Havdallah with Levana

The Levana class extended an invitation to the Keshet class this morning.  Would we like to join their Havdallah this morning?  The answer was a resounding yes.

First, the Keshet children enjoyed sharing the Levana "Boker Tov" song as we passed the class's torah from one to another around our big circle.

We came together to mark the end of Shabbat and the beginning of a new week.  The braided candle burned brightly.  We enjoyed smelling the sweet herbs as we imagined the sweet week to come.  When our singing and blessings were completed, the candle made a hiss or sizzle kind of sound as it was extinguished in the cup.

Thank you so much, Levana class, for sharing with us and for including us in another Jewish ritual.

Special Shabbat

Such a wonderful shabbat we shared this week.  Beautiful blessings and then our visitors arrived.  Thank you so all of the mommies, daddies, babysitters, grandparents and friends who helped to make our shindig so special.

Happy Vacation!!

Shalom Chaverim

Why is the Keshet class huddled in the doorway? After a busy, sometimes exhausting morning together, we are dressed and ready for some fresh air. Before we leave, though, we stop and talk about the meaning of the word shalom;  the children are learning that it can mean hello, good-bye, and peace. Then we wish one another "shalom" in song. This daily ritual is a quiet moment that binds us together as we conclude our day and look forward to getting together again; it has become an important part of our class culture.

Happy Birthday Samantha!

Today we celebrated Samantha's birthday...She is 4 years old! Samantha read us a picture book that she illustrated herself and Jen read us one of Samantha's favorite books The Very Hungry Caterpiller. Happy Birthday Samantha from us, to you!

Happy Birthday, Lindsey!

On Friday, we celebrated Lindsey's birthday in the Levana class!  We are excited to have another 3-year-old in our class now, and we celebrated in style!  Each student had the opportunity to decorate their own paper crown with festive stickers, crayons and markers!

Then we tried on our crowns, admired ourselves in the mirror, and posed for the camera.

 Then, Lindsey's mom, Amy came to class to bring us a special snack (applesauce...yummy!) and share one of Lindsey's favorite books from home, "Mommy Loves Me". (Yes she does!)   

We sang happy birthday in English and Hebrew.

Happy Birthday, Lindsey!

Saying Goodbye

The Scientists have a different daily experience than the other classes at school. Since the Scientists are downstairs, they are not surrounded by the rest of the preschoolers, but they get the chance to have more interactions with other members of the synagogue community. One such person is Nate Karol, the administrative director of the religious school.

Nate has been working in the religious school office for three years, and today is his last day of work! He is off to new adventures, and the Scientists are both happy and sad to see him go. They are happy that he is going to do something new and fun, but they are sad to see our friend go. Nate says hello to all of our students if he sees them in the hallway, and they always share our special snacks with him if they have made something in class.



The class brought the card to him, and he was very touched.

Nate, you will be missed, and good luck in your next adventure!

-Alison Simpson

Jewish Rituals in the Morning: Out the Door

Before Leaving the House Plan your day. What special activities will occur? What will each of you do to make the world a better place? Help your child plan to perform a mitzvah each day. Will your child help a friend who is hurt? Call a friend who is ill? Give a sandwich to a homeless person?

Kiss the Mezuzah The mezuzah marks your home as a Jewish home. It is a sign of Jewish commitment. As you leave the house, stop to kiss the mezuzah. Do this by touching the mezuzah with your fingertips, then bringing your fingertips to your mouth and kissing them.

In the Car Keep Jewish books in the car for your child to look at. Play Jewish music and sing Jewish songs. Talk to your child about the things they see on the way to child care or school or a play date. Point out the miracles of God’s creation, people in need and people helping, and people acting in moral and just ways.

From the Union for Reform Judaism