussions. In addition, we will be reading and memorizing passages from Rabbinic Texts, Psalms and "Pirkei Avot: Teachings of our Sages." These materials will be used as a vehicle for discussions in Junior Congregation where students will present a short "D'var Torah" on a Middah on a topic that appeals to them. Parents are encouraged to attend and watch their child lead our service. We hope this will encourage discussions at home on Jewish values that will continue to enrich our students throughout their lives. Please fill out the enclosed registration form as soon as possible and return it to me so that I can place your child accordingly. The opening program is AUGUST 26TH - 9:00 AM. Todah Rabah for partnering with our staff for a great educational experience! Shalom, Ilana Dayan, PRTT Director 2 Congregation B'nai Israel of St. Petersburg

3 Shalom, Welcome to another year at PRTT! What a fantastic opportunity to get our Jewish children together for friendship and learning! This year, my classes will be studying Pirkei Avot (The Sayings of our Fathers), the Jewish holidays, and/or the parasha ha shavua (the weekly Torah portions). I will use an interactive, integrated approach as together we delve into the subject matter. The students will be learning through discussion, self-reflection, role playing, art, music, reading, game playing and higher level thinking. I will do my best to make the classes as enjoyable, worthwhile, and meaningful as possible. I welcome your suggestions and look forward to this near year of Judaic adventure and knowledge. B'Shalom, Janice LeVine 3 Congregation B'nai Israel of St. Petersburg

4 Congregation B'nai Israel of St. Petersburg is proud to welcome you to our religious school: Pauline Rivkind Talmud Torah. Our goal is to put your child on the path to excellence in a loving and caring environment. Our programs are designed to provide students with a well-rounded Hebrew and Jewish education. The commitment that you make to your child s Jewish education is the beginning of the process. We are striving to create exciting and challenging classes that are innovative and, at the same time, provide a solid traditional Jewish-learning experience. In addition to offering classes in Hebrew, Tefillah, Bible, History, and Holiday studies, special emphasis is put on the study of tzedakah and tefillah. Jewish identity begins to develop early and that the family and the Religious school must work together to nourish it. The best way to convey the joy and beauty of being Jewish is to provide new and creative ways for children to explore Judaism at each stage of their development. Pauline Rivkind Talmud Torah strives to create a rich, vibrant learning environment in which we can nourish our children's growing Jewish identities, create a community of peers that is part of the larger community at CBI and the global Jewish community, and build the skills that children will need to be participatory members of their community. Family synagogue participation in services, religious school events, and social action projects will further enrich children's Jewish education. 4 Congregation B'nai Israel of St. Petersburg

5 Tefillah Goals in the Instruction of Tefillah What is tefillah? The Hebrew word for prayer is tefillah (pronounced teh-fee-lah), which also means "connection." connect to God by talking to Him--what is commonly known as prayer. You Why is learning tefillah important? The teaching of tefillah is designed to help student realize that tefillah is a mitzvah, and it is tefillah which is "the worship of the heart" through which there exists a tie between man and his God: Ule'ovdo bechol levavchem - What is worship of the heart? Your child will learn to turn to God with tefillah in a time of sorrow or with thanksgiving in a time of happiness. To feel a part of the congregation and want to participate in prayers at the proper time, according to halacha, in the synagogue. Enable prayer with devotion and feeling through identification with the content of the tefillah. What will my child be learning? Among the things your child will learn are: 1. Know the meaning of the important words of the tefillah. 2. Know the content of the tefillot and the main themes of the siddur. 3. Be familiar with the different prayers and when each is said (chol, Rosh chodesh, Shabbat v'yom Tov, chol hamo'ed, mo'adim). 4. Be able to differentiate between different versions (nuscha'ot) of the prayer. 5 Congregation B'nai Israel of St. Petersburg

Will my child be able to understand the siddur? Yes! Our program ensures that your child will be able to find the prayers in the siddur and to read them fluently.

6 Will my child be able to understand the siddur? Yes! Our program ensures that your child will be able to find the prayers in the siddur and to read them fluently. Your child will be able to understand the basic structures of the tefillah (opening, closing, bracha, etc.) and to take an active part and lead in synagogue services. What will my child learn from knowing prayers? Your child will learn to: become aware in oneself of a sense of wonder, amazement, place in the world, and being in God's presence. Have the knowledge and skills to participate in Shabbat, holiday, and weekday services. Have sufficient Hebrew vocabulary to understand, with the help of a translation, major sections of the liturgy. Have the ability to understand prayers, search for personal meaning through the prayers, and to relate personally to some prayers. Will my child learn about what it means to be in the Conservative Movement? Yes. We will discuss the various types of Jewish practices and explain how the Conservative Movement has met the needs of our religious community. What are some of the things that my child will learn? Daily prayers Saying the Shema daily Saying Hamotzi at each meal Saying Birkat HaMazon at each meal Daily Shacharit Prayers, Rosh Chodesh Tefilot-Yaaleh VeYavo; Hallel (parts) Yom Tov Tefilot (selected berachot melodies for each holiday) Be'ur Tefilah (explanation of basic ideas and words) 6 Congregation B'nai Israel of St. Petersburg

