Shalom Atid Families,
Whew, we are almost through the roller coaster month of Jewish holidays! I hope that you have had the opportunity to connect on a new level to your Judaism during this time, even if it is wrestling with your Judaism, that is a good thing. Judaism encourages us to struggle and uestion our beliefs.
As we begin the Torah this week with Genesis, I encourage you and your family to take a moment and discuss the weekly parsha. Here are some guiding questions:
God’s role in the story of creation is not only to create, but also to appreciate each aspect of creation and approve of it. Why is it important to recognize good work, even your own? How do you do this?
Humans are distinct from other creations in that they have the unique ability to care for other creations, to appreciate the scope, depth and sanctity of God’s work, and ultimately to accept the responsibility of becoming co-creators of this world. How can you be a co-creator of this world? (think about how you can help take care of a sibling, help your parents, the environment, a neighbor, a pet, etc.)
Shabbat shalom!
Your partner in Jewish learning,
Luisa
We need your dry empty tall water bottles for an art project this Sunday!
Kitah Alef (K-2)
Teacher: Limor Dahan
Sunday we:
– explored Sukkot
– read the story Bubbe Isabella and the Sukkah Cake by Kelly Terwilliger
– visited the Sukkah
– shook the four species (Lulav and etrog) and learned about their symbolism
– made a special treat for Simchat Torah, (chocolate lollipops shaped like a Torah)
– talked about Simchat Torah and why we celebrate
– learned about a Sofer, a Torah scribe and what kind of material they use
Discuss with your child:
What does a Sofer use to write the Torah? (quill or reeds)
How long does it take to write a Torah? (approximately one year)
*Please remember your blue ATID folder each Sunday! 🙂
Kitah Bet (3-4)
Teacher: Meirav Shahar
Sunday we:
– continued to learn about Sukkot and also learned about Simchat Torah
– shook the Lulav and Etrog and had our snack in the Sukkah
– made Simchat Torah chocolate pops that we got to take home
– talked about how the Torah is different from a regular book
– worked on the letters Mem and Mem Sofit
– created Simchat Torah flags with a window that opens and has a small Torah inside.
Our tzedakah total as of today: $49.63!….Lets keep that going!
Kitah Gimel (5-6)
Teacher: Yosef Landy
Sunday we:
– discussed what holiday traditions occur on Simchat Torah and why we celebrate it
– joined the younger classes in making chocolate lollipops in honor of Simchat Torah
– discussed with me what is so important about Modeh Ani, and how it relates to Simchat Torah & Shemini Atzeret (new beginnings, thanking Hashem)
– explored to a Mashal (a story with moral implications) about Morid Hageshem (the prayer for rain that is recited from Shemini Atzeret to Passover)
– reflected on other mitzvot that include water and why water is significant to Judaism.
To discuss with your child:
– As we show gratitude to God for helping us by providing rain and wind. Think about someone who has helped you during the week. What can you do to show your appreciation? Talk to your kids about ways you can show appreciation.
– Why do we celebrate the Torah at this time of year, even though we received it on Shavuot?
– Can you think of mitzvot that involve water? (Mikvah, ritual hand washing, etc.) Why do you think these mitzvot include water? What is so special about water in Judaism?
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Teacher: Luisa Moss
Wednesday we:
– practiced Hebrew reading
– continued the discussion of the prayer for rain that is inserting at this time of year
Ask your child:
– what goofy English words Luisa wrote in Hebrew for the students to guess!
Mark Your Calendar:
- Sunday, November 5th 10:30 am Junior Congregation
- Sunday, November 5th 10:30 am K-2 Shabbat Service (Join me for a interactive Shabbat experience filled with song, prayer, and stories!)
- Sunday, November 6th 11:15 am Hagigat HaChayot (Celebration of Gods Animals) Bring your pets!
- Sunday, November 13th 10:00 am-11:00 am Meet and Greet with Luisa ~Come learn about youth programming for K-12th graders and share ideas for supporting our TI youth!
Shalom Atid Families,