Shalom Kitah Gimel Students and Families #10

Today we celebrated the eighth night of Hanukkah and the first day of the Hebrew month of Tevet. After a student led the Blessings for Torah Study and cookies, we used Hanukkah vocabulary to practice the Hebrew language patterns which translate as "I want," "Here is," and "I have."



In our textb00k, Shalom Ivrit, we reviewed the first story in Chapter 4 which tells about a mishpacha (family) and who is gadol (big) and katan (little). Then we applied these words to things (and people) in our kitah (classroom). As we practice language patterns, students are encouraged to create their own original sentences.



In the middle of our language activities, a student noticed an absolutely spectacular sunset! We all rushed to the window to admire one of God's beautiful gifts.

"This is a good way to end Hanukkah," a student commented.



In the spirit of Hanukkah, one student made a hairband decorated with dreidels and a Hanukkah candle and another designed a Hanukkiah which is displayed in the classroom. Even though Hanukkah is ending, students are still invited to bring in original Hanukkiah (menorah) designs (one of the activities in the Hanukkah packet they received last week.)



As we haven't had a chance to discuss the Torah Portions of the last few weeks, we read summaries of those Portions, Va-Yeshev and Miketz. Joseph's dreams; the coat of many colors; the brothers' treachery; Joseph's enslavement, imprisonment, and rise to power in Egypt; the brothers begging for food from an Egyptian official whom they don't recognize as the brother they'd once hated and betrayed - quite a dramatic tale! How will it all end? We'll find out next week as we complete the Joseph saga with the final two Portions in the Book of B'reishit.



T'fila was held in the synagogue foyer where we gathered in a circle around the large Hanukkiah. The Rabbi and the Cantor led students, parents, and teachers in blessing the Hanukkah lights and in singing Maoz Tzur ("Rock of Ages.")



In the coming week, students are asked to review their Hebrew vocabulary cards and to use at least three of their Hebrew words in everyday conversation.

Every student received a transliteration sheet for all the Hebrew vocabulary in Chapter 4 of our textbook. The transliteration sheet is for the convenience of family members who may not be familiar with Hebrew, but who would like to help their students review.

Reviewing vocabulary at home is an important factor in each student's progress.



Happy Hanukkah,

L'hitraot - see you soon,

Morah Ronni