Shalom Religious School Parents!

The Kindergarten Class class learned about Purim this morning and they heard a story about it. They also read a book called Joseph Had a Little Overcoat and talked about the idea of making something from nothing. They used buttons, glitter, feathers, sequins, and paint to make masks to wear on Purim.

The 1st Grade Classes classes learned about Purim this morning. They heard a great story about Queen Esther and talked about different ways to be brave in our world. They made a great Purim art project including special Purim masks. They also had a great time singing with Mrs. Rose.

The 2nd Grade Class class discussed today that Jewish people are unique. They talked about the idea of being unique and related it to the prayer "Shema." They listened to a recorded version of the Shema and even worked together to make a Shema quilt. They also celebrated class birthdays.

The 3rd Grade Class Hebrew classes spent the day working in small groups on reading. They are finishing learning new Hebrew words and letters for the unit. They played Simon Says "Shimon Omer" using Hebrew words and sentences. The Judaica class spent time learning about the origins of Purim and the Purim story. They learned about the great characters in the story as well. They finished the day making a great Purim art project and learning about the new Chugim choices for the next block.

The 4th Grade class in Hebrew played some Hebrew review games and worked in the Mitkadem books today. They played games to review some of the words they have been learning in their small group activities. In the Judaica class, they learned about the concept of Avodah - communal and individual prayer. They discussed what is a minyan, and the importance of having a community together for some Jewish prayers.

The 5th Grade Class in Hebrew worked today in small groups again on reading and on their Mitkadem books. They are making great reading progress! The 5th Grade Judaica class today learned about the Jewish efforts to support England in World War I. They learned about a guy named Joseph Trumpeldor who worked hard to establish a Jewish army.

The 6th Grade Classes in Hebrew today worked on reading and leading prayers out of Gates of Prayer, our synagogue's prayer book. They read together and individually, and are making progress through the Shabbat morning service. They also played some Hebrew games. In the Judaica class today with Seth and Jamie, the class started learning about Israel and some of the modern conflicts happening between Israelis and Palestinians.

The 7th Grade Class continued working on their new social justice curriculum and discussed Heroes in our lives and specifically what it means to be a Jewish hero in 2010. They will continue where they left off after Purim.

The 8th Grade Class continued their study of different world religions by first focusing on Judaism and the different sects of Judaism operating in our world today.