HEY 1 & 2 Mary’s Reflections
Dear Hey 1 and Hey 2 (5th-grade) Families,
I sit here incredulous that I am writing this on the last day of Talmud Torah for this school year.
At the start of the year, all of us were so concerned about how we would keep things together during such turbulent and challenging times. How would we manage remote learning? How would we keep our students engaged? Would we be able to give them what they needed and deserved? Would we be attune to their emotional and social health and well being?
I must tell you that I think we did OK. No, it was not my preference to teach remotely, and it was not ideal. Yet, somehow, we managed to create community, progress in our learning and keep a close watch on what was happening in the lives of our students. None of this would have been possible without your support and without you partnering with us. I am deeply grateful to you for that.
I am so looking forward to next year when I will be able to see my students (past and present ones) in the halls at Talmud Torah. I can’t wait to look them in the eyes, ask them about their families, their summer and school. Maybe I will even be able to give them some kind of a hug?
I have so enjoyed getting to know your children this year. I found them to be eager to learn, engaged and curious. Thank you for the privilege of working with your children this year.
I wish all of you a safe and enjoyable summer!
L’hitraot,
Mary
HEY 1 & 2 Susie’s Reflections
Dear Kitah Hey (5th-grade) Parents,
This is the last blog of what has been an interesting, challenging and unique year. Thank you for all your support at home. Attendance in class was good and students learned to focus and pay attention even while on screens.
We covered the book of Genesis this year and learned a lot about the main narratives of the Jewish people. Your children are insightful and have many good ideas and discussion points. I hope I helped them appreciate the treasure of learning that is our Torah. We learned good ways to live our lives:
All humans are equal because we are descended from one set of parents. (Adam and Eve)
All of us have a spark of God within us.
When offering to God, be generous and have an open heart (Abel)
Sometimes one has to take a leap of faith to do what one believes in.(Abraham)
Have integrity when dealing with others (Abraham)
Stand up for what you believe in (Abraham to God)
Family always comes first (Abraham)
God is always with us, even if we don’t realize it. (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob)
Many lessons were learned about what NOT to do were learned
Don’t act impulsively in anger (Cain)
Humans are not the center of the universe--God is. (Tower of Babel)
Don’t play favorites in the family (from Jacob)
Don’t lie or deceive people (Jacob, Laban)
Don’t keep secrets (Rebecca)
We also toured Israel and visited many of its cities and important places. We have reached the story of Jacob and his two wives. We didn’t get to the story of Joseph and his brothers (the last part of the book of Genesis), and I would highly recommend taking some time to watch with your student the movie “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” which can be rented on YouTube (and may be available free on other streaming services). It is a great story and a fitting ‘wrap up” of the book of Genesis.
It has been my honor and privilege teaching Torah to your children this year!
Thank you,
Susie Chalom
HEY 3
Dear Hey 3 (5th-grade) Families,
I sit here incredulous that I am writing this on the last day of Talmud Torah for this school year.
At the start of the year, all of us were so concerned about how we would keep things together during such turbulent and challenging times. How would we manage remote learning? How would we keep our students engaged? Would we be able to give them what they needed and deserved? Would we be attune to their emotional and social health and well being?
I must tell you that I think we did OK. No, it was not my preference to teach remotely, and it was not ideal. Yet, somehow, we managed to create community, progress in our learning and keep a close watch on what was happening in the lives of our students. None of this would have been possible without your support and without you partnering with us. I am deeply grateful to you for that.
I am so looking forward to next year when I will be able to see my students (past and present ones) in the halls at Talmud Torah. I can’t wait to look them in the eyes, ask them about their families, their summer and school. Maybe I will even be able to give them some kind of a hug?
I have so enjoyed getting to know your children this year. I found them to be eager to learn, engaged and curious. Thank you for the privilege of working with your children this year.
I wish all of you a safe and enjoyable summer!
L’hitraot,
Mary
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