//Our middle school students have been discussing/brainstorming various ways we can show support for Israel. Today our school raised money for the Magen David Adom. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Nation of Israel. עַם יִשְׂרָאֵל חַי
//Your family history is important! Every family is filled with stories that you should learn about and record. In our Jewish Studies course, we are beginning the Jewish life cycle. We are currently discussing the process and traditions associated with naming a Jewish child. You are tasked with conducting an interview with your parents/family members. The purpose of this activity is for you to explore your family history. As we begin our journey through the Jewish life cycle, students are asked to engage their families in a discussion.
Mishpacha Project Assignment/Rubric
Due Dates
Assigned: Friday, October 27th
| Part/Task | Due date: | Complete? |
| Complete the Mishpacha – Graphic Organizer for the interview | Monday, November 6th | |
| Hebrew Name Research due | Friday, November 10th | |
Create presentation
|
Friday, November 17th | |
| Practice Presentation | Monday-Wednesday
November 20-22nd |
|
| Presentation due | Thursday, November 23rd |
Check out Mr. Washerstein’s Mishpacha Project (Example)
//Yesterday we had the opportunity to video call a former OJCS student named Maayan. She is an Israeli high school student who shared her perspective and personal experience with our Middle School. She advocated for our students to be ambassadors to Israel within our community. She encouraged our students to ask questions, uncover media bias, and ensure that we remain up to date as new events unfold. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Nation of Israel.
Next Friday, we will have a dress down to fundraise for Magen David Adom.
//Students in Grade 7 and Grade 8 visited Beechwood Cemetery which serves as The National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces. We learned about the Battle of Scheldt and the involvement of the Canadian Armed Forces in the liberation of the Netherlands from Nazi occupation. We heard from the Defense Attaché of the Netherlands about his role and partnership with Canada. Students had the opportunity to engage with a historian who described the significance of the battle. After viewing a series of artifacts from the time period, students painted wooden tulips that will be delivered to Canadian Veterans.
//Today students will spend time brainstorming various service learning opportunities. We will explore the upcoming Mitzvah Trip Calendar together. This is a living document that will continue to be updated. As the month of October progresses, we will engage in various Mitzvah Trips.
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//Check out some photos of our students decorating the Sukkah! Today, during our Sukkah Hop, students fulfilled the mitzvah of shaking the lulav and etrog with Dr. Mitzmacher. We also helped decorate the JCC Sukkah. Chag Sameach!
//This year students will be responsible for researching, analyzing, and presenting a current event in our Jewish Studies course.
Directions: Find an article either in the newspaper or online from a newspaper source. Examples include: CBC News, USA Today, CTV News, Associated Press, The New York Times, Ynetnews Jerusalem Post, Haaretz, Times of Israel, etc., or any other reputable national or local source. Read the article and fill out the statements or answer the questions below.
Please find and read about important issues that relate/connect to antisemitism.
Because this is a current events assignment, you are to choose an article that is no more than two weeks old from when the assignment is given.
Be prepared to discuss your article in class on the due date!
Please click the link below to access the current event template:
//As mentioned at Back to School Night, this year will be a transitionary year for our Grade 7 cohort. They will be learning the same curriculum as the current Grade 8 class in preparation for a change in the Grade 8 curriculum next year (i.e. a course about Israeli history). Although assessments and projects may vary, the core content that is analyzed will be the same. This week we will dive into the origins of antisemitism. We will discuss prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination.
The link below can be used to access the Google Slides Presentation that we will be using in class to take notes/participate in activities. Students should bookmark this page on their devices for ease of access. Please note that this document is a living tool, which will be changed and updated regularly.
Grade 7 JS Antisemitism/Holocaust Slideshow Presentation
Check out this article from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance that discusses various spellings of the term antisemitism. The article discusses the implications of the term anti-semitism vs. antisemitism and the origins of its meaning.
https://www.holocaustremembrance.com/antisemitism/spelling-antisemitism
//This week we will dive into the origins of antisemitism. We will discuss prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination.
The link below can be used to access the Google Slides Presentation that we will be using in class to take notes/participate in activities. Students should bookmark this page on their devices for ease of access. Please note that this document is a living tool, which will be changed and updated regularly.
Grade 8 JS Antisemitism/Holocaust Slideshow Presentation
Check out this article from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance that discusses various spellings of the term antisemitism. The article discusses the implications of the term anti-semitism vs. antisemitism and the origins of its meaning.
https://www.holocaustremembrance.com/antisemitism/spelling-antisemitism
//After an incredible Middle School Retreat, our students are beginning to dive into our Jewish Studies course. In Grade 6, the students will learn about the Jewish life cycle. Our journey will take us from the naming of the baby to the rituals and customs associated with the passing of a loved one. Students will analyze texts, discuss traditions, and examine various Jewish customs from a variety of perspectives.
The link below can be used to access the Google Slides Presentation that we will be using in class to take notes/participate in activities. Students should feel free to bookmark this page on their devices. Please note that this document is a living tool, which will be changed and updated regularly.
Grade 6 Jewish Life Cycle Slideshow
As we embark on this learning journey together, students have been asked to complete their own River of Life task.
The River of Life is a visual narrative that helps people tell the stories of the past, present, and future. Students may use pictures, words, and phrases to indicate key moments/changes throughout the course of their life
River of Life must include:
This is an opportunity for you to share your story. You decide how it is told! This can be created by hand (on paper) or online via Google Slides/Canva.
Students will have the opportunity to present their River of Life to the class starting on Thursday, September 21st.
I can’t wait to hear all about your narrative. Check out my example below!
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