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.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Gimel Class Family Program

A big thank you to the Gimel Class for making today's Family Program really fun!  The topic of the Gimel Class Family Program today was Gelt, Gifts, and Giving.  The Gimel Class and their parents participated in a great game of "Chanukkah Who Wants to be a Millionaire," studied the Jewish custom of giving gelt on Chanukkah, and then crafted some beautiful Chanukkah gifts for our congregation's seniors.


To see all of the photos taken at the Gimel Class Family Program today, visit this link: