The Hebrew Class Blog

Weekly Happenings in Mr. Schwartz's 6th Grade Hebrew Class! Please click here to return to our website!

[myhebrewclass]

6th Grade Sunday Summary 3-29-15

Hello Families!

This week has been a busy one! This past Thursday our class joined with Ms. Weiss' class to have a special afternoon with our Israeli Sh’licha, Lital! The students played a "quiz show" style game to learn all about Passover!

After we wrapped up, our sixth graders joined with our fourth graders, and the community for a meaningful Tefillah service! The students are doing much better with their prayers each week and I am positive that their weekly attendance at Tefillah plays a large part in it! I hope that many will find time in the coming weeks to begin attending Shabbat services regularly as well!

Sunday, our students continued to work on (and perfect) their chanting! We also took time to address questions/concerns about the Bat/Bar/B'nai Mitzvah process.

We will be wrapping up the Haftarah blessings the next two lessons after we return from Passover break, and will then be moving onto the Kiddush, before we use the remainder of our time together to review all of the other prayers that we have learned (V'ahavta, Avot v'Imahot, Nisim B’chol Yom, etc.).

I wish everyone a meaningful Passover - and encourage all of our students to use their time in front of the Haggadah practicing their Hebrew!

Chag Pesach Sameach!

[myhebrewclass]

6th Grade Sunday Summary 3-15-15

Hello Everyone!

This Thursday our 6th Graders perfected their ability to chant the Blessing After the Reading of the Torah, and reviewed the Blessing Before the Reading of the Torah. After, we joined in with our community members for Tefillah!

On Sunday our 6th Graders began their study of the Blessing Before the Reading of the Haftarah, and then (toward the end of the day) we joined together with Ms. Weiss' class so the students could enjoy a music lesson together! The students will continue their studies and continue practicing their chanting as we go forward this week.

Also, from now and until the end of the year we will take part in Tefillah on a weekly basis (every Thursday) so the students can begin putting what they've learned in Hebrew Class to work, in a very practical sense.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, or if you just want to schmooze, I am always available before and after class to chat.

[myhebrewclass]

Sunday Summary 3-8-15

Dear Parents,

This week was an exciting week in our Hebrew class!

First, the students have been getting used to their new class assignments - and with those changes behind us, everyone seems to be settling in to the second half of the year.

This past Thursday I was blown away when, by the end of the class, each and every student was able to chant the Blessing Before the Reading of the Torah! The class did stupendously! Everyone should be incredibly proud!

This Sunday our first period class combined with Ms. Weiss' first period class and together we learned the meaning, and the importance of the HaTikvah - Israel's National Anthem. We learned what it means as a part of our global, Jewish heritage, and what it means to the people of Israel - civilians and soldiers alike.

The students broke down into groups to practice, and then came together again to sing the HaTikvah together as a class!

The students were then treated to a special school-wide assembly for Purim where they not only learned about Purim itself, but were given the extra special surprise of an incredible, interactive, Megillah Reading by the Rabbis and Susan.

This week we will continue forward on our Hebrew journey once more as we learn to read and to chant the Blessing After the Reading of the Torah!

Shavua Tov! (and don't forget to study Hebrew for five minutes a day, every day!)

[myhebrewclass]

6th Grade Sunday Summary 2-8-15

From Mrs. Weiss & Mr. Schwartz: Shalom and Shavua Tov,

This Thursday our classes combined again! Students were provided with the list of the top 50 words that appear in Hebrew prayers, and - along with Hebrew dictionaries and their iPhones/iPads - they were tasked with creating their very own prayers!

Students were asked to think about what they would ask G-d for if they were in the Wild Wild West, or the Lost City of Atlantis, or Outer Space, or in a Video Game (among a plethora of other possible locations that the students came up with).

Students then worked individually and together to come up with their own prayers in Hebrew and in English, and then shared them with the class.

The exercise helped students to understand the construct of a prayer, work on their ability to write in Hebrew, and allowed them to really meditate on what prayer means for them as a way of connecting the ancient times with the modern times in which we live.

Afterwards, students continued their study of Daniel's Story with Ms. Weiss, where they reviewed what they've learned so far!

This Sunday we were treated to Family Day, where our families and students came together to explore the concept of Humility through the ethical lens of Mussar.

This Thursday in Hebrew we'll review what we've learned over the first half of this year, in preparation for completing the second half of our studies after the February break.

