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

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

Grade 6: Shabbat Program at Hillel Lodge

On Friday the Grade 6 students went to Hillel Lodge for a Shabbat Program. Students sang Kabbalat Shabbat prayers and got to know the residents. Together they completed Shabbat-themed crossword puzzles, word searches, and coloring activities. This was a beautiful way for both the students and the residents to welcome in Shabbat together.

 

 

Grades 6-8: Showing Support for Israel

Our middle school students have been discussing/brainstorming various ways we can show support for Israel. Today our school raised money for the Magen David Adom. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Nation of Israel. עַם יִשְׂרָאֵל חַי

10 Ways to Pray for Israel Today ‒ Day to Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem | Jewish Voice

 

 

 

Grade 6: Mishpacha Project (Due: Thursday, November 23rd)

Your family history is important! Every family is filled with stories that you should learn about and record. In our Jewish Studies course, we are beginning the Jewish life cycle. We are currently discussing the process and traditions associated with naming a Jewish child. You are tasked with conducting an interview with your parents/family members. The purpose of this activity is for you to explore your family history. As we begin our journey through the Jewish life cycle, students are asked to engage their families in a discussion.

Mishpacha Project Assignment/Rubric

Mishpacha Graphic Organizer

Due Dates

Assigned: Friday, October 27th

Part/Task Due date: Complete?
Complete the Mishpacha – Graphic Organizer  for the interview Monday, November 6th
Hebrew Name Research  due Friday, November 10th
Create presentation 

  • Choose one of the following: Google Slides, Canva, video, poster
Friday, November 17th
Practice Presentation Monday-Wednesday

November 20-22nd

Presentation due  Thursday, November 23rd 

Check out Mr. Washerstein’s Mishpacha Project (Example)

 

Grades 6-8: Supporting the State of Israel

Yesterday we had the opportunity to video call a former OJCS student named Maayan. She is an Israeli high school student who shared her perspective and personal experience with our Middle School. She advocated for our students to be ambassadors to Israel within our community. She encouraged our students to ask questions, uncover media bias, and ensure that we remain up to date as new events unfold. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Nation of Israel.

Next Friday, we will have a dress down to fundraise for Magen David Adom.

Grades 6-8: Mitzvah Trip Brainstorm

Today students will spend time brainstorming various service learning opportunities. We will explore the upcoming Mitzvah Trip Calendar together. This is a living document that will continue to be updated. As the month of October progresses, we will engage in various Mitzvah Trips.

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Grade 6: Welcome to Mr. Washerstein’s Jewish Studies Course

After an incredible Middle School Retreat, our students are beginning to dive into our Jewish Studies course. 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 Thursday, September 21st.

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