7 Blessings Blessings from the Torah - Rav Kook Most blessings are of rabbinical origin. There are, however, two exceptions to this rule blessings that are derived directly from the Torah itself. The first is Birkat Hamazon, recited after meals; the second is the blessing said before learning Torah. The obligation to bless God after eating bread is stated explicitly: "When you eat and are satisfied, you must bless the Lord your God..." (Deut. 8:10). The Sages derived the blessing before studying Torah from the verse, "When I proclaim God's name [or: when I read God's teaching], praise our God for His greatness" (Deut. 32:3). These two blessings differ not only in the source for our feelings of gratitude one is for physical nourishment, the other for spiritual sustenance but also in when they are said. Why is Birkat Hamazon recited after the meal, while the blessing for Torah study is recited before studying? Two Benefits of Food We derive two benefits from food. The first is our enjoyment from the act of eating, especially if the food is tasty. This is a fleeting pleasure, but it nonetheless deserves to be acknowledged. The primary benefit from eating, however, is the sustenance it gives our bodies, enabling us to continue living. This primary benefit reflects the nutritional value of the food, regardless of its taste. Our recognition of the principal benefit of eating should take place after the meal, when the body digests and absorbs the food. Since Birkat Hamazon expresses our gratitude for physical sustenance, its logical place is at the end of the meal. Parenthetically, there are also blessings that are reciting before eating. These blessings are in recognition of our pleasure in the act of eating itself. We acknowledge this secondary benefit of eating with rabbinically-ordained blessings. 7 Congregation B'nai Israel of St. Petersburg

8 Two Benefits of Torah Study Torah study also provides us with two benefits. The first is the knowledge acquired in practical areas of Halachah, enabling us to live our lives according to the Torah's wisdom. The second benefit lies in the very act of learning Torah. Torah study in itself is a tremendous gift, even if it does not provide any practical applications. When we learn Torah, the soul is elevated as our minds absorb the sublime word of God. Which benefit is greater? The Sages taught that the unique sanctity of the Torah itself is higher than all deeds that come from its study: "One who studies Torah for its own sake is raised and uplifted above all actions" (Avot 6:1). The benefit of practical knowledge is important, but is only a secondary gain. Therefore, we recite the blessing over Torah before studying. If the blessing was meant to acknowledge the practical benefit of how to perform mitzvot, then it would be said afterwards, since this Halachic knowledge is gained as a result of Torah study. But the blessing over Torah refers to the principle gift of Torah study. When we bless God before studying, we acknowledge the spiritual elevation that we enjoy in the very act of contemplating God's Torah. Now we can understand why the source in the Torah for this blessing reads, "When I proclaim God's name." Why does the verse refer to the Torah as "God's name"? This blessing requires that we recognize the sublime inner essence of the Torah as "God's name." With awareness of this truth, Torah study can enlighten and uplift us "above all actions." (Gold from the Land of Israel, pp ; adapted from Ein Eyah vol. I, p. 103 (on Berachot 20).) Copyright 2006 by Chanan Morrison 8 Congregation B'nai Israel of St. Petersburg

Hebrew S tudying a second language is a great way to improve cognitive ability. The language of the Bible of Israel has held our Jewish life together.

9 Hebrew S tudying a second language is a great way to improve cognitive ability. The language of the Bible of Israel has held our Jewish life together. Through the most difficult times, wherever we have roamed, whatever hardships we have faced, Hebrew has been the rock that has set us apart. Where those around us were illiterate, there were always Jewish scholars and Torah readers who kept our communities together. For thousand years Jewish boys have been encouraged to learn Hebrew to read the Torah and Jewish girls were taught Hebrew prayers to keep the religious rites. Giving your child the opportunity to learn Hebrew is a gift that will last a life time. On the fiftieth anniversary of their Bar/Bat Mitzvah, they will look back and appreciate the love and dedication that you showed in providing them with a strong Jewish education. At Pauline Rivkind Talmud Torah your child will learn: 1. Basic vocabulary of the prayer book and how the roots of words are used to form other words that are frequently found in our prayer books. 2. How to read major sections of the prayers of the Shabbat, weekday, and holidays with fluency. 3. Melodies used in prayers. 4. Everyday phrases that are useful when traveling to Israel.. 5. As part of the process of becoming aware that Hebrew is a spoken language and as a means of attuning ear and eye to comprehension, students will be introduced to: Simple Hebrew conversations and stories; Participation in simple Hebrew dialogues; Basic writing. Note that knowing Hebrew is also great for your child s academic career. Hebrew can be taken as a second language in college and is useful when your child travels to Israel on Seminar. 9 Congregation B'nai Israel of St. Petersburg

