OJCS Jewish Studies

The Middle School Students have been busy participating in a variety of Rabbi Bulka Kindness Project experiences. Today the Grade 6A class visited Hillel Lodge and ran a special Kabbalat Shabbat Program. They led a Shabbat Bingo experience for residents. What a great way to bring in Shabbat with valued members of our community.

Speaking of Hillel Lodge, last week we launched our “L’Dor Vador: Passing Wisdom from Generation to Generation” international program. This initiative connects middle school students with elderly members of our Hillel Lodge community through monthly meetups. The program fosters meaningful connections by exploring Jewish traditions, history, and values through storytelling, shared rituals, and collaborative projects. Each session focuses on a different theme, such as traditions, Jewish resilience, and tikkun olam (repairing the world), promoting cross-generational learning and cultural continuity. The program culminates in a final presentation where participants showcase their shared experiences and creative projects, celebrating the bonds they’ve formed. 

Students had to apply to participate in this program. There we over 20 applications! Last week students met their partners and interviewed them to learn more about their lives. We look forward to nourishing these incredible newfound relationships.

The students participating in this program are:

1. Noa (Grade 6)
2. Gila (Grade 6)
3. Shayna (Grade 6)
4. Eli (Grade 6)
5. Nikki (Grade 6)
6. Noa P.(Grade 7)
7. Noa B. (Grade 7)
8. Lily (Grade 7)
9. Tehila (Grade 8)
10. Ariel (Grade 8)
11. Zohar (Grade 8)     

Lastly, our Grade 8 class recently went to KBI to help pack food for community members in need with Jewish Family Services. Students aided in the packing of boxes for the Miriam’s Well Program.