DFRS Blog

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This Sunday, 3/17: PuRiM!

• We will have "regularly scheduled programming" from 9:00-10:00 am.
• All students will meet in the sanctuary at 10:00 am to see the 7th/8th grade Purim Shpiel.
• Feel free to join us at 10:00 am!
• Students will be dismissed WITH THEIR PARENTS to the Carnival at 10:30 am.
• Don't forget: The Carnival is FREE, OPEN to the COMMUNITY, and FUN!
  
• Food and drinks are available for purchase.
• ​​​​​​​If you and your child are not attending the carnival, please sign them out in the Religious School office at 10:30 am.

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Next Friday, 3/22: PuRiM PaRtY!

• Come in costume!!
• ​​​​​​​Super FUN, family-friendly service at 6:30 pm with music by our Zimria.
• Dinner at 7:15 - BYOB!
• Sign up by Wednesday, 3/20/19.

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Next Sunday, 3/17
Come in Costume
Join your child for the Purim Shpiel in the sanctuary at 10:00 am and stay for the Carnival. 
The Carnival is FREE, open to the public, and LOADS of fun. 
There will be a petting zoo, inflatables, games, and prizes. 
Food is available for purchase!

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Friday, 3/22
Join us for Shabbat services at 6:30 and dinner at 7:15.
Come in costume & BYOB!
Sign up HERE .

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Upcoming Dates
3/10 - No school
3/17 - Purim Shpiel (10:00) & Carnival/Mitzvah Day (10:30-12:30)
3/22 (Friday) - RS Shabbat Services (6:30) & Dinner (7:15) (sign up here)
3/24 - 7th & 8th Grade Field Trip (register here)
3/31 - No School
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                                      Sunday Synopses
Kindergarten
Today we reviewed all of the things we have learned in the temple. We split up into 2 teams and did a scavenger hunt to find different items in the temple. We had so much fun reviewing all we learned all year!

1st Grade
We discussed Leshon hara. We talked about "biting your tongue" and only saying kind things. The class discovered kind words, made kindness badges, and practiced being kind to one another.

2nd Grade
Today we learned all about the 10 commandments.  We learned how Moses brought the 10 commandments down from Mount Sinai, what they are, and how we can follow them.  We then created our own set of commandments.

3rd Grade Judaics
We discussed Anne Frank- A modern day heroine. Students listened to her story and diary. They brainstormed thoughts of why she is considered a model and heroine to teenagers. In small groups led by Madrichim they discussed a question related to her story and presented it to the class.
 
4th Grade Applied Hebrew
We learned about 3 Parashot this week. Parashat Tetzveh, tells us more about the goings-on of the Mishkan, the tabernacle or temporary Sanctuary in which the Divine Presence dwelled during the Jews’ journeys through the desert. Parashat Ki Tisa talks about the Mishkan, the Golden Calf and the second tablets. The last Parasha is Vayakhel that talks about Moses and how he gathers the People of Israel and repeats to them all the things God has told him in the previous three Parashot. So a lot of this Parshah repeats things we've read before.
 
4th Grade Judaics
This week, we are continuing our discussions about Passover, the Hagaddah and how we can apply these lessons to current events.  The kids are working so hard on creating their own Social Justice Hagaddah and I am very proud of them.
 
5th Grade Applied Hebrew
We learned 3 important values that will help us in "Tikun Olam" and understanding better the word around us: 1. Sh'lom Bayit (peace in the home) 2. Bal Tash-chit (do not waste. 3. Hakarta Ha-Todah (gratitude). This week we focused on our Father and Mother and what does it mean by saying "Show Kavod," and of course where we can find this important value in the Torah. After discussion we are going to make "My new promise to my mother and father".
 
5th Grade Judaics
Today we finished watching the Prince of Egypt! We discussed how the movie differs from the Book of Exodus. We also talked about some of the origins of the traditions of Passover.

6th Grade
During class this week our 6th graders “became” various characters from Israeli society. There was a sampling of Israeli society from Orthodox Jewish men to Reform Jewish women; Muslim Israeli-Arab men and Muslim Palestinian Women; Jewish Immigrants from other countries and non-Jewish immigrants from other countries; etc. The students were surprised by the privileges afforded to some groups and the struggles of others. Ask your child what part of society they participated in and what they recall about their character.

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We can't wait to see you THIS Sunday, 2/24/19!

Don't forget: Hebrew Skills Office Hours are from 8:45-9:00 am.

