What Happened this Week at Hagiga? – September 17, 2011/18 Elul 5771

It was a great first week of Hagiga!  There were some new faces of all ages, tons of energy and an incredible amount of fun happening!  This week the Zorim (Kindergarten – 2^ndgrade), Bonim (3^rd-5^thgrades), and Magshimim (6^th-8^thgrades) took some time to get to know each other through a few games.  After a fun round of Human Bingo, we talked about how to make this a sacred space which is conducive for learning and safe for all of us.  The Zorim and Magshimim finished their door banners, but the Bonim will complete theirs the next regular Hagiga meeting on October 1^st.  The day was culminated with our first Z’man Ruach, Spirit time, where Mike Hagesfeld led us in an improv workshop.  It was lots of fun! 

Looking forward to seeing you on Rosh HaShanah!

Kol Tuv,

Robyn 

 

 

 

What Happened this Week at Hagiga? – May 7, 2011/3 Iyar 5771

Please note that May 21^st will be our last Hagiga session for this year.  The children will be completing their Values Based Decision Making process on Shabbat practices at Hagiga.  Their attendance and focused participation is needed in order to complete this project.  Thank you for your assistance. 

Thank you so much for making the transition to the shared space schedule so smooth. 

This week the Zorim (Kindergarten – 2^nd grade) continued their learning about Shabbat and Values Based Decision Making.  Through the story, On Shabbat by Cathy Goldberg Fishman the group focused on how Shabbat is a special time, different from the other time in the week.  Each person in the story defined that time in their own way.  The children we asked to make to define the appropriateness certain activities at Hagiga due to taking place on Shabbat.  They had a very interesting conversation and we look forward to incorporating their thoughts in the VBDM process Hagiga will undergo on May 21^st.

This week the Bonim (3^rd-5^th grades) also continued their learning about Values Based Decision Making and Shabbat.  The group reviewed what they have learned this year about Shabbat – traditional observance, melachot, and the essence of Shabbat - the emotional and spiritual sides of Shabbat and applied it to a Values Based Decision Making process on how to observe Shabbat at Hagiga.  They had a very thoughtful conversation approaching all the steps in VBDM and came to some consensus.  We look forward to seeing the results at the VBDM process for Hagiga on May 21^st.

This week the Magshimim (6^th-8^th grades) also continued their learning about Values Based Decision Making and Shabbat.  The group reviewed what they have learned this year about Shabbat – traditional observance, melachot, and Shabbat as a spiritual time and place.  The Magshimim took this information and applied it the information they learned about Values Based Decision Making process and came to some consensus on how to observe Shabbat at Hagiga.  They had a very thoughtful conversation following all the steps in VBDM.  We look forward to seeing the results at the VBDM process for Hagiga on May 21^st.

This week the Chalutzim (Grades 9-12) continued working on their zine.  Final pages should be completed by Sunday, May 16^th so that their graphic novel can be completed by May 21^st.  If you have any questions, please contact Brent Weinstock.

Kol Tuv,

Robyn

 

 

What Happened this Week at Hagiga? – April 2, 2011/27 Adar II 5771

Please note that we started a new Hagiga schedule, which has shifted our morning back 15 minutes.  For the rest of the year Hagiga will start at 10:30 am.  Please see my article in the April newsletter for more information.  Thank you!

This week the Zorim (Kindergarten – 2^nd grade) continued their learning about Values Based Decision Making.  The focus of the day is how communities make choices that affect every member, which was illustrated in the book, “I can’t” said the ant by Polly Cameron.  The story shows how the entire kitchen community of appliances and creepy critters came together to help the teapot who was in need.  Only through this group decision making process and their subsequent thoughtfulness, were they able to make the best decisions to benefit the community.

This week the Bonim (3^rd-5^th grades) also continued their learning about Values Based Decision Making also focusing on the import role the community plays in group decision making.  The group discussed the importance of everyone taking responsibility to care for the community, which was the opposite of what happened in the story that they read, The Barrel.  In the story, the community was to come together to have the greatest wedding celebration ever, but in the end discovered that everyone was more concerned about their own wellbeing, rather than the community.  There was great conversation about what we can do to help the community.

