Dor L’Dor	r«us‰k r«us
Temple Beth-El Religious School September 04, 2002          Number 1		5763 kukt 27

Pomegranates, Fish and Carrots on Rosh Hashanah

It is customary on Rosh Hashanah, during the evening meals, to eat foods symbolizing sweetness, blessings, and abundance, but did you know about the customs of eating the head of a fish, pomegranates and carrots. These foods are eaten as  "simanim,"   "good omens," of success and happiness for the coming year.

Head of a Fish, And Anything You Wish!

The symbolism of the head is that we should be "on top" and not "on the bottom."  The symbolism of the fish is based on the fact that they are very fertile creatures, but their reproductive activity is hidden from view, and therefore one could say that they embody the very desirable characteristic of "tzniut,"  "modesty."

Pomegranates (Count those Seeds!)

The symbolism of this fruit is based on the "fact" that it contains as many seeds as there are Mitzvot (Torah Obligations), namely six hundred thirteen (613); you are free to count them if you wish.  We want to be as full of Mitzvot as the Pomegranate is full of seeds.

Carrots (Bugs Bunny's Favorite Food)

The symbolism of this vegetable is based not on the eating habits of the animated rabbit, but rather on the fact that in Yiddish, the word for carrots is "merren," having the additional connotation of "more."  We want to have more children, have more wealth, gain more Torah knowledge, give more charity and perform more good deeds.

source: http://www.ou.org/chagim/roshhashannah/customs.html#(2)

Words of Wizdom

Please remember to smile and be welcoming to all families and students.  Class begins as soon as a student sets foot in the door of the school, not when you’re ready to start teaching.  Please remember to be friendly and calm, nothing is worth being stressed about, only excited about, everything will work out great.  Also know that it is better to be strict at first and then let up later in the year rather than trying to be the fun cool teacher at first then strict later.

Pinat Amy

Welcome back to Religious School and Welcome to all the newcomers.  This will be an exciting year and I am anxious to see you all in action.  With the holidays being early this year our schedule will be slow in getting off the ground.  I have asked a few people to stop by for a few moments of your day.  Please welcome them in. The Shira teachers will stop by and say hello.  They may also choose to sing a song or two with your class.  Gayle Fish, who is teaching Rikudey Am this year, will also stop by to say a quick hello, as will Rabbi Block and Rabbi Bergman Vann.

Kohanim will begin working on the Sukkot Service, the dinner/service is Friday, September 20. Bonim will begin Consecration rehearsals; Consecration is on Friday, September 27.  So you can see we are off to a running start.  I am sure things will slow down around May 18, 2003.

Hafsaka and Snack

Leave 3 to 5 minutes early before the time you need to be somewhere, in order to get there on time, especially at SAC, because the hallways are long. Please make sure your children meet you in a designated spot.  Explain to them before you leave your class that you will bless the food and have snack before they can run around.  I don’t mind if they run around while eating the donut, just make sure they meet and pray with you first.

Also, please encourage the Ma’aseh to play with the students.  Some of them were more involved with their own enjoyment than those of the children.  It is important that we remind them that there are children of all different ages and abilities out there.

Teachers’ Welcome Letters and Other Administrative Stuff

If you have not yet sent Martha your welcome letter to your class, please do this as soon as possible.  Also, we need your I9 and W4 forms as well as background check information.

Lesson Plans Form with Ma Kara hayom?

Please make sure that these are filled out and turned in everyday before you go home.

Boxes of Books and Items from Storage

Your boxes from storage and books will be lined up, out in the hallway outside the office every Sunday, room 128. Please send your Ma’aseh to come and pick it up every Sunday.  Textbooks should be going home with the students; Bonim through Yisrael (K-5) will have canvas tote bags specifically for their religious schoolbooks.  These bags should be in by next Sunday.

TEACHERS, REMEMBER TO MAKE YOUR SNACK LIST FOR THE YEAR.