Hebrew Skills Practice Links can be found here .
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Upcoming Dates
3/10 - No school
3/17 - Purim Shpiel (10:00) & Carnival/Mitzvah Day (10:30-12:30)
3/22 (Friday) - RS Shabbat Services (6:30) & Dinner (7:15) ( sign up here )
3/24 - 7th & 8th Grade Field Trip ( register here )
3/31 - No School
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                                 Mitzvot Opportunities

• Please remember that we are collecting tzedakah each week that is being used to buy food for the CAC (Community Assistance Center) food pantry.  By sending in any amount of money with your student, you are helping them to do a mitzvah that aids the community.  If you would like more information about CAC, please click here.

• ​​​​​​​Please send in to the Religious School office any of the following items that will be used to create projects with The Packaged Good at our Purim Carnival/Mitzvah Day:
  
  pencils, pencil sharpeners (handheld), pens, erasers, highlighters, flair pens

         If you would like more information about The Packaged Good, please
         click here.
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The wrong file was uploaded - the CORRECT time for the Purim Carnival is 10:30-12:30.   Please see below!

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Upcoming Dates
2/17 - No school
3/10 - No school
3/17 - Purim Shpiel & Carnival/Mitzvah Day (info below)
3/22 (Friday) - RS Shabbat Services & Dinner (info below)
3/24 - 7th & 8th Grade Field Trip (  register here  )
3/31 - No School
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Mitzvot Opportunities

Please remember that we are collecting tzedakah each week that is being used to buy food for the CAC (Community Assistance Center) food pantry.  By sending in any amount of money with your student, you are helping them to do a mitzvah that aids the community.  If you would like more information about CAC, please click  here .


​​​​​​​Please send in to the Religious School office any of the following items that will be used to create projects with The Packaged Good at our Purim Carnival/Mitzvah Day:
pencils, pencil sharpeners, pens, erasers, highlighters, flair pens
If you would like more information about The Packaged Good, please click  here .
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Upcoming Dates
2/10 - AIAAS Town Hall (info below)
2/17 - No school
3/10 - No school
3/17 - Purim Shpiel & Carnival/Mitzvah Day (info below)
3/22 (Friday) - RS Shabbat Services & Dinner (info below)
3/24 - 7th & 8th Grade Field Trip ( register here )
3/31 - No School
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                                     Mitzvot Opportunities

• Please remember that we are collecting tzedakah each week that is being used to buy food for the CAC (Community Assistance Center) food pantry.  By sending in any amount of money with your student, you are helping them to do a mitzvah that aids the community.  
  If you would like more information about CAC, please click here.
  
  
• ​​​​​​​Please send in to the Religious School office any of the following items that will be used to create projects with The Packaged Good at our Purim Carnival/Mitzvah Day:
  pencils, pencil sharpeners, pens, erasers, highlighters, flair pens
  If you would like more information about The Packaged Good, please click here .
  

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                                              Sunday Synopses

This week in Art...
5th grade - Baal tashchit(do not waste or destroy)
Each student came up with a 6 word phrase that connected them to the concept of Baal tashchit. Then we took recycled pulp clay and created a sculpture that represented their phrase. Then each student gave their perspective on what theirs represented. They had great concepts.
Example
Phrase :Plastic is definitely not more fantastic.
Sculpture: plastic water bottle
Lastly we pushed parsley seeds into sculptures to germinate for Passover.  Thereby reusing, recycling, and giving back to nature.
 
2nd grade - crossing sea of reeds
We worked on a collage style accordion book to retell parts of the Exodus story. As they learn more, more scenes can be added.
 
1st grade - tza 'ar Ba'alei Chayim
As they drew their favorite animals on pet neckerchiefs we talked about how/why we can be kind to the animals. The neckerchiefs will be donated to one of the organizations that find homes for unwanted pets.
 
Kindergarten - 10 commandments
We worked on creating"commandments kid" sock puppets. We talked about the commandment to honor father and mother.  Then the puppets demonstrated examples of ways to follow this commandments. For example, cleaning room when asked.
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Kindergarten - Today we learned about the 10 Commandments. We learned how the 10 Commandments are guidelines we should follow to be a good person. We made our own version of writing the 10 commandments on "stone tablets" like they did way back in the day.

1st Grade - This week we talked about chesed. We made buckets and talked about being kind.  We practiced kindness and filling each other’s’ buckets.

2nd Grade - This week we saw pieces of The Prince of Egypt - specifically Moses being put into the basket and the river and being saved by the Queen.  We talked about how this visual was similar and different to the story we had already read.

3rd Judaics - We discussed Anne Frank- a modern day heroine. Students listened to her story and diary. They brainstormed thoughts of why she is considered a model and heroine to teenagers. In small groups lead by Madrichim, they discussed a question related to her story and presented it to the class.
3rd Applied Hebrew - This week, we began class with a fun game called Two Truths and a Lie. Every student had their turn and had to tell the rest of the class three things about themselves, two of which were true and one of which was false. The rest of the class then had to figure out which statement was false. After the game, we discussed how telling lies can be fun when they are part of a game, but can be hurtful if they are told in real life. That conversation transitioned us to reading the story of Jacob and Esau’s Blessing. The kids acted out the story, which can be found in Genesis 27. We will continue discussing the merits of being truthful next Sunday.