This week the Magshimim (6^th-8^th grades) also continued their learning about Values Based Decision Making also focusing on the import role of the community plays.  In order to best understand how we can have a conversation to begin with, the group looked at the laws of Derekh Eretz, directly translated as the Way of the Land, but meaning proper etiquette for interacting with others.  Traditional and modern Judaism has much to say about how we speak to each other, care for each other, and respect each other.  We will continue discussing this important topic in future lessons.

This week the Chalutzim (Grades 9-12) continued working on their zine.  They will be creating a graphic novel about Kol HaLev which will be published in May before the end of Hagiga.

Kol Tuv,

Robyn

 

 

What Happened this Week at Hagiga? – March 19, 2011/13 Adar II 5771

Please note, starting April 2^nd, Hagiga will start at 10:30 am.  Please see my article in the April newsletter for more information.  Thank you!

This week the Zorim (Kindergarten – 2^nd grade) practiced for their starring role in the community Megillah reading!  And they were FABULOUS!  Their work for the community did not end there, they then made dozens and dozens of hamentashin which were served at the oneg following the Megillah reading.  Thanks for all your hard work!  It was a very fun and delicious Purim thanks to you!

This week the Bonim (3^rd-5^th grades) and the Magshimim (6^th-8^th grades) practiced, practiced and practiced some more for their performance during the community Megillah reading.  They livened up the evening, setting such a high tone and giving such energy to make the Purim fiesta fantastic!  All your hard work paid off and made our community Purim celebration one to always be remembered.  Thank you!

This week the Chalutzim (Grades 9-12) continued their special project of creating a graphic novel led by Brent Weinstock, a talented artist and member of our community.  Brent worked with the Chalutzim to build their creative skills and draw out their story.  Each person was given an individual assignment, which they should work on for the next couple of weeks.

Kol Tuv,

Robyn

  

What Happened this Week at Hagiga? – March 5, 2011/29 Adar I 5771

This week the Zorim (Kindergarten – 2^nd grade) learned all about the upcoming holiday of Purim.  The group heard about customs, mitzvot (commandments), foods…Everyone got to make a mask and practice their role in the Megillah play which will be performed on Saturday, March 19^th at 6:30 pm.  Hope to see you there!  Please see attached script and review with your child.

This week the Bonim (3^rd-5^th grades) also learned about the holiday of Purim, specifically the 4 mitzvot (commandments) of Purim:  Mishloach Manot (gifts to friends), Matanot L’Evyonim (gifts to the poor), Seuda (feast), Megillah (hearing the megillah).  The children also received parts and began practicing their Megillah play that was written by Jonathan Wilhelm.  Jonathan has requested that if your child would like to participate, please print the attached script and practice with him/her.  Lines do not need to be memorized, but should be familiar.  Please have your child attend Hagiga on March 19^th to practice and plan to attend at 6:30 that evening for their performance.  Can’t wait to see you at the fiesta!

This week the Magshimim (6^th-8^th grades) continued their Shabbat study in a family day with Lynn Liebling.  Families had the opportunity to exploreShabbat celebrations and look at Shabbat as a special taste of Olam ha-Ba, (the World to Come), as well as how we can create this wonderful Shabbat in our own home.  Please continue the conversation and talk with your family to plan one or two activities (or non-activities) to include in your Shabbat to make your family's vision of a wonderful, peaceful, restorative Shabbat become a reality?

This week the Chalutzim (Grades 9-12) began a special project led by Brent Weinstock, a talented artist and member of our community.  Brent shared his expertise as a graphic novel creator and led the Chalutzim in a graphic novel story telling lesson.  Brent will continue to work with the group for several sessions as they gain the necessary skills to create a Kol HaLev history through graphic arts.

Kol Tuv,

Robyn

 

 

What Happened this Week at Hagiga? – February 19, 2011/15 Adar I 5771

This week the Zorim (Kindergarten – 2^nd grade) continued their Shabbat study with a focus on Tzedakah.  We read about David and his journey of understanding how putting coins in a box help people who are less fortunate.  We also made tzedakah boxes for our Shabbat kits!  This was the last piece of our Shabbat kits, which we put together and took home.  Please talk to your child about tzedakah opportunities and where your family donates their tzedakah.