Stay warm and safe everyone!

[myhebrewclass]

6th Grade Sunday Summary 2-1-15

From Mrs. Weiss & Mr. Schwartz:

Dear Parents,

As we wrote to you last Sunday, this past Thursday we mixed things up a bit and the students we're randomly split up based upon what ticket they draw. In Mr. Schwartz's class students were given a lesson on the top 50 words in Hebrew Prayers, and their meanings. They were then placed into teams who's goal was to pick ten of those words listed, and find as many of them as they could in their prayer packets during the time remaining. Ms. Weiss' class continued their study of Daniel's Story.

On Sunday Ms. Weiss and the students watched Dancing in Jaffa, a 2013 documentary about a Palestinian-Israeli renowned ballroom dancer, Pierre Dulaine, and his mission to bring peace through the art of dance. The documentary covers his efforts to get Israeli-Jewish and Israeli-Palestinian students to know one another, and to dance together. It is a well balanced, and meaningful documentary and is available on Netflix for those who are interested in watching it.Students were asked to write a one page journal response (hand written is fine) about their feelings on the film, and they are to bring this with them on Sunday.

While the students were watching the documentary, Mr. Schwartz and Matt, our class Madrich, conducted student language assessments. Those students who were absent will be given an opportunity to make up the language assessment Thursday during class. The results of the assessment inform the progress reports that will be sent out to you by the school shortly.

Wishing you a warm and safe week.

[myhebrewclass]

6th Grade Sunday Summary 1-25-15

From Mrs. Weiss & Mr. Schwartz: This week started the beginning of two special weeks of class for our 6th Graders!

In Hebrew, the students were treated to an Ulpan class on Thursday, where they were immersed in Modern Hebrew, and reviewed pronouns and ways and mannerisms of greetings before heading to Tefillah with their 7th grade friends!

In Judaic Studies the students began to read and discuss, and apply to their own lives the book "Daniel's Story," by Carol Matas.

On Sunday, our classes combined with 6th and 7th grade students from around Buffalo to take part in special programming for Super Sunday presented by the Bureau of Jewish Education!

Students were educated on various Israeli charities and were then tasked with taking part in a Planning & Allocation exercise in order to demonstrate to them the difficult job the Jewish Federation has in ensuring that all of the worthwhile programs that they sponsor are appropriately funded.

Students then presented to the Jewish Federation, on behalf of Temple Beth Zion, the Tzedakah that they have collected as their contribution to the Super Sunday fundraising effort!

This coming Thursday we're mixing things up a bit!

Students will receive a raffle ticket when they arrive to school - and based on whether the last digit of the ticket is odd or even - they'll either enter Mr. Schwartz or Ms. Weiss' class room first instead of their usual first period class. The students will then switch half way! We're looking forward to some special programming!

On Sunday our classes will once again be combined (at TBZ/The Broder Center) where the students will get to see a movie from Israel that combines our Judaic and Hebrew studies together. Students will be pulled out for a few minutes at a time (individually) by Mr. Schwartz and his madrich, Matt, in order to take a very brief Hebrew Assessment test. This is nothing to be concerned about, and is merely used as a diagnostic tool to see where the students are in their individual learning paths. This is conducted in a separate classroom, away from other students, in order to ensure privacy and respect for each of our pupils.

Wishing you a wonderful week, full of excitement and learning!

[myhebrewclass]

6th Grade Sunday Summary 11-23-14

From Mrs. Weiss and Mr. Schwartz:

Hello Parents & Guardians,

We both hope this email finds you all safe and warm! After a few snow days, this Sunday our classes combined once again so students could finish their Jewish Heroes presentations.

We then discussed recognizing the good in the world and our lives, and thankfulness, by discussing the concept of Gratitude (HaKarat HaTov in Hebrew). Students made leaves to add to our school's new gratitude tree, where they wrote down what they were grateful for and discussed their answers with the class.

After, we had another Ulpan lesson (Israeli method for teaching) as we continued to combine Modern Hebrew with our liturgical studies. Students learned object pronouns, the numbers up to twenty, and the days of the week. Then, students were thrown into the language as they learned to order pizza and practiced a very basic conversation with one another.

In two weeks, when we return, students will head back in time as we return to studying our liturgical Hebrew and prayers on our class journey to their Bat and Bar-Mitzvahs, and as they continue in their Judaic studies where they look to our people's history for lessons and guidance in today's modern world.

