Teacher+Page+for+Kita+Zayin

Shalom Zayin Parents: I trust all of you are well. Although I sent you an update only 3 weeks ago, I have been asked to point a few coming events and classes... 1. This Sat – Exciting (and tempting) Tu B’Shvat Seders for K-7 starting at 10:30. Adults at 11:15, all meet for lunch at noon. 2. This Sun – Tzedakah Day begins at 9:30 sharp. Please bring your checklist items (deodorant, lufa, dessert bars, compost bag and any JFS donations) to the bins at entrance. Parent/Student Family Ed at 11:30 am with “Jewish Future”! 3. Weds 1/27 – 4:00 Students will perform a “Mock Wedding” for the rest of the 4th-6th graders. The Wheels JEM will begin the “death and mourning” unit during second hour. At 7 pm there will be a purimspiel interest meeting. If student would like to participate they should stay for that…if we have RSVPs we will make sure they are supervised from 6:15 – 7, Pizza dinner could be provided at $5/student if enough students stay. 4. Sun Jan 31 – Kita Zayin will meet at the JCC at 2:30 pm and join the Jewbillee event with this schedule (snacks will be served, food is available for purchase). Recommended that parents take advantage of this amazing program too): Link to full schedule Click Here to RSVP 5. Sun Feb 7 – Kadima Bowling from 1 – 3; bagel lunch will be served at 12:30. We’d love to get many 6th-7th graders to come! They can be back before super bowl begins. RSVP to cbd.kadima@beth-david.org Looking forward to seeing you at our Family Ed. this Sunday. Thanks and have a good one, Amir

Dear 7th grade Parents, = = Via http://cbdshulschool.wikispaces.com/Teacher+Page+for+Kita+Zayin = = One moment after 2015, while 2016 is still before us, I would like to share a few updates with you relating to your children’s Sunday and Wednesday’s Jewish school. I don’t want to take a lot of your time as I know you are busy, but some time has passed since my last update. = = During the time passed, I spoke individually with only a few of you and wanted to review some of the details we covered in our classes. It goes without saying that our studies in class were much more detailed and delivered in an interactive way. I also wanted to take this time to thank you again for letting me deliver your child’s Jewish education here at Beth David. I continue to feel very fortunate to have such a great group of young students. = = As we know, our time in class is short and there are many subjects we want to cover in our 5 hours of weekly religious school, but I wanted to point out a few of the topics recently studied. Our wonderful teacher Barbara led a session of Tzedakah movie JEM, which included not only the creation of a video movie, but also practicing the value of Tzdakah. It’s probably unnecessary to mention, but all the kids took an active part in that Wednesday’s project. Additionally, some of the children study Hebrew with me, and some with other teachers according to the Hebrew level of the child. I also included a session in Judaism. = = In Sunday school, which once a month takes place on Saturday, I taught Torah portions such as Nitzavim and Zot Habracha. I told them stories about the Rabbi and the fool of the village, and another one about the Prince and the ugly lady of the Emet (the truth). We also discussed values such as free choice, right and wrong, good deeds, and since it was that time of year, terms like Elul month, forgiveness, Teshuva and Yom Kippur. We also talked about the Cag of Sukkoth, Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, and the connection with G-d and leaving no Jewish soul behind. I facilitated the children’s education regarding Tfilin, while the Rabbi was not present, we practiced the Hanachat Tfilin. We played detailed games about Mitzvoth, some by creating and preforming, others by debating with and without words and additionally another game of creating the world while using stickers. We learned words in Hebrew like Shalom, Shivyon, Tzedek and Tzdaka and many others. = = We completed a unit called “facing history,” which discusses topics such as respect and Kavod Code. We set the rules of appropriate Jewish behavior and values to follow. We had fund with role play regarding issues and phenomena’s such as racism and anti-Semitism during our history. Additionally, we spent time on the Nazism period in Europe, but also in the USA. We watched and later discussed the movie “The Wave,” which represents a simulation of bullying and hatred which could take place here in the USA or any society. We pointed to the need to be tolerant to differences, and to be aware of differences in culture and between different human beings. = =

