DFRS Blog

Dear DFRS Chevre,
 
Due to the alarming rise in COVID-19 cases in our community, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the first day of the Diamond Family Religious School to Sunday, January 23rd.
 
We will follow up with updated COVID protocols and information in the coming days and weeks.

Please be in touch if you have any questions.

B'Shalom,

Beth Blick, Principal

Shavua tov, DFRS families!

I hope you are all ready for another amazing week.  I know things are crazy right now with the last week of Monday through Friday school, midterms for our middle schoolers, finals for our high schoolers, parties, and other "end of the year" festivities.

We will miss everyone so much over our semester break, but can't wait to see everyone back on January 9.  If you have a student working on their Hebrew Skills (kippah levels), don't forget, they can practice here:  https://templeemanuelatlanta.org/learn/diamond-family-religious-school/hebrew-skills/

See you all tomorrow! 

• Low of 39 and high of 54 (between 9 am-12:30 pm in Dunwoody) - We will be inside for the majority of the day.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Mark your calendars:

• ​​​​​​​NO SCHOOL - 12/19, 12/26, 1/2
• ​​​​​​​Spring Semester Begins - 1/9

Please remember, if you are dropping off or picking up in CARPOOL, this is only for students in 3rd grade and older. Any student younger than 3rd grade will need to be dropped off & picked up at their classroom.
​​​​​​​
If you need EARLY PICK-UP, please send an email ahead of time or a note with your child.  EVERY child has to be signed out in the office.  We will have your child waiting for you in the office at the time of requested pick up.

Also, each child should have a refillable water bottle and an extra mask with them.  Additionally, if you want to send a nut-free snack with your child, feel free.  Challah is served as snack.

COVID protocols:

• Continuing to wear masks inside.
• Hand sanitizer is available throughout the building.​​​​​​​
• Snacks outside (weather permitting).​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

When NOT to come to class:

• If a student or a member of your family has a suspected or confirmed case of coronavirus, no member of the family should come to religious school.
• If there is a coronavirus case confirmed at your child’s Monday-Friday school that requires them to be quarantined from class, we require that all your children be quarantined from Sunday School as well.​​​​​​​
• If any member of the family has any of these symptoms, the student should not come to class:

• If your child tests positive, please let us know as soon as possible.  If the positive case happens within 2 days of being in our building, we must notify families and follow the quarantine guidance of the Georgia Department of Community Health, which means affected classrooms will be virtual the following week.

Please feel free to reach out with anything you need or any questions you have.  You can reach me by clicking HERE .

Thanks,

Beth Blick

Shabbat Shalom!

I can't believe how quickly we have come upon our November break!  I am excited to be together this week, and will miss everyone terribly over the next two weeks.  We return to Sunday School on December 5.
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
I want you all to know how grateful I am for each and everyone of your families.  Your children are delightful to spend Sundays with.

• Low of 41 and high of 55 (between 9 am-12:30 pm in Dunwoody) - your child should wear layers, bring a jacket, and whatever they need to be comfortable inside and outside.  In order to maintain the best Covid safety, we will use our outdoor spaces for as long as we can.  Dressing for the weather is a must.​​​​​​​
• ​​​​​​​We will use our cold weather locations, but look forward to getting the kids outside for recess, snack, and mask breaks.

Mark your calendars:

• NO SCHOOL on Sundays, 11/21 & 11/28
• Friday, 12/3

Please remember, if you are dropping off or picking up in CARPOOL, this is only for students in 3rd grade and older. Any student younger than 3rd grade will need to be dropped off & picked up at their classroom.
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
If you need EARLY PICK-UP, please send an email ahead of time or a note with your child.  EVERY child has to be signed out in the office.  We will have your child waiting for you in the office at the time of requested pick up.

Also, each child should have a refillable water bottle and an extra mask with them.  Additionally, if you want to send a nut-free snack with your child, feel free.  Challah is served as snack.

