KITAH ALEF—October 25, 2015

Dear kitah alef families:

Today we began our unit on Shabbat.  We looked at pictures of Friday night rituals including lighting the candles, blessing the children, saying the Kiddush, and singing the hamotzi

STORY:  We read Shabbat.  The children helped me with rhymes of how a family prepares for and celebrates Shabbat.  Then in groups, the children brainstormed on what we can see, hear, smell, touch, and taste on Shabbat.  Back in the whole group, we discovered tasting hallah, smelling the spices, touching the children to bless them, etc.

PROJECT:  Each student created his/her own vision of “Shabbat Shalom.”

TORAH:  Shabbat occurs each week—and is described in Beresheit, the first parasha in the Torah.  We looked at the story, in the first Teach Me Torah pamphlet.  Creation was done according to G-d’s plan; it was not haphazard.  Next week, they will bring home their pamphlets; the last page includes a “Do at Home” activity for parents.  

HEBREW:  Our letter today is שthe first letter in shalom, shofar, and Shabbat. Now we can make the word “Shabbat” in Hebrew.   Each week, the children  bring home a reinforcement paper.

The class sang some Shabbat songs like “Baruch Atah, Adonai…,” “Bim Bam,” and a favorite of mine, “I Did Very Good Work today.”   We reviewed the concept of "menuchah," rest. More on menuchah

next week.

We will have a regular class next week, when the older students go to the genizah.  If you choose, your child may go with you on this field trip.  Please let me know if you will be going, when you drop your child off.

Shavua tov!

Esther and Tzipporah (Judy and Cheryl)