Well, Sunday morning started off with an unusual visitor! We were greeted at the front door by a wild turkey. It appeared that he wanted to attend Hebrew School. Luckily, he did not attempt to enter the synagogue. Apparently this turkey was not kosher!!!!
Grade Four reviewed Chapter 7 ,”Does G-d Understand Hebrew Best?” I greeted the students by saying good morning in various languages…Ohyo, Bongiorno, Bonne Matin, Bom Dia, Guten Morgen, Boker Tov, etc. Within moments, they recognized that I was saying good morning and even guessed the various languages. I explained that G-d understands all of us in that way. G-d hears us no matter what language we speak, whether we speak in a loud voice or a soft voice or even in silence. G-d is always listening.
We learned that Hebrew is very important to us as Jewish People…not only does it connect us to one another across the globe but it connects us to our past, present and future as well. Last week’s homework sheet included a contest where students had to interpret several Hebrew phrases. So far I have 2 winners, Lily G. and Jonathan S. Remind your students that they have until Sunday 2/28/10 to enter the contest. Also, the next homework assignment is due 2/28/10. Please make sure that your children read Chapter 8, “Is the Bible True?” They also have another contest on that homework sheet as well. They need to identify various pictures of people and scenes from the bible. THERE WILL BE PRIZES!!!! Enjoy your vacation time!
Grade Two returned to their Bible stories and enjoyed learning about Joseph and his multi-colored coat. Before we began our studies, we had a review of the people we have studied so far. It is important for the children to recognize the connections between our past and present and to realize the continuation of our people beginning with Abraham and Sarah and the generations that followed. A special thanks to the students, especially Ian G. and Ella C. for helping out with the review!!!! We talked about the favoritism that Jacob showed toward Joseph and how Joseph bragged to his brothers. We also discussed the way that Joseph’s jealous brothers treated him and their devious plot to kill him. We learned how only one brother, Reuven planned to save him. We learned whether each action was “tov” (good) or “lo tov” (not good). We found out about Joseph’s fate and how he ultimately landed in Egypt, first as a servant and later as a great advisor to Pharoah. We talked about his interpretation of dreams and how he saved the Egyptians from a terrible famine. We understood that times in Egypt were “tov”….at least for now. Soon, we will study the Passover story and discuss how things in Egypt changed for the Jewish People during the time of Moses. More to come later!
We ended class by coloring beautiful pictures of Joseph in his coat of many colors. Happy vacation! See you on 2/28/2010!!!
