blogs/masa

Pirkei Avot 4:1 Ben Zoma said:Who is wise? He who learns from every man, as it is said: “From all who taught me have I gained understanding.” (Psalms 119:99). 

We have spent the past month testing the waters of some new ways to learn at Masa. As much as I look forward to the time when we can all be together in our building, I am grateful we have had this chance to try some new things!

All of our students have been learning mindfulness from a curriculum developed by the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. For the past several weeks, we have been exploring the idea of being an ark, floating on a sea of emotions. The students are learning to find anchors to help them focus at times when their emotional waters are more restless. Students have noticed that just observing their emotions helps them to feel calmer. I think that as our mindfulness grows, we will have more tools for coping with all of the challenges in the world around us!

One of our students drew the image at the right, showing their brain anchored and steady, while their ideas and thoughts (shaped like people) floated away on waves.

Students in third grade and above have been learning to decode and understand written Hebrew one-on-one with me, Debbie, or Jonathan. Teaching individually means that the lessons can focus on the students’ own interests, from learning to read blessings to learning to read a selection from the Talmud (that student was surprised to learn that she has already read more Talmud in Hebrew than many adult members of our community!).

The B-Mitzvah class has been working hard to prepare for Jewish adulthood. They have been working intensively with Rabbi Brent and Cantor Ellen, as well as continuing to learn with their age-group cohort on Sunday mornings. They have also been sharing what they have learned about Kabbalat Shabbat services with younger kids at Mini Minyan on Fridays. We would like to invite students in grades K-6 to join us on Fridays at 5:00 for the service. Your children can show their support for their friends by helping them get practice in leading services!

Our elective classes have given us the chance to explore a wide range of Jewish life, from conversational Hebrew with Debbie to soul strolls on Mount Beacon with Rabbi Brent. Wendy’s class on Jewish foods is creating a cookbook, as well as trying out the recipes they are including. I look forward to seeing what other Jewish foods the students choose to explore!

The cooking class has made shakshuka, plum (or blueberry, or apple) cake, and chocolate babka so far. I hear that next week, they will be making pickles!

Our winter term will be starting on November 30th, and will continue until the end of January. I will announce the electives soon. If you have chosen not to sign up for the full Masa experience this year, you can still join us by signing up for electives a la carte.

Wishing all of you many things to be grateful for in the coming months, and looking forward to sharing some light at Hanukkah!