For September 9th

Judaism is something that continues beyond becoming b'nai mitzvah, and lasts from generation to generation.

I'd like for you to bring in something from your family that illustrates an important value or story to share with the class (Shabbat candlesticks, mezzuzah, a book, etc.). It does not need to be Jewish (although that may be a good start). 

We will be talking about S'lichot and Yamim Noraim so bring questions, talk about them with your families and be prepared with the following items:

1) Your family history item (story, why you chose it etc.)
2) What becoming a bar or bat mitzvah means to you AND your family (other than the party)
3) What are the High Holy Days about (Hint: take a look at your textbook Rediscovering Jewish Holidays)

Check out these videos!

Dip Your Apple

Shofar Callin' (g-dcast.com)

And here's what I tried to show you in class: Rosh Hashanah Anthem (aish.com)

Let me know if you have any questions. I will be putting up our class rules hopefully later Wednesday and will add a couple things, and ask for you to sign our derekh shel hakitah (ways of the classroom).

Best wishes for your labor day, and S'lichot and I look forward to our time together soon!

M. Yochanan
914.357.0146
ssamitt@asu.edu

Getting Set Up

In the beginning... Moreh Sean created this blog...

I've set up a few beginning pages for us to begin with and will be posting at least once or twice a week asking you (the student) and you (the parent) to respond at least once to me and to another student's response to a question, video, or assignment.

I realize your schedules are busy and you (the student) have a lot of homework from school, so my assignments will not take up much time (fifteen minutes a week tops). Typically, I hope to only ask for you to view a video or an article online and that will be it. However if you would like to respond on line, GO FOR IT! We'll chat about things posted on the blog in class, but Judaism is not something to just interact with on Shabbes, or from 9-12 on Sundays.

Here's just a version of Hinei Ma Tov to get us started :) Enjoy!