10 Torah & Prophets O ur goal is to ensure that your child has a basic Torah. In addition to regular classroom time, we will be presenting a series of Sunday Seminars to expand their knowledge of the Bible and important events in Jewish history. Among the areas that we will be studying are: 1. Learning the major events in the Biblical narrative from Genesis at least through the entry into Israel. 2. Learning some prophetic writings and sections from k'tuvim and having a general awareness of what is included in TaNaKH. 3. Learning to read in English and understand the meaning of Biblical selections which they have learned and some they have not previously learned. 4. Learning the three central Biblical ideas and being able to articulate why they are important in Judaism: Brit (Covenant) Tzedek (Justice) Am Kadosh (A Holy People) 5. Learning examples of how Biblical ideas, values, imperatives have been interpreted during the course of Jewish history. 6. Understanding that the broad meaning of Torah is the Jewish people's struggle from Biblical times to the present to understand what God wants of us. 7. Learning the basis of Biblical and Rabbinic grounding for Holy Days and Life Cycle. 8. Discovering that Torah can be a source of meaning in their personal lives. 9. Learning to appreciate the Bible as the central and sacred text of Judaism and its central importance to the Western world. 10. Learning various ways that the Bible and subsequent Judaism understand God, humans and the world and locating oneself vis-a-vis these understandings. 11. Studying English translation selections from Torah, Neviim and Ketuvim. 10 Congregation B'nai Israel of St. Petersburg

11 Junior Congregation Saturday - 10:00 a.m. The Grossman Family Chapel S ome of the most important components of a good Jewish background need more than just study in a classroom. It is essential that our students have regular synagogue experience on Shabbat that interests and inspires them. Congregation B nai Israel holds Junior Congregation services for children in grades 3-7. All children have the opportunity of worshipping together. They will put into practice the lessons they have learned during the week. Each student will have the opportunity to lead parts of the service, learn new melodies, and explore Shabbat teachings and stories. They will also gain the confidence they will need when it comes time to lead services for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations. Our Heh students will be take on the role of Gaba im and will conduct Torah Services during Junior Congregation. Junior Congregation meets twenty times during the year. Shabbat JC Services begin at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel. There are also several Junior Congregation Services available on holidays. Please check your calendars for dates. Students must attend a minimum of 10 JC services during the year. However, they are encouraged to attend as many services as possible throughout the year. Students with excellent attendance records will be honored at the end of the school year. We encourage you to bring your children to Junior Congregation and make them a part of our community. We also invite all parents to come in to participate or just to watch. Make our Junior Congregation a family event and watch your children give you nachas! 11 Congregation B'nai Israel of St. Petersburg

12 Learning Together! A Family Education Experience T he Family Education Experience, Sunday Seminarprograms seek to encourage spiritual and religious growth in families. These programs are intended to enable you to strengthen and improve your Jewish knowledge so that you can play the vital role of assist your child to observe Jewish traditions. F amily events during the year will also offer you and your family and opportunity to put into practice all that we are teaching. Check your calendar for the dates and times. Among the events are: Date Topic 1. October 7, 2012 SUNDAY SEMINAR: The Sukkah 2. December 16, 2012 SPECIAL: A Musical Our students will perform in a musical with both Hebrew and English songs. All members of CBI are invited to this exciting program. 3. January 25, 2013 SHABBATON Shabbat Dinner & Services starts at 6 pm 4. January 26, 2013 SHABBATON PRTT students lead Tu B shvat Seder 5. January 27, 2013 SHABBATON continues 6. February 24, 2013 SUNDAY SEMINAR: Purim Shpiel 7. March 17, 2013 SUNDAY: MATZAH MANIA for PRTT & CBI members 8. April 13, 2013 SUNDAY SEMINAR: Yom Ha atzmaut All students are encouraged to take part in the CBI youth programs, Halutzim & Kadima The activities undertaken by these groups help to foster friendships and keep alive the spirit of Jewish life. 12 Congregation B'nai Israel of St. Petersburg

