Religious School Parent Bulletin February 22, 2013
Another great week of learning! I hope everyone is enjoying Rodeo Break and wish everyone a happy Purim!
Please note that there will be no recaps next week.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Sunday, Feb. 24
Purim Creative Megillah Reading and Festive Meal 10:00 a.m. in Sanctuary
Don’t miss the fin of Purim! Our celebration includes stories, songs, food, hamentashen, magic and more. We’ll start with a creative/family Megillah reading and costume parade, followed by a festive meal, then we’ll be amazed and amused by the magic, comedy and illusions of George Franzen. You won’t believe your eyes! $13 per person at the door.
Saturday, March 9
Shabbat Family Experience 10:30 a.m. in the Epstein Chapel
Share in this interactive, spirit-filled and participatory service led by children in the Religious School and Tucson Hebrew Academy. Participants will lead services, discuss the meaning of prayers and determine how the teachings from our tradition apply to their lives. For more information and to RSVP, contact Kim.
Sunday, March 17
Religious School Passover Family Workshop
The entire family is welcome to join us for a fun-filled day of learning. Make a matzah cover or Seder plate, bake matzah, go on a Haggadah Scavenger Hunt and attend a Model Seder. Passover goodies will be served. The Shomrim and Gan Yeladim preschool families are invited to join us as well!
Teachers’ Classroom Recaps:
Kindergarten/1st Grade – Renee Hulsey
The Kindergarten and 1st Grade had a very busy Sunday. We had a fire drill which went very well; we also learned about the letter “Hey,” as in hiddur, meaning to beautify something. We hope to see everyone on Sunday at the Megillah Reading and Costume Parade, beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary.
2nd Grade – Natalie Guerin
The 2nd Graders have passed the 100th page in our Hebrew books, with everyone reading very well. Each student started making their own kippot which we hope to finish next Tuesday. Everyone please bring in tzedakah — even a couple coins each class — so that we can be part of purchasing the congregation's new Torah.
3rd Grade – Laura Olesen
The 3rd Graders had a great week! They finished the last chapter in their books and have begun the Explorers Bible text! They are also doing a great job in Hebrew. We are reiterating combination endings and they love doing drills with them. They all took home a practice page. Please continue to practice solos; they are sounding good!
4th Grade
This week in Hebrew we wrapped up our study of the Keddushah with a review and test. Our next unit will be on the Hoda'ah, the "thanksgiving" blessing of the Amidah. For Judaics, the two 4th Grade classes joined together to learn about and celebrate Purim. On Sunday, our talented actors "took the stage" and acted out the story behind the holiday portraying Esther, the heroine; Haman, the evil antagonist; the pious Mordechai; King Ahashverosh; and his first wife, Vashti. We also had spies, palace guards, and, of course, beautiful women hoping to become the next queen. It was an enthusiastic performance by all! On Tuesday, we discussed the four mitzvot of Purim and fufilled one of these mitzvot by making "Mishloach Manot," small gifts of hamantashen to bring home to our families (if they weren't eaten beforehand!).
5th Grade – Courtney DeYoung
The 5th Graders began their unit on becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, focusing on skills of which they are already good, and those on which they need to work.
6th Grade – MeMe Aguila
The 6th Graders are finishing their unit on American Jewish History and getting ready to move to the prophets!
7th – 8th Grade – Jacob Kotz
The 7th and 8th Graders saw a documentary on Yitzhak Rabin. We are getting excited for our service on April 27!
Rabbi Ben Herman