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They're Back!!
 An enthusiastic crowd of students, parents, and teachers welcomed back our eighth graders, who returned today from what appears to be a wonderful two weeks in Israel. We look forward to hearing about their trip and seeing their photos after the Passover break.
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Grade 6 Synagogue Project
What is Jewish sacred space and how can it be represented architecturally? Rashi sixth graders worked to answer those questions in the Synagogue Architecture Project, a study unit that integrates math, language arts and Jewish studies as students design and build three-dimensional models of synagogues.
They began by examining cues in Torah text to understand what makes a space holy and how connecting to God can by reflected in the design of a synagogue. Next they visited three local synagogues - Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox - to experience varied forms of Jewish architecture and get inspiration for their own projects.
In constructing the models, the sixth graders applied their knowledge of two- and three-dimensional geometry as well as scale and proportion. "It is unusual to do 3-D geometry in middle school," points out Kristen Herbert, Rashi's Associate Head of School. "This is a differentiated unit, with students working at different math levels. Some, for example, were able to build a more complex roof constructed of polyhedra. Yet each child was supported to the highest level he or she could achieve."
In Language Arts, students wrote individual Artist Statements to describe how they imagine their synagogue and how its architectural details can convey a sense of holiness. The statements were revised as the actual projects were built, since visions often conflicted with the realities of space, cost, and complex math.
 But what is an architecture project without input from an architect? Architect Marc Maxwell came to Rashi and discussed each structure individually with the sixth graders, admiring the unique features of the synagogues and making suggestions for improvements.
"I was impressed with how well the students could explain the Biblical constructs behind the various spaces in their buildings," he noted. "Building the model challenges the students on several levels. As they attempt to transform their idea from paper to three dimensions, they have to think in more complex ways about spatial characteristics, scale, constructing an appropriate roof, and the importance of precise measurements."
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Gr. 5 Families Discuss Freedom and Slavery
The concepts of slavery and freedom were closely examined at this week's Grade 5 Family Education program. Guided by teachers, students and parents developed their own definitions of the terms, and compared them to dictionary definitions. We discussed what these concepts meant for the ancient Hebrews in Egypt, how they have been used at various points throughout history, and the meaning the terms hold for us today. The Hebrew word for Egypt, mitzrayim, contains the word tzar which means "narrow place" - what narrow places constrain us today?
 Students and parents studied a text from Rabbi Cohen Cook about physical and spiritual slavery and freedom. We discussed how former prisoners could be free but could have the spirit of a slave as well as how people who were enslaved could maintain spirits of free people.
As a way of applying the concepts of slavery and freedom to people's lives today, we handed out a "Personal Values and Actions Table" and asked people to think about the most meaningful areas of their lives and the values by which that they hoped to live their lives. Parents and students worked together to think about those areas in their lives in which they felt hampered or limited, and how they might break through those narrow places to achieve growth and freedom.
We are commanded to tell the story of Pesach to our children each year because we are all different people from year to year. At the seder parents can explain to children the metaphorical meaning of leaving narrow places and help them broaden their thinking when they feel stuck by a situation, friendship or limit they place on themselves.
 The fifth graders also presented their retelling of the Exodus story, in Hebrew and English replete with song, to their parents. The morning contained a wonderful combination of study, discussion and dramatic presentation, and we wish everyone a Pesach sameach!
Marjorie Freiman, Family Education Consultant |
Boys' Middle School Baseball Team wins first game in history of program!
And what a game it was. Our boys used a balanced offensive performance and dominating pitching to cruise 7-0 over the Epiphany School in Dorchester and record the first victory in the short history of the boys middle school baseball program. With our 8th graders still in Israel, the team consisted of 10 6th graders and one 7th grader. Our boys played well beyond their years. Every batter reached based safely at least once and our pitching was nothing less than phenomenal. Seventeen strikeouts and no hits allowed! Only one opponent reached base all game! Congratulations to our boys and kudos to their hard working coaching staff, Dan Mandel and (making a guest appearance) Keith 'good luck' Civin. |
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Happy Passover!
  In preparation for the holiday, Kindergarten students made pillows for their family Seders (practicing their knot-tying skills) and created miniature Seder tables complete with tiny matzos and Haggadahs.
We wish everyone a wonderful Pesach holiday!