COVID protocols:

• During religious school hours, masks must be worn by all students, staff, and visitors while in the building. This is regardless of vaccination status. If anyone forgets to bring a mask, we will have disposable masks available for their use.
• Hand sanitizer will be available at each entrance and throughout the building.​​​​​​​
• Snacks will be enjoyed outside when practical and in the event of rain, we will use our large spaces such as the social hall to allow students to take off their masks to enjoy a bit of challah in a physically distanced environment.
• ​​​​​​​ All classes have assigned outdoor or large indoor spaces in order to keep our students as distanced and as safe as possible.

When NOT to come to class:

• If a student or a member of your family has a suspected or confirmed case of coronavirus, no member of the family should come to religious school.
• If there is a coronavirus case confirmed at your child’s Monday-Friday school that requires them to be quarantined from class, we require that all your children be quarantined from Sunday School as well.​​​​​​​
• If any member of the family has any of these symptoms, the student should not come to class:

• If your child tests positive, please let us know as soon as possible.  If the positive case happens within 2 days of being in our building, we must notify families and follow the quarantine guidance of the Georgia Department of Community Health, which means affected classrooms will be virtual the following week.

Join us for Shabbatukah!  
 
Your FAVORITE annual Chanukah party is back!  
 
Come out for pizza, salad, and latkes on Friday December 3 at 6:00 pm followed by a super fun, family friendly service at 6:30.  
 
Wear your most festive Chanukah gear and BYOB!
 
There will be a photo booth, music, dreidel game, gelt, and cake pops by Twin Made Bakery!
 
Registration required by Friday, 11/26:  https://templeemanuelatlanta.shulcloud.com/event/dfrs/davis-shabbatukah-dinner.html  

Please feel free to reach out with anything you need or any questions you have.  You can reach me by clicking HERE .

Thanks,

Beth Blick

Happy Friday!

A couple very quick notes for Sunday:

• Dress for the weather - Please, please, PlEaSe help your kiddos dress for the weather.  In order to maintain the safest environment, we are outside for much of our day.  Please make sure your child is dressed in layers so they are comfortable no matter where their class is.  Thank you!
• ​​​​​​​If your child wants to wear their costume on Sunday, they are more than welcome!  Please make sure, if your child is wearing a costume, they can wear their mask (covid...not costume) when they are indoors.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Can't wait to see you all soon,
Beth

Mark your calendars:

• ​​​​​​​Sunday, 10/31

• ​​​​​​​Sunday, 11/7

• Friday, 12/3

Parents: Does your child have anxiety from over a year of COVID?

TE is proud to present this one time only program for parents AND children.

Parents will spend one hour identifying characteristics of heightened anxiety and difficulties in their children as well as receive instruction on how to have conversations around this topic with their child. At the same time their children will be engaged in a music therapy program designed to relieve stress and anxiety.

Parents will meet Michelle Richards, an Educational Consultant at Parkaire Consultants. Michelle will talk to parents about identifying anxiety in their children, strategies for minimizing anxiety, and facilitating conversations.

While parents are meeting with Ms Richards, their children will be participating in a therapeutic Music Program from Metro Music Therapy https://metromusictherapyga.com/ .

When: Sunday, 11/07/21, 12:30-2:00
Where: Temple Emanu-El
Cost: Free. This unique opportunity is made possible by a generous mini-grant from the Jewish Ability Alliance program and Temple Emanu-El’s Koleinu Program.

LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED (12:30-1:00)

Registration is required: https://templeemanuelatlanta.shulcloud.com/event/parent/child-workshop-dealing-with-covid-anxiety.html

For Questions contact Mickey Rosner at nomick7@bellsouth.net or Susie Davidow at susiedavidow1@bellsouth.net

Please remember, if you are dropping off or picking up in CARPOOL, this is only for students in 3rd grade and older. Any student younger than 3rd grade will need to be dropped off & picked up at their classroom.
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
If you need EARLY PICK-UP, please send an email ahead of time or a note with your child.  EVERY child has to be signed out in the office.  We will have your child waiting for you in the office at the time of requested pick up.

