Rosh Hashana

Grade/Class: SK

Context: Students learn about Rosh Hashana, its symbols, and connection to the natural world.

Learning: The focal points of this exploration were the Shofar and the Rimon. The students delved deep into understanding the three distinct sounds produced by the shofar. They accomplished this by actively listening and utilizing blocks to recreate the sounds of Tekiah, Shevarim, Teruah, and Tekiah Gedola, thereby reinforcing their comprehension. To further solidify their understanding, they created visual representations using colored tape for each of the sounds. Above all, the students grasped the profound significance of the shofar's sound, which serves as a reminder to strive earnestly to perform mitzvot and be the best versions of themselves.

Additionally, the class had an immensely enjoyable time exploring the Rimon. They dissected the fruit, removed the seeds, and even made juice from it. Through this hands-on experience, they acquired knowledge of the Hebrew words for the various parts of the Rimon. They also embraced the concept of aspiring to perform as many mitzvot as there are seeds in the Rimon. In a captivating integration of Ivrit Math, they meticulously arranged pom-pom seeds on corresponding number mats, all the while counting in Hebrew. As a culminating activity, they crafted Rimon Shanah Tovah Cards to present to their families.

In connection to Rosh Hashanah, students further embarked on an exploration of bees. They familiarized themselves with the distinctions between bees and wasps, recognizing the significance of bees due to their honey-producing abilities. The students gleaned a valuable lesson from bees, emphasizing the importance of teamwork within a beehive. They shared instances of how they can collaborate to establish a cohesive community within their classroom, effectively constructing their very own beehive.