4th Judaics - This week the 4th grade got to spend time with Omer, our ShinShin.  We had A BLAST!!!!   Omer told us about the tv show Eurovision and shared music from many different Israeli artists.  The best part was WE GOT TO BE THE JUDGES!  We evaluated each act based on costumes, dancing, music and overall show.  It was so much fun hearing Israeli music from different generations.
4th Applied Hebrew - In last week's Parashah, after years of the Jews' enslavement and then all the ten plagues that G d heaped upon the Egyptians, Pharaoh had let the Jews out of Egypt. But in this week, Parasaht Beshalach,     בשלח no sooner are the Jews out of Egypt that Pharaoh changes his mind once again and begins chasing after them!
 
5th Judaics - Today we watched part of the Prince of Egypt! We discussed the discrepancies between the film and the Torah portions. We also talked about the traditions of Passover.
5th Applied Hebrew - "Bal Taschit" - Do not wait" needs to be part of our daily routine. Today, Morah Shoshana mades an art project related to this important value as a preparation for our next Hebrew class, where the students will learn how to make our planet a better, clean environment. 
 
6th Grade - This week, the entire 6th grade made aliyah to Israel! They were broken into groups and assigned a particular aliyah from history. Some groups made aliyah from Europe, and some from places like Ethiopia, Yemen, and Libya. Ask your child which aliyah they participated in and what they learned about the other instances when people left their homes to move to Israel. They’ll be able to tell you some “push” factors and the “pull” factors as well!

7th/8th Grade - We went to The Temple to learn about the history of Jewish Atlanta firsthand. We also observed Project Tolerance, a teen-led theater troupe that integrates lessons of the holocaust with modern social dilemmas along the lines of race, gender, sexuality and antisemitism.

We would like to welcome Shoshanna Rosenthal to the Diamond Family Religious School.  We are so excited that Shoshanna will be joining us as our new Art teacher for Kindergarten through fifth grades.

Shoshanna is a sculptor, instructor, and visual narrator.  Her Judaic and kabbalistic themed sculpture can be found in galleries and private collections throughout the United States.

Shoshanna recently moved to Atlanta from Huntsville, Alabama where she created and facilitated art and educational programs for Sunday School, youth group, sisterhood, families, and workshops.

When not creating custom Judaica, Shoshanna work for NASA developing digital 3D models of science experiments for the International Space Station.

Her degrees are in visual communications and technical design.

Since moving to the area, Shoshanna has enjoyed working with the Jewish art camps in the area.

Shoshanna is excited to have the opportunity to work with the Temple Emanu-El and Diamond Family Religious School community and can't wait to get to know everyone.

                                 Procedure and Policy Reminders:

Early Pick-up
Parents who need to pick up their students early must provide a written note to the office with the time of pick.  This can be submitted prior to Sunday via email or on Sunday morning.  Please come in to the office to check out your child.  They will be brought to you.  Please do not pick your child up directly from their classroom as it results in a disruption of lessons. Notes should be directed to the Administrator, Candace McCullough, or the Principal, Beth Blick. 
 
Guests
As a policy, DFRS does not allow children on campus who are not enrolled in religious school. 

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Upcoming Dates
2/1 - Friday with Family (click here )
2/3 - 7th/8th Field Trip to The Temple, 3rd Grade Parent Meet-up (at TE)
2/10 - 1st Grade Parent Meet-up (@ Stars & Strikes)
2/17 - No School
2/24 - 7th Grade Parent Meet-up (@ Crema)
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                                                 Sunday Synopses

Kindergarten - Today we learned about Tu B'Shevat! We learned that Tu B'Shevat is the birthday of the trees. We learned how important trees are to us by all the fruits, shade and oxygen they give us. We even got a chance to go outside to do rubbings on tree bark! 

1st Grade - Today we spoke about Tu B'shevat. We spoke about why trees are important and made lists of what trees give us. It was a very important lesson in the mitzvah of taking care of the Earth and honoring nature.

2nd Grade - Our class learned all about Moses.  We learned about the burning bush and the ten plagues.  We were able to make a burning bush in a cup as well as a wheel of plagues.  The wheel of plagues will come in very handy at Passover Seder.

3rd Grade - This week in Judaics the focus of lesson will be on Dr. Amaram J. Cohen, a heart surgeon who built an organization called "Save a Child's Heart" that brought hundreds of children from developing countries to Israel for life saving cardiac operations.  Students hear the articles about Dr. Cohen and his project and in small groups discuss his famous words to new Doctors "There are no dollars and cents in it, but it's worth a fortune". In 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. 