Wishing you a joyous and memorable Thanksgiving...

See you back in Religious School in December!

Shavua Tov!

[myhebrewclass]

6th Grade Sunday Summary 11-16-14

From Mrs. Weiss and Mr. Schwartz:

Hello Parents & Guardians,

This was an incredible week for our 6th grade class! This Thursday we began studying the V'shamru, and discussed last Sunday's anniversary of Krystal Nacht, and the role of prayer in sustaining our people during the holocaust.

During Judaica our students researched and prepared themselves for their presentations this Sunday!

This Sunday our class combined with Ms. Weiss' class for an action packed day of student presentations, Cantillation with Cantor Penny, an Ulpan lesson (Israeli method for teaching) as we began to combine Modern Hebrew with our liturgical studies, and an awesome music lesson where the students learned some rocking tunes for Chanukah!

Shavua Tov!

[myhebrewclass]

6th Grade Sunday Summary 11-9-14

This week our 6th grade class worked on the G'vurot. We not only learned the prayer in Hebrew, but also discussed the meaning of the prayer in English. As a class we discussed the importance of keeping faith with those who sleep in the dust, why that's sometimes harder than just giving charity, and the difference between the English word "charity" and the Hebrew word Tzedakah: "justice." Thursday we had Tefillah with community members, where our 6th Graders had the opportunity to flex their Hebrew muscles and join in prayer as brothers and sisters with those in the community. We had an *INCREDIBLE* day together on Saturday at the Sixth Grade Shabbaton! Thank you to all those who attended - it was so wonderful to have an opportunity to talk with, and get to know parents! Together we learned about the order of the prayer service, and had some wonderful discussions on where we find individual meaning in the service. Sunday we wrapped up the G’vurot prayer and had a concluding discussion on what the prayer means as we approach G-d and prepare to ask The Almighty for help. We also enjoyed more Cantillation lessons with Cantor Penny! This week I also joined Temple Beth Zion as a new congregant, so I look forward to seeing our students as regularly as possible at Friday Night and Saturday Morning services (the best way to practice Hebrew outside of nightly study)! B’shalom V'Shavua Tov!

[myhebrewclass]

6th Grade Sunday Summary 11-2-14

This week our sixth grade class continued our studies of the V'ahavta and the Avot V’imahot prayers. Class discussions were also held on the importance of Tzedakah, Shiva, and the important role that Hebrew plays in affording one the opportunity to be a spiritual leader in the Jewish community. We are moving full steam ahead, and will be now learning one to two new prayers each week along with a bit of modern Hebrew We also look forward to Skyping with our friends in the IDF later this month or in early December. Until next class - L’hitraot!

[myhebrewclass]

6th Grade Sunday Summary 10-26-14

This week our 6th grade Hebrew class started the V’ahavta in both classes. The second period class has also begun to study the Avot V’imahot! As part of our study of the V’ahavta, we discussed the commandment to place a sign on our houses and our gates. We also learned about the great Rabbi Akiva and his journey to learn Torah. Students have a copy of both prayers and further resources are on our class website, www.myHebrewclass.net. We will continue to master these prayers on Tuesday and/or Thursday and begin new prayers next Sunday.

Given the pace that we’re now moving, a daily study of 5 – 10 minutes (of one or two prayers) is vital to maintain what we’ve learned each week, so that we can continue moving forward. Finally, while last week we had cantillation with Cantor Penny, this week we were blessed to have a class lesson with the Rabbi!

[myhebrewclass]

6th Grade Sunday Summary 10-19-14

Shalom Parents & Guardians, It was wonderful to see everyone Sunday after the long break we've had. It was even more wonderful to find out that our class has retained what we've learned during the break (which means they everyone must have been studying!!). We have now completed the phonics section of the course and we are moving on - this Thursday - to the prayers that your child will need for their Bat or Bar-Mitzvah. While yesterday was the last day of phonics for the class, it also marked the first day of their class cantillation lessons with Cantor Penny! The class began to learn the basics of cantillation (chant), which will become a regular part of our learning and preparation together. Learning another language and learning to chant aren't something that's confined just to the classroom however; it takes practice and study at home, and attendance at synagogue to really prepare oneself for their Bat or Bar-Mitzvah. I hope to see everyone at services regularly. Shavua Tov!