13 Mehina Class Our Mehina Classes will meet on Wednesday evenings. Please check School Calendar for dates. Our schedule for each class will be as follows: 7:00-7:30 Devar Torah: 7:00-7:30 (The Parashah and the Haftorah how they are related to our daily life.) 7:30-8:00 Ulpan Ivrit: 7:30-8:00 8:00-8:15 Break- Ulpan 8:15-9:00 Zionism and Holocaust The History of Israel Curriculum The lessons will cover an arc of time starting with the foundation of political Zionsm in Europe; include a portrait of the five major Aliyot, and move through the founding of the State to wars and situations that have followed. Theodor Herzl Balfour Declaration The Five Aliyot The Kibbutz Henrietta Szold Rav Kook David Ben Gurion Birth of Israel A Land of Jews Our People Come from Around the World The Six Day war Golda Meir The West Bank Studying the Holocaust What do we want our students to remember from a course of study on the holocaust? What moral lessons? Implement lessons to daily life. Educate students, so that history does not repeat itself. Tie in with genocide & human rights. Meaning of human behavior & peer pressure. Prevent bias, bigotry, and prejudice. Being an up-stander can make a difference. Tie in with personal world to global world. 13 Congregation B'nai Israel of St. Petersburg

14 Learning from our Lessons How do we discuss the roles of victim, perpetrator, bystander, up-stander, and rescuer? Provide background lessons for historical aspect. Use visual media (DVD, videos, posters). Use appropriate literature Examples of propaganda films that are used to perpetrate hate. Show students how to find accurate research via the internet. Correlate lessons with character education themes (bullying diversity, etc) Why is the history of the Holocaust important and how does it affect society today? History repeats itself learn from it. Speak up within community. Understand the Hebrew Prophets The Prophets as G-D s spokespersons A Prophecy timeline Attributes of Jewish Prophets Moses The Prophets, Social Justice, and Individual Responsibility Haftarot what they are and how they work. Text Book: The Holocaust the World and the Jews, Seymour Rossel We really appreciate getting a call or from you when your child will not be attending school. Call: Ext prttdir@cbistpete.org 14 Congregation B'nai Israel of St. Petersburg

Standards of Promotion tudents will be expected, consistent with their abilities, to achieve an understanding of the material that is covered in class.

15 Standards of Promotion tudents will be expected, consistent with their abilities, to achieve an understanding of the material that is covered in class. Satisfactory performance on the final Progress Tracking Evaluation is required of all students, as well as compliance with the mandatory attendance policy. Certificates of Promotion Awarded to students who meet the basic criteria for promotion Graduation to Hebrew High School For students who have completed Mehina class Certificates of Junior Congregation Attendance Given to students who regularly attend Junior Congregation Attendance Regular attendance to both classes and Junior Congregation will ensure that our children are prepared for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah and that they will have the skills needed to last a lifetime of service to their synagogues and Jewish organizations. To help prepare our children we will give them they opportunity of presenting Devar Torah during Junior Congregations. Please make arrangements so that all our students will be given a full Jewish education. 15 Congregation B'nai Israel of St. Petersburg

16 Attendance Students must attend at least 70% of their religious school classes in order to be eligible for promotion. If a student fails to meet this requirement, summer classes or tutoring may be provided. Library Students must attend Junior Congregation Services at least ten times during the school year. This is the only way for your child to have the opportunity to put into practice the lessons of the classroom. You can set a good example by attending minyan perhaps on Sunday morning or on Tuesday when minyan starts early during the winter. Discipline Let your child know that it is important to be respectful and well behaved in school. Synagogue decorum is something that they should practice both in chapel and in the classroom. Library We have a very fine library use it! We have current books and old favorites. Develop the love of reading by getting into the habit of reading on Shabbat. Both you and your child may take out books whenever you want. Homework We don t give a lot of homework. However, we do give occasional assignments that require research or making posters. These little extra projects are designed to encourage your child to grow and develop the talents necessary for them to be successful. Ask your child to tell you when homework has been assigned and then set aside some time for it to be completed. Motivation There is a multifaceted approach to motivating your child it starts by letting your child know that you take pride in what they are learning. Talk over your hopes for them and set goals. Remind them that they are not attending Hebrew school just to become a Bar/Bat Mitzvah that they are building a chain that links them to their Jewish heritage, both past and future. Weather If weather conditions are bad, PRTT, like other schools in the area will be closed. This will occur only when Pinellas County Public Schools are closed. If we are going to close school on Sunday, we will you and try to call you as soon as possible. 16 Congregation B'nai Israel of St. Petersburg

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