Shalom. Students led the Blessings for Torah Study and cookies. In our attendance conversation, students commented that even though Ha ona choref (“The season is winter.”), it felt more like spring today.
Modern Hebrew Language
Students were given one minute to review the vocabulary words which had been assigned for homework. Then, without the help of their Chapter 5 packets, they completed a pop quiz. The quiz involved translating English sentences into Hebrew and Hebrew sentences into English. The sentences were based on students’ knowledge of the vocabulary which they had reviewed during the week. Home review of vocabulary is vital to students’ progress.
Everyone received a lollypop for taking the “pop” quiz.
We read aloud the last story in Chapter 5 of our modern Hebrew textbook. This story introduced the plural forms of words whose singular forms students had already studied. After several oral exercises using words and phrases from the story, students made eight new vocabulary cards to study at home during the week. Just ten minutes a day of vocabulary review makes a big difference in a students’ ability to remember and use modern Hebrew words and phrases.
Torah Study
We have reached the final Portion, Pekudei, in the Book of Shemot. Students read and discussed an information packet on Pekudei and briefly recalled highlights of previous Portions.
In Pekudei, Moses gives God an account of how all the contributions for the Mishkan were used. Moses also puts the final touches on the Mishkan and its furnishings. God’s presence enters the completed Mishkan in the form of a cloud by day and a column of fire by night.
In our discussion, students noted that it was necessary for Moses to account for the children of Israel’s gifts for the Mishkan, so that everything would “be in order” and no gift would be “forgotten” or misplaced. Everything concerning the Mishkan had to “be done right,” as God had instructed.
Students explained that the cloud and the column of fire were a way for God to remind the children of Israel that God was with them, so they “wouldn’t forget and build another Golden Calf” as worshipping idols was forbidden by the Ten commandments.
As is customary upon completion of a Book of Torah, we held up our study packets to represent the Torah Scroll and declared the traditional words, Chazak, Chazak, V’Nitchazeik! (“Be strong, very strong, and let us grow stronger together.”)
As students left class for T’fila, they read and explained a Hebrew word related to Purim from a list on the chalkboard. We’re looking forward to the gala Purim Carnival on Sunday.
In T’fila, the Cantor presented additional Torah Trope symbols. Each student received a sheet with lines from the Torah. We practiced chanting these lines according to the Trope symbols, an important first step on the journey to Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Students brought their sheets home to share, along with an additional sheet showing the Trope symbols students have practiced.
Lhitraot – See you soon.
Morah Ronni
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