[myhebrewclass]

6th Grade Sunday Summary 10-5-14

Shalom Shalom! Dear Parents & Guardians, This week our 6th Grade Hebrew Class continued our adventures in phonics as we worked to master the Hebrew vowels and consonants. Our class has had marked improvement in our ability to sight-read, and we are well on our way to begin our study of the Bat and Bar-Mitzvah prayers come the first week in November. Students were not assigned homework this week. However, they are to practice reading Hebrew (out loud!) any way they can. Students are encouraged to go to synagogue on Fridays/Saturdays, as well as to take part in the upcoming holiday celebrations of Sukkot and Simchat Torah, to find websites in Hebrew (with vowels) and to listen to Hebrew music and radio for free online. I will update our class Links Library tomorrow (Tuesday) with some resources that the students may find helpful for this endeavor. For future reference, our Links Library can be found at:

http://www.myhebrewclass.net/links/

I look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday, October 19 after the Holidays! Chag Sameach!

[myhebrewclass]

6th Grade Sunday Summary 9-28-14

L’shana Tova!! This week our 6th Grade Hebrew class continued to work on our Hebrew phonics, and we learned the Hebrew prepositions (which function as clues to decoding both liturgical and Modern Hebrew)! Students practiced coming up with words and writing them in block and script Hebrew, on the board, while their classmates broke down, and then sounded out the words that they were writing. This is incredibly important because once students master phonics, once they can sight-read Hebrew, they'll be able to easily master all of the prayers necessary for their Bat or Bar-Mitzvahs! This coming Thursday students will master the Hebrew vowels, and then we will prepare ourselves to begin studying the prayers themselves! I remind all parents that students in our 6th Grade Hebrew Class are to work with their flashcards every night, and should attend services as often as possible: while our students are doing very well in class, learning another language requires constant practice and exposure. Two of the best ways are by studying at home, and by joining us at services (which helps exponentially to prepare your child for their Bat or Bar-Mitzvah). I look forward to seeing everyone on Thursday, and will be returning your child's first homework assignment this Sunday! B’shalom

[myhebrewclass]

6th Grade Sunday Summary 9-21-14

What an incredible week we've had in 6th Grade Hebrew!

Thursday we discussed the importance of Jewish names and their connection to Hebrew, as well as our past and our futures. Together we learned about what prayer is, and what it sounds like by listening to different kinds of Jewish prayers from around the world. We then discussed how Jews dress and behave when we enter places that we know are holy.

Our class activity was to then create our Service/Map Cards which we'll be using throughout the duration of the course to organize and sort our prayers as we learn them.

Sunday was also an eventful day! Students took turns site-reading one of the 22 prayers that they will need to know for their Bat or Bar-Mitzvah. Afterward, as a class, we decided that we needed to do some work on our phonics so we can improve our site reading and comprehension skills. Students broke into small groups of two and practiced Hebrew phonics, working with one another to refresh their knowledge of the Hebrew letters and the vowels.

Students were also given their first homework assignment: a double sided worksheet and the responsibility to create Hebrew letter and vowel flashcards (to be brought in with them every class). The students know that their homework is due this coming Sunday.

Finally, we had a wonderful coming together of the grades at an assembly where the students learned about all of the Chuggim they can participate in at Temple Beth Zion! 

I take this time to wish you all a L'Shana Tova U'Metukah - a good and sweet New Year! I look forward to seeing everyone in class this Sunday!

[myhebrewclass]

6th Grade Sunday Summary 9-14-14

Today it was wonderful to get to know everyone! In class we discussed the ground rules, what the students can expect to learn, and what their expectations are of me (as far as what skills they would like to develop in class, and what they would like to learn in addition to our curriculum).

We also discussed the importance of Tzedakah. This year our 6th Grade Hebrew Class will be coming together, as a class, to collect Tzedakah each lesson. Later in the year the class will decide which charity they would like the Tzedakah they collected to go to.

I look forward to this coming Thursday, when we’ll hit the ground running by discussing the nature of Hebrew and prayer, learning what comprises a service (this activity will allow us to plot out the rest of the course together), and we’ll also begin evaluating where we’re at with our Hebrew studies.

If your child has a Hebrew name please make sure that you remind them what it is before this coming Thursday.This Thursday we’ll discuss the importance of our Hebrew names, and what they mean in terms of our individual identities, and our family trees.

I look forward to an incredible year and I want to thank you all for such a wonderful first day, and such a warm welcome!

[myhebrewclass]

First day of class!!!