//This week students will be analyzing historical accounts related to antisemitism. Students will review the crucifixion of Jesus and the impact of this historical event with regard to the rise of antisemitism. Next week we will begin to discuss the rise of antisemitism in Europe as we dive deeper into the Spanish Inquisition.
Click here to access the guided reading/questions:
The Death of Jesus and its Impact on Antisemitism Assignment
//As we continue our discussion of antisemitism, students will spend time analyzing the documentary Defamation. This documentary examines various perceptions of antisemitism around the world (Israeli, American, Polish, etc.) Through their analysis, students will be able to quickly determine that not everyone shares the same viewpoints with regard to antisemitism. Students are being asked to view this documentary through a critical lens in an effort to formulate their own thoughts, feelings, and opinions.
Students will be asked to take notes and respond to four analysis questions as they watch.
Click the link below to access the questions:
//Last week our OJCS Middle School Students participated in the Cleaning the Capital Program. Students were walked to two local parks in our community and helped pick up both garbage and recycling. Our clean up was one of the 234 projects registered around the city of Ottawa. Students enjoyed making a difference in their community and getting some fresh air!
This week our students will be volunteering in a few different places. A group of students will return to KBI with Morah Corinne to work on painting a mural and further beautifying OTT at KBI Supplementary School. While others will be working with younger students in our OJCS community. Students will be helping their younger peers with lessons in English, French, and Hebrew. This initiative provides students with the ability to engage in leadership and showcase their literacy skills.
//As we learn about various mitzvot in Jewish Studies this year, students are being asked to review, analyze, and rank a variety of Jewish values. The purpose of this task is to explore different Judaic concepts and determine which five are the most important. The goal of this project is to convince your peers that the five values you have selected are the most important.
Due Dates:
Wednesday 10/19: Project assigned
Monday 10/24: Check-in #1 (Five values must be picked)
Monday 10/31: Check-in #2 (Review Google Slideshow progress)
Monday 11/7: Presentations begin
Resources:
//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: Wednesday, October 19th
Part 1-Interview due October 31st (Check-in)
Part 2- Hebrew Name Research due November 3rd (Check-in)
Part 3- Presentation due November 7th (Presentations Begin)
Final copies of videos, posters, and presentations must be shared with Mr. Washerstein by this date.
Check out Mr. Washerstein’s example below:
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//Our Mitzvah Trips are off and running! The Yad B’Yad (hand in hand) Mitzvah Initiative provides students with incredible opportunities to give back to our community and put their Jewish values into action. The theme of our Mitzvah Trips for this month is Kehillah Kedoshah. The phrase translates to a sacred or holy community. Students are learning about the importance of community. We are focusing on donating our time and giving back to others in our community. Our goal is to interact with and support various communities in Ottawa. Our first three Mitzvah Trips have focused on engaging with valued members of our Ottawa Jewish Community.
Together, they helped OTT at KBI Supplementary School step into the new year on the right foot by working to beautify the space. Students painted the walls, set up classrooms, and organized learning spaces.
The second week of our Yad B’Yad mitzvah initiative allowed our middle school students to make mini apple pies and challah buns to donate to the Ottawa Kosher Food Bank. Thank you to A Dashing Pinch – Village Café for overseeing our efforts and baking these delicious treats!
Our third week provided students with the opportunity to get creative! Students spent time creating decorations for our sukkah. In addition, a group of students went to the JCC to help make decorations for their sukkah. Check back soon to see what other amazing Mitzvah Trips that students are participating in.
//Today students spent time analyzing the numerology of Hebrew letters (gematria) in order to correctly match various terms relating to Sukkot to their appropriate value. Gematria has been used by many rabbis and kabbalists to uncover deeper meanings within words/phrases of various Jewish texts.
Click the link below to access our Make Your Sukkot Count activity:
Make Your Sukkot Count (Gematria Activity)
Upon identifying the correct words according to the Gematria students will complete the following task:
If you want to complete this task online, you can access the terms via this link: Make Your Sukkot Count Terms
//Each week, a student from each class will compose a D’var Torah and present it to their peers. This year, students in grade 7 and grade 8 will also be reading and analyzing the corresponding Haftarah selections.
What is a D’var Torah?
A D’var Torah (a word of Torah) is a discussion or explanation based on the weekly parsha. The D’var Torah provides a brief summary and analysis of a lesson or interesting interpretation regarding the weekly Torah portion.
The Haftarah portion is a selection from the book of Prophets (Nevi’im). The Haftarah portion is read on Shabbat after the conclusion of the Torah reading. Although the Torah reading cycle is read in chronological order (following the Five Books of Moses), the Haftarah portions are selected in a different manner. Each week the Haftarah portion selected shares a common theme or genre with the Torah portion for that given week.
Assignment: Each student will create a D’var Torah for an assigned portion that will be shared with their peers during the correlating Thursday tefillah service. Students will practice their public speaking skills and actively engage in Torah study. This assignment will count towards your grade for both Language Arts and Jewish Studies rubrics.
Click here to access the assignment:
D’var Torah Assignment (Including Haftarah Extension)
Click here to access the final copy checklist:
Click here to access the example:
Washerstein D’var Torah Example
Click here to access the D’var Torah schedule:
//Each week, a student from each class will compose a D’var Torah and present it to their peers.
What is a D’var Torah?
A D’var Torah (a word of Torah) is a discussion or explanation based on the weekly parsha. The D’var Torah provides a brief summary and analysis of a lesson or interesting interpretation regarding the weekly Torah portion.
Assignment: Each student will create a D’var Torah for an assigned portion that will be shared with their peers during the correlating Thursday tefillah service. Students will practice their public speaking skills and actively engage in Torah study. This assignment will count towards your grade for both Language Arts and Jewish Studies rubrics.
Click here to access the assignment:
Washerstein D’var Torah Assignment
Click here to access the D’var Torah example:
Click here to access the example:
Washerstein D’var Torah Example
Click here to access the D’var Torah schedule:
//I am thrilled to welcome back my grade 8 students and my new Grade 7 Ivrit group. It was great seeing them today so excited, tanned and taller. I wish them a year of growth and many successes!
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