This week the Bonim (3^rd-5^th grades) continued their Shabbat study by looking at traditional Shabbat observance, Shabbat practices at Kol HaLev, as well as reflect on their own Shabbat customs.  They learned that these are all necessary steps in Values Based Decision Making.  While the conversation is just beginning on what we would like to be our communal Shabbat practice, the group came up with many insights.  We will continue to work on this after Purim.  Please talk to your child on what elements of Shabbat are important to you and make Shabbat special at Kol HaLev.

This week the Magshimim (6^th-8^th grades) continued their Shabbat study by looking at Shabbat through a Reconstructionist lens.  They began to investigate the Reconstructionist approach of Values Based Decision Making which incorporates 6 steps towards making a decision.  The steps include looking at traditional sources, understandings of modern civilization, as well as our cultural context.  Community is always at the forefront.  We will continue to go through our VBDM process as we come to some decisions as to how we wish to observe Shabbat at KHL.

This week the Chalutzim (Grades 9-12) also continued their Shabbat study by learning about the Shabbat morning service.  The group attended the morning service and gained insight on leading the service.  The next time that we meet, we will begin a special project led by Brent Weinstock.  Brent will share his expertise as a graphic novel creator and lead the Chalutzim in creating a Kol HaLev history through graphic arts.

Kol Tuv,

Robyn

 

What Happened this Week at Hagiga? – February 5, 2011/1 Adar I 5771

This week the Zorim (Kindergarten – 2^nd grade) continued their Shabbat study with a focus on candlesticks and Kiddush cups.  We read about Abby and how she made special candlesticks to welcome Shabbat’s light and then painted our own.  We also made Kiddish cups for our Shabbat kits!  We have one more piece for the kit and then we will be able to take the completed kits home.  Please ask your child what has been his/her favorite part about making the Shabbat kit.

This week the Bonim (3^rd-5^th grades) continued their Shabbat study with a special family day led by Rabbi Jeff and Lynn Liebling.  Bonim families explored the meaning of Shabbat in their own lives and the life of the Jewish people.   They utilized the categories of positive commandments of Shabbat celebration and of negative commandments (a Mitzvah not to do something).    They concluded with a family brit (covenant) to enrich their own family celebration.  Please find an element of the brit that you can implement this coming Shabbat.

This week the Magshimim (6^th-8^th grades) continued their Shabbat study by looking at Shabbat through a Reconstructionist lens.  They began to investigate the Reconstructionist approach of Values Based Decision Making which incorporates 6 steps towards making a decision.  The steps include looking at traditional sources, understandings of modern civilization, as well as our cultural context.  Community is always at the forefront.  We will continue to go through our VBDM process as we come to some decisions as to how we wish to observe Shabbat at KHL.

This week the Chalutzim (Grades 9-12) also continued their Shabbat study by learning about the Shabbat morning service.  First the group discussed the structure of a traditional service, as well as the sources for the different parts which make up the service.  The investigation continued into how the service is implemented at the Kol HaLev which included looking at the service leader’s outline.  The Chalutzim will attend the Shabbat morning service on February 19^th in preparation for taking on future leadership roles.

Kol Tuv,

Robyn

 

 

What Happened this Week at Hagiga? – January 15, 2011/10 Shevat 5771

Intergenerational Tu B’Shevat celebration and potluck TONIGHT Wednesday, January 19^th from 6:00 to 7:30 pm.  Come celebrate the New Year of the Trees with the community!

There will be a special Family Program on Sunday, January 23^rd from 1 to 3 pm at the Ratner School.  Rabbi Yossi from the Living Legacy (the same people who do the Shofar Factory) will be leading a special Havdalah program with Rabbi Steve.  We will be dipping wicks in hot wax to make beautiful Havdalah candles that we will weave together.  Hope you can make it!

Mazel Tov to the Hagigat Limmud Families!  We are inspired by your contribution to our Jewish education.  Keep the questions coming!

This week the Zorim (Kindergarten – 2^nd grade) continued their Shabbat study with a focus on challah.  They discussed two reasons why we cover the challah.  First, it reminds us of the dew that preserved our manna while we were walking in the desert on our way to the Land of Israel.  Second, as we say the bracha (prayer) for the challah last, we do not wish to embarrass it as it must wait.  We also made challah covers for our Shabbat kits!  Please ask your child, what makes what makes challah different from other bread?

