OJCS Jewish Studies

Over the last month, our students have been busy engaging in opportunities to spread kindness. We spent time creating groggers for younger members of our community and donating them to local synagogues. This was a fantastic way to spread some ruach as students prepared for Purim celebrations.

Last week, our students were able to send messages of hope and strength to the family members of the hostages in Israel. The JCC along with the Israeli Embassy organized this important initiative.  Students spent time writing heartfelt messages in journals which will be delivered to the families. The community of Ottawa stands in solidarity with all of the hostages, their families, and friends.

We will be celebrating Pesach with Grades 6-8 on Friday, April 19th. We will be taking a trip down memory lane and completing a model seder with each of the classes. Our seder will include a variety of activities and discussion prompts. 

When: Friday, April 19th, 2024

1:45 PM-3:45 PM (Pds.7-9)

Each student is asked to bring to school on that day (in addition to his/her lunch) the following:

• 1 hard-boiled egg, peeled and wrapped in plastic/foil wrap

• 1 stalk of celery

• 1 piece of romaine lettuce

• The remainder of the Seder ingredients will be provided by the P.T.A. We will serve horseradish, egg matzah, grape juice, and NUT-FREE charoset.

Should you have any concerns regarding food allergies, please provide your child with their own food.

Students may choose to dress up in holiday attire for their seder.

This week we will be discussing the horrific narrative of the MS St. Louis. We watched an incredible documentary that provided our class with testimonies from historians and survivors who experienced this infamous event firsthand. Students will read and analyze a document that discusses specific policies in Canada that were enacted to keep the Jewish people out.

Click the link below to access the assignment:

Canada’s Role in the M.S. St. Louis

Today students will read and reflect upon the story of a Holocaust Survivor. The website  Holocaust Survivor Stories provides students with various personal narratives of survivors.

*Students are encouraged to read multiple stories to determine which narrative speaks to them personally*

Directions: Students will choose a survivor’s narrative to read. After reading their story, students will answer the following reflection questions. 

1. What feelings did this narrative elicit? (Explain the thoughts or emotions you felt while reading this story)
2. What part of the story did you find most intriguing? Why?
3. What lessons can you learn from this narrative?
4. How could you use this story to educate others?

Answer the questions in paragraph form. 

Review reflective writing strategies: Reflective Writing Google Slides

Click the link below to access the Holocaust Survivor Narrative Reflection Graphic Organizer:

Holocaust Survivor Narrative Reflection Graphic Organizer