Grades 7 & 8: Rabbi Bulka Kindness Project Update

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

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

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 ChaiShurat 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 7: Diving into Israel this Summer!

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

Grades 6-8: Summer Reading with a 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 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

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!

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

Grades 7-8: Canada’s Role in the M.S. St. Louis Assignment (Due: Tuesday, March 26th)

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.

Passengers aboard the St. Louis, seeking refugee from Nazi-occupied Europe, wait to find out if they will be allowed entry into Cuba in June 1939.

Click the link below to access the assignment:

Canada’s Role in the M.S. St. Louis

Grades 7-8: Holocaust Survivor Narrative Reflection (Due: Friday, March 1st)

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. 

  1. What feelings did this narrative elicit? (Explain the thoughts or emotions you felt while reading this story)
  2. What part of the story did you find most intriguing? Why?
  3. What lessons can you learn from this narrative?
  4. How could you use this story to educate others?

 

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:

Holocaust Survivor Narrative Reflection Graphic Organizer

Grade 7: Tu Bishvat Activities with Ganon (Rabbi Bulka Kindness Project)

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!