Author: mwasherstein
//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
//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.
Talmudic Debate on “An Eye for an Eye”:
Debate on Sabbath Observance:
Interpretations of Kosher Laws:
Questions to consider:
//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!
Below is a list of novels related to Judaism that you may 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
My Jewish Learning’s Jewish Reading List
Holocaust:
Mitzvot/Jewish Teachings:
Humor
Interesting Reads:
Graphic Novels:
//Over the last month, our students have been busy engaging in opportunities to spread kindness. We spent time creating groggers for younger members of our community and donating them to local synagogues. This was a fantastic way to spread some ruach as students prepared for Purim celebrations.
Last week, our students were able to send messages of hope and strength to the family members of the hostages in Israel. The JCC along with the Israeli Embassy organized this important initiative. Students spent time writing heartfelt messages in journals which will be delivered to the families. The community of Ottawa stands in solidarity with all of the hostages, their families, and friends.
//We will be celebrating Pesach with Grades 6-8 on Friday, April 19th. We will be taking a trip down memory lane and completing a model seder with each of the classes. Our seder will include a variety of activities and discussion prompts.
When: Friday, April 19th, 2024
1:45 PM-3:45 PM (Pds.7-9)
Each student is asked to bring to school on that day (in addition to his/her lunch) the following:
1 hard-boiled egg, peeled and wrapped in plastic/foil wrap
1 stalk of celery
1 piece of romaine lettuce
The remainder of the Seder ingredients will be provided by the P.T.A. We will serve horseradish, egg matzah, grape juice, and NUT-FREE charoset.
Should you have any concerns regarding food allergies, please provide your child with their own food.
Students may choose to dress up in holiday attire for their seder.
//Over the last month, students have been learning about the responsibilities of reaching the age of Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Students will showcase their knowledge by completing a quiz on Wednesday, March 27th.
The review sheet below provides students with key terms to define along with short-answer practice questions. Students should review their notes to prepare for the quiz.
Slides 26-29: Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Slides 31-34: Tefillin
Slides 37-43 Tallit/Tzitzit
//This week we will be discussing the horrific narrative of the MS St. Louis. We watched an incredible documentary that provided our class with testimonies from historians and survivors who experienced this infamous event firsthand. Students will read and analyze a document that discusses specific policies in Canada that were enacted to keep the Jewish people out.
Click the link below to access the assignment:
//Today students will read and reflect upon the story of a Holocaust Survivor. The website Holocaust Survivor Stories provides students with various personal narratives of survivors.
*Students are encouraged to read multiple stories to determine which narrative speaks to them personally*
Directions: Students will choose a survivor’s narrative to read. After reading their story, students will answer the following reflection questions.
Answer the questions in paragraph form.
Review reflective writing strategies: Reflective Writing Google Slides
Click the link below to access the Holocaust Survivor Narrative Reflection Graphic Organizer:
//Today the Grade 7 students visited their friends at Ganon to lead a variety of Tu Bishvat activities. The Grade 7 students read a story, played a matching game, and helped the children at Ganon colour some amazing Tu Bishvat pictures We can’t wait to see our friends at Ganon next month!
//handcrafted braslets for Israel by ezra.grossman