December 6th, The Power of Prayer

After our joyous Chanukkah celebrations, our students gathered again together to learn about an integral part of the Jewish experience, prayer. In our Judaics classes, our students discussed the meaning, types, and general structure of Jewish prayer.

Grace's class started by learning the blessing formula. Theo graciously taught the class this formula because she already knew it: "Baruch atah Adonai elohainu melech ha'olam...". The class then created body motions that helped them remember the meaning of the Hebrew. Together, they learned to sing the Shechecheyanu, the Shema, and the prayer for the study of Torah. The students then reflected on things in their life for which they are thankful. Scarlett said she was thankful for her friends!

Tali's class made up their own brachot (blessings) using the Jewish prayer formula. They then connected all their homemade prayers in beautiful long paper chain to hang in their classroom. Here are some examples: 
"Baruch atah Adonai elohainu melech ha'olam thank you for peace" 
"Baruch atah Adonai elohainu melech ha'olam for nightly snuggles"

Arielle's class focused on specific prayers like the Shema and Mi Shebeirach (prayer for healing). Anna led the class in singing the Shema in several rounds and taught other students the words. Syrus discussed the differences between physical and emotional healing when discussing Mi Shebeirach.

Adira's class learned the "Who, What, Where/Wear" of prayer! Micah wisely said: "COVID has really made us realize that you don't know what you've got until it's gone, so it's important to be grateful for what you do have." Caleb connected their discussion about equality as a Jewish value to the book he is reading in school: Kurt Vonnegut's Harrison Bergeron.

In Hebrew, each of our classes has taken on a prayer to learn and master. Next week, we will all come together for school-wide tefillah (prayer service) when our students will learn from and teach one another the prayers they have been working so hard to learn.

We can't wait to see what next week has in store for us!

L'hitraot!