blogs/masa

In spite of the blustery weather and the forecast for snow and freezing rain this week, the first of the Jewish spring holidays is nearly here! Our students spent some time learning about the birthday of the trees, and some of the traditions of the holiday in Israel. We will be spending more time focused on the holiday next Sunday.

The kindergarten class explored ideas of “lo alecha” (it’s not entirely up to you to fix the world), and began to explore the idea that “The world stands on three things: on Torah, on avodah (worship/work/service), and on gemilut chasasim (giving lovingkindness).” They spent time illustrating their ideas about tikkun olam (fixing the world). Just a few weeks from now, you may receive one of their drawings in your Purim box!

One of the deeds of lovingkindness we see quite often at Masa is when our older children take some time to help the younger children learn. This week, the gan students were lucky enough to have a helper while they practiced the aleph-bet!

The first and second grade class had a wonderful conversation about the fact that trees can communicate with one another. They made a mural with drawings of trees and their roots entwined with each other. The students drew conversation bubbles that were conversations between the trees.

Debbie’s class was quite productive this week. They worked on reading skills by practicing recognizing their letters and learning Hebrew vowels. They reinforced their vocabulary by learning some more words in Hebrew through Movement. They also spent time learning about Tu B’shevat and illustrating their understanding of Pirkei Avot.

Jonathan’s class did hevruta study of Pirkei Avot, where we had a meaty discussion of what "worship" means to them and in this day and age. We then did pardes-style study of the Torah portion. We also did self-guided Hebrew practice, and Hebrew through movement. We closed with an introduction to Tu B'shvat and reading the Hebrew blessing for trees, and we'll be working more on all that next week.

Ellen’s class had a meditation practice focusing on Savlanut, patience. After the meditation they wrote down their reflections. We are beginning each class with a 5 minute meditation focusing on a midah (devotion, patience, compassion, etc.). They are also continuing their study of the Shabbat afternoon service, in preparation for bar and bat mitzvah this spring!

Coming up:

Friday: Masa 4:00-6:00. Mini Minyan at 5:30, blessings and potluck at 6:00, and Shabbat services at 7:00.

Sunday: Masa 9:30-12:30.

Friday February 14 and Sunday February 16: No Masa (February break).

Sunday, March 8: Purim Carnival, 11:00-1:00. Please be in touch with Leilah to discuss volunteering. Watch the blog post for further updates!