Monthly Mensches Newsletter, December 2024 Recap | Kislev 5785

What is in this newsletter?

What did the students learn: Content and values from this month's curriculum


What did students do: Crafts, games, songs and other classroom experiences


Hebrew corner: A recap of Letter of the Week and Hebrew Through Movement


Music corner: A taste of the great music experience students get every session


The family table: Questions and conversation starters for the family Shabbat, holiday, or weekday dinner table about the K-1 grade curriculum


Coming Attractions: What you can expect from the next month at the JLL


Kindergarten Monthly Mensches creating their challah covers


First grade Monthly Mensches listening to a Shabbat Storybook

What did the students learn?


Our Monthly Mensch kindergarten and first graders engaged in lively discussions about Shabbat! They started off with a deep dive into the meaning of Shabbat, the rituals of it, and discussed that it is the only holiday we celebrate each week!The classes learned the Shabbat blessings and recited them as they worked on their Shabbat boxes.


The first graders practiced leading Sh'ma for Lab Shabbat that took place on Friday, December 6th. We hope you enjoyed attending!


The children also learned about the history of Chanukah and why we light the Chanukiah each night for eight nights. They learned the Hebrew words for miracle (nes) and light/candle (ner).


They continued to learn about Israel and connected the holiday celebrations of Shabbat and Chanukah both here in and in Israel.


What did the students do?

Our kindergarten and first grade students learned a about Shabbat and made their own Shabbat boxes.


They started off with decorating a plain white box to create their own Shabbat box that was filled with ritual items they made. They used fabric markers to create beautiful challah covers, they colored candlesticks and decorated kiddish cups using sparkly gemstones!


The children glued the Shabbat prayers into their Shabbat boxes, added a recipe for making challah, added white candles for Shabbat, and signed a special note to their parents to complete their Shabbat box. We hope you will use your child's Shabbat box to celebrate Shabbat at home and share pictures with us!


The classes explored the meaning of "being a light for the world" in connection to Chanukah and shared their answers to how they can help the world. They played Chanukah bingo and spun dreidels!

Hebrew Corner

Create a Light on the Hebrew Letters
During T'filah with Rabbi Citrin and Cantor Kleinman, the talmidim (students) are introduced to the "Letter of the Week".
Hey
hakhnasat orchim
welcoming guests
hakol B'seder
all is good/in order!
hamotzi
blessing over bread

Nun
nes
miracle
ner
light
nisiyah tovah
have a good trip





Monthly Mensches learn HTM with their Kehillah, community

Hebrew Through Movement with the Kindergarten and First Grader Monthly Mensches
In Hebrew Through Movement (HTM) this month, the classes spent time with Rabbi Citrin where she spoke to them only in Hebrew. Some of the words students were exposed to are:
L'histovev to spin
Likpotz to jump
Lalechet to walk
Lashevet to sit
Lakum to stand
Koolam everyone
The students have been enjoying HTM each class and impress us with what they retain! We are excited to continue building their vocabulary and their foundation of aural language experience!
The Family Table
Here are some questions and conversation starters that you can discuss with your learner:
  • Why do you think Shabbat is celebrated every week?
  • In what order do we say the Friday night Shabbat blessings?
  • How many candles do we light on the 4th night of Chanukah?
  • Which do you do you like better, jelly donuts or latkes?


Music Corner

The kindergarteners and first graders have really enjoyed their time with Phillip Fisherman, our cantorial intern as he engages the children with many different songs and melodies.

The past few sessions the children have been learning some of the prayers we say during T'filah and many wonderful Chanukah songs!

Coming Attractions

Next month after we return from the winter break, the children will begin a deep dive into the rituals and customs of Tu'bishvat, the birthday of the trees! We will continue to learn about Israel and connect holiday celebrations both here in and in Israel. They will also revisit the middah, value, of doing Tzedakah.


Please check your child's Remini after each session. You will find a summary of the day's activities as well as pictures of the class!


If you have any questions or need any information, please contact Ivy Schwartz at: Ivy.schwartz@wrtemple.org, 914-723-5224 office ext 8521


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