The Hebrew month of Heshvan, which began this week on Tuesday night, is sometimes known as the ‘bitter month.’ Why? Because its days celebrate no holidays! But that doesn’t mean that it is a boring month; far from it! Things are happenin’ as usual in the Torah Center. Take a look at what is keeping us busy these days:

The 4th grade parents came in and decorated siddur (prayer book) covers for the books that their children will receive during the December Family Service. A lot of hard work and love went into the project; the students will greatly appreciate the gift from their parents. But shhhhhhhh….. its a secret for now!

During Kehillah (Community Time), our Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade students met with Rabbi Locketz in the Beit Ha’Tefila to look at the Torah scroll. (Thank you to Mrs. Levy and one of our terrific madrichim, Tanner,  for holding the scroll open for so long!) Since the Torah reading cycle just began again, it was cool to see the very beginning of the Torah. Some of the students even recognized the first letter – a bet!

The Pre-K class learned about Tzedakah and decorated special Tzedakah cans to take home and use with their families.

Throughout the Torah Center we are so fortunate to have so many talented madrichim (student aides) who assist the teachers in making our school a success! Here one such awesome madricha teaches a prayer in the Torah service to the 6th graders:

And our 5th graders worked equally hard at their Hebrew studies. This week they began the Avot v’Imahot – the prayer that speaks of our ancestors.

But it wasn’t all work and no play…there was time to have a good time too!

Another amazing madricha focuses intently on the lesson being taught to the 4th grade students:

The 4th grade students were paying attention as well – although they were probably wondering what their parents were up to in the Community Room! December is a long time to wait to find out…

On Monday night, in the Jewish High School, the 10th grade Confirmation class enjoyed their class time with Rabbi Mahler. It’s not to be missed!

And the 8th grade class got down on the floor (literally) with magazines, scissors and glue sticks to look for images that persuade, document or entertain; the ‘whys’ of taking pictures:

Hey Heshvan – We’re just getting started!

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A big thank you to Helaine Labovitz for all she has done during the past four years as the Education Secretary. Here’s to wishing her good luck in all her future endeavors!

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NEW!!!!!!!! The Return of the Trivia Question on THE BLOG!!!!!!!

Here is how it works: the question will be posted here on the blog. Help your child to find the answer and then 1) post it in the comments below, or 2) email it to me at [email protected] or 3) write it down on a piece of paper (if you can find a writing utensil!) and send it via child messenger to the Education Office. Your choice…just make sure you take the time to participate as your child will get a prize for knowing the correct answer. Let the games begin!

THIS WEEK’S TRIVIA QUESTION: What is a prayer book called in Hebrew?

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Coming Up:

3rd Grade students and their families are invited to the Bagel Brunch and Family Minyan on Saturday, October 20th. Please join us for bagels at 10:00 am followed by a family friendly Shabbat morning service at 10:30 am. Please let Helaine know of your attendance plans.