Religious School News

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SCHOOL NEWS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tot Shabbat                                                        Junior Congregation

 

                                                                                          Sat., April 5 & 12                     

                                                                           Fri., April 4

                                                                                                                                     

Happy Spring to everyone!  How nice that this year we celebrate Passover when the threat of snow is long gone!

 

As I write, the Purim carnival was yesterday, and the Megillah reading is 3 days away.  So I'll have lots of Purim news next month.  I know that the Cantor has been working with all classes, teaching them the wonderful traditional Purim songs as well as some new ones.  Everyone is enjoying his enthusiasm and knowledge.

 

Our children participated beautifully at the joint Shabbat Across America service held at Ahavat Shalom on March 7th .  It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm and to hear how wonderfully they've mastered parts of the Friday night service.  We were so pleased that the Ahavat Shalom congregation was able to see ALL the children “perform”.

         

On March 14th the Gimel class participated in the Friday night service at Ahavat Achim.  I was unable to attend, but was told they looked and sounded fantastic!  Todah Rabah and Yasher Koach to Mrs. Rosen for preparing them so well.

 

The classes now are all continuing their Hebrew studies on each appropriate level.  The Hey classes with Mrs. Rosen and Mrs. Strauss continue to increase their Hebrew vocabularies as they dissect the new prayers they learn.  And they work a little on their Hebrew handwriting, which in turn reinforces the words they are learning.  Both classes use flashcards and games to make learning fun!

 

In Judaic studies, Mrs. Kochman's Hey class continues their study of the Holocaust.  The Dalet class is moving forward on schedule with Life Cycles, and the Gimel class has moved into new areas, after mastering information on Purim. 

 

All classes will now be learning about Passover, both in their Judaic and Hebrew classes.  They will all be well prepared for the Hebrew School Model Seder and for their family Seders.

 

Alef and Bet classes with Mrs. Zirin focused on Purim, and are now shifting to Passover.  They have a lot to absorb, but Mrs. Zirin is ready for the task!

 

Both Alef and Bet Hebrew classes are right on schedule with learning their Hebrew this year.  They have learned so much!  And Bet continues to enjoy learning Hebrew prayer in the Siddur.  Alef and Bet learn new words every class, and are enjoying using their Hebrew names. 

 

Hebrew enrichment continues with Sara Weiss leading.  Junior Congregation is enjoying good attendance and class participation, with Nathan Weiss leading.  The tutors continue to do an excellent job in Hebrew School.

 

The second marking period ends March 2nd.  The year is really moving quickly!

 

Mrs. Cantor's Sunday School group is starting their unit on Passover next week.  Please look out for what I'm sure will be a wonderful bulletin board.  And their knowledge of the Hebrew alphabet is amazing.

 

The next Mini Minyan is scheduled for Sunday, April 13th, focusing on Passover.  The children will enjoy learning about the holiday and all the characters, how we celebrate, and then will make an appropriate craft.  The children will sing holiday songs, listen to a story, and enjoy a Passover appropriate snack. 

 

Mini Minyan is open to all children ages 3 through first grade, without the need to be members of the synagogue.  Children must be pre-registered by calling either the office or Judy Kessler (732-367-3313) by the Wednesday evening before the Sunday scheduled.  Again, the next Mini Minyan is scheduled for Sunday, April 13th, for Passover.

 

I forgot to mention last month that the Education Committee met in late January!  The committee:  Annie Klein, Liz Fishbein, Sherri Rotem, Nancy Slutsky, Marsha Sweet, Beth Panitch, Fayth Reynolds, Donna  Kanner, and Judy Kessler.  We're very pleased that there are no critical events occurring which required resolution.  We were able to review the status of the school, the curriculum, and some procedures which needed attention.  We're pleased that we're now able to know of bad weather closings through the radio and/or home computers.  Information has been sent home with details. 

 

NEWS:  COMING SOON – Kotot Bet, Gimel, Dalet and Hey will be enjoying learning about Israeli soldiering in the spring!  They will be learning Hebrew vocabulary required by the Israeli army, and doing some physical moves just like the soldiers!  This sounds like boot camp.  WHAT FUN! Details to follow.

         

Also, the older classes will learn about the Holocaust first hand, from Phillip Fishbein's grandma!  Vera Wolf has been giving talks to schools for many years, and we're so grateful that she is able to fit us into her tight schedule.  She will be with us April 28th.

 

See you in May!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Mini Minyan Schedule

 

 

4/3 For Passover

 

5/8 For Shabbat (date Changed)

 

 

Please note that ALL regular Mini Minyan sessions are open to ALL children between the ages of 3 years and 1st grade.  The sessions are restricted to children who have pre-registered to participate.  (Unless otherwise noted in the above article).  Please call either the office or Judy Kessler directly at 732-367-3313. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last Updated: April 1, 2008

Copyright ¬2006, Congregation Ahavat Achim, Howell, New Jersey

106 Windeler Road • P.O. Box 344 • Howell, New Jersey 07731 • (732) 367-1677 • Fax: (732) 367-1307