Grade 7: Antisemitism/Holocaust Notes

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

Grade 8: Antisemitism/Holocaust Notes

This week we will dive into the origins of antisemitism. We will discuss prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination.

Governments must step up the fight against antisemitism in all its forms,  says anti-racism commission - Portal

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

Grade 6: Welcome to Mr. Washerstein’s Jewish Studies Course

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: 

  • Visuals (drawings or pictures) depicting various moments in your life (5 points)
  • A written description of 5-8 complete sentences for each stage explaining a key event relating to each of the following: 
    • The Past      
    • The Present
    • The Future

 

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!

Welcome Back!

Dear Grade 7 and 8 Ivrit students,

A warm welcome as you embark on an exciting journey into your new class! It’s incredible to see your growth and achievements, and I am thrilled to have you continue your academic adventure with me. To the parents, thank you for your continued support. As your children step into this new chapter, I look forward to another great year. shanna Tovah Umetuka!

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Morah Ruthie

 

Grades 6-8: Summer Reading with a Jewish Twist!

Did your sibling change the password to your Netflix account?

Are your parents nagging you to pick up a book?

Never fear…summer reading is here!

Reading Dog - Meme on Imgur

 

Below is a list of novels that relate to Judaism that you may choose to read over the summer. Although I have not yet read all of these books, the majority of these novels have come highly touted.

The Jewish Book Council has also created a variety of book lists based on interest: Reading Lists

25 YA Books Featuring Jewish Protagonists

Holocaust:

Mitzvot/Jewish Teachings: 

Humor

Interesting Reads:

Graphic Novels:

Beautiful projects about Israel from grade 8 Ivrit class

After visiting the entire length and breath of the land of Israel, my 8th grade Ivrit class chose several places to tell us about. The projects were beautiful and I couldn’t be more proud of them. I will greatly miss this group of students that I taught for the last four years. Here are some of their projects:

 Sasha Peters

Joey Shmorgun

Shylee Miller

Audrey Moore:

Grade 8: Yad B’Yad Initiative (Thank-A-Thon)

The Grade 8 class recently spent a Friday afternoon at the JCC in order to participate in a Thank-A-Thon. Each student was provided with a list of donors that contributed to the 2022 Jewish Federations Annual Campaign. As our students benefit firsthand from these donations, we were excited to participate in an opportunity to thank donors for their generosity and kindness. Working with the Jewish Federation was a treat. Our class had the opportunity to go behind the scenes and see all of the work that goes into creating such a wonderful Jewish community.