Category: Grade 6 – 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.

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 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 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 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?

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

Grades 6-8: Fundraiser for Magen David Adom (Rabbi Bulka Kindness Project)

mwasherstein / / Grade 6 - Mr. Washerstein, Grade 7 - Mr. Washerstein, Grade 8 - Mr. Washerstein
The Grade 6 students have been making bracelets and will begin selling them tomorrow to raise money for the Magen David Adom. Each bracelet will be sold for $5. Bracelets will be sold during the first and second recesses outside of the chapel. Please help support this important initiative!

handcrafted braslets for Israel by ezra.grossman