Author: mwasherstein

Grade 7: WWI and The Treaty of Versailles

mwasherstein / / Grade 7 - Mr. Washerstein

How could the Holocaust happen?

As we continue to study and analyze the various components of the Grade 7 Jewish Studies curriculum, this week we are beginning to set up the Holocaust. Rather than diving directly into the start of the Holocaust, the Grade 7 class is learning about WWI. This foundation will play a vital role in understanding the historical context in which the Holocaust began.

The WWI/Treaty of Versailles Presentation and Guided Notes Packet are attached. This will be useful for students who missed any of the notes during class. Students should review their notes throughout the week.

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Grades 6-8: Rabbi Bulka Kindness Project Update

mwasherstein / / Rabbi Bulka Kindness Project

The Middle School Students have been busy participating in a variety of Rabbi Bulka Kindness Project experiences. Today the Grade 6A class visited Hillel Lodge and ran a special Kabbalat Shabbat Program. They led a Shabbat Bingo experience for residents. What a great way to bring in Shabbat with valued members of our community.

 

Speaking of Hillel Lodge, last week we launched our “L’Dor Vador: Passing Wisdom from Generation to Generation” international program. This initiative connects middle school students with elderly members of our Hillel Lodge community through monthly meetups. The program fosters meaningful connections by exploring Jewish traditions, history, and values through storytelling, shared rituals, and collaborative projects. Each session focuses on a different theme, such as traditions, Jewish resilience, and tikkun olam (repairing the world), promoting cross-generational learning and cultural continuity. The program culminates in a final presentation where participants showcase their shared experiences and creative projects, celebrating the bonds they’ve formed. 

Students had to apply to participate in this program. There we over 20 applications! Last week students met their partners and interviewed them to learn more about their lives. We look forward to nourishing these incredible newfound relationships.

The students participating in this program are:

  1. Noa (Grade 6)
  2. Gila (Grade 6)
  3. Shayna (Grade 6)
  4. Eli (Grade 6)
  5. Nikki (Grade 6)
  6. Noa P.(Grade 7)
  7. Noa B. (Grade 7)
  8. Lily (Grade 7)
  9. Tehila (Grade 8)
  10. Ariel (Grade 8)
  11. Zohar (Grade 8)     

Lastly, our Grade 8 class recently went to KBI to help pack food for community members in need with Jewish Family Services. Students aided in the packing of boxes for the Miriam’s Well Program. 

Grades 6-8: Rabbi Bulka Kindness Project Student Challenge

mwasherstein / / Grade 6 - Mr. Washerstein, Grade 7 - Mr. Washerstein, Grade 8 - Mr. Washerstein

A father and his son were attempting to create mini Lego figurines of themselves. The father, Shai Davidai, decided to create his mini figurine with a yellow ribbon, a Star of David, and the words “Bring Them Home”. The manager of the Lego establishment informed him that Lego wouldn’t print the figurine because the company sees the hostages as a political issue (which violates their printing policy). To support the hostages and teach Lego a lesson, this father decided to start a campaign using Lego. As Shai stated, “Lego is about bringing families together. Let’s bring all the families together. Let’s #BringThemHomeLego”. 

The Challenge: 

  • Families are invited to use their Lego at home to showcase the message “Bring Them Home” or create a yellow ribbon to show their support for the hostages and their families.
  • Parents can post these images using the hashtag #BringThemHomeLego.
    • If you choose to participate, please share a photo with your child’s teacher as well
  • Let’s see which class has the most participation in this fantastic initiative.

Grades 7 & 8: Rabbi Bulka Kindness Project Update

mwasherstein / / Grade 7 - Mr. Washerstein, Grade 8 - Mr. Washerstein

Today the students in Grade 7 visited the Jewish Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The students met with representatives from the cemetery to learn about their important work within our community. They also read narratives of local Ottawa Jewish veterans who served our country in various ways. Students were then broken into groups and were provided with 15-20 gravesites to mark with Canadian flags. The students had the opportunity to pay their respects to these veterans who risked their lives for our freedoms. This was one of the many Remembrance Day activities our students engaged in throughout the week.

 

 

Last week, members of the Grade 8 class spent their morning visiting residents of Hillel Lodge for a Kabbalat Shabbat program. Students sang tefillot and helped residents create Shabbat candles out of beeswax! In addition, some students coloured Shabbat-themed pictures with their partners. We look forward to Kabbalat Shabbat programs in the future!

Grades 6-8: Rabbi Bulka Kindness Project Update

mwasherstein / / Grade 6 - Mr. Washerstein, Grade 7 - Mr. Washerstein, Grade 8 - Mr. Washerstein, Rabbi Bulka Kindness Project

Our students have been quite busy throughout the last month with various Rabbi Bulka Kindness Project experiences. Last week our middle school students visited the Beechwood Cemetery (Canada’s National Military Cemetery) to participate in a dedication ceremony that honored the incredible accomplishments of Rabbi Bulka. This program highlighted Rabbi Bulka’s contributions to the Canadian Armed Forces and Ottawa Jewish Community School’s adoption of the Rabbi Bulka Kindness Project. Students were able to hear from active members of the military who spoke of Rabbi Bulka’s commitment to promoting kindness and strengthening our community. We will strive to create our own community of kindness as we embark upon our various Rabbi Bulka Kindness Project initiatives.

