It's been awhile since I posted, and I have no real excuse other than not having a lot to say that is blog-appropriate. Life has been interesting. So, in lieu of anything terribly exciting, here is a rundown of what is going on in my life:
• My 10-year high school reunion is next Saturday. I'm looking forward to it if for no other reason than to see the reactions of my fellow all-girls-Catholic-school-mates to my very obvious Jewishness. Admittedly I'm also looking forward to seeing some people who I haven't spoken with in a very long time.
• The weather if finally cooling down here in Cincinnati and my allergies seem to also be calming down, at least until the leaves start falling. All of which means I can now open up my windows again and enjoy the fresh air and breezes through my apartment. I love Fall. I love the way the air smells when it starts getting a slight chill to it. I love the colors and the smell of the leaves on the ground. The first day that requires a sweatshirt is always a good day.
• With the new season comes a new year of Religious School at my temple. This is my fifth year teaching, though only my second consecutive in the same class/subject. I have Alef Hebrew students again and our first class was this past Tuesday. They are an energetic bunch in a completely different way than last year's kids who I adored. It looks like it will be a fun year.
• A friend of mine from high school (the only one I've kept up a good friendship with over the years) has moved into my neighborhood, just a couple streets away. Last weekend we had dinner, beer, and played Carcassonne, one of the most addictive board games ever. I'm very happy to have a good friend within walking distance to hang out with. It's been since college that I could just walk to someone's house to see them and not need to take the car.
• For the first time in a really long time I had feelings for someone (a crush!). While it isn't going to work out it has been a nice little refreshing diversion. I'd forgotten how fun those emotions can be. And also how easy it is to revert to feeling like a sixth-grader when thinking about if the object of your affection has feelings for you in return.
• Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are fast approaching. I wrote a post over at JBC.org last week about how much I love YK and my strong connection to it. I find myself really looking forward to this High Holy Day season more than usual. There is just something completely satisfying emotionally and spiritually with ending one year and beginning another by accounting for what has happened. It is a good time to reflect and to ponder what could be for the year to come.
• I deleted my LiveJournal account a couple of weeks ago. I haven't really posted in over two years, but for about 4 years after college it was a large part of my online life. After a falling out with a friend from college, however, I just didn't feel like posting anymore. After contemplating it for awhile I finally decided to just delete it all together after downloading all of the old entries. It was interesting to read some of the stuff I wrote 6 years ago and to think about how different I was. It was cool getting to read my entries from when I was beginning my formal studies with my rabbi and to remember how exciting and new it was for me back then (and to realize how exciting learning still is). So, in a sense, I felt like I am closing that chapter of my life. Not to sound cliché, but I'm older now and my priorities have shifted. I feel that I am a much different person today than I was when I first set up that account.
Showing posts with label religious school. Show all posts
Showing posts with label religious school. Show all posts
9.11.2008
5.19.2008
Looking Forward
Yesterday was my final day of Sunday school until the fall. I have to admit I’m more than a little happy to have a break. It is rare that I get to sleep in anymore and I’m really looking forward to staying in bed as late as I want next Sunday. One thing I love about Sundays during the summer is how lazy they can be; getting up when I want, reading the paper, drinking some coffee, going to the park. Monday through Friday is rush-rush-rush for me, and Saturday brings Shabbat and Torah study in the morning and a wonderful relaxation and release from the week. But Sundays in the summer are something altogether different. There is nowhere to be, usually nothing pressing to do and the morning holds so many more possibilities. Many times my mom has called during these quiet mornings, either waking me up or disturbing my quiet paper-reading or “Breakfast with the Beatles” listening. I don’t mind talking to her; but I love having that solitary time to myself. I know a lot of people who don’t enjoy being alone, spending time apart from their friends and family. I, personally, love it. Last year I took a 2 day vacation to a country inn and it was immensely satisfying. I didn’t need to talk to anyone, read e-mail, or be tempted by the TV. I read books, I sat out in the sun (and got sunburned), I walked in the woods, and I relaxed in my peace and quiet. I love being around people on Shabbat, but come Sunday morning, I love to take the hours for myself.