4th Grade - In Judaics we continued exploring the Haggadah - specifically the 10 plagues.  We discussed how the 10 plagues impacted Egyptians during that time & created our own list- 10 modern plagues for our Social Justice Haggadah.   In Applied Hebrew, we reviewed last week's Parashah, after years of the Jews' enslavement and then all the ten plagues that God heaped upon the Egyptians, Pharaoh had let the Jews out of Egypt. But in this week, Parasaht Beshalach,   בשלח , no sooner are the Jews out of Egypt than Pharaoh changes his mind once again and begins chasing after them!

5th Grade - Today in Judaics we talked about the beginning of Exodus! We discussed the enslavement of the Jewish people and the early life of Moses. We talked about why we shouldn't be afraid of those who are different from us, and how to bridge cultural differences. In Applied Hebrew we learned about Tu B'shevat. Tu B'shevat is a holiday related to Israel. We honor the trees and the nature so we can enjoy the fruit. This week Ellie, our Madricha, taught about gratitude. 

6th Grade - Today we began exploring Israel.  We looked at the map of Israel, its borders, and what it means to have a state.  As we looked at the map, we also learned the Hebrew words for the cardinal directions (north, south, east, and west).  We ended class by viewing videos of different cities in Israel.

7th Grade - This week we prepared for our trip to The Temple by exploring Judaism and other religious ideas.  We are excited to see how Project Tolerance can be applied to our real lives.

8th Grade - Today we planned and made goals for our group, upcoming programming, and how we will include our 7th grade peers when they join us next week.  One of the things we are most excited about is planning a tefillah experience for the third through sixth graders: Jewpardy Tefillah!

We can't wait to see everyone back THIS Sunday, 1/27/19.

Don't forget to keep practicing Hebrew Skills (Kippah Adom, Tzahov, Yarok, Kachol, Sagol, and Katom) - click HERE for packets and videos.
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Have you signed your 6th, 7th, or 8th grader up for NFTY-SAR Hatikvah Kallah?

Click HERE for more info!
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Attention 7th & 8th Grade Students!

Don't forget to click each link below to sign up for the following off-site learning experiences ASAP:

Project Tolerance at The Temple


The Breman Museum

Zoo Atlanta

Don't forget: No School THIS Sunday, 1/20/19!

See you on Sunday, 1/27/19.

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Mazel tov to all of the students who moved up a kippah level this week in Hebrew Skills! 

We are so proud of your hard work.

Don't forget to keep practicing! (5 minutes/day is THE best!)

All prayer packets and videos can be found HERE .
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                                              Sunday Synopses

Kindergarten
Today we learned about what a Cantor is and how a Cantor is different and similar to a Rabbi. We learned about our Cantor, Cantor Lauren at Temple Emanu-El. We also made portraits of Cantor Lauren from our workbook. Ask your student: 1. What is the Hebrew word for Cantor? (Answer: Hazan), 2. What are the jobs of a Cantor? 

1st Grade
Today we learned all about the holiday of Tu B'shevat.  We read stories about the holiday of the trees, made tree art, and learned all about planting trees.  Ask your student: What is Tu B'shevat? Why do we celebrate it?

2nd Grade
Tu B'shevat was on the menu today in class.  We read books, made trees out of paper, noodles, and beans, and learned why this holiday is so important.  Ask your student: Why is Tu B'shevat so important?

3rd Grade
This week in Judaics we focused on a different kind of hero - the tree as a hero.  This was the focus since Tu B'Shevat is coming up this week.  We read the story The Giving Tree and discussed how the tree is such an important part of life. Ask your student: How is a tree a hero? In Applied Hebrew we explored G'milut Hasadim, which is bettering the world by doing the work ourselves.  We read the story "A Visit to Heaven and Hell" to illustrate how we can do the good work ourselves. Ask your student: What made heaven a great place? What was the Rabbi's choice at the end of the story?

