Shalom Atid Families,DRAMA SHABBAT- THIS SATURDAY!
Children are invited to participate in Drama on Shabbat on selected dates throughout the year. Directed by congregant Jeff Smith children rehearse and perform after Shabbat services in the social hall. The presentation, complete with costumes and props, is offered before Kiddush.
Note: Children over 6 years old and adults are asked to arrive at 10:00 am. Children under 6 are asked to arrive at 11:00 am.
In this week’s parsha, Vayishlach, Esau prepares to meet his brother Jacob. He wrestles with a “man,” who changes Jacob’s name to Israel. (32:4-33) As you may remember, Jacob had left his family after taking his brothers birthright and tricking his father, Isaac into giving him a special blessing as firstborn. There was a lot of tension upon Jacob’s departure.
“And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him…and they wept.” (Genesis 33:4)
Peace in the home, Shalom Bayit is an important Jewish value. Our tradition encourages us to be kind, forgiving, and understanding to our loved ones.
Esau and Jacob wept when they embraced. Do you think it was easy for Esau to be forgiving? What do you think motivated him?
How does your family maintain Shalom Bayit in your home?
What are some ways you might work to add more Shalom Bayit?
Your partner in Jewish learning,
Luisa
Kitah Bet (3-4)
Teacher: Meirav Shahar
Sunday we:
-learned about Hanukkah.
-read “Maccabee! The Story of Hanukkah.”
-discussed the differences between the Greeks and the Jewish people who lived in the land of Israel at the time of the Maccabees.
-played a Hanukkah matching game and reviewed Hanukkah related Hebrew words.
-had an indoor recess. Some kids played games and some colored in Hanukkah coloring books.
-worked in our Hebrew books on pages 12-15 exploring the Hebrew word Shamash- helper candle).
-looked at the different Hanukioyot and menorahs in the front hall display and had a discussion about the difference between Hanukiya vs. Menorah and what makes a Hanukiya kosher.
-used dreidle shaped scratch-off to create beautiful and unique Hanukkah decorations.
Our tzedakah total as of today: $136.70!….Lets keep that going!
Kitah Gimel (5-6)
Teacher: Yosef Landy
Today we:
-discussed midot and chessed.
-read through and discussed the story of Rivka and the well.
-talked about the midot Rivka possessed.
-created a “what if” scenario – what if Rivka didn’t help Eliezer? What if she made excuses for not helping him? Students also recalled times where they made excuses for not wanting to help in one way or another.
-discussed “Paying it Forward” and how it can help create more peace in the world. We watched a video that has the theme of paying it forward, so the kids had a visual.
-discussed the video and how it inspires people to want to help others.
-talked about the Israel-Palestinian conflict:
-discussed why it’s important to have peace in Israel by also talking about why Israel is important for the world.
-had a debate about the dove vs hawk approach – do you think it’s better to approach conflict by wanting to negotiate (dove) or are you more territorial about your land (hawk)?. Students explained why they would choose hawk over dove, or vice versa. They also explained the strengths and weaknesses of each approach.The class had a creative dialogue. We read about three programs in the US and Israel that promote Israeli-Palestinian coexistence. We talked about how each program reaches the goal of breaking stereotypes, along with the reason for promoting these programs to kids and teens.
Questions for take-home:
1. The class talked about midot and paying it forward. The idea of paying it forward is to help 3 people in need, then ask each of them to pay it forward to 3 more people. Paying it forward doesn’t always have to be with money – it can be done by helping someone cross the street or by helping someone carry groceries to their car. Can you go out and help 3 people? If you don’t feel comfortable in taking action, then imagine 3 scenarios in which you could help someone. How would you help?
2. During the second lesson, we talked about programs that promote coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians. That’s such a wonderful thing, don’t you think? Do you know of any programs in USA that promote coexistence (it doesn’t have to be specifically between Israelis / Jews and Palestinians / Muslims)? If you do, would you share with the kids?
SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, February 11, 2017
Youth Shabbat & JDS Graduate Shabbat and Game Shabbat
