Dear Kitah Vav Parents,

      This past Sunday was a non-stop busy day for us.  The students, working alone or in pairs, had already created learning puzzles for Kitah Hey (Gr. 5). They have been learning The Torah Service, so our puzzles were based on verses from this service.  Now Kitah Vav tried out the puzzles, hiding pieces for three 5th grade groups at a time.  The Fifth Graders loved our project!

      Then we had Tefillah with Gesher and with Kitah Hey, who joined us for the first time.  We continue to explore Kedusha, the concept of holiness.  The Gesher class then led us in The Amidah through Kedusha, while Kitah Hey led us in Sh’ma and V’ahavta.  In March I plan to work on The Aleinu blessing so that Kitah Vav feels comfortable enough to lead it.

       Next Kitah Vav helped prepare for a Tu B'shvat seder that I put together for them.  There was fruit to be cut, the logistics of organizing the space to make one big community, and parts to be assigned.  The students spontaneously took over the white board and created a wonderful tree mural.  I’ll try to include it in this letter.

       On Tuesday/Wednesday we continued our work on The Kedusha, the third part of the Amidah.  Many of your students have mastered the first three parts, and should turn over the page to practice Parts 4 and 5, with the goal of smooth, confident reading.

       We are on February break now, so no Hebrew School next Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and the following Sunday, Feb. 19-26.  We meet again on Tuesday/Wednesday, Feb. 28 and March 1.  I am headed to California to play with my grandsons, but will be available by email the whole time I am away. 

       I wish all of you a safe and fun break from the school routine.

All the best,

Rav Elana