= = We completed another unit regarding Israel and Zionism, which is perhaps why you heard more questions at home regarding the Kibbutzim, Israel and the Jewish land. We learned about the importance of the Israeli state for the Jewish people, and a little bit about the long history of this country starting in biblical times. We spoke and demonstrated the connection between the Diaspora and Israel during the years. We played a debate game dealing with the differences of the two political systems in the USA and Israel. We learned about some of the figures who were involved in the leadership and also those who are leading the Israeli nation. We learned about the geography in Israel, including land, water, rivers and lakes. We mentioned borders and ways to settle people in the north, east, and south of the country, not only in Mishor Hacuf and the Shfela. We debated issues regarding Zionism and each student chose a topic close to their heart. The winning speech after a few rounds was about the Israeli food. = = In parallel, I led a session of Wednesdays’ school where the main focus was to study Hebrew while learning and playing the game of Chess, which was at a “beginners” level. We learned to play the game and words such as Hail, Ratz, Sus, Parash, Malka and Melech, and additionally Kadima, Acora and Alacson, a word which was an example of the difficult language for everyone. Another session on Wednesday was about the wars of Israel, which we named Kravot. We learned the names, dates, borders and the enemies, etc.… = = At Beth David we are aware that covering all the complexities of Judaism takes time. Unfortunately time is limited, but I hope I shed some light on some of the important subjects and that the students can now see the forest through the trees. I’m also aware that once children quit studying the terms, many are forgotten, such as human nature. I’m begging you all to please remind the children from time to time of the topics they were studying in class. Although I mentioned above only a few, it is very important to keep them fresh. = = Finally, let me wish all of you, parents and children a wonderful remainder of the winter break. I hope soon the children will happily return to our religious school, to learn, to play, and perhaps study some of the time J = = Shabbat Shalom! = = Sincerely yours, = = Amir Guy = = amirguy1@hotmail.com = Return to Home =
 * Kita Zayin 5776 will be taught by Moreh Amir Guy**
 * WELCOME TO JCORE KITA ZAYIN FOR 5776**


 * 5776 Class Updates **

First of all, I would like to wish you and your families a Happy New Year. May the coming year bring good health, prosperity and happiness to all of you. I want to thank you for entrusting me with your child’s Jewish education. I’m lucky to have such a great group of students. They are clever and seem to enjoy participating in my class. As I promised in our introductory meeting on Aug 23rd, I would like to take this opportunity to address and update you on the progress of your child’s study at our religious school at Beth David. As you already know, studying five hours or so per week with such complex topics as Judaism, Commandments, Jewish values, Holocaust, Zionism, Israel and additionally, the study of concepts and words in Hebrew, does not give us sufficient time to cover the required depth of these topics. We at Beth David, as with many Jewish educational institutions in America, encounter great difficulty encompassing all the material we desire to teach. The three meetings we’ve held so far, including the initial introductory meeting, were held in various structures. Each class is planned to achieve a deeper goal in learning about Jewish history, values and identity, and with active and interactive participation of the students as we are using experimental Jewish education techniques. Our study was conducted on scholastic matters, some of which are covered in depth and some we mention only by topic and subject. An example would be the meaning of the month of Elul in the Jewish calendar, or Parashat Ki Titze, the portion from Deuteronomy (Devarim) with some related commandments. We mentioned Mitzvoth in the form of:
 * Sept. 9, 2015 **

Fair trade

• A ban on plowing with a bull and a donkey together

• Payment of wages on time

• Keeping a portion of the crop in the field for the poor

• Justice

• Returning a lost object

• The establishment of a safety rail on the roof of the house and equal limits in our behavior

• Defamation

• Mitzvath Shiluach haken

We spoke in class about the meaning of Gniza in the Jewish world (there is a demonstration trip planned for tomorrow on the subject). In addition, other mitzvoth and typical food and customs associated with Rosh Hashanah. We also covered issues related to Amalek in the past and in our soul today, the way to treat animals, the idea of Teshuva, and the bereaved amendment one should take upon himself and the way to correct environment, the mirror effect.