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Walk for Hunger -- May 4
On Sunday, May 4, the Rashi community will gather once again for Project Bread's Walk for Hunger. This year is the 40th anniversary of the Walk for Hunger! Project Bread supports nearly 400 food pantries, soup kitchens, food banks and food salvage programs throughout Massachusetts. It is the most successful fundraising program nationally for providing food services to local communities.
Please send in your registration/donation forms ASAP! (You have received hard copies via backpack mail, and this week's email included the forms as attachments.) |
Day Schools Music Festival
 We are delighted to announce that Rashi third and fourth graders will be singing in the Day Schools Music Festival to be held on Wednesday, May 7, at 7:00 pm at Watertown High School. Also participating will be the Zamir Chorale, Rabbi David Paskin (former Rashi teacher), and student choirs from Newton Schechter School, South Area Schechter, Jewish Community Day School, and Metrowest Jewish Day School.
We encourage Rashi families to attend the concert. Tickets are $15 each or $50 for a family of four. Proceeds benefit the Rambam Medical Center in Haifa.
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TICKET ORDER FORM
Family Name ___________________________________________
School affiliation: RASHI
# of Tickets at $15 per Ticket _______________
or Family Pack of 4 tickets for $50____________
Total # of Tickets____________ Total $ Enclosed___________
Make checks out to: SSDS BOSTON
Return order form and checks to the Rashi Office.
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April 17, 2008/12 Nisan 5768 |
Gr. 1 Siddur Covers
First graders joined together with their parents to create personalized Siddur covers for the Siddur that each child will receive at the Family Program, Siddur and Tefillah, which has been rescheduled to
Wednesday, May 28 (changed from May 14), from 8:15 - 9:45 am in the cafenasium. We apologize for any inconvenience this change may cause and ask that you please make a note of the new date.
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Coming Up |
Apr. 18
Passover Break begins
Apr. 28
Classes resume
May 1
Volunteer Reception 7 pm
May 6
"Mensch Workshop" 7 pm
May 7
"Kol HaNeshama" Day Schools Music Festival 7 pm
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Reading at Rashi
Young readers share exciting books with eager listeners in the office! |
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Mark Your Calendars
Wednesday, May 28
7-8:30 pm
ParentSpace: Managing the Influence of Social Networking on Your Child's World
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Community News
Leventhal-Sidman JCC Vacation Program: April 22-25, 9 am-4 pm, Grades K-6; Daily special activities, kosher for Passover buffet lunch and snacks will be provided. Call Ellie at 617-558-6442.
Temple Beth Zion Family Shabbat May 31
Celebrate a special Shabbat at TBZ Brookline as we welcome families to join with Rabbi Moshe Waldocks and Rav Claudia Kreiman in a joyous shul experience for the whole family. 9 am Torah study; 10 am Morning services for all or, your kids can join the fun at our enriching children's services. Babysitting available. For more information, contact Rashi alumni parent and TBZ member: Fran Adams at Franaca@aol.com.Temple Beth Zion, 1566 Beacon Street, Brookline MA 02446, 617-566-8171, www.tbzbrookline.org
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Important Yachad Dates
RASHI CELEBRATES YOU
Thursday, May 1
7-10 pm 40 Sewell Ave, Newton
RSVP Yachad@rashi.org
Let us thank all of you for your many contributions - big and small - to the Rashi community. If you have helped a friend, picked a child up at the last minute, delivered Challah or pizza, bought gift wrap, sold gift wrap, worked on a development program, held the door for someone, smiled on a rainy day,
the celebration is for you!
also
Come to honor Julie Kremer with the first-ever
Chesed Award for her tireless and quiet work at Rashi
MENSCHLICHKEIT AND THE PREADOLESCENT: ARE THEY MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE?
FOR PARENTS OF 4TH 5TH AND 6TH GRADERS
Tuesday, May 6 7pm
Rashi Auditorium
A SPECIAL YACHAD WORKSHOP PRESENTED BY
RABBI ELLEN PILDIS AND DR. MEREDITH COHEN
DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN ABOUT AND DISCUSS RAISING ETHICAL CHILDREN
AND HELPING THEM MAINTAIN THOSE VALUES
THROUGH ADOLESCENCE
We wish the entire community a joyous Pesach and a restful vacation.
Andie Insoft and Susan Altman
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