Family Days are opportunities for parents and children to learn together. We had two this month – and they were awesome!

3rd Grade family day started with “get-to-know-you-Bingo. We learned a lot about each other: who can wiggle their ears, who knows how to write their name in Hebrew, who has visited Israel, who is allergic to homework and other important and interesting things.

Next everyone participated in a ‘walking text study.’ Participants responded to questions by writing their answers on large pieces of paper posted on the windows of the social hall:

And then we learned about the Mezzuzah – what it symbolizes in our tradition. Did you know that the “shin” that is often a part of the design of the Mezzuzah case represents one of God’s names? It is the first letter in the acronym  “Shomeir Deltot Yisrael,” meaning, God is the guardian of the doors of Israel. Cool!

As part of their family day, 5th grade students and parents received a special treat – Mifgash (community encounter time) led by the 6th grade (Yasher koach – you did a great job!)! They discussed and shared examples of “wow moments” in prayer:

Afterwards they joined the Social Action Team in making sandwiches and gift bags for the residents of Miryam’s Shelter:

All in all, two great mornings!

Looking Ahead:

• There will be NO Torah Center/SHJCHS classes Wednesday, December 23^rd – January 3^rd. Classes will resume on Monday, January 4^th (SHJCHS) and Wednesday, January 6^th & January 10^th (TC). 
• Sunday, January 10^th is 1st Grade Family Day. Please plan on joining us!
• SAVE THE DATE! on Sunday, January 24th, students in grades K-2 and their families are invited to join their Torah Center friends for a Pool Party from 1:30 – 3:30 pm  at the South Hills JCC.