As the week progressed, members of the Grade 6 class created some chain links for the Hillel Lodge sukkah. Students worked together to create beautiful decorations for the sukkah and were able to deliver their decorations to the residents. We look forward to our monthly visits to Hillel Lodge.

Finally, our middle school students spent time over the last two weeks learning about the horrific events that took place on October 7th, while also focusing on how we can show support to our Jewish community both near and far. Our students joined other Jewish day schools around the world to participate in the Yad B’Yad Initiative. Students created hands to help spread positivity and showcase their support for Israel, the IDF, the hostages (and their families).

Grades 6-8: We Are Stronger Together

mwasherstein / / Grade 6 - Mr. Washerstein, Grade 7 - Mr. Washerstein, Grade 8 - Mr. Washerstein

Today, in class, we marked the one-year anniversary of the horrific terrorist attack that took place in Israel on October 7th, 2023. We pray for the return of the hostages and send everlasting love and support to their families. We remember the innocent men, women, and children who lost their lives at the hands of the vile Hamas terrorists. We pray for safety and security for the IDF who fight to protect our homeland and for the citizens who have been displaced from their homes and families due to the war. We pray for peace and calm in the land of Israel. We discussed the increase in antisemitism around the world and the way in which these events continue to impact our daily lives. We listened to testimonies of those who survived October 7th and those whose families continue to grieve. We must remain strong. We are stronger together. Am Yisrael Chai.

Am Yisrael Chai.  Shurat HaDin - שורת הדין on X: "On October 7th, a brutal massacre took innocent lives in Israel. We remember each family shattered, each dream destroyed by Hamas. We will never forget. #

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We discussed the following:

One year later, after Oct. 7th, Israel and the Jewish world have changed in immeasurable ways.

  • How do you think the hostage crisis in particular has impacted Israel and the broader Jewish world? How has it impacted you personally?
  • What has the response of the global Jewish community during this crisis showcased about the Jewish people both outwardly and inwardly?
  • Have you participated in any activism for the release of the hostages since Oct. 7th? How has it impacted you, your family, or your community?

 

Students will join other Jewish day schools around the world to participate in the Yad B’Yad Initiative. This week, students will create hands to help spread positivity and showcase their support for Israel, the IDF, the hostages (and their families).

Grade 8: Intro to Israeli History Course/Current Event Due: Tuesday, September 17th

mwasherstein / / Grade 8 - Mr. Washerstein

The Grade 8 students will be engaging in a new course this year that focuses on Israeli History. Students will explore Israeli history in-depth, starting with the birth of the Zionist movement and continuing through to the present day. Through engaging lessons, multimedia resources, and interactive activities, students will gain a nuanced understanding of the political, cultural, and social developments that have shaped Israel over the past century.

HISTORY: The State of IsraelModern Israeli History: A Timeline | My Jewish Learning

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 8 Israeli History Slideshow

Current Event:

This year students will be responsible for researching, analyzing, and presenting various current events related to Israel.

Be prepared to discuss your article in class on the due date!

Please click the link below to access the current event template: 

Israeli Current Event Assignment

Grade 6: Welcome to Mr. Washerstein’s Jewish Studies Course (River of Life Intro Assignment)

mwasherstein / / Grade 6 - Mr. Washerstein

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 Wednesday, September 18th.

I can’t wait to hear all about your narrative. Check out my example below!

Grade 7: Diving into Israel this Summer!

mwasherstein / / Grade 7 - Mr. Washerstein

In preparation for our History of Israel course in Grade 8, students are encouraged to explore Israel-themed podcasts and videos, such as “Jewish Unpacked” or the “Israel Story” podcast. After listening, students can summarize and expand upon their thoughts on their blogfoilio. 

Unpacking Israeli History Podcast

Jewish Unpacked Videos

Israel Story Podcast

Stream Am Yisrael Chai by Mama Mac | Listen online for free on SoundCloud

Grade 6: Continuing Interpretations Prompts

mwasherstein / / Grade 6 - Mr. Washerstein

This year students examined various texts in Jewish Studies. To further refine these skills, students are encouraged to examine two contrasting interpretations of a particular Jewish law/text and write about it on their blogfolios.

5 Reasons Why Continuing Education is Important For Your Career — DevOps Institute

Talmudic Debate on “An Eye for an Eye”:

  • Pro: Exodus 21:24-25 in the Torah (“eye for an eye”) and Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Bava Kamma 83b.
  • Con: Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Sanhedrin 84b.

Debate on Sabbath Observance:

  • Pro: Exodus 20:8-11 in the Torah (Commandment to observe the Sabbath) and Mishnah Shabbat 1:1.
  • Con: Mishnah Yoma 8:6 (discusses exceptions to Sabbath observance for the sake of preserving life).

Interpretations of Kosher Laws:

  • Pro: Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 in the Torah (Kosher dietary laws) and Mishnah Chullin 7:6.
  • Con: Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Shabbat 55a (discusses the principle of “lo bashamayim hi” – Torah is not in heaven, implying human interpretation and application of the law).

 

Questions to consider: 

  • How do these texts/interpretations differ?
  • Which text/interpretation resonates with you?
  • Why is this an important concept within Judaism?
  • What is the lesson we can learn from studying this concept?