Early Childhood Chai-Lights
Sharon Wolfson, ECC Director – preschool@htaa.org
I would like to thank the Har Tzeon-Agudath Achim Community for the amazing
opportunity to participate in the first Jewish Early Childhood Educators Study
Seminar in Reggio Emilia, Italy. It will take time to process all of the new
information I learned and experienced there. The strong sense of community
that is the cultural keystone of the schools in Reggio Emilia was reflected
in our own group, as educators from Israel,
Los Angeles, and the DC Metropolitan Area, formed into a community of learners.
The study was of the highest academic level and very intense. Our day began each morning at 8:00 a.m. and lectures continued through 7:00 p.m. After a short break for dinner, we met for reflection. We are able to spend a short period of time visiting an Infant/Toddler center and a Preschool for children ages 3-5. I feel that the values of Reggio are very similar to the Jewish values we learn in our school. The flow to the day is relaxed and children were given time and space to work and explore at their own pace, often the way of our school day. There is also time set aside for discussion and reflection for the children and teachers. We study Torah. Through reflection, questioning, and differing opinions, we revisit our understanding and interpretation often. We respect differences in individuals and value the concept of community. I look at the children differently, every child is an individual. I look at what each child can do, not at what he/she can't do.
As I continue on my journey, I will always remember what my father of blessed
memory, told me, "A good teacher is constantly learning". I am excited
about taking this special journey with our young children.
Todah Rahah.
Israel's 60th birthday is May 8. As a part of the Israel Study Group, our school participated in the "Connecting Quilt" project. Each child made a quilt square. The children drew pictures of something that reminded them of Israel. Some children drew the Israel Degel (flag), some drew olive trees, figs and sunshine in Israel, one drew his family floating in the Dead Sea and one of fireworks for the occasion. We put our quilt pieces together with the other participating area schools' squares. The Israel group stitched all of our squares together. We will send this large quilt to our Israel partners. They will "connect" their quilt with ours. The complete quilt, "The Connecting Quilt", will be on display in Israel for Yom Ha Atzmaut. It will be sent back to us for the "Israel @ 60 Celebration" on Sunday, June 1, 2008, at the National Mall in Washington, DC.
I am very proud of our children, staff and of our HTAAECC!
Religious School Happenings
Nina Uzick, Education Director – education@htaa.org
We have just finished our Tu B'shvat Seder (80 people attended) and our parsley and marigold seeds are sprouting in the school office. Hopefully with nurturing, they will be ready to go home for Pesah.Each of the classes has led Havdalah during the month of February. Watching the children's faces lit by the light of the Havdalah candle while hearing their sweet voices chant the prayers has literally given voice to the expression "the extra soul for Shabbat."
We are working on Purim masks, and will soon begin our studies about Passover. Mona will be back with us for dance on March 2, and Anat will finish her Purim projects on March 9. David Sacks and his committee have been working hard on the Purim Carnival which will be on March 16, which will begin immediately after religious school. Spring break is the week of March 23-28. We will have art with a Passover theme on April 6, and our Passover program on Sunday, April 13. Please note that the rabbi will be holding his Learning Service on Saturday, April 12. For those not as familiar with the Shabbat morning service, or those with questions about this service, this is a good way to gain familiarity and get your questions answered.
We wish everyone a Freilach Purim…. And may your heads not feel like graggers.
- The Contemporary Cheder of Greater Washington at HTAA Welcome Letter
- The Contemporary Cheder of Greater Washington at HTAA Flyer
- Registration Form
Shabbat Learning Service
Rabbi Reuben Landman – rabbi@htaa.org
| May 10, 2008 |
10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
in the Sarah Lechter sanctuary
This service is especially designed for those who wish to better understand the how's and why's of Jewish Prayer in an informal, participatory setting. Hebrew is not required. Explanations, questions and friendly environment help us delve into the spiritual and intellectual content of the Shabbat Service. Synagogue membership is not required. However, unless there is a special occasion, we try to keep attendance at no more than 100 people.
To get on our special mailing list for a schedule of Learning Service Announcements and events, please call the office at 301-649-3800. This list is open to all members of the community, regardless of affiliation.
Shabbat Youth Service
10:00 - 11:30 am in the Sarah Lechter Sanctuary
This service is especially designed for the youth of our congregation to give them practice at leading and fully participating in services. Our young congregants will lead the prayers, read from the Torah, and give the weekly D'var Torah. Hebrew is not required. Explanations, questions and a friendly environment help us delve into the spiritual and intellectual content of the Shabbat Service. Synagogue membership is not required.
To get on our special mailing list for a schedule of Youth Service Announcements and events, please call the office at 301-649-3800. This list is open to all members of the community, regardless of affiliation.
| June 7, 2008 |
Rosh Chodesh Study
Rebbitzin Gila Landman
The Rosh Chodesh Series provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the beginning of the new month in an informal setting with lectures by our own Rebbetzin Gila Landman featuring important Jewish women in our lives. The format encourages group discussion, stimulates the sharing of ideas, and enhances social relationships. Enjoy a worthwhile morning, a social hour, and refreshments - without charge.
Memorial Lecture Series
Guest Speakers
February 20, 2008: In memory of Ira Winakur, z"l
March 26, 2008: In memory of Ida Postal, z"lMay 21, 2008: In memory of Adelaide Chapper, z"l
8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
in the Sarah Lechter Social Hall
Teen Dinner
Followed by discussion with Rabbi Reuben Landman
[TBD]
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
in the Sarah Lechter Social Hall
Local Schools
Board of Jewish Education of Greater Washington
http://www.bjedc.org/bje/index.htm
Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School
1901 East Jefferson Street
Rockville, Maryland 20852
301-881-1400
http://www.cesjds.org
Children's Learning Center
4511 Bestor Drive
Rockville, Maryland 20853
301-871-6600
http://www.clcmd.org
Gesher Jewish Day School of Northern VA
8900 Little River Turnpike
Annandale, Virginia
703-978-9789
http://www.gesher-jds.org
Hebrew Day Institute
1840 University Blvd. West
Silver Spring, Maryland 20902
301-649-7870
http://www.HebrewDayInstitute.org
Hebrew Day School
1401 Arcola Avenue
Silver Spring, Maryland 20902
301-649-5400
Jewish Primary Day School
2010 Linden Lane
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
301-578-4126
http://www.jpds.org
Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy
13300 Arctic Avenue
Rockville, Maryland
301-962-9400
http://www.hagwk12.org
Torah School of Greater Washington
12721 Goodhill Road
Silver Spring, Maryland 20906
301-962-8003
http://www.acorninfo.com/tsgw.htm
Yeshiva of Greater Washington (Boys)
1216 Arcola Avenue
Silver Spring, Maryland 20902
301-649-7077
http://www.yeshiva.edu
Yeshiva of Greater Washington (Girls)
12721 Goodhill Road
Silver Spring, Maryland 20906
301-962-5111
http://www.yeshiva.edu
Torah.org
Chabad.org
Ohr.org.il
ou.org
Aish.com
uahc.org
uscj.org
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