As time is short, and a tremendous amount of subjects are on the table, I turn to you to help continue keeping the topics “alive.” Five hours per week, which naturally includes administrative matters, building Jewish and group identities, etc., is not a sufficient amount of time and therefore requires your active involvement with the material. We compete with back to school anxiety we find every year after the summer holidays, and the general outside environment which competes for your children's attention. Thus, it is important to review the areas studied. Please ask your child about class, raise the topics and as long as we together promote Jewish education and Hebrew studies, we will help your children who are the future of Judaism. Again, I want to wish you and your families Shanna Tovah, and invite each one of you to contact me in any matter relating to your child. If we work together, I believe we can encompass everything we desire your children to learn. Sincerely yours, Amir Guy

amirguy1@hotmail.com


 * 5775 Updates:**

What a busy day! First thing in the morning we learned how to put on tefillin. Thank you Michael Leitner and Rabbi Alexander for your help. We also had our Kita Zayin group photo as well as individual shots for the bulletin. Thank you Charlie Marr for taking the photos. After learning a new dance with our new dance teacher Donna Frankel, we had a lesson on identity. We watched and discussed the cartoon **The Bear that Wasn't** www.youtube.com/watch?v=cq0a5JTSGvU //In 1946, a year after the end of World War II, Frank Tashlin published the children’s book The Bear that Wasn’t, an illustrative and poignant parable of the times. In it we read of a big brown bear's struggle with maintaining his identity despite his unfamiliar s////urroundings. Through the innocent eyes of “the bear” readers consider the challenges all of us face understanding our own identities while navigating others perception of who we are. The voice of “the bear” thus becomes an accessible way to discuss issues of identity with students as well as the role of conformity, authority and leadership may play in their everyday lives.// We also watched a clip called The In Group http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aDbeoPa4bQ which shows a high school student struggling with her identity and need to belong**.**

Lesson Plan: Tefillin lesson: http://www.kakatuv.com/pdfs/ccc-conservativeC/03weekday-prayersC/02blessing-for-tefillinC.pdf Rosh Hashanah lesson and New Year cards
 * Sept. 21. 2014**

Shalom Team Kita Zayin! I am so excited to start the year off this Sunday Sept. 14th. Class starts at 9:30 with an informal get together and ice breaker activities for the students and a special program for parents. I'm happy to welcome Benjamin, Nadav, Jessica, Jadon, Daniela, Nicholas, Rona, Rowin, Jacob, Ella, Derron, Justin, Rachel, Ilana, Jared and their families to our class and am looking forward to getting to know you. If you are not coming to Back to School this Sunday please e-mail me at monique85@comcast.net. For the parents who have already let me know that you are not attending, please read the attached welcome letter. See you soon. Shabbat Shalom. Morah Miriam (Monique Alexander)

Shalom Team Kita Zayin! We had such a great time on our Jewish SF field trip last Sunday. We bonded, explored and learned so much! I especially enjoyed Congregation B'nai Israel-a Karaite synagogue in Daly City. I have been on this trip so many times and I don't think any synagogue has treated us with so well. If you are interested in learning more about the Karaite Jews of America see: []. We will post pictures soon on our our private blog which we are working on this week.
 * 5774 Teacher Class Updates:**

We hope to see you at the Family Ed this Sunday at 11:30. Although this is a parents only meeting with Rabbi Pressman on what he will be discussing with the class on death and mourning, we would love for you to join us for minyan at 9:30. There is also a special free teen screen movie called "David" at the Los Gatos JCC at 4:00 that afternoon.