Also, each child should have a refillable water bottle and an extra mask with them.  Additionally, if you want to send a nut-free snack with your child, feel free.  Challah is served as snack.

COVID protocols:

• During religious school hours, masks must be worn by all students, staff, and visitors while in the building. This is regardless of vaccination status. If anyone forgets to bring a mask, we will have disposable masks available for their use.
• Hand sanitizer will be available at each entrance and throughout the building.​​​​​​​
• Snacks will be enjoyed outside when practical and in the event of rain, we will use our large spaces such as the social hall to allow students to take off their masks to enjoy a bit of challah in a physically distanced environment.
• ​​​​​​​ All classes have assigned outdoor or large indoor spaces in order to keep our students as distanced and as safe as possible.

When NOT to come to class:

• If a student or a member of your family has a suspected or confirmed case of coronavirus, no member of the family should come to religious school.
• If there is a coronavirus case confirmed at your child’s Monday-Friday school that requires them to be quarantined from class, we require that all your children be quarantined from Sunday School as well.​​​​​​​
• If any member of the family has any of these symptoms, the student should not come to class:

• If your child tests positive, please let us know as soon as possible.  If the positive case happens within 2 days of being in our building, we must notify families and follow the quarantine guidance of the Georgia Department of Community Health, which means affected classrooms will be virtual the following week.

Please feel free to reach out with anything you need or any questions you have.  You can reach me by clicking HERE .

Thanks,

Beth Blick

Shabbat Shalom!

It is Friday again and, I don't know about you, but I am ready to rest and recharge and see everyone on Sunday!  I missed all of the students, madrichim, and teachers last week!

I am so excited that our PreK and 6th grade classes are having their meet & greets this week.  If you haven't heard from your grade level rep on the Religious School Committee, please let me know. 

On the meeting and greeting note, everyone should have received an email from me on Wednesday with their updated class list.  If you didn't or if something is wrong on that list, please let me know ASAP.

Mark your calendars:

• Sunday, 10/17

• ​​​​​​​Sunday, 10/24

• Sunday, 11/7

• Friday, 12/3

Parents: Does your child have anxiety from over a year of COVID?

TE is proud to present this one time only program for parents AND children.

Parents will spend one hour identifying characteristics of heightened anxiety and difficulties in their children as well as receive instruction on how to have conversations around this topic with their child. At the same time their children will be engaged in a music therapy program designed to relieve stress and anxiety.

Parents will meet Michelle Richards, an Educational Consultant at Parkaire Consultants. Michelle will talk to parents about identifying anxiety in their children, strategies for minimizing anxiety, and facilitating conversations.

While parents are meeting with Ms Richards, their children will be participating in a therapeutic Music Program from Metro Music Therapy https://metromusictherapyga.com/ .

When: Sunday, 11/07/21, 12:30-2:00
Where: Temple Emanu-El
Cost: Free. This unique opportunity is made possible by a generous mini-grant from the Jewish Ability Alliance program and Temple Emanu-El’s Koleinu Program.

LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED (12:30-1:00)

Registration is required: https://templeemanuelatlanta.shulcloud.com/event/parent/child-workshop-dealing-with-covid-anxiety.html

For Questions contact Mickey Rosner at nomick7@bellsouth.net or Susie Davidow at susiedavidow1@bellsouth.net

Please remember, if you are dropping off or picking up in CARPOOL, this is only for students in 3rd grade and older. Any student younger than 3rd grade will need to be dropped off & picked up at their classroom.
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
If you need EARLY PICK-UP, please send an email ahead of time or a note with your child.  EVERY child has to be signed out in the office.  We will have your child waiting for you in the office at the time of requested pick up.

Also, each child should have a refillable water bottle and an extra mask with them.  Additionally, if you want to send a nut-free snack with your child, feel free.  Challah is served as snack.

COVID protocols:

• During religious school hours, masks must be worn by all students, staff, and visitors while in the building. This is regardless of vaccination status. If anyone forgets to bring a mask, we will have disposable masks available for their use.
• Hand sanitizer will be available at each entrance and throughout the building.​​​​​​​
• Snacks will be enjoyed outside when practical and in the event of rain, we will use our large spaces such as the social hall to allow students to take off their masks to enjoy a bit of challah in a physically distanced environment.
• ​​​​​​​ All classes have assigned outdoor or large indoor spaces in order to keep our students as distanced and as safe as possible.
  

When NOT to come to class:

• If a student or a member of your family has a suspected or confirmed case of coronavirus, no member of the family should come to religious school.
• If there is a coronavirus case confirmed at your child’s Monday-Friday school that requires them to be quarantined from class, we require that all your children be quarantined from Sunday School as well.​​​​​​​
• If any member of the family has any of these symptoms, the student should not come to class:

• If your child tests positive, please let us know as soon as possible.  If the positive case happens within 2 days of being in our building, we must notify families and follow the quarantine guidance of the Georgia Department of Community Health, which means affected classrooms will be virtual the following week.

Please feel free to reach out with anything you need or any questions you have.  You can reach me by clicking HERE .

Thanks,

Beth Blick

Shabbat Shalom, friends! 

I hope everyone had a reflective and meaningful Yom Kippur.  Remember, our holiday season is in full swing!  Sukkot begins Monday and Simchat Torah is the following Monday.

Our Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd graders will be consecrated at Friday night services on 9/24/21.  We are so excited to welcome them into the beautiful study of torah!

Consecrants, please register HERE.

Simchat Torah celebrations will take place on Monday, 9/27/21.  Simchat Torah is a beautiful holiday where we are able to see our entire Torah, finish the reading, and begin again!

Please remember, all grades start at 9:00 am and end at 12:30 pm.  (Except PreK - 9:30-12:00).

REMINDERS:

• CARPOOL - 3rd grade and older can use carpool.  Please let your children know ahead of time if you are picking them up in carpool so they can come out of the lobby to look for the car. Any student younger than 3rd grade will need to be dropped off & picked up at their classroom.
• ​​​​​​​DRIVEWAY, CROSSWALK, and PARKING LOT - NO students may go into the driveway, across the crosswalk, or into the parking lot unaccompanied by their caregiver.  Please do not let your child run ahead of you or in any areas where cars are located.
• ​​​​​​​EARLY PICK-UP - Any student who needs to be picked up early will be pickedup in the Religious School office.  Please email me ahead of time OR send a note with your child.  NO children will be dismissed early from the classroom.  EVERY child has to be signed out in the office.
• PLEASE SEND - Each child should have a refillable water bottle and an extra mask with them.  Additionally, if you want to send a nut-free snack with your child, feel free.  Challah is served as snack.

COVID protocols:

• During religious school hours, masks must be worn by all students, staff, and visitors while in the building. This is regardless of vaccination status. If anyone forgets to bring a mask, we will have disposable masks available for their use.
• ​​​​​​​Hand sanitizer will be available at each entrance and throughout the building.
• Snacks will be enjoyed outside when practical and in the event of rain, we will use our large spaces such as the social hall to allow students to take off their masks to enjoy a bit of challah in a physically distanced environment.
• ​​​​​​​ All classes have assigned outdoor or large indoor spaces in order to keep our students as distanced and as safe as possible.
  
  

When NOT to come to class:

• If a student or a member of your family has a suspected or confirmed case of coronavirus, no member of the family should come to religious school.
• ​​​​​​​If there is a coronavirus case confirmed at your child’s Monday-Friday school that requires them to be quarantined from class, we require that all your children be quarantined from Sunday School as well.
• If any member of the family has any of these symptoms, the student should not come to class:

If your child tests positive, please let us know as soon as possible.  If the positive case happens within 2 days of being in our building, we must notify families and follow the quarantine guidance of the Georgia Department of Community Health, which means affected classrooms will be virtual the following week.

I know this is all a lot of information. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact the office at 770-352-9190 or by e-mail at  bblick@TEAtlanta.org.

B'shalom,
​​​​​​​Beth Blick

Want to order a Temple Emanu-El tshirt? 
They are super comfy and make getting dressed on Sunday morning SO easy!!

