Dor L’Dor	r«us‰k r«us
Temple Beth-El Religious School November 13, 2002          Number 13		5763 ukxf 8

A story from the Talmud:

Rabbi Tarfon was wealthy, but gave little to the poor.  Once, Rabbi Tarfon was asked by Rabbi Akiba if he would like the latter to purchase some land (literally, towns) for him.  Rabbi Tarfon agreed, and Rabbi Akiba took his money and distributed it to the poor. Later when Rabbi Tarfon asked to see his property, Rabbi Akiba summoned a student holding a book of Psalms.  The student began reciting and read the verse "That person has distributed freely, has given to the poor – his righteousness endures forever." (Psalm 112:9).  Rabbi Akiba exclaimed, "This is the town I have bought for you!"

Rabbi Tarfon embraced Akiba and said to him: "My teacher -- my superior in wisdom and in conduct."  He later gave Rabbi Akiba more money to distribute to the poor (Kallah 51a).

This is a story about what it means not only to give money, but to raise money.  Rabbi Akiba was convinced that he was doing something good for Rabbi Tarfon's soul.  Rabbi Tarfon was wise enough to appreciate and confirm that insight.  It is not easy to ask, nor it is always easy to give.  But both are great mitzvot, and we should do both gratefully, with simcha shel mitzvah, the joy that comes from doing a mitzvah.

Important Progress Reports Information For All Teachers

Progress Reports will be coming to you this Sunday, November 24.  Please have them completed by the following Sunday, December 8.  The goal of the Progress Report is not only to inform the parents of their child’s behavior in class, but also to inform the parents of what is being taught in class and what their child’s specific Judaic interests happen to be.  Please be honest, constructive and informative.  For suggestions on how to phrase your comments please, call me, email me or visit this website.   http://www.teachnet.com/how-to/endofyear/personalcomments061400.html

Send Your Profile

Our website is fantastic.  I would bet it is one of the best Religious School

websites in the country, and I am not exaggerating!  Please send your teacher profiles to me at avram@beth-elsa.org.  This is not optional. 

Child Information Forms

Give them back to Martha this Sunday!

Hannukah Lessons

Math
1. Count the number of candles when you put them in the Hannukiah.
2. Make a Hannukah recipe and incorporate math skills by recognizing the
   numbers on the measuring cup, and by measuring the ingredients.                  
3. Compare a menorah and a Hannukiah.  Talk about why one has seven branches, the other nine.
4. Provide each child with a box of Hannukah candles.  Encourage them to sort
   the candles by color, count them and make designs.
5. Discuss that if there are eight days in Chanukah, why does the Hannukiah      
   have nine branches?

Science
1. Observe the changes of a candle as the heat from the flame causes the solid
   candle to turn into liquid wax.
2. Experiment with oil.  What happens when you add water to oil?  Make a
    Hannukah shaker bottle by combining oil, blue food coloring water and Hannukah shaped glitter      

   from a party store.
3. Discuss fire safety.
4. Make latkes and sufganiot. Use your five senses before and after cooking.

Language Arts
1. Read Hannukah stories with your child.  Act out the parts.
2. Compare all the different ways to spell Chanukah.
3. Write down the Hannukah story as your child dictates. Leave room on each  page for art work.
4. Make Hannukah cards and encourage your child to write a message.
5. Each night take a Polaroid picture of your family celebration. Make it into a   book with your child's captions.
        (Some ideas taken from Jewish Every Day by Maxine Segal Handelman)
Don't forget to include art, music and movement into your Hannukah celebration!

Tzedakah . . . Don’t Wait?

Do not wait until the end of the year to donate your tzedakah.  Pick a place now and we can donate it right away.  You will then probably receive a thank you letter from the organization and you can study that organization more in depth as part of your lessons.  Have your class vote on your tzedakah recipients: you should choose one Jewish organization and one “general” organization as your tzedakah recipients.  Find the cause and we’ll find the organization.  Come into class with a few suggestions.  I have letters from organizations that I keep on file and there is also a site called www.tzedaka.org.