Shabbat Shalom! Monique

Believe it or not, our "Jewish Future" family Ed was the last family Ed in your students' Religious School experience. For those who missed out, Rabbi Pressman conversed with parents about mindsets to help keep teens involved. Here are his handouts: ; ; Meanwhile the students conversed with Irene Swedroe, who heads our TMT team, and is the 8th grade Hebrew High teacher about involvement opportunities for teens. 4 of our teen madrikhim also spoke to the kids about their experiences. Thank you to Rabbi Pressman, Irene, Melissa, Barak, Simon and Alexia for their time. Please take the time to review these handouts, speak to your kids about their impressions, and come up with a plan of continued involvement. If you would like to continue this conversation we can schedule a time as well. B'todah Iris
 * 5773 Teacher Class Updates: **
 * March 4, 2013 - Family Ed Summary **


 * March 2, 2013 **

Dear Kita Zayin parents,

I hope everybody enjoyed the recent Kita ZayinPurim Spiel. [|Link to Dave's video]

Here is an update about all of Kita Zayin’s recent activities.

Kita Zayin students have been heavily involved in a variety of class activities recently; from planning and carrying out the Purim Spiel which most of you saw to continuing to study about the Holocaust and Zionism.

I was glad to see many parents at Beth David last Sunday when the students performed on stage. You should all know that most of the ideas incorporated into the basic play, such as the funny jokes and scenes, were thought up by the students themselves. They worked hard on incorporating everything and practicing the play repeatedly. We had a lot of fun with this project.

In our Holocaust studies we have progressed from studying the basics of anti-Semitism to the progress of events towards WWII, the rise of the Nazis in Germany and the progressive worsening of treatment of Jews in that country and in occupied Europe during the war. In addition, we have also examined the progress of Zionism and the creation of the modern Jewish community in Palestine. For the next several weeks we will examine various aspects of the Holocaust, from Jewish resistance, Holocaust art, survivor stories and more. This Sunday we will be watching the movie “The Diary of Anne Frank”. We are also beginning to actively work on our Holocaust memorial book project which I told you about early this year. I have asked all the students to research their family history and come up with at least one story or anecdote of a relative or family friend with a connection to the Holocaust that they can include in the book.

As you have seen from Iris’ updates when she subbed for me we have not neglected other things. The kids have continued to study subjects like the Havdallah and even practice their Hebrew. We will continue to do both.

Art projects have continued to be an important part of class curriculum. This last Wednesday, for example, Kita Zayin created Passover theme decorations.

Upcoming special projects include the Urban Adama field trip on March 17 and leading the Holocaust Museum project in April.

So we are continuing to be busy and active in a variety of fields and we look forward to the next few weeks.

Thank you all for your support and involvement,

Moreh Alon

Feb 28, 2013 Kita Zayin will have regular class on Mar 10 and NOT Shabbat School on Mar 9.

Feb 12, 2013 Shalom Zayin parents: to read/sing the first 2 lines so we can move on to the next few lines. We will also choose a "minyan" prayer to lead. The goal is an end-of-the-year minyan/Havdallah ceremony that they will lead for you in May. Mar 3 - last family Ed for Kita Zayin - 11:15. Mar 17 - Urban Adama field trip (this is in Berkeley so it will be a longer day)...next week's ladaat should have the final details. Have a great week! Iris
 * I will be subbing for Alon on Wed, Feb. 13 and will be checking on the progress of the students on the Havdallah assignment from Jan 23 (below). I am hoping all are able
 * They should also have their Purimspiel costumes with them because this will be our last rehearsal before the Megillah reading itself on Feb. 24 at 9:30.
 * Also heads up for 2 important Kita Zayin events:

Jan 23, 2013 I had the pleasure of substituting for Kita Zayin today. We spent some time learning Havdallah. Havdallah is a lovely ceremony that is done to separate Shabbat from the rest of the week. It is my hope they master Havdallah by the end of the year so they feel they can lead a Havdallah ceremony at their bnei mitzvah parties (havdallah can be done until Tuesday after Shabbat). It is a great way to infuse some Judaism into any kind of festive venue. Currently the students need to master lines 1-9 in their Pirkei Tefilla booklet. This corresponds to the first 2 lines on p. 700 in their Siddur. The prayer piece is divided into 2. There is an introductory section which is sung to "nusah" - that is simply a traditional repetitive melody style for Havdallah. The second part is a series of 4 blessings which we usually sing to the Debbie Friedman melody. In this recording sung by Rabbi Ohriner, he finishes with a song sung at the end which can be found on p. 702. - Good Luck, Morah Iris

HAVDALLAH sung by Rabbi Ohriner: media type="file" key="Havdalah 1.mp3" width="240" height="20"

10-18-2012

Dear Kita Zayin parents,

Here is a recap of what Kita Zayin has been up to so far.