4th Grade
Today in Judaic Studies, the 4th grade began a project that will take a few weeks to complete. We will be creating our own Social Justice Haggadah!  We discussed the Haggadah & how we can incorporate social justice issues.  The 4th graders came up with AMAZING examples of how the lessons of Passover can apply to modern time. Ask your 4th grader what piece of the Haggadah s/he worked on today (answers will differ/ Tikkun Olam/ Repairing the World, Zehirut/ Awareness, Veshinantam Levanecha/ Teach Your Children, Pidyon Shvuyim/ Redeeming the Captive, Bal Taschit/ Care for Environment....)  In Applied Hebrew Through Moses and Aaron, God brings plagues on the Egyptians, and Pharaoh repeatedly refuses to allow the Israelites to leave. We talked about the the relation between Aaron, Moses and G-d. We also talked about Moses as a leader and a convincing man with Pharaoh.  We read a play and every student took a part in this activity. We had a conversation about the story in this Parasha and also about the main actors in this play.   בא  Pharashat Bo  - Pharaoh  still refuses to let the Jews leave Egypt, so G‑d brings more plagues on Egypt. We read the play and explained what is going on in this Parasha. We watched a short video that will explain the Parasha. Please ask your children about the discussion we had in class about Moses as a leader and his big mission to take the nation out of Egypt. 

5th Grade
Our Madricha lead a session about gratitude - Why do we have to remember always to say  "Thank you"? How can we change the world by using "Thank you" more often? At the end of the session the students wrote a "Thank you" note where they expressed their gratitude. Ask your student: 1. How can we, together as a family, appreciate our togetherness, happiness, and health? 2. In your opinion, who do you need to say thank you to and why? 

6th Grade
Our sixth graders got off to a great start. We began with a little class bonding and a great game of “the wind blows for…” (ask your kids how to play!). Next, our Israeli shinshin, Omer, taught the kids how to become a map of Israel with their bodies. Then the students became either “Israel” or a “tour guide” and had to place major Israeli cities onto the map. Finally, we ended our day with a delightful game of “Jewpardy” with questions related to Israeli government, culture, dates, technology, and people. I was so impressed with what the students already knew and the game offered the chance for them to be introduced to new terms and fun facts! We’ll get to finish the game at the start of our next class.

7th Grade
Today 7th grade explored various texts that all dealt with Tu B'shevat.  The students chose one of the texts to read, explore, and apply to themselves, the world, modern life, or another aspect of Judaism.  Ask your student what text they chose and how they applied it.

Welcome Back!!

We can't wait to see you on Sunday, 1/13/19!

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HEBREW SKILLS - KIPPAH LEVELS

Has your student in grades 4-7 been practicing their Hebrew Skills prayers while we've been on break?

Remember, students can be tested and move WHENEVER they are ready!

LINKS (Click the following to find prayer packets and videos):
Red
Yellow    
Green
Blue
Purple
Orange
 
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Do you have any books that you’d like to donate for a great cause?

For my Bar Mitzvah project I am collecting gently used or new books for middle school and high school age teens. I will volunteer and donate these books at a Creating Connected Communities (CCC) event on March 10th, 2019.
 
Please help support my project by bringing books before Sunday school on January 13th. I will be in the TE lobby to collect them from 8:45-9:30am. Thanks in advance!

Logan Katz

Temple Emanu-El and The Diamond Family Religious School are partnering with the ADL and JumpSpark for an Anti-Semitism Summit.

We would love for parents to take this opportunity to learn about how to handle anti-Semitism in our lives.

This Summit is recommended for children (6th grade and older) and parents.

Please join us as we discuss the realities of anti-Semitism in our community and how can navigate these challenges.

For more information, click here .

To register for this free event, click here .

We hope to see you there!

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                                         What's Happening at DFRS?

• ​​​​​​​NO SCHOOL December 23, December 30, January 6
• ​​​​​​​January 6 - Teacher & Madrichim Training Day
• MARK YOUR CALENDARS:​​​​​​​
  • March 17 - Purim Carnival
  • March 22 - Religious School PURIM Shabbat Services at 6:30 PM - COME IN COSTUME & BYOB!!!
• ​​​​​​​Office Hours - Teachers are available for conferencing OR Hebrew tutoring starting at 8:40 each Sunday.
  

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HEBREW SKILLS - KIPPAH LEVELS

Has your student in grades 4-7 been practicing their Hebrew Skills prayers?

Remember, students can be tested and move WHENEVER they are ready!

​​​​​​​LINKS (Click the following to find prayer packets and videos):
Red
Yellow   
Green
Blue
Purple
Orange

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Did you know that our Kindergarten, first, and second grade students go to Hebrew every week with Morah Evelyn?  They are building an amazing foundation for their prayer studies!

Students Steven and Brock in 2nd Grade working on decoding as well as letter recognition and sounds. 

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                                                     Sunday Synopses
Kindergarten
Today we reviewed what we learned this semester. We played hangman to review and created a word bank for our classroom wall. We had so much fun this semester. See you again in the New Year! Questions to ask your children: 1. What was your favorite thing you learned about this semester in Sunday school? 2. What would you like to learn about next semester?

First Grade
Today we learned about the mitzvah of taking care of the sick - bikkur cholim.  We also learned about the mi she'beirach prayer. We made cards for our family members for the next time they get sick.  Questions to ask your children: 1. Why is it a mitzvah to take care of someone who is sick? 2. What is the prayer for healing called?