This week the Bonim (3^rd-5^th grades) continued their Shabbat study, by talking about the essence, or spice of Shabbat.  We first read “The Shabbat Spice” where a king recreates a Shabbat meal, but outside the Shabbat context and does not understand why the meal does not taste right.  After much searching he found the missing spice was Shabbat itself.  The group made up the two meals, one in Shabbat context and the other not and talked about how they felt different.  Please discuss with your child what special Shabbat spice does your family have in your lives.

This week the Magshimim (6^th-8^th grades) continued their Shabbat study by looking at regular daily situations and deciding if they are according to Halacha, Jewish law, permitted or prohibited to do on Shabbat.  The group will discuss why they made their decisions and then hear the Halacha.  We also looked at rabbinic understandings of melachot and how they saw them as an expression of the spirit of Shabbat.  Please discuss with your child areas of your life where structure influences spirit/spirituality of a situation.

This week the Chalutzim (Grades 9-12) changed gears and focused on a topic of their choosing on our annual topic, Chai, life.  The group chose to delve into the topic of interfaith dating.  We discussed if the topic was relevant in our lives, as well as why it is an important topic to discuss.  We recognized that dating and all relationships are very personal and that each one of us is on our own path.  Please share with your child your feelings on interfaith dating.

Kol Tuv,

Robyn

 

What Happened this Week at Hagiga? – January 8, 2011/3 Shevat 5771

Please note that our next meeting will be this Shabbat, January 15^th when we will be celebrating Hagigat Limud, A Celebration of Learning, welcoming our first graders into our learning community.

Mazel Tov to Elaine Millas and her family on becoming a Bat Mitzvah!

This week the Zorim (Kindergarten – 2^nd grade) learned about a little girl named Annie and how she prepares and celebrates Shabbat at her home.  The group then decorated Shabbat bags, which is the first step in making Shabbat kits, which will be a two month project.  The bags will hold a challah cover, Kiddush cup, candle sticks and tzedakah box, which will all be made during our Shabbat learning.  Upon completion, the Shabbat kits will be ready for home use.  Please ask your child, what makes Shabbat special?

This week the Bonim (3^rd-5^th grades) continued their Shabbat study, by looking at several of the melachot, categories of creative work that are prohibited on Shabbat.  The day began by connecting the abstract categories with specific, concrete activities that people regularly engage in.  The group did an in depth exploration on the topic of cooking on Shabbat, which encompassed the melachot of baking, igniting a fire, extinguishing a fire, and applying finishing touches.  They discussed how warm meals are made before Shabbat and are either kept warm or reheated on a bleikh, a piece of metal that covers a stove which is kept on constant heat over Shabbat.  The group even tasted vegetarian cholent, a traditional Shabbat dish that continually cooks throughout Shabbat.  Here is the recipe for the cholent http://kosherfood.about.com/od/sabbathcooking/r/cholent_veg.htm.  Please ask your child, what would be his/her choice for a Shabbat lunch menu?

This week the Magshimim (6^th-8^th grades) had an abbreviated schedule as they chose to attend Elaine’s Bat Mitzvah ceremony.  During the lesson, they continued their Shabbat study by looking at regular daily situations and deciding if they are according to Halacha, Jewish law, permitted or prohibited to do on Shabbat.  The group will discuss why they made their decisions and then hear the Halacha.  The Magshimim will continue their study of the melachot, categories of creative work prohibited on Shabbat in the coming lesson. 

This week the Chalutzim (Grades 9-12) continued their investigation of Reconstructionist approaches to observing Shabbat through, A New Approach to the Rules Shaping Shabbat Practice, by Rabbi Jeremy Shwartz which shares the outcomes of a Values Based Decision Making progress on Shabbat observance.  This was completed by Temple Bnai Israel, a Reconstructionist congregation in Willimantic, Connecticut.  http://www.templebnaiisrael.org/worship/87-a-new-approach-to-the-rules-shaping-shabbat-practice.  Please ask your child what values does s/he believe are most important for a meaningful Shabbat observance?

Please mark your calendars!

Intergenerational Tu B’Shevat celebration and potluck on Wednesday, January 19^th from 6:00 to 7:30 pm.  Come celebrate the New Year of the Trees with the community!

