Dear Sunday and Wednesday Kitah Bet (2nd Grade) Parents,
We, the Bet teachers, are very excited about this school year. The students will be having fun while learning Hebrew and other Jewish topics. First, we want to introduce ourselves to you.
Etta Bernstein (Sun/Wed & Tues/Thurs):
Dear Tuesday/Thursday Kitah Bet (2nd Grade) Parents,
I am so excited about starting this school year! We will be having fun while learning Hebrew and other Jewish topics.
First, let me introduce myself. I am an experienced teacher with a passion for all things Jewish. I love teaching Hebrew language, using my knowledge of reading instructional strategies, skills, and techniques, to facilitate and further enrich the learning experiences of the students. When I am not teaching at Talmud Torah, I enjoy attending synagogue services and teaching in TaRBuT. In addition, I enjoy activities with my husband, visits with my children, and walks with Polly Pepper, my 88-pound fur-baby.
This year, the students will be learning Hebrew: reading, prayers, and basic conversation. In addition to Hebrew, your students will be learning about Jewish holidays, Israel, and the Let’s Explore Jewish Living curriculum. We will also enrich our learning through games, Hebrew Through Movement, music, art, and other activities. Communication between teachers and students is essential. Most communication will probably be in the form of emails. In addition, students will be taking home a pocket folder and textbook. Inside the pocket folder will be a homework sheet and a textbook. Sometimes, there may be an additional note, worksheet, or handout in the folder. It is important that the student bring the folder and textbook to every class.
I am looking forward to getting to know you and each and every one of your children,
Etta Bernstein (HaMorah Etta)
Josh Lazar (Sun/Wed):
Since I am new to the Minneapolis Jewish community, you're probably wondering who I am, and, while this email will not provide a full picture, I will do my best! I grew up in Chicago and I am currently a student at the University of Minnesota. I am studying Sociology and
Political Science with a Jewish Studies and Hebrew Minor. I went to Camp Ramah in Wisconsin for 8 summers and just finished up my second summer as a staff member there. Throughout high school, I worked as a teaching assistant and Hebrew tutor at Anshe Emet Synagogue in Chicago. Some things I enjoy doing are playing and watching sports, going running, and listening to music. I have heard amazing things about Talmud Torah of Minneapolis and this community and I am excited to become a part of it.
This year, we will be dividing duties so that each of us will see all of the students. Etta will be teaching Hebrew: reading, prayers, and basic conversation. Josh will be teaching the Judaic topics: holidays, Israel, and the Let’s Explore Jewish Living curriculum. While the students have been assigned to a homebase with one of us, each student will spend time with each of us. There will be flexible groupings, and at times, all of the students will be together for music, learning games, Hebrew Through Movement, and other activities.
Communication between teachers and students is essential. Most communication will probably be in the form of emails. In addition, students will be taking home a pocket folder and textbook. Inside the pocket folder will be a homework sheet and a textbook. Sometimes, there may be an additional note, worksheet, or handout in the folder. It is important that the student bring the folder and textbook to every class.
We are looking forward to getting to know you and each and every one of our students.
Etta Bernstein (HaMorah Etta) and Josh Lazar (HaMoreh Josh)