//On Friday the Grade 6 students went to Hillel Lodge for a Shabbat Program. Students sang Kabbalat Shabbat prayers and got to know the residents. Together they completed Shabbat-themed crossword puzzles, word searches, and coloring activities. This was a beautiful way for both the students and the residents to welcome in Shabbat together.
//We just started a really special unit in class called “Visiting Israel.” This unit will take us on a virtual trip to Israel and will be taught throughout all of our middle school years. It began with all the students writing about why they want to go to Israel and why it’s important to them.
In our classroom, we made it feel like Israel for a day. Everyone sat around a table, shared their thoughts about Israel, and ate Israeli snacks. It was fun but also very emotional. The students asked me what Israel means to me. I told them that Israel is like a home to me, a place where I feel safe because I am Jewish. It’s a big part of my heart. Talking about Israel in a time of war made us all feel sad. We talked about how it’s tough to see Israel having problems. It’s like seeing a friend or family member in trouble and wanting to help them. We invited Dr Mitzmacher to join us and share what Israel means to him.
This unit isn’t just about learning where Israel is or its history. It’s about understanding what Israel means to people and feeling close to it. We’re just starting, and I can’t wait to see what we’ll learn and how we’ll feel about Israel as we keep going in our unit.
Here are some examples of what the students wrote in answer for the question: ” why do you want to visit Israel? Please see individual student blogs for their reflection on this class event.
//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
//Hi everybody!
I’m excited to share with all of you the amazing work that the students of the 8th grade are doing in the Hebrew Core class. Taking in mind one of our North Stars, “Own your own learning”, I can share some experiences that express and show this guide for our work at school.
As you know, we are working on the topic of “Food” and with that, the students are learning and practising the present tense in Hebrew (zman hove) so they can write a recipe (matkon) taking in mind the correct way to write verbs.
Also, as I mentioned, the students are working on a dictionary (milon) with all the vocabulary learnt.
On this matters, one of the students owned her own learning and was the teacher for a day, showing how the present tense works for singular, plural, feminine and masculine. You’re gonna be able to see some pictures of it and a video (click in the link). Also you’re gonna be able to see how the other students where engaged, participating and asking questions.
Also, she suggested to do an online format for the milon, and wrote it in to a Google Docs, so you and her peers will be able to have an organized, structured and amazing way to have it at hand. I’m adding the link to it here. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dkJpg_AGFEsGR6x_nSa3xVPOZsPLHF54Y_Ao-utt99o/edit?usp=sharing
So proud of all the work that all the students are doing, specially when they own it!
Keep doing this amazing job guys!
//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)
//!שלום וברוכים הבאים הורים ותלמידים
Welcome to the 8th Grade Core Hebrew Blog!
I’m happy to present to all of you the first unit in which the students has been working since we started the School Year, “FOOD”!
Through some authentic materials, real necessities and practical lessons, the students are gaining new Hebrew vocabulary, practicing their different skills (listening, writing, reading and speaking) and making advances in putting in practice the language. They have been working in creating a Dictionary (Milón) with all the new words, categorizing the words into Nouns (Shemot Etzem), Verbs/Action words (Pealim) and Adjectives (Shemot Toar). As well, with this dictionary and specially with the Verbs, the students has been putting in practice and making exercises for understanding how the Present Tense works in Hebrew (Zman Hové) so they can work in building full phrases.
For the practical lessons we had and incredible time, of course, PREPARING SOME FOOD! On Friday 6th of October we had the privilege to prepare a yummy salad in the Kitchen! All the instructions and ingredients for preparing the salad where in Hebrew with the vocabulary revised and practice at class. The students enjoyed it a lot and had an amazing time, they felt that they were understanding, having fun and learning! It was a great pleasure and honor for me, to witness this advances. So proud of you guys!
I leave here some pictures so you can also enjoy of the great time we had!
//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!
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