​Dear Second Grade Families, 
    We had a fabulous time at Sunday school on September 22.  Your children are eager to learn and are already soaring in the Hebrew and Judaic studies.  We are on chapter two of our textbook, which introduced the letter "mem".  We combined this with the previous week's letter "shin", to construct our key word SHAMASH.  The Shamash is the "helper candle" which lights the other candles in the Hanukkah menorah.  Please review chapter two with your child.  I told the story "If Not Higher" with props.  It's about a rabbi who disappears every year on the eve of Rosh Hashana.  The congregation believes that the rabbi goes up to open the doors of heaven so G-d can hear our prayers.  A young child follows the rabbi to find out where he actually goes.  Please ask your child to tell you the story.

     On behalf of myself, our wonderful teaching assistant Alex, and the entire SSJS community, we wish you a happy and healthy New Year!  May blessings abound!  Love, Mindy

​We had a great morning enjoying the festive holiday of Sukkot.  Sukkot helps us recall times in which the Jewish people were farmers who lived out in the fields during harvest season.  We also recall the many times during which our people have wandered and sought temporary shelter.  Sukkot is a colorful celebration of thanks for the gifts of Autumn.  Each child made a model Sukkah.  

In Hebrew studies we covered chapter 4 in our textbook.  The key word is Bracha, which means blessing. 
Our new letters are Resh ("R" sound) and Chet ("CH" sound).  Please review this chapter with your child.

Have a wonderful week!

​It was very special to share Yom Kippur studies with your children.  We learned about the meaning and practices of the holiday.  Our wonderful assistant teacher, Alex, read a story entitled "TheYom Kippur Kitten" and I used props to tell the story "Naftoli's Apples".  Naftoli was an elderly man who sought work so that he could survive.  None of his neighbors would hire him due to his age.  A much older man (Elijah perhaps?) offered Naftoli a job picking apples.  Please ask your child to tell you this fabulous story.

In Hebrew we worked on chapter 3 of our textbook.  The key word is Kallah, which means bride.  The letters we learned are Kaf, Lamed and Hey.  Please go over this chapter with your child.  We practice writing Hebrew each week, and your children are printing beautifully!

Blessings to you at the start of the New Year!

​We had a joyous morning on Sunday with your enthusiastic children.  Each child was given a copy of Shalom Uvrachah Primer which we'll use as a text book this year.  We began with an exploration of Chapter 1.  The key word in this chapter is Shabbat - in Hebrew, Shin-Bet-Tav.  Please review this chapter at home.  In the spirit of the High Holidays, we learned about dipping apples in honey and about the Shofar (Ram's horn).  I told a story about two farmers, one of whom was jealous of his neighbor for having a more successful harvest.  Please ask your child to retell this story of forgiveness.  Have a wonderful week!  Love, Mindy

​Our first Sunday school meeting was extraordinary with your amazing children.  We introduced the Hebrew words for yes (Ken) and no (Lo) and read a book while substituting Ken and Lo for yes and no.  We read a story about a missing Shofar - the family dog was the culprit.

    Emphasizing family love, I told a story entitled "The Two Brothers" with props.  The children then created an art project depicting the story.  Please ask your child to retell the story.
    Please continue to send nut free snack to school each Sunday.   Would you kindly alert me to any food allergies?  Thank you.
    I look forward to seeing you this coming Sunday.   With kind wishes,  Mindy