Second Grade
Today we learned about the story of Baby Moses and his rescue from the basket.  We made a baby moses and read his story.  Questions to ask your children: 1. Why did Moses get put into the Nile river? 2. Who rescued Baby Moses?

Third Grade
Judaics - We discussed in class how the role of Gal Gadot in the movie Wonder Woman has transformed Gadot into the world's most famous Israeli.  How she influenced Israeli youth to be proud of their small country and how she became Israel's high-profile Ambassador. Questions to ask your children: 1. What did Gal Gadot do to become Israel's most famous Ambassador? 2. Why is Gadot a good role model to young people?
Applied Hebrew - There are countless opportunities for us to do acts of kindness in our everyday lives. Like Ruth, we just need to take advantage of those opportunities. The effects of one small act of kindness can be far greater than we ever expected. In our lesson, the students explored how they can do more acts of kindness in their everyday lives and inspire acts of kindness in their families and community.  Questions to ask your children: 1. How can we do acts of kindness in our everyday lives?   2. If you were Ruth, what would you have done? Why?

Fourth Grade
Judaics - Our 4th Graders learned about rechilut and lashon hara (gossip and disparaging speech) and the importance of using kind language.  We discussed what gossip is any why it is so hurtful from both personal experiences and Jewish teaching.  We ended our class with a cleaver game and project that reiforced our lessons and reminds us to speak "sweetly" about our friends & neighbors.   Questions to ask your children: 1. What is lashon hara (it's gossip) and why is it so hurtful?   2. What project did you make in class ( anti-gossip jars)?  
Applied Hebrew - This week's parsha is about Joseph. We learned about Joseph meeting his brothers in Egypt. How he is reacting? and what he is doing? Questions to ask your children: 1. How did Joseph react when he met his brothers in Egypt? 2. Why do you think he reacted this way?

Fifth Grade
Judaics - This week we finished up the story of Joseph in Egypt! We learned about how Joseph earned the trust of Pharaoh and worked his way out of prison. We also talked about how Joseph repaired the bond with his brothers, and about how "taking the high road" is the better choice. Questions to ask your children: 1. Why is it important to keep your word to others? 2. What is one time you took the high road? What is one time you SHOULD'VE taken the high road?
Applied Hebrew - What does it mean to be "Grateful" in life - towards our family and friends? Our students learned why is it important to remember to say "Thank you" and really appreciate the people around us. They wrote a thank you note to family or friend, understanding that above any friction, we must stop and be grateful for what we have and who we have in life.   

Sixth Grade
Our 6th grade class concluded a semester of Holocaust study by focusing on the value of leadership.  This was connected to the leadership necessary from those Jews who rose up as a part of resistance grooups in places like the Warsaw ghetto.  We reviewed our semester of learning and everyone is excited to study Israel in the coming year.

Seventh Grade
This week we began learning about Tu B'Shvat and learned the story of Choni the Circle Maker. When we return from break, the students will have opportunities to show their own interpretations and thoughts about the stories and Talmudic text we learned. Have a wonderful break and a happy new year! 

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What's Happening at DFRS?

• December 16 - Sunday School
• ​​​​​​​NO SCHOOL December 23, December 30, January 6
• ​​​​​​​January 6 - Teacher & Madrichim Training Day
• MARK YOUR CALENDARS:​​​​​​​
  • March 17 - Purim Carnival
  • March 22 - Religious School PURIM Shabbat Services at 6:30 PM - COME IN COSTUME & BYOB!!!
• ​​​​​​​Office Hours - Teachers are available for conferencing OR Hebrew tutoring starting at 8:40 each Sunday. 

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 HEBREW SKILLS - KIPPAH LEVELS

Has your student in grades 4-7 been practicing their Hebrew Skills prayers?

By the end of the 1st semester (December 16), it is the expectation for the following:
6th graders should be in PURPLE.
5th graders should be in YELLOW.
4th graders in pink should be in RED.

Remember, students can be tested and move WHENEVER they are ready!

​​​​​​​LINKS (Click the following to find prayer packets and videos):
Red 
Yellow  
Green 
Blue  
Purple
Orange  

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Sunday Synopses

Kindergarten - Today we had some Hanukkah fun!! We made menorahs out of our fingers(for the candles) and fingerprints (for the flames). We then broke up into groups and played some Hanukkah games including a fun twist on the classic dreidel game! Parents can ask their kiddos: 1. What is the helper candle called? 2. What is your favorite part about celebrating Hanukkah? 

First Grade - This week our machrichim taught about Hanukkah while talking about what is special about Hanukkah. Parents can ask what we eat on Hanukkah and how the hanukkiah is different than a menorah. 