The next few Shabbats are going to be kind of crazy; the rabbi’s middle son will become a bar mitzvah this weekend, which means a huge service and party. And next weekend is HUC ordination and a very good friend of mine will ordained. There will be parties, and dinners, and breakfasts, and craziness will ensue as my friend’s and wife’s families descend upon the city. And it will bring them one step closer to their move to California and me one step closer to being many miles away from people I have grown to love.
The next few Shabbats are going to be kind of crazy; the rabbi’s middle son will become a bar mitzvah this weekend, which means a huge service and party. And next weekend is HUC ordination and a very good friend of mine will ordained. There will be parties, and dinners, and breakfasts, and craziness will ensue as my friend’s and wife’s families descend upon the city. And it will bring them one step closer to their move to California and me one step closer to being many miles away from people I have grown to love.
1.28.2008
What is it about being a teenager?
Last Sunday I had a city-wide teacher in-service to attend on Israel. It's for local religious and Hebrew school teachers, and it pretty much sucked. Instead of providing us with hands-on training and ideas about how to plan lesson plans and practical ways to teach Israel we were lectured to about Israel's history. Which, I'm sorry, but we could have all picked up a book and read about it and been a) better informed and b) much more interested.
However, as I was leaving (early) the director of the Conservative high school stopped me and asked me if I would be interested in teaching an art class on Sunday nights. It turns out their usual teacher couldn't do it and they were desperate. Despite the fact that I have a pretty full schedule with my own job and teaching at my own temple I agreed to do it. It's only an 8-week thing and I have pretty much free reign on the art projects I want to do. So, last night was my first class and it is populated by mostly 8th-graders, all of whom seem to be quite ambivalent about attending religious school, and couldn't care less about an art class. It was frustrating to say the least, especially because it seems we will be doing craft projects instead so as to keep them busy and from gossiping the entire time. Oh, well.
I truly did appreciate my well-behaved and eager-to-learn 4th graders, though.
However, as I was leaving (early) the director of the Conservative high school stopped me and asked me if I would be interested in teaching an art class on Sunday nights. It turns out their usual teacher couldn't do it and they were desperate. Despite the fact that I have a pretty full schedule with my own job and teaching at my own temple I agreed to do it. It's only an 8-week thing and I have pretty much free reign on the art projects I want to do. So, last night was my first class and it is populated by mostly 8th-graders, all of whom seem to be quite ambivalent about attending religious school, and couldn't care less about an art class. It was frustrating to say the least, especially because it seems we will be doing craft projects instead so as to keep them busy and from gossiping the entire time. Oh, well.
I truly did appreciate my well-behaved and eager-to-learn 4th graders, though.
1.16.2008
Teaching Hebrew
I teach Alef Hebrew to 4th graders at my temple. We have class on Sundays and Tuesdays, for a total of 1 hour 45 minutes each week (the first part of their Sunday is spent on Judaic studies). Not really a ton of time, but we do what we can with it. We began the year by reviewing the Alef-Bet, something they were learning over the course of K–3rd. I was optimistic as we went through the book; a few struggled with remembering the letters, but for the most part everyone was doing great. We finished our review fairly quickly (according to our religious school director no 4th grade ever finishes Alef-Bet review before the December break and we finished in November, I believe) and moved on to learning to read, beginning with the Barechu. The one thing they really seemed to struggle with were the vowels. Remembering which vowel makes the "eh" sound, versus the "oh" sound, versus the "ooh" sound was a challenge for a few of them. And the sheva caused many a headache. But, they were doing well, they were trying hard and I felt really good about where we were.
And then last night. Last night was awesome. We began the evening talking about the Sh'ma (chapter 3). I had written 5 or 6 Hebrew words on the white board with no vowels for later. At one point one of my students asked me if the Torah had the vowels and all of the other dots in it so you would know if the letter was a shin or sin, bet or vet, etc. I told her that it didn't and she asked how we knew which it was. I explained to her about grammar and how at some point you just recognize the word, plus you practice with the vowels ahead of time (I could see them worrying already about their Torah portions for their b'nei mitzvot). We moved on and did a little more in the book. And then I had them close their books and look up at the board. I asked them if they recognized any of the words without their vowels or any dagesh. It's an exercise I've done before to help them remember their vowels and what each sounds like; if they know the word (or I help them out with it), they have to figure out which vowel goes where, using their ears. But, last night had the extra bonus that not only did they figure out where the vowels were supposed to go (with a hint or two at times), but they recognized the words without the vowels or any dagesh. I was so proud of them and I could tell that they were proud of themselves.
