Page 5-THE NEWS-January,1987
Hebrew Academy News
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The Spirit of Judaism Prevails at the Academy Children Celebrate Thanksgiving
By Cheryl Spangenthal
I always feel the excitement
of being Jewish when atten
ding a Bris Milah. The realiza
tion that the ceremony has
been observed unchanged
throughout the generations,
emphasizes the richness of the
religion. The very old is still
very new.
Each one of us is a vital link
in the chain of Jewish history
and it is our responsibility to
ensure the continuation of this
heritage and culture which will
be entrusted to our children. A
Jewish education, which in
cludes the study of Torah,
Jewish ethics, values, etc., re
mains the hub of the wheel
from which the sparks of
Judaism emanate. Therefore,
the presence of a Jewish day
school is essential for the well
being of the whole community.
In addition, it is a haven where
our children can feel a sense of
identity with other Jews as
well as learn and practice their
religion in a safe environment.
At the Hebrew Academy we
are fortunate to have two
specieil and dedicated Judaic
teachers — namely Berta
Straz and Ziva London. Berta
teaches K-1 grade and often
includes children from Temple
Israel. Ziva teaches 2-6 grade.
Berta believes learning
should be fun and her teaching
is consequently very creative.
Her warmth and openness is
inspiring and she instills a
relaxed and positive learning
environment. She integrates
her teaching of Hebrew in the
children’s every day life. Com
monly used expressions as
“thank you”, “how are you”,
are said in Hebrew. The
language is also taught
through song, dance and
drama. Knowledge and
understanding of the Yom-
tovim are gained by introduc
ing the children to traditional
songs, psalms and stories per
taining to each individual
festival. She thus inspires a
“Ruach” among the children
as they feel and become part
of the “Spirit of Judaism”.
Ziva’s love and dedication
for Judaism is contagious and
the language and religion
come alive to those around
her. She has a natural ability
to integrate the teaching of
Hebrew with Judaic studies.
She discusses the Torah in
0
Upper grade students present interpretation of Biblical characters to
Ks & 1st Graders.
Hebrew and involves the
children in melodies, poems
and plays. Her goals are to
give the children a sense of
Jewish identity and pride as
well as the encouragement to
become active and involved
Jews.
As a method of achieving
her objectives, Ziva has in
itiated two new projects this
year: “Jewish Book Month”
and “Russian Jews”. In the
former project the children
discuss Jewish modern
authors, their lives and style
of writing. The literature thus
becomes more meaningful £ind
the children are taught the
concept that history, especial
ly Jewish history, repeats
itself. The “Russian Jews”
project teaches the awareness
of a Jewish existence and
struggle outside of America.
It involves the listening to
authentic tapes and reading
letters from witnesses from
behind the iron curtain. The
children are then encouraged
to express their feelings by
writing letters to various
authorities.
At this point in history,
while the traditional Jewish
way of life is being dissipated,
the Hebrew Academy,
through its Judaic program,
stands as a firm guardian of
the religion and culture. We
pray that it may go from
strength to strength!!
Hebrew Academy & Temple Israel Pre-schoolers cavorting and sing
ing “Our Family.”
“Our Jewish Pilgrims”
Tables were covered with
white tablecloths and
decorated with orange ac
cessories made by the
children. The Hebrew
Academy and Temple Israel
nursery school children
celebrated Thanksgiving with
a concert followed by a tradi
tional meal. Marlene
Photos/Roger Meyers
Fuerstman orgemized the per
formance which included sing
ing, playing of musical in
struments and movement.
Children and guests
thoroughly enjoyed the
celebration. Many thanks to
those parents who helped with
the preparations.
— Cheryl Spangenthal
I *$2 each—Shabbas Challah—$2 each* I
/ i / IMl
Making clay pots with Cathy Siderman (rear); Ziva London (L) watching.
I
I Name
{ Address
Month
Amount Enclosed:
Mail to: Mrs. Roslyn Meyers — 11000 Tradewinds Lane
— Pineville, N.C. 28134.
Ks and 1st graders enjoy cookies th«y baked for snacks.
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1st and 2nd graders learn math skills through building blocks. (L to
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Shalom Park
P. O. Box 13053
Charlotte. N.C. 28211
FOR INFORMATION CALL:
Berta Straz - Administrator
537-4878
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