A couple notes first: 
We will be celebrating Shabbat each week, so the kids will get to experience Shabbat even with very hectic schedules - next week we will be adding honey and apples. If any parents would like to volunteer to bring things, please let us know! 

Today in class, the students came up with a list of things that they think of when they think of mitzvot, and used them to create a wordle. (www.wordle.net) This is their list:

Helping people
Good deeds
Tzedakah, charity
Good things, not bad things
Potatoes
People in need
Bar/bat mitzvah
Hobos
Caring
Food drive
People in need
Big charity donation
Mitzvah meals
Jewish blood donors
Organ donors
UNICEF
Helping Darfur
Tzedakah box
Lemonade stand to help charity
Humane society
Care facilities
Cancer walks
Donations
Thanksgiving

Cut & paste this list into wordle to see what it looks like. We discussed why some words were bigger than others (words that are used more often will be bigger), and their meaning in relevance to mitzvot. 

We also discussed the question, "Why do you think the word mitzvah is found in Bar/Bat Mitzvah?"

Their answers:

Do a mitzvah project before
How you become a man or woman
Celebrating finish of jewish education
Reading torah is a mitzvah
Helps become part of society
Helping those in need
Daughter of commandments
Celebrating graduation from Hebrew school
Mitzvah project to donate
Celebrating adulthood
Doing good deeds
Doing a mitzvah project—helping organize something

There are a few simple & fun homework assignments for the week: 

1) Google “613 Mitzvot” and find a list of all 613 “good” and “bad” mitzvot. Use wordle.net to create a wordle, and bring to class if you'd like.
2)Ask your parents what your Hebrew name is, write it down and bring it to class. If it has any special meaning, write that down as well.
3) Bring a kippah or hat to class to use while praying.
4) Subscribe to this blog! :)

See you all next week!!!

9/11/11

Thanks for a great first day! I was so glad to meet my class...it's going to be a great one!

Today we did a brief overview of the year, which is going to focus on Prophets and Mitzvot. We looked at different pictures of mitzvot and discussed what they were and why they were a mitzvah, and that a mitzvah is not only a good deed, but that we have 613 commandments that are also mitzvot. Together with Morah Robin's class, we made name plates for class, and covers for folders that will be used throughout the year.

Please fill out the paper I sent home and return it next week, or email it to me.   

I'm glad to see you here, and am looking forward to being able to update you through this blog! Make sure you subscribe so you will get the updates!

I would love to have a class picnic soon, if you would like to volunteer to organize it, please let me know!

~Leah

First Day Information

Hi All! I'm excited about starting a new year of religious school at TBS! I wanted to pass on some information about the start of the first day of religious school, as things will be a little different this year. Please arrive at the Sanctuary/Social Hall at 9:15. We will be having bagels sponsored by TBS Sisterhood (thank you!).  At 10:00, we will begin Tefillah in the Sanctuary. Your child(ren) will be sitting with their class, as posted on the sides of the pews. Parents please sit in the rows behind. Can't wait to meet my new students! ~Leah