______________________________

Parents/Loving Adults!

Rabbi Rachael and Youth Programing could use your help!     

Rabbi Rachael is looking for volunteers to pick up pizza for youth group programs from the Sandy Springs Costco

She’d take care of all the ordering, you’d just need to pop inside, pick it up, and bring it to Temple Emanu-El when you come to pick up your child(ren)!

It doesn't even matter if your child is attending the event that day!  The pizza just needs a ride!

Click HERE to let Rabbi Rachael know you’d be willing to help.

______________________________

We had another great week last Sunday.  From Kindergarten's shofar sounds Red Light/Green Light to 8th grade's Rosh Hashanah Tik Tok video, the days was a success!

Speaking of Tik Tok, have you followed DFRS on social media?  We have something for everyone... Facebook , Instagram , and Tik Tok .

As a reminder, there is NO school THIS Sunday, 9/5 due to Labor Day weekend.  We will see everyone back on Sunday, 9/12.

______________________________

Our Temple Emanu-El family extends a warm welcome, ברוך הבא baruch habah to our Shinshin this year, Nave Aviton (pronounced Nah-VAY).  
 
Having a Shinshin as a part of our Diamond Family Religious School and youth programming has been an amazing way to bring Israel into the lives of the next generation. Nave is taking a gap year between high school and his IDF service to come to Atlanta to serve the Jewish community. Jewish peoplehood is a pillar of Temple Emanu-El; Nave will not only teach us about Israel, but we will also share with him all about what it means to be a part of a Reform Jewish community in America. Week by week we will strengthen the connection between the Jewish people of Atlanta to Israel and around the world. 
 
Nave grew up in Be’er Sheva, an ancient city which is today home to Israel’s aerospace industry, many tech companies, and is one of the fastest growing locations in Israel. Nave is the son of Vered and Shabi Avitan. He has three sisters, one of which is his twin. Nave loves the diversity of Be’er Sheva and is very passionate about their soccer team.  He enjoys baking, playing basketball, volunteering, hanging out with friends, and playing Play Station. Nave hopes to share the Israeli value, “We are stronger when we are together” with our community. 
 
To check out a Nave’s intro video, click HERE  
 
To learn more about the Shinshinim program and even to look into hosting your very own shinshin or shinshinit! Click HERE  

______________________________

See you Tuesday at Brook Run Park!

These services are open to the community.  Please bring your friends!

______________________________

Parents/Loving Adults!

Rabbi Rachael and Youth Programing could use your help!     

Rabbi Rachael is looking for volunteers to pick up pizza for youth group programs from the Sandy Springs Costco

She’d take care of all the ordering, you’d just need to pop inside, pick it up, and bring it to Temple Emanu-El when you come to pick up your child(ren)!

It doesn't even matter if your child is attending the event that day!  The pizza just needs a ride!

Click HERE to let Rabbi Rachael know you’d be willing to help.

Registration is OPEN!

We will begin reregistering our students for the upcoming
​​​​​​​FACE-TO-FACE school year!

Feel free to register on your own here:  https://templeemanuelatlanta.shulcloud.com/school_enrollment.php  

As we gear up for Sunday's live launch, we want to make sure our community knows the expecations for Zoom.

Please let me know if you have questions.

​​​​​​​Thank you!

ATTENTION RISING 8th-12th GRADERS (and their parents):

Don't forget to submit your application to be a Madrichim (9th-12th) or a Madrichim-in-Training (8th) by June 30!

This is a PAID position!

______________________________

The pandemic has upended life as we knew it. This summer, families face serious decisions about how to care for children and structure their time, especially as many camps have closed their physical plants. People of all ages are now accustomed to using technology to connect virtually, which has led to more engagement in separate screen activities all under the same roof - causing greater isolation within the family unit. With so much happening in our world, we know that families wish for the time they spend together to be more meaningful – to inspire them to learn with, grow with, and enjoy each other.

