DFRS Blog

This week in...

Kindergarten: Today Kindergarten learned about what a Synagogue is. They learned that it is a place of prayer for Jewish people to come to. They learned how to write the word synagogue and even did a maze showing the way to the synagogue. Lastly the class took a tour of our own synagogue to learn where everything is!  Questions for Home: 1. What is a synagogue for? 2. Can you name one room located in our synagogue?

First Grade: First graders got to know each other today, and got to know the classroom rules and routines.  First grade learned about their studies for the year - mitzvot. They had so much fun singing with Cantor Adesnik and creating bumblebees in art.  Questions for Home: 1. What is 1 rule for our classroom? 2. What is the word that teaches us how to treat others?

2nd Grade: 2nd graders talked about the Torah and why we read and study it. They created a poster depicting the creation of the world.  Questions for Home: 1. Why do we read the Torah? 2. What is the first word of the Torah?

K & 1 Singing "Shofar Blast" with Cantor Adesnik

3rd Grade:

• Judaics - The objective of today's lesson was to help students, Madrichim, and teacher build relationships quickly and successfully. The students were involved in activities that gave them a sense of community and allowed for better bonding. Games introduced: Name Rhymes, The Cinderella Game, and Making Connections. These activities helped the class connect in a fun way! Questions for Home: 1. Can you name three new friends that you met in class today? 2. What did you have in common with them?
• Applied Hebrew - To start off the lesson, each child will open up their Siddur and go over familiar prayers in search of words that are used to describe God. After writing down 10 words on the whiteboard, we will narrow the list down to 5. Each student will choose 3-4 words from the remaining list that they believe applies to themselves, and explain why they chose those words. After a classroom discussion about how we are all similar to God in different ways, we will talk about Rosh Hashanah and how it is the celebration of God's creation of the world. Questions for Home: 1. Why do we eat apples and honey on Rosh Hashanah? 2. What is the name of the Hebrew month that Rosh Hashanah is celebrated in?

4th Grade:

• Judaics - 4th graders began their study about middot (Jewish values).  They had a meaningful discussion about using middot to develop the classroom norms, and how they can work together to create a supportive learning environment.  Ms. Jess says, "I was SO IMPRESSED by the creativity and insight students shared, and look forward to putting our ideas into practice."  Ask your student about their class norms.
• Applied Hebrew - In class, students will explore Rosh Hashanah, the new year. The students will learn all the things we do for this holiday. They will also learn the meaning of the holiday, why some people celebrate it for 2 days, and the importance surround it. The class talked about the Shofar, eating sweets, apples and honey, the prayer book, and what some people wear.  The students will also discuss raditions in their homes and share with the rest of the group. Questions for Home: 1. What do you like the best about the holiday and why? 2. What is so special about Rosh Hashanah's date and why is it celebrated for 2 nights?

5th Grade:

• Judaics - The 5th graders will be examining the textual origins of Rosh Hashanah, as well as the weekly Parshah, Ki Tetzei (Deut 21:10-25:19). Questions for Home: 1. What is Parshah Ki Tetzei (par-shah key tEt-zay) about? 2. What is one modern lesson you took away from it?
• Applied Hebrew - The class discussed  new beginnings as our first Jewish Holidays is almost here! They learned about the symbols of Rosh Hashanah and how it relates to our daily life. Each student created a Rosh Hashanah card to mom and dad to bless them with this exciting new beginning. Questions for Home: Please tell us about the Rosh Hashanah symbols - what do you think we should put on our table? and why?

Morah Orna & Kippah Tzahov

Getting ready to play at recess 

6th Grade: 6th grade rotated between three stations.  In the first, they began to explore questions like: What is a catastrophe? What was the Holocaust? What do I already know about it? What questions do I have?  In the second station, students were introduced to middot, Jewish values, and they began to talk about what values are most important in their lives today.  In the third station, students talked about their Jewish identity and began conversations around issues of antisemitism.

7th Grade: 7th grade began a text study of community building and how Jews build community.  They are preparing for their first field trip of the year to the MJCCA ropes course, where they will be applying Judaism in an outdoor setting while building a community and having some FUN!  Parents: Be on the lookout for an email with a permission form.  Also, don't forget...we will meet at the JCC by the pool at 9:30 on Sunday, 9/16.  Pick-up will be by the pool at 12:00 pm.

MIT:  In the first half of the lesson, the 8th graders met Omer, Temple Emanu-El's Shinshin from Israel.  Together they studied about teshuvah in preparation for Rosh Hashanah, and they learned from Omer's perspective as an Israeli.  In the second half of their time, the MITs (Madrichim in Training) began preparations for the upcoming Pre-K Preview day.  The 8th graders are so excited to plan a day of activities and fun for the Kindergartners and preschoolers.

Our 3rd through 7th graders learned about Zimria today.

Confirmation: Today the 9th and 10th graders had the second part to their scavenger hunt (started last week).  It was designed to have the kids get to know the books and hidden treasure at Temple Emanu-El.  It was also a great getting to know you and bonding activity.

Are you interested in a SUPER SOFT and COMFY Temple Emanu-El t-shirt?  We are putting together an order.  Please click here to download the order form.  T-shirts are $10 each and come in sizes Youth Small through Adult XXLarge.  They are seriously comfy...just ask our clergy and staff.

Do you have a student in PreK? We would love to see them on Sunday, September 30 for a PreK Preview Day! Register online: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0845aead2da6fe3-prek