Grade Two- 01/24/10

Grade Two spent the day learning about Tu B’Shevat, the Holiday of the Trees which is this Saturday 1/30/10. We talked about the many things that trees provide us…oxygen, shade, fruit, wood, homes for animals, etc and remember how we as Jewish People, do not take anything for granted. I shared a poster that I had made with many pictures from the 2006 Teachers 2 Israel program highlighting a visit to Neot Kedumim, the Biblical Nature Reserve just outside of Jerusalem and to the Mahane Yehuda’s bustling open air market in the heart of the Old City. Children saw pictures of olives growing on trees, an olive press recreated to resemble one that may have been used during the time of the Maccabees, and olive oil and olives of every color for sale in the marketplace. They enjoyed learning about pomegranates, almonds, dates and figs and other things that grow in Israel. We realized that although it is still cold and wintry here, Israel’s spring is beginning and that is why we pray for rain every Shabbat. The children enjoyed reading “Behold The Trees” and creating their own beautiful almond trees to take home. Hopefully, their artwork will give you warm thoughts of spring!!!!