As most of you heard from me directly on BTS day our main focus this year is a combination of Holocaust history and some history of Israel/Zionism.

For the last several weeks we have been diving into this subject. We started by reviewing and defining basic terms such as racism, discrimination and anti-Semitism. We then studied the origins of Anti-Semitism from its beginnings as a conflict between Jews and early Christians and examined some examples of anti-Semitic behaviors common during earlier times, such as Blood Libel, forcing Jews into ghettoes, and the expulsions from Spain, England, and France. We also reviewed briefly the history of the Land of Israel from ancient times to the 19th century, examining the many rulers that dominated it and even the actual physical condition of the land by the end of this period.

From this introductory phase we went on to examine the change that occurred in European Society from the Enlightenment through the introduction of democratic principles which led to the idea of Jewish emancipation and assimilation. We discussed how these same trends and some advances in industry and communications technology gave birth to modern nationalism which led to the re-emergence of anti-Semitism as a modern phenomenon based on ethnic and racial stereotypes.

We went through these issues using a variety of methods, from group projects, reading in class, debate, discussion, and competitions. We even had two jeopardy style games in which the class, divided into three teams, competed in answering questions in a variety of categories. The three teams then received extra points in our Mitzvah bonus points ladder based on the amount of points earned in the games. All the students are awarded points on it throughout the year for such things as attendance, class participation and Tzedakah and the top three point earners will receive awards at the end of the year. In our second Jeopardy game we also added some mini donuts to the proceedings. Not exactly approved by Alex Trebek but nobody minded.

Over the couple of months we will be entering the next phase of this topic. Examining the increase in anti-Semitic trends in the first decades of the 20th century as well as looking into the rise of Zionism and with just a bit on the early settlement of Israel. By late December/early January the plan is to reach the emergence of the Nazis and examine their rise to power and go on from there into the Holocaust.

In the next two weeks we will also be jumping forward chronologically to put together a presentation for the rest of the school for Kristalnacht commemoration. We began discussing Kristalnacht in class this last Wednesday and this coming Sunday and next week we will shape our presentation project.

The class has also studied other things. They have just finished their fourth session on Death and Mourning. They have reviewed the customs and practices of burial and sitting Shiva and the process of grief. There will be one or two additional sessions on this with the Rabbi.

We have discussed each Jewish holiday as it came up and reviewed some of its customs and origins. We have begun studying the Havadallah, practiced how to lay Tefillin and began to create logos for our future class t-shirt. Next week we are also beginning our dance sessions, which some will no doubt greet with enthusiasm and others with hidden groans. We also have not neglected our Hebrew. Each week we review a different letter and a group of words and try to incorporate them in sentences.

All in all, we are not lacking for things to do. I look forward to more busy lessons over the next few weeks.

Thank you all for your support.

Moreh Alon

Hello Kita Zayin parents and students. This is my first year teaching at Beth David and I am looking forward to meeting you all and getting to know you. Last year I taught at Sinai Congregation in San Jose and had some great experiences there. I am sure that Beth David will be even better.
 * Shalom Kita Zayin 5773!**
 * This year Kita Zayin will be taught by Alon Josefsberg.**

We have a busy and exciting year ahead of us. In addition to several Bar and Bath Mitzvahs we will be studying a number of topics, from Mitzvot through Havdallah, parts of the Cycle of Life and some Jewish, Israeli and Holocaust history. We will be taking several field trips and have a number of art projects. I am looking forward to all of this year's experiences.

I am available most times and if any parent or student needs to reach me outside class hours with questions or comments you can phone me at (408) 375-3900 or e-mail me at alonjosefsberg@gmail.com

So lets get started.

Alon

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