And then last night. Last night was awesome. We began the evening talking about the Sh'ma (chapter 3). I had written 5 or 6 Hebrew words on the white board with no vowels for later. At one point one of my students asked me if the Torah had the vowels and all of the other dots in it so you would know if the letter was a shin or sin, bet or vet, etc. I told her that it didn't and she asked how we knew which it was. I explained to her about grammar and how at some point you just recognize the word, plus you practice with the vowels ahead of time (I could see them worrying already about their Torah portions for their b'nei mitzvot). We moved on and did a little more in the book. And then I had them close their books and look up at the board. I asked them if they recognized any of the words without their vowels or any dagesh. It's an exercise I've done before to help them remember their vowels and what each sounds like; if they know the word (or I help them out with it), they have to figure out which vowel goes where, using their ears. But, last night had the extra bonus that not only did they figure out where the vowels were supposed to go (with a hint or two at times), but they recognized the words without the vowels or any dagesh. I was so proud of them and I could tell that they were proud of themselves.
1.11.2008
Dinner w/ the Rabbinic Students, etc.
Last night was the birthday dinner for two friends of mine, both of whom are married to rabbinic students here in town. So, almost the entire party was, in some way, related to HUC except for me. I enjoy hanging out with my rabbinic student friends because they can go from talking about midrash and Rambam to the fact that someone's son's girlfriend is a horrible driver to Israel to teaching to Einstein's spirituality to who is dating who to dirty jokes and back again. I love being with people who understand my language and who aren't going to ask me what I'm talking about if I mention something Jewish. I love that no one there will judge you for eating a cheeseburger, but that someone is sure to point out that the birthday cake is not pareve for those who care. I love when the talk turns to Shabbat.
Tonight is Tot Shabbat, a Pre-K through 2nd Grade dinner, and a family service. The temple will be teeming with kids and it is one of the few times I consider skipping Friday night completely. But my friends with small children will likely be there, and I do enjoy being with them on Shabbat, so I'll go. I'll just take preventative Advil before I leave.
Tomorrow is my first Torah study w/ my rabbi in quite awhile, since before the Biennial. I went to another temple last week because we didn't have services, and it was good, but I'll be glad to be back in my home temple and learning with my rabbi.
And Sunday is Religious School. I have a faculty meeting afterwards to map out lesson plans for the 2nd half of the year, which I don't really want to do. Not because I don't want to be prepared, but I teach 4th grade Hebrew and the next class really depends on what we get done in the current class. I plan for Tuesday after Sunday, and for Sunday after Tuesday. If the kids aren't getting things quickly, I'll choose to spend more time on something and not move on. But, I'll go because that's what I'm supposed to do. Hopefully I can get out of the all-city in service which is next week, I believe. Those are usually kinda crappy.
Tonight is Tot Shabbat, a Pre-K through 2nd Grade dinner, and a family service. The temple will be teeming with kids and it is one of the few times I consider skipping Friday night completely. But my friends with small children will likely be there, and I do enjoy being with them on Shabbat, so I'll go. I'll just take preventative Advil before I leave.
Tomorrow is my first Torah study w/ my rabbi in quite awhile, since before the Biennial. I went to another temple last week because we didn't have services, and it was good, but I'll be glad to be back in my home temple and learning with my rabbi.
And Sunday is Religious School. I have a faculty meeting afterwards to map out lesson plans for the 2nd half of the year, which I don't really want to do. Not because I don't want to be prepared, but I teach 4th grade Hebrew and the next class really depends on what we get done in the current class. I plan for Tuesday after Sunday, and for Sunday after Tuesday. If the kids aren't getting things quickly, I'll choose to spend more time on something and not move on. But, I'll go because that's what I'm supposed to do. Hopefully I can get out of the all-city in service which is next week, I believe. Those are usually kinda crappy.
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