Nov 03
This week the שׁוֹרָשִׁים (Shorashim– ‘roots’ for nursery) and שְׁתִּילִים (Shteelim– ‘saplings’ for kindergarten) storytellers are at it again! They are creating incredible stories where תְּשׁוּבָה (Teshuvah– returning to the path you want to be on after making a mistake) takes place. These stories, are often based on real life (you might notice that both of these …
Oct 30
In שׁוֹרָשִׁים (Shorashim– ‘roots’ for nursery) and שְׁתִּילִים (Shteelim– ‘saplings’ for kindergarten), we have been really getting into learning עברית (Ivrit-Hebrew). Everyday children can be heard singing Aleph-bet, in our classroom, in the hallways and even in the bathroom! Here are some more examples of ways we are learning עברית (Ivrit-Hebrew): The joy of going on an אות …
Apr 26
Our אונאת דברים (Ona’at Devarim– ‘hurting with words’) projects are starting to take shape: At this point in the theme, after several weeks of exploring core Jewish texts together, many ענפים (Anafim– “Branches” for 3rd-4th grade) children have started to gravitate towards the big questions or ideas that are most compelling to them, and are developing a sense …
Oct 28
This sukkah represents freedom. The round table represents equality. This sukkah shows a scene from when the Hasmonean kings were in charge. King Alexander Yannai refused to do the ritual in the Temple the way the people believed it should be done, and they pelted him with etrogrim (etrogs, a fruit we use …
Apr 14
In Anafim, our third through fifth grade children have been exploring how the meaning of the seder changes in every generation. Through the years, we redesign Judaism so it can remain vibrant through the centuries. Our Enrichment Center children are taking their place in the ongoing conversation of just how we’ll redesign Judaism for ourselves today. …
Mar 31
When children get to make decisions about how they work and what they create, they build knowledge and learn self-management skills. Also, we’re all happy. This week, our 3rd – 5th grade Anafim (“Branches”) children buzzed with purpose, drive, and joy as we recalled so much knowledge about Pesach (Passover). It felt wonderful to review Exodus 1 …
Feb 19
In Anafim (“Branches”) our 3rd – 5th grade children have a lot of choice about how they want to learn, and how they spend their time. They’re taking responsibility for their own learning. It looks like: Drawing a comic of the Torah text, because I love drawing Collaborating on a project, because we love to work …