Second Grade - Today we focused on practiced the Chanukah prayers, learning the rules of the dreidel game, and practicing how to light the menorah.  We had so much fun playing the dreidel game and eating gelt! Parents can ask which direction we light our candles and which letter they want to spin on the dreidel.

Third Grade Judaics - Students heard the story of Chanukah and are able to relate a few facts about the origin of Chaunkah.  We discussed the victory of Judah Maccabee and the miracles of Chanukah.  Students understood why Chanukah celebrates our right to practice our religion free of persecution. Parents can ask their childre what is the Miracle of Chanukah?  What is the meaning of the word Chanukah?  Third Grade Applied Hebrew - This week, we continued celebrating Hanukkah.  We lit the Chanukiya, chanted the blessings, and sang Hanukkah songs. We were involved in small and big group activities, such as singing, dancing, learning, and many other fun-filled activities. What a fun and productive week we have enjoyed together! Ask your children what does the word Chanukah mean? What is the ninth candle for?

Fourth Grade Judaics - Today our class learned about simcha (joy).  We learned about how we celebrate simchas and why this is so important in Judaism. Ask your children to share a simcha with you. Fourth Grade Applied Hebrew - We wrapped up our study of Chanukah by working on the blessings. We also explored this week's torah portion. 

Fifth Grade Judaics - Today we learned about Parshah Vayishlach and Parshah Vayeishev. We learned more about the family line of Isaac and Jacob. We also discussed the beginnings of Joseph's story and his enslavement in Egypt. Questions to ask your children: Q1) Why were Joseph's brothers jealous of him? Q2) How can you deal with sibling arguments or disagreements? Fifth Grade Applied Hebrew - We wrapped Hanukkah with a short animation movie that describe the story of Hanukkah. We told the story of the S'vivon (dreidel) and played with S'vivonim from Israel and America. We touched History with a special clay that I brought from Israel (Archaeological  digging) - singing some songs and enjoying that last day of Hanukkah together. Questions to ask your children: 1- How does it feel to touch History? 2 - Tell us something new you learned about Hanukkah?

Sixth - Twelfth Grade - Our students attended an AIPAC mini-conference where they heard from Yotam Polizer, the co-CEO of IsraAID. IsraAID is an Israeli-based humanitarian aid agency that responds to emergency crises and engages in international development around the world. Ask your students what the most memorable part of the program was.

• ​​​​​​​December 7 - Religious School Chanukah Dinner & Services (sign up below)
• ​​​​​​​December 9 - Sunday School, AIPAC Conference (6th-12th Grades) , & Governor's Mansion
  **IMPORTANT: Carpool pick-up at 12:30 pm will be by the covered walkway at the far end of the temple driveway (The Music School entrance).**
  
• ​​​​​​​December 16 - Sunday School
• ​​​​​​​NO SCHOOL December 23, December 30, January 6!
  
  

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THIS FRIDAY - Chanukah Dinner & Services!!!

Register  HERE

Wear your festive Chanukah gear!
BYOB

**Zimria will meet Cantor Adesnik at 6:30 in the sanctuary before dinner starts.**

Students will be LEADING parts of the Chanukah service on December 7:
Grades K-2
Nightlights:  https://youtu.be/OTNLxNxfk0U  & Shema
Grades 3-5
Michamocha:  https://youtu.be/RP2yN-_1p_w
Grades 6-8
Am I Awake/Barchu:  https://youtu.be/4evjPk_LoT0

_________________________________________________________________
                                   HEBREW SKILLS - KIPPAH LEVELS
Has your student in grades 4-7 been practicing their Hebrew Skills prayers?

By the end of the 1st semester (December 16), it is the expectation for the following:

• 6th graders should be in PURPLE.
• 5th graders should be in YELLOW.
• 4th graders in pink should be in RED.

​​​​​​​
Remember, students can be tested and move WHENEVER they are ready!

​​​​​​​LINKS (Click the following to find prayer packets and videos):
Red
Yellow
Green
Blue
Purple

Orange

__________________________________________________________________
                                               Sunday Synopses

Kindergarten - Today we learned about Hanukkah. We talked about why we light 8 candles and what the 9th candle is called. We decorated the classroom for the start of Hanukkah. Lastly we split up into groups to play Hanukkah games. Questions to ask your child: What is the 9th candle that lights all the other candles  called? Why do we light 8 candles?

1st Grade - Today we learned that returning something is a Mitzvah. We also learned that we always tell the truth. We also visited Rabbi Spike and heard a wonderful story.
Questions to ask your child: Why is it important to tell the truth? Why should you return something that's not yours? 

