Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Second Gimmel Class Family Program

For our final Family Program of this school year, the Gimmel Class students and their parents came together on April 10th to learn about mezuzot.  The program began with some group study, followed by the creation of two mezuzah "commercials," which you can view in my previous post.  Finally, students and their parents had some fun painting and decorating their own mezuzah cases.


You can view all of the photos taken during the second Gimmel Class Family Program 

And don't forget to check out the Mezuzah commercials created by students 
and their parents in my previous post.





It has been absolutely wonderful meeting all of the Beth El students and their parents during this past school year!  It has been incredibly inspiring watching you all learn and grow with me during our family program series.  Have a wonderful summer!!

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Gimmel Class Family Program: Mezuzah Commercials!

Learn about the mezuzah through these commercials, designed and performed by the Gimmel Class students and their parents!





Monday, March 28, 2011

Mechina 1 and Mechina 2 "God Journals" Family Program


I was thrilled to join the Mechina 1 and Mechina 2 students and parents last Sunday to talk about God.  Students and parents explored their perception of and relationship with God through a series of activities, resulting in the creation of a "God Journal."




 At each of their journal stations, participants posted their responses to prompts about God...


Be sure to check out all of the photos taken at this program by clicking on this link!

Bet Class Mishloach Manot Program

The Bet Class students and their parents came together on Purim this year to create Mishloach Manot baskets to distribute to their family and friends.
Participants learned about the four mitzvot of Purim: Reading the Megillah (Remembering the holiday and observing it), Mishloach Manot (Neighbors sending presents), Matanot l'Evyonim (Gifts to the poor), and Feasting (making Purim a day of feasting and joy).

Click here to see all of the photos taken during this program!

Fourth Daled Class Program

On March 6th, the Daled Class Families met for the last time this year to create beautiful tallitot. Parents and students worked together to tie the tzitzit onto prepared fabric.

Visit this link to see all of the photos from this program.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Third Daled Class Family Program

During our third Family Education Program of the year, each Daled Class student was given the opportunity to study his or her individual Torah portion with his or her parents.  For many of the students, this was an exciting first look into the Torah portion which will play an integral role in their Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremonies.  While studying their individual parashot, Daled Class Students, with the help of their parents, began to draw out themes and ideas from their parasha that could be useful as they begin to compose the Dvar Torah that will be presented at their Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremonies.

Click here to see some photos from the third Daled Class Family Program!

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

The Second Daled Class Family Program

In the second installation of our pre Bar and Bat Mitzvah Family Programs, the Daled Class and their parents learned about Mitzvot and began discussing the Mitzvah projects that each Daled Class student will complete as a part of their simcha.

One of the activities that got the Daled Class thinking about their Mitzvah Projects was a study of Maimonides' Ladder of Tzedakah, where we considered the various ways to give tzedakah.  One of the fabulous questions that several of you had was "Who was Maimonides?"
Here is a link to a basic overview of who Maimonides was and what place he holds in Jewish history and tradition:  Who is Maimonides?

I hope that all of the Daled Class students are excitedly exploring their options for their Mitzvah project.  If you are feeling stuck, or need some inspiration, you can check out the Mitzvah Chic (the book that was handed out as a raffle prize) companion website here: Mitzvah Chic
for some great ideas!  Mitzvah Chic Homepage  Like the book, this website is highly recommended for help during the entire process of planning for your simcha.  If you are interested in picking up a copy of the book, I purchased it at Barnes and Noble, but it is also available for a great price on Amazon: Buy Mitzvah Chic on Amazon

I would love to hear some of the students' plans for their Mitzvah projects!   Please feel welcome to post your ideas on this blog.  You will not only build excitement by sharing your Mitzvah Project plans, but you might also help to inspire your fellow classmates!

I will see you all again on Sunday, January 23.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Mechina 1 and Mechina 2 Family Program




The Mechina 1&2 family program was so much fun!  Thank you all for coming!
During the program we learned about the Shema, paying specific attention to the Bedtime Shema.  The program ended with each child making a Shema Pillowcase with their parents, which all came out beautifully. 

To see all of the photos that were taken at the Family program, visit this link:
Mechinot 1&2 Family Program #1

Mechinot 1 & 2 Family Program #1


Many of you asked about the book that I read to the group during the program, it is a fabulous picture book called The Bedtime Shema by Sarah Gershman. You can purchase a copy online at this link:  The Bedtime Shema.