With this in mind, we created Jewish Life in Your Family Life on the new platform  RJ On the Go . For 3 weeks beginning June 29, Monday through Friday, families with school-age children have daily opportunities to attend short, structured activities together. Children in two age groups, together with their grown-ups, will come together to activate connections with each other through experiences hosted by informal educators from all 15 URJ camps. For more information about Jewish Life in Your Family Life and to sign up for yourself go to  RJ On the Go  and add the coupon code CAMP2020.

Each week has a middah or character trait as an overarching theme – curiosity, gratitude, and perseverance – with each day of the week focused on one specific category: movement, STEM, cooking, arts, or all around camp-style fun.
It is free to register and to participate. Add the coupon code CAMP2020 when signing up. Go to  RJ On the Go to learn more about the times, days, and experiences.

______________________________

_______________________________

Chag Purim Sameach!

What an amazing weekend we had at Temple Emanu-El and The Diamond Family Religious School! 

From the DFRS/Davis Purim Party and Service to the AMAZING Purim Carnival with a Cause...we had FUN and we did GOOD!

Please head over to the FULL ALBUM from Sunday - feel free to tag yourself and friends, and if you haven't liked the DFRS page yet, give it a like!

_______________________________

Coming up next: Passover!

Practice Passover Seders are happening Sunday, March 29.

Please sign up here for Passover Seder items.

THANK YOU!!

_______________________________

T-shirt Orders Happening Now!

Order your TE t-shirt for camp, youth group events, Sunday School, or just running around town!

These tees are THE MOST comfortable!

_______________________________

Purim Carnival Logistics:
On Sunday, March 8, Temple Emanu-El will have their Purim Carnival with a Cause.
Have fun and do good with your community!

The shpiel starts at 10:00 am in the sanctuary.  Please plan to meet your child in the sanctuary at 10.

The carnival begins at 10:30 - ALL children in grades PreK through 6 must be accompanied by an adult.  Any child that doesn't have their parents will need to be picked in the office.

This year, all kids will get a Mitzvah Passport to keep track of their stamps to earn prizes...AND if you complete all of the Mitzvah opportunities, there is a SPECIAL Temple Emanu-El prize!

This event is FREE and open to the community.  Please bring your friends!

Please sign-up here for items needed for the carnival:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0845AEAD2DA6FE3-purim1

• No School this Sunday!  See you all on February 23!
• ​​​​​​​Please help your child remember to bring tzedakah weekly.  All tzedakah goes to the Community Assistance Center to stock their food pantry shelves.  Find out more about CAC by clicking HERE .
• Please review the "Important Early Pick-up Reminders" email that went out 1/29/20 if you need to pick up early.
• ​​​​​​​Bagels are on sale in the lobby at 8:45 ($1 bagel, $1.50 bagel with cream cheese).
• Hebrew office hours begin at 8:45 am.
• NFTY Hatikvah Kallah is registering now!

Grades 6, 7, & 8:
Spend the weekend with Rabbi Rachael and friends NEW and OLD!
Click HERE to register!

_______________________________

_______________________________

Have you been practicing?  Click on the links below for Hebrew Skills practice pages:
Kippah Lavan (white) LINK
Kippah Adom (red) LINK
Kippah Tzahov (yellow) LINK
Kippah Yarok (green) LINK
Kippah Kachol (blue) LINK
Kippah Sagol (purple) LINK
Kippah Katom (orange) LINK

_______________________________

This week in...

Art with Morah Laura focusing on Tu Bishvat!

Kindergarten
This week we learned about more things around the temple. We learned that the menorah we are in our synagogue is different than a Hanukkah menorah because it symbolizes the 7 days of the week. We also learned that the Hebrew word for star of David is called Magen David. Lastly, we took a tour of the stained glass around the temple to see how it shows a story and how beautiful the colors are. Ask your student: 1. What is Magen David? 2. Why are there only 7 placeholders on the menorah in temple? 

1st Grade
This week we learned what Tza' ar ba- aley haim means (taking care of animals). We also learned about what is Noah's Ark. We discussed what animals give us and why they are important. Ask your student: Why did Noah bring two of each animal? Name three ways we take care of animals. 
 
