Dear Kitah Hey families,
The fifth graders are off to an amazing start!
During our Tuesday and Wednesday classes this week, we
reviewed the idea that each one of us holds a different point-of-view. We
talked about the fact that rabbis everywhere, both long ago and at present,
hold different interpretations of Jewish texts. We discussed, at length, the
importance of coming up with an interpretation that is meaningful to each one
of us, as the literal translation of Hebrew prayers we are provided with are often
difficult to understand.
After this introduction, students broke off in pairs and worked together to break down each line of the Ein Kamocha into more personal
language.
After working hard to analyze these lines, students had the
chance to share. Upon doing a close reading of the line, “Adonai blesses G-d’s
people with peace”, one group explained their interpretation: “If you pray to
G-d, G-d will pray to you (blessing you with peace)". This group took it even a
step further, explaining that it is like looking into the mirror. If you smile,
the mirror will smile back.
Another student took a look at the line, “Rebuild the walls
of Jerusalem ”,
and tried to think about it more figuratively. Just as we want G-d to help the
Jewish people rebuild the walls of Jerusalem ,
this student explained it is important that G-d helps us to build up walls of
hope within ourselves. This bit sparked an amazing discussion where we talked
about how having hope for the future can keep us going. Because the kids had
just been talking about the sick during Jewish Values class, we also discussed the
students’ thoughts that having hope can even help the sick live longer lives.
Incredible things are happening in grade 5!
Best,
Diana
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