Category: Jewish Studies

Grade 8: Virtual Discussion with Tibor Egervari

mwasherstein / / Grade 8 - Mr. Washerstein

On Monday the Grade 8 class had the opportunity to engage in a discussion with a Holocaust survivor on Zoom. Our guest speaker, Tibor Egervari, shared his story and explained how he ended up in Canada. Tibor answered a variety of questions and provided the students with his unique insight. Tibor shared his own life lessons and encouraged our students to take a stand when they witness injustice occurring in our world. We are incredibly grateful that Tibor was able to share his perspective with us.

Grade 7: Mitzvah Project (Educating Our Community About Suicide and Depression)

mwasherstein / / Grade 7 - Mr. Washerstein

Each year the Grade 7 class chooses a Mitzvah Project to work on. The purpose of this project is to incorporate our Jewish values and interpersonal mitzvot into our everyday lives. The Grade 7 class has decided to learn more about suicide and depression as the focus for their Mitzvah Project. They want to help those who are suffering from suicidal thoughts and families that have been impacted by suicide. They have been brainstorming a variety of activities and fundraisers that could help raise awareness and support those in need. We have reached out to a few organizations in Ottawa that we would like to partner with.

Creating an infographic

Why use an infographic?

  • Catches the interest of the viewer
  • Outlines many facts in a compact space
  • Conveys data quickly using images
  • Informs without lots of written information
  • Engages the viewer to think about the topic, because they must explore each part
  • Makes a complex issue easy to understand

Love, Christa. “What Is an Infographic?” TechnoKids Blog, 17 Feb. 2021, https://www.technokids.com/blog/technology-integration/what-is-an-infographic/. 

 

Task: 

Students will work with one partner to research and create a Canva infographic to educate students and families about suicide and depression. The goal of these infographics should be to raise awareness regarding these topics. 

  • Please include facts and statistics (from reputable sources) to demonstrate the relevance and seriousness of this cause
  • Feel free to add phone numbers/hyperlink websites that someone in the Ottawa area could access if they need help
  • Choose appropriate images/color scheme for this infographic (nothing too flashy)

 

Here are some FAQs about suicide/depression that you might want to address:

  1. Who is at risk for suicide?
  2. What are the warning signs of suicide?
  3. What organizations exist in Ottawa to help support someone suffering from suicidal thoughts/depression?
  4. What should someone do if one of their friends or family members is in crisis?
  5. What should someone do if they see a suicidal post on social media?
Relevant organizations:

 

Grade 8: Treaty of Versailles Guided Notes

mwasherstein / / Grade 8 - Mr. Washerstein

How could the Holocaust happen?

As we continue to study and analyze the various components of the Grade 8 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 8 class is learning about WWI. This foundation will play a very important role in understanding the historical context in which the Holocaust begins.

Attached you will find the WWI/Treaty of Versailles Presentation and Guided Notes Packet. This will be useful for any students that missed any of the notes during class. Students should be reviewing their notes throughout the week.

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Grades 6-8: Hanukkah Guided Reading Assignment (Due: Friday 12/3)

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

The time to light the Hanukiah approaches! Over the course of the next few days, middle school students will dive deeper into some of the various traditions associated with Hanukkah. Students will read and analyze a few different texts and complete the corresponding comprehension questions.

Philadelphia Eagles Menorah

Please remember to answer the questions in complete sentences. 

 

Click the link below to access the assignment:

Hanukkah Guided Reading Assignment

 

Grades 6-8: The Festival of Lights is Near!

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

Next week launches the fun of (C)Han(n)uk(k)a(h)….no matter how you spell it!

We have a full week of celebrations, and can’t wait to participate in some with our whole community! Please take a look at the posters below to see how you can add to our festivities.

 

Thompson, Melissa. “You Say Chanukah, I Say Hanukkah.” OJCS Language Arts, Edublogs, 23 Nov. 2021, https://ojcsenglish.edublogs.org/2021/11/23/grades-6-8-you-say-chanukah-i-say-hanukkah/.

Grade 8: Antisemitism Reflection (Due: Tuesday 11/23)

mwasherstein / / Grade 8 - Mr. Washerstein

For the past few weeks in Jewish Studies, we have been analyzing and discussing various accounts of antisemitism throughout history. Although we have only begun our journey, you are being tasked with writing a reflection piece to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the concepts we have discussed in class.