There will be a special Family Program on Sunday, January 23^rd from 1 to 3 pm at the Ratner School.  Rabbi Yossi from the Living Legacy (the same people who do the Shofar Factory) will be leading a special Havdalah program with Rabbi Steve.  We will be dipping wicks in hot wax to make beautiful Havdalah candles that we will weave together.  Hope you can make it!

Kol Tuv,

Robyn

 

What Happened this Week at Hagiga? – December 18, 2010/11 Tevet 5771

Please note that there will not be Hagiga on Saturday, January 1st due to the holiday. In January we will be meeting on January 8th and January 15th. Thank you for your flexibility!

This week at Hagiga all the groups discussed the 39 melachot, categories of creative work that are prohibited to perform on Shabbat. They learned that the melachot fall into categories of work that we necessary in the building of the mishkan, the portable sanctuary used during the Exodus. These 39 fall into 4 broader categories of food, shelter, clothing and writing. There was discussion of modern understandings of these laws and that the traditional community continues to follow this halacha, Jewish law, today.

This is the first step of a values based decision making process that the participants of Hagiga are experiencing. The participants will be studying Jewish law, the evolution of Shabbat practice, investigating their own observance, as well as Reconstructionist thought on Shabbat. At the end, we will engage in a group decision on how Shabbat will be observed at Hagiga. If you have any questions, please contact me (robyn@kolhalev.net or 216-320-1498).

Please mark your calendars! There will be a special Family Program on Sunday, January 23rd from 1 to 3 pm at the Ratner School. Rabbi Yossi from the Living Legacy (the same people who do the Shofar Factory) will be leading a special Havdalah program with Rabbi Steve. We will be dipping wicks in hot wax to make beautiful Havdalah candles that we will weave together. Hope you can make it!

Shabbat Shalom!
Robyn

 

What Happened this Week at Hagiga? – December 4, 2010/27 Kislev 5771

Mazel Tov to Harry Weinstock and his family on becoming a Bar Mitzvah!  The Bonim, Magshimim and Chalutzim heard his D’var Torah and Rabbi Steve’s response. 

This week the Zorim (Kindergarten – 2^nd grade) looked at the holiday of Chanukah through the lens of making choices, one unit of our annual theme, Chai.  The group read the story, Judah Who Always Said “No”! by Harriet K. Feder and discussed why Judah Maccabee made the choices that he did, including being proud of being Jewish and fighting to keep his Judaism.  After the story, everyone created a “stained glass window” with a Chanukah theme to show everyone who goes by that they are proud to be Jewish.  Please ask your child how do they think your family shows they are proud of the choice to be Jewish? 

This week the Bonim (3^rd-5^th grades) also focused on the holiday of Chanukah through the lens of making choices, one unit of our annual theme, Chai.  The group read the story, Jackie’s Gift:  A True Story of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Jackie Robinson by Sharon Robinson.  Through an innocent misunderstanding, and a large and generous heart, Jackie Robinson purchases a Christmas tree for the Jewish neighbor who says that he does not have one.  The discussion included topics of prejudice, intolerance, understanding and openness.  Please listen to this short podcast from NPR about the book which aired this past Saturday. http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=131805990&m=131805960 Please ask your child why did the Maccabees fight the Greeks and what would the world look like had they lost?  How can you be like Judah Maccabee?

This week the Magshimim (6^th-8^th grades) explored the holiday of Chanukah through the lens of blessings, one unit of our annual theme, Chai.  The group discussed the story of Chanukah, what they felt were the miracles and what they felt would be an appropriate thank you note for such miracles.  They then looked at the prayer, Al Hanissim, and did an in depth text study, as well as looked at the text as a thank you note to God for the Chanukah miracles.  Please discuss with your child what you are thankful for and how you express your gratitude.

This week the Chalutzim (Grades 9-12) looked at the ritual lighting Shabbat candles through a historical lens, as a mundane act that later became holy.  The ritual itself is borrowed from blessing the Chanukah candles, as Shabbat lamps were lit by the women who were home as their husband’s were at the Shul, but had no religious significance until Rashi created this role for his daughters in the 11^th century.  It took an obligation (so that families were not sitting in the dark during Shabbat) and made it a holy act with women carrying the primary religious role, a true act of female empowerment. 

Happy Chanukah! 

Robyn