2nd Grade - Our class learned about Hanukkah - what it is and why we celebrate.  We made edible menorahs, played with dreidels, practiced the prayers, and heard some great Hanukkah stories.  We went to visit Rabbi Spike in his office and he told us a fun story.

K, 1, 2 Hebrew - 1st and 2nd grade - Ask your child which letter they learned on Sunday.  Kindergarten - Ask your child to tell you 3 colors in Hebrew.

3rd Grade - In Judaics, we started with a lesson taught by Grayson, our Madrichim.  Then we learned about a Hanukkah hero named Yenudah Ha'Maccab.  We ended our day with a fun game called "Hanukkah Quiz".
Questions to ask your child: What was the miracle of Hanukkah? Who were the Maccabees? 
In Applied Hebrew, the students read the story of Chanukah in small groups. After they finished reading, every group acted out their favorite part while the rest of the class guessed which part it was. We then discussed how the story of Chanukah can be tied to our five senses: We hear the songs and blessings, see the candle light, smell and taste the latkes and sufganyot, and play with the dreidel.
Questions to ask your child: How many days of Chanukah are there and why? Where did Mattathias live and how many boys did he have?

4th Grade - In Judaics, we are preparing for Chanukah, so we are exploring what bravery and courage means to us.  We discussed many different ways we can be brave and couageous- as always, the 4th graders had meaningful insight and inspiring contributions to our lesson.  Our class treat was creating an edible Menorah- it was so much fun to make and DEEEEEELISH!!!!!
In Applied Hebrew, we dug into the story of Hanukkah.  Then we created artwork and described our favorite part of the holiday.
Questions to ask your child: How do we light the Chanukiah? Why is this important?

5th Grade - In Judaics, we learned about Parshah Vayeitzei (Gen. 28:10 - 32:3). This portion covers the story of how Jacob worked for his uncle / father-in-law in order to marry Leah and Rachel. We also talked about how Judaism teaches us to deal with dishonesty in others.
Questions to ask your child: Which approach worked for Jacob in dealing with his problems, running or talking? How can we take the lesson of Jacob, Rachel, and Leah and use it in our daily lives?
In Applied Hebrew, we are going to hear the Hanukkah story and creating a special cartoon based on the story. Students understood the history of our Jewish brothers and sisters in Jerusalem during the second Temple.
Questions to ask your child: How come the Jews were able to win the Temple again? If you lived in the time of the second temple would you join the Maccabim? Why? 

6th Grade - This past Sunday, our 6th grade class began with a little Chanukah trivia thanks to the hard work of our madrichim, Harrison, Ryan, and Zac. We transitioned from Chanukah into our Holocaust curriculum discussing the value of “awe.” Where and when do we experience “awe”? During the Holocaust did people have moments of “awe”? If there were moments of “awe,” was God there for those? If God wasn’t present during the Holocaust, were there still moments of “awe”? The students also learned about the stories of Anne Frank, Primo Levi, and Elie Wiesel, whose stories wrestle with the notion of God and awe.

7th Grade - We continued working on our study of Rabbi Ben Zoma and his questions: Who is rich? Who is mighty? Who is wise?  Ask your child what they think...

8th Grade - We ran our second PreK Preview Day!  It was a lot of fun celebrating Chanukah with the PreKindergarten students.

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What's Happening at DFRS?

• December 2 - Sunday School & PreK Preview (Know someone with a PreK student - forward them the link!)
• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​December 7 - Religious School Chanukah Dinner & Services
• ​​​​​​​December 9 - Sunday School, AIPAC Conference (6th-12th Grades) , & Governor's Mansion
• ​​​​​​​December 16 - Sunday School
• ​​​​​​​NO SCHOOL December 23, December 30, January 6!

Get excited for Chanukah Dinner & Services!!!
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018

• Register HERE
• Wear your festive Chanukah gear!
• BYOB

**Zimria will meet Cantor Adesnik at 6:30 before dinner starts.**

Students will be LEADING parts of the Chanukah service on December 7:
Grades K-2
Nightlights: https://youtu.be/OTNLxNxfk0U & Shema
Grades 3-5
MIchamocha: https://youtu.be/RP2yN-_1p_w
Grades 6-8
Am I Awake/Barchu: https://youtu.be/4evjPk_LoT0

________________________________________________________________

HEBREW SKILLS - KIPPAH LEVELS
Has your student in grades 4-7 been practicing their Hebrew Skills prayers?

By the end of the 1st semester (December 16), it is the expectation for the following:

• 6th graders should be in PURPLE.
• 5th graders should be in YELLOW.
• 4th graders in pink should be in RED.

​​​​​​​LINKS (Click the following to find prayer packets and videos):
Red
Yellow
Green
Blue
Purple
Orange