Category: Grade 7 – Mr. Washerstein

A Day of Remembering

melissathompson / / Grade 6 - Mr. Washerstein, Grade 7 - Mr. Washerstein, Grade 8 - Mr. Washerstein, Jewish Studies

Yesterday, our Grade 7 students led a powerful and deeply moving Yom HaShoah assembly. Their maturity, thoughtfulness, and reverence for the day’s significance were evident to all who attended.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and the end of World War II—an especially poignant reminder of the importance of remembering and sharing the stories of those who endured the unimaginable. As we say: Never Forget. Never Again.

Following the assembly, students showcased their reflections, analyses, and personal connections to the Holocaust through a powerful independent novel study. Each student created an impressive presentation, thoughtfully paired with creative and artistic interpretations of their chosen books. Students in Grades 5–8 toured the exhibits and were visibly moved, inspired to learn more about the individual stories of survival, resilience, and hope.

To conclude the day, we were honoured to welcome Harry and Mina Cohn from The Centre for Holocaust Education and Scholarship—who are also proud OJCS grandparents. Mr. Cohn shared his family’s powerful story as the child of Holocaust survivors, reinforcing the message that each of us carries a history, and it is our responsibility to remember, to share, and to learn from the past.

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.

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download

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).

Grades 6-8: Summer Reading with a Twist

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

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 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:

Grades 6-8: Rabbi Bulka Kindness Project Update

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

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.

Am Yisrael Chai' has become an anthem for the Jewish people — but where did it come from? - St. Louis Jewish Light

Grades 6-8: Pesach is Coming!

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

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. 

Passover Seder Dinner : Recipes and Cooking : Food Network | Food Network

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.

Pin by Miguel Rivero on subliminacion | Mickey mouse pictures, Mickey mouse drawings, Mickey mouse art