2nd Grade
This week we had a Tu Bishvat seder.  We were able to taste foods that are important to the holiday, and participate in the practice of changing from winter to spring. Ask your student: What was your favorite food you tasted? What was your least favorite food? Why did you mix white and red grape juice?

3rd Grade
Judaics
Students will attend Art class with Morah Laura.  The theme is: Tu Bi-Shvat. Ask your student:  What does the name Tu Bi-Shvat mean?  Why is Tu Bi-Shvat celebrated by Jews the world over?
Applied Hebrew
We began learning about Tu B’shvat, which is the celebration of the birthday of the trees. We learned about the Seven Minim (species) of the land of Israel: Wheat, barley, vines, fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey. These are the seven food groups that were consumed by the Jewish people in biblical times. Afterwards, we read a story called “The Giving Tree,” which led us to a having a conversation about taking care of the environment around you. Ask your student: 1) What does the holiday of Tu B’Shvat symbolize? 2) If you were the main character in “The Giving Tree,” would you act the same or differently and why?

4th Grade
Judaics
We started looking at the story of Passover and talking about the 4 questions.  The students came up with 4 questions that are important to them. Ask your student: Which of 'their' 4 questions is most important to them?  Can WE really make a difference?
Applied Hebrew
We will study about the Mitzva to plant a fruit tree when you come to Israel.  Each student will creat a "TREE" of themself: like the tree gives fruit to the world, we give as well "fruit" to this world. Ask your student: What is their "fruit" and why? Why does the Torah teach us to plant a fruit tree? Why is it important to do that?

5th Grade
Judaics
This week we finished up the story of Joseph! We talked about the tricks he played on his brothers, his reconciling with them, and the eventual reunification of his family in Egypt. We also talked about how Joseph saved Egypt but also transformed it into a land of slavery. Ask your student: Q1) What did pharoah’s two dreams (about cows and wheat) mean? Q2) Why did Joseph trick his brothers numerous times when they came to him for help?
Applied Hebrew
We will look at the Hebrew calendar try to find "why" we call this Holiday Tu B'shvat and why this holiday is special and different from the "Jewish High Holidays." Students will learn about Tu B'shvat tradition, and planting a tree as the wonderful Mitzva they may share with Eretz Israel.  later we will listen to the story of "Honi the Circle Maker and make the connection to the phrase "L'dor Vador" 1/ Please share with us some new information about Tu b'shvat. 2/ How can we celebrate Tu B'shvat in America? 

6th Grade
Another fabulous week is in the books! On Sunday the students had the chance to spend time with our shinshinit, Nicole, as she taught them all about the Israeli Election process. She will be heading back to Israel in the next few weeks for vacation, but she will be staying a few extra days because the Israeli government is about to hold it’s THIRD election as the K’nesset tries to form a coalition and elect its next Prime Minister. In the previous two elections, no coalition was formed, causing the second, and now third election process.

After Nicole departed, in honor of Tu Bishvat (the New Year of the Trees), the class learned about Israel’s agricultural strategies and contributions to the world, especially through the following areas:

1. Drip Irrigation
2. Desalination
3. Pulling water from the air!

Another Reminder!: I hope that you and your 6th grader will talk about the chance for them to attend NFTY 678 HaTikvah Kallah at Camp Thunderbird. It’s an amazing first opportunity to check out the youth movement for our Reform Jewish community and to meet other teens from across the region. Click  HERE  to learn more.

7th & 8th Grades
This week we looked at why trees and planting are so important in Judaism. We then used the story of Honi the Circle Maker to discuss Tu Bishvat and then created a practice shpiel using the story.  We will work on creating our Purim Shpiel for the whole school in 2 weeks when we are back! Ask your student: Who do we plant for? What can trees be symbols of?

Don't forget about NFTY 678 HaTikvah Kallah at Camp Thunderbird.  This is an AWESOME opportunity to meet new friends from across our NFTY region.  Click HERE to learn more!