Click the link below to access the assignment instructions:

Antisemitism Reflection Assignment Instructions

Click the link below to access the corresponding graphic organizer:

 Antisemitism Reflection Graphic Organizer 

Click the link below to access the reflective writing slideshow:

Reflective Writing Google Slides

Your reflection should answer the following questions:

  1. What is antisemitism? 
  2. How has antisemitism impacted Jews in the past (prior to the Holocaust)? 
  3. How does antisemitism continue to impact Jews around the world?
  4. What are the consequences when a “single story” or rumour is used to exclude a group of people from society? 
  5. What lessons can be learned from examining accounts of antisemitism?

 

Due Dates:

Assigned- Tuesday (11/9)

Check-In #1 Graphic Organizer Monday (11/15)

Check-In #2 Rough Draft Friday (11/18)

Final Copy Due- Tuesday (11/23)

Grade 7: Lashon Hara Source Analysis (Due: Thursday, November 11th)

mwasherstein / / Grade 7 - Mr. Washerstein

Today students will be discussing, analyzing, and determining the significance of the concept of Lashon Hara. As we dive deeper into our discussion of interpersonal mitzvot, students will be asked to create connections between these lessons and their own lives.

Lashon Hara Analysis

Students will also be practicing the following comprehension skills:

  • Previewing questions prior to reading
  • Highlighting keywords/phrases
  • Looking up unfamiliar vocabulary terms
  • Taking notes/jotting down ideas while reading (annotation)
  • Answering questions in complete sentences (referencing the text)

Grade 8: The Death of Jesus and its Impact on Antisemitism (Due: Friday 11/5)

mwasherstein / / Grade 8 - Mr. Washerstein

This week students have been exploring the crucifixion of Jesus and the impact of this historical event with regards to the rise of antisemitism. Next week we will begin to discuss the rise of antisemitism in Europe as we dive deeper into the Spanish Inquisition.

 

Click here to access the guided reading/questions:

The Death of Jesus and its Impact on Antisemitism

Grades 7-8: D’var Torah Weekly Assignment

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

Each week, a student from each class will compose a D’var Torah and present it to their peers. This year, students in grade 7 and grade 8 will also be reading and analyzing the corresponding Haftarah selections.

What is a D’var Torah?

A D’var Torah (a word of Torah) is a discussion or explanation based on the weekly parsha. The D’var Torah provides a brief summary and analysis of a lesson or interesting interpretation regarding the weekly Torah portion. 

What is the Haftarah?

The Haftarah portion is a selection from the book of Prophets (Nevi’im). The Haftarah portion is read on Shabbat after the conclusion of the Torah reading. Although the Torah reading cycle is read in chronological order (following the Five Books of Moses), the Haftarah portions are selected in a different manner. Each week the Haftarah portion selected shares a common theme or genre with the Torah portion for that given week. 

 

Assignment: Each student will create a D’var Torah for an assigned portion that will be shared with their peers during the correlating Thursday tefillah service. Students will practice their public speaking skills and actively engage in Torah study. This assignment will count towards your grade for both Language Arts and Jewish Studies rubrics. 

 

Click here to access the assignment:

D’var Torah Assignment (Including Haftarah Extension)

 

Click here to access the final copy checklist: 

D’var Torah Checklist

 

Click here to access the example: 

Washerstein D’var Torah Example

 

Click here to access the D’var Torah schedule:

Grade 7 D’var Torah Schedule

Grade 8 D’var Torah Schedule

 

 

Grade 6: D’var Torah Weekly Assignment

mwasherstein / / Grade 6 - Mr. Washerstein

Each week, a student from each class will compose a D’var Torah and present it to their peers.

What is a D’var Torah?

A D’var Torah (a word of Torah) is a discussion or explanation based on the weekly parsha. The D’var Torah provides a brief summary and analysis of a lesson or interesting interpretation regarding the weekly Torah portion. 

Assignment: Each student will create a D’var Torah for an assigned portion that will be shared with their peers during the correlating Thursday tefillah service. Students will practice their public speaking skills and actively engage in Torah study. This assignment will count towards your grade for both Language Arts and Jewish Studies rubrics. 

Click here to access the assignment:

Washerstein D’var Torah Assignment

 

Click here to access the D’var Torah example: 

D’var Torah Checklist

 

Click here to access the example: 

Washerstein D’var Torah Example

 

Click here to access the D’var Torah schedule